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PBEFAGE. 



The history of Berks County, one ot" the earl}' politieal organizations in the 
State of Penns3'l\ania, is presented in this volume. It embraces the important 
facts, relating' to the several aflairs of the county, from the bejiinninji' of the eigh- 
teentli century until now, which the author collected during the past ten years; 
and, up(m having arranged them in a systematic narrative, he now sul)mits the re- 
sult of liis labors. 

The author acknowledges with pleasure the thorough co-operation of the 
[)ublishers, Messrs. Everts, Peck & Richards, in its production ; for, through Vheir 
enterprise and liberalit}', he has been enabled to issue it in a comprehensive plan 
much beyond his original intentions. The services of Mr. George R. Prowell, 
Mr. J. L. Rocke)' and Capt. Frank H. Cole, whom they sent into the county for 
tlie purpose of aiding him in the completion of his enlarged undertaking, are worthy 
of particular mention. 

Many persons in every district of the county, and friends at Harrisliurg, 
Pliiladel[)liia and Washington, encouraged the author in the course of his labors, 
and lie recognizes their kindly attentions to him. 

M. L. xM. 

Reading, May, 188(3. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



IXTRODUC'TIOX 



PAGB 
1 



Chapter I. 
General History of Pennsylvania •') 

Early Settlers ; Dutch, Swedes, English, German, etc. 
— Provincial and Constitutional Government — Pur- 
chases of Territoiy from the Indians — Counties erected 
— Development, 

Chapter II. 
Physical Geography of Berks County 2() 

Geolog>' — Minerals — Botany — Mountains — Valleys — 
Streams— Relative Elevations. 

Chapter III. 
111. linns 56 

Origin — Delawares : Tribes, Clans and Sachems — 
Ganawese — Five Nations — Manners 
Retreat of Indians — Present Locati< 
dian Names— Indian Relics. 

Chapter IV. 
Nationalities 04 



and Custon 
n— Villages- 



Swedes— Ge 
— Negroes, 



-English— WeUh-Irish—Hebr. 



Chapter V. 



Erection of County 72 

General Situation of Territorj'-:— Petitions for County — 
Act erecting County — Districts — Names of Townships 
and Towns — Reductions of Territory, Northumberland 
County and Schuylkill County— New Counties Pro- 
posed. 

Chapter VI. 
Agriculture 84 

General Condition and Progress — County Society and 
Exhibitions— Farms, Production, etc., of County, 1870 
and 1880. 

Chapter VII. 
Pearly and General Industries 87 

Early Furnaces and Forges of County— Production, 
1828-30- Industries in 1840 — Comparative Statement, 
1850-7G— Memorial for National Foundry— Summary 
of Present Furnaces, Forges and Mills— Comparative 
Tabic of Statistics for 1880 — Production of Iron in 
County at three recent periods — General Industries- 
Statistics of Manufactures of County, 1870 and 1880. 



Chapter VIII. 
French and Indian War 104 

Military Periods— Cause of War- Officers, Supplies, 
etc. — Colonial Forts — Burd's Journal — Invasion of 
County by Indians — Numerous Letters on Sufferings 
of Early Inhabitants— Peace Declared— Persons Mur- 
dered, Taken Prisoners and Missing. 

Chapter IX. 
Revolution and Independence 136 

Revolution— Stamp Duty— Patriotic Spirit at Reading 
—Various Committees chosen— Battle at Lexington 
awakens County — Companies from Berks County — 
Conscientious Scruples against War- Torj' Feeling in 
County— English Prisoners at Readmg— Associators— 
Brigadier-General Elected'—Quota of County Exceeded 
—Patriotism of Joseph Hiester— Battle of Long Island 
—Deserters-Hessian Prisoners— Hessian Camp Sur- 
prised—Hessian Officer Drowned— Militia Refuse to 
March— Militia Returns of County— Army Supplies- 
Affairs at Reading in 1777— Conway Cabal— Duel at 
Reading — Independence Won and Peace Declared — 
Revolutionary Survivers — Continental Paper Money. 

Chapter X. 
Whiskey Insurrection of 1794 167 

House Tax and Liberty Poles of 1799- Embargo of 
1807— War of 1812-15 and Companies of County En- 
listed. 

Chapter XI. 
Mexican War 180 

Cause of the War -Readiiiji Ariillcrislb Departure for 
Mexico— Participation in War— Battles Engaged In— 
Return of Artillerists — Brilliant Reception. 

Chapter XII. 
Civil War 186 

Introduction — Patriotism of County — War Meetings 
and Appropriations — Ladies' Aid Society — Reading 
Hospital — Drafts and Quotas of Berks County — North- 
ern Men in Service— Sumniary of Battles- Paper 
Money — List of Companies from Berks County in Civil 
War— President's Call for Troops— First Companies in 
War— Ringgold Light Artillery the First Company- 
Statement of Captain McKnight— Soldiers of Berks 
Countj^ in Three Months' Service, 18(11; Three Years' 
Service; Nine Months' Service; Volunteer Militia of 
1862; Drafted Militia of 18G2; Volunteer Militia of 1863; 
One Hundred Days' Service of 1864 ; One Year's Ser- 
vice 1864-65 — Miscellaneous Enlistments from Berks 
Coimty- Soldier's Buried in Berks County— Grand 
Army PosU— Society ot Ex-Prisoner's of War. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



Chapter XIII. 

Militia -WJ 

Legislative Provision — County Battalion of 1783 — 
County Militia proffer Services to President Adams in 
1798— County Military Division— Encampment at Read- 
ing in 1842— Battalion Day of 1843— County Militia 
Companies in 1856— State National Guard— Reading 
Artillerists — Military Cadets. 

Chai'ter XIV. 
Religious Denominations 357 

Lutherans — Refon 



Chapter XXII. 



Census of Berks County 



Friends — Baptists — Dunkards 
-Roman Catholics— Amish — Other De- 
Religious Excitement, Heidelberg and 
Meetings — Sunday Mails — County Bible So- 



Chapter XV. 
General Education 374 

Early Encouragement — Charity Schools — Common 
School Education — County Institute — Pay Schools — 
Comparative Table of Schools and Scholars. 

Chapter XVI. 
Language, Manners and Customs 386 

Chapter XVII. 
Nevvspaijers 392 

Chapter XVIII. 
Internal Improvements 424 

Schuylliill River- Bridges, Roads and Turnpikes- 
Stages, Canals and Railways— Public County Build- 
ings— Post-Uffices— Telegraph and Telephone. 

Chapter XIX. 
Politics and Civil List 474 



Part 1. 



Early Population of State — Rate of Increase of Popu- 
lation—Census Table of County, 1790 to 1880— Census 
of Villages, 1880— Table of Houses, Farms, etc., in 
County, 1850 — Taxables and Voters of County, 1876 
and 1885 — Property and Money Assessed, 1885. 

Chapter XXIII. 
Reading. 

-Town from 1748 to 1783 



Klection Districts— Political Sentiment of County — 
Prominent Representative Men — Offices by Special 
Legislation — Political Parties — Political Festivals — 
Slate Conventions and Mass Meetings at Reading — 
List of Officials — Biographical Sketches. 

Chapter XX. 
Judiciary — Bench and Bar 

J utlges — Attorney-at-Law — Biographical Sketches. 

Chapter XXI. 
Me<lical Profession of Berks County 



Early Medical History — Introduction of Medical Prac- 
tice into Berks County— Biographical Sketches— Med- 
ical Faculty ol Berks County — Medical Society of Berks 
County — Pathological Society — Reading Medical As- 
sociation — Homoeopathy— Early History of Homoeo- 
pathy in Berks County — Hahnemann Medical Society 
— Biographical Sketches of Homceopathists — Medical 
R^istry — Dentistry. 



Selection of Town Site — Town laid out — Lots sold at 
Public Sale — First Patentees — Ground-Rent — List of 
Taxables, 1759— District of Reading Erected— Churches 
—Schools — Public Buildings — Markets and Fairs, 
Charter to Reading for Them — Citizens against Change 
of Government — Early Innkeepers— Early Occupations 
— Rainbow Fire Company — No Newspapers nor Inter- 
nal Improvements — Fuel, Light and Entertainments — 
Hunting and Fishing — Indian Invasion — Revolution — 
Prominent Men— Pound Sterling— Old Style to New 
Style. 

Part 2.— Borough from 1783 to 1847 

Charter of Incorporation — Election Districts — News- 
papers — Post-Office — Internal Improvements — Ferries 
and Bridges — Fire Companies, Banks and Water Sup- 
ply — Light— Public Buildings — Stages, Canals and 
Railway — Manufactures — Traffic —Merchants of Read- 
ing in 1830 — Occupations in 1839 — Distinguished 



-Me 



rial Se. 



-Str. 



Cll:i 



-Early E.xhibitions — Pn 



of 



Part3.— City from 1847 to 18SG 682 

Review of Reading in 1847— Incorporation—Dcvclop- 
ment— Riot in Reading, July. 1877. 

Part 4. — Manufacturing Industries 692 

Part 5. — Internal Improvements 744 

City Buildings, etc.— Post Office— Cemeteries— Oas and 
Electric Light— Halls— Private Market Houses— Hos- 
pitals — Private Parks^— Street Railways. 

Part 6. — Churches 767 

Part 7.— Schools 798 

Parts. — Associations 811 

Part 9.— Officials 841 

Part 10. — Census 853 

Chapter XX I W 
Boroughs of C'ounty 855 

Kutzlown 855 

Womelsdorf 873 

Hamburg 880 

Birdsboro 893 

Boyertown 901 

Bernville 913 

Fleetwood 919 

Toptoo y^fi 

Centreport ". 927 



TABLE OF CONTKNTS. 



PACK 

Chapter XXV. 

Townships of Count)' 928 

Manatawny Section 92ii 

Oiey 930 

Amity' 944 

Colebrookdale , . 9^2 

Douglass 90" 

Exeter 972 

_— Alsace . 983 ■- 

Muhlenberg -992 

Hereford 9% 

Washington , KiOO 

Ruscomb-manor lOOfi 

Rockland lOld 

District 1014 

Earl lOIC. 

Pilce uns 

Ontelaunee Section 1021 

Maiden-creek 1022 — 

Ontelaunee .- 1029 

Richmond Ifl35 

Maxalawny KHO/ 

Longswamp KKH 

Windsor 1058 '«», 

Perry 1003 



Albany jodT 

Greenwich iQTr, 

Tulpchocken Section iii^o 

Tulpehocken io8:'. 

Upper Tulpehocken io!)3 

Marion 1097 

Jefferson 1104 

Heidelberg ." 1107 

Lower Heidelberg 1115 

North Heidelberg .■' . 1125 

Bern n27" 

Upper Bern 1132 i 

Penn . 1136 

Centre 1139 

B-'ihel lui 

Schuylkill Section 1147 

Robeson 1148 

Caernarvon 1157 

Cumru '. . 1161 

Spring 1170 

Brecknock j^gj 



ArPENIHX 11<,)1 

Early Townships erected and Taxables 
Schuylkill County before 1811. 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Arll.T liuililing 3n-> 

Arnold, Williiilll 70S 

Arthur, John E 268 

Baer, George F 578 

Daird, Wm. M 5G9 

Ilanks, John 541 

Bsrbey, Peter 72:t 

Barto, A. H 1000 

Batdortr, M. D. M 622 

Bear, Beiyaniiii C 10.->7 

Bcidler, Conrad Y 1169 

Bertolette, Levi J 935 

Bethany Orphuua' Home lUli 

Bickel, Geo. H nio 

Binder, Frank G., Res. of nil 

Birth-place of Daniel Boone 974 

Boao, F. S :i05 

Boils, Augiistiie F 744 

British Stamp l^iO 

Brnnner, D. B .' ' :!82 

Brooke, Geo , 895 

Brooke, EdM'ard 894 

Buekirk, Daniel ... .557 

Carpenter Hall 16 

Wiugan, Chas. M 1189 

Clymer, Daniel R 848 

Contineutttl Currency 166 

Court -House, The Old 4C.'i 

Delaware Indian Family 58 

Delaware Indian ....-,, 57 

Dechert, Eli.iah 563 

Dives, Pomeroy Ji Stewart, liuilding of 738 

Eckert, Uenry S 835 

Kckert, Isaac 834 

Eckert, Geo. J 721 

Egelinan, Charles F 407 

Ermentrout, Daniel .... 512 

Krnientrout, John S 380 

Krmentront, James N 546 

?;vans, Charles V. R 1124 

Evans, Charles 757 

Fegley, L. P. 6 967 

Ferguson, Nathaniel 1114 

Findlay, James 1055 

First Reformed Church 776 

Fisher, Reily L 1113 

Focht, L. II 901 

Franklin, Benjamin 469 



Friends' Meeting-llouse, HO.i 781 

Friends' Meeting-House, l.'^Sfi 782 

Gerasch, Charles A 599 

Gelz, J. Lawrence 410 

Oetz, James K 853 

Good, Rev. Williiun A 379 

Gorilon, David F 542 

Grim, D. B 1081 

Hagonman, J -. . . . .MS 

Ilarhstcr, William 701 

Hnibsler, M 702 

Harris, William 893 

lleiuly. David ' 1075 

Hell.r, F. P 733 

Ilcndel, Henry B.i Co.. hat-factory 711 

Hondel, John 710 

Hiester, Joseph 523 

Hi.\, Joseph -S 1135 

Hoffeditz, J. C. A 219 

Hottenstein, Edward 624 

Howe, M. A. Do Wolfe . . . . 786 

laeger, O.F.I V iji. '■.'''"^ ■ 889 

Jail, the old ?■....! 465 

.lones, .lonathan 142 

Jones, Jonathan, Res. of 1160 

Jones, J. Glancy . . 516 

Keim, George Do Ben neville 170 

Keim, George Jlay 608 

Keim, George Dc B 456 

Keim, William H 205 

Keim, .lohn 681 

Keim, Nicholas • • 664 

Keller, D. C 'iiS 

Keystone State Normal School 867 

Kline, Simon 710 

Knabb, Jacob 4in; 

Koch, Daniel .' 923 

Kraemer, Louis 985 

Krcmp, Louis ... 827 

Krick, Adam B 1 17!) 

Kutz, David 555 

Lauer, Frederick 722 

Levan, Isi\ac W 714 

Levan, Nathan 873 

Levan, Joseph ■ 1)81 

Leoser, Thomas S "185 

Leiitz, Levi R 0.38 

Log House, the first in Pricetovvn ; . 1009 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Lordh, George K 958 

Lichtenthaeler, B 7:)4 

Ludwig, Elam M 959 

Map, outline of Ccuinty 1 

Map showing piircliHges from Indians 18 

Map, Geological, of County 27 

Marks, W. F 1534 

Mauger, D. B 971 

BIcJIichael, Richards 321 

McLean, Joseph A *250 

McManus. John 096 

McKnight, David 837 

McHose, Isaac 71G 

Miller, J. B 916 

Mishler Academy, aiidituriuni of 761 

Mishler Academy, stage of 760 

Montgomery, M. L Frontispiece 

Muhlenberg, H. H 8.i3 

Muhlenberg, H. A 615 

Muhlenberg, Henry A 506 

Nagle, H. M 61(1 

Nagle, Peter, Jr 847 

Nicolls, G. A 454 

Otto, John B 593 

Otto, Pr. Bodo 591 

Pearson, John S 740 

Penn, William 10 

Plank, D. Heber 615 

Printz, John H • 718 

Prison, ground plan of , 467 

Rea, Samuel M 1190 

Reading Passenger Station 452 

Reading roads, plan of 442 

_R^idiDg, paper money 672 

Reading, early surveys of 651 

Reading, town plan of, 1748 652 

Reading Hospital ? 764 

Reading Hardware Company 7(H> 

Reber, James T 742 

Reservoir and present Jail 466 

Rhoads, Thomas J. B 909 

Rhoads, Ezekiel 955 

Richards, John S 566 

Hitter, William S 397 

Rittenhouse, S. R 632 

Bocks in Rockland 1011 

Rosenthal, W 413 



PAGE 

Rowe, W. G 852 

Sanitary Fair Buildings 191 

Schwartz, John 510 

Schweitzer, Samuel Z 1184 

Schneider, Kphraim 882 

Schniucker, E. Z 636 

Schaeffer, Lewis 925 

Schaetfer, John 913 

Schwartz, H. H 847 

Seidel, Franklin 1028 

Seyfert, Simon 694 

Shoemaker, Charles E 613 

Shaffner, Jacob 1093 

Shollenbcrger, J. M 312 

Slegel, E 644 

Smith, George 739 

Smith, L. Heber ' 1156 

Smith, Levi B 1154 

Spohn, Daniel 730 

Stein, Adam 1080 

St. Luke's Lutlieran Church 774 

Stitzel, George D . ; 553 

Stoudt, George K 1092 

Stuyveaant, Peter 7 

Swedes' Building •*^5 

Swedes' Cllurch ■ 

Times and Journal Building 

Trinity Lutheran Church 

Tyson, Henry A 

Umbenhauer, William 

Van Reed, Henry 

Van Reed, Charles, residence and paper-mills of I 

Van Reed, Charles 1 

Van Heed, Charles L 11 

Van Reed, Ileury Z - 11'- 

Walter, Robert 1V25 

Washington Grays 179 

Weaver, Jeremiah 961 

Weidman, W. Murray 618 

Weidman, B. B 1178 

Wertz, Samuel 1180 

Wheeler, Caleb 741 

Whitner, George K 755 

Wily, O. H 603 

Wily, Penrose 602 

Woodward, W. J 530 

Yociim, William 956 







Mai) of 



PENNSVl.VAXIA. 

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O \ Mmim'ilii'yii 



HISTORY 



BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



INTRODKCTION 



Tn the beginning of colonization in this sec- 
tion of tiie eartii for several himclrcd miles 
round about us settlements were first made 
along the sea or prominent inlets, and after- 
wai-d, from decade to decade, they gradually 
advanced farther and farther into the interior, 
being influenced in their onward movement by 
flowing rivers and rolling valleys. The set- 
tlers found the country open, accessible and in- 
viting, with many valuable features, such as 
strong streams, fertile soil, great forests, inex- 
haustible beds of limestone, iron-ore, sand and 
clay, and numerous animals, fowls and fishes. 
These were conditions which gave the new 
country a strong character and inspired the 
early immigrants with hope and confidence; 
these wore considerations worthy of especial 
mention to kindred and friends who remained 
at home in the old country, and, fortunately for 
Pennsylvania, these M'ere sufficient to exert a 
favorable influence upon the minds of such per- 
sons there as contemplated emigration.. 

The early settlement of the country was 
slow. From its first possession till 1681 the 
number of inhabitants had not multiplied be- 
yond a thousand. Accordingly, its develop- 
ment during this time (about a half-century) 
was insignificant. The chief occupations were 



trading and commerce. But in 1681 a new 
era began in its eventful history, and thence for 
nearly a century its growth was marvelous, 
even though it continued under the sway of 
monarchic government. The constant influx of 
foreigners made all things active, especially 
such as related to the possession of land, its im- 
provement, etc. The people, however, did not 
obtain a higher plane of action in respect to 
motive-power. The physical forces, such as 
animal, wind and water, which had aided them 
and their progenitors time out of mind, still 
prevailed. Distance still separated them in 
their settlements, and travel and transportation 
remained slow ; but during the next century 
many revelations were made. These superin- 
duced various improvements, whicli brought 
the people into a closer relationship and ele- 
vated them to a higher standard of life. The dis- 
covery of coal, and the appreciation of its mar- 
ketable value as a substance for fuel, quickened 
trade. It awakened genius in respect to the 
necessity for increased and convenient motive- 
power. This was supplied through steam, 
and iron then arose into greater prominence for 
its utility in connection with both. These 
three agents formed the great triumvirate in the 
increased development of the people ; and the 

1 



IllS'l'OltV OF BKItKS COI'XTV, I'KXXSYLVAXIA. 



acceleration of our movements as a people, es- 
pecially in respect to trade and transportation, 
necessarily developed a fbnrtli agent. This was 
the telegraph. The resnlts of their combined 
intlnences at the close of this centnry were val- 
uable beyond computation. 

In the march of ini])ri(vciuents tlie district 
comprising the county of Jierks has occnj)ied a 
prominent position. The tirst active agent was 
iron. Indeed, the tirst forge and the first fur- 
nace in Pennsylvania for its manufacture were 
established and successfully conducted on its ter- 
ritory ; and it has continued active here for 
over one hundred and sixty years. The next 
agent was coal. Tiiis valuable mineral was dis- 
covered whilst the inexhaustible anthracite 
fields were a part of this county. Its transpor- 
tation developed the canal and the railway 
along the Schuylkill. The third agent, steam, 
was then utilized to cheaj)en and hasten its de- 
livery in and through the valley from the 
mountains to the sea, and also to stimulate 
manufactures, especially in the county-seat 
after 1835. And the fourth agent was intro- 
duced soon af"ter its practical value had come to 
be recognized. 

Industry has ever been a ])rominent charac- 
teristic of our people. The most general em- 
ployment has been in agriculture, and the next 
in iron manufactures. These two have con- 
stantly created demands for diversified indus- 
tries, and have made us not only a prosperous 
but a contented people. Continuous employ- 
ment has kept us, as a whole, so engaged in 
private affairs as to be comparatively free fnim 
those ambitions and vanities of life which de- 
velop restless energy in the direction of per- 
sonal aggrandizement. It would have been 
better for us if a different spirit had prevailed 
to such an extent as to have led us into a more 
active zeal for the public welfare, and into a 
more general thinking for competent political 
representation. Here, as elsewhere, too few 
men of liberal miud and education have exer- 
cised thought for the whole community. A 
hope was expressed that general education 
would stimulate this weakness and agitate new 
impulses, looking to the greatest good for the 
greatest number. ]!ut an experience extending 



through the past fifty years has not improved 
us in this respect. It has rather licensed ambi- 
tion to run wild, and permitted men, more or 
less inexperienced, incompetent and irrespon- 
sible, to represent us in positions of trust and 
responsibility. 

Our people in tlie.se two important particu- 
lars — labor on the one hand and government on 
the other — have moved along imdirected. This 
is a common but an unfortunate weakness in 
the United States ; and through it the people 
of our county have not developed prominent, 
thoughtful men to lead us out of this social 
ai)athy and to agitate questions and measures 
relative to our common progress — that progress 
which concerns communities rather than indi- 
viduals, and develops public enterprise and 
e([uality rather than private enrichment and dis- 
tinction. This is surprising, especially when 
we consider the jjrominent territorial position 
which we have occupied, the large wealth 
which we have pos.sessed and the high degree 
of business sagacity and social intelligence 
which we have enjoyed. It is a difficult mat- 
ter to determine just what caused this <'ondition, 
except it be that we have been indisposed to 
political thought and feeling; indisposed to ex- 
press ourselves with force and fearlessness in 
public measures; indisposed to lead the way in 
some common purpose for the public good. 
Others round about us have created, but we 
have followed — -we have imitated. Possibly 
this arose from the peculiar German element in 
our composition, which is so a])t to be contented 
at labor with the certain profit that it yields. 
In the sense of untiring industry, of rigid econ- 
<iniy, of [)iire and simple religion, our people 
have displayed a remarkable degree of excel- 
lence. Indeed, a long observation leads me to 
say that in these several respects we have seen 
perfection. And if we were not now, and had 
not been for a hundred years past, living un- 
der a system of representative government of, 
for and by the people, in which all tax-payers, 
especially freeholders, sUould take an active 
and earnest interest, I could not persuade my- 
self to .say anything cLse than that we have 
been worthy all possible commendation. But 
we have bciii existing under a political govern- 



iNTHODrrnoN. 



ment ; we have had legislation pertaining to 
our several rights ; we have borne taxation for 
our convenience, safety and progress, and yet in 
tliese important respects we have been compara- 
tively indifferent and inactive, notwithstanding 
the prominence and necessity of these things 
before us. Hence, in a political sense, we have 
been slow and weak, considerably beyond wliat 
our age, wealth and intelligence should have 
))crmitted. We have not produced the charac- 
ters of political energy which our citizens in the 
enjoyment of suffrage should naturally have 
produced. 

From these remarks it will be observed that 
1 shall have much to say of our untiring and 
successful industry, of our practical, pure and 
simple religion and of our general education, 
from which we iiavc realized such fruitful 
local results. But of our politics I cau have 
comparatively little to say, because we have ob- 
tained so little worthy of especial mention. We 
have j)roduced only a few men who have been 
leaders of prominence in a vast district of 
territory. We have developed little or no legis- 
lation for our own good or the good of om* fel- 
low-citizens here or elsewhere. We have not 
taken a leading part in agitating public meas- 
ures. Our local pride should be awakened to a 
sense of our importance as a people possessing 
numbers, wealtii and power. This should in- 
duce us to take a stand proportioned to our 
condition ; this should inspire us to I'aise up 
more sons and educate them to a projier apj)re- 
ciation of political duty, political knowledge 
and political progress. We cannot elevate our 
political sentiments by encouraging inexperi- 
enced and incompetent men to represent us in 
local or in legislative offices, or even to lead us 
in manipulating conventions and elections. 
The time has arrived for the better class of 
men, possessed of education, experience, influ- 
ence and wealth, to step forward and show a 
positive interest in the selection of officials. 
Through them must we direct our energy in 
the political channel, as it has been successfully 
directed in the industrial, and through them 
only can we expect to produce representative 
men who can create for us a new political life 
and lead us into a nobler political activity. 



We should therefore awaken them to a sense 
of their political duty, so that such men shall 
be produced for the strong spirit that they shall 
develop amongst us and for the true patriotic 
pride that tliey shall have to arise from us in 
the time of political revolution. 

With these general preliminary obsei'vations, 
it is my earnest purpose to present in this vol- 
ume a historical narrative of Berks County 
from the time of the first settlements upon its 
territory till now. I shall detail all the mat- 
ters which I could find relating to its develop- 
ment from a vast uncultivated wilderness, oc- 
cupied by a few non-progressive and feeble 
Indian tribes, into a cultivated country, pos- 
sessed and enriched by thousands of civilized, 
progressive people. Nearly two centuries have 
elapsed since the fii'st settlement was made by a 
small but zealous colony of Swedes on the east- 
ern bank of the Schuylkill, several miles above 
the mouth of the Manatawny Creek. In the 
history of the world this is an insignificant 
period ; but in tliese years a great work has 
been accomplished in this vicinity for twenty 
miles round about our county-seat. The period is 
therefore of great interest and significance to us. 
Besides increasing from two-score of people to 
a thriving population whicli exceeds in nundjer 
one hundred and thirty thousand, and ad- 
vancing from a feeble association of individ- 
uals full of fear into a strong community of 
citizens who exhibit privilege and power in 
every action, we have jiassed from one stage 
to another, decade after decade, ever bringing 
our several districts into a closer relationship 
with one another, and we have realized all the 
material improvements which such a remark- 
able growth necessarily produces in the course 
of social progress. 

The first century was signalized by a number 
of important events, sucli as the immigration of 
many foreigners ; the founding of Reading ; the 
erection of Berks County, with its conveniences 
to the people through local courts, ])nblic build- 
ings, etc. ; the French and Indian War ; the 
Revolution, with its Declaration of In<lepend- 
ence, seven years of costly warfare and success- 
ful conclusion ; the introduction of the news- 
paper, stage-coach and post-office. 



HISTORY (JF BERKS COUNTY, PKNNSYLVAXIA. 



But the second century, till now, has been 
signi^lized to a greater degree. The first fifty 
years were particularly fruitful of great results 
from well-directed energy. Our highways were 
improved into turnpikes ; bridges were erected 
to take the place of ferry-boats; canals were 
substituted for roads to facilitate the transport- 
ation of large quantities of materials at reduced 
cost; railways were then introduced, which en- 
couraged travel, expedited traffic and increased 
carrying capacity to answer the demands of en- 
terprise; steam not carrying our letters with suf- 
ficient speed, the telegraph was supplied ; and 
the message becoming too slow for our active 
minds, the telejihone was produced, which en- 
ables us to speak, as it were, face to face. Con- 
trast the two extremes, then and now, in the 
single respectof communicating with one another, 
and behold the progress which we have made ! 

We pa.sscd through three wars, the last of 
which was especially costly to us in the lives 
that were sacrificed, the suifering that was en- 
dured and the great taxation that was borne. 
But I will not have any battles upon our terri- 
tory to recount, no dreadful losses, no violence 
from desperate, invading foes to narrate, — a cir- 
cumstance fortunate for our homes and families, 
properties and lives. Industry gave us develop- 
ment in every department of life. Manufactures, 
especially at Reading, grew wonderfully and 
invited thousands of strangers to settle here. 
Labor-saving machinery for the work-shop and 
then for the farm was introduced ; and educa- 
tion was encouraged by legislation through 
general taxation. After the common school had 
become a fixed institution the English language 
began to obtain more extensively, and demand 
for English preaching in our growing community 
arose. Theretofore the German language was 
used almost entirely in the church and in the as- 
sociations of life. But in the courts, English 
speaking prevailed necessarily, owing to a col- 
onial law which required it, just as the laws 
were promulgated in the English language. I 
will not have a great park and fine monuments 
to mention, notwithstanding the Penns had set 
apart a fine tract of land along the western base 
of Pcnn's Mount, many years ago, for the for- 
mer, and our community afforded apjiropriate 



subjects for the latter. Our situation in these 
two respects must be deprecated by the intelli- 
gent people of this community. The newspapers 
will receive particular mention. They played 
an important part in our growing community, 
especially after 1820, when they began to devote 
more attention to local news and the discussion 
of measures of a public character. Societies of 
all kinds, especially secret and beneficial orders, 
were started here with peculiar but surprisiug 
energy. They grew rapidly after 1840. The 
Odd-Fellows developed a strong sjiirit in their 
behalf throughout the county, and influenced 
the formation of a great many associations for 
purposes of friendship, protection and assist- 
ance. The number of different societies now is 
very large. Steam would seem to have been at 
the bottom of these also, for they began in 
earnest just after its introduction; and during 
the last forty years, strange though the coinci- 
dence may be, the one multiplied in numbers and 
character just as the other expanded in utility 
and power. 

The building and savings associations must be 
mentioned for the prominence they have occu- 
pied and the good they have accomplished. They 
started with the incorporation of our city, and 
they have grown in number and influence with 
the development of the city. They have been, 
in this time, an important factor in building 
up many sul)stantial homes for the industrious 
and economical working people. Their receipts 
and expenditures have increased from thousands 
of dollars into millions. Tiie city is largely in- 
debted to (hem for many improved and inhab- 
ited sections ; and there is a feature in them 
which I cannot fail to observe — the laudable 
tendency to distribute and pi'eserve propci'ty, 
influence and public interest in the hands of the 
people. 

In closing this introduction 1 refer with pride 
to our patriotism. From the beginning of our 
history till now we have exhibited a strong 
love for our country. Wo took an active and 
earnest part in its trying periods of warfare, 
contributing many companies of soldiers and 
large amounts of money towards upholding the 
general government, — first, in defending the 
early settlers from the barbarous incursions of 



GENERAL HISTORY OF PENNSYL^'ANIA. 



Indians ; then in declaring and obtaining inde- 
pendence from tlie English, and afterward in 
maintaining this independence ; again in recog- 
nizing the measures of the national administra- 
tion against Mexico, which resulted in the an- 
nexation of Texas ; and lastly, in the Rebellion 
of the Southern States. Our services in the first 
and last periods were especially noteworthy, for 
in them many lives of our own people were sac- 
rificed. At least eight thousand men from the 
county were mustered into military service dur- 
ing the Rebellion. Our total jwpulatiou in 18(30 
was ninety-three thousaud eight hundred and 
eighteen ; over eight per cent, went to serve the 
government for the preservation of the Union. 
The number of our electors then did not exceed 
twenty thousand. From this it appears that we 
sent one man out of every three ; or, speaking 
more accurately, two out of every seven.' We 
(lid our whole duty. Our record in this great 
and costly struggle is noble aud shows remark- 
able patriotism. And we sent the first company 
of volunteers, uniformed aud equi))pcd, in re- 
sponse to the President's call for troops — an 
honor worthy of particular mention. In order 
to present this important subject with the full- 
ness that it deserves, I will set apart a large 
space in this history for its extended considera- 
tion. 



CHAPTER I. 

GENERAL HISTORY OF I'ENNSYLVANIA. 

Early Settlers ; Dutch, Swedes, English, Germans, etc. — 
Provincial and dinstitutional Government — Purchases of 
Territory from Indians — Counties Erected — Development. 

EARLY SETTLERS. 

Dutch. — The Dutch were the first explorers 
of this section of our vast country. They dis- 
covered the great inlet from tlie Atlantic Ocean, 
now called the Delaware Bay, in 1609. In that 
year the Dutch East India Company sent Cap- 
tain Henry Hudson, with a crew of English 
aud Dutch sailors, numbering about sixteen 
men, on a voyage in .search of the supposed 



'This proportion is too great if we take into account the 
numerous young men between the ages of sixteen and 
twenty-one who enlisted. 



short passage to India. Hudson entered the 
mouth of the bay ; but finding water shallow 
and suspecting danger ahead, he withdrew into 
the ocean and j)roceeded northwardly. He re- 
ported this discovery to thecompauy. Some years 
afterward, the Dutch East India Company 
was incorporated and invested with great priv- 
ileges and powers, and this company, in l(j23, 
took possession of the territory which adjoined 
the bay and river and called it "New Nether- 
land." The expedition was sent by it under the 
command of Captain Cornelius Jacobsen Muy." 
He and his crew had first landed at Manhattan 
(now New York). Some of the families were 
sent thence to the South (Delaware) River, 
where they erected a fort and carried on a peace- 
ful and succe.ssfid trade with the natives. Dur- 
ing the summer of 1633 a commissary named 
Arendt Corssen bought from the Indians, under 
the direction of the company, a tract of land 
within the limits of Pennsylvania, along the 
Schuylkill river, and established a trading post. 
During these years the admini.stration of affairs 
was not smooth ; the directors in charge were 
therefore frequently changed. In the surround- 
ing territory, especially in the northern pos.se.s- 
sions of "New Netherland," cousiilerable war- 
fare was carried on between the Indians and the 
colonists. It was estimated that sixteen hun- 
dred Indians were killed. Nearly all the 
Dutch settlements were attacked and visited 
with general destruction. The Sciuiylkill .set- 
tlement was not molested. 

Swedes. — Whilst the Dutch were carrying 
on these settlements in the New Netherland, 
Gu.stavus Adoljthus, King of Sweden, was in- 
duced by William U.sselincx, the person who had 
proposed the establishment of the Dutch West 
India Company, to entertain the notion of 
founding coloni(!s in America. This was in 
1624. But Adolphus fell at Lutzen, in 1632, 
before he had completed his plans. His daugh- 
ter Christina, successor to the Swedish throne, 
and his chancellor, Oxenstiern, however, enter- 



^ Tlie year 1624 may be taken as the era of a continuous 
civil government. May was the first Director. It hail 
power to punish, but not with death. .Judgments for cap- 
ital crimes were to be referred to Amsterdam. — 2 Ban- 
croft's " Hist, of U. S.," p. 39. 



I1IST(II!V OF liKl'.KS COUNTY, I'ENNSYLVANIA. 



tained the iiiattci-, and, in Ki.'U, incorporated 
the Swedish West India Company. The news 
of tliis new enterprise induced the discharged 
director of the New Netlierlaud colony, Peter 
Minnit, to offer his services, to this company. 
Finding him experienced, they fitted out an 
expedition ot fifty emigrants and placed him in 
command. Jt was determined that they should 
settle in the vicinity of the Delaware River. 
They sailed from Gottenberg in the latter part of 

1637, and reached their destination in April, 

1638. They proceeded up the Delaware River 
to a creek which they named "Christina," in 
honor of their Queen. There they met the 
Indians, made a treaty with them and succeeded 
in pnrcliasing all the land which lay on the 
west side of the river in length from Cape Hen- 
lopen to the falls near Trenton, and as far west- 
ward in width as they wished to possess. They 
then established a trading post and erected a 
fort near the month of the creek, which they 
gave the same name. The territory they called 
New Sweden. This settlement awakened the 
opposition of tlie Duti.'h to such an extent that 
in May following they issued a proclamation in 
which they warned tlu^ Swedes to desist. But 
Minuit disregarded tlic proclamation and pro- 
ceeded in the more thorough settlement of the 
country. The colony ])rospered and its trade 
increased rapidly. Its great prosperity and its 
beautiful surroundings awakened a wonderful 
feeling in its behalf In 1639 new immigrants 
came at three ditierent times and brought abun- 
dant supplies. Ill tlie fall of the year the ves- 
sels were so crowded with passengers that many 
persons who had also wished to emigrate from 
Europe could not he taken. 

From 1638 the Dutch and Swedes occupied 
the territory together ; but in respect to trade, 
the Swedes wave superior. In two years the 
Dutch trade was reduced to a small amount. 
This was effected by the Swedes underselling 
them and depressing the market. It had fallen 
short thirty thousand beaver-skins. In 1642 
the English also tried to effect a settlement in 
this locality; but tiiey were expelled by the 
co-operation of the Swedes and Dutch. In 11)43 
John Printz became the Governor of the Swedes. 
He was a rough, bold officer, very large and 



heavy, having weighed over four hundred 
pounds and been fond of liquor; yet, withal, 
he possessed many admirable qualities. His 
management of the Swedish interests won the 
entire approbation of his superiors. He built 
a fort on Tinicum Island, and obliged every 
vessel that passed it to strike her colore, and 
he permitted no trade without tribute. He 
also erected a handsome dwelling, built of 
brick brought by him from Stockholm, which 
was called "Priutz Hall." The Dutch ob- 
jected to his proceedings and demands; but 
they hesitated to oppose his administration ; 
and they became alarmed at the wonderful 
growth and progress of the Swedes. During 
1644 the Swedish trade was very large. In 
that year two vessels were sent home with car- 
goes, which included two thousand one hundred 
and twenty-seven packages of beaver-skins and 
seventv thousand two hundred and forty-one 
pounds of tobacco. After governing ten years, 
he asked to be relieved, and John Claude Ry- 
singh was appointed his successor. 

Rysingh, on July 11, 1654, addressed a let- 
ter to the home government, in wliich he esti- 
mated the entire population at three hundred 
and sixty-eight persons. Of these, only sev- 
enty were Swedes. Through kindness, he re- 
newed the treaty of friendship with the Indians. 
His administration dawned with bright pros- 
pects; but these were soou blighted, for after 
governing less than two years, he and nearly 
all the Swedes were driven out of the settle- 
ment. The Dutch had been much displeased 
in the capture of one of their forts several years 
before (Fort Casimir, near the mouth of the 
Brandy wine), and therefore had deterun'nod to 
revenge their wrong by driving the Swedes 
from the river, or compelling submission. In 
165r) this determination was renewed, and 
Stuyvesant, with over six hundred men, forcetl 
the surrender of the territory. And this was 
the end of tlie Swedish government in America, 
after having maintained a separate existence 
for more than seventeen years. Though the 
Swedes could not maintain their hold, they are 
nevertheless entitled to the credit of having 
effected the first permanent settlements in 
Pennsylvania, and of having given the terri- 



(IKXKUAL HISTOKV OK PK.VXSYLVAXIA. 



tory a commercial character which it never lost. 
'i'liesc influences certainly tended towards the 
rapi<l enriclnnent of" the settlements and the 
increase of tlieir population. The number of 
iidiahitants then was about seven hundred. 

Ditch. — After the Duteli had re-possessed 
the settlements on the Delaware, John Paul 
.buMjuet was appointed vice-director, tiie ap- 
puintment having Ijeen made on Xovcmber 2U, 
1()55. l*cter Stuyvesant, a brave soldier of 
experience and a man of some learning, was 
the director, located at Manhattan, afterward 
called New York. Tiio Swedes, un<lcr tiie 
promise of protection and of (piiet enjoyment 
of their estates, remained and gave their alle- 
giance to the Dutch government. The Dutch 
M\'st India Company, in their etti)rt.s to re- 
possess this territory, had incurred a large in- 
del)tedness. To satisfy this debt they sold to 
tiie city of Amsterdam, their creditor, all that 
j)ortion south of the Delaware, from Christina 
Creek to tiie ocean. This sale was confirmed 
by the States-General on August 10, 1()56, and 
the territory sold took the name of New Am- 
sterdam. The government was then vested in 
forty commissioners, who were to reside in 
Amsterdam. They appointed Jacob Aldrichs 
as director, and upon his arrival the authority 
of Jacquet ceased. He administered affairs for 
nearly two years, until towards the close of 
K).")^, when D'llinyossa, the person i-ecom- 
meuded Ijy him, received the appointment. 
Many evils existed during this period. They 
arose from the bad administration of Aldrichs. 

The year 1659 was one of great distress to 
the colonists. Sickness prevailed, the affairs of 
tlie government were unsettled, the crops were 
short, and the winter was severe ; the new im- 
migrants arrived without supplies, and the 
company made new and exacting conditions. 
All these things caused great discontent, and 
many of the colonists fled to English settle- 
ments in Maryland. 

The administration of D'Hinyossa was also 
turbulent, owing to conflicts between him as 
the representative of the city of Amsterdam 
and the collector of revenues for the West In- 
dia Company. He refused to recognize the 
authority of Stuyvesant, and his difficulties 



finally obliged him to visit Holland in 1663. 
Through this visit the city of Amsterdam ob- 
tained the entire government of all th(^ settle- 




IM'.TKi; stl:v\'j>.\.\i. 

ments, and upon iiis return Stuyvesant made 
a formal transfer of all authority to him. This 
induced the colonists to return from Maryland. 
He held undivided authority till the coiU[uest 
of all the territory of New Netherland, in 16<i4, 
by the English, when he returned to Holland. 

EN<ii,isH. — The English had claimed the 
territory by right of discovery. Cromwell had 
planned its recovery, and similar plans had 
been renewed during the reign of his son, but 
fonuble measures were not adopted. Tiie dis- 
content of the colonists, iiowever, caused the 
English to renew their claims. Thev sent 
commissioners to demand the surrender of the 
territory, but the Dutch succeeded in resisting 
these demands, and they held it till it was 
taken from them by the English by right of 
conquest in 1664. 

Soon after King Charles II. had ascended 
the English throne he granted by patent, dated 
12th of March, 1664, all the territory between 
the Connecticut and Delaware Rivers and the 
adjacent islands, including the possessions of 
the Dutch, to his brother James, the Duke of 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



York and Albany. Colonel Richard NichoUs 
was sent, accoinpiiniod by three commissioners, 
to take possession. Before tiiey began formal 
negotiations with Stiiyvesant they i;ad issued 
a proclamation to the people, in which they 
otiered the most liberal regulations and entire 
security to theui anel their jjrojjcrty if they 
would peaceably transfer their allegiance to the 
Eiiglisii crowu. This was successful. The 
people did not encourage Stuyvesant in his pro- 
[)osed resistance of these demands, and he ac- 
cordingly surrendered possession on the 8th of 
September, 1664, when the New Netherlands 
j)assed to the English. 

In May, 1667, Nicholls was succeeded by 
Colonel Francis Lovelace. Hi^ administered 
affairs till he was forced fo surrender to the 
Dutch in the fall of 1673. Ca|)tain John Carr 
then becixme the (xovernor of the settlements on 
the Delaware. 

In 1673 Louis XIY declared war against 
the Netherlands, and in this declaration the 
English united. But the Dutch were victorious 
over the French and P^nglish, defeating them 
in three great naval battles, which were fought 
on the 7th and 14th of June and on the 21st of 
August in that year. During this time the 
Dutch had sent a squadron to recover the terri- 
tory of New Netherland. It arrived before 
the fort of New York on the 6th of August, 
shortly before the final naval battle, and a sur- 
render was demanded. After a brief resistance 
the sin-render was made, and. the entire terri- 
tory, as it had passed from Stuyvesant, was 
thus recovered. In honor of the Prince of 
Orange, it was called " New Orange." Peter 
Alrichs was ap])ointed (iovernor of the terri- 
tory west of the Delaware, and he confiscated 
the property belonging to the English govern- 
ment. Scarcely had the authority of the Dutch 
on the Delaware been confirmed and settled 
when a treaty of peace was concluded ou the 
9th of February, 1(574, by which the territory 
of New Netherland was restored to the Eng- 
lish. King Charles then renewed his grant to 
the Duke of York, and Sir Edmond Andros 
was sent to repossess the government of the ter- 
ritory. On the !)th of Novembei', 1674, he 
issued his proclamation whereby he reinstated 



afi'airs. Edmund Cantwell was commissioned 
to be captain and schout, and sub.stantially in- 
vested with the 2)ower of a Deputy-Governor. 
On the 23d of September, lli76, John Collier 
was appointed to succeed him. Before a year 
expired Collier, ou the 24th of August, 1677, 
was deposed by Andros because he had usurped 
the authority of a judge, and Christopher Bil- 
lop was commissione<l in his stead. This 
authority continued till 1681, when the terri- 
tory, which included Pennsylvania, was granted 
to William Penn. 

Pcnn had become interested in the settle- 
ments in America, and especially in the i>rog- 
ress of civilization ou the Delaware River, 
through the purchase of a part of New Jersey 
in company with eleven other persons. His 
father, Admiral William Penn, had distin- 
guished himself by meritorious services under 
the English government, whereby he became 
entitled to a claim of sixteen thousand pounds. 
This claim he bequeathed to his son, and the 
son, in satisfaction thereof, made application for 
a large grant of territory west of the Delaware. 
King Charles II readily consented, for he was 
in great need of money, and he regarded the 
payment of so large a claim against him in this 
manner as a most desirable performance. He 
accordingly granted to him by patent, dated the 
4th of March, 1681, the land applied for and 
named it " Pennsylvania." Penn himself had 
drawn the patent, but it was revised and 
amended by Chief Justice North, " to guard the 
sovereignty of the King and the commercial 
supremacy of Parliament." Many obstacles 
had been thrown in the way of its confirmation 
to him by Lord Baltimore, but his claims and 
solicitations finally prevailed. He then wrote, 
" God will bless and make it the seed of a na- 
tion." On the 2d of April, 1681, the royal 
proclamation announced to all the inhabitants 
of the province that William Penn was their 
absolute proprietary, w-ith all the powers neces- 
sary for its government, and Penn himself also 
issued a proclamation on the 8th of April. It 
was in the following remarkable language : 

" My friends : — I wish you all liai)inness here 
and hereafter. These are to let you know that it 
hath pleased God in his Providence to cast you 



GENERAL HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



within my Lot and Care. It is a business that though 
I never undertook before, yet God has given me an 
understanding of my duty and an honest mind to do 
it uprightly. I hope you will not be troubled at 
vour change and the king's choice, for you are now 
fixed at the mercy of no Governor that comes to 
make his fortune great. You shall be governed by 
laws of your own making, and live a free and, if you 
will, a sober and industrious people. I shall not 
usurp the right of any or oppress his person. God 
has furnished me with a better resolution and has 
given me his grace to keep it. In short, whatever 
sober and free men can reasonably desire for the se- 
curity and improvement of their own happiness I 
shall heartily comply with. I beseech God to direct 
you in the way of righteousness, and therein prosper 
you and your children after you. I am your true 
friend, " Wm. Penn." 

PcDu was not ready to visit his new province. 
He therefore deputized his kinsman, William 
Markhani, a young man, to go and take formal 
possession thereof and act as Deputy-Governor 
until his arrival. Markham proceeded directly 
to New York with the two declarations. There 
he exhibited to the Governor the King's dec- 
laration, and the Governor gave him a letter 
addressed to all the magistrates in the new 
grant, requesting them to transfer their alle- 
giance to the new proprietor. This was on the 
21st of June, 1681. Markham then proceeded 
to the Delaware and made known the contents 
of the declarations entrusted to him. He was 
kindly received and his authority was accordingly 
accepted. 

Markham also had a letter addressed by 
Penn to Lord Baltimore in reference to a set- 
tlement of the boundary line between Pennsyl- 
vania and Maryland. By the charter the 
southern line of the province was on the fortieth 
degree of north latitude. This extended upon 
the territory of the province of Maryland. He 
delivered the letter to Baltimore, but they 
could not agree. The controversy about the 
line was kept up for over eighty years. Finally 
an agreement was eifected, which was much to 
the advantage of INIaryland. The line was sur- 
veyed by two surveyors — Thomas Mason and 
Jeremiah Dixon — who were appointed for this 
purpose in 1763, and located on a line forty 
degrees forty-four minutes nprth latitude. It 
has since been known as" Mason's and Dixon's 
2 



line," and it marked the division between the 
free and slave States for a hundred years. 

In the fall of 1681 certain commissioners 
from Penn arrived, having been seut by him to 
treat with the Indians, purchase lands from 
them and lay out a great city. In his letter to 
the Indians he addressed them as follows : 

" There is a great God and power that hath made 
the world, and all things therein, to whom you and I 
and all people owe their being and well-being, and to 
whom you and I must one day give an account for all 
that we do in the world. This great God hath written 
his law in our hearts, by which we are taught and 
commanded to love and heli> and do good to one 
another. Now this great God hath been pleased to 
make me concerned in your part of the world ; and 
the king of the country where I live hath given me 
a great province therein ; but I desire to enjoy it 
with your love and consent that we may always live 
together as neighbors and friends; else what would 
the great God do to us who hath made us, not to de- 
vour and destroy one another, but to live soberly and 
kindly in the world?" 

After the management of affairs in the prov- 
ince by a Deputy-Goveruor for over a }'ear, 
Penn himself arrived and assumed personal con- 
trol. He arrived at New Castle on the 27th of 
October, 1682. On the next day he met the 
neighboring inhabitants, consisting of families 
of various nations, — Dutc^h, Germans, Swedes 
and English. He produced before them his 
charter and deeds of feoffment and explained his 
system of government. The education of rich 
and poor was to be provided for ; justice was to 
be administered without delay ; prisons were to 
be regulated in such a manner as to lead to the 
reformation of criminals; and the penalty of 
death was to be abolished, except in the cases of 
murder and treason. Several days after this 
meeting the Assembly (which had been called 
by Markham to meet for the purpose) adopted 
his frame of government, and from that time 
onward the development of the province was 
wonderful. Philadelphia was then founded 
upon a plan which conteraj)lated the growth of 
a magnificent city. The lands of the province 
were surveyed and settlements were located in 
various directions. Many houses were built ; 
immigrants, mostly English and German, came 
in great numbers ; schools were founded ; a 
printing press was set up ; a jiost was estab- 



10 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYJ.VANIA. 



lished, and the great outposts of civilization 
were erected. 

Penn was particularly .successful in his treaty 
with the natives. He won their unqualified 
confidence. In the following kind and re- 
markable language he expressed his ideas and 
intentions to them : 

" We meet on the broad pathway of good faith and 
good-will ; no advantage shall be taken on either 
side ; but all shall be openness and love. I will not 
call you children, for parents sometimes chide their 
children t(io severely; nor brothers only, for brothers 
diflfer. The friendship between me and you I will not 
compare to a chain, for that the rains might rust or 
the falling tree nught break. We are the same as if 
one man's body were to be divided into two [larts; 
we are one ilesh and blood." 

These words made a deep impression upon 
the Indians, and they replied, — 

" We will live in love with you and your children 
as long as the moon and the sun shall endure." 

And such was the introduction of the English 
government, such the beginning of the promising 
settlements superinduced thereby. Its language 
as well as its laws was the fixed medium of in- 
tercourse. And it could not be disturbed, not- 
withstanding the great immigration of other 
nationalities, especially Germans. These were 
encouraged by the English, especially by the 
policy of AMUiam Peiui ; and they, acknowledg- 
ing the government as they found it, conducted 
themselves accordingly. And this accounts for 
the continuation of the predominance of Eng- 
lish in every department of life, particularly as 
it concerned trade, legislation an<l jurisprudence. 

A short sketch of the founder of Pennsylva- 
nia is appropriate in this connection. 

William Penn was born at London, Eng., on 
October 14, 1644. He obtained a thorough 
education at home under a private tutor and 
at Oxford University, and then entered Lin- 
coln's Inn for the purpose of studying law. 
After jirosecuting his studies for a M'hile he, in 
1665, accompanied his father. Admiral William 
Penn, to Ireland and took upon himself the 
management of a valuable estate. Subsequently 
he entered the army whilst visiting a prominent 
friend of the family in Ireland, and gained 
some experience as a soldier. Whilst in this ser- 



vice his portrait was painted, which is said to 
be the only genuine portrait of him ever pro- 
duced. He then united with the Society of 
Friends, having been imbued with the principles 
of this sect through the preaching of Thomas 
Loe. His earnest preaching at Cork, in 1667, 
caused his arrest and imprisonment. His re- 
lea.se was eflccted tiirough tiie Earl of Orrery ; 
but he began again with more vigor. His re- 
ligious writings then led to his second arrest, 
when he \\as imprisoned in the Tower. Whilst 
there he wrote his distinguished religious work, 
entitled, " No Cross, no Crown." His father 
obtained his discharge, l)ut he persiste<l in ex- 
pressing his opinions and beliefs on the highways 
and in public places, for which he was arrested 
in 1670, and committed to Newgate. He was 
indicted and tried. During the trial he pleaded 
his own cause and the jury acquitted him. Uut 
he was detained, nevertheless, for a time. The 
jurors were fined for returning such a verdict. 
In Newgate he also wrote a number of religious 
articles, which were published in tracts. In 
1674 he wrote atid published an able defense of 
the freedom of conscience and the rights of 
Englishmen, which was entitled, "England's 
Present Interest Considered." In 1677 he ac- 
companied Barclay and others on a mission of 
preaching in Holland and Germany. 

In 1681 he obtained a charter from King 
Charles II for the province of Pennsylvania, 
in satisfaction of a large debt which had been 
owing to his father for meritorious naval services. 
He visited his province in 1682 and remained 
two years. In this time he did many things for 
the welfare of the province. He distinguished 
himself by his kindness to the Indians, who 
gave him in return their unqualified confidence 
and regard. His great treaty with them at 
Kensington in 1682 has been immortalized by 
a masterly painting by Benjamin M'est, the 
famous American artist. He prepared and pub- 
lishetl various important papers relating to the 
advantages of Pennsylvania for inducing emi- 
gration thither, in which he was very successful 
with the Germans. In 1686 he secured the 
liberation of over twelve hundred imprisoned 
Quakers, and in 1687 also the passage of the 
"Toleration Act." In 1688 he was tried for 




': vwif.i'Eem-jes/rsimjmr. 



ammjrt. 



GENKKAI- IIIST()1;Y OF l'KNN8YIAANIA. 



11 



treason and aajuitted. In 1699 he visited 
Pennsylvania a second time, and, after remain- 
ing two years, ho returned to England. In his 
etforts to establish a permanent government, etc., 
in Pennsylvania he became heavily involved with 
debts ; these pressed him so hard that in 1708 
he was im])risoiied for debt. His friends, how- 
ever, united in his behalf and effected his release. 
He also had serious and extended litigation in 
reference to the province, but he eventually 
succeeded in maintaining his grant and the 
rights secured to him under it. He died oi' 
paralysis at Rushcombe, on July 30, 1718, in 
the seventy-fourth year of his age. His chil- 
dren held, governed and dispt)sed of the prov- 
ince till the Revolution, when they released 
their rights to tiie eommonwealtli of Pennsyl- 
vania.' 

Geumans. — Soon after affairs in the pro- 
vince had attained an aekno^^■ledge(l permanent 
character the influx of settlers was won- 
derful. They came over the ocean by ship- 
loads at a time. The Germans were especially 
numerous. In Germany a company had formed 
about 1(584 for the purpose of influencing 
emigi-ation. It was called the " Frankfort 
I>aud Ompany." It was composed often men 
wiio lived at Frank fort-on-the-Mayne, — G. Van 
Mastrick, Thomas V. Wylick, John IvC Bran, 
F. Dan Pastorions, John J. Schuetz, Daniel 
Behagel, Jacobus Van Dewaller, John W. 
Peterson, Johannes Kimber, Balthaser Jowest. 
They entered into articles of association on No- 
vember 24, 1686, and then purchased large 
tracts of land from William Penn, — the Ger- 
mantown patent for five thousand three hundretl 
and fifty acres, and the Manatawny patent for 
twenty-two thousand three hundred and sev- 
enty-seven acres. For more than fifty years 
emigration was encouraged. Thousands of the 
emigrants were Palatines ; many proceeded 
from the Palatinate to England upon the ii.vi- 
tation of Queen Anne, and thence she tran.s- 
ported them to America. Among them were peo- 
I)le of all religious denominations, — Meunonites, 
Moravians, Dunkards, Schwenkfelders, Lu- 
therans, German Reformed and Catholics. 



' See Janney's " Life of William Penn.' 



The tide of emigration from Germany had 
become .so great as to awaken apprehension on 
the part of the English, who controlled the 
government. In 1717, Logan, the secretary of 
the province, expressed his fears as follows : 
" We have of late a great number of Palatines 
poured in upon us, without any recommenda- 
tion or notice, which gives the country some 
uneasiness ; foreigners do not so well among us 
as our own EnglLsh people." And, in 1755, 
Samuel Wharton said that they came in such 
numbers (estimated five thousand in 1 754), " I 
see not but that they may soon give us law and 
language too, or else, by joining the French, eject 
all the English." In the years 1749, 1750, 
1751 and 1752 they were especially numerous 
(about twenty-five thousand). ISIany were poor 
and had not the means of paying their passage. 
Upon their arrival at Philadelphia they were 
sold for a term of years. Their services under 
these indentures discharged the cost of trans- 
portation. In this way they redeemed their 
freedom, and were called " redeniptioners." 
The Palatine redemjrtioners were usually sold 
at ten pounds for a period varying from three 
to five years. The influx of those was jiarticu- 
larly large in the years 1728, 1729, 17^.7, 1741, 
1750 and 1751. They generally proceeded 
northwardly and westwardly and settled in the 
districts now included in the counties of Mont- 
gomery, Berks, Lancaster, York and Cumber- 
land. Some of these Germans began to settle 
in Oley, Berks County, as early as 1712. They 
were industrious, and they, by their industry, 
soon had the country to show marked im])rove- 
ment. 

The Germans were chiefly farmers, (lov- 
ernor Thomas alluded to them when he said, in 
1738: "This Province has been for some 
years the asylum of the distressed Protestants 
of the Palatinate and other parts of Germany ; 
and I believe it may be truthfully said that the 
present flourishing condition of it is in a great 
measure owing to the industry of those people; 
it is not altogether the fertility of the soil, but 
the number and industry of the people, that 
makes a country flourish." ' 

' 4 Col. Rec, 315. 



12 



III8T0RV OF BERKS COUNTY, TEXXSYLVANIA. 



England encouraged tlie industrious Germans 
to emigrate to America, but she retained her 
owu subjects ; and this class was at one time- 
feared. The influx was so great that it was 
thought their numbers would soon produce ii 
(xerman colony here, and periiaps such a one 
as Britain once receivetl from Saxonv in the 
fifth couturv.^ The personal description of the 
territory by Penn himself to the Germans, hi^ 
kindly eueouragemeut to them to emigrate and 
possess its fertile soil and his liberal promises 
of religious toleration and of self-government 
had made a deep impression upon their troubled ! 
minds ; and corroborating lettei-s to them, sub- 
se(|uently, from those who emigrated had in- 
eliued them to more treely entertain thoughts of 
emigration. And thus influenced, they came 
into Pennsylvania by thousands — by such a 
continuous tide of immigration for a period oi 
over fifty years, that the officers of the govern- 
ment became alarmed for the preservation of 
English laws and the continuation of English 
control. But their fears were not realized, 
though the province became German in charac- 
ter and industrj', and in general social and re- 
ligious feeling. 

The Dutch had discovered the country ; the 
Sweiles had effected the first permanent settle- 
ments in it, but had lost control, not so much 
by want of energy and enterprise as by want of 
encouragement and support from their govern- 
ment ; the English had defined the rights of 
property and government and characterized the 
laws, language and associations ; but it remained 
tor the Germans to come after these, take pos- 
session of the great portion of its territory and 
control its destiny. This was a fortunate cir- 
cumstance for Pennsylvania. Who will say 
that either of the other nationalities mentioneil. 
if they had kept control of the country in all 
its departments, would have shown a qualifica- 
tion to develop it in so great a degree and in 
such harmonious proportions as the German in 
respect to agriculture, industry- and population ? 
Who will say that the people would have 
manifesteil the same general social, politic-al and 
religious tendencies ? Who will say that they 

' 2 Watson's "Annals," 255. 



would have caused such a general distribution 
of land, wealth and power ? And who will say 
that they would have createtl and maintained 
such general stK-ial and political equality? 
All these developments, proportions, tendencies 
and equalities are found here now, after the 
lapse of two hundretl years. In all these vears 
the German influences predominatetl. Her 
names of persons, her language and her manners 
have been preserved, notwithstanding the gov- 
ernment ordere<l the names changed to, and 
education taught, and the laws published and 
judicial proceedings recordetl in, the English. 
This is an exhibition of inherent natural great- 
ness and power trulv wonderful as it is admir- 
able. 

Welsh. — The Welsh made early purchases 
from Penn in England, amounting to forty 
thousand acres of land on the west side of the 
Schuylkill River. Their number of settlers had 
multiplieti to such an extent before 1692 that 
they settled six townships in Chester County 
within ten years after it had been formetl. 
They moved gradually northwardly, and took 
up lands along the head-waters of the Conestoga 
and vicinity. Some of the lands are now in- 
cluded in Caernarvon, Brecknock, Robeson and 
Cumru townships, in Berks County. In 1()86 
and 1698 many Welsh families arrival. Among 
them were William Jones, Robert Jones, Thomas 
Evans, Robert Evan.s, Owen Evans, Cadwalla- 
der Evans, Hugh Grittith and John Humphrey. 
They took up lauds liy patent. Through them 
certain townships were named. And their de- 
scendants are .still on the fii-st settlements. Some 
of these Welsh immigrants moved to the east 
of the Schuylkill, into the district uow included 
in Montgomery County, but none of theui pro- 
ceeded so far northwardly as to enter the district 
now part of Berks County. Those who entered 
and .settled in the county remainetl to the west 
of the Schuylkill. 

Irish. — Comparatively few Irish immigrants 
settled in Pennsylvania. They were not among 
the fii-st, and their limited number could not 
and did not in the least affect the established 
laws, associations and institutions of the 
province. It was quite different with the Ger- 
mans. The English had jwssession of the 



(ilv\KI!AN IIISTOItV OK I'KXN'SYI.V AM A. 



13 



territory ; tlicy ccintrollcd the government antl 
iiilluenced the direction of all the affairs of the 
province. Still the Germans modified every- 
tiiing. This modification arose not only from 
their great numbers, but also their nature and 
enter])rise. 

The first Irish immigrants came into tht 
province about 171'J. They located mostly 
ticar the Maryland line, in the territory which 
was then included in Chester County. In 172f! 
liOgan was apprehensive of evil from the Irish 
settlers. The common fear was that if they 
continuetl to come in such numbers as they 
were then coming, all Ireland would be hen 
and they would eventually make tiiemselvcf 
proprieti)rs of the province. The Assembly 
deemed it advisable to levy a tax of twenty 
shillings on each servant in order to discourage 
their immigration. He thought it strange that 
they continued to crowd into j)laces where they 
were not wanted. Many convicts were among 
them. This was the alarming feature. Even 
tli(! Indians feared a breach between them and 
the settlers, beciuise the Irish were rough to 
tliciii. And in 17.'>0 he complained of the 
;ui(l:i<ious and disorderly manners of the Scotcli- 
Irisli in forcibly taking possession of Conestoga 
manor. They were dispossessed and their huts 
were burned. Thirty-three years afterwards 
tiiey figured conspicuously in the cruel massacre 
of the Indians at Conestoga. 

In 1735 and 1740 Scotch-Irish immigrants 
settled in the territory beyond the Susquehanna 
River, in what was then Lancaster County, now 
in York and Adams Counties. They came 
from Scotland and the north of Ii'eland. The 
Germans had settled in the upper section, or 
York County, and the Scotch-Irish in the lower, 
or Adams County. Their respective nationali- 
ties preserved them distinct peoples and 
eventually led them to separate into two distinct 
coimty organizations. The names of the Scotcii- 
Irish are particularly prevalent in Adams 
County. The settlers were principally of the 
better class of peasantry and the lands are to a 
great degree still possessed b}' their descendants. 
They were recognized for their intelligence, in- 
dustry and morality. These qualities liave been 
very successfully transmitted to the present 



time and have exerted a beneficent influence 
over the people of the district in several re- 
spects, social, industrial and politiral. I could 
not discover any .settlement of this class in 
Berks County. 

(iOVERXMENT f)F I'ENNHYLVA.\I.\ SINCE 
1681. 

Pe.n'n's Ch.\RTER. — The original charter, as 
prepared l>v I'enn, .supervised and amended 
by the crown officers, and granted by King 
Charles the Second on the 4th of March, lli.Sl, 
is a long document. In order to avoid its en- 
tire publication in this history, to save time to 
the general reader in obtaining a knowledge of 
its contents and to make it more intelligible, I 
have condensed it in the following niainicr: 

In the preamble Charles II., King, etc., gives all 
|ieoplc to know that William Penu, out of a com- 
meiiflable desire to enlarge the English empire and to 
promote such useful commodities beiiefieial to her do- 
minions, as well as to re<liKe the savage natives by 
gentle and just manners to the love of civil society 
and Christian religion — had ai)plied for a grant of a 
certain part of America not yet eiiltivatcd and 
planted. 

Sccfion 1. — Recognizing the services of his father, 
Admiral William I'cnn, to tlie government in tlie war 
against the Dutch, in 166.5, and favoring his petition, 
the King granted unto William Perm, his heirs and 
assigns, the large body of land now known to us as 
the State of Pennsylvania. 

Section, 2. — Grants all harbours, rivers, etc., fishes 
and ores, with free egress, ingress and regress. 

Section 3. — Creates Penn proprietary, requires alle- 
giance and the payment of an annual rent of two 
beaver-skins and of one-fifth of all gold and silver-ore 
found on the premises, and names the province 
Pennsylvania. 

Section 4.— Confers authority to make and execute 
laws, raise money for public use, etc. 

Section 5. — Grants authority to create courts with 
incidental powers. 

Section ti. — Grants authority to make ordinances 
for the government of the people, and direct the law 
of descent to continue as in England, until altered. 

Section 7. — Directs that a transcript of its laws shall 
be forwarded to the privy council of England, which, 
if found inconsistent with the government, shall be 
declared void. 

Section 8. — Gives the right to English subjects to 
emigrate to Pennsylvania. 

Section 9. — Grants license to carry on trade with 
any English ports, subject to customs, duties, etc. 



14 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. I'KXNSYLVANIA. 



/Section 10. — Grants the right to subdivide the terri- 
tory, to create boroughs, markets, etc. 

Section 11. — Requires all commodities, etc., ex- 
ported, to be unloaded in the ports of England, and, 
after one year, permits trade with other countries, 
subject to duties, etc. 

Section 12. — Grants power to erect ports, harbors, 
etc. 

Section 13. — Grants power to assess and collect cus- 
toms, etc., at the port, etc. 

Section 14. — Requires an agent to be located at Lou- 
don to answer ofl'enses, etc., against the laws of Eng- 
land, etc. 

Section 15. — Prohibits correspondence with any 
King, etc., at war with the English government , or 
warfare with any power at peace with tlie govern- 
ment. 

Section ](). — Grants right to create military for pro- 
tection, and to pursue and vanquish enemies, roljbers, 
etc. 

Section 17. — Grants right to dispose of divided ter- 
ritory iu fee or subject to rents, etc. 

Section 18. — Confirras all sales of estates to be made 
to purchasers. 

Section 19. — Grants license to purchasers to erect 
manors and establish courts-baron with incidental 
powers. 

Section 20. — Prohibits the levy of customs or taxes 
without the consent of the pro|)rietary and his Assem- 
bly, or of the English Parliament. 

Section 21. — Requires from all courts and judges a 
recognition of this charter. 

Section 22. — Provides for the sending of preachers 
on application of twenty inhabitants. 

Section 23. — Requires the most favorable construc- 
tion of the charter to be made for the proprietary, 
etc., but which shall not prejudice allegiance, rents, 
etc. 

On the llth of July, 1681, William Penn 
agreed uj)ou certain eDiRlition.s for the regula- 
tiou of affairs in his province. These condi- 
tions consisted of twenty paragraphs. Tlie first 
ten paragraphs referred to the location of a 
town, the laying out of roads, lots, etc., and the 
iniproveniont of lots by pos.-;essioii, etc. 

The llth and 12th provided for the purchase and 
sale of articles in a jniblic market. 

In the l.'Uh offenders, whether settlers or natives, 
were to be punished according to law. 

In the 14th Indian offenders were to be tried by a 
mixed jury of twelve men, half Indians and half 
settlers. 

In the loth Indians were to enjoy equal rights with 
planters, for improving property, etc. 

In the lOthEnglish laws relating to slander, drunk- 
enness, cursing, trespassing, etc., were to govern. 



In the 17th all live stock should be marked within 
three months, otherwise to be forfeited to the Gov- 
ernor. 

In the 18th every acre in five acres, iu clearing of!' 
land, was to be kept in woods, especially oak-trees for 
shipping, and mulberry trees for silk. 

In the 19th shipmasters, upon their arrival, were 
to give names of passengers, describe freight, etc, with- 
in two days afterwards. 

And in the 20th all persons who intended to leave 
the province were to publish their intention. 

Subsequently Penn published three frames or 
plans of government, a table of laws and a 
Charter of Privileges. The first frame, with its 
preface, was published April 25, 1 682 ; the 
table of laws May o, 1 682 ; the second frame 
April 2, 1683; the third frame November 7, 
1696 ; and the Charter of Privileges October 28, 
1701. All these charters, frames, etc., api)ear 
in full in the first volume of the Colonial Records 
of Pennsylvania and cover nearly fifty pages, 
closely printed. 

FiKST Fkame. — Penn introduces the first 
frame by a superior preface. In it he refers to 
the necessity of government through the sinful- 
ness and disobedience of man, and he regards 
government not only useful for purposes of cor- 
rection, but for the care and regulation of our 
many daily affairs which make up much the 
greatest part of it. Men entertained different 
notions about systems of government ; all sys- 
tems were modified in the course of time, and 
each system had its admirers. But he regarded 
that government free to the people under it, 
whatever its frame, where the laws ruled and 
the people were a party to the laws. 

" Governments like clocks " — said he — " go from the 
motion men give them, and as governments are made 
and moved by men, so by them they are ruined, too. 
Wherefore governments rather depend upon men than 
men upon governments. Let men be good and the 
government cannot be bad; if it be ill, they will cure 
it. But, if men be bad, let the government be never 
so good, they will endeavor to warp and spoil it to 
their turn. I know some say, let us have good laws 
and no matter for the men that execute them ; but let 
them consider that, though good laws do well, good 
men do better; for good laws may want good men, 
and be abolished or evaded by ill men ; but good men 
will never want good laws nor suffer ill ones. It is 
true, good laws have some awe upon ill ministers, but 
that is where they have not power to escape or 
abolish them, and the people are generally wise and 



GENERAL HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



good ; but a loose and depraved people love laws and 
an administration like themselves. That, therefore, 
wliirh makes a good constitution, must keep it, name- 
ly, men of wisdom and virtue — ^qualitie-sthat, because 
they descend not with worldly inheritances, must be 
carefully propagated by a virtuous education of youth ; 
for which after ages will owe more to the care and 
[iruilence of founders and the successive magistracy 
tlian to their parents for their private patrimonies." 

These are certainly word.s of wisdom and 
worthy our sincere consideration even at this 
day, two hundred years after tliey were given 
to tlic first settlers. 

Tlie English laws had prevailed over 
the territory before the control of it 
jia.ssed to Penn. These are now known 
as the " Duke of York's Laws." They 
were published by authority of the 
State of Pennsylvania in 1 789. They 
were considerably modified by the laws 
aud privileges agreed upon and given 
by Penn. Tender these provisions, 
[)rivileges, etc., the government was 
continued till the people of the Ameri- 
can colonies declared their freedom 
(ix)m English rule and enacted laws 
l)y their own representation.^ 

The Continental Congress passed a 
resolution on May 15, 177G, recom- 
mending the total suppression of all 
authority under the King of Great Bri- 
tain. In pursuance of this recommend- 
ation, a Provincial Conference was held 
in Carpenter Hall, at Philadelphia, on 
Tuesday, June 18, 177(5, which was 
attended by representatives from all 
the counties in the province, then eleven 
in number. The representatives — or 
delegates, as they were called — from 
Berks County were Jacob Morgan, 
Henry Haller, Mark Bird, Bodo Otto, 
Benjamin Spyker, Daniel Huuter, Val- 
entine Eckert, Nicholas Lotz, Joseph Hiester 
and Charles Shoemaker. 

This conference decided that a Provincial 
Convention should be called to meet ou Mon- 
day, July 15, 1776, "for the express purpose 



of forming a new government in this province 
on the authority of the people only." It pro- 
vided the qualifications of electors, fixed the 
number of representatives from each county 
and the time of their election, ordered an address 
to the people to be prepared, and agreed upon a 
Declaration of Independence for the colony. 

At the time appointed the conveutioii as- 
sembled. The delegates who represented Berks 
County were Jacob Morgan, (iabricl Hie.-^ter, 
John Lesher, Benjamin Spyker, Daniel Hunter, 




' In reference to petitions to royal government for change 
of proprietary government, see Gordon's "History of 
Pennsylvania," pp. 413 to 423. 



CARPENTER HALL. 

Valentine Eckert, Charles Shoemaker and 
Thomas Jones, Jr. 

Constitution OF 1776. — A Cou.stitution was 
adopted on September 28, 1776. It consisted 
of a Preamble, Declaration of Rights and Frame 
of Government, and it was signed by all the 
delegates present. There were some absentees, 
amongst them being two from Berks County, 



16 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PKXXSYLVANIA. 



John Lesher and Daniel Hunter. The Declara- 
tion of Rights was reported by a committee of 
eleven delegates, including one member from 
Berks County, John Lesher. 

Reprksextatives' Fkamb of Govern- 
ment. — The frame of government adopted by 
the representatives of the people provided, — 

" Tliat the commonwealth should be governed by a 
single house of representatives, with the executive 
power vested in a president and council; that courts 
of justice should be established in every county and 
judges commissioned, etc.; that militia should be 
trained ; that the electors, representatives and assem- 
bly should have certain qualifications, powers, etc. ; 
that business should be done openly and published 
regularly; that representation should be rated ac- 
cording to inhabitants; that the council should con- 
sist of twelve members (one from Berks), for three 
years, with certain powers; that officers should be 
liable to impeachment; that trials should be by jury; 
that courts should be held quarterly, and be open, 
and administer justice impartially, without corrup- 
tion or unnecessary delay, and their officers be paid 
adequate, but moderate salaries ; that debtors should 
not be imprisoned after bona fide surrender of their 
property, and prisoners should be bailable without 
excessive bail ; that each district should elect a jus- 
tice of the peace for seven years, and a sheriff and 
coroner for one year; that all elections should be by 
ballot, free and voluntary; that all office fees, etc., 
should be paid into the treasury; that each county 
should have a register, a recorder and commissioners, 
all removable at pleasure ; that printing presses should 
be free; that every freeman .should have some trade 
or occupation, and that public offices of profit should 
be discouraged ; that entails and penal laws should 
be regulated, and jails established; that officers should 
be ([ualified by oath ; that taxes should alone be lev- 
ied by law, with purpose expressed; that every for- 
eigner, after allegiance, should be permitted to hold 
property, etc.; that inhabitants should be permitted 
to hunt and fish ; that schools should be established 
in each county; that virtue and religion should be 
encouraged and vice prevented, and that a council of 
censors — two from each county — should be elected, 
with certain powers, etc., to meet in 1783, and every 
seventh year thereafter." 

Censors. — By the forty-seventh section of 
this frame of government, a provision was 
made for the election of censors, who were "to 
inquire whether the Constitution was preserved 
inviolate in every part." James Read and 
Baltzer Gehr were chosen to represent Berks 
County. The council met in October, 1 783. 
James Read was appointed on the committee to 



make the inquiry provided for. This commit- 
tee reported in August, 1784, against a con- 
vention. Both Read and Gehr agreed to the 
report. There were some dissenters. Rea.sons 
for and against it were entered. Gehr signed 
tho-se for it, and Read those against it ; but he 
"would have it understood that he had senti- 
ments as favorable to the constitution as any 
from whom he dissented." Remonstrances, 
signed by eighteen thousand citizens, were pre- 
sented to the council, protesting against the 
calling of a convention for altering or amend- 
ing the constitution. An address to the free- 
men of Pennsylvania was then ordered to be 
published. Read voted for it ; but Gehr did 
not vote. 

CoxvEXTiox OF 1789-90.— The General 
Assembly of the State met on ^larch 24, 1789. 
The representatives from Berks County were 
Joseph Hicster, Gabriel Hiester, Jo.seph Sands, 
John Ludwig and Daniel Brodhead. The 
-Assembly determined that alterations and 
amendments to the Constitution of 177(! were 
necessary. Sands and Brodhead voted in the 
affirmative, Ludwig in the negative ; both 
Hiesters were absent. 

Tlie Assembly met again on September 15, 
1789. A resolution was reported by a com- 
mittee of the whole Assembly, favoring the 
calling of a convention to amend the Constitu- 
tion, which was adopted. Sands, Brodhead and 
Ludwig voted in the affirmative ; Gabriel 
Hiester in the negative ; Joseph Hiester did not 
vote. Delegates were accordingly elected by 
each of the districts in the State. In Berks 
County they were Joseph Hiester, Christopher 
Lower, Abraham Lincoln, Paul Groscop and 
Baltzer Gehr. The convention assembled in 
the State-House, at Philadelphia, on November 
24, 1 789, and a New Constitution was adopted 
and all the delegates subscribed it on September 
2, 1790. The delegates from Berks \-oted 
generally on the same side of questions. It 
w^s then submitted to the people by a special 
election and adopted. 

CoNSTiTt'Tiox OF 1790. — This Constitution 
comprised nine articles : 

Article 1st provided for a Legislature to be comimsed 



GENERAL HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



of two houses — Senate and Assembly — and fixed 
qualifications, powers, terms, etc. 

Article 2d vested supreme executive power in a 
Governor and fixed his qualifications, powers and 
duties. 

Article 3d created elective franchise and fixed 
qualification of electors. 

Article 4th provided for impeachment of civil 
officers. 

Article 5th vested judicial power in various courts 
and fixed terms and power of judges, and created 
oflice of register and recorder. 

Article 6th provided forappointmentof sheriffs and 
coroners by the Governor for military discipline, for 
location of county officers, for State commissioners, 
for State treasurer and all other oflScers, State and 
county. 

Article 7th provided for the establishment of 
schools, promotion of arts and sciences, and preserva- 
tion of religious freedom and corporate powers. 

Article 8th provided qualification of Assembly and 
all State and county officers by oath. 

Article 9th provided a Declaration of Rights. It 
contained twenty-six sections, copied after the Decla- 
ration of 1776, but arranged differently, with some 
important amendments. 

A schedule wii.s added, by M'hich provi.sion 
was made for the alteration and amendment of 
the Constitution. 

This Constitution was continued as the 
general political law of the State until the 
adoption of a new Constitution in 1873. In 
the mean time efforts were made to improve it. 
On March 28, 1825, an act of Assembly was 
passed providing for an election, at the next 
succeeding election, to ascertain the opinion of 
the people relative to the call of a Constitu- 
tional Convention ; but the people decided by 
ballot that such a convention should not be 
called. The vote was : For it — 44,474 ; against 
it, 59,J?84— a majority of 15,410. In Berks 
County it was : For it, 752 ; against it, 3757 — a 
majority of 3005. In 1837, however, such a 
convention was duly assembled at Harrisburg, 
and amended the Constitution in various par- 
ticulars, which amendment was adopted by the 
people at an election in October, 1838. The 
vote in the State was : For it, 113,971 ; against 
it, 112,759— a majority of 1212; and in Berks 
County: For it, 5823; against it, 3883— a 
majority of 1940. The delegates from Berks 
County were John Hitter, George M. Keim, 
Wm. High, Mark Darrah and James Donagan. 
2 



Aj[endments. — Subsequently, until the adop- 
tion of the new Constitution of 1873, amend- 
ments were proposed by act of Assembly and 
ratified by election. 

The first amendment was made in 1850. It 
provided for the election of all the judges of 
the commonwealth. The vote was : For it, 
144,578; against it, 71,982— majority, 72,596; 
and Berks County vote: For it, 5160 ; against it, 
3552 ; majority, 1608. 

This was considered a wise political move- 
ment. It is right in principle, but it is ques- 
tionable whether the people were then, or even 
in 1873, possessed of sufficient independence in 
political knowledge, thought and action as to 
have enabled them to dispose of so important a 
matter by the exercise of their political fran- 
chise. This amendment transferred the matter 
of the fitness of the candidate for judicial 
power from the lawyer and prominent citizen 
to the politicians, and of the appointment from 
the Governor to the people. 

The second amendment was made in 1857. 
It provided for — 

1st. The contraction of debts owing by the State. 

2d. The erection of new counties. 

3d. The apportionment of Representatives; and the 
term of State Senator to be three years. 

4th. The alteration or revocation of charters if 
found injurious to the people. 

And a third amendment was made in 1864, 
which provided for the right of suffrage to elec- 
tors in the military .service. 

Besides these amendents the State Legislature 
ratified the several amendments of the Constitu- 
tion of the United States b}- Congress, relating 
to the abolition of slavery and to the exercise 
of political suffrage without respect to race, 
color or previous condition of servitude. 

Constitution of 1873. — The advancement 
of the people in wealth, of politicians in influ- 
ence, of corporations in power and of legislation 
in behalf of special classes and localities in a 
period of fourscore years had rendered a new, 
fundamental, general law necessary. The com- 
plaints had become both loud and numerous, 
and they had proceeded from all quarters of the 
State. The selfishness of men had grown be- 
yond their judgment and integrity. The good 



18 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of the people had come to be of minor import- 
ance. Self-aggrandizement in wealth and power 
had been set up as the great idol of men who 
were at the head of the various important affairs 
and enterprises of the State. A general feeling 
had come to prevail throughout the State that 
political ambition and influence, corporate power 
and special legislation should have to be checked 
on the one hand, and considerably modified on 
the other, in order to have these important 
agencies to subserve the public welfare. 

An act of Assembly was therefore ])roposed 
and passed in 1871. It provided for the call- 
ing of a general convention to amend the Con- 
stitution of the State. It was submitted to the 
people at the October election of 1871 and 
ratified. The vote was: For it, 331,109; against 
it, 71,369,— iQajority, 259,800. Berks County 
vote : For it, 5269 ; against it, 10,905, — majori- 
ty against it, 5636. 

The following delegates were elected to repre- 
sent Berks County : (ieorge G. Barclay, Henry 
AV. ^nith and Henry Van Reed. 

The convention first assembled at Harrisburg 
in November, 1872. After sitting there two 
weeks it adjourned to reconvene at Philadel- 
phia on January 7, 1873. After reconvening 
it deliberated many w-eeks. It had a great work 
on hand, and many minds had to be satisfied in 
respect to many proposed improvements. Great 
discussions ensued. The proceedings are pre- 
served in nine large volumes. With all the 
ability, time and expense of the convention, the 
work was generally not satisfactory. But it was 
the best that so large and various a body could 
do. The Constitution as modified was submitted 
to the people on December 10, 1873, and rati- 
fied. The vote was : For it, 252,744 ; again.st 
it, 108,594,— majority, 144,150. Berks County 
vote : For it, 9114 ; against it, 1800, — majority, 
7248. 

At best such a great body of laws cannot be 
perfect. The ingenuity of men to subserve their 
own ends and interests would seem to be equal 
to the task of discovering the weakness of the 
laws. In the language of Penn, — " If men be 
bad, let the government be never so good, they 
will endeavor to warp and spoil it to their 
turn." What the State needs more than a good 



Constitution is good men ; ft)r if they find it 
weak, they will strengthen it for the common 
good of all. 

PURCHASE OF TERIUTORY. 

Immediately after Penn had obtained his 
charter for the province, and had begun his ad- 
ministration of its various affairs, he negotiated 
with the Indians for the purchase of their lands. 
He regarded them as the rightful owners of the 
territory by virtue of their possession. King 
Charles disagreed with him, and claimed the 
territory by right of discovery. Peini won- 
dered then whether the King would admit title 
to England in the Indians if they should chance 
to discover it in the King's possession. 

Many purchases were made by him. He 
gave in consideration for the land mostly arti- 
cles which the Indians regarded as useful, such 
as blankets, coats, guns, powder, lead, etc. Com- 
paratively little money was paid to them. Rum 
was occasionally given. The accompanying 
map shows the extent and time of the various 
purchases. 

There are two deeds for lands, included in 
Berks County, in which we are particularly in- 
terested.' One is dated 7th of September, 1732. 
It is from Sassoonan, alias Allummapis, sachem 
of the Schuylkill Indians, in the province of 
Pennsylvania, Elalapis, Ohopamen, Pesqueeto- 
men, Mayeemoe, Partridge and Tepakoaset, aliax 
Joe, on behalf of themselves and all the other 
Indians of the said nation, unto John Penn, 
Thomas Penn and Richard Penn. The territory 
contained in the grant is described as follows : 
"All those tracts of land or lands lying on or 
near the river Schuylkill, in the said province, 
or any of the branches, streams, fountains or 
springs thereof, eastward or westward, and all 
the lands lying in or near any swamps, marshes, 
fens or meadows, the \vatei-s or streams of which 
flow into or toward the said river Schuylkill 
situate, lying and being between those hills 
called Lechay Hills and those called Keekach- 
tanemin Hills, which cross the said river Schuvl- 



• The lower section of the county, lying southwardly of 
the South Mountain, or " Lechay Hill," was released by 
the Indians in 1718, it having been included in previous 
purchases of territory. 



GENERAL HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



19 



kill about thirty miles above the said Lechay 
Hills, and all land whatsoever lying within the 
said bounds ; and between the branches of Del- 
aware river, on the eastern side of the said land, 
and the branches or streams running into the 
river Susquehannah, on the western side of the 
said land, together with all mines, minerals, 
quarries, waters, rivers, creeks, woods, timber 
and trees, with all and every the appurtenances, 
etc." 

The consideration mentioned in the deed 
consisted of the following articles : 

" 20 brass kettles, 100 stroudwater matchcoats of 
two yards each, 100 duffels do., 100 blankets, 100 yards 
of half tick, 60 linen shirts, 20 hats, 6 made coats, 12 
pairs of shoes and buckles, 80 pair of stockings, 300 
lbs. of gun powder, 600 lbs. of lead, 20 fine guns, 12 
gun locks, 50 tomahawks or hatchets, 50 planting 
hoes, 120 knives, 60 pair of scissors, 100 tobacco tongs, 
24 looking-glasses, 40 tobacco boxes, 1000 flints, 5 
pounds of paint, 24 dozen of gartering, 6 dozen of rib- 
bons, 12 dozen of rings, 200 awl blades, 100 pounds of 
tobacco, 400 tobacco pipes, 20 gallons of rum and fifty 
pounds in money." ' 

Lingahonoa, one of the Schuylkill Indians, 
executed the deed on the 12th of July, 1742, 
upon receiving his full share and proportion of 
the several goods mentioned, he " happening not 
to be present when his brethren signed and exe- 
cuted the same." His execution was attested by 
Benjamin Franklin, William Peters, Conrad 
Weiser and Lynford Lardner.- 

The other deed is dated 22d August, 1749. 
It is from nine different tribes of Indians unto 
Thomas Penn and Richard Penn. The several 
tribes were represented by their chiefs, who ap- 
j)eared and executed the deed in their behalf, 
namely : 

Oneyders (Oneidas). Shomokins. 

. , Tachneedorus. 

Anuchnaxqua. „ , . , 

Saristagnoah. Sagoguchiathon. 

AVatshatuhon. Cachnaora Katack-ke. 
Shawanes. 

Cayuikers (Cayugas). Backsinosa. 
Tawis Tawis. Mohocks. 

Kacnoaraaseha. p^tp,. Qntachsax. 

Ta Kachquontas. Christian Diaryhogon. 

Tuicurrorows. Delawares. 

Tyierox. Nutimus. 

Ralichwananach-shy. Qualpaghach. 



' 1 Penna. Arch., 344-345. 



■ lb. 346. 



Sataganackly. 

Kanalshyiacayon. 

Canechwadeeron. 



Onontagers. Siniehers (Senecas). 

Cayianockea. 
Hanatsany. 
Agash Tass. 
Caruchianachqui. 

The consideration was five hundred pounds 
lawful money of Pennsylvania. The tract of 
land conveyed lay north of the Blue Mountain 
and extended from the Delaware on the east to 
the Susquehanna on the west. It included the 
whole of Schuylkill County.^ 

Conrad Weiser was the interpreter for the 
Indians in this transfer. 

COUNTIES ERECTED. 

The following statement contains the coun- 
ties erected in the State and arranged in chrono- 
logical order : 

1682. — By order of William Penn, three counties 
were laid out in the southeastern section of Pennsyl- 
vania, in November, 1682,— Bucks, Chester and Phil- 
adelphia. Subsequently the counties were erected by 
the Assembly and the Legislature, upon petition from 
the inhabitants. 

1729. — Lancaster was formed from a part of Ches- 
ter, and erected May 10, 1729. 

1749. — York, part of Lancaster, August 10, 1749. 

1750. — Cumberland, part of Lancaster, January 27, 
1750. 

1752.— Berks, parts of Chester, Philadelphia and 
Lancaster, March 11, 1752. Northampton, part of 
Bucks, same day. 

1771.— Bedford, part of Cumberland, March 9, 1771. 

1772. — Northumberland, parts of Lancaster, Cum- 
berland, Bedford, Berks and Northampton, March 21, 
1772. 

1773. — Westmoreland, part of Bedford, February 
26, 1773. 

These eleven counties participated in the 
Declaration of Independence and in the War of 
the Revolution for its establishment. They 
comprised the entire territory of the State, 
though many districts were not yet settled. 

The following fifty-six counties were erected 
after 1776. They are arranged chronologically 
to show the development of the State. The re- 
spective districts of the State were necessarily 
created into county organizations as they be- 
came well occupied by settlers. Certain counties 
at first included very great areas of territory, as 



'2 Penna. Arch., 3.3- 



20 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



in the case of Northumberland, which, in 1772, 
included about a third part of the State ; but the 
remaining portions, which M'ere left after the 
reductions had been made, generally indicated 
the locality of the first considerable permanent 
settlements. This is somewhat remarkable. 
Berks County at first included all the territory 
which lay between the present eastern and 
western boundary lines extended to the northern 
line of the State. The first settlements beyond 
the Blue Mountain were quite naturally made 
in that part now included in Schuylkill 
County, but Northumberland County was 
erected many years before Schuylkill County, 
not because it possessed more settlers, but be- 
cause they were so far distant from the county- 
seat (Reading), whereby they suffered great in- 
convenience and expense in attending to local 
affairs, requiring attendance at court, etc. The 
number of settlers was comparatively few, but 
the number of inhabitants in that district of 
Schuylkill, which was taken from Berks in 
1811, was over six thousand. It was not set 
apart into a separate county at an earlier time 
for the reason that the several townships were 
not considered inconvenient in respect to dis- 
tance from the county-seat. 

1781. — Washington was formed out of part of West- 
moreland, March 28, 1781. 

1783. — Fayette, also part of Westmoreland, Sep- 
tember 2fi, 1783. 

1784.^Franklin, part of Cumberland, September 
9, 1784. Montgomery, part of Philadelphia, Septem- 
ber 10, 1784. 

1785. — Dauphin, part of Lancaster, March 4, 1785. 

1786.— Luzerne, part of Northumberland, Septem- 
ber 25, 1786. 

1787. — Huntingdon, part of Bedford, September 
20, 1787. 

• 1788.— Allegheny, parts of Westmoreland and 
Washington, September''24, 1788. 

1789. — Mifflin, parts of Cumberland and Northum- 
berland, September 19, 1789. Delaware, part of Ches- 
ter, September 26, 1789. 

1795. — Lycoming, part of Northumberland, April 
13, 1795. Somerset, part of Bedford, April 17, 1795. 

1796. — Greene, part of Washington, February 9, 
1796. 

1798. — Wayne, part of Northampton, March 21, 
1798. 

1800.— Adams, part of York, January 22, 1800. 
Centre, parts of Northumberland, Huntingdon, Mif- 
flin and Lycoming, February 13, 1800. Armstrong, 



parts of Westmoreland, Allegheny and Lycoming, 
March 12, 1800. Beaver, parts of Washington and 
Allegheny, same day. Butler, part of Allegheny, 
same day. Crawford, part of Allegheny, same day. 
Erie, part of Allegheny, same day. Mercer, part of 
Allegheny, same day. Venango, parts of Allegheny 
and Lycoming, same day. Warren, parts of Alle- 
gheny and Lycoming, same day. 

1803. — Indiana, parts of Westmoreland and Lyco- 
ming, March 30, 1808. 

1804. — Cambria, parts of Bedford, Huntingdon and 
Somerset, March 20, 1804. Clearfield, parts of Nor- 
thumberland, Huntingdon and Lycoming, same day. 
Jefferson, part of Lycoming, same day. McKean, 
part of Lycoming, same day. Potter, part of Lyco- 
ming, same day. Tioga, part of Lycoming, same day. 
1810.- — Bradford, parts of Luzerne and Lycoming, 
February 21, 1810. Susquehanna, part of Luzerne, 
same day. 

1811.— Schuylkill, parts of Berks and Northamp- 
ton, March 1, 1811. 

1812. — Lehigh, part of Northampton, March 6, 
1812. 

1813. — Lebanon, parts of Lancaster and Dauphin, 
February 16, 1813. Columbia, part of Northumber- 
land, March 22, 1813. Union, part of Northumber- 
land, same day. 

1814.— Pike, part of Wayne, March 26, 1814. 
1820.— Perry, part of Cumberland, March 22, 1820. 
1831.— Juniata, part of Mifflin, March 2, 1831. 
1836. — Monroe, parts of Northampton and Pike, 
April 1, 1836. 

1839. — Clarion, parts of Armstrong and Venango, 
March 11, 1839. Clinton, parts of Lycoming and 
Centre, June 21, 1839. 

1842. — Wyoming, part of Luzerne, April 4, 1842. 
1843. — Carbon, parts of Northampton and Monroe, 
March 13, 1843. Elk, parts of Clearfield, Jefferson 
and McKean, April 18, 1843. 

184G. — Blair, parts of Bedford and Huntingdon, 
February 26, 1846. 

1847. — Sullivan, part of Lycoming, March 15, 1847. 
1848.— Forest, part of Jeff'erson, April 11, 1848, 
(part of Venango added, October 31, 1866). 

1849. — Lawrence, parts of Beaver and Mercer, 
March 20, 1849. 

1850.— Fulton, part of Bedford, April 19, 1850. 
Montour, part of Columbia, May 3, 1850. 

1855.— Snyder, part of Union, March 2, 1855. 
I860. — Cameron, parts of McKean, Potter, Clinton 
and Elk, March 29, 1860. 

1878. — Lackawanna, part of Luzerne, August 21, 
1878. 

The State comprises sixty-seven counties. 

DEVELOPMENT OF .STATE. 

The development of Pennsylvania from a vast 
uncultivated wilderness in the po.ssession of un- 



GENERAL HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



civilized Indians, through a period of two hun- 
dred and fifty years, into a productive country 
in the possession of progressive Christians lias 
been truly wonderful. The course of imjjrove- 
ment in this long period of time is indescribable, 
— a period long, very long, to us who can at best 
comprehend only several scores of years in our 
lives and by our experiences, but when com- 
pared with the march in countries whence our 
early settlers emigrated it is small, and when 
compared with ancient countries, such as Greece 
and Egypt, it is insignificant. 

Population and Territory. — In 1681, 
when Peun obtained possession of the province, 
he estimated the population at one thousand, 
including all nationalities. Two hundred years 
afterward, by the census of 1880, it was 4,282,- 
891 ; and now it is four and a half millions. 
Then all the territory in the actual possession 
of the early settlers amounted to only several 
hundred square miles, and this lay along the 
Delaware River, in the vicinity of and below 
Philadelphia, and it was improved merely with 
ordinary buildings for domestic use; and the 
combined wealth could not have exceeded a 
million of dollars. Now, the State comprises 
forty-five thousand square miles — an extent of 
country three hundred miles long and one hun- 
dred and fifty miles wide — and this vast area is 
improved with buildings of every description, 
and roads and turnpikes, and canals and rail- 
roads, which facilitate life and intercourse and 
transportation to a surprising degree, and the 
combined wealth counts into billions of dollars. 
First Century. — The first century was 
devoted almost entirely to rapid influx of set- 
tlers, to taking up land in tracts varying mostly 
from one hundred to four hundred acres and 
improving the'same with dwellings and barns, 
to laying out public roads from settlement to 
settlement in every direction, and to organizing 
townships and counties and courts of ju.stice. 
Agriculture was the principal employment of 
the inhabitants ; but numerous trades and voca- 
tions were pursued to supply necessary articles. 
In this time the population increased to about 
four hundred thousand. This was certainly a 
large increase ; and it can be said that immi- 
,gration was the most marked feature during 



this century in the development of the pro- 
vince. 

Second Century. — The second century 
began under a dark and threatening cloud. 
The inhabitants had grown in strength, not 
only in respect to number, but also in respect 
to industry and wealth, to social influence and 
to feelings for political independence and ambi- 
tion for local power. And this strength was 
being tested in their efforts to establish represen- 
tative government entirely from the people 
through the terrible trials and losses of war. 
It proved strong enough for victory. With the 
Revolutionary War over, in the first few years, 
this century then started out earnestly with 
grand prospects for the years to come, similar, 
at least, if not superior, to those foreshadowed 
by the liberal policy of Penn. From a single 
individual, who fortunately possessed excep- 
tional views in behalf of mankind, the power of 
government passed to the whole community. 
Under the beneficent influences which proceeded 
from this change these prospects have been 
fully realized ; indeed, the results have sur- 
passed the highest expectations of the most san- 
guine advocates of the new system. 

Government. — Government was the prin- 
cipal subject which engro.ssed the public atten- 
tion for the first decade and it was a compre- 
hensive one for the time. But how admirably 
the people came to master it, not bv themselves, 
but through the fortunate selection of compe- 
tent representatives ! We may, indeed, ask 
how such men came to be selected, what senti- 
ments led public feeling in the right direction 
and created such a unanimity of purpose. It 
was not accident. It resulted from general re- 
spect for learning and fitness, which superinduced- 
men who were not qualified for responsible 
positions to show no desire for office or polit- 
ical preferment. Our early Governors and 
judges were exceptional men. In respect to 
prominence, they stood out above the great mass 
of the people just as certain high oaks appear 
above the surrounding trees in a wide forest. 
In the course of time, as decade after decade 
passed away, it cannot be said that we have 
maintained this state of political affairs. Lat- 
terly, especially, men obtain offices through acci- 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



dent, without any preparation for the positions 
which they are called upon to fill, and without 
any prominence to designate them as men for 
the times. And if recognized fitness and prom- 
inence were characteristics worthy of considera- 
tion in the early history of our representative 
government, when we had a population num- 
bering only four hundred thousand, how much 
more should they be now, when we have a popu- 
lation exceeding four million, with numerous 
interests which involve enormous appropriations 
of money and require the greatest possible exhi- 
bition of wisdom, honor and courage for their 
directions towards subserving the public wel- 
fare. 

Internal Improvements. — The next sub- 
ject in point of prominence was internal im- 
provements. When the century began we had 
nothing in this respect beyond public roads, 
not even bridges to facilitate the crossing of 
flowing rivers. But a decade liad hardly 
passed before turnpikes and canals were sug- 
gested ; and the half of the century had not 
elapsed before we had turnpikes and canals, and 
bridges and railroads. These were, indeed, 
rapid strides in advance of the closing period of 
the first century. They were superinduced by 
the energy of trade and transportation, and by 
the great demands of the time for all kinds of 
manufactured articles, through rapidly increiis- 
ing population. The discovery of coal and the 
application of steam to motive-power encour- 
aged the development of these valuable im- 
provements. Rut in this behalf iron-ore exerted 
the strongest influence. These three agents 
placed the State foremost of all the States in 
respect to internal improvements, and brought 
her energy to such a condition of activity that 
her productions alone exceeded those of all the 
other States together.' In connection with this 
subject I must mention manufactures, — for in- 



'This has been the case at least ia iron articles, coal and 
petroleum. Pennsylvania has always produced one- half of 
the pig-iron cast in the United States, and more than one- 
half of the iron and steel rails, and of the steel ingots. In 
1883 the production was as follows : 

Tons Tons Tons 

Pig Iron. Rails. Ingots. 

United States . . 5,146,972 1,.360,(;94 214,134 

Pennsylvania. . 2,638,891 8.57,818 136.020 



ternal improvements and manufactures in our 
great State have traveled together side by side. 
The latter necessarily preceded the former, for 
they required a way for convenient and rajiid 
transportation so as to answer the demands of 
the growing communities. The life and wealth 
and progress of the State within the last fifty 
years are attributable mainly to them. Phila- 
delphia is particularly indebted to them for 
remarkable increase of wealth, influence and 
population. The county of Berks has ever been 
active in encouraging and carrying on industries 
of various kinds, such as furnaces, forges, mills, 
shops and factories, — especially the county-seat, 
Reading. In this respect our county stands out 
as boldly as any other district in the State. 

Education. — In looking over the various 
affairs of the State, the subject of education is 
prominent. Before 1834 there was legislation 
encoxu'aging the education of children in the 
several counties throughout the State, but there 
was no fixed system for its regulation, and 
therefore its results were not successful. In 
1834 a general system was devised, but it was 
not compulsory. The spirit of improvement 
labored on, and through its influences amend- 
ments of the system were made at different 
times. Finally, in 1854, each county was re- 
quired to elect a superintendent for the purpose 
of supervising the system and of giving it 
proper direction ; and when this important 
factor was introduced the progress of general 
education began in earnest. The intellectual 
development of the people, through the increas- 
ing liberality of the State in this behalf for the 
last half-century, has been as remarkable on the 
one hand as successful on the other. In the 
matter of school buildings and teaching, es- 
pecially in the boroughs and titles, a great 
improvement is apparent in every section. The 
contrast of the present with the past is very 
marked. The education afforded by means of 
our colleges, academies, seminaries and numerous 
pay-schools is worthy of notice. They are an 
important element in this great cause, and are 
entitled to much credit in the intellectual pro- 
gress of the people ; indeed, the greater part 
of the credit for thorough and advanced 
knowledge. 



GENERAL HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



23 



The following statistics show the progress of common-school education in the State ; 



YEAR. 


No. of 
Districts 


No. of 
Scliools 


No. of 
Scholars. 


No. of 
Teachers. 


Appropriations 
from State. 


School-tax. 


Expenditure 
for building. 


Expenditure 
for teaching, etc. 


1836 


907 
1656 
2103' 
2240' 


762 
10,469' 
17,783 
19,919 


150,781 
581,992 
902,412 
966,039 


808 
13,108 
20,652 
21,464 


$146,287 
159,554' 
723,784' 
700,340 


$287,105 
1,127.992' 
6,623,273' 
7,623,678 


$135,236 

266,198' 

1,276,578 

1,686,132 


$193,972' 
1.041,571 
4,817,563 
5,403,636- 


1854 


1876 


1884 










1 











' Not including Philadelphi.a. 



2 Total expenses, $9,463,221. 



Buildings. — The buildings throughout the 
State for tiie transaction of public business also 
exhibit great progress; and the private build- 
ings, both for business and domestic uses, are 
particularly expressive of taste, enterprise and 
liberality. Some of the buildings erected by 
corporations, such as railroad companies, bank- 
ing companies, insurance companies and pub- 
lishing companies, are imposing structures which 
call forth our admiration. This spirit is grow- 
ing so rapidly that, through active competi- 
tion, we are drifting into extravagance, if we 
have not already reached that point in improve- 
ments of this kind. It were well for us if the 
structures represented so much actual wealth, 
clear of debt; but, unfortunately, many of them 
are encumbered to such an extent as to amount 
to a burden upon our energy, especially that 
part which is carried away in rents and interest 
beyond the limits of the State. And the church 
buildings can be mentioned in this connection. 
Many of them are truly magnificent. But their 
magnificence is overshadowed by extravagance 
and expensiveness, and, in many cases, by ac- 
tual debt. We have a prevailing spirit that 
concei-ves and inculcates the idea that grand 
structures, with or without debts, will lead 
worldly people "unto the Lord," and direct 
their steps into paths of Christian virtue; yet 
this .same .spirit tolerates the sufiering of many 
poor people and the gradual degradation of 
many poor children. And this spirit, besides 
exciting generosity in behalf of costly buildings 
■with great spires, also gathers large sums of 
money, in every community, for foreign mis- 
sions, notwithstanding crimes and offenses and 
unlawful practices of various kinds blot our 



social life, and notwithstanding the tendency to 
continue them, if not to multiply them, obtains 
a stronger hold upon the present generation. 
The taxes, assessments and collections of all 
kinds, taken together, amount truly to an enor- 
mous sum. 

Railroad corporations are improving the 
State in every quarter. Their enterprise and 
generosity excite our amazement. But do we 
realize tlie debt which rests upon these improve- 
ments, — the interest which is carried away ? 
Municipal corporations possess a similar' spirit ; 
they have beautified towns and cities with mag- 
nificent structures. But what of the alarming 
debts ? what of the heavy taxes upon our en- 
ergy and industry? This spirit was actually 
running away with councilmen and legislators, 
aud public sentiment finally aro.se and put a 
limit, if not a check, to their extravagance by 
legislative enactment. Insurance companies, 
against death and fire, display everywhere a 
similar spirit. AVhat building.s, indeed, and 
what salaries and commissions to officers and 
agents ! Are they not a burden, instead of a 
benefit, as now conducted, taking away from 
us more than they are returning ? Their busi- 
ness is truly enormous. They are so success- 
ful, indeed, that from their collections they not 
only erect costly buildings and pay extravagant 
salaries, but return our money for our obliga- 
tions, thus leading us into paying interest be- 
sides assessments. Theatres and public halls 
could also be mentioned. Altogether, we have 
buildings that are truly wonderful. But what 
of the burdens which they have occasioned '! 
What of the strain upon our energy ? What 
of the drain from our income ? What of the 



24 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



teudeucy to elevate and empower capital aud 
to humiliate and weaken labor? 

Under all we seem to thrive. The improve- 
ments are evidence of enrichment. But who 
can say that this condition of our State is not 
really an evil. If it i.s, what is the remedy to 
cure it ? We niu.st reverse the tendency of 
drawing our people from the rural districts, we 
must direct their energy back into simple and 
small communities, and the results of their la- 
bor into local improvements ; we must scatter 
the people more from the large cities into vil- 
lages and towns ; we must encourage numerous 
populous places throughout the valleys ' of 
our State rather than boast of great cities with 
hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of in- 
habitants ; we must distribute wealth and politi- 
cal power more amongst our towns and town- 
ships and counties rather than concentrate them 
in one large metropolis, more amongst the people 
rathertlianiua limited ntimber of capitalists and 
party leaders. 

Inventions. — In referring to the several in- 
fluences which have been incessantly at work in 
our gradual development as a State, I cannot 
overlook the productions of genius in respect to 
discoveries and inventions. A history of them 
in the order of their presentation to us would 
be not only very interesting, but also valuable. 
They have exerted a wonderful power over our 
actions. Our progress is mainly attributable to 
them. By comparing the situation of the 
people throughout the State in 1776, without 
the use of coal, steam, petroleum, gas and elec- 
tricity, railroads and bridges, telegraphs and 
telephones, and labor-saving machines — such as 
the mower, reaper, binder, planter and thresher, 
the sewing-machines and the machinery of var- 
ious kinds for manufacturing goods out of iron 
and wood, cotton and wool, etc., — with our sit- 
uation in 1876, in the possession of all these 
things, we can readily see and appreciate the 
great progress which we have made. 

The wealth which we now enjoy has come 
to us mostly through them ; and they are 
the things that continue from generation to 



'Railroads are draining income from labor more and 
more into large cities; but they are developing and popu- 
lating interior districts rapidly. 



generation. People come and go, wealth is 
unstable like water, government fluctuates witii 
the passions of mankind ; but discoveries and 
inventions never leave us, — they contain those 
eternal principles which survive the revolutions 
of governments and the struggle of rival nations, 
and they witness the change and antagonism, 
of progressing and succeeding religions. These 
governments aud nations and religions have 
their different measures and standards and 
theories, providing one set of opinions for one 
age and another set for another age ; but they, in 
the onward coui'se of time, pass away like a 
dream. The discoveries of genius, the inventions 
of practical minds, alone survive. 

Patriotism. — The patriotism of Pennsylva- 
nia during the several trying periods of our 
country, especially during the Revolution and 
Rebellion, stands out like a'bold, grand monu- 
ment above all our achievements. Her people 
have not only shown great ability in developing 
her resources, her influence and her power, but 
also devotion to the principles of political inde- 
pendence and unity. As her share of assistance to 
the general government in prosecuting the Civil 
War to a successful conclusion, she furnished 
millions of money and over three hundred and 
sixty thousand soldiers, a number exceeding one- 
tenth of her population. In the course of her 
brilliant history she ha.s exhibited energy and 
liberality enough on the one hand to create a 
country; but, in the hour of peril, she has mani- 
fested power and devotion enough on the other 
to preserve it. 

Troops were furnished as follows : 

1861 130,594 

1862 71.100 

1863 43,046 

1864 91,704 

1865 25,840 

362,284 
The population in 1860 was 2,906,215. 
Agriculture. — In concluding this brief 
narrative of the development of Pennsylvania, 
I must mention a subject which, if not more im- 
portant than the subjects already mentioned, is, 
nevertheless, equally prominent — it is agricul- 
ture. 

The great majority of our people have been 



GENERAL HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 



25 



engaged from the time of our earliest settlements 
till now in this enriching department of labor. 
It was a necessary employment with which to 
begin the settlement and improvement of a 
new country. The immigrants came qualified to 
carry it on successfully. They possessed all the 
qualificiitions for pioneer farmers — physical 
strength and determination, industry and econo- 
my, and practical judgment and perception. 
Before the Revolution, everything was depend- 
ent upon them. They were tiie motive-power 
which set the whole community moving in the 
several avenues of life. In matters of labor, 
government and religion they constituted the 
one great element of society which was indis- 
pensable. If they had been taken away, the 
province would have retui'ued to its primitive 
state. Hence they were the agency which ele- 
vated the country above the condition in which 
it had been held by the aborigines for centuries.' 
Their improvements extended mostly throughout 
tlie eastern and southeastern sections, which lay 
to the east of and about the Susquehanna River, 
and comprised about one-fourth of the area of 
the province ; and these were effected altogether 
by actual manual labor, without the aid of labor- 
saving implements and machinery, a fact worthy 
of especial mention. After the Revolution, for 
at least fifty years, the general condition of agri- 
culture remained about the same in respect to 
influence. It was extended more thoroughly 
throughout the territory of the State beyond the 
Susquehanna River. But the -genius of man 
then, decade after decade, began to introduce 
new subjects which invited capital and energy 
into new channels, e.specially for improved high- 
ways, and shops, mills and factories of various 
kinds. The spirit of concentration gradually 
led away a considerable part of this strong in- 
fluence from agriculture and directed it into 
capital and into political and .social power, and 
it was made to subserve the welfare of persons 
rather than the welfare of communities. The 
majority of persons still continued for some time 

'Penn.sylvania took tlie lead of all the colonies in agricul- 
ture. In 1751 the exports in grain were, — wheat, 80,000 
bushels ; Hour, 129,960 bushels ; Indian corn, 90,743 
bushels ; and the total amount of exports then exceeded 
one million of dollars. — Riipp. 
4 



in agriculture, and agriculture was benefited 
in various ways by improved transportation and 
by labor-saving machinery. But its real inde- 
pendence grew less, and it would seem to have 
grown le.ss as mechanical power developed itself 
into greater prominence and usefulness. The ten- 
dency of legislation was gradually directed to- 
wards capital through steam and coal and iron 
and maiHifactured products, rather than agricul- 
ture through manual labor and the products of 
the soil — towards towns and mctroj)olitan places 
rather than towards the larger divisions of ter- 
ritory, such as townships and counties — towards 
the leaders of wealth, rather than towards the 
people. Hence, the country districts did not ad- 
vance in as marked a manner in respect to pop- 
ulation and wealth as towns and cities advanced. 
The total productions of agriculture have in- 
creased wonderfully during this century, es- 
pecially during the last three decades. This 
arose mostly through the introduction of im- 
proved farming implements and machinery, the 
clearing of laud and the increase of farms for 
agricultural purposes. The general live-stock 
and barns and dwellings have been improved in 
character and value. More attention has been 
directed latterly to the successful cultivation of 
fruit. The general condition of farmers has 
been elevated very much ; but ;is a prominent 
class in the State they do not give that direction 
to various importiint aflFairs — political, social 
and religious — which they naturally should give 
by reason of their immber and wealth. 

The following statistics are submitted in this 
connection to show the general progress of agri- 
culture ; but they reveal also the power and 
profit of manufactures as compared with agri- 
culture. The inve.stmeut in farms, implements 
and .stock is over one billion dollars, the income 
not two hundred million, or one-fifth ; but the 
investment in manufactures does not amount to 
one billion dollars, and yet the income is nearly 
seven hundred and fifty million, or three- 
fourths of the investment. 

In' 1880 the total population of the State 
over ten years of age, was 3,203,215. The 
number engaged in agriculture was 301,112.^ 



' In manufacturing and mining industries, 528,277. 



26 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Productions of grain, etc., for the following years : ' 



1850. 



Wheat, bushels 

Rye, bushels 

Oats, bushels 

Corn, bushels 

Potatoes, bushels 

Wool, pounds 

Hay, tons 

Tobacco, pounds 

Improved farms, acres 

Value of farms 

Value of implements, etc, 
Live stock 



15, 
4 
21 
19 
5 
4, 
1 

8 

$407, 

14 

41 



691 
160 
,156 
,214 
,732 
,570 
,970 
561 
619 
099 
541 
,053 



1860. 



13,042, 

5,474, 

27,387, 

28,196, 

11,087. 

4,752; 

2,245, 

3,181, 

10,463, 

$662,050, 

22,442, 

69,672, 



165 
,788 
,147 
821 
467 
522 
413 
586 
296 
707 
842 
726 



19,672,967 

3,577,641 

36,478,585 

34,702,006 

12,889,367 

6,561,722 

2,848,219 

3,467,539 

11,515,965 

$1,043,481,582 

35,658,196 

115,647,075 



1880. 



19,462,405 

3,683,621 

33,841,439 

45,821,531 

16,284,819 

8,470,273 

2,811,654 

36,943,272 

13,423,007 

$975,689,410 

35,473,087 

84,242,877 



Statistics on manufactures for comjjarison with foregoing table : ' 



1850. 



Establishments, number ' 21,605 

Persons emi)loyed, number i 146,766 

Capital invested | $94,473,810 

Materials ! 87,206,377 

Products I 155,044,910 



22,363 

222,132 

$190,0.55,904 

153,477,698 

290,121,188 



37,200 

319,487 

$406,821,845 

421,197,673 

711,894,344 



31,232 

387,072 
$474,510,993 
4(i5,020,563 
744,818,445 



CHAPTER II. 

PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY OF BERKS COUNTY. 

(.ieology — Minerals — Botany — Mountains — Valleys — 
Streams — Relative Elevations. 

GEOLOGY. 

SriENCE, in her survey of the earth, has recog- 
nized three kingdoms of nature — Jird, the an- 
imal ; second, the plant ; and third, the cry.stal. 
The animal and plant are both endowed with 
life. This life commences from a germ and 
grows by means of imbibed nutriment. In its 
growth it passes through a series of changes and 
a gradual development until it reaches the 
adult state, wherein it continues to death. In 
its adult state it evolves new germs or seeds, 
and thus it multiplies life after its own kind. 
But the crystal is a lifeless object. It begins in 
a nucleal molecule or particle, and it enlarges 
by external addition or accretion alone. There- 
fore it has no development. It simply exists. 
It does not reproduce particles after its kind. 

The earth in the beginning was like a germ. 

United States Census Reports, 1880. 



It was brought to its present condition tlirough 
a series of changes or progressive formations. 
Like an animal or plant, it has its special sys- 
tems of interior and exterior structure, condi- 
tions, movements and changes. Under the 
guidance and the appointed law of an Infinite 
Mind it passed through a regular course of 
growth or history, and, like the animal or plant, 
it has also individuality. 

In the grand sy.stem of tlie universe, the earth 
holds a very subordinate position. The sun is 
the centre of this system, and the earth is only 
one of his smaller .satellites. The sun is four- 
teen hundred tliousand times larger. It is esti- 
mated that this system has a radius of three 
thousand million miles. The nearest .star to 
the earth is seveu thousand times f:u"thur off 
than the planet Neptune, and Neptune is dis- 
titnt two billion six hiuulred and fifty-five mil- 
lion miles. Thus it appears that the earth, 
though vast to us, is only a very little object in 
the universe. Through gravitation, light, me- 
teoric stones and the moon, we learn that there 
is oneness of law through(5ut space. From 
these we can say tliat the laws which govern 



i? 



□ □DD 




PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



27 



the earth are the laws which govern the uni- 
verse ; and, though it is but an atom in immen- 
sity, it is, nevertheless, immensity itself in the 
revelations of truth. 

The earth is in form almost a perfect sphere. 
It is somewhat flattened at its poles. Its equa- 
torial diameter is 7926 miles, and its polar 
7900 miles. Its circumference is 24,899 miles. 
Its entire surface comprises 197,000,000 square 
miles. The surface is composed of land and 
water ; about one-fourth part is land and three- 
fourths water. It is divided into two hemi- 
spheres — the eastern and western. The land 
surfice of the' western hemisphere comprises 
fourteen million five hundred thousand square 
miles. The whole of this hemisphere is called 
America. The northern portion is North 
America and the southern South America. The 
surface of North America comprises seven mil- 
lion nine hundred and eighty thousand square 
miles. The United States occupy the central 
part, and extend from the Atlantic Ocean on 
the east to the Pacific Ocean on the west, and 
from the British possessions on the north to 
Mexico on the south. They comprise two mil- 
lion three hundred thousand square miles. 
Pennsylvania is one of these States and com- 
]»rises forty-six thousand square miles. It is 
divided into sixty-seven counties. Berks County 
is one of them and comprises eight hundred and 
twenty-two square miles, or five hundred and 
twenty-six thousand square acres. To us this 
county is a great and important tract of country; 
yet, by comparison, what a speck it is on the 
earth ! But the natural laws which govern its 
people, its animals and plants, its waters, etc., 
are th(! same as those which govern the people, 
animals, plants and waters of the whole earth. 

In treating of the earth as an individual ex- 
istence in the universe, we must consider, first, 
its geology in respect to structure and develop- 
ment; second, its physiography in respect to 
surface arrangements and physical changes ; 
and third, its relation to man in respect to the 
distribution of races and their progression. Ge- 
ology has been divided into four sub-divisions 
— historical, lithological, dynamical and phy- 
siographical. The first treats of the successive 
stages in tlie formation of the eartli's structure 



and the concurrent steps in the progress of life, 
through past time ; the second of the constitu- 
ents of this structure; the third, of the active 
forces and mechanical agencies which wei'e the 
means of physical progress ; and the fourth, of 
the systematic external form and feature of the 
earth. 

The progress of the earth's development is 
marked by ages. These ages are not separated by 
distinct dividing lines. All efforts to make such 
divisions have been fruitless. The culminant 
phases of different periods are traced in the pro- 
gress of development, and each culmination is 
the centre of a separate period. But the germ 
of that period was long working onward in pre- 
ceding time before it finally ciuue to its full 
development and stood forth as the characteris- 
tic of a new era of progress. Geologists recog- 
nize five ages. The first age is the Azoic. It 
is so called because it is without life. It is 
admitted that at one time the earth was in a 
state of universal fusion. The period inter- 
vening between this state and when the cli- 
mate and waters had become fitted for animal 
life is called the Azoic age. The second 
is the Palceozoic, oi- ancient. In this age 
there are three periods : 1, the Silurian or 
period of Mollusks ; 2, the Devonian, or period 
of Fishes ; and 3, the Carboniferous, or period 
of Coal Plants. The third is the Mcsozoic, or 
middle, the age of Reptiles. The foiutli is the 
Ccnozoic, or recent, the age of Mammals. And 
the fifth is the A(/e of Man, m- era of mind.' 

Professor H. D. Rogers made the First Geo- 
logical Survey of Pennsylvania during the years 
from 1830 to 1857 ; and published a geological 
map in 1858. In the section of the State which 
includes Berks County, there are four principal 
strata. These extend through the county from 
north-east to south-west. 

First. The Matinal, in the northern section. It 
occupies about two-fifths part of the county. 

Second. The Auroral, in the upper central section. 
It occupies about two-fifths part. 

Third. The Qneiss and Primal, in the lower central 
section. It occupies about one-fifth part. 

Fourth. The Mesozoic Red sandstone, in the south- 
ern section. It occupies about two-fifths part. 

' Dana's " Maniml of deolopy." 



28 



HISTORY OF BP]RKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The first three are placed by him iu the 
Loicev Pakeozoic Age, and tlie last is plaeed Id 
the Upper Pakeozoic. 

The Azoic Age is also represented in the 
southern section, in the South Mountain and in 
the Welsh Mountain. By some geologists it is 
called the Laureutian system. The Pakeozoic 
or older secondary system, beginning with No. 
1 Potsdam sandstone, is rejjresented in Penn's 
Mount, a spur of South Mountain, at the 
" White Spot." This system is magnificently 
developed throughout the entire State. 

Dr. John P. Hiester published a Geological 
Map of Berks County in 1854, which was 
copied from the Rogers Survey. A copy of 
this map is presented in this chapter. The 
streams and creeks on the map illustrate admir- 
ably the distribution of water and the general 
topography of the county. At that time there 
were twenty-five iron-ore mines in the county, 
as indicated on the map. Other mines have 
been opened since, especially in the East Penn 
Valley. The construction and operation of the 
railroad caused them to be developed rapidly. 
Several mines are not indicated on the map, 
though they were operated, at least had been 
discovered then, notably Boyertown (on Iron- 
stone Creek), Seishultzville (at head-waters of 
Pei'kiomen Creek) and HefFuer's (several miles 
east of Coxtown, now Fleetwood). 

MINKUA LS.' 

Mineralogy is tliat branch of natural science 
which treats of the different kinds of ores, com- 
position of the rocks and stones, etc., and 
teaches us to distinguish their properties and 
classify them. There are sixty-eight ditferent 
elements, or separate substances in the material 
world. Everything, therefore, must be com- 
posed of one or more of these elements. Oxy- 
gen comprises one-fifth of tlie air, eight-nintlis of 
the water, three-fourths of all animal bodies 
and about one-half of the crust of the earth ; 
hydrogen, one-ninth of the water ; and carbon 
is a large constituent of limestones, marbles and 
magnesian rocks. The other elements are less 
abundant ; and as their abundance diminishes, 



' From articles published in Spirit of /lerlci. at HeiiJing 
liy Professor D. B. Bruiiner, in 1K81. 



their value among mineralogists increases. 
Among the precious stones, the diamond is the 
most valuable, and among the metals, vanadium. 
Ii'on is worth one cent a pound, silver $18.60, 
gold $299.72, and vanadium $4792.40. To 
the best of the knowledge and belief of the 
mineralogists of Reading, vanadium has no 
existence within the confines of Berks County. 

About one-third of the elements form the 
mass of the earth, and these are found in Berks 
County. Most of the others ai'e found only in 
a few localities in the world, and in very small 
quantities. The few simple elements met with 
everywhere are compounded by the operations 
of nature in wonderful and astonishingly fine 
and exact proportions. These elements are 
combined in an infinite number of ways, and so 
minutely that it requires the highest scientific 
skill to separate them. The crystallization in 
minerals, the result of a combination of the 
elements, is often so srtiall that its forms can 
only be seen with a powerful microscope. So 
varied are they that Dana (who is one of the 
best authorities in mineralogy) has described 
six thousand five hundred ; and new ones are 
added yearly. 

Gold. — It is known to some persons, and to 
others it may be a great surprise, that we have 
gold in Berks County, in the immediate vicinity 
of Reading; at lea.st so says the eminent chem- 
ist, Professor Charles M. Wetherill, Ph.D., 
M.D. Dr. Wetherill made an examination of 
rocks, and reported the results of his soarcli to 
the Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, 
December, 1854. In his report he says, — 

" In a paper upon the occurrence of gold in Penn- 
sylvania, I alluded to an auriferous quartz in the neigh- 
borhood of Reading, Pa., and the examination of 
which afforded me slight, though uncertain, traces of 
gold. I stated at the close of the article that I had 
no doubt that a more careful examination of the 
rocks in the vicinity would yield affirmative results in 
an examination for this metal. ... I have noticed 
this quartz scattered over the ground in various ])arts 
of Berks County, some bearing very strong gold charac- 
teristics ; they are partially water-worn, but tlie angles 
are moderately sharp. On breaking them open, the 
inclosed masses of dark oxide of iron are apparent." 

Silver. — The most reliable information 
about silver in Berks (Jounty is from the: pen 



PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



29 



of Dr. Wetherill. In speaking of a heap of 
stones at the junction of Eighth and Ninth 
Streets, he says, — 

" Eighth Street quartz— 65 grammes x ]30 litharge 
X 10 black flux gave a lead button of 14 grammes, 
and silver .0075, which contained gold beyond a 
doubt, as judged from its lustre and resistance to 
nitric acid. 

"Another portion of quartz from the same locality 
— 200 grammes x 400 litharge x.o charcoal dust, gave 
lead 17 grammes, silver .0087.5, containing gold, 
though not as distinctly as the last. 

"Quartz from Jonathan Deininger's field — 185 
grammes, 370 litharge x.5 charcoal gave 20 grammes 
of lead, containing .00825 silver, in which no gold 
could be detected." 

By looking at the figures denoting the quantity 
of silver, it would, at first sight, appear to be 
infinitesimal ; but when it is remembered that 
the quantity of ore from which it wa.s taken, 
was only one hundred and eighty-five grammes, 
and that a ton of the same rock would have 
jiroduccd over forty pounds of silver or seven 
hundred and fifty dollars, it will be seen that, 
if there were a large body of the argentiferous 
quartz, yielding the same per cent, of silver, the 
mine would be a very remunerative one. 
Judging from the geological formation of North 
Reading, it is probable that the argentiferous 
quartz is not found in a body in or along the 
mountain, but in isolated fragments scattered 
over the alluvial soil in the valley. 

Professor H. W. Hollenbush, who had a 
large experience in mineralogy and visited every 
" nook and corner" in Berks County, exhibited 
a few years ago a beautiful globule of pure silver 
which he obtained from a fragment of a rock 
found in the northwestern part of Oley town- 
ship. He returned and investigated the local- 
ity for silver, but he found nothing. 

Some twenty years ago, there was found in 
ALsace township, a mile and a half north of 
Fies' Hotel, a combination of the elements 
among which silver was supposed to be con- 
spicuous. A small organization was formed to 
extract the silver from the refractory elements. 
The party secured the services of an expert, who 
had charge of the mining and smelting opera- 
tions. After a large amount of labor had been 
expended in drilling the hard rock and getting 



it out of its natural bed, it was thought advis- 
able to smelt the ore on hand and see what 
quantity of silver it contained. A foundry was 
rented at the foot of Penn Street, a crucible ob- 
tained and a quantity of the ore smelted. At 
the proper time the stockholders of the "Gneiss 
Silver Mining Company" were invited to see 
the shining metal poured out of the crucible, 
and behold ! there was enough silver in it to 
make a half-dollar! The operator asked for 
more funds to purchase the necessary apparatus 
to carry on the operations more successfully. 
The stockholders [)aid over the required amount, 
but the operator went to Philadelphia and 
never returned. It was supposed that the 
operator had put a half dollar into the crucible 
with the ore. No further ef}\)rt was made to 
obtain silver from the ore. 

Copper. — Copper combines with many of 
the other elements, and in consequence of this 
combination about fifty different minerals are 
found in which copper forms one of the con- 
stituents; six of these varieties are found in 
Berks, viz., — chalcopyrite, chrysocolla, mala- 
chite, azurite, oxyd of copper, bornite and ven- 
erite. 

Copper is found at various places in tiie 
county, but there is only one locality, Jones' 
mine, in the eastern part of Caernarvon township, 
near Joanna Station, in which it has been found 
in such quantities as to make the mining re- 
munerative. There being no record of the 
opening of this copper shaft, we give only such 
information as we obtained from the oldest per- 
sons still living, who spent the earlier part of 
their lives in the vicinity of the mine. Mrs. 
Laviuia Simmers (nearly eighty-fonr years of 
age) said that she could remember distinctly 
when the first search was made for copper. It 
was about seventy-five years ago (1806) when 
the first mining operations began there, by Cap- 
tain Thomas, who had obtained the privilege 
from the ovt^ner of the land. Richard Trealich 
was the superintendent of the mine, and he was 
assisted by two men named Ryfert and Oldfield. 
These were Englishmen. A building was erected 
at the large excavation. The slate for the roof, 
some building material and the machinery for 
operating the mine were brought from Eng- 



30 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



land; and it being before the time of railroads, 
they were conveyed from New York in wag- 
ons. 

It appears that Richard Trealich was a miner 
of great experience, because subsequent excava- 
tions proved that he sank a shaft near the spot 
where the richest copper was deposited. The 
miners descended perpendicularly one hundred 
feet, then drove a short distance northeast and 
sank a shaft eighty feet, making the entire 
depth of the shaft one hundred and eighty feet. 
In the bottom of the shaft a very hard rock was 
met, showing that the miners had struck a 
different geological formation. In sinking the 
shaft Alexander Young lost an eye and another 
man was crippled by an accidental blast. Shortly 
aftersvard Anthony Petz, while looking down 
the shaft at the pumping machinery, inadver- 
tently got his head under the bob and had it 
crushed. 

A considerable amount of copper-ore was 
taken out of (he shaft. They had no fur- 
nace to smelt the ore, so Thomas erected one 
about midway between the present house and 
barn. The ore was smelted in crucibles ; but 
the furnace and its fixtures being imperfect 
and the ore not yielding a very high percentage, 
it is believed Thomas did not obtain enough of 
copper to pay his expenses ; at least the mining 
was not profitable. In 1814 the machinery was 
taken away. The copper-mine was then idle 
until 1838, when it was operated by a man 
named Sands, who realized a considerable 
amount of money from the copper. In 1840 a 
Mr. Simons endeavored to get a lease on the 
mine ; but failing, after strenuous efforts, he 
commenced to take out ore and continued until 
1854 without paying a royalty. 

There were at that time only two copper fur- 
naces in this part of the country : one at Tyson's, 
in Baltimore, and the other in Jersey City. Mr. 
Simons hauled much, if not all of his ore, with 
Avagons to Jersey City. With all this expense 
and inconvenience in transportation, he is said 
to have realized considerable money. He 
separated the copper from all the other minerals 
by a process called "jigging " and " bucking." 
These ojieratious were performed as follows : 
The ore was taken to the Conestoga Creek, and 



there placed into sieves which were immersed 
in barrels filled with water, and by a " jig " 
movement the dirt was washed out and the re- 
fuse worked on the top and scraped off. The 
copper-ore, then almost free from impurities, 
was put into barrels, for convenience in trans- 
portation. 

From 1850 to 1854 the mine was in the 
hands of the American Mining Company, 
whose branch office was in New York. This 
company also sent the ore to Jersey City, and 
was reported to have been successful. 

The mine was lying idle from 1854 till 1869, 
when it was operated by the Schuylkill Copper 
Company, of Phcenixville, under the superin- 
tendence of James Harvey. This company 
opened a place a little farther east of the shaft, 
and took out a copper clay, which yielded about 
six per cent, of copper. Some of this clay was 
sent to England and the rest to Jersey City, till 
the company at Jersey City broke up; then the 
Copper Company at Phcenixville erected a 
furnace and smelted all the clay which the 
mine produced till 1878. They then abandoned 
the mine, and it has been idle since. This clay 
runs in veins a few feet thick. It is believed 
by some that it is far from being exhausted. 

At this mine are found fine specimens of 
malachite, chalcopyritc, chiysocoUa, bornite and 
venerite. 

luox. — Iron ore has been found in the county 
in verv great quantities. It is not known when 
mining for this ore began in this vicinity. The 
first places were doubtless in Colebrookdale and 
Caernarvon townships. Its rich deposits have 
been a source of great wealth to the county. 
They have caused forges and furnaces to be 
erected in every section, which have been 
worked almost constantly till now. The Boy- 
ertown Mines and the Jones Mines are particu- 
larly prominent. The East Penn Valley has 
supplied immense quantities of this ore. The 
total weight carried away cannot be estimated. 

In 1882 there were over one hundred mines 
in successful operation, whose annual produc- 
tion exceeded three hundred thousand tons. They 
then furnished constant employment to over a 
thousand men and brought into our county over 
a million of dollars. The many improvements 



PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



31 



in Schuylkill and East Penn Valleys indicate 
the prosperity afforded through this single 
source — iron-ore. 

The annual product of the county in 1880 
was two hundred and iifty-two thousand nine 
hundred and forty tons. The Census Report 
placed the county third in the list of ore-pro- 
ducing counties in Pennsylvania — Lehigh hav- 
ing been first and Lebanon .second. In the en- 
tire country, our county was seventh. 

The ff)]lowingare the prominent mines in the 
county with the per cenUuti of iron in the (ire :' 

Iron Mines. — Primitive ore is desigiiiited by an 
asterisk (*); hematite ore is designated by a dagger (f). 

Longswamp. 

Per cent. 

1st Range, Gap Mine* 30 

2d " Rock " * 3'J-41 

3d " Ginkinger Mine* 45-52 

4th " WeilerMine* 52 

Wetzel's* 38 

Miller* 48-53 

Dunkel* 40 

Gardner* 35 

Marsteller* 42-57 

Mickley* '. 50 

Boyer* 43 

Frederick * 35 

Fritoh & Bro.» 22 

Tathani* 29 

Mertztowu t ' 40 

Klein t 45 

Lewis f 44 

Trexler f 52 

Merkelf 47 

Zieglerf 45 

Longsf 

Farmingtonf (at least twenty) 

Maxatawny. 

Kutzf 45 

Levant 45 

Bieberf 45 

Matz t 45 

Miller t 45 

Richmond. 

Moselem Mines (4)t 50 

Rothermelf 50 

Schaefler -j- 45 

Kieferf 50 

Old Heffnerf 45 

Heifner f 45 



I See Geol. Survey Berks Co., vol. D. 3-ii. pp. 2i)7 to 
375. 

' Kaolin also. 



Ruscomb -manor. 

Clymer* .59 

Tunnel* 35 

Schitler* 

Schwartz & Kutzf 

Udreet 40 

Mellertt 4.5-50 

Mcdary f 

Messersmithf 

Kelchnerj 

Schollenbergerf 

Hochf 

Hereford. 

Siesholtzville* 22 

Bittenbender * 45 

Gehman* 41-66 

Bittenbender t 

Washiyigton. 

Landis* 56 

Barto* 38 

Stauffer* 39 

Gilbert* 49 

Gilberg* 49 

Sparr* , 30 

Eline* 30 

Pike. 

Rohrbach* 60 

Lobach (red oxide) 45 

Diairicl. 
Beitler* 64 

Earl. 
Dottcrer (red oxide) 30 

Oley. 

Oley* 25 

Taliey* 30 

Weaverf- 50 

Hunter f 

Manwiller f 

Alsace. 

Hartman * 

Reading. 

Miller* '. 37 

Eckert* 37 

Colebrookdak. 

California* 40-.50 

Gabel* " 

Warwick* " 

Rhoads* " 

Caernarvon. 

Jones * 

Oumru. 

Fritz Island* 54 

Raudenbusli* 

Eureka t 48 

Spring. 

Wheatfield* 37 

Raub* 37 

Ruth* 42 

Seitzingerf 44 

Muhlenberg f 41 



32 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



CATALOGUE OF MINEKALS IN COUNTY. 

Tlie following alphabetical catalogue coutains 
tiie names of all the minerals which have been 
found in Berks County : ^ 

Allanite is found on Haines', Rhoads' and Schrre- 
der's farms, near Prieetown, in Ruscomb-manor 
township. It is associated with magnetite and zir- 
con. The mineral is black, and was named after T. 
Allen, the discoverer. 

Allophane has been found, in small quantities, 
at Jones' mine, in the eastern part of Caernarvon 
township. It occurs in fine white and sky-blue mam- 
millary and stalactitic masses. 

Apatite is a phosphate of lime, and crystallizes in 
six-sided prisms of a greenish color. It is found in 
magnetite at Jones' Mine, and in serpentine in 
Ruth's Mine. 

Aragonite. — (See Calcite.) 

Amphibole, — a hornblendic rock, which extends 
over a large portion of the county. The best speci- 
mens are found in the vicinity of Antietam Lake. 
It takes different forms, according to the locality, viz., 
that of Actinnlite, at Jones' Mine; Asbestos, at Earl- 
ville, on the Manatawny, and at Antietam Lake; of 
Mountain Leather, at Boyertown, and on Mr. Ezra 
High's farm, a mile south of Reading, in a cut of 
the Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley Railroad, from 
which specimens a foot square have been obtained ; 
of Hornlilende, a -constituent of many of the South 
Mountain rocks, on Henry Ruth's farm, Mohnsville ; 
and of Byssolitf, at Antietam Lake and in Long- 
swamp township. 

Apophyllite. — (See Zeolites.) 

AtJRiCHALClTE is reported to have been found at 
Jones' mine and on Fritz's Island ; but it has been of 
very rare occurrence. 

AzuRlTE, in fine azure-blue crystallization, was 
obtained, a few years ago, at Jones' Mine and on 
Fritz's Island. 

Barite occurs, abundantly associated with other 
mineral matter, at Mt. Mtna, (Tulpehocken town- 
ship), which, when it is struck, emits an odor resem- 
bling sulphureted hydrogen, and hence it is called 
Fetid Bnn/ta. 

BoRNiTE is a sulphuret of copper of a brilliant red 
and blue color. Very fine specimens are found at 
Jones' Mine and on Fritz's Island. 

Brucite, — a hydrate of magnesia, — takes its name 
from Dr. Bruce, of New York, the discoverer. It is 
of a yellowish tint, and is met with on Fritz's Island, 
both laminar and botryoidal. A vein of this mineral 
was also struck in Ruth's Mine. 

Calcite, — a carbonate of lime, — is found in various 
forms through the extensive limestone formation of 

' The author is inclcblerl to Professor D. B. Bruniiei-, of 
Reading, for this catalogue of minerals, lie having pre- 
pared it expres.«ly for this history. 



the county. Very beautiful acicular crystals and 
botryoidal coatings of this mineral are found at 
Jones' Mine, which are called Aragonite, from Ara- 
gon, a place in Spain where the crystallization was 
first discovered. It is also found on Fritz's Island, 
Ruth's and VVheatfield Mines, and in Crystal Cave. 
From its peculiar crystallization at the Big Dam, 
Fritz's Island and Luckenbill's Cave, it is called 
Dog-Tooth Spar. It is met with in .some jiarts of 
Bern and Cuniru townships, in rhombohedral crys- 
tals, and is called Calc-Spar. 

Chalcocite — from chalcos, copper — is a sulphide 
of the mineral. It crystallizes in rhombs, and occurs 
sparingly at Fritz's Island and Jones' Mine. 

Chalcopirite — copper pyrites — occurs at Fritz's 
Island, Jones' Mine and Boyertown. 

Chlorite — from chloros, green^s found at Fritz's 
Island, Jones' Mine, Wheatfield and Ruth's Mine. 

Chloropal is a silicate of iron, and is found in 
the hills in the neighborhood of Longswamp Church. 

Chrysocolla — from chmsos, gold, and kolla, glue 
— is a silicate of copper of a blue or green color, and 
is met with at Jones' Mine and Fritz's Island. 

Chrysolite — from chrusos, gold, and lithos, stone 
— is composed principally of silica and magnesia, and 
occurs in thin layers on Fritz's Island and Ruth's 
Mine. 

Copper. — Large quantities of copper-ore were taken 
out of Jones' Mine some years ago. The iron-ore 
and rocks are saturated with copper, but the percent- 
age is too small, and the process of working the ore is 
too expensive, to be remunerative. Fritz's Island, 
Wheatfield and Boyertown also contain small veins 
of copper. 

Damourite — named after the French chemist, 
Damour — is found on Jacob Fox's farm, in Ruscomb- 
manor township; at the Rockland Forge of a yellow- 
ish pale-green color, with a pearly lustre, found in 
masses, with lilac quartz; on Levi Merkel's farm, in 
Oley township ; at the Wheatfield Mine and in the 
various limolite mines in the Limestone Valley. 

Datolite is a white mineral in small crystals, 
found only on Fritz's Island. 

Dendrites — from dendron, tree — are marks or im- 
pressions on rocks on Fritz's Island, at Ruth's Mine 
and in Albany township, resembling trees. 

Deweylite — named after Professor Dewey — is ob- 
tained in several forms in Ruth's Mine, and is a sili- 
cate of magnesia. 

Epidote abounds in masses and in crystals at An- 
tietam Lake and in Longswamj), two miles southwest 
from Mertztown, in masses at Fleetwood, Boyerstown, 
Prieetown, Hancock and at various i)laces in the South 
Mountains. 

Feldspar grouj) forms the principal constituent 
of the South Mountain rocks and contains a variety of 
pyroxene, viz. : Laliradorite, from Labrador, where 
the mineral was first observed. It is found in small 
crystals in the rocks at Antietam Lake; OUgoclase or 



PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



33 



Albife at the Nestor and Gilbert Mines, in Washing- 
ton township ; at Siesholtzville, Orthodase and other 
feldspar minerals at Antietam Lake. 

Fluorite is composed of fluorine and calcium, 
and IS found in the limestones on Leinbach's Hill and 
at the Big Dam. The crystals are cubical, and of a 
deep blue color. 

Gai>enite — asulphide of lead — was found in a small 
vein on Fritz's Island. 

Garnets— (/arwaie&s, like a gi'ain — are found both 
crystallized and massive, of a rich red color, in Al- 
sace township, east of Antietam Lake, at Hertzog'a 
Mill, in Exeter township, and at Ruth's Mine. The 
lime-alumina garnets of Fritz's Island are called 
grossularite. 

Gold. — Dr. Charles M. Wetherill analyzed several 
rocks found in North Reading and discovered traces 
of gold and silver. 

GoETHiTE is an iron ore of a peculiar crystalliza- 
tion found at the Udree Mine, one and a half miles 
south of Pricetown. Another variety of this ore is 
found at the head of Walnut Street, Reading, on the 
farm of P. D. Wanner, Esq., and is known by the 
name of lepidokrokite — from lepis, scale, and kroku, 
fibre. 

Graphite — from graplio, I write — is found in the 
vicinity of Boyertown, on the farms of Messrs. Fcge- 
ley, J. Beohtel and Daniel Himmelreich, and at Dr. 
Funk's fish-pond, on Schmeck's farm, in Longswamp, 
in Magnetite, at Siesholtzville, and at Antietam 
Lake. 

Gypsum. — The name of this mineral is from the 
Greek word gupsos, and was anciently applied to the 
same mineral. It is a sulphate of lime and occurs at 
Bushong's Mine, north of their furnace, at Boyertown 
and in beautiful hexagonal prisons at Jones' Mine. 

Hematite is a very abundant ore in the East 
Penn Valley. When scratched or crushed it has a 
deep-red or blood color, and hence the name — haima, 
blood. The micaceous and specular varieties occur at 
Fritz's Island, at J. F. Dum's Mine, near Fleetwood, 
and in masses at Lobachsville. 

Kamererite — named after Kamerer, a Russian — is 
composed principally of silica and manganese, and 
is met with in small quantities only at Wheat.ield. 

Kaolin is derived from Kauling, a place in China, 
where the Chinese obtain the material for their fine 
ware. It is found at the foot of Mount Penn, at Boy- 
ertown, James F. Dum's mine at Fleetwood, at 
Mertztown, on Schmeck's farm in Longswamp, at 
Weaver's mine in Oley township, and at various 
other places in smaller bodies. 

Limokite is one of the most important iron- 
ores. It is a brown hematite, and was called limo- 
nite — from femo, a meadow — because it was first found 
iu bogs and low places. 

Magnetite. — The iron-ore at Ruth's, Wheatfield, 
Fritz's Island, Boyertown and other places is mag- 
netite. It is crystallized in fine octahedrons and 
5 



dodecahedrons at Fritz's Island, Boyertown and 
Jones' Mine. It is titaniferous at Treichlersville, at 
Huffs Church and at Pricetown. 

Magnesite is a carbonate of magnesia from Kauf- 
man and Spang's Mine, near Spangsville, iu Earl 
township. 

Malachite is a green carbonate of copper from 
Jones' Mine, and Fritz's Island furnished some speci- 
mens some years ago. 

Marble. — A good quality is taken from Deppen's 
quarry at Wernersville, Dr. Eppler's quarry at Lees- 
port, and Hill's quarry at Sliillington. 

Marcasite is a term of Arabic origin and. is ap- 
plied to a sulphuret of iron found in Dr. Eppler's 
quarry and on Fritz's Island. 

Mica. — Group extends in small crystals over the 
whole South Mountain range. The largest specimens 
are found near Spangsville, in Earl township, though 
fair specimens are found on Furnace Hill, in Rus- 
comb-manor township. Muscovite and biotite occur 
near Huff's Church. 

Molybdenite. — This mineral is met with on Valen- 
tine Hartman's farm, and a number of other places in 
the vicinity, but only in foliated crystals. 

Ochre. — Small quantities of yellow and red color 
may be obtained at Noll's Mine, Fleetwood, Udree's 
Mine and at Siesholtzville. 

Prochlorite is a green foliated mineral and ap- 
pears very much like mica. Very excellent specimens 
have been collected at Wheatfield, Jones' Mine and 
on Fritz's Island. Its crystals are hexagonal and 
some have lines parallel to the sides. 

Psilomelane — from psilos, smooth, and melas, 
black — is a peroxide of manganese. The best speci- 
mens have been obtained near the Rockland Forge. 

Pyrites. — Sulphuret of iron abounds in many of 
the ore-beds of the county, and especially at Wheat- 
field, Jones' Mine, Boyertown and on Fritz's Island. 
Some fine octahedral crystals are found at these 
places. Globular radiating specimens are found in 
Centre and Windsor townships. 

Pyroxene. — This mineral is of a dark-green and 
black color. The largest crystals are found on Gott- 
schall's farm, in Alsace township. It is abundant in 
the vicinity of Antietam Lake and at Ranch's Mine, 
in Hereford. Sahlite, a variety of this mineral, is a 
frequent constituent of the syenites of the South 
Mountains. Augite, another variety, is found atBabb's 
tavern and around Antietam Lake. 

Py'RRHOTite is a sulphuret of iron, slightly nickel- 
iferous. Its localities are Gottschall's Mine and other 
places in Alsace and at Boyertown. 

Pyrolusite is an oxide of manganese and is 
mentioned by Dr. Genth as occurring " in small rhom- 
bic crystals in geodes, frequently associated with 
turgite, in limonite beds'' in the county, but he states 
no locality. 

QUARTZ.^Transparent crystals are found on Lee's 
farm, southeast of Friedensburg, in Windsor and 



34 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Greenwich townships; and fine doubly terminated 
cr3'stals at Noll's Mine at Fleetwood. Smoky quartz 
crystals occur on Updegrove's farm in Union, on 
Berg's farm in Albany and on Flint Hill. Good 
specimens of ferruginous and drasy quartz may be 
obtained on Flint Hill and on Bomegratz's farm in 
Ruscomb-manor. Chalcedony is found on Flint Hill, 
at Bomegratz's, Fleetwood, Fritz's Island, Friedens- 
burg and Mertztown. Oolitic Chalcedony at Moselem. 
Chalcedonic- Jasper, Jasper, Agate and Agate-Jasper axe 
abundant at Wernerville, along the mountain, at 
Bomegratz's, Gottschall's, Flint Hill and in Long- 
swamp, two miles south of Mertztown. Ilornstone 
occurs only at Friedensburg, axiA floatstone aX Boyer- 
town. 

Basanile, Lydianstone or Touchdone is a companion 
of jasper and chalcedony, and is usually found in the 
same localities where they exist, but the largest and 
purest specimens are found in the Pennsylvania 
Schuylkill Valley cut southwest of Reading. 

Retinalite — from retina, resin— is a species of ser- 
pentine of a resinous color met with at Ruth's, 
WheatfieUl, Jones' Mine and on Fritz's Island. 

RiPiDOLlTE occurs on Fritz's Island and at Jones' 
Mine. 

Serpentine. — Very excellent specimens of this 
mineral were taken out of the mines at Ruth's and 
Fritz's Island, and among them were some fine speci- 
mens of Precious or noble serpentine. The same 
mineral was found associated with soapstone at Jones' 
Mine, Boyertown and Toptou. 

SiDERiTE. — Dr. Genth found this mineral, a species 
of iron- ore, on Valentine Hartman's farm and at the 
Weaver Mine in Oley. 

Sphene — from sphen, wedge, because the crystal is 
wedge-shaped — is a variety of titanium, and is found 
in small crystals in magnetite south of Huff's Church, 
in Hereford. 

Stibnite is a tersulphide of antimony, very rare, 
only a few small crystals having been found on 
Fritz's Island. 

Talc or steatite is usually associated with the ser- 
pentines of Fritz's Island and Jones' Mine. 

TiTANiTE occurs two miles northeast of Jones' 
Mine. 

TuRGlTE is a comnaon iron-ore and generally forms 
thin black or red layers on limonite, on P. D. Wan- 
ner's farm, at Moselem, and at many of the mines in 
the East Penn Valley. 

Venerite is a clay of chlorite at Jones' Mine con- 
taining about flvejoer ceiit. of copper. 

Wad is an earthy oxide of manganese, found at 
Lyons, at old Oley tunnel-mine and at the Half- Way 
House in Maiden Creek. It is frequently associated 
with the limonite ores. 

Wavellite, named after Dr. Wavel, has a finely- 
radiated structure ; a few specimens were found at 
Wheatfield. 



Xanthite is a Fritz's Island mineral of a yellow 
color and crystallized in cubes and hexagonal prisms. 

Xanthosiderite is an oxide of iron from a brown 
to a brownish red color ; occurs in mines in the East 
Penn Valley. The best specimens were from the vi- 
cinity of Fleetwood. 

Zircon crystals of a deep wine color are found in 
the neighborhood of Pricetown, associated with 
magnetite. 

Zeolite Family. — 'ihomsonite, named after Dr. 
Thomson, and mesoliteaxe Fritz's Island minerals. The 
crystals of each are of a white or pearly color, round 
and radiating from a small nucleus in the centre. 
The Thnmsnnites are hard and solid, but the mesolites 
are generally softer and fibrous. 

Chabazite, principally a Fritz's Island mineral, 
crystallizes in cubes of a white pearly lustre and was 
quite abundant at one time. It was recently found 
at Ruth's Mine. 

Apophyllite is also found exclusively on Fritz's 
Island. Its color is white and it crystallizes in various 
forms. 

Stilbite — from silbe, lustre — is so called on account 
of its beautiful lustre. Some years ago Raudebush's 
mine produced many specimens. It is found at 
Wheatfield, Fritz's Island, Birdsboro', and on Feg- 
ley's farm, near Bechtelsville. 

Undescribed Zeolite. — A mineral belonging to 
this family is found on Fritz's Island ; the crystals 
difler from all others of the same family, and since 
no one has ever described them, they have always 
been called undescribed zeolites. 



Botanical research in Berks County was begun 
by Gerbard Gottlieb Bischoff, a native of Stadt- 
Ilm, in Tburingia, Germauy, born May 18, 
1775. He was a brother of the distinguished 
Professor G. W. Bi.schoff, of the University of 
Heidell)erg. After having received a good edu- 
cation he studied pharmacy witli his fatlier. 
From 1793 to 1817 he served as apothecary's 
assistant in various parts of Germany and 
Switzerland. His brother Fredericlv having 
come to this country and settled at Reading, he 
decided to leave his native land and join him, 
and accordingly sailed from Rotterdam on July 
29, 1817, arriving at Reading on the 2;3d day 
of October following. In time he established 
himself here as an apothecaiy, doing business 
on Penn Street, midway between Sixth and 



1 The author is indebted to Dr. Daniel B. D. Beaver, of 
Keading, for this article on the botany of the county, he 
having prepared it expressly for this history. 



PHYSICAL GEOaRAPHY. 



85 



Seventh Streets, where he resided till his death, 
in 1856. He left a well-preserved collection of 
European and American plants, which passed 
into the possession of Dr. Daniel B. D. Beaver. 
Among them are about one hundred and fifty 
specimens which were collected in this countv. 

Next in order of time came Dr. John P. 
Hiester, whose professional career is mentioned 
in the chapter on the Medical Profession. He 
was an enthusiastic lover of the natural sciences, 
to which he devoted much time, although 
actively engaged in the practice of medicine. 
He made a collection of the plants of the coun- 
ty, which, after his death, was presented to 
Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pa. 
He also took a lively interest in the geological 
features of the county, and published a colored 
map illustrating them. 

Contemporaneous with Dr. Hiester was Rev. 
Dr. T. C. Porter, now holding the chair of 
botany in Lafayette College, Easton, whose 
reputation as a reliable observer and botanist 
needs no comment here. He resided at Reading 
during part of the years 1848 and 1849, and 
in that time collected many of the native 
plants. Of these a few specimens are pre- 
served in the Bischoff Herbarium. 

Another name that deserves mention is that 
of Hiram W. Hollenbush, a native of this 
county. He devoted his life to the study of 
the minerals of the county, and accumulated a 
mass of fragmentary knowledge of the subject, 
which, but for his lack of the distinguishing 
mental trait of the successful scientist — the 
tiiculty to generalize facts — and a life-long strug- 
gle with poverty, might have secured him a 
high position among the mineralogists of his 
State and day. He also took some interest in 
botany. He made a collection of the diflFerent 
kinds of wood growing in the county, and at 
one time gave some attention to the fungi, but, 
unfortunately, left nothing to indicate the extent 
of his labor, or point the way to his successors 
in the field of botany. 

At present there are many amateur botanists 
in this county, but their work has been done 
without organized effort — a consideration highly 
necessary for obtaining the most fruitful results. 
The first attempt to prepare a list of the known 



plants of the county was made by Dr. Daniel 
B. D. Beaver, when he presented a list to the 
Reading Society of Natural Sciences. Since 
then no further progress has been made. 

In regard to some of the conditions which 
determine the richness of the flora of a section 
of country, this county is unflivorably situated. 
The distribution and propagation of plant-life 
are largely dependent upon water-courses and 
the character of the soil. The former compris- 
ing the connecting links between highland and 
lowland, and draining large areas of territorv 
varying in altitude and latitude, and diverse in 
geological character, they are the receptacles by 
which, during the wet season, numberless seeds 
and spores of plants are swept along and mixed 
in the surface washings and deposited elsewhere, 
frequently upon distant banks of the stream. 
In this manner the flora of lowlands is enriched, 
and usually in proportion to the surface drained 
by the streams which water them. In this re- 
spect, this county lacks the advantages of some 
others in this State. Its borders are on line 
with the water-shed between the main stream — 
the Schuylkill — and other streams on the east, 
west and south ; on the east, on the divide with 
the Lehigh ; on the west, with the Susquehanna; 
and on the south, with the tributaries of the 
Delaware. From the north it receives the 
waters of the Schuylkill, which drains the east- 
ern two-thirds of Schuylkill County, and carries 
along a number of plants which are native in 
that section, the most conspicuous being Rhodo- 
dendron maximum, (great laurel) and Rubus odo- 
mtihs (purple flowering raspberry). The former 
does not grow on limestone soil. Both have been 
found here only on the banks of the Schuylkill. 

The flora of this county have received acces- 
sions by water channel from the north only ; 
and these it has transmitted, with its own pecu-^ 
liarities, to neighboring sections to the south- 
ward. In so far, then, as their native characters 
have been modified by the distributive effects of 
water-courses, they do not differ much from 
those of Montgomery, Chester and Schuylkill 
Counties, while with those of the counties bor- 
dering on the Susquehanna and Delaware they 
are in strong contrast, lacking much of their 
richness. 



36 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The county may be wanting in some respects, 
but it is peculiarly adapted for rich flora by its 
geological formation. It possesses unusual va- 
riety of soil. In the older formation of South 
Mountain, east aud west of Reading, there are 
the old Laurentian gneiss and Potsdam sand- 
stone, which, by their disintegration, give a dis- 
tinguishing character to the soil. Immediately 
to the north of this is the belt of Trenton lime- 
stone, extending east and west through the 
county. Northwardly from Reading these lime- 
stones are overlaid by the Hudson shales, which 
become continuous on the surface with the Oneida 
sandstone of the Blue Mountains, but south- 
wardly the surface is composed mainly of the 
new red sandstone formation, with an occasional 
small area of trap rock. The most conspicu- 
ous trap formation is that of Flying Hill. 
This furnishes several plants which have not 
been found elsewhere iu the county. With this 
varying soil for plants of different habits upon 
which to take root and flourish, the native flora 
of this county were probably enriched long ago 
by those agencies which serve to distribute the 
germs of plant-life independently of local con- 
ditions — such as the flight of birds, winds and 
the transportation of merchandise. They should 
therefore be expected to com]jare favorably with 
those of the adjoining counties. 

The plants which form the basis of this ar- 
ticle have been collected mainly west of the 
Schuylkill. A few were found on " Neversink 
Mountain" and " Penn's Mountain," and on the 
red shale in the southeastern part of the 
county. West of the Schuylkill they were ob- 
tained from all the various kinds of soil — on 
the South Mountain, on the limestone and shale 
in the valley, on the red sand and shale of 
Cumru and adjoining townships, and on the 
trap of Flying Hill — and may be taken to 
represent fairly the flora of the county, except- 
ing tiiat part comprising the southern slope of 
the Blue Mountain. They include only the 
phsenogamous and vascular cryptogamous plants. 
The mosses, fungi, liver-worts and lichens have 
not been studied sufficiently to warrant a report 
of what has been done. 

The progress made with the classes here pre- 
sented can be estimated only by comparison 



with what is known of the flora of neighboring 
counties. For this purpose Chester County 
will serve best, inasmuch as its plants have 
been studied more extensively than those of any 
other, which is shown by ■ Dr. Darlington's 
" Flora Cestrica," a book devoted entirely to a 
description of the plant-life of that county, and 
recognized as one of the most complete works 
of its kind. 

Dr. Darlington enumerates ten hundred and 
seventy-six flowering plants, including all those 
in cultivation, which have been found in Ches- 
ter County. The list here given is not intended 
to include cultivated plants. The distinction 
between cultivated and wild is in some instances 
so difficult to make that hardly two observers 
would draw the line at the same place. Then, 
again, a plant may grow wild luxuriantly in 
certain localities, while in others, owing to dif- 
ferences of soil, it will flourish only under cul- 
tivation. To determine the relative value of 
our work, it becomes necessary to compare Dr. 
Darlington's list of cultivated plants one by one 
with ours. 

This comparison shows his list to contain nine- 
ty-two species which are known to be m cultiva- 
tion here, and which are therefore excluded from 
ours. Deducting these ninety-two from ten hun- 
dred and seventy-six, there remain nine hundred 
and eighty-four species as wild plants, according 
to our classification against which our list presents 
eight hundred and ninety-six species. Of vas- 
cular cryptogams, horsetails, ferns and club- 
mosses Dr. Darlington gives thirty nine spe- 
cies, whilst our list contains thirty-eight. Sup- 
posing the flora of each county to contain about 
the same number of species, there would i-emain 
undetermined in this county eighty-eight flower- 
ing plants and one cryptogam. 

The botanical work which remains to be done 
in this county lies chiefly amongst the trees, 
sedges and grasses. It is to be regretted that 
so little has been done with the lower forms of 
vegetable life. This is, probably, owing to the 
difficulty which the amateur encounters in the 
studv of them. Few of them can be examined 
satisfactorily without the aid of a microscope. 

Among the rare plants here, the following 
may be mentioned : Arabis patens, one of the 



PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



37 



rarest, found on the banks of the Schuylkill, 
near Flying Hill ; Lepidum campestre, near 
Boyertown ; Viola rostrata, banks of the An- 
gdica; Impatiens pallida, banks of the Tulpe- 
liocken, in Heidelberg township; Oxalis viola- 
cea, Spring township ; Affiimonia parviflora, 
copse near Bethany Orphans' Home; Rosa mi- 
crantha, Angelica Creek ; Hydrangea arbores- 
ccns and Sambiicus pubcns, Flying Hill ; Bio- 
(liff, teres, hills near Fritztown ; Drosera rotun- 
(lifolia, Chamaliriu'tn luteum, near Bethany 
Orphans' Home ; Rhododendron maximum, 
Asplenium trichomancs and Woodsia obtusa. 
Flying Hill; Camptosorus rhizophyllus, Flying 
Hill and limestone ridge near Penn Street 
bridge, Reading; Apjhyllon renijlorum, Obolaria 
Virginica, Limnanthemum lacunosum, Habena- 
ria lacera, Spiranthus latifolia, Pogonia vefrtidl- 
liUa, Apledrum hynienale, near Hertzog's saw- 
mill, Cumru township ; Stachys palustris, Arisce- 
ma dracontium, banks of the Tulpehocken ; 
Gnaphalium polycephalum, Neversink Moun- 
tain. 

The following list has been compiled mainly 
from the plants in the possession of Mr. T. J. 
Oberlin, at Sinking Spring, — who has probably 
the best collection of native plants in the coun- 
ty, from the Bischoff Herbarium, and from the 
collection of Dr. Daniel B. D. Beaver. Profes- 
sor Porter supplied some species in the latter's 
collection, which he and Dr. Hiester found 
here, and which are not in the other collections. 
The nomenclature used in the catalogue of 
plants is that of Gray, as given in his " Manual 
of Botany." 

CATALOGUE OF THE KNOWN PHCENOGAMOUS AND 
CRYPTOGAMOUS PLANTS OF BERKS COUNTY. 

Ranu?iculace(e. 
Clematis. 

verticillaris, DC. 

Virginiana, L. (common virgin's bower). 
Anemone. 

Virginiana, L. (Virginian, A). 

nemoroaa, L, (wind-flower). 
Hepatica. 

triloba, Chaix. 
Thalictrum. 

anemonoides, Michx. (rue anemone). 

dioicum, L. (early M). 

purpurascens, L. (purplish M). 

Cornuti, L. (tall M). 



Ranunculus. 

aquatilis, L., var. trichophyllus, Chaix. 
(common white water-crowfoot). 

Flamraula, L. 

rhomboideus, Goldie. 

abortivus, L. 

sceleratus, L. 

recurvatus, Poir. 

Pennsylvanicus, L. 

fascicularis, Muhl. 

repcns, L. 

bulbosus, L. (buttercups). 

acris, L. 
Myosuras. 

minimus, L. 
Caltha. 

palustris, L. (marsh marigold). 
Helleborus. 

viridis, L. (green hellebore). 
Aquilegia. 

Canadensis, L. (wild columbine). 
Delphinium. 

Consolida, L. (field larkspur). 
Acttea. 

albii, Bigel (white baneberry). 
Cimicifuga. 

racemosa, Ell. (black snakeroot). 
Magnoliacece. ■ 
Liriodendron. 

tulipifera, L. 
Anotiaceoe. 
Asimina. 

triloba, Dunal. (common papaw). 
Me^mpermacea;. 
Menispermum. 

Canadense, L. (Canadian moonseed). 
Berberidaceoe. 

Caulophyllum. 

thalictroides, Michx. (pappoose-root). 
Podophyllum. 

peltatum, L. 
Ifymphceacece. 
Brasenia. 

peltata, Pursh. 
Nymphsea. 

odorata, Ait. (sweet-scented water-lily), 
var. minor, Sims. 
Nuphar. 

advena, Ait. (common yellow pond-lily). 
Papaveracece. 
Papaver. 

somniferum, L. (common poppy). 
Chelidonium. 

majus, L. (celandine). 
Sanguinaria. 

Canadensis, L. 
Fumariacece. 
Dicentra. 

Cucullaria, DC. (Dutchman's breeches). 



38 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Cruci.fer(e. 


Droseracece. 


Nasturtium. 


Drosera. 


officinale, K. Br. (true water-cress). 


rotundifolia, L. 


palustre, DC. (tuarsh-cress). 


filiforinis, Raf. 


Armoraeia, Fries, (horse-radish). 


Hypericacece. 


Dentaria. 


Hypericum. 


laciniata, Muhl. 


angulosum, Michx. 


Cardamine. 


Canadense, L. 


rhomboidea, DC. (spring-cress). 


corymbosum, Muhl. 


rotundifolia, Michx. (mountain water-cress). 


mutilum, L. 


hirsuta, L. (small bitter-cress). 


var. gymnanthum, Gr. 


Arabis. 


perforatum, L. 


lyrata, L. 


Sarothra, Michx. (pine-weed). 


patens, Sulliv. 


Caryophyllacece. 


hirsuta. Scop. 


Saponaria. 


laevigata, DC. 


officinalis, L. (common soapwort.) 


Canadensis, L. (sickle-pod). 


Silene. 


Barbarea. 


stellata, Ait. (starry campion). 


vulgari-s, R. Br. (yellow rocket). 


Pennsylvanica, Michx. (wild pink). 


Sisymbrium. 


Armeria, L. (sweet William catch-fly). 


officinale, Scop, (hedge mustard). 


antirrhina, L. (sleepy, catch-fly). 


Brassica. 


noctiflora, L. 


nigra. Gray (black mustard). 


Lychnis. 


Draba. 


Githago, Lam. (common cockle). 


verna, L. (whitlow-grass). 


Arenaria. 


Alyssum. 


serpyllifolia, L. 


maritimum, L. (sweet alyssum). 


Stellaria. 


Camelina. 


media, Smith (couimon chickweed). 


sativa, Crantz. 


pubera, Michx. (great chickweed). 


Capsella. 


longifolia, Muhl. 


Bursa-pastoris, Mtench. 


uliginosa, Murr. 


Lepidium. 


Cerastium. 


Virginicum, L. (wild pepper-grass). 


viscosum, L. 


campestre, L. 


nutans, Raf. 


VifOlaceai. 


Sagina. 


Viola. 


procumbens, L. 


blanda, Willd. (sweet white violet). 


Spergularia. 


odorata, L. (English violet). 


rubra, Presl. 


palustris, L. 


Spergula. 

arvensis, L. (common spurrey). 


cucuUata, Ait. (common blue violet). 


var. palmata. Gray. 


Anychia. 


sagittata, Ait. 


dichotoma, Michx. 


pedata, L. 


Scleranthus. 


var. bicolor. 


annuus, L. 


canina, L. (dog violet). 


Mollugo. 


rostrata, Pursh. 


verticillata, L. (carpet-weed). 


Canadensis, L. (Canada violet). 


Portulacacea;. 


pubescens, Ait. 


Portulaca. 


var. eriocarpa, Nutt. 


oleracea, L. (common purslane). 


tricolor, L, (pansy, heart's-ease). 


Claytonia. 


var. arvensis. 


Virginica, L. 




Ma/vacecB. 


OUtacece. 


Malva. 


Helianthemum. 


rotundifolia, L. (common mallow). 


Canadense, Michx. (frost-weed). 


sylvestris, L. (high mallow). 


minor. Lam. 


crispa, Gray (culled mallow). 


Hudsonia. 


moschata, L. (musk mallow). 


ericoides, L. 


Sida. 


tomentosa, Nutt. 


spinosa, L. 



PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



39 



Abutilon. 

Avicennoe, Gisrtn. (velvet-leaf). 
Hibiscus. 

Trionum, L. (bladder ketmia). 
Syriacus, L. (shrubby althaia). 
TiliacecB. 
Tilia. 

Americana, L. (basswood). 
var. pubescens, Gray. 
Linacem. 
Linum. 

Virginianum, L. 
Oeraniacem. 
Geranium. 

maculatum, L. (wild cranesbill). 
cohimbinum, L. 
pusillum, L. 

Eobertianam, L. (herb Robert). 
Iinpatiens. 

pallida, Nutt. (pale touch-me-not), 
fulva, Nutt. (spotted touch-me-not). 
Oxalis. 

Acetosella, L. (common wood-sorrel), 
violacea, L. (violet wood-sorrel), 
stricta, L. (yellow wood-sorrel). 
Rutacex. 

Zanthoxylum. 

Americanum, Mill, (northern prickly ash). 
Ruta. 

graveolens, L. 
Anacardiacew. 
Rhus. 

typhina, L. (staghorn sumach), 
glabra, L. (smooth sumach). 
copallina, L. (dwarf sumach), 
venenata, DC. (dogwood). 
Toxicodendron, L. (poison ivy). 
Vitacece. 
Vitis. 

Labrusca, L. (northern fox-grape), 
sestivaiis, Michx. (summer grape), 
cordifolia, Michx. (frost grape). 
Ampelopsis. 

quinquefolia, Michx. 
Rhamnacew. 
Ceanothus. 

Americanus, L. (New Jersey tea). 
Cdaatraceee. 
Celastrus. 

scandens, L. (climbing bitter-sweet). 
Euonymus. 

atropurpureus, Jacq. (burning-bush). 
Sapindacece. 
Staphylea. 

trifolia, L. (American bladder nut). 
Cardiospermum. 

Halicacabum, L. 
-^culus. 

Hippocastanura, L. (common horse-chestnut) . 



Acer. 

Pennsylvanicum, L. (striped maple). 

spicatum, Lam. (mountain maple). 

saccharinum, Wang, (sugar maple). 

rubrum, L. (swamp maple). 
Negundo. 

aceroides, Moench. 

Polygalacece. 
Polygala. 

ambigua, Nutt. 
cruciata, L. 
lutea, L. 

paucifolia, Willd. 
polygama, Walt, 
ramosa, Ell. 
sanguinea, L. 
verticillata, L. 

I^eguminoscB. 
Lupinus. 

perennis, L. (wild lupine). 
Crotalaria. 

sagittalis, L. 
Trifolium. 

arvense, L. (stone-clover). 

pratense, L. (red clover). 

repens, L. (white clover). 

agrarium, L. (yellow or hop clover). 

procumbens, L. (low hop clover). 
Melilotus. 

officinalis, Willd. (yellow melilot). 
Robinia. 

Pseudacacia, L. (common locust). 

hispida, L. (rose acacia). 
Wistaria. 

frutescens, DC. 
Tephrosia. 

Virginiana, Pers. (catgut). 
Desmodium. 

acuminatum, DC. 

Canadense, DC. 

canescens, DC. 

ciliare, DC. 

Dilenii, Darl. 

humifusum. Beck. 

nudiflorum, DC. 

paniculatum, DC. 

pauciflorum, DC. 

rigidum, DC. 
Lespedeza. 

procumbens, Michx. 

violacea, Pers. 

hirta. Ell. 

capitata, Michx. 
Vicia. 

Cracca, L. 
Lathyrus. 

palustris, L. (marsh vetchling), 
var. myrtifolius, Gray. 



40 



HISTOKY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Apios. 

tuberosa, Moench. 
Phaseolus. 

perennis, Walt, (wild beaa). 

diversifblius, Pers. 
Clitoria. 

Mariana, L. 
Amphicarpsea. 

monoica, Nutt. 
Galactia. 

mollis, Michx. 

glabella, Michx. 
Baptisia. 

tiuctoria, R. Br. (wild iudigo). 
Cercis. 

Canadensis, L. (red bud). 
Cassia. 

Marilandica, L. (wild senna). 

nictitans, L. (wild sensitive plant). 
Gleditscliia. 

triacanthos, L. (honey locust). 
RosacecB. 
Prunus. 

Americana, Marshall (red plum). 

pumila, L. (dwarf cherry). 

Pennsylvanica, L. (wild red cherry). 

Virginiana, L. (choke cherry). 

serotina, Ehrh. (wild black cherry). 
Spiraea. 

opulifolia, L. (nine-bark). 

salicifolia, L. (common meadow-sweet). 

Aruncus, L. (goat's beard). 
Gillenia. 

trifoliata, Moench (Bowman's root). 

stipulacea, Nutt. (American ipecac). 
Poterium. 

Canadense, Gray. (Canadian burnot). 

Sanguisorba, L. 
Agrimonia. 

Eupatoria, L. (common agrimony). 

parviflora, Ait. 
Geum. 

album, Gmelin. 

Virginianum, L. 

macrophyllum, Willd. 
Waldsteinia. 

fragarioides, Tratt. (barren strawberry). 
Potentilla. 

Norvegica, L. 

Canadensis, L. (common einquefoil). 
var. simplex, T. & Gray. 
Fragaria. 

Virginiana, Ehrh. 

vesca, L. 
Dalibarda. 

repens, L. 
Rubus. 

odoratus, L. (jiurple flowering raspberry). 

triflorus, Richardson (dwarf raspberry). 



strigosus, Michx. (wild red raspberry). 

occidentalis, L. (black raspberry). 

villusus, Ait. (high blackberry). 

Canadensis, L. (low blackberry). 

hispidus, L. (running swamp blackberry). 
Rosa. 

setigera, Michx. (prairie-rose). 

Carolina, L. (swamp rose). 

lucida, Ehrh. (dwarf wild rose). 

rubiginosa, L (sweet-brier). 

mierantha. Smith (smaller flowering sweet- 
brier). 
Crata>gus. 

tomentosa, L. (black or pear thorn). 
var. pyrifolia. Gray, 
var. punctata, Gray. 

Crus-galli, L. (cockspur thorn). 
Pyrus. 

coronaria, L. (American crab-apple). 

arbutifolia, L. (choke cherry). 

Americana, DC. (American mountain-ash). 
Amelanchier. 

Canadensis, Torr. & Gray (shad-bush), 
var. Botryapium, Gray, 
var. oblongifolia, Gray. 
Calycanthaceai. 
Calycanthus. 

floridus, L. 
Saxifragacew. 
Ribes. 

hirtellum, Michx. 

rotundifolium, Michx. 

floridum, L. (wild black currant). 
Hydrangea. 

arborescens, L. (wild hydrangea). 
Saxifraga. 

Virginiensis, Michx. (early saxifrage). 

Pennsylvanica, L. (swamp saxifrage). 

erosa, Pursh. (lettuce saxifrage). 
Heuchera. 

Americana, L. (common alum-root). 
Mitella. 

diphylla, L. 
Chrysosplenium. 

Americanum, Schw. 
Crasgulacew. 
Penthorum. 

sedoides, L. 
Seduni. 

acre, L. (mossy stone-crop). 

ternatum, Michx. 

Telephium, L. (garden orpine). 
Hamamelacecz. 
Hamaraelis. 

Virginica, L. 
Onagracece. 
Circiea. 

Lutetiana, L. 

alpina, L. 



PHYSICAL CtEOGRAPHY. 



41 



Gaura. 


CornacecR. 


biennis, L. 


Cornus. 


Epilobium. 


florida, L. (flowering dog- wood). 


iingustifolium, L. (great willow-herb). 


circinata, L'Her. 


hirsutum, L. 


sericea, L. (silky cornel). 


palustre, L. 


stolonifera, Michx. (red osier dogwood). 


molle, Torr. 


paniculata, L'Her. 


coloratum, Muhl. 


alternifolia, L. 


CEnothera. 


Nyssa. 


biennis, L. (common evening primrose). 


raultiflora,Wang. (pepperidge). 


fruticosa, L. (sundrops). 


Caprifoliacece. 


Ludwigia. 


Symphoricarpus. 


alternifolia, L. (seed-box). 


racemosus, Michx. (snowberry). 


pahistris, Ell. (water purslane). 


var. pauciflorus, Robb. 


Lrjthraceo!. 


Lonicera. 


NesKa. 


sempervirens, Ait. (trumpet honeysuckle). 


verticillata, H. B. K. 


Diervilla. 


Cuphea. 


trifida, Mwneh. 


viscosissima, Jacq. (clammy cniihea) 


Triosteum. 


Cucrtrhitacea. 


perfoliatum, L. 


Sicyos. 


Sambucus. 


angulatus, L. 


Canadensis, L. (common elder). 


Umbellifenr. 


pubens, Michx. (red-berried elder). 


Hydrocotyle. 


Viburnum. 


Americana, L. 


L*ntago, L. (sheep-berry). 


Sanicula. 


dentatum, L. (arrow-wood). 


Marilandica, L. 


acerifolium, L. (dock-mackie). 


Daucus. 


Opulus, L. (cranberry-tree). 


carota, L. (common carrot). 


Eubiacem. 


Pastinaca. 


Gralium. 


sativa, L. (common parsnip). 


Aparine, L. (goose-grass). 


Archangelica. 


asprellum, Michx. (rough bed-straw). 


hirsuta, Torr. & Gray. 


trifidum, L. (small bed-straw). 


atropurpurea, Hnffm. 


triflorum, Michx. (sweet-scented bed-straw). 


Thaspium. 


pilosum, Ait. 


aureum, Nutt. 


circfezans, Michx. (wild liquorice). 


trifoliatum, Gray. 


lanceolatum, Torr. (wild liquorice). 


Zizia. 


boreale, L. (northern bedstraw). 


integerrima, DC. 


Diodia. 


Bupleurum. 


teres, Walt, 


rotundifolium, L. 


Cephalanthus. 


Cicuta. 


occidentalis, L, 


maculata, L. (spotted cow-bane). 


Mitchella. 


bulbifera, L. 


repens, L. 


Slum. 


Houstonia. 


lineare, Michx. 


cserulea, L. 


Cryptotfenia. 


Valerianacece. 


Canadensis, DC. 


Fedia. 


Osmorrhiza. 




olitoria, Vahl. 


longistylis, DC. (smoother sweet cicely). 


radiata, Michx. 


AraUace(^. 




Aralia. 


Dipsacece. 


spinosa, L. (Hercules' club). 


Dipsacus. 


racemosa, L. (spikenard). 


sylvestris. Mill, (wild teasel). 


hispida, Miehx. (wild elder). 


Fullonum, L. 


nudicaulis, L. (wild sarsaparilla). 


Composita. 


quinquefolia. Gray (ginseng). 


Vernonia. 


trifolia, Gray (ground-nut). 


Noveboracensis, Willd. 



42 



HISTORY OF BKRKS COUNTY, PENXSYL\'ANLV. 



Liatris. 


Ambrosia. 


scariosa, Wilkl. 


trifida, L. (great rag-weed). 


spicata, Wilkl. 


artemisiajfolia, L. (bitter-weed). 


Eupatorium. 


Xanthium. 


ageratoides, L. (white snake-root). 


strumarium, L. (common cocklebur). 


album, L. 


Eclipta. 


perfoliatum, L. (boneset). 


procumbens, Michx. 


purpureum, L. (trumpet weed). 


Heliopsis. 


rotundifblium, L. 


hevis, Pers. 


sessilifoliuin, L. (iiplaud boneset). 


Rudbeckia. 


teucrifolium, WiUd. 


hirta, L. 


Mikania. 


fulgida, Ait. 


scandens, I>. 


laciiiiata, L. 


Sericocarpiis. 


Helianthus. 


conyzoides, Nees. 


annuus, L. (common sun flower). 


Aster. 


decapetalus, L. 


cordifolius, L. 


gigauteus, L. 


corymbosu«. Ait. 


strumosus, L. 


' Isevis, L. 


tuberosus, L. (Jerusalem artichoke). 


linifolius, L. 


Coreopsis. 


maerophyllus, L. 


tripteris, L. 


miser, L., Ait. 


Bidens. 


aemoralis, Ait. 


frondosa, L. (common beggar- ticks). 


Novoe-Angli.'e, L. 


connata, Muhl. (swamp beggar-tick.s). 


patens. Ait. 


chrysanthemoides, Mx. (larger bur-marigold). 


prenanthnidcs, Muhl. 


bipinnata L. (Spanish needles). 


punieeiis, L. 


Helenium. 


siigittifoliiis, Willd. 


autumuale, L. (sneeze-weed). 


simple.^, Willd. 


Maruta. 


tenuifolius, L. 


Cotula, DC. (common May-weed). 


undulatus, L. 


Anthemis. 


Erigeron. 


arvensis, L. (common chamomile). 


Canadense, L. (bittter-weed). 


Achillea. 


bellidifolium, Muhl. (robins' plantain). 


Millefolium, L. (milfoil). 


Philadelphicum, L. (common fleabane). 


Leucanthemum. 


anuuum, Pers. (daisy fleabane). 


vulgare, Lam. (white daisy). 


strigosum, MuhJ. (daisy fl,eabanu). 


Parthenium, Godron. (feverfew). 


Diplopappus. 


Tanacetum. 


linarifolius. Hook. 


vulgare, L. (common tansy). 


umbellatus, Torr. & Gray. 


Gnaphalium. 


amygdalinus, T. & Gray. 


decurrens, Ives (everlasting). 


cornifolius, Darl. 


polycephalum, Michx. (common everlasting). 


Solidago. 


uliginosum, L. (low cud-weed). 


altissima, L. 


purpureum, L. (purplish cud-weed). 


arguta, Ait. 


Antennaria. 


bicolor, L. 


margaritacea, R. Br. (pearly everlasting). 


Canadensis, L. 


plantagiuifolia, Hook. 


csesia, L. 


Filago. 


lanceolata, L. 


Germanica, L. (herba impia). 


latifolia, L. 


Erechthites. 


neglecta, Torr. & Gray. 


hieracifolia, Raf. (tire-weed). 


nemoralis. Ait. 




odora, Ait. 


Cacalia. 


serotina, Ait. 


atriplicifolia, L. (pale Indian plantain). 


Inula. 


Senecio. 


Helenium, L. (common elecampane). 


aureus, L. (golden rag-wort). 


Polymnia. 


Centaurea. 


Uvedalia, L. 


Cyauus, L. (blue bottle). 



PHYSICAL GEOGKAPHY. 



43 



Cirsium. 


Epigsea. 


lanceolatum, Scop, (common thistle). 


repens, L. 


discolor, Spreng. 


Gaultheria. 


altissimum, Spreng. 


procumbens, L. (creeping winter-green). 


muticum, Michx. (swamp-thistle). 


Leucothoe. 


pumilum, Spreng. (pasture-thistle). 


racemosa, Gray. 


arvense, Scop. (Canada-thistle). 


Cassandra. 


Lappa. 


calyculata, Don. 


officinalis, Allioni. 


Andromeda. 


Cichorium. 


Mariana, L. (stagger-bu.sh). 


Intybus, L. 


ligustrina, Muhl. 


Krigia. 


Clethra. 


Virginica, Wilkl. 


alnifolia, L. 


Cynthia. 


Kalmia. 


Virginica, Don. 


latifolia, L. (mountiun-laurel). 


Hieracium. 


angustifolia, L. (shcej)-laurel). 


Canadense, Michx. (Canada hawk-weed). 


Azalea. 


scabrum, Michx. (rough hawk-weed). 


viscosa, L. (white swamp-honeysuckle). 


Gronovii, L. (hairy hawk-weed). 


nudiflora L. (pinxter-flower). 


venosum, L. (rattle-snake weed). 


Rhododendron. 


paniculatum, L. 


maximum L. (great laurel). 


Nabalus. 


Pyrola. 


albus. Hook (white lettuce). 


rotundifolia, L. 


altissimus, Hook. 


elliptica, Nutt. (shin-leaf). 


Fraseri, DC. (gall-of-the-earth). 


chlorantha, Swartz. 


Taraxacum. 


secunda, L. 


Dens-leonis, Desf. (common dandelion). 


Chimaphila. 


Lactuca. 


umbellata, Nutt. (prince's pine). 


Canadentis, L. (wild lettuce). 


maculata, Purah. (spotted winter green). 


var. integrifolia, Torr. & Gray. 


Monotropa. 


Mulgedium. 


uniflora, L. (Indian pipe). 


leucophseum, DC. 


Hypopitys, L. (pine sap). 


Sonchus. 


Aqni/oUace(F. 


oleraceus, L. (common sow-thistle). 


Ilex. 


asper, Vill. (spiny-leaved sow-thistle). 


mollis, Gray. 


LobeliacecE. 


verticillata. Gray (black alder) 


Lobelia. 


Ebenacets. 


cardinalis, L. (cardinal flower). 


Diospyros. 


syphilitica, L. (great lobelia). 


Virginiana, L. (common persimmon). 


inflata, L. (Indian tobacco). 


Planlaginacece. 


spicata, Lam. 


Plantago. 


Campanulacecp. 


major, L. (common plantain). 


Campanula. 


lanceolata, L. (rib-grass). 


rotundifolia, L. (harebell). 


Virginica, L. 


aparinoides, Pursh. (marsh bell-flower). 


Patagonica, Jacq. 


Americana L. (tall bell-flower). 


Primulacea. 


Specularia. 


Trientalis. 


perfoliata, A. DC. 


Americana, Pursh. (star-flower). 


Ericacece. 


Lysimachia. 


Gaylussacia. 


stricta. Ait. 


brachycera, Gray (box-huckleberry). 


quadrifolia, L. 


frondosa, Torr. & Gray (blue tangle). 


ciliata, L. 


resinosa, Torr. & Gray (black huckleberry). 


lanceolata, Walt. 


Vaccinium. 


nummularia, L. (money- wort). 


Canadense, Kalm. (Canada blueberry). 


Anagallis. 


corymbosum, L. (swamp blueberry). 


arvensis, L. (common pimpernel). 


macrocarpon, Ait. (American cranberry). 


Bignoniace<B. 


Pennsylvanicum, Lam. (dwarf-blueberry). 


Tecoma. 


stamineum, L. (deerberry). 


radicans, Juss. (trumpet-creeper). 



44 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



bignonioides, Walt. 
Orobanchace(E. 
Epiphegua. 

Virginiana, Bart. 
Aphyllon. 

uiiifloruin, Torr. & Gray (cancer-root). 
Scropliulariacece. 
Verbascum. 

Thapsus, L. (common mullein). 
Blattaria, L. (moth mullein). 
Lychnitis, L. (white mullein). 
Linaria. 

Canadensis, Spreng. (wild toad-flax), 
vulgaris, Miller (toad-flax). 
Scrophularia. 

nodosa, L. 
Chelone. 

glabra, L. 
Pentstemon. 

pubescens, Solander. 
Mimulus. 

ringens, L. 
Gratiola. 

Virginiana, L. 
Ilysanthes. 

gratioloides, Benth. (false pimpernel). 
Veronica. 

Virginica, L. (Culver's root). 
Anagallis, L. (water speedwell). 
Americana, Schwein. (brooklime). 
scutellata, L. (marsh speedwell), 
officinalis, L. (common speedwell), 
serpyllifolia, L. (thyme-leaved speedwell), 
peregrina, L. (neckweed). 
arvensis, L. (common speedwell). 
Buxbaumii, Tenore. 
Gerardia. 

purpurea, L. 
tenui folia, Vahl. 

flava, L. (downy false fox-glove), 
quercifolia, Pursh. (smooth false fox-glove) 
integrifolia, Gray, 
pedicularia, L. 
Castilleia. 

coccinea, Spreng. (scarlet painted-cup). 
Pedicularis. 

Canadensis, L. (common louse-wort). 
Melampyrum. 

Americanum, Michx. 
Verbenacece. 
Verbena. 

angustifolia, Michx. 
hastata, L. (blue vervain), 
urticifolia, L. (white vervain). 
Phryma. 

Leptostachya, L. 
LabiatcB. 

Teucriupi. 



Canadense, L. (wood sage). 
Trichostema. 

dichotomum, L. (bastard pennyroyal). 
Mentha. 

rotundifolia, \i. 
viridis, L. (spearmint), 
aquatica, L. (water-mint), 
arvensis, L. (common mint). 
Canadensis, L. (wild mint). 
Lycopus. 

Virginicus, L. (bugle-weed). 
Europffius, L. 
Cunila. 

Mariana, L. (common dittany). 
Pycnanthemum. 

incanum, Michx. 
clinopodioides, T. & Gr. 
lanceolatum, Pursh. 
linifolium, Pursh. 
Thymus. 

Serpyllum, L. (creeping thyme). 
Satureia. 

hortensis, L. 
Calamintha. 

Clinopodium, Benth. (basil). 
Melissa. 

officinalis, L. (common balm). 
Hedeoma. 

pulegioides, Pers. (American pennyroyal). 
Collinsonia. 

Canadensis, L. (rich-weed), 
lyrata, L. (lyre-leaved sage). 
Monarda. 

didima, L. (Oswego tea), 
fi.stulosa, L. (wild bergamot). 
Lophanthus. 

nepetoides, Benth. 
Nepeta. 

Cataria, L. (catnip). 
Glechoma, Benth. (ground ivy). 
Brunella. 

vulgaris, L. (common self-heal). 
Scutellaria. 

canesoens, Nutt. 
pilosa, Michx. 
integrifolia, L. 
parvula, Michx. 
galericulata, L. 
lateriflora, L. 
Marrubium. 

vulgare, L. (common horehound). 
Stachys. 

palustris, Li. 

var. aspera, Gray. 
Leonurus. 

Cardiaca, L. (common motherwort). 
Marrubiastrum, Iv. 
Lamium. 

amplexicaule, L. 



PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



45 



Borraginacea. 

Heliotropiura. 

EuiopfBum, L. 
Echiura. 

vulgare, L. (blue-weeil). 
Symphytum. 

officinale, L. (common comfrey). 
Lithospermura. 

arvense, L. (corn gromwell). 

latifolium, Michx. 

canescens, Lehm. (hoary puccoon). 
Myosotis. 

palustris, Withering (true forget-me-not), 
var. laxa, Gray. 

arvensis, Hoffra. 
Cynoglossum. 

officinale, L. (common hound's tongue). 

Virginicum, L. (wild comfrey). 

Morisoni, DC. (beggar's lice). 
Hydrophyllacece. 
, Hydrophyllum. 

Virginicum, L. 
Polemoniacece. 
Phlox. 

maculata, L. (wild sweet William). 

divaricata, L. 

subulata, L. (moss-pink). 
Gilia. 

coronopifolia, Pers. 
Cotivolvulacece. 
Ipomoea. 

purpurea, Lam. (common morning glory). 

pandurata, Meyer (wild potato vine). 
Calystegia. 

sepium, R. Br. (hedge bird-weed.) 

spithamsea, Pursh. 
Cuscuta. 

Gronovii, Wild. 
Solarmcece. 
Solanum. 

Dulcamara, L. (bittersweet). 

nigrum, L. (common nightshade). 
Physalis. 

pubescens, L. 

viscosa, L. 

Pennsylvanioa, L. 
Nicandra. 

physaloides, Gfertn. 
Lycium. 

vulgare, Dunal. 
Hyoscyamus. 

niger, L. (black henbane). 
Datura. 

Stramonium, L. (thorn-apple). 

Tatula, L. 
Nicotiana. 

rustica, L. (wild tobacco). 
Gentia7iacece. 
Erythraea. 



ramosissima, Pers. 
Gentiana. 

crinita, Froel. (fringed gentian). 

ochroleuca, Froel. 

Andrewsii, Griseb. 
Obolaria. 

Virginica, L. 
Menyanthes. 

trifoliata, L. 
Limnanthemum. 

laconosum, Griseb. 
Apocynacece. 
Apocynum. 

cannabinum, L. (Indian hemp). 

androssemifolium, L. (spreading dogbane). 
AsclepiadacecE. 
Asclepias. 

Cornuti, Decaisne (common milkweed). 

incarnata, L. (swamp milkweed). 

obtusifolia, Michx. 

phytolaccoides, Pursh. (poke milkweed). 

purpurescens, L. 

quadrifolia, Jacq. 

tuberosa, L. (butterfly weed). 
Oleacew. 

Ligustrum. 

vulgare, L. (common privet). 

Praxinus. 

Americana, L. (white ash). 
Arisiolochiacece. 
Asarum. 
Canadense, L. 
Aristolochia. 

Serpentaria, L. (Virginia snakeroot). 
Phytolaccacece. 
Phytolacca. 

decandra, L. (common poke). 
Chenopodiacece. 
Chenopodium. 

album, L. (pigweed). 

murale, L. 

hybridum, L (maple-leaved goose-foot). 

Botrys, L. (Jerusalem oak.) 

ambrosioides, L. (Mexican tea). 

var. anthelmiuticum, G. (worm-seed). 
Salicornia. 

herbacea, L. 
Aniarantaceos. 
Amarantus. 

paniculatus, L. 

retroflexus, L. 

albus, L. 

spinosus, L. (thorny amaranth). 
Polygonacece. 
Polygonum. 

acre, H. B. K, (water smartweed). 

amphibium, L. (water persicaria). 

arifolium, L. (halberd-leaved tear-thumb). 



46 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



aviculare, L. (knot-grass). 
var. erectum, Roth. 

Convolvulus, L. (black birdweed). 

dumetorura, L. (climbing false buckwheat). 

Hj'dropiper, L. (water pepper). 

hydiopiperoides,Michx.(mild water pepper). 

inoarnatum, Ell. 

orientale, L. (prince's feather). 

Pennsylvaiiicum, L. 

Persicaria, L. (lady's thumb). 

sagittatum, L. (arrow-leaved tear-thumb). 

tenue, Michx. 

Virginianum, L. 
Fagopyrum. 

esculentum, Mceneh (buckwheat). 
Rumex. 

orbiculatus, Gray (great water-dock). 

crispus, L. (curled dock). 

obtusifolius, L. (bitter dock). 

sanguineus, L. (bloody-veined dock). 

Acetosella, L. (sheep sorrel). 
Lauracem. 



officinale, Nees. 
Lindera. 

Benzoin, Meisner (spice-bush). 
Thymeleacece. 
Dirca. 

palustris, L. 
Santalacea. 
Comandra. 

vimbellata, Nutt. 
Callilrichacece. 
Callitriche. 

verna, L. 
Euphorbiacece. 
Euphorbia. 

Cyparissias, L. 

hypericifolia, L. 

Lathyria, L. 

maculata, L. 

marginata, Pursh. 
Acalypha. 

Virginica, L. 

var. gracilens, Gray. 

Caroliuiana, Walt. 
Vrticacew. 
Ulmus. 

fulva, Mich, (red elm). 

Americana L. (white elm). 
Celtis. 

occidentalis, L. (sugar berry). 
Morus. 

rubra, L. (red mulberry). 

alba, L. (white mulberry). 
Urtica. 

dioica, L. 
Lapertra. 

Canadensis, Gaudich. 



Pilea. 

pumila. Gray (rich-weed). ' 
Badiraeria. 

cylindrica, Willd. 
Cannabis, 

sativa, L. (hemp). 
Humulus. 

Lupulus, L. (common hop). 
PlatanacecB. 
Platanus. 

occidentalis, L. (sycamore). 
Jurjlandncew. 
Juglans. 

nigra, L. (black walnut), 
cinerea, L. (butternut). 
Carya. 

alba, Nutt. (shell-bark). 
microcarpa, Nutt. (small-fruited hickory), 
tomentosa, Nutt. (mocker-nut), 
porcina, Nutt. (pig-nut). 
amara, Nutt. (bitter-nut). 
Ciipuliferas. 
Quercus. 

alba, L. (white oak), 
coccinea, Wang, (scarlet oak). 

var. tinctoria. Gray (black oak), 
falcata, Michx. (Spanish oak), 
ilicifolia, Wang, (black scrub oak), 
macrocarpa, Michx. (bur oak), 
nigra, L. (barren oak), 
obtusiloba, Michx. (post oak), 
palustris, Du Roi (pin oak). 
Prinus, L. (chestnut oak). 

var acuminata, Michx. 
rubra, L. (red oak). 
Castanea. 

vesca, L. (chestnut). 
Fagus. 

ferruginea. Ait. (American beech). 
Corylus. 

Americana, Walt, (wild hazel-nut) 
rostrata. Ait. (beaked hazel-nut). 
Carpi nus. 

Americana, Michx. (water beech). 
Mt/ricacece. 
Myrica. 

gale, L. (sweet gale). 
Comptonia. 

asplenifolia. Ait. 
Betiilacecp. 
Betula. 

lenta, L. (black birch), 
alba, (American white birch), 
nigra, L. (river or red birch). 
Alnus. 

serrulata. Ait. (smooth alder). 
iSalicacea\ 
Salix. 

alba, L. (white willow). 



Pli Y,SIC Ah GEOGKA PH Y. 



47 



humilis, Marshall (prairie willow). 

nigra, Marsh. 

sericea, Marsh. 

viminalis, L. (basket osier). 
Populus. 

tremuloides, Michx. (American aspen). 

grandidentata, Michx. 

balsamiCcra, L. (balsam poplar). 

var. candicans, Gray (balm of Gilead). 
ConiJ'urce. 
Piuus. 

rigida, Miller (pitch-pine). 

pungens, Michx. (table mountain pine). 

inops, Ait. (Jersey pine). 

Strobus, L. (white pine). 
Abies. 

Canadensis, Michx. (hemlock spruce). 
Larix. 

Americana, Michx. (black larch). 
Juniperus. 

communis, L. (common juniper). 

Virginiana, L. (red cedar). 
Aracfx. 

Arisoeuia. 

triphyllum, Torr. (Indian turnip). 

Dracoutium, Schott. (green dragon). 
Symplocarpus. 

fffitidus, Salisb. 
Orontium. 

aquaticum. L. 
Acorus. 

Calamus, L. 
LemnacecE, 
Lenina. 

trisulca, L. 
Typhacem. 
Typha. 

latifolia, L. (common cat-tail). 
Sparganiura. 

curycarpmm, Engelm. 

simplex, Huds. 

var. Nuttallii, Gray. 
Naiadaceoe. 
Naias. 

flexilis, Kostk. 
Potamogeton. 

crispus, L. 

natans, L. 

perfoliatus, L. 

pusillus, L. 
Alismacex. 
Alisma. 

Plantago, L., (var. Americanum, Gr). 
Sagittaria. 

variabilis, Engelm. 

heterophylla, Pursh. 

graminea, Michx. 
JTydrocharidaceie. 
Vallisneria. 



spiralis, L. 
Orchidacere. 
Orchis. 

-spectabilis, L. (showy orchis). 
Habenaria. 

blephariglottis, Hook. 

ciliaris, R. Br. 

fimbriata, R. Br. 

lacera, R. Br. (ragged-fringed orchis). 

psycodes. Gray. 

tridentata. Hook. 
Goody era. 

pubescens, R. Br. 
Spiranthes. 

latifolia, Torr. 

cornua, Richard. 

gracilis, Big. 
Pogonia. 

ophioglossoides, Nutt. 

divaricata, R. Br. 

verticillata, Nutt. 
Calopogon. 

pulchellus, R. Br. 
Liparis. 

lillifolia, Richard. 

Loesclii, Richard. 
Corallorhiza. 

odontorhiza, Nutt. 

multiflora, Nutt. 
Aplectrum. 

hyemale, Nutt. 
Cypripedium. 

parviflorum, Salisb. (smaller yellow L) 

pubescens, Willd. (larger yellow L). 

acaule. Ait. (stemless L). 
Amaryllidaceie. 
Hypoxys. 

erecta, L. 
Iridiicece. 
Iris. 

versicolor, L. (larger blue flag). 
Pardanthus. 

Chinensis, Ker. 
Sisyrinchium. 

Bermudiana, L. 
Dioscoreacem. 
Dioscorea. 

villosa, L. (wild yam-root). 
Smilacem. 
Smilax. 

rotundifolia, L. (common greenbrier). 

tamnoides, L. 

herbacea, L. (carrion flower). 
Liliace<B. 

Trillium. 

cernuum, L. (wake-robin). 
Medeola. 

Virginica, L. 
Melanthium. 



48 



IIISTOKV OF BEKKS CorXTV, I'KXXSVLVANIA. 



Virginicum, L. (bunch flower). 


Vypt'racfa. 




Veratrum. 


Cyperus. 




viride, Ait. (Indian poke). 


diandrus, Torr. 




ChamEeliriuni. 


filiculmis, Vahl. 




luteum, Gray (blazing star). 


flavescens, L. 




Uvularia. 


strigosu-', L. 




perfoliata, L. 


Dulichium. 




sessilifolia, L. 


spathaceuni, Pers. 




Srailacina. 


Eleocharis. 




racemosa, Desf. (false spikenard). 


acicularis, R. Br. 




stellata, Desf. 


melanocarpa, Torr. 




bi folia, Ker. 


obtusa, Schultes. 




Polygonatum. 


palustris, R. Br. 




biflorum, EH. (smaller Solomnn's seal). 


tenuis, Schultes. 




giganteum, Dietrich (great S). 


Scirpus. 




Asparagus. 


atrovirens, Muhl. 




officinalis, L. (garden asparagus). 


debilis, Pursh. 




Lilium. 


Eriophorum, Michx. (wool-gra 


sO- 


Philadelphicum, L. (wild orange-red lily). 


planifolius, Muhl. 




Canadense, L. (wild yellow lily). 


polyphyllus, Vahl. 




Erythronium. 


Eriophorum. 




Americanum, Smith (yellow adder's tongue). 


Virginicum, L. 




Ornithogalum. 


gracile, Koch. 




umbcllatum, L. 


Rhynchospora. 




Allium. 


" alba, Vahl. 




tricoccum, Ait. (wild leek). 


glomerata, Vahl. 




vineale, L. (field garlic). 


Scleria. 




Canadense, Kalm. (wild garlic). 


triglomerata, Michx. 




Muscari. 


Carex. 




botryoides, Mill. 


conoidea, Schk. 




Hemerocallis. 


crinita, Lam. 




fulva, L. (common day lily). 


debilis, Michx. 




Yucca. 


gracillima, Sohw. 




filamentosa, L. (Adam's needle). 


granulans, Muhl. 




Jnncacca:. 


hystricina, Willd. 




Luzula. 


intumescens, Rudge. 




campestris, DC. 


lanuginosa, Michx. 




spicata, Desv. 


laxiflora, Lam. 




Juncus. 


laxiflora. Lam. (var. styloflexa 


Boot). 


acLiminatus, Michx. 


lupulina, Muhl. 




var. legitimus, Engelm. 


Muhlenbergii, Schk. 




bufonius, L. 


Novic-Angliae, Schw. 




effusus, L. 


oligocarpa, Schk. 




marginatus, Rostk. 


pedunciilata, Muhl. 




tenuis, Willd. 


Pennsylvanica, Lam. 




Pontederiaceie. 


pubescens, Muhl. 




Heteranthera. 


rigida, Good, 
rosea, Schk. 




reniformis, Ruiz. & Pav. 






Schollera. 


scoparia, Sclik. 




graminea, Willd. 


aparganioides, Muhl. 
stellulata, L. 




Commelynacecr. 


stipata, Muhl. 




Commelyna. 


straminea, Schk. 




Virginica, L. 


stricta. Lam. 




Tradescantia. 


tentaeulata, Muhl. 




Virginica, L. (com. spiderwort). 


triceps, Michx. 




Xyridacea. 


varia, Muhl. 




Xyris. 


virescens, Muhl. 




flexuosa, Muhl. 


vulpinoidea, Michx. 





PHY.SICAL (JEOORAPHY. 



49 



Graminece. 
Leersia. 

Virgiiiica, Willd. (white grass). 

oryzoides, Swartz (rice cut grass). 
Phleura. 

pratense, L. (timotliy). 
Vilfa. 

vaginajtiora, Torr. 
Agrostis. 

vulgaris, Witli. 

alba, L. (white bent grass). 
Muhlenbergia. 

Mexicana, Trin. 
Wildenovii, Trin. 

diflusa, Schreb. (trinible will). 
Calamagrostis. 

Cauadensis, Beauv. (blue joint grass). 
Aristida. 

dichotoma, Michx. (poverty grass). 
Eleusine. 

Indica, G;ertn. (wire grass). 
Tricuspis. 

seslerioides, Torr. (tall red top). 
Dactylis. 

glomerata, L. 
Melica. 

mutica, Walt. 
Glyceria. 

nervata, Trin. (fowl meadow grass). 

fluitans, R. Br. 
Poa. 

annua, L. (low spear grass). 

compressa, L. (wire gra«s). 

serotina, Ehrh. (false red top). 

prateusis, L. (common meadow grass). 
Eragrostig. 

poa?oides, Beauv. 
Festuca. 

elatior, L. (meadow fescue). 
Bromus. 

secaiiuus, L. (chess). 

riliatus, L. 
Lolium. 

perenne, L. (rye grass). 
Triticum. 

repens, L. (quick grass). 
Elymus. 

Canadensis, L. 

striatus, Willd. 
Gymnostichum. 

Hystrix, Schreb. 
Danthonia. 

spicata, Beauv. 
Holcus. 

lanatus, L. (velvet grass). 
Anthoxanthum. 

odoratum, L. 
Phalaris. 

arundinacea, L. (reed C). 
7 



Paspalum. 

Iseve, Michx. 

setaceum, Michx. 
Panicum. 

agrostoides, Spreng. 

capillare, L. (old witch grass). 

clandestinum, L. 

Crus-galli, L. (barnyard grass). 

depau]ieratum, Muhl. 

dichotomum, L. 

latifolium, L. 

pauciflorum, Ell. 

sanguiuale, L. 
Setaria. 

verticillata, Beauv. 

glauca, Beauv. (foxtail). 

viridis, Beauv. (bottle grass). 

Italica, Kunth. 
Tripsacura. 

dactyloides, L. 
Andropogon. 

furcatus, Muhl. 

scoparius, Mich.x. 

macrourus, Michx. 
Sorghum. 

nutans Gray. (Indian grass). 

VASCUl.AK CRYPTOGzVMIA. 
Eqniselacetr.. 
Equisetum. 

arvense, L. (common horsetail). 

limosum, L. 

hyemale, L. (shave grass). 
Filices. 

Polypodium. 

vulgare, L. 
Pellaea. 

atropurpurea. Link. 
Pteris. 

aquilina, L. (common brake). 
Adiantum. 

pedatum, L. 
Carapt'^sorUs. 

rhizophyllus, Link. 
Asplenium (spleen-wort). 

Trichomanes, L. 

ebenium, Alton. 

angustifolium, Michx. 

thelypteroides, Michx. 

Filix-foemina, Bernh. 
Phegopteris. 

hexagonoptera, Fee. 
Aspidium (shield fern). 

arcostichoides, Swz. 

Noveboracense, Swz. 

spinulosum, Swz. 

var. intermedium, Willd. 

Goldianum, Hook. 

marginale, Swz. 



50 



HLSTUKY OF BEKKS COUNTY, I'KXNSVLVANIA. 



Onoclea. 

sensibilis, L. fsensitivc tern). 
Woodsia. 

obtusa, Torrey. 
Dickson ia. 

|uinctilobula, Kunze. 
Schiza-a. 

pusilla, Pursh. 
Osmunda. 

regalis, L. (flowering fern). 

Claytoniana, L. 

ciiinamomea, L. (cinnamon I'ern). 
Botrycbium. 

ternatum, Swz. 

var. dissectuni, Milde. 

Virginicum, Swz. 
Li/' opoili'irt'ff. 

Lycopodium. 

Inciduliim, Mx. 

inundatum, L. 

alopet'uroides, L. 

dendniidciim, Mithx. (ground pine). 

clavatiira, L. ( common club moss). 

complanatum, L. 
Sclaginella. 

rupe.-itris, Spring. 

apus, Spring. 
Isottes. 

lacustris, L. 

MOUNTAINS. 

The Appalacliian chain of mountains extends 
through the eastern territory of the United 
States from the St. Lawrence River on the 
north, to the State of Georgia on the south. 
The greatest heights are in North Carolina. 
There they are between six thousand and six 
thousand eight hundred feet above the sea. 
This chain includes all the ridges. Two ridges 
of this conspicuous chain extend through Berks 
County. They are the "Blue Mountain" and 
the "South Mountain." 

The Blue Mountain, in its course south twenty- 
five degrees west from the Delaware, at Easton, to 
the Susquehanna, at Harrisburg, forms the pre- 
sent northern boundary line of Berks County, 
It was a barrier to migration in the earliest set- 
tlements of this section of the State, and it was 
the limit of the earliest surveys which were 
made northwestwardly from the Delaware 
River. The earliest map of surveys was pre- 
pared by Lewis Evans, and published by him 
on March 25, 1749, pursuant to an act of Par- 
liament. This map is in the possession of the 



Historical Society of Pennsylvania, at Philadel- 
phia. Several drafts of earlier dates appear in 
the first two volumes of the Pennsylvania Ar- 
chives, and relate to purchases of land from the 
Indians. The apex of this mountain undulates. 
Its average height above the sea is about twelve 
hundred feet. The distinguishing peculiarities 
in the formation of tlie mountain in Berks 
County are the " Pinnacle" (a deep and rugged 
projection in the northeastern part, of equal 
height, extending southeast, al)out two miles in 
length, at an angle of about forty-five degrees), 
the "Schuylkill Gap" (a picturesque break in 
the northern part, several hundred feet wide at 
the base, through which the Schuylkill River 
flows) the "Round Head" (a similar projection 
in the northwestern part, extending southwest) 
and numerous ravines which were washed out 
in the mountain-side by rolling waters in the 
course of time, and came to be useful to man in 
having marked out for him easy passes overtiie 
mountain. 

A wonderful feature of this mountain is its 
intersection by five gaps at almost equal dis- 
tances for a length of one hundred and four 
miles, — first, the " Delaware Gap," at the State 
line on the east; second, the "Lehigh Gap," 
twenty-eight miles distant; third, the "Schuyl- 
kill Gap," twenty-six miles; fourth, the "Swa- 
tara Gap," twenty-eight miles; and fifth, the 
"Susquehanna Gap," twenty-two miles. At 
the " Schuylkill Gap" there are apparent in the 
outlines of the mountain ten curious hooks or 
coves, which were caused by geological disturb- 
ances. 

In looking at the mountain from a dis- 
tant point it has a bluish appearance. Hence 
it was and is called "Blue Ridge." The first 
mention of this name appears in the printed 
draft of land which was purchased from the 
Indians in 1749. It is published in 2 Penn- 
sylvania Archives. In the Evans map men- 
tioned, it is called the "Kittatinny Mountain," 
corrupted from the Indian word "Kau-ta-tin- 
chunk," meaning endless. It is also sometimes 
called North Mountain. The grand succession 
of mountains to the northward for many miles, 
in almost parallel ridges, have been named "St. 
Anthony's Wildernes.s." 



PH YSIC'AL (i E( )GK APH Y. 



51 



The South Mountain extends through the 
county southeastwardly. It enters about the 
middle of the western boundary, near the cor- 
ner-stone of the dividing line between Lancaster 
and Lebanon Counties. At this point it is distant 
from the Bhie Mountain about fifteen miles. It 
is railed South Mountiiin because it lies south oi' 
the Blue Mountain. The distance l)etween 
them increases as they diverge eastwardly. 
At Reading it is about twenty-three miles 
distant. The highest point in this mountain 
is near the county line in Lebanon County, 
on a spur extending sevei-al miles southwest- 
wardly. Its height is about twelve hundred 
feet. There is a prominent projection of large 
rocks near by in Berks County, somewhat less in 
height. It is called " Adler's Kupf " (Eagle's 
Head). Years ago many native eagles roosted 
there. Now they are seldom seen in the vicinity. 
Their departure was induced through the re- 
peated removal of the surrounding trees. The 
ringing axe of the woodman, the curling smoke 
of the coal-burner and the cracking gun of the 
hunter disturbed his wild solitude. 

In the southern section of the county this 
mountain has a greater width. It includes a 
succession of rolling hills, almost entirely 
covered with growing trees. Some portious 
have been cleared and converted into farming 
lands. This district, being thus covered and 
having the appearance of a forest, is called 
"The Forest." The " Welsh Mountain " and 
the " Flying Hills " are included in this range. 

The " Flying Hills" extend along the south- 
erly side of the Schuylkill River for several 
miles. They comprise a small ridge broken by 
gorges. They were given this name by the 
early settlers beaiuse nuqierous grouse were 
seen flying there. They are indicated on the 
Evans map, and also on a draft which shows 
the line of the Schuylkill from this point north- 
wardly about eight miles, having been made in 
the year 1743, by Nicholas Scull, in a survey 
for a road from Reading to Maiden Creek. 
From that time till now they have been so 
known and called. They can be seen and 
identified for forty miles down the Schuylkill 
Valley. From afar they resemble great monu- 
ments, and they were famous for game until 



recently. Of the gorges mentioned, the " Gib- 
raltar " is the most remarkable and picturesque. 
Its narrowness and steep hill-sides suggested its 
name. 

Numerous hills are scattered throughout the 
county. They subserve the agricultural dis- 
tricts admirably in respect to wood and water. 
Their natural arrangement and distribution are 
wonderful. The cupidity of man is, however, 
gradually breaking up this harmony of nature 
by cutting down the trees and tilling the land. 
The destruction of the woods has been consid- 
ered, for .some years, as impolitic; and it has 
become a subject of increasing concern. 

In the western section the most conspicous 
hills are "Stoudt's Hill," located at the great 
bend of the Schuylkill, about six miles north of 
Reading (named after the owner of the land), 
and " Scull's Hill," distant about five miles 
farther to the north (named after Nicholas 
Scull, the surveyor-general of the province from 
1748 till 1761). 

In the eastern section the county is consider- 
ably broken by intersecting hills which extend 
in different directions, mostly, however, to the 
north and south. The " Oley Hills " are most 
conspicuous in a historic aspect. They are men- 
tioned in patents and deeds of lands before 1720. 
Since 1783 the most prominent hill in that vi- 
cinity has been called " Earl Mountain," because 
it was cut from Oley and included in a new town- 
ship of that name then ei'ccted. The " Monocacy 
Hill," cone-shaped, is situated several miles 
southwardly, near the river. The " Reading 
Hills " are the most conspicuous in the central 
section in a natural aspect. They were included 
in the " Manor of Penn's Mount," a large tract 
which was set apart for the use of the Penns 
before the erection of the county, and included 
about twelve thousand acres. The hill, known 
by the citizens of Reading as " Penn's Mount," 
adjoins the city on the east. Its elevated top 
commands a magnificent view of the Schuylkill 
and Lebanon Valleys to the north and west, 
which are especially rich in agriculture, manu- 
factures and internal improvements ; and it 
overlooks an area of territory about five hundred 
square miles. It has two conspicuous spots at 
the apex, facing the west, which are called 



52 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



" White Spot" and " Black Spot." They are visi- 
ble to the naked eye for a distance of thii'ty miles. 
They were called so by the first inhabitants of 
Reading. Their general appearance does not 
seem to change any. They are bare spots on 
the hill-side, composed of stones and rocks. 
The " White Spot " is the nearer and more ac-ces- 
sible. It has been for many years, and is still, 
resorted to for stones for building purposes, and 
it is frequently visited also by resident and 
stranger for the view it commands. The re- 
moval of the stones gives the spot a wMte ap- 
pearance. Time and the weather are not given 
an opportunity to darken the surface of the 
stones. The " Black Spot" has not been disturbed 
till recently ; hence its black appearance. Their 
elevation above the Schuylkill Eiver at the foot 
of Penn Street is as follows : White Spot, 
767.64 feet ; Black Spot, 879.78 feet. The ele- 
vation of the higher point above the sea is about 
eleven hundred feet. 

The hill known as the " Neversink " adjoins 
the city on the south. Its highest point is 
somewhat lower than Penn's Mount. It com- 
mands a magnificent view of the Schuylkill 
Valley to the southeast for forty miles and of 
" The Forest " to the south and southwest for 
upwards of ten miles. It overlooks the double 
bend in the river, which forms a large S, both 
projections being mostly farming land ; the one 
extending northwardly being known as " Lewis' 
Neck" (from the first settler there), and the other 
southwardly as " Poplar Neck " (from the great 
poplar- trees) for more than one hundred and 
fifty years. The point of observation is called 
" Fairview." It also has been for years, and 
still is, frequently visited. This hill lies east 
and west and forms, with Penn's Mount, a large 
T. Its northern declivity is rather gentle, but 
the southern steep and rugged. It has been 
known by the name of " Neversink " for many 
years. It is mentioned in surveys of adjoining 
land which were made as early as 1714. An 
interesting, though ridiculous, tradition is con- 
nected with its origin. It Mas said by early 
settlers that an Indian had devised a "flying 
machine," by which he proposed to fly from 
the one hill ' to the other and " never sink." 

' Flying Hill at Poplar Neck. 



His efibrt proved a failure. Instead of flying 
into fame he sank into shame. The word is of 
Indian origin, "Navesiuk," and means fishing- 
ground. The Schuylkill River in this vicinity 
was formerly a famous fishing-ground for shad. 
Fisheries were carried on successfully until the 
construction of the canal, about 1820. 

" Schwartz-wald " is situated several miles to 
the east. It was included in the " Manor 
lands." The woods are dark and like a forest. 
This name was given by the early settlers in 
commemoration of their native place whence 
they emigrated. 

" Irish Mountain " is near the centre of the 
county. It is prominent and overlooks the 
Schuylkill Valley from the Blue Mountain to 
the South Mountain, especially the fertile lands 
which adjoin the ]\Iaiden Creek and its tribu- 
taries. The early settlers round about were 
mostly Germans. They named the hill after 
English settlers who had located or rather 
" squatted " there. The language and manners 
of the latter were more or less objectionable t(3 
them, and they among themselves entertained 
contempt for the intruders, and in conver.sation 
called them the " Irish." 

"Spitzenberg " is a cone-shaped hill near by 
the Pinnacle. Its peculiar shape makes it con- 
spicuous. It is not as elevated as the mountain 
to the north. 

VALLEYS. 

Nature has arranged the earth's surface within 
the borders of Berks County in a superior man- 
ner. The arrangement is not surpassed by that 
of any county in the State. Its rolling charac- 
ter, interspersed with hills and mountains, and 
intersected by numerous irrigating rivulets and 
streams, renders it most admirable for success- 
ful cultivation with ordinary labor. The well- 
directed energy and enterprise of the farmers 
have enriched and improved it to a wonderful 
degree. 

A depression in the central portion of the 
county extends from the Blue Mountain on the 
north to the boundary line on the southeast, a 
distance of thirty-two miles. It resembles an 
" L " irregularly drawn. It is called " Schuyl- 
kill Valley," and takes its name from the 
meandering river that flows through its bosom. 



I'HYSK'Al. (iEO(iKAFHY. 



53 



It is not distinguished for width ; above Read- 
•ing it is rather ojien, below rather confined. 
Valleys enter it on the east and on the west. 
Tlie most conspicuous of the eastern valleys are 
the Maiden Creek, the Antietani, the Monocacy 
and tlie Manatawny ; and of the western the 
Tiilpehocken, the Wyomissing, the Allegheny 
and the Hay-Creek. All take their names from 
tiie streams which flow through them. On both 
sides they begin at the extreme limits of tiie 
county, excepting the Antietam and Mouocacy, 
which begin in the central portion. Together 
tlicy present a remarkable conformation ; they 
distribute the water supply equally. Their de- 
])ression is from the limits of the county towards 
tiie centre, with a southern inclination. The 
])rincipal valley has the lowest points of the 
county from the northern limit to the southern. 
The limits on the east, west and south are 
water-sheds to a great degree ; inside the waters 
flow inwardly ; but at the lines, and outside 
thereof, they flow outwardly — on the east into 
the Lehigh River and Perkiomen Creek, and 
on the west and south into the Swatara Creek 
and Conestoga Creek, which empty into the 
Susquehanna River. These valleys, therefore, 
gather all the waters within the county and first 
direct them into and through its territory, for 
the great benefit of its industrious inhabitants, 
before they allow them to depart. Berks 
County occupies the central portion of the large 
district, in area forty-six hundred square miles, 
which lies between the Delaware and Susque- 
hanna Rivers. The plan of distribution of val- 
leys and waters between these rivers is marvel- 
ous. And the leaders in the movement for the 
erection of the county in this lai-ge body of land 
displayed remarkable foresight and knowledge 
in obtaining such boundary lines. 

The " Tulpehocken Valley " forms the east- 
ern section of the Lebanon Valley, the Swatara 
Valley (which extends westwardly through 
Lebanon and Dauphin Counties) the western 
section. These two valleys are, together, about 
fifty-tour miles long, and they take the name of 
Lebanon Valley from the town which occupies 
the highest point midway. 

There are other valleys, but they have only 
a local character and take their names from the 



respective streams which flow through them. 
The "Schuylkill Gap," in the Blue Moun- 
tain, where the Schuylkill River enters the 
county, is the only gap of marked features in 
the county. 

STREAMS. 

Springs are the great sources of all streams. 
They supply us with watei- for all purposes. 
They arise mostly in the mountains and ele- 
vated portions of couutry. They supply all the 
streams in Berks County, and almost the entire 
quantity flows from springs which are situated 
within its borders. This is exceptional ; com- 
paratively little water is drained from the ad- 
joining counties into Berks County, but a great 
quantity is drained from Berks County into all 
the adjoining counties, excepting Schuylkill 
County, on the north. This indicates that the 
borders of Berks County are higher than the 
surrounding territory. Bethel township, in the 
northwest, is entirely drained by the Little 
Swatara Creek, into the Swatara, and the wat- 
ers pass through Lebanon and Dauphin Coun- 
ties into the Susquehanna River. Caernarvon 
township, on the south, is entirely drained by 
the Little Conestoga and Muddy Creeks, into 
the Conestoga, and the waters pass through 
Lancaster County into the Susquehanna River. 
A part of Union township, on the southeast, is 
drained by French Creek, and the waters pass 
through Chester County into the Schuylkill 
River. Considerable parts of the eastern town- 
ships — Colebrookdale, Washington and Here- 
ford — -are drained by Perkiomen Creek, and the 
waters pass through Montgomery County into 
the Schuylkill. And the greater part of Long- 
swamp township, on the northeast, and the re- 
maining part of Hereford are drained by the 
Little Lehigh into Lehigh River, and the Mat- 
ers pass through Lohigh County into the Dela- 
ware River. 

There are numerous large springs in the dif- 
ferent sections of the county. They are mostly 
situated in the valleys, though in elevated posi- 
tions compared with the Schuylkill River. 
Those woi'thy of particular mention are Silver 
Spi'ing and Orphans' Home Spring, in Heidel- 
berg township ; Sinking Spring, in Spring town- 
ship, in the western section of tha county ; 



54 



HISTORY OF BKRKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Moselem Spring, in Richmond township ; and 
Hampden Sprinc:, in Reading, in the eastern 
section. 

The streams of the connty are numerous ; 
they irrigate every section and contribute much 
to the natural fertility of the soil. The accom- 
panying geological map illustrates the whole 
system. 

The most conspicuous feature of the water 
system is the Schuylkill River. The streams 
flow into it from the east and from the west, and 
the territory on each side, thus supplied, is 
al)out equal in area. On the eastern side, be- 
ginning in the upper section, they are 1, Wind- 
sor;' 2, Perry;' 3, Maiden Creek, ^ which has 
two principal tributaries flowing into it, both on 
the east, Moselem and Sacony ; 4, Laurel Run ; 
5, Bernhart's Run ; 6, Rose Valley Run ; 7, 
Antietam ; 8, Monocacy, which has two prin- 
cipal tributaries flowing into it, — the Limekiln, 
from the east, and the Little Monocacy, from 
the west ; and 9, Manatawny, which has two 
principal tributaries flowing into it, — the Iron- 
stone, from the east, and the Little Mana- 
tawny, from the west. Of these, the Maiden 
Creek and Manatawny are especially large. 
The Bernhart's Run and the Antietam (for- 
merly, for a time, known as Ohlinger's 
Creek) have been entirely appropriated by 
the city of Reading for a municipal water 
supply. 

On the western side they are 1, Mill Creek; 
2, Irish Creek ; 3, Tulpehocken, which has 
four principal tributaries flowing into it on the 
north (Mill, North and Plum) and three on the 
south (Mill, Spring and Cacoosing) ; 4, Wyo- 
missing ; 5, Angelica ; 6, Allegheny ; 7, Hay 
Creek ; 8, Six-penny ; and 9, Mill Creek.' Of 
th&se, the Tulpehocken, Wyomissing and Hay 
Creek are especially large. All the streams 



'These two streams have no particular names. I name 
them thus to identify them. The former ])asses through 
Hamburg and the latter through Mohrsville. 

' At Lenhartsville, about twelve miles from its mouth, 
and thence northward, it is commonly known as the 
" Ontelaunee." 

'The creeks by this name, " Mill," have been quadrupli- 
cated in the western section. The inhabitants in the re- 
spective localities named them for the water-power in run- 
ning grist and other mills. 



mentioned afford valuable water-power. Thev 
attracted the attention of the early settlers of the 
county. The first lands taken up by warrant, 
survey and patent were those through which 
these streams flowed. Their invaluable and in- 
exhaustible water-power -was fully appreciated. 
It was appropriated immediately by the settlers 
and turned to account in running grist-mills 
and iron furnaces. Many of the early deeds on 
record relate to it. 

Schuylkill.^ — The Schuylkill River rises 
in Schuylkill County. It flows generally in a 
southeasterlv direction and traverses the State 
for a distance of one hundred and twentv-five 
miles mitil it empties into the Delaware River, 
at Philadelphia. 

It has many important branches which flow 
into it on the east and on the west from its 
source to its mouth. These contribute much to 
the physical and productive welfare of the south- 
eastern section of the State. They together drain 
a very large area of territory. 

The important branches are the following : 
On the east, beginniug in the north, 1, Main 
Branch; 2, Little Schuylkill, formerly called 
Tamaqua ; 3, Maiden Creek ; 4, Manatawny ; 
5, Perkiomen; and 6, Wissahickon ; and on the 
west, 1, West Branch; 2, Bear Creek ; 3, Tul- 
pehocken ; 4, Wyomissing ; 5, French ; and 6, 
Pickering. Each is conspicuous for length and 
large flow of water, and in a general way they 
are about equal in these respects. This harmony 
in their proportions is wonderful. The earliest 
drafts show the Maiden Creek, Manatawny and 
Tulpehocken, which indicates that the surveyors 
regarded them of more than ordinary import- 
ance. The Schuylkill is not only the grand 
trunk of this system of water, but it occupies 
the central line of the territory in which this 
system is arranged. 



* The word " Schuylkill " is of Dutch origin. It means 
Midden Creek, or Skulk Creek. The Dutch named the river 
when they took possession of the land about its mouth. 
The outlet is very wide and deceiving. It appears to be a 
part of the Delaware River, instead of being a tributary. 
By some persons it is said to be of Indian origin ; but this 
is not correct. The name given to it by the Indians was 
"Ganshowehanne," which means a roaring or falling 
stream. — Haldeman. Rupp says they called it '• Maiui- 
jung," which means mother. 



PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY. 



55 



In this magnificent arrangement nature would 
iippear to liave been wisdom herself. The sub- 
division of this comparatively small portion of 
the earth's surface in such a perfect manner can- 
not have been the result of chance. Some 
great sceptre marked out the courses for our 
mountains, valleys and streams. It was the 
finger of God ! It was He who indicated, by 
His prescient wisdom, the ways which we should 
follow for our welfare and progress. And, for- 
tunately for us, we have pursued these ways. 
( )ur roads, canals and railways are laid, as it 
were, in paths especially prepared for them. 
Nearly two hundred years have elapsed since 
settlements began in Berks County. In the 
course of events we seem to have developed in 
facilities for intercourse by periods of fifty years ; 
for, in the first period our prominent roads were 
marked out ; in the second, our canals and turn- 
pikes ; and in the third, our railways. By the 
end of the fourth period, 1 900, all the natural 
ways will be fully appropriated. The tendency 
and the demands of the present time indicate 
such a result. 

Latitude AND Loxgitude. — The county of 
Berks lies in the lower central portion of the 
north temperate zone, between 40° and 41° 
north latitude, aud between i° and 1J° ea.st 
longitude, reckoning from Washington. 

Relative Elevations. — The following 
statement exhibits the elevation, above mean 
ocean-tide, of the several places in Berks County 
and other places out of the county, as compared 
with Reading, in different directions, north, 
south, east aud west. The figures to the left of 
the place indicate the distance in miles from 
Reading, and those to the right the elevation in 
feet above mean ocean-tide at Philadelphia. 
Reading— 265 feet. 

Miles. NORTH. Feet. 

5 Tuckertou 205 

8 Leespoit 295 

10| Mohrsville 299 

12 Shoemakersville 311 

17 Hamburg 372 

20 Port Clinton 407 

25 Auburn 468 

28 Lanflingville 500 

31 Schuylkill Haven 523 

34 Mount Carbon 603 

35 Pottsville 611 



Port Carbon 620 

Taraaqua 800 

Ashland 8-56 

Frackville 1476 

Head of Malianoy Plane 1482 

Foot of Mahanoy Plane 1129 

gnVTII. 

llfs Hampton 220 

13t% White Bear 346 

15/iy Geigertown 429 

16^\ Cold Run 522 

19yV Joanna 624 

21t{ Springfield 642 

22j'(; Conestoga 644 

Westchester 403 

8i Fritztown 469 

10 Deep Cut (South Mt. Summit) 570 

12J Reinhold's 446 

19} Ephrata 381 

35 Lancaster 309 

45| Columbia 261 

Glasgow 162 

Manatawny 189 

Iron Stone 309 

. Colebrookdale 313 

Boyertown 386 

New Berlin 361 

Bechtelsvillc 398 

Barto 466 

5 Temple 384 

8 Blandon 415 

in Fleetwood 446 

15 Lyons 468 

18.^ Topton 482 

Trexlertown 411 

36 Allentown 2-54 

NORTHWEST. 

Swatara Gap 444 

Pine Grove 517 

Tremont 763 

Shamokin 735 

Mine Hill Gap 827 

Mine Hill Plane 1524 

.'SOUTHEAST. 

6 Exeter 190 

9 Birdsboro' 170 

lOi Monocacy 159 

13i Douglassville 158 

18 Pottstown 147 

30J Phoenixville 107 

32^ Perkiomen Junction 106 

41 Norristown 72 

53 West Falls 58 

58 Philadelphia 25 



56 



HfSTOKV OF BERKS ('(H'NTV, PENNSYLVANIA. 



12i 
15 

ni 

19 
211 
24 
26 

28 



Schuylkill Bridge 271 

Sinking Springs :^4") 

Werncrsville 385 

Robesonia 438 

Womelsdorf 453 

Sheridan 456 

Richland 488 

Meyerstown 471 

Prescott 498 

Avon 484 

Lebanon 463 

Cornwall 600 

Harrisburg 318 



CHAPTER III. 

INDIANS. 

Origin — Delawares : Tribes, Clans and Sachems — Ganawese 
— Five Nations — Manners and Customs — Retreat of In- 
dians — Present Location — Villages— Indian Names — In- 
dian Relics. 

Origin. — Where the Indians of this vicinity 
came from and when they settled in this imme- 
diate section of country no one has yet deter- 
mined. It has been generally conceded that 
they migrated eastvvardly hundreds of years 
ago till they reached the " Great Salt-water 
Lake," the large body of water which we call 
the Atlantic Ocean. As a nation they were 
known as the Lenni LenApe} This general 
name comprehended numerous distinct tribes 
which spoke dialects of a common language — 
the Algonquin. According to the traditions ^ of 
their ancestors, the Lentil Lendpe were an un- 
mixed and unchanged race, residing many cen- 
turies ago toward the setting of the sun, some- 
where in the western part of this continent. 
For some reasons, not explained, they deter- 
mined to migrate toward the rising of the sun. 
After journeying for a time they arrived at the 
Mississippi River' {Nanum Sipu, meaning 



'Tbis name signifies " original people." 

2See Heckewelder's work on the " Indian Nations" (pub- 
lished by the Historical Society of Pennsylvania). 

'It has been asserted latterly that the Indians wandered 
eastwardly through the lower fxiremity of the territory 
which is now known as British America to the St. Law- 
rence River, and thence proceeded southwardly, scattering 
themselves through the territory which is now known as 
the Eastern and the Middle States. 



Fi-sh River). There they fell in with another 
nation of Indians, who were also in que.st of a 
new home to the eastward. Those were the 
Mengn-e, or, as they have been named by tlie 
French, tiie Iroquois. At that river both na- 
tions united their forces, because they antici- 
pated o]iposition to the east of the river from 
the Alligewi, who were a populous race of 
gigantic form. Shortly after their union, and 
before they had advanced any distance, they 
realized their anticipations, for they were com- 
pelled to fight many severe battles in carrying 
out their determination to march onward. At 
last their enemy, the Alligewi, to escape exter- 
mination, abandoned the country to them, fled 
far southward and never returned. The victors 
then divided the country between themselves — 
the Iroquois choosing the country to the north 
along the great lakes and their tributary streams, 
and the Lendpe taking possession of the country 
to the .south of them, from the river eastward to 
the ocean. 

The Lendpe, on their way hither, became 
divided into three separate bodies. One body 
.settled along the Atlantic Ocean and the country 
adjacent for some hundreds of miles to the west 
of the coast, comprising, it was supposed, one- 
half of the nation, and the other bodies settled 
to the east and to the west of the ]Mississipi)i 
River. That part of the body which was sit- 
uated in Pennsylvania beaime known as the 
" Delawares." * 

Delaware Tribes. — The Delaware divided 
themselves into three tribes — the Unamis or 
Turtle, the Unaldohtgo or Turkey, and the 
Minsi '" or Wolf. The first two were settled on 
the territory which lay nearest to the ocean, 
between the coast and the high mountains, and, 
as they increased in numbers, they extended 
their settlements from the Hudson '^ River to the 
Potomac. The 3Iind lived back of the other 



*'-The word ' Delaware' is unknown in the Indian lan- 
guage. At first the Indians thought that the white people 
had given this name to them in derision, but when they were 
informed that they were named after a great white chief — 
Lord de la Ware— they were satisfied." — Herkcwelder's 
" Indian JVations,^^ xli 

^ Sometimes called Monset/s. 

6 Mohicannittuck, or river of the Mohicans. Subse- 
quently named •• Hudson " after the great navigator. 



INDIANS. 



57 



tribes, to form, as it were, a bulwark for their 
protection and to watch the actions of the 
Metigwe. Their settlements extended from 
Minisink, on the Hudson (a place named after 
them where they had their council-seat), to the 
west, far beyond the Susquehanna. Their 
northern boundaries were supposed to be along 
the head-wat(n's of the great rivers Delaware 
and Susquehanna, which flowed through their 
territory, and their southern boundaries along 
that ridge of iiills known in Pennsylvania by 
the name of Lehigh. 

Many clans sprang from these three tribes. They 
selected distant S])ots as places of settlement, 
and gave tiiemselves names or received names 
from otiier triljes. Their names were generally 
taken after simple natural objects or something 
striking or extraordinary. Thougli they formed 
separate and distinct clans, yet they did not 
deny their origin, retaining their affection for 
the parent tribe, of which they were ju-oud to 
be called grandchildren. Many families of 
them, with their connections, lived by tiiem- 
selves. They were settled along the larger and 
smaller streams througliout the country. They 
had towns and villages, in which they lived in 
separate clans, witii a chief in each clan ruling 
over them. Tiiese chiefs were subordinate to 
the council which comprised the great chiefs of 
the nation. 

MiNsi Clans — Lenape Sachems. — The 
clans of the Minsi Indians were the Schuyl- 
kilJs, Susquehannas, Nesiiamines, Conestogas, 
Assunpinl<s, Rankakos, Andastakas and Shack- 
maxons. 

These clans were regarded as tlie most war- 
like of all the Indians in these tribes. Each 
clan had a chief to control its actions. The 
chief of the Schuylkill clan, which was settled 
along the Schuylkill and its tributaries in this 
vicinity, was, for a time, ]\Ianangy ; and each 
chief was under the command of a " Grand 
Sachem." The sachems of the Lenni Lenape, 
from the time of the first English settlements 
till the Indians retreated before the onward 
march of civilization and eventually disappeared 
entirely from this part of our country, were, in 
succession, Kekerappan, Opekasset, Taminent, 
Allumapees (who was afterward also called 



Sassoonau) and Teedyuscung. They had their 
headquarters at Minisink, on the Delaware 
River, some miles above the Blue Mountains 
(now in Pike County), and also at Shamokin, 
on Shamokin Creek (at one time in Berks 
County for a period of twenty years, and since 
1772 in tlie eastern part of Northumberland 
Countv). 




delaavare i\diax. 

Ganawese. — The Gauawese ' were also one 
of the tribes of the Lenni Lenap6. They had 
lived formerly along the Potomac River, and 
were permitted by the Governor of Pennsylva- 
nia to locate among the Schuylkill Indians, 
near Tulpehocken, in pursuance of a request 
from Manangy — the Indian chief in this sec- 
tion — with a guaranty of their friendship by 



' Sometimes called Shawnees ; also Piscataway. 



58 



HISTOllY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLAANIA. 



the Conestoga Indians. This request was 
made in the year 1705/ because the Ganawese 
iiad been reduced by sickness to a small num- 
ber and had expressed a desire to settle here. 
It is not known whether they came here imme- 
diately or not ; but four years afterward tiiey 
were classed with the Indians in this vicinity. 
In 1728 they were represented at Philadelphia 
by their king, Manawkyhickon, who was called 
Shekellaniy, also Winjack. He was appointed 




|i1-.I,A\VA1;E INDIAN FAMILY. 
(A reproduction from an old design.) 

by the "Five Nations," in 1728. It is sup- 
posed that he then lived at Shamokin, his 
tribe having by this time removed thither be- 
yond the Blue ^Mountains. After Conrad 
Weiser had settled in Tulpehocken, in 1729, an 
intimacy was cultivated between him and 
Shekellamy. In 1732 these two were ap- 
pointed to travel between the Indians and the 



' This is the earliest reference made to any Indians 
this immediate vicinity. 



settlers, " in order to speak tlie minds of each 
other truly and freely, and to avoid misunder- 
standings;" and as such agents they per- 
formed invaluable services in our early history 
by the satisfactory and amicable adjustment of 
disputes. " They were universally respected 
for their wisdom in council, their dignity of 
manner and their conscientious administration 
of public affairs." 

Five Nations. — The Five Nations were a 
confederacy of Indians which in- 
habited the territory now the State 
of New York. As confederates, they 
called themselves Aquanuschioni, or 
united people; and the French called 
them Iroquois. They comprised the 
following five nations of Indians : 
Cayugas, Mohawks, Oneidas, Onon- 
dagas and Seuecas. 

The language of these nations 
was radically the same, but it was 
somewhat different from that of the 
Lenni Leuape. 

The Mohawks took the lead in 
matters pertaining to warfare, and 
the Onondagas in matters pertaining 
to the adjustment of their own per- 
sonal rights and difficulties. The 
Seuecas were regarded as the most 
powerful nation in respect to num- 
bers and military energy. 

The grand council-fire of the con- 
federacy was held in the Onondaga 
Valley, and it was guarded by the 
Onondaga-s. 

The Iroquois (as they were mostly 
called by the settlers) were possessed 
of remarkable height, strength and 
symmetry of personal development. These char- 
acteristics distinguished them from other nations. 
They were as brave as they were strong, as cruel 
as they were ferocious and as overbearing as they 
were treacherous. They effected an early alliance 
with the Dutch settlers on the Hud.son River, 
in the vicinity of Albany, and thereby secured 
the use of fire-arms. With this powerful auxiliary 
they were enabled to repel the encroachments of 
the French, and to exterminate or reduce to 
vassalage other nations of Indians. It is said 



INDIANS. 



59 



that they even conquered the Lenui Lenap6, 
and held this great and powerful nation under 
siihjoction till 1756, when Teetlj-uscuiig forced 
froiu them an acknowledgment of their inde- 
pendence. 

Manners and Customs. — The early set- 
tlers of Pennsylvania found the Indians pos- 
sessed of a kindly disposition and inclined to 
share with them tlie comforts of their rude 
dwelling-places. When they were guests of 
the Indians their persons were regarded as 
sacred. Penn said that they excelled in liber- 
ality ; that they never had much, for they never 
wanted much ; that their wealth circulated like 
the l>lood ; that none wished for the property of 
another ; and that they were exact observers of 
the rights of property. " They are not disquieted 
with bills of lading and exchange," said he, 
"nor perplexed with chancery suits and ex- 
chequer reckonings. We sweat and toil to 
live ; they take pleasure in hunting, fishing and 
fowling, which feeds them. They spread their 
table on the ground anywhere, and eat twice a 
day, morning and evening. They care for lit- 
tle, for they want but little. If they are ignor- 
ant of our pleasures, they arc free from our 
pains." 

The Indians loved rum. Traders generally 
carried quantities of it in bartering with them. 
It was to them — as they called it — " fire-water," 
for it inflamed tlieir passions and made them 
savage and destructive. In 1731 their chief 
here (Sassoouan) complained to the provincial 
government about its introduction and sale. 
He then "desired that no Christians should 
carry any rum to Shamokin ' to sell ; when they 
wanted any they would send for it themselves ; 
they would not be wholly deprived of it, but 
they would not have it brought by Christians ; 
they desired that some rum might be lodged at 
Tnlpehocken and Paxtang to be sold to them, 
so that their women might not have too long a 
way to fetch it." In purchases of land the 
Executive Council at times included rum as a 
part payment of the consideration. Doubtless 
the Indians asked for it. 

The Indians, in their peculiar savage life, 



' Sassoonan liveJ at Shamokin. 



possessed, on the one hand, certain personal vir- 
tues, a high sense of honor (according to their 
perceptions of duty), nuitual fidelity among 
individuals, fortitude that mocked the most 
cruel torments and devotion to their own tribe, 
for whose welfare they were ready to make any 
sacrifice; but, on the other hand, they had no 
appreciation of domestic virtues, for they treated 
their wives with cruelty and their children with 
indiiference. They were gloomy, stern and 
severe, and strangers to mirth and laughter. 
Thev permitted no outward expression of pain. 
Remarkable indifference to the good or ill of 
life was one of the grand elements of their 
character ; and they exhibited no pleasure in any- 
thing, save boisterous joy in the moment of vic- 
tory. They had a great aversion to regular 
labor, and yet they were capable of enduring 
the greatest possible exertions during the chase 
or times of war. They were extremely improv- 
ident. When they had an abundance of food 
and liquor they ate and drank great quantities, 
not tliinking of the morrow and the famine 
they might have to endtn-e. They recognized 
polygamy. They believed in the existence of a 
Supreme Being and of a Being in a subordinate 
position. The former was the Great Spirit to 
them which did not require prayers for aid and 
protection, but the latter was looked upon as 
hostile to them, and to this they addressed their 
worship. And they also believed in a future 
state, where the souls of brave warriors and 
chaste wives enjoyed a happy existence with 
their ancestors and friends. Their funerals 
were conducted with great decorum. They 
dressed the deceased persons in their best 
clothes, and buried them in various ways and 
in different places — some were buried in the air 
on scaffolds, some in the water and some in tlie 
earth. They also practiced cremation." 

The general dress of the Indians in the tem- 
perate and cold parts of the country, previous to 
the arrival of the Europeans, consisted of three 
articles — a cloak of buffalo skin (which hung 
from the shoulder), a piece of skin used as an 

'See interesting and valuable article on Mortuary Cus- 
toms, with numerous illustrations, by II. C. Yarrow, in 
Powell's Report of the Bureau of Etlinology, lS7'.l-80, pp. 
89-199. 



60 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



apron, and a pair of moccasins or loose boots, 
mannfactured out of undressed sivin. The 
women wore a long robe of buffalo skin, which 
was fastened around the waist. 

Their habitations were huts or cabins, gener- 
ally of a circular form, constructed of poles 
fixed in the ground and tied together at the 
top. The outer covering consisted of the bark 
of trees. A hole was left at the top for ven- 
tilation, or for smoke to escape. Beds and seats 
were made out of skins. The width of some 
huts was thirty and even forty feet. 

The painting of their bodies was a universal 
custom. Tattooing was practiced; some painted 
only their arms, others both arms and legs; 
those who had attained the summit of renown 
in successful warfare had their bodies painted 
from the waist upward. This was the heraldry 
of the Indians. Besides this ornamentation, 
the warriors also carried plumes of feathers on 
their heads. 

Their weapons consisted of the tomahawk, 
knife, club and bow and arrow. When the 
Dutch arrived they introduced the rifle to them ; 
and then the Indians became as expert in the 
use of this weapon as they had been in the use 
of the tomahawk and bow and arrow. 

They subsisted chiefly on wild game and fish. 
They were great hunters and fishers. In the 
use of the spear in fishing they were very suc- 
cessful. They carried on agriculture to a lim- 
ited extent in raising maize, beans and pump- 
kins; but the labor was performed entirely by 
their women. 

Each tribe was governed by an elected chief 
and council. In matters of great importance 
all the warriors were consulted. In their delib- 
erations, questions M'ere decided by the consent 
of all, not by a majority. Their assemblies 
were conducted with great formality. Their 
debates were carried on by set speeches which 
abounded in bold figures and bursts of impas- 
sioned eloquence. The oldest chief always com- 
menced the discussion of a question. The young 
men were permitted to attend, but not to speak. 

They conducted their warfare in a particular 
and peculiar maimer. They declared ^\ar by 
sending a slave with a hatchet (the handle of 
which was painted red) to the offending party. 



In taking the field for action, they proceeded 
in small squads, and from the time of entering 
the enemy's territory they killed no game, they 
lighted no fires, they made no disturbance of 
any kind ; but they advanced with the utmost 
caution, not even sj)eakiDg to one another, only 
communicating by signs and motion-s. In mak- 
ing an attack, they would first lie flat a whole 
night, and at the break of day, upon the signal 
of the chief, rush upon the enemy. If they 
succeeded — as they generally did sui«eed in 
such a quiet, but deliberate, mode of warfare — 
their horrifying deeds baffled description. 

Purchases by Treaty. — The Indians 
owned tliis territory by right of jiossession.. 
Penn's arrival found them occu])ying and 
claiming the laud, he negotiated with them by 
treaties and purchased their title. In this way 
he won their high regard. They sold him large 
tracts at different times, and as they sold the 
land they dejtarted. The first departure from 
land in this section was in 1718, the district 
lying to the south of youth Mountain ; and the 
next was in 1732, when they left all that section 
lying between the South Mountain and tlie 
Blue Mountain. 

Having mentioned that Penn held certain 
treaties with the Indians in carrying on his 
negotiations with them, the following descrip- 
tion of a treaty by Penn himself in 1683 will 
be interesting in this connection : 

" Every king liath liis council ; and that consists of 
all the old and wise men of the nation — which is per- 
haps two hundred people. Nothing of moment is 
undertaken — he it in war, peace, selling of land or 
trafBc — without advising with them; and, what is 
more, with the young men too. It is admirable to 
consider how powerful the kings are, and yet how they 
move by the breath of their people. I have liad occa- 
sion to be in council with them, upon treaties for 
land, and to adjust the terms of trade. Their order is 
thus : 

" The king sits in the middle of an half moon, and 
liath liis council — the old and wise — on each hand. 
Behind them, or at a little distance, sit the younger 
fry in the same figure. Having consulted and resolved 
their business, the king ordered one of them to speak 
to me. He stood up, came to me, and, in the name of 
his king, saluted me. Then he took me by the hand 
and told me he was ordered by his king to speak to 
me and that now it was not he but the king that 
spoke, because what he should say was the king's 



INDIANS. 



mind. He first prayed me to excuse them that they 
had not complied with me the last time. He feared 
there might be some fault in the interpreter, 
being neither Indian nor English. Besides, it was the 
Indian custom to deliberate and take up much time 
ill council before they resolve. And that, if the young 
people and owners of the land had been as ready as he 
was, I had not met with so much delay. Having thus 
introduced his matter, he fell to the bounds of the land 
they had agreed to dispose of and the price — which 
now is little and dear, that which would have bought 
twenty miles not buying now two. During the time 
that this person spoke, not a man of them was observed 
to whisper or smile— the old grave, and the young 
reverent, in their deportment. They speak little, but 
frequently, and with elegance. I have never seen 
more natural sagacity, considering them without the 
help (I was going to say the spoil) of tradition ; and 
he will deserve the name of wise that outwits them in 
any treaty about a thing they understand. When the 
purchase was agreed to, great promises passed between 
us: 'of kindness and good neighborhood, and that 
the Indians and English must live in love as long as 
the sun gave light,' which done, another made a 
speech to the Indians i n the nam e of al 1 the Sachnmukers 
or kings — first, to tell them what was done; next, to 
charge and command them to love the Christians, and 
])articularly live in peace with me and the people un- 
der my government ; that many governors had been 
in the river, but that no governor had come himself to 
live and stay here before ; and having now such an one 
that had treated them well, they should never do 
him, or his, any wrong. At every sentence of which 
they shouted, and said amen in their way." 

Retreat of Indians. — The Indians hav- 
ing moved north of the Blue Mountain in 
1732, the " Friends" then entered and took up 
large and fine tracts of land in the Maiilen 
Creek Valley. Within the previous decade, 
again.st the complaints of the Indians, a small 
colony of Germans had settled in the Tulpe- 
hocka Valley. Onward, persistently onward, 
along the flowing, meandering streams and 
toward their wild and rich sources, the early 
settlers proceeded. Were these enterprising 
Christians bent upon ascertaining where the 
streams rose, in their efforts to gratify a desire 
for the best settlements, and, consequently, their 
iforhUy enrichment, just as the Indians — the 
heathen, as they were called — were bent upon 
a.scertaining where the sun rose in their journey 
around the world to gratify a desire for spiritual 
enrichment? Before 1750 these settlers had 
reached and occupied points beyond the Blue 



Mountain, lying towards the sources of the 
Schuylkill. And thus, as they came and pres.sed 
forward, the Indians went. The Indians had, 
indeed, reached the " Great Sea ; " but, for want 
of worldly cupidity or genius, they did not, or 
could not master its mighty rolling waters. 
Therefore, they began to return, not because 
they had no more worlds to conquer, not because 
they had completed their great journey, but be- 
cause they had met the Bible ! Wonderful 
revelation to them, indeed ! Return ? No, they 
had to retreat! The "Armor of (Jod" pre- 
vailed against them ! Cupidity had found this 
great country of theirs, but persecution was 
peopling it. This persecution justified (?) the 
jjcrsecuted immigrants to take possession of 
their lands and homes and hunting-grounds, 
which they had possessed time out of mind, in 
order to spread the " Kingdom of God." These 
immigrants were forced to have a home where 
they could worship God freely, according to the 
dictates of their own consciences ; and they got 
it. But the Indians had to lose theirs ! The 
immigrants — moved nu)re by cowardice than by 
enterprise in leaving their homes where they 
were born and where they expected to take 
affairs as they found them or improve them in 
the course of time if they could — reasoned ap- 
parently like the enterprising (?) men of the 
present generation in appropriating the property 
and possessions of others for the promotion of 
the public weal. First, the quiet po.ssession of 
the Indians had to be disturbed by the 
Christians for the public advancement of civiliza- 
tion and the general improvement of morals ; 
then, that of the Christians by corporations for 
the general improvement of communities in re- 
spect to convenience and wealth. This is 
wonderful. What agency is coming in the 
future to disturb the corporations? Two hun- 
dred years were required to develop the right 
and exercise of eminent domain. What right 
or rights will two hundred years more develoj) 
in the great interests of mankind, so that all 
men, irrespective of condition or position, will 
have justice pure and simple done to them in 
all departments of life, not through the law's 
delays, but by the natural and noble impulses of 
the whole community? 



62 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENxNSYLVANIA. 



Present Location. — And having been 
forced, if not driven, out of the territory which 
we have come to occupy, where are the brave 
and strong Lenni Len;ip6 now? Back again in 
the vast wilderness which their great progeni- 
tors had occupied years and years before them. 
Like locusts before the storm, they were swept 
by the tide of civilization westward, westward 
beyond the Mississippi. Centuries elapsed, — how 
many, no one knows — between their march 
hither and thither. Their own energy and de- 
termination had brought them hither ; but the 
energy and determination of a mighty and pro- 
gressive element sent them thither. What a 
mistake they found that they had made in 
searching too persistently after knowledge, in 
going the way of the material world ! Instead 
of realizing their fond hopes of finding what 
they wanted to know, what theyyearned to see, 
they could only look, look to the eastward into 
the restless sea, there to find at last coming to- 
wards them an " armor-bearer," with the " cross 
of salvation " before him, directed, as it were, 
by the King of Day, against the motion of the 
world and across the wide expanse of waters. 
And this was, apparently, the " light " which 
their tradition had inspired them to look for 
through centuries of time. 

In 1749 the Delaware Indians left the great 
region beyond the Blue Mountains for thousands 
of square miles. And they departed with the 
firm intention of remaining away. But, shortly 
afterward, having been deceived by misrepre- 
sentations of the French, they returned, not, 
however, to retake possession, but to murder 
the settlers, and in this malicious inva-sion they 
were very successful, and they kept the country 
in an unsettled and uncertain condition for 
eight years.' Then they fled, never to return 
again. 

In 1789 the general government ]ilaced them 
on a large reservation of land in the State of 
Ohio. But what was a reservation in or against 
the onward march of civilization? It could 
not be firmly and certainly reserved. The 
Christians were too many and too powerful for 
them, even for the government which manifested 

' See chapter on " French and Indian War." 



such a generous feeling in their behalf. The 
poor and powerless Indians — ^poor in the sense 
of possessions and powerless in the sense of or- 
ganized political combinations for influence and 
promotion — had to go, and they went. A gen- 
eration afterwards, in the year 1818, they were 
located in Missouri. Numerous removals fol- 
lowed during the next fifty years, when, in 
18(36, they accepted land in severalty in the In- 
dian Territory. They then gave up tribal re- 
lations to settle down to civilized life, to do as 
civilized people do. And now, it is said, they 
are at last useful and prosperous citizens of a 
united people, numbering, it is estimated, one 
thousand. And there, it is to be hoped, after re- 
troceding for over one hundred years from 
stream to stream and from mountain to moun- 
tain, toward the setting sun, they will be per- 
mitted to grow, if not a stronger, a more sub- 
missive and a more honorable people, to be, 
nevertheless, a wiser, a better and a more culti- 
vated people after our own day and generation. 

A popular notion prevails that the Indian 
tribes are disappearing and their numbers grow- 
ing less. But it has been ascertained that, 
though certain tribes have decreased in num- 
ber, and others even disappeared entirely, many 
of the tribes have increased ; and therefore the 
Indian population, as a whole, in North Amer- 
ica has n(^t decreased very much since the ad- 
vent of the Europeans. In 1880 there were in 
the United States three hundred and three 
thousand two hundred and forty-eight, and in 
the British possessions one hundred and three 
thousand nine hundred and sixty-nine — total, 
four hundred and seven thousand two hundred 
and seventeen. The general policy of our gov- 
ernment has been, for some years past, to 
treat with the Indian tribes in a respectful man- 
ner, purchase their lands, place them ujion cer- 
tain reservations, where they are required to re- 
main, and appropriate supplies for them in the 
nature of food, clothing, arms and ammunition. 
In this manner the government has been humane- 
ly endeavoring tocivilizethem after our own pat- 
tern of civilization. And it has accomplished con- 
siderable good results in respect to some tribes, 
but failed in respect to others. 

ViM.AGE.'i. — Some of the Min><i Indians had 



INDIANS. 



(i3 



villages in this district of territory, now in- 
cluded in Berks County. Those villages were 
numerous. They were located in different sec- 
tions of the territory, more particularly, how- 
ever, along the Schuylkill and its principal 
tril)titaries, and known as follows : 

T'lljieweltdki — in the western section of the county, 
a short flistance east of Stouchsburg, near llie Tulpe- 
hnckcn Creek. 

Sdknuh — in the nortlicrn section, on the Maiilen 
Creek, in Uichmond township, at the nioutli of the 
y.iku Ilk Creek ; now called Sacony. 

Maschilumehamie — situate some miles east of 
Sal:uiik, on the stream of the same name; now known 
as Moselem. 

Ii[achkiiHhanne — still farther east, the place being 
now in Maxatawny township, near Kutztown. 

(Idnahowehnnne — in the central section adjoining 
the Schuylkill, near the northern base of " Neversink," 
at the mouth of Rose Valley Creek, the ])lace being 
included in Reading. 

Anf/a/ica — opposite " Neversink," at mouth of An- 
gelica Creek. 

^'iivef^ink — a short distance below the southern ba.se 
of "Neversink," near the "Big Dam," on the ])e 
Turck farm, and it is believed that a village was also 
in " Poi)lar Neck," on the High farm. 

Menhaltaniiik — at a large spring now in Amity 
township, several miles northeast from Douglassvillc. 

Olhik — in Oley township, a short distance south of 
Friedensburg, on land included with the Bertolet 
farm; and it is believed that a large village was sit- 
uated several miles to the eastward, on the Lee farm, 
adjoining the Manatawny Creek. 

Indian Names. — All the prominent streams 
in the county have been given Indian names ; 
also two townships and two mountains. These 
names are as follows : 

Angelica. — 

Aniietam. — 

AUeglienij — Fair water. 

Ganshowehanne — Roaring or tumbling stream. This 
is now known as the Schuylkill. In old deeds it is 
called Munuiunk, the signification of which word was 
a mother of streams. 

Gokhodng — Place of owls; now Cacoosing. 

Kau-ta-tin-chunk — Endless (applied formerly, now 
changed, to Blue Mountain). 

Lechauweki — Place of Forks; now Lehigh. 

Mackksithanne — Bear's-path Creek; now Maxa- 
tawny. 

Maschilamehanne — Trout Stream ; now Moselem. 

Menakesse — Stream with large bends ; now Mo- 
nocacy. 

Menhaltaniiik — Where we drank liquor ; now Man- 
atawny. 



Navesink — Place of fishing; now Neversink. 

Olink — Hole, cavern or cell ; also a cove or tract of 
land encompassed by hills; now Oley. 

Oiitelaunee — Little maiden; now Maiden Creek. 

Pakihm'imiiik — Place of cranberries ; now Perki- 
omen. 

Sakunk — Place of outlet, where a smaller stream 
empties into a larger ; now Sacony ; also Saucon. 

Hinne-hanue — Stony Stream ; now Stony Creek. 

Siptias-hanne — A plum stream ; now Plum Creek. 

Tamaque-hanne — Beaver Stream — a stream across 
which the beaver throws a dam; now Beaver Creek; 
also changed to Little Schuylkill. 

Talpewihaki — Lund of turtles ; now Tulpchocken. 

Wyomissing. — 

COLLECTIUNS OF INDIAN UELICS IN THE COVNTV.* 



Klii 



Douglassvilli 
Jonas U. Do Tiirtk, Nuvoi-sinli Station 
Ii^aac D. De Turuti, Neversiiil; Station 
A. J. De Turck, Neversink Station. 
Solomon H. Cliristian, Nevei-sink Sta- 
Ilenry I>. Dii-k, Neversink Station. . 

A inoB Lewis, Big Dam 

Ez.ra llish, l>oplar Neck . ... 

Cvnis K. Yost, ahove I'oplar Neck. . 

Cliarlc» W. lierg, Cuinru 

Maj. S. L. Voung, Reading 

Henry Wcidensaul, Reading .... 

I. W. lieini, Reading 

D. B. itrunnor, Reiulilig 

Society of Natural Science, Reading. 

J. It. Bubp, Stoiicliabuig 

William Keitli, Stomlisburg .... 
Franklin B. Jteitb, stouclisbnrg. , . 

II. I,, tllis. .MilllM.il 

n, Sinking Spring. 

■sport. . . 



II. |i.- To 



ille 



W. J. Dr. 

Alfreds. I 

Abi"ahani ' . M _ VM.irisville 

Jonas J, liM\ , ! \ it _',;,-. ill,.. , . _ 

L. H. Lesber, firiv 

Dr. 0. Wanner, Kutztown . . . . 

E. J. Stiaradin, Kutztown 

Samuel C. Bast.f Kutztown . . . . 
William K. Deisber, Maxatawny . 



Total 48 89 .39 















•a 


















i 


S 


t 


t 
1 


1 

« 

1 


Hi 


o 












-<! 


2 




1 


c 






50(lj 


4 


7 


.■> 


1(1 


12 




4IHI 


6 


4 


b 


u 


n 




248(1 






■i 


3 


■A 




Itid 


» 


1 


t 


4 






320 






•i 


a 


•i 




12.i 


8 


3 


1 


6 


(i 




475 


.5 
1 


4 
1 


8 


•Hi 


10 
3 


15 


800 
36(1 


U 


•i 


3 


13 


S 


12 


1410 


1 


b 


4 


411 




1(1 


200 






» 


4 


3 




150 


•I 


o 




'I. 


2 




100 


« 


ai) 


2 


b'i 
10 


S8 


21 


4360 
200 




lU 

7 




20 
20 


48 
13 




10"0 
170 




8 




■t 


18 




3011 


1 
1 


1 
1 


1 


12 
\ 
1 


6 

5 
3 


1 


50(1 
40 
120(1 
60 
50 

lOO 


•I 


3 
1 






1 




13 
53 
105 




4 


1 


13 


4 

2 

1 


15 


960 
500 
120 
24 




5 




20 






1000 


48 


89 


.39 


298 


314 


80 


18105 



*Brunner'8 *'In( 

t Estimated. 

X Present colIecti( 



ana of Berks County," pp. 76, 77. 
1 about six thousand. 



This statement is not intended to be a correct 
classification of the relics found in Berks 
County, but to exhibit, under a few head.s, the 
total number at the present time (18.S1). Some 
of the collectors began to gather specimens re- 
cently; a few are not ambitious to make large 
collections, and hence accept only the best 
specimens (this accounting for a few small col- 
lections), whilst others have many more than are 
indicated by the figures in the .statement, such 
specimens not being from Berks County— gen- 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



erally from tlie West. The statement is con- 
fined exclusively to Indian relies of this county. 

If the specimens recently carried away from 
the county were added, the total number would 
he largely increased. There are many single 
specimens of a.xes and small lots of arrow heads 
in the hands of farmers who do not make col- 
lections, but they cherish and hold them be- 
cause they found them on their farms. 

Messrs. Ezra High's, J. D. De Turck's and 
Isaac D. De Turck's collections have a peculiar 
value, because they were found on their re- 
spective farms. 

Mr. Cyrus R. Yost's sj>ecimens were all found 
by him on the lower part of Fritz's Island, a 
short distance below Reading. 

Mr. Charles W. Berg found his specimens on 
the farm of the Reading Land lm[)rovement 
Company, on an area of six acres. This was 
also the site of an Indian village. 

Major S. L. Young's collection is remark- 
able for its many rare specimens and large pro- 
portion of tine axes. 

The collection of Mr. H. L. Illig, Millbach, 
Lebanon County, deserves mention here. It 
contains over five thousand specimens, and 
shows that Lebanon also had a large Indian 
j)opulation. Only a small portion of his col- 
lection is from Berks County. 

About one-third of Prof Brunuer's collection 
is from the vicinity of Virgiusville, one-tiiird 
from Maxatawny, and the remainder from all 
parts of the county where relics have been 
found. 



C H A I' T E R I V , 



NATIONALITIES. 



Swedes — Gei-maQS — English — Welsh — Irish — Hebrews — 
Negroes. 

Swedes. — The first permanent settlement 
along the Delaware, in Pennsylvania, was ef- 
fected by a small colony of Swedes in 1638. 
Ten years before this, the subject of encourag- 
ing Swedes to settle in Pennsylvania, for pur- 
poses of trade, had been discussed by the King 
of Sweden ; but his earnest engagement in war- 
fare with the Germans about that time, and his 



death suddenly, ended the matter, till it was 
reconsidered and revised by his lord chant-el- 
lor, in behalf, and under the j>atronage of, his 
daughter, the young Swedish (.iueen, Christina. 
The whole number of settlere then in the new 
country (which they called New Sweden) diil 
not exceed fift}-. Tlie Swedes effected the most 
of their settlements on the western side of the 
Delaware River, and extended them along this 
river and its prominent tributary, the Schuyl- 
kill. In ten years their number did not increase 
to one hundred. Notwithstanding their success 
in carrying on trade, they could not acquire 
such a firm hold upon the country as to con- 
tinue their government a score of years. In 
1(J55 their Governor surrendered to the Dutch, 
and this ended the rule of the Swedes in Penn- 
sylvania. But those who had settled and taken 
up lands along the Delaware and Schuylkill did 
not abandon their settlements. They remained. 
Penn, upon his arrival nearly thirty years after- 
ward, encouraged them to move towards the in- 
terior. The English settlers multiplied rapidly 
after Penn had given a fixed government to the 
province. Towards the close of the seventeenth 
century the Swedes began to consider the pro- 
priety of accepting Penn's offer. They, doubt- 
less, then moved up the Schuylkill and viewed 
the adjoining country. A small colony, under 
the leadership of Andrew Rudman, found suit- 
able land along the river, several miles above 
the mouth of the Manatawuy Creek, and they 
petitioned for ten thousand acres. This was in 
170L And immediately afterward, in pursu- 
ance of warrants, certain tracts, aggregating ten 
thousand five hundred acres, were surveyed and 
laid off for them. The names of these Swedes 
were Andrew Rudman, Andrew Bankson, Ben- 
jamin Burden, Peter Boon, Benjamin Boon, 
Mounce Jones, Justa Justxison, Mounce Jus- 
tice, John Cock, Peter Cock, Otto Ernest Cock, 
Jacob Culinn, Matthias Holstou, Morton Mor- 
ton, Richard Roads and Jonas Yocum. 

All of these, e.Kcepting Rudman, remained 
there and made permanent settlements. A 
building erected by one of them, in 1716, is 
still standing. It is the oldest building in the 
county. The descendants of some of them are 
still in the township, which was called Amity 



NATIONALITIES. 



65 



very shortly afterward — notably the Joneses 
and Yociims. This was the only colony of 
them which ramc into the county, and the only 
section of the county in which they took up 
lands ; and tliey did not wander away, remain- 
ing in the township almost entirely. 

They were the first .settlers who erected a 
building for religious worship in this county. 
They were members of the Lutheran denomina- 
tion. They possessed admirable characteristics 
to take up and develop a new country. They 
remained more immediately together than any 
other subsequent class of settlers in this terri- 
tory. The Indians mu.st have appreciated their 
virtues in suffering them to remain unmolested 
before the land was released. Hence they were 
a peaceable people. The name of the township 
indicates the pleasant relation which prevailed 
between them aud the Iudian.s. There was 
amity between them, and so the township came 
to be named in 1720. They pursued the voca- 
tion of farming. 

Germans. — The German immigrants were 
the second to enter this .section of territory after 
the Swedes. The first settlement wa.s effected 
by them, in 1712, along the Manatawny, in 
Gley. Many arrived within the next decade. 
To the east of the Sciiuylkill River they proceed- 
ed northwardly from Philadelphia. To the 
west, however, the first colony of Germans, be- 
fore 1730, entered from tlie west, proceeding 
from New York southwardly and from the 
Susquehanna River ea.«twardiy into Tuljiehocken 
Valley. The total number of Germans who 
settled in the county previous to 1752 cannot 
be estimated. They were certainly more numer- 
ous than all the other nationalities taken to- 
gether. In 1/47 Governor Thomas wrote to 
the bi.shop of Exeter, in England, saying that 
the Germans of Pennsylvania comprised three- 
fifths of the whole population, or about one 
hundred and twenty thousand. 

Many of these German immigrants were re- 
demptioners, or persons who had bound them- 
selves or one or more of their children to the 
masters of vessels, upon their arrival, for a 
term of years, to pay for their pas.sage across the 
ocean. The usual terms of sale depended upon 
the age, strength and health of the jjersons sold. 



Boys and girls generally served from five to 
ten years, till they attained the age of twenty- 
one years. Many parents were compelled to 
sell the service of their own children in order 
to satisfy their passage-money, so that tliey 
might be released from the vessel upon which 
they were brought to this country. Children 
under five years of age could not be sold to ser- 
vice. They were disposed of gratuitously to 
persons who agreed to raise them and give them 
their freedom when they attained the age of 
twenty-one years. In this manner the redemp- 
tioners came to occupy a very humble position ; 
but " from this cla.ss there have sprung some of 
the most reputable and wealthy inhabitants of 
the province." ' 

Prior to 1727 most of the Germans, who 
immigrated, carried with them hither considera- 
ble means. ' But afterward, many of them were 
poor and they came to be redemptioners on that 
account. The years in which these arrived , 
were 1728,1729, 17.37,1741,1750 and 1751. 
The principal part of them were farmers ; but 
many were mechanics, who brought with them 
a knowledge of those arts which are nece.ssary 
and useful in all countries, comprising weavers, 
tiiilors, tanners, shoemakers, (cordwaiuers) coml)- 
makers, smiths of all kind-:, butchers, jiaper- 
makcFs, clock-makers and bakers.^ These Ger- 
mans became perfect mechanics aud workingmen, 
through a custom of " Peregrination " ( Wander- 
tschaft), which, as yoiuig men, just after the clo.se 
of their apprenticeship, they carried on for one or 
more years, in order to make themselves more pro- 
ficient in their several trades. This was required 
of young mechanics before they were permitted 
to set up for themselves. By this course they 
were afforded opportunities of acquiring much 
u.seful general knowledge which books could not 
supply, besides proficiency in their trade. They 
were called " Traveling Journeymen'' (iiZaru/- 
werks-Bursdi). The intention of this custom 
was to enable them to gain experience, 
learn methods practiced in other countries 
besides their own, and acquire also a knowledge 

' Gordon's " History of Pennsylv.ania,'' p. 556. 

•^ " Manners of German Inhabitants," by Dr. Benjnnnn 
Rush. Written by him in 1789. Annotated by Rupp and 
republished in 1875, p. 10. 



66 



HISTORY OF BERKS COILNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of the world. " It is nothing unusual to meet 
in Germany common mechanics who speak 
three and four different languages, are well in- 
formed as to the condition of most countries in 
Europe and possess a general fund of knowl- 
edge which is far superior to that in persons of 
the same class in England." ' 

And many of the earlier immigrants were 
Huguenots, who had been encouraged by Penn 
and the English government to emigrate to 
Pennsylvania and New York. In France this 
name was used as a term of reproach for those 
Avho aimed at a i-eform of religion according to 
the principles enunciated by Calvin. The name 
attached itself to these reformers when they 
broke off all connection with Lutheranism and 
began to organize themselves both as a church 
and as a political body. Their churches sprang 
up with wonderful quickness during the middle 
of the sixteenth century ; but they became 
unpopular — bitterly disliked by the court and 
by the majority of the French people. During 
the reign of Francis I. the persecutions against 
them gave place to a vehement desire to crush 
" the rising heresy." After the massacre of St. 
Bartholomew's day, in 1572, the subordination 
of their religious interests to their political 
interests became inevitable, and, having become 
followers of Henry of Navarre, heir of the 
French crown, their subseqent discontent ob- 
tained from him, as King Henry IV., in 1598 
(April i3th), the famous " Edict of Nantes." ^ 
But the provisions of this Edict were found 
as helpfid for Catholics as for Protestants, and 
they were so modified as to show a decreasing 
favor of the Calvinists, who had dreamed of 
dominance and had hoped for equality, but were 
put off with tolerance. This situation caused 
them to become dissatisfied with the Edict ; 
and the King then expressed a determination 
'• to reduce to nothing the Huguenot faction." 

About 1590 the Huguenots carried on worship 

' Murray's Hand-Bouk, 218. 

■' " This Edict was drawn up in 92 open and 56 secret 
articles. It was a code of old and new laws regulating 
tlie civil and religious position of Protestants in France, 
the conditions and guarantees of their woi-ship, their liber- 
ties and their special obligations in their relations, whether 
with the crown or with their Catholic fellow countrymen. " 
— Ou.zut's " Hiatory of France," vol. Hi. p. 444. 



in about thirty-five hundred chateaux and two 
hundred towns, which were situated chiefly in 
the south and west of France. In most parts 
of the north they had a jilac^e for worship in 
each bailliage. In 1598 the King granted a list 
of one hundred and fifty places to them for their 
safety, the chief groups being in the generalities 
of Bordeaux, Mbntpelier and Poitou. During 
the next quarter of a century their history pas.ses 
through a series of outbursts indicating im- 
patience and dissatisfaction. In this time they 
had five hundred churches ; in 1637 they had 
seven hundred and twenty. Richelieu and 
Mazarin treated them with prudence, but their 
synods were discouraged and their grumblings 
ceased. They grew in piety and purity as the 
political arena was closed to them ; and this was 
the time of their material pros]ierity. When 
Louis XIV. took up his reign the tranquillity of 
the Huguenots began to pass away. In 1657 
they were forbidden to hold colloquies, lest they 
might take to politics, and in 1659 they were 
told to hold no more synods. Soon the court 
went further, and conversions were undertaken. 
Wherever a pastor could be bribed, converted 
or got rid of, his temple was torn down. Their 
worship then became almost impossible iu 
towns. As the King's conscience grewmorbid, 
he became more eager to expiate his own crimes 
by punishing the heretics. Within twenty years 
seven hundred churches were tlestroyed. Through- 
out that trying period, whilst thousands of them 
yielded to oppression or bribery, thou,sands of 
others fled the land. The emigration began 
in 1666 and continued for fifty years. It 
is probable that in 1660 there were over two 
millions of Huguenots, who were regarded as 
the best and most thrifty citizei5s in that coun- 
try ; and of these it is said " fully a million of 
French subjects escaped from their inhospitable 
fatherland." At last the King revoked the Edict 
of Nantes, because he thought that the Hugue- 
nots were suppressed. This was on the 15th of 
October, 1685. "This revocation was the sen- 
tence of civil death on all Huguenots. It crushed 
more than half of the commercial andnianufac- 
turiug industry of the kingdom." The pre- 
amble was as follows : " Our pains have had the 
end we had proposed, seeing that the better and 



NATIONALITIES. 



67 



greater part of our subjects of the religion styled 
the Reformed have embraced the Catholic; the 
execution of the Edict of Nantes, consequently 
remaining useless, we have considered that we 
could not do better for the purpose of eftaeing 
entirely the memory of the evils whicii tliis 
false religion has caused in our kingdom than 
revoke entirely the aforesaid Edict of Nantes 
and all that has been done in favor of the said 
religion."' 

"Whatever difference of opinions tliere may 
be as to the numbers who fled from the king- 
dom at tiiis time, there can be no doubt as to the 
(]uality of them. They were the thriftiest and 
readiest hands in France; they carried tlie arts 
and taste, which were till tlien the special gift of 
their country, to Spitaifields, or Amsterdam, or 
even to Berlin. They crowded into the armies 
which were arrayed against their oppressor; 
tiiey helped to man the ships wliich destroyed 
t lie navy of France; they planted tlieir indus- 
t i-ies in many places, and gave that wealtli and 
jirosperity to other lands which was driven from 
their iioraes." " 

This was the class of Germans which settled the 
country along the Schuylkill and its tributaries. 
They were a valuable acquisition to Peun and 
his sons in the development of their great prov- 
ince. They were just what a new country 
needed to start it grandly in the march of ma- 
terial progress. Their labor, their economy, 
tiieir perseverance and their stability added 
great and increasing wealtli to tiie country, 
decade after decade. They prepared the way 
for tlie erection of a new county ; and having 
fitted the settlements for a separate political or- 
ganization, they proceeded earnestly in behalf of 
its establisliment. Their determination towards 
til is end extends through a period of fourteen 
years, from 1738 to 1752, when the county was 
ere(!ted. They were largely in the majority. 
But they did not have this preponderance to 
appear by the name that was given to the coun- 
ty. Possibly they could not have secured a 
German name if they had desired to. In the 



'Guizot's " Hislory of France," vol. iv, p. 3.34. 
* "Ency. Brit.," vol. ix. p. 510, France; and see Macau- 
lay's " Hisl. of Eng.," vol. ii, p. 11, 12. 



vast sections of territory M'hich they inhabited, 
only three townships had been named with Ger- 
man names, — Heidelberg, Bern and ALsace. The 
English influence is apparent. The previous 
counties, excepting Philadelphia, were given 
English names. — Bucks, Chester, Lancaster, 
York and Cumberland. 

The proprietary government was English, 
and an English name for the new county was 
to be expected ; and the Penns having been 
at the head of provincial affairs, the name of 
their own shire naturally stood out with prom- 
inence as a proper name for the new organiza- 
tion. So it was named Berks. 

Before this event the Germans had done much 
for the territory in improving its soil, in erecting 
buildings, in laying out roads. They were along 
every stream, excepting the Wyomi.ssing, Alle- 
gheny and Hay Creek, in the southern section. 
They were in the valleys and on the hills, rather 
than along the Schuylkill. This singular selec- 
tion of locality was not accidental. They found 
the best quality of land away from the Schuyl- 
kill. Our best farms in productiveness and iu 
appearance are in the localities where they 
settled — in Oley, in Maxatawny, in Heidelberg. 
In these respective localities we find the grand- 
children and great-grandchildren of the first 
German patentees. This adherence to the soil is 
not only a peculiar, but also an admirable quality 
of the German people.^ 



' The following extract is taken from an article entitled 
" First Families," which I contributed to Historical Reijister 
(published by Dr. W. H. Egle, at Harrisburg), .January, 
1883, and copied in Reading Times, February 6, 188.3. The 
great majority of the n.ames mentioned are German. 

"^IRST FAMILIKS." 

"In the several quarters mentioned, east, south, west, 
and north, the descendants of many of the first settlers are 
still flourisliing in numbers, in industry, in wealth, and in 
social, religious, and political influence. In taking a hasty 
glance over its broad territory, I can mention in the east- 
ern district, along the Mauatawny and its tributaries, the 
Baums, Bertolets, Boones, De Turcks, Egles, Griesemers, 
Guldins, Hartmans, Herbeins, Hochs, Hunters, Kautfmans, 
Reims, Knabbs, Lees, Leinbachs, Leshers, Levans, Lin- 
colns, Lobachs, Ludwigs, Peters, Pottses, ReiflTs, Khoadses, 
Ritters, Schneiders, Spangs, Van Reeds, Yocums, Yoders, 
Weavers, and Witmans ; and. on the border along the head- 
waters of the Perkiomen. the Bauers, Bechtels, Boyers, 
Clemmers, Ehsts, Funcks, Gabels, Rushes, Sassamans, 
Schalls, Schultzes, and Stauffers ; in the southern district, 



68 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, Pf]NNSYLVANIA. 



In the representative positions, secured to the 
people by oar Constitution, our officials have 
been mostly Germans, excepting in one partic- 
ular, the office of president judge. They were 
in Congress without interruption from 1789 till 
1847 ; and in tlie State Senate till 1856, except- 
ing one term, 1817-20. 

English. — The English entered this terri- 
tory and took up lands shortly before 1720. 
They were, accordingly, the third class of set- 
tlers, the first having been the Swedes, and the 
second the Germans. Their first families were 
the Boones, EUises, Lees and Lincolns. They 



along the Alleglieny, Hay Creek, Little Conestoga and Wy- 
oirii''sing, the Blands, Evanses, Geigers, Harrisons, Huyelts, 
.Joneses, Mohns, Moores, Morgans, Planks, Redcays, Robe- 
sons, Scarlets and Ziemers ; in the western district, along 
the Tulpehocken and its tributaries, and the Little Swa- 
tara, the Adamses, Althouses, Batdorfs, Bergers, Boeshores, 
Bordners, Brechts, Conrads, Eckerts.vEplers, Deppens, 
Dundores, Ermentrouts, Fishers, Fitters, Frantzes, Groffs, 
Ilains, Hiestera, Keysers, Kissingers, Klingers, Kurrs, Liv- 
ingoods, Millers, Newconiets, Obolds, Potteigers, Reeds, 
Rebers, Rehrers, Riesers, Riegels, Scharfs, Sciberts, Selt- 
zers, Schg^Jfers, Speichers, Spohns, Tryons, umhenhauers, 
Walhorns, Weisers, Wenriehs, Wilhelnis, Womelsdorfs, and 
Zerbes ; and, in the northern district, along the Maiden 
Creek and iis tributaries, Uhe Brobsts,^ Davises, Dreibel- 
bises, Gernants, Greeuawalds, Griius, Hahns, Heffners, 
Heinlys, Hottensteins, Kauffmans, Kaorchers, Kellers, 
Kemps, Kiefers, Kirhys, Kuizes, Leibys, Levans, Merkels, 
Mertzes, Parvins, Penroses, Piersons, Prices, Rothenberg- 
ers, Uothermels, Saylors, Schaffers, Shalters, Starrs. Trex- 
levs, Wanners, Weilers, Wileys and Zachariases. Others 
ciiuid be mentioned. These, however, stand out promi- 
nently in the development of the county from the tirst set- 
tlements of the several districts to the present time. The 
great majority of the descendants have continued persis- 
tently engaged in agriculture upon or in the vicinity of the 
original settlements. Some moved to other districts of the 
county ; others to Reading. Many sons and daughters mi- 
grated to the West, and settled particularly in Ohio, Indi- 
ana, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Kansas, and Colorado. 
Some of the sons turned to the professions — divinity, law, 
and medicine — in which they shone «ith more or less dis- 
tinction; others to trades and manufactures, in which they 
realized rich rewards for their industry and well-directed 
energy. In tracing down all the pursuits of life carried on 
in the county, it is only occasionally that a complete stran- 
ger appears and identifies himself with her onward move- 
ments for any considerable length of time. This is espe- 
cially the case in our politics. The names of the old fami- 
lies are continually on the surface. Not particularly 
demonstrative, they are like expert swimnicrj in deep 
water. They float onward majestically in the great stream 
of time; their heais are always visible ; their endurance 
prevails." 



settled in Oley, — the Ellises and Lees in the 
eastern section, along the Manatawny, and the 
Boones and Lincolns in the central and ^A'estern 
sections, along the Monocacy and the Schuyl- 
kill; Within ten years after their permanent 
settlement, they established a meeting-house 
for religious worship. This was about 1726, 
at a point where the jiresent Exeter meeting- 
house stands, in an elevated position near the 
northwestern limit of the Swedes' tracts, then 
called Amity township. 

Shortly after 1730 they settled along and 
about Hay Creek and Allegheny Creek, to the 
west of the Schuylkill, and also farther north, 
along and about the Maiden Creek, immediately 
after the Indians had released their rights to 
the territory. The first families' in the for- 
mer settlements were the Embrees, Lewises, 
Humphreys, Scarlets, Harrys, Prices, Webbs, 
Hughes, Moores, Williamses and Thomases ; 
and in the latter settlements the Parvins, Light- 
foots, Huttons, Starrs, Davises, Pcnro.ses, Pear- 
sons, Wileys, Wrights, Willits, Harveys and 
Reeds, and these respective families also estab- 
lished meeting-houses in the midst of their set- 
tlements, about the year 1736, — the one at the 
cro.ss-roads, near the centre of Robeson town- 
ship, and the other near the centre of Maiden- 
creek township. 

All these families were connected with the 
Friends. They exerted a strong influence in 
these three sections of the county. The numer- 
ous English names, given to the townships east 
of the Schuylkill, were suggested by them. 

George Boone was particularly ])rominent in 
the lower section, and Benjamin Lightfoot in 
the upper section, in respect to proceedings for 
setting apart new townships. They were sur- 
veyors and men of more than ordinary ability. 
And just as these two men were prominent in 
their branch of service, Anthony Lee and Jacob 
Parvin were equally, if not more, prominent in 
these respective sections as justices of the sev- 
eral courts of the county. Indeed, for a tiine,^ 

' The Rohesons have been classed with the English or 
Friends ; but they were Swedes, having been connected 
witli the Swedish Church at Molatton. 

'' Till the Revolution. They were at the head of affairs 
from forty to fifty years. 



NATIONALITIES. 



69 



through the influence of the provincial govern- 
ment, the Friends exerted the most influence in 
the direction of our political affairs, notwith- 
standing their number was far less than the 
Germans. But during the Revolution, and 
immediately afterward, the natural energy of 
the Germans carried them forward in political 
matters, just as it had carried them forward in 
agriculture and manufactures before the Kevo- 
lution. Independence elevated them into po- 
litical rights, the exercise of whicli placed them 
in power. So the Friends lost their position in 
the community, and with it their public influ- 
ence. Before the Revolution, their number 
was strong and their religious meetings were 
active and successful. But since that time 
they have gradually decreased decade after de- 
cade till now. Indeed, they have become so 
weak that they can hardly carry on their meet- 
ings. This is a matter to be regretted ; for, 
wliilst in influence and power, they conducted 
themselves with justice and ability. Their best 
men were always elevated to positions of re- 
sponsibility. The early county records are dis- 
tinguished for neatness and legibility, this of 
itself indicating their carefulness and attention 
ti) business. This cannot be said of their suc- 
cessors. 

In looking over the lists of men who have 
held representative offices for the county since 
the Revolution, we find only a few who are 
distinctively English, especially of the families 
mentioned. The Germans have been our rep- 
resentative men almost entirely.' It is safe to 
assert that this would not have been the case 
if the Revolution had not terminated success- 

fully. _ 

During this trying period the Friends here 
were mostly, if not entirely, Tories. They 
were opposed to the war ; but tiie Germans 
were extreme Revolutionists, and they encour- 
aged the War for Independence to the utmost 
of their ability. Their conduct was admirable. 
AVhen the struggle closed, with the acquisition 
of increased power to the people, they naturally 
asserted their rights and presumed to take posi- 
tions and power unto themselves. 

'See "Political Hand-Book of Berks County," pp. 10-20. 



I cannot omit to add that there were English 
people here besides the Friends. At first, be- 
fore the erection of the county, they were in tlie 
southern and southeastern portions of tiie county. 
They manifested themselves in a religious way 
about the same time — between 1735 and 1740 
— the one body in Caernarvon township ' and 
the other in Amity township." They were 
members of the Established Church of England, 
called Episcopalians.^ Afterward, when the 
county was erected, they also appeared in Read- 
ing, though without sufficient strength to cause 
the erection of achurch for themselves till 1824. 

Welsh. — Just as the Swedes settled in the 
county on the eastern bank of the Schuylkill, 
so the Welsh settled in the county to the west 
of this river. They migrated through Chester 
County lands till they cro.ssed the South Moiiii - 
tain, and, though some of them reached a point 
beyond the mountain before the purchase of the 
territory from the Indians in 1732, yet the 
most of them entered this district immediately 
afterward. The Swedes did not have a town- 
ship named after any of their places in their 
distant home across the wide ocean. But the 
Welsh were more impressive ; they named three 
townships — Caernarvou, Cumru and Breck- 
nock. 

The Welsh had ])urchased from Penn, in 
England, before 1700, a large body of land 
aggregating forty thousand acres, to be selected 
in Pennsylvania ; and these acres they selected 
to the west of the Schuylkill. They sottlwl the 
country so numerously that, before 1698, they 
had named six townships in the county of Ches- 
ter. 

Rowland Ellis was a prominent Welshman 
who induced a large Welsh emigration from 
Wales to this countr}'. After having induced 
Thomas Owen and his family to emigrate and 
settle in Chester County, he, in 168*3, embarked 
with one hundred Welshmen for this province. 
Some of the settlers were named Thomas Evans, 
RobertEvans, Owen Evans, Cad wallader Evans, 



' Where Morgantown now is. 
^ At Molattou, now Bouglassville. 

2 In the former locality I can mention especially the Mor- 
gans, and in the latter the Birds and Brookes. 



70 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXXSYLVANIA. 



William Jones, Robert Jones, Hugh Griffith, 
Edward Foiilke, John Humphrey. . 

The district of territory which lay to the 
south of the South Mountain and west of the 
Schuylkill was (gradually settled by these Welsh 
people, and they migrated fartlier and farther 
up the river during the next fifty years. 

Before 1740 several hundred of them had 
.settled in the district beyond this mountain. 
The following persons were some of the tax- 
ables : 



John Bowen. 
Edward Davis. 
Hugh Davios. 
Gabriel Davies. 
John Davies. 
Davis Davies. 
James David. 
John David. 
Alton David. 
Thomas David. 
Morgan Evans. 
David Evans. 
Nathan Evans. 
Eleazcr Evans. 
David Edward. 
James Edward. 
Eobert Ellis. 
William (Jriffith. 
Henry Harry. 
Hugh Huglies. 
William Huglies. 
Evan Hugh. 
Francis Hughes. 
Morgan John. 
David Jones. 



Thomas Jones. 
.Tames Jones. 
William Jones. 
Watkin Jones. 
John Jenkin. 
Thomas Jenkin. 
George Lewis, Sr. 
George Lewis, Jr. 
-James Lewis. 
John Lewis. 
Evan Lloyd. 
Thomas Lloyd. 
John Lloyd. 
Thomas Nicholas. 
John Persall. 
Edward Price. 
Evan Price. 
Griffith Rees. 
William Rettew. 
David Thoma.s. 
William Thomas. 
John Thomas. 
John Treeby. 
John Treebv, Jr. 



They were adherents of the Baptist denonii- 
natiou. Their lands wore taken up mostly 
along and in the vicinity of tlie Wyomissing 
and Cacoosiug Creeks, and there they were 
most thickly settled. In their midst they 
cau.sed a meeting-house to be erected. They 
took up many tracts of land, aggregating twenty 
thousand acres, before 1752. They were enter- 
prising, having a grist-mill along the AYyomis- 
sing before 1740. This flowing stream was ap- 
preciated by them for its superior water-power, 
and they accordingly erected different factories 
along its banks for the manufacture of gun-bar- 
rels, files, etc. Agriculture was their jjrincipal 
employment. Like the Swedes, they remained 
ill their first settlement, southwardly of the 



Schuylkill and Cacoosing. And they did not 
enter politics. They attended strictly to their 
personal affairs. They co-operated earnestly with 
the Germans in obtaining a new county out of 
the upper sections of Lancaster and Philadel- 
phia Counties. 

Irlsh. — Persons of Irish nativity did not 
settle in Pennsylvania for nearly forty years 
after Penn had obtained the province. During 
this time persons of other nationalities, espec- 
ially Germans and English, had been encour- 
aged to locate in Pennsylvania. Penn visited 
Germany in this behalf, kindling a. strong interest 
for the province in his own country. But it 
would seem that he did not care for the Scotch or 
Irish, not having encouraged them to emigrate 
to his province ; and, accordingly, neither of 
these came till after his death ; and when they 
did arrive, they settled that portion of the prov- 
ince which lay mostly along the southern borders 
adjoining Maryland. Though some of them 
followed the course of the Susquehanna and 
settled in Lancaster County, the great body 
of them migrated into the country which lay 
west of the river. Very few, if any, proceeded 
up the Schuylkill Valley. 

Doubtless, the German element in this direc- 
tion, which compo.sed the greater part of the pop- 
ulation, was not agreeable to them. Hence, 
they directed their way to the westward from 
Philadelphia, immediately after landing, rather 
than to the northward. No settlement was 
effected by them in any of the districts which 
are now included in Berks County. Possibly, 
single individuals or families of them came at a 
time and located within the county, but I have 
not been able to find any data worthy of special 
mention. 

HEiiREW's. — And the same must be said of 
the Hebrews in this respect. Indeed, their im- 
migration into the country has been so limited 
and so quiet that no notice has been taken of 
them. They have made no impression at all as 
a class of people. They have not tilled the 
soil ; they have not built any shops ; they have 
simply traded. Some of them have been in 
the county for many years, almost entirely, how- 
ever, at Reading. But they did not show en- 
ergy or devotion enough in this time to acquire 



NATIONALITIES. 



71 



even a church for religious worship till 1885. 
Their number was too small to associate to- 
gether successfully for such a purpose. 

A number of them settled along, the head 
waters of the Tulpehocken, at or in the vi- 
cinity of Myerstown. Single individuals of 
til is class wandered to Womelsdorf and even to 
Reading. In 183G there were eight Hebrews 
at Reading — Abraham Speier, John Sicgel, 
Mayer Siegel, Mayer Arnold, Alexander Hey- 

man, Spiegel, Bernard Dreifoos, De 

Young. 

The .Jews' have been engaged almost exclu- 
sively in trading. They have used the Ger- 
man language entirely amongst themselves. 
Through their children and English education, 
the English language has made some progress 
with them. 

In 18G4, the following Hebrews were in 
Reading : B. Dreifoos, Sol. Hirsch, Abr. Speier, 
Mayer Einstein, Aaron Henleiu, Sol. Weil, 
Marcus Lyons, Henry Loeb, Isaac Mann, Isaac 
Hirschland, Joseph Loeb, Jacob Levy, R. Aus- 
trian, Abr'm Arnold, Aaron Einstein, Isaac 
Schwerin. 

NEGiioES. — The negro is worthy of special 
mention in the history of this county. Though 
living under political disability till a score of 
years ago, his labor, his patience and his integ- 
rity require respectful treatment. He has had, 
indeed, a great struggle with destiny in this 
vast country for nearly two centuries and a half. 
It is rather surprising that two great elements 
should have entered the country about the .same 
time — the one a sentiment, the other a fact, 
the one moved by religious enthusiasm, the 
other by selfishness, the one for freedom, the 
other for slavery — and traveled through our 
Monderful history in direct antagonism to each 
other. 

Slavery existed to a very limited extent in 
Berks County. The slaves of which I found 
aiiy notice were owned almost entirely by iron- 
masters. But they were few in number. This 
condition of servitude was incompatible with the 
notions of our early settlers; hence it was not en- 
couraged. The farmers had no slaves. 

Pennsylvania instituted an early movement 



' They are commonly so known and called. 



for the gradual abolition of slavery. This was 
in 1780, during the progress of the Revolution. 
An act of Assembly' was passed on March 1, 
1780, to this end. In the preamble, the Act set 
forth, among other things, — 

" We esteem it a peculiiir blessing granted to us that 
we are enabled this day to add one more step to uni- 
versal civilization, by removing as much as possible 
the sorrows of those who have lived iu undeserved 
bondage, and from which, by the assumed authority 
of the Kings of Great Britain, no eft'ectual relief could 
be obtained. Weaned by a long course of experience 
from those narrow prejudices and partialities we have 
imbibed, we find our hearts enlarged with kindness 
and benevolence toward men of all conditions and 
nations, and we perceive ourselves at this particular 
period extraordinarily called upon, by the ble.ssing.s 
which we have received, to manifest the sincerity of 
our profession, to give substantial proof of our grat- 
itude." 

And then it enacted " That all persons, as 
well negroes and Mulattoes as others, who shall 
be born in this Stale from and after the passage 
of this Act, shall not be deemed and considered 
as servants for life or slaves ; and that all servi- 
tude for life or slaveiy of children in conse- 
quence of the slavery of their mothers, in the 
case of all children born within t^iis State from 
and after the passing of this Act, shall be and 
hereby is utterly taken away, extinguished and 
forever abolished ;" with the condition that such 
child should be a ser\'aut till the age of twenty- 
eight years, after the jnanner of indentured 
servants. 

The Act required the owner of slaves to file a 
statement iu the Quarter Sessions' office, giving 
age, surname, etc., of each slave. I could not 
find a statement of this kind in the office of our 
county. 

There were some colored people in the county 
at an early period. They were in the service of 
iron men ; and they were at Reading soon after 
it was founded. It was not, however, till after 
1830 that they became sufficiently strong to 
form a society for religious pnrpo.ses, and thence 
till now they have grown in number and influ- 
ence. In 1860 it would seem that they 
reached their highest number, four hundred and 

'See Egle's '' History of Lebanon County," pp. 50, 51 in 
wliich a complete copy of the Act is published. 



HISTOKY OP BERKS COUNTY, PEXNSYLVANIA. 



ninety-seven; for in 1870 it was four hundred 
and twenty-four, and in 1880 four hundred 
and forty-nine. These were almost entirely at 
Reading, if not entirely. Some of them owned 
real estate here before 1800. As a class, long 
before their enfranchisement, in 181)3, they wei-e 
orderly, industrious and progressive. 



CHAPTER V. 

ERECTION OF COUNTY. 

General Situation of Territory — Petitions for County — Act 
erecting County — Districts — Names of Townships and 
Towns — Reductions of Territory, Northumberland County 
and Schuylkill County — New Counties Proposed. 

General Situation of Territory. — 
When the province of Pennsylvania was granted 
to William Penn by Charles II., King of Great 
Britain, in 1681, no township or county organi- 
zations existed in the province. There was no 
necessity for them. The settlements were lim- 
ited and they were confined to the immediate 
vicinity of the Delaware River. And the gov- 
ernment had no definite character. But the 
arrival of Penn was the dawn of government, 
progress and civilization. Within a month 
after his arrival he caused three counties to be 
laid out — Bucks, Chester and Philadelphia. 
County government then began, and county 
representation in the Provincial Assembly was 
inaugurated. During tliis period thousands of 
immigrants came into the province and effected 
permanent settlements ; and each succeeding 
year found them farther removed from the 
county-seats of the counties named. They pro- 
ceeded up the courses of streams mostly. Very 
few followed the streams from their sources to 
their outlets. Only one colony came from New 
York overland, and this was nearly fifty years 
after the settlements had begun, and the govern- 
ment liad been given a fixed character. Very 
nearly all landed at Philadelphia; and thence 
the great majority proceeded towards the inte- 
rior districts and the head-waters of streams. 
This is particularly the case with the Schuylkill 
River and all its tributaries. The settlements 



between the Schuylkill aud Delaware Rivers 
were numerous before 1700. Every decade 
thereafter found them farther northward from 
the Wissahickon to the Perkiomen, from tlie Per- 
kiomen to the Manatawny, and from the ]Mana- 
tawny to the Maiden Creek. And so theypi-o- 
ceeded between the Schuylkill and Susque- 
hanna Rivers. 

Gradually those who had settled in the in- 
terior districts, toward the mountains, began to 
feel the inconvenience and expense incident to 
their location. They were compelled to travel, 
regai'dless of roads or weather, to the county- 
seat far removed from their settlements, and to 
haul their goods many miles to the market 
before they could realize any value for the pro- 
duct of their hard manual labor. Naturally, 
they felt inclined to improve their condition. 
A county organization was the first step to- 
wards accomplishing this object, as well to 
bring the county-seat into their midst as to 
create a niarket near by for the disposition of 
their produce. But, notwithstanding the nu- 
merous settlements aud the large population in 
the great district of territory east of the Schuyl- 
kill and south of the Blue ^Mountain, no addi- 
tional couuties were erected before 1750. It 
was different to the west of the Schuylkill. 
The tide of emigration seems to have been 
greater in that direction. It pursued the Cones- 
toga Creek. And the people, if not more ener- 
getic, were disposed to have local government 
moi-e convenient. They did- not have the natu- 
ral facilities to enable them to reach their 
county-seat in Chester County, as the settlers did 
have in the districts to east of them, which lay 
in Philadelphia and Bucks Counties. In 1729 
they induced the Executive Council to separate 
them from Chester County aud erect their set- 
tlements into a new county, which they calletl 
Lancaster. This county com])rised a very large 
area of territory. Immigration into its rich 
valleys continued for twenty years. It ex- 
tended over and beyond the Susquehanna River. 
Then the settlers jietitioned for another county 
and obtained it under the name of York. This 
was in 1749; and in 1750, other settlers, lo- 
cated to the north, also petitioned for and ob- 
tained a county under the name of Cumberland. 



ERECTION OF COUNTY. 



73 



The territory of" both these counties lay west of 
the Susquehanua River. 

During the first quarter of the eighteenth 
century many immigrants proceeded to the right 
into Perkiomen Valley along the West Branch, 
and into Oley Valley along the Manatawny 
and its tributaries. These were mostly Ger- 
mans ; some were English and others Swedes. 
Other immigrants, mostly Welsh, proceeded to 
the left into Conestoga Valley. The settlements 
for miles on both sides of the river were mostly 
confined to the south of the succession of hills 
commonly called " South Mountain." This 
was especially the case to the right. In this 
district of territory the settlements were then 
known by the names " Amity," " Oley " and 
" Colebrookdale." But to the left a small set- 
tlement of Germans _had taken place in the 
Tulpehockcn A'alley, — the enterprising settlers 
having come down the Susquehanna River from 
New York, and migrated eastwardly to the 
head-waters of the Tulpehockcn Creek ; and 
another settlement of English (conmionly called 
"Friends") and Welsh had taken place along 
the Allegheny and "W^yomissing Creeks. These 
settlements were known by the names "Tulpe- 
hockcn" and " Robeson." An earlier settlement 
to the south was called "Caernarvon." Ac- 
cordingly, during the first quarter of that cen- 
tury six distinct settlements in this vicinity had 
come to be formed and recognized. 

During the .second quarter, the way for .settle- 
ments north of the " South Mountain " was 
opened by the purchase of tlie territory from 
the Indians. The " Friends " were the first to 
enter the new district to the right of the river. 
They took up large tracts of land along the 
Ontelaunee, called by them Maiden Creek. 
Many Germans followed immediately after- 
ward. And to the left many Germans, Friends 
and Welsh were added to the .settlements along 
the Tulpehocken, Wyomissing and Allegheny 
Creeks. Improvements were carried on with 
great energy and success throughout the great 
valleys which lay between the South Mountain 
and the Kittatinny Mountain (sometimes called 
" North," but commonly " Blue Ridge "). These 
valleys extended from the ea.^t and from the 
west and united in the picturesque Schuylkill 
10 



Valley, forming, as it were, a great cro.«s, to 
symbolize the wonderful faith that directed the 
settlers into this new and fertile country for 
freedom and religious toleration. New districts 
were formed to encourage local government and 
to facilitate intercourse. To the right they 
were called Douglass, Exeter, Ruscomb-manor,' 
Aksace, Maxatawny, Maiden-creek, Richmond,' 
Longswarap ' and Allemengle; and to the left, 
Heidelberg, Bern, Cumru, Bethel and Breck- 
nock. Altogether, till 1750, the districts were 
twenty in number. 

This was the territorial situation of the set- 
tlements in this .section of the province towards 
the close of the second quarter of the eigh- 
teenth century. The settlers in the several dis- 
tricts had provided themselves with meeting- 
houses and schools for their religious and secu- 
lar education. In this respect they had 
exhibited commendable zeal. The German 
population predominated ; consequently, the 
preaching and teaching were mostly done in 
the German language. But the Friends were 
not backward. They were prominent in Exe- 
ter, Robeson and Maiden-creek; and their 
schools were distinguished for excellence. 
Manufactures were carried on everywhere ; 
spinning was a common, if not a necessary 
employment in every household. Wearing 
apparel was home-made ; carpenters, masons, 
blacksmiths and shoemakers were in every 
locality ; and iron-ore mines and furnaces and 
forges were in operation to the north, south, 
east and west. But the great highways were 
comparatively few. The most jirominent pub- 
lic road was the Tulpehockcn road. It ex- 
tended from the Tulpehocken settlement in the 
west, in a southeasterly direction, via the ford 
across the Schuylkill (now the site of the Penn 
Street Bridge at Reading) and Pine Iron- 
Works, to Philadelphia. From this ford a 
prominent road extended to the north, on the 
eastern side of the river, called Maiden Creek 
road; and another to the .south, on the western 
side, called Schuylkill road. This point of 
concentration naturally attracted attention to- 
wards this locality as a practicable place for a 



1 Named, bul not regularly erected. 



74 



HISTORY OF BERKS COTTNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



town-site. Elsewhere, for many miles round- 
about, there was no town, not even a village, 
and there were then apparently no steps to- 
wards founding either. But just as the settlers 
luid labored for years to establish a county out 
of the surrounding territory, similar eflbrts were 
expended for a town here. 

Petition for County. — The first efforts 
for the establishment of a new county out of the 
upper sections of Philadelphia and Lancaster 
Counties, adjoining the Schuylkill, were made in 
the latter part of 1738. On the 13th day of 
the Eleventh Mouth (January), 1738, the Hon. 
George Thomas, Lieutenant-Governor of the 
province, " laid before the Council two petitions 
addressed to hi in — one from the inhabitants of 
Providence, Limerick, etc., in Philadelphia 
County, and the other from the inhabitants of 
the northea.st side of the count}' of Lancaster, 
(with a Map of the Province of Pennsylvania) — 
])raving that a new county may be bounded 
as by the dividing lines in the said Map, for 
that they labor under great inconveniences and 
damage bv reason of their distance from the 
Courts held at Philadelphia and Lancaster, and 
for many other reasons in the .said petition men- 
tioned ; which were read and ordered to lie on 
the table for further consideration."/ The pe- 
tition from the inhabitants of Providence, Lim- 
erick, etc., districts (now in Montgomery 
County) has not been found ; but a copy of the 
other is in the po.sse.ssioi) of the Pennsylvania 
Historical Society, at Philadelphia. It is as 
follows, including the names of one hundred 
and seventy-two subscribers, of which the first 
sixty-one were Welsh, the others Germans : 

"To the Hon. Geo. Thomas, Esq., Lieut. Govr. and 
Commander-in-Chief of the Province of Pennsylva- 
nia and counties of Newcastle, Kent and Sussex up- 
on Delaware, etc. 

" The petition of the Inhabitants of the North 
Eist side of the county of Lancaster in the said Prov- 
ince. 

" That whereas our NoiirhUours, the Inhabitants of 
the county of Philada., have petitioned Your Honor 
That the upper i)art of the said county may be made 
& erected into a County, We, Tlterefore, in considera- 
tion of our sufferings and by their approbation and 
consent, pray That part of this county may be Divid- 

14 Col. Rec. 317-318. 



ed by a North W^est line at such a reasonable distance 
as you in your Wisdom shall think fit, upon a right 
angle from the river Schuylkill and added to the said 
proposed division and be made and erected into a 
County & allowed the usual priviledges for the fol- 
lowing reasons : 

" 1st. The Town of Lancaster, where the Courts of 
Justice and Publick Offices are held, is seated very 
advantageous for a Division, there being, according 
to the best account, three-fourths of the Distance be- 
tween Skulkill and Susquehanna on this side of it. 

"2ndly. That our Trade and Commerce are equal 
with that of our neighbours, the Inhabitants of the ■ 
Upper part of the county of Philada. afore.sd, and 
[we] transport our produce by the same methods, so 
that we have [no] business nor trade at or near Lan- 
caster, save only to attend the administration of Jus- 
tice by reason [of] the disadvantage of their length 
of land carriage [and] will not allow us a nuirket there 
forour produce and forthesame reasons wecannot pur- 
chase such goods as our occasions require but at a 
very dear rate. 

" 3rdly. If the Seat of Justice were fi.xed upon 
Skulkill we could there cheerfully attend the Courts 
and dispose of our produce, or have it carried down 
by water for less than the fourth part of what we 
must pay for land carriage or store it there ready for 
markets, to wait the freshets, or if we travel with our 
wagons, having mist all the aforesd opportunities. 
Yet we are still in our way to Philada. 

" 4thly. That many of us are divided from Lancas- 
ter by vast ridges of mountains ; that the quiet and 
l)eaceable people rather choose to sutler thefts and 
abuses from the idle and dissolute people who always 
choose to resort to such places which are furthest 
from the Seat of Justice (Especially the Advantage of 
the River considered) than be at the expense and 
trouble of such a journey, the distance and difficulty 
thereof when attempted, oftentimes gives .such oppor- 
tunities to escape. 

"5thly. That Wliereas Skulkill is the principal 
River in the Province, We Humbly conceive that 
these proposed Divisions being annexed as aforesd 
and the Se.it of Justice fixed as aforesaid it would be 
a groat advancem't to trade and a benefit to the Prov- 
ince in General as well as to every particular within 
the ])roposed division and no detriment or disadvan- 
tage to any. 

"(Jthly. That as our natural situation is such That 
we are a great distance from any Seaport and conse- 
quently it is with great labour & difficulty we trans- 
port theefl'ects of our Industry, thereby yielding a ben- 
efit to the other, our neighboring Counties, through 
which we travel and with whom we Barter, We There- 
fore hold ourselves excusable if not Commendable in 
craving the reasonable advantages we humbly con- 
ceive belong to a people deprived of equal advantages 
with their neighbors, so that being fully satisfied with 



ERECTION OF COUNT V. 



75 



the Justice of our Request, 


and that Your Honors' 


George Einer. 


Adam Shouer. 


care and study is for tlie good of the Public Weal, We 


Paul Engle. 


Tobias Beeger. 


T/tere/ore Humbly pray that our cases in conjunc- 


Frederick Pickle. 


Jacob Koofer. 


tion with our neighbours 


aforementioned may be 


Christian Pilgus. 


Johannes Kirshnor. 


equally considered. 




John Henry Rool. 


Johannes Gutslinger. 


" And your petitioners as 


in duty bound shall pray. 


Henry Seller. 


Cunrad Caplinger. 


etc. 




Jacob Beyler. 


Tobias Bickle. 


(Subscribed by) 




David Jones. 


John Adolph Henry. 


"Hugh Hughs. 


Thomas Nicholas. 


AVindel Loudermilk. 


John Mekur Hnller. 


William Hughs. 
AVilliara Thomas. 


George Lewis, Sr. 


John Loudermilk. 


■John Jost Hek. 


John Lewis. 


John Michael Cap. 


Nichs. Reem. 


Edward Davis. 


George Lewis, Jr. 


Michael Neff, Jr. 


Balser Reem. 


Morgan Evans. 


William Jones. 


Johannes Ceddor. 


Johannes Reem. 


Robert Ellis. 


Griffeth Rees. 


Michael Ceddor. 


George Frick. 


Hugh Davies. 
Gabriel Davies. 


John Lloyd. 


John Adam Stumf. 


Isaac Crooker. 


Thomas David. 


Johannes Lebo. 


Henry Razer. 


Morgan John. 
Evan Hugh. 


Watkin Jones. 


Leonard Reed. 


Jacob Razer. 


Nathan Evans. 


Peter Rule. 


Peter Herbein. 


John Davies. 


Eleazer Evans. 


Michael Feleeller. 


John Epler. 


John Bowen. 


David Thomas. 


Michael Platter. 


John Huster. 


David Davies. 


WiHiamJjriffith. . 


Johannes Teginham. 


Joseph Huster. 


David Jones. 


David Edward. 


Christian Ewig. 


Lawrence Thompson. 


James Jones. 


Thomas Immass. 


Jacob Sensibach. 


Thomas Thompson. 


James David. 


Israel Robison. 


George Fredk. Lapp. 


Jacob Bowman. 


David Evans. 


Francis Hughs. 


Michael Neff. 


John George Hege. 


Thomas Jenkins. 


John Treeby. 


Andrew Kolp 


Christopher Stooliel. 


John David. 


Samuel Robison. 


John Shinfelt. 


George Heil. 


Alton David. 


James Lewis. 


An'drewBoyer. 


Peter Fry. 


Thomas Lloyd. 


John Treeby, Jr. 


Godfrey Fiddler. 


Peter Zoller. 


John Thomas. 


Alexander Brindley. 


1 Jacob Mouts. 


Henry Zoller. 


Thomas Jones. 


John Scarlet. 


George Lendel. 


Youchim Ryman. 


Henry Harry. 
John Davies. 


Moes Martin. 


Henry Shiggerd. 


Christopher Shaup. 


AVilliam Rattew. 


George Dedrick Kohl. 


Ycnik Heft-t. 


John Persall. 


Christian Jonely. 


George Unruh. 


Michael Eagle. 


James Edward. 


John Jenkin. 


John Craul. 


Hermanus Edee. 


Evan Lloyd. 


George Hudson, Sr. 


Jacob Wilhelm. 


Peter Cry. 


/ Edward Price, i 
VEvan Price. ' 


Nicholas Hudson. 


John Shall. 


Jacob Ci-y. 


George Hudson, Jr. 


Several months afterward (ou 19tli of Tliinl 


David Ijewis. 




Montli [May], 1739) 


Lieutenant-Governor 


"Johannes 15ernnrd. 


Lodwick Kormen. 


Tlioma.s acldre.s.sed a message to the Assembly 


John George Cch. 


Thomas Davis. 


in which he referred to tl 


ese petitions and said : 


Cunradt AViser. 


Martin Fartrighcr. 


" If it shall be thought likely to conduce to the 


Johannes Rauhoose. 
George Heff. 


Christopher Steep. 
Henry Grubber. 


security, ease and good oi 


der of that part of the 


Michael Grove. 


Cunrad Sharf. 


government, I shall be 


willing to grant the 


Jacob Derrup. 


John Michael Bush. 


prayer of the petitions ; and as a provision wil 1 


Peter Ritter. 


George Adam Bu»h. 


be best made by a law for the establishment of 


Cunrad Shorf. 


Lodwick Bush. 


Courts of Judicature, I s 


liall also be willing to 
liat or other necessary 


Michael Bush. 
Henry Dun. 


John Iste. 
John Zerpe. 


join with you in one for t 


Peter Vanbebber. 


Philip Zerpe. 


purposes." 




Peter Faulk. 


Lodwick Butner. 


The Assembly did nothing in the matter. 


Christopher Stump. 


Zach. Wanger. 
/John Michael Teeter. 


The petitioners waited six 


years and heard noth- 


Johannes Ritter. 


ing. They then (25th of ^ 
1745) addre.ssed another 


5econd Month [April], 


Hance Hitz. 
Hance Wire. 


Herman Deedus. 
Adam Shrouf. 


petition to the Lieu- 


Adam Shite. 


Michael Lousereel. 


tenant-Governor, and renewed their former re- 


Antony Shad. 


Michael Shouer. 


quest for a new county. 


It was read to the 



76 



HISTOEY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Council, "and tlieir case being thoiiglit proper 
to be recommended to the Assembly, the same 
■was done," in a message similar to the first. 
The Assembly ordered it to lie on the table. 
It was signed by John Potts, Henry Harry, 
William Bird, Francis Parvin and numerous 
other inhabitants. On the 14th of the Eleventh 
Month (January), 1745, a similar petition was 
presented, in which the petitioners (the persons 
named " in behalf of themselves and a great 
many other inhabitants") prayed "that their 
former petition may now be considered, and 
that for the rea.sons therein contained a new 
county may be laid out and erected," according 
to the lines drawn in a map then laid before 
the House, or in such other manner as to tiie 
House shall seem meet. It was read and 
ordered to lie on the table. The next day, 
(loth) it was again read, but referred for fur- 
ther consideration. In two weeks afterward 
(on the 30tii) another " petition from a consid- 
erable number of inhabitants of Philadelphia 
and Lancaster Counties, praying to be set off 
into a new county," was presented, read and 
ordered to lie on the table. On the 28th of 
Twelfth Month (February), 1740, .sundry per- 
sons ajipeared before tlie House and urged the 
matter of the erection of this new county, when 
a resolution was passed, " That the Hou.se will, 
at their next sitting, take the said petition into 
consideration." The matter seems to have been 
dropped then for five years more. Nothing is 
recorded in the " Votes of the Assembly." A 
diligent, but fruitless .searcli was made for these 
petitions, in order to ascertain the names of the 
petitioners. 

In the mean time settlements had been ex- 
tended westwardly and northwestwardly beyond 
the Su.squehanna River. York County had 
been erected on the 19th of August, 1749, and 
Cumberland County on the 27th of January, 
1750, both out of the westerly part of Lancas- 
ter County. This successful action on the part 
of the German settlers west of the Susquehanna 
seems to have awakened a new interest in behalf 
of the new county between the Susquehanna 
and the Delaware ; for, S(mie months afterward, 
on the 7th of the Third Month (May), 1750, 
there was jiresented — 



" A petition from a ^reat number of the back in- 
habitants of Philadelphia County and the adjacent 
parts of Chester, Lancaster and Bucks Counties, set- 
ting forth that by their remote situation from their 
respective county towns (where the courls and public 
offices are kept), they are put to such extraordinary 
expense of money and time in their long journeys 
thither, as parties in causes, witnesses, jurymen, con- 
stables, etc., that their burthen on that account is al- 
most double to what those bear who are so fortunate 
as to live within a convenient distance of their coun- 
ty town ; that their being at a great distance from the 
metropolis of the province, and the charge of carriage 
of their produce to market, make the burthen still 
more heavy upon them; that as the other remote in- 
habitants of the province, who were lately in the same 
circumstances, have obtained laws to have new coun- 
ties erected, they are encouraged to expect the like 
favor; humbly praying that this House would take 
their case into consideration, and grant them a law 
for erecting them into a distinct county of such extent 
aud in such manner as to their wisdom shall seem 
meet." 

It was read, but it was not effective. The 
Hou.se was not in the proper spirit. Its mem- 
bers may .have thought — as their successors 
thought a hundred years afterward.s — that coun- 
ties were becoming too numerous, that the people 
were getting too many offices and office-holders, 
and that the taxes would become too burden- 
some. The very argument which the petition- 
ers had so ably aud truly set forth in their 
petition, and used in their behalf, seems to have 
moved tiie Hou.se against them. They ordered 
the petition to lie on the table. Here was a 
clear case of partiality. The petitioners must 
have been bitterly disappointed. What was 
the reason of the refusal? The settlers of the 
districts erected into York and Cumber'and 
were not removed from Lancaster, the county- 
town, more than an average distance of thirty 
miles; yet the average distance of the settlers in 
this district, especially those situated east of the 
Schuylkill, exceeded sixty miles, or twice the 
distance from their county-towns. Had they 
not used enough money ? Had they not first 
fed the politicians before asking a favor at their 
hands? Or were they wanting in jtolicy ? 
Their representatives, Potts, Harry, Bird and 
Parvin, who can be presumed to have taken 
an active interest in this petition also, were 
wise, as they were wealthy and influential, and 
the conclusion must therefore be exprcs.sed that 



EKECTION OF COUNTY. 



17 



the Assembly deemed the erection of a new 
enunty so soon after York and Cumberland as 
inexpedient. 

If they were then disappointed, they were 
not discouraged. Their determination pre])ared 
them for another eifort. A year afterward they 
tried it again. They caused their petition to be 
brought up before the Assembly on the 16th of 
Sixth Montli (August), 1751, and read a second 
time ; but it was " referred to the consideration 
of tiie next Assembly." 

AVhen tiie next Assembly met, these earnest 
petitioners were on liand. They ])repared the 
way by presenting still another petition. This 
was on the 4th of February, 1752. It repre- 
sented — 

" That they were inhabitants of Reading-town, upon 
the Schuylkill. That they had settled in the said 
town, expectingthat it'.vould be a great place of trade 
and business, and had put themselves to vast ex- 
])enses in building and removing thither with their 
families, several of whom had left tolerably good 
plantations ; that though the said town had not above 
one house in it about two years ago (1750), yet it now 
consisted of one hundred and thirty dwelling-houses, 
besides forty-one stables and other out-houses ; and 
that there were one hundred and sixty families, cons'st- 
ing of three hundred and seventy-eight persons, settled 
therein ; that they had good reason to believe that in 
another summer they would be much increased, as the 
chief part of the province that could be settled was 
already taken up, and the settling of the town would 
be of great benefit to tradesmen and others who are 
not able to purchase tracts of land to live on; that 
they humbly conceived it their interest, to the hon- 
orable proprietaries as well as to themselves, and 
tha4; unless this House would be pleased to erect part 
of the counties of Philadelphia, Chester and Lancas- 
ter into a separate county, they should be entirely 
disappointed in their expectations, notwithstanding 
all the cost and trouble they had been at; they there- 
fore prayed that this House would take their case into 
consideration and grant them relief by erecting such 
parts of said counties as they should think most proper 
into a new county, with the same privileges that the 
other counties of this province enjoyed ; and that the 
seat of judicature should be fixed within the said 
town of Reading.'' 

And on the following day ('jth) another 
petition was presented, in which they stated 
that — 

" Although their grievances were laid before the 
Assemblies of this Province several )'ears past, and 
their peiitiou again renewed at the last sitting of the 



Ass mbly, yet as they find the causes of their com- 
plaint still continue growing, they humbly beg leave 
further to represent that they are settled at a very 
great distance from the place of judicature, many of 
them not less than one hundred miles, whicli is a real 
hard-hip upon those who are so unhappy as to be sued 
for debts, their charges in long j"urneys, and some- 
times in severe weather, with the officers' fees, amount- 
ing to near as much, if not more, than the debts; that 
the hardships on jurymen, constables, etc., in being 
obliged to attend when required, is also very great ; 
that now there is a new town laid out by the Proprie- 
taries' Order, within fifteen perches of the division line 
between Philadelphia and Lancaster counties, and 
above one hundred and thirty houses built, and near 
as many families living therein ; it is very easy for 
rogues and others to escape justice by crossing the 
.Schuylkill, which has already been their practice for 
some years; that, though their grievances when laid 
before the Assembly some years pa-st were not re- 
dressed, because of other weighty affairs being at that 
time under consideration, yet the prayer of their pe- 
tition was thought reasonable, and the number of pe- 
titioners being since doubled by the increase of the 
back inhabitants; they therefore pray that this House 
would grant relief iu the premises, by erecting 
them into a separate county, bounded as to the wis- 
dom of the House shall seem best." 

In ])ursuance of the reference, the petition 
was read on the 5th, and referred for the next 
day. The (ith arrived and it was read again 
and relijrred. On the 12th the same proceed- 
ings were had. And finally, on the Kith, the 
monotony of reading and reference was broken ; 
for then the House, after having considered the 
petition and also the petitions from Reading, 
" Resolved, that the petitioners ha\'e leave to 
bring in a bill pursuant to the prayer of their 
petition." 

On that day some of the petitioners presented 
themselves before the House " and desired 
leave to be heard respecting the bounds whicli 
they understood the House proposed for a new 
county iu case it should be granted." Their 
objections were heard ; and, after answering 
such questions as were put to them, they with- 
drew. 

On the 18th the bill was read the first time 
and ordered to lie on the table. On the 19th 
it was read a second time, considered paragra])h 
l\y paragraph, and, after some debate, ordered 
to be transcribed for a third reading. On the 
20th it was read a third time, and, upon the 



78 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLA'AXIA. 



question, " Resolved, that the Bill do pass," it 
was " Ordered, that Henry Pawling and George 
Ashbridge do carry up the same to the Gover- 
nor and desire his concurrence thereto." On 
the 21st "the gentlemen named rejiorted that 
they had delivered the Bill according to Order, 
and tiiat the Governor was pleased to say he 
would give it all the dispatch he could." On 
the 6th of March, the Governor, by his secre- 
tary, sent down the bill with some amend- 
ments ; it was read and agreed to by the House 
and ordered to be engrossed; and on the 11th 
day of March, 1752, the Speaker reported to 
the House that tlir bill was assented to by the 
Governor and enacted into a law. 

At last, after the lapse of fourteen years, the 
zeal and persistent determination of the peti- 
tioners were rewai'ded with success. The act 
fi.xing the boundary lines of the county, and 
authorizing the erection of county buildings 
for the public service, etc., was as follows : 

ACT ERECTING COUNTY.' 

" Whereas a great number of the back inhabitants 
of the county ol'Phihidelpliia, and theadjaceut partsof 
the counties of Chester and Lancaster, by their peti- 
tion, have humbly represented to the Governor and 
Assembly of this province their remote situation from 
their respective county-towns, where the courts of 
justice and public offices are kept, whereby they are 
frequently put to extraordinary expense of money, 
and loss of time, in their long journeys thither, as 
parties in causes, witnesses, jurymen, &c. : For 
remedying which inconveniencies, and relief of the 
inhabitants in those remote juirts in the |n-emises, be 
it enacted by the Hon. James Hamilton, Esq., Lieu- 
tenant-Governor, under the Hon. Thomas Penn and 
Richard Penn, true and absolute proprietaries of the 
province of Pennsylvania and of the counties of 
New Castle, Kent and Sussex, upon Delaware, by 
and with the advice and consent of the representa- 
tives of the freemen of the said province, in general 
assembly met, and by the authority of the same — 
That all and singular the lands lying within the prov- 
ince of Pennsylvania aforesaid, within the metes and 
bounds as they are hereinafter described, be erected 
into a county, and the same are hereby erected into a 
county, named, and henceforth to be called BERKS ; 
bounded as follows : by a line, at the distance of ten 
superficial miles southwest from the western bank of 
the river Schuylkill, opposite to the mouth of a creek 



' Dallai 

Sections 
viated. 



Laws of Penna.," vol. i. pages .347 to .351. 
i, 4, 0, 7, 8, y, 10, II, IL' and l:j are abbre- 



called Monocasy, to be run northwest to the extremity 
of the province, and southeast, until it shall intersect 
the line of Chester county ; then on one straight line 
crossing the river Schulkill aforesaid to the upper or 
northwestward line of McCall's manor ; then along 
the said line to the extremity thereof, and continuing 
the same course, to the line dividing Philadelphia 
and Bucks counties ; then along the said line north- 
west, to the extent of the county aforesaid. 

" Sec. 2. The inhabitants empowered to elect one 
representative in the Assembly. 

'^ Sec. 3. Taxes already laid in the county of Berks, 
to be paid to the Treasurers of Philadeljihia, Chester 
and Lancaster counties. 

" Sec. 4. Jurisdiction of Supreme Court extended 
to Berks County. 

"See. 5. County Courts established, which shall sit 
in May, August, November and Feliruary. 

" Sec. %. It shall and may be lawful to and for 
Anthony Lee, Francis Parvin, William Maugridge, 
William Bird and Joseph Millard, or any three of 
them, to purchose and take assurance to tliem and 
their heirs, of a piece of land, situate in some con- 
venient place in the said town of Reading, in trust, 
and for the use of the inhabitants of said county, and 
thereon to erect and build a court-house and prion, 
sufHcient to accommodate the public service of the 
said county, and for the ease and conveniency of the 
inhabitants. 

" Sec. 7. Charges for these purposes to be assessed 
on the inhabitants, but not to exceed three hundred 
pounds. 

".S'po. 8. Suits commenced to be prosecuted in the 
counties where instituted. 

" Sec. 9. John Hughes appointed collector of excise 
with power to collect the same, &c. 

" Sec. 10. Said collector .shall apply to collectors of 
Philadelphia, Chester and Lancaster Counties for 
lists of excise, etc. 

"Sec. 11. Collector to give bond for performance 
of duties. 

"Sec. 12. Sheriff and Coroner of Philadelphia to 
officiate till the same officers be chosen in Berks 
County. 

" Sec. 13. Boundary lines of county to be run with- 
in six months by Edward Scull, of Philadelphia 
County; Benjamin Lightfoot, of Chester County; 
and Thomas Cookson, of Lancaster County, commis- 
sioners specially appointed, etc.'' 

The surveying commissioners surveyed the 
boundary lines of the county, and extended the 
easterly and westerly lines to the Susrpielianna 
River, which was then the limit of settle- 
ments. The settlers having ascertained that 
the lines of the new county had been run 
extended their settlements raj>idly. But com- 
plaints arose. The adjoining counties claimed 



ERECTION OF COUNTY. 



79 



the right of levying taxes on the inhabitants 
and their property along these lines, and this 
caused dissatisfaction. An Act was therefore 
])assed on the 18th of February, 1769, which 
authorized commissioners (William McClay, 
William Scull and John Biddle) to run the lines 
between Lancaster, C\imberland and Berks 
Counties, and also between Berks and North- 
ampton Counties, by actual survey, and extend 
them in a northwestwardly course as far as the 
lands extended, which were purchased by the 
l>roprietaries from the Indians in 1768. 

The most extended limits of the county in- 
cluded about one-tenth i)art of the province, or 
five times the present area. As the .State is at 
])resent subdivided, the vast tract of land cut 
away from Berks County constitutes the follow- 
ing twelve counties, either in whole or in part, 
as now bounded : All of Montour and North- 
umberland,' the greater part of Schuylkill,- 
Union, Lycoming, Clinton and Potter, and part 
of Columbia, Snyder, Tioga, Cameron and 
McKean. 

The population of the county at the time of 
its erection cannot be ap])roximatcly estimated. 
The records at Philadelphia and Lancaster were 
thoroughly examined for the assessments 
of the years 1750 and 1751 without success. It 
may have been about twelve thousand. 

The territory which comprised the county 
upon its erection was taken from Philadelphia 
County to the east of the river Schuylkill, and 
from Lancaster and Chester Counties to the west. 
The estimated area of land contributed by the 
several counties named to the county, as it is at 
2>reseut enclosed by boundary lines, is as fol- 
Ipws : 

) Acea. 

'' Philadelphia County 280,000 

Lancaster County 238,o00 

Chester County 7,500 

Total area of county 526,000 

Districts. — At the erection of the county, 
in 1752, there were twenty districts or town- 
ships. Taking the river Schuylkill as the di- 
viding Hue which separates the county into two 
great divisions, they were as follows : 

' Erected partly from Berks County ia 177^. 
'Erected mostly from Berka Coumy in 1811. 



Eastern Division (twelee). 

Amity. Maiden-creek. 

Oley. Maxatawny. 

Colebrookdale. Albany. 

Douglass. Kichmond. 

Exeter. Ruscomb-manor.' 

Alsace. Longswamp.' 

Western Diiision {eight). 
Caernarvon. Bern. 

Robeson. Cumru. 

Tulpehocken. Bethel. 

Heidelberg. Brecknock. 

Immediately after the erection of the county 
townships were formed ; and the formation con- 
tinued for a period of one hundred years. They 
were as follows : 

Eastern Division (eleven). 

Hereford. Pike. 

Cxreenwich. Washington. 

Windsor. Perry. 

Rockland. Outelaunee. 

District. Muhlenberg. 

Earl. 

Western Division (ten). 

Union. Heidelberg, Lower. 

Bern, Upper. Heidelberg, North. 

Tulpehocken, Upper. Marion. 

Penn. Spring. 

Centre. Jefferson. 

The follovving districts were erected froiu the 
townships as named: 

Etstern Divisiin. W'it'.rii Division. 

Rjading from Alsace. Birdslioro' from Robeson 
BoyertowufromColebrook- and Union. 

dale. Bernville from Penn. 

Fleetwood from Richmond. Centrejiort from Centre. 

Hamburg from Windsor. AVomelsdorf from Heid- 
Kutztown from Maxatawny. elberg. 
Topton from Longswamp. 

The total number of territorial districts in 
the county is fifty-one. 

Names of Townships. — The great majority 
of the early settlers in the county were Germans. 
From this fact it might be supposed that the 
majority of the names given to the townships 
erected upon application to court would be 
German. But this was not the case ; for there 
was only one township to the east of the Schuyl- 
kill named by the German influence, and this 
was Alsace, and only two to the west, and these 

'So known before 1752. 



80 



HISTORY OF BERKS COTl\TY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



were Heidelberg and Bern. The English were 
more successful in this respect to the east of the 
river, they having named the following nine 
townsliips : 



Colebrookdale. 

Exeter. 

Hereford. 

Ruscomb-manor. 

Maiden-creek. 



Richmond. 
Greenwich. 
Windsor. 
Albany. 



And the Welsh to the west, they having 
named three, — 

Caernarvon. Cumru. 

Brecknock. 

The other townships were named after their 
several localities or prominent individuals. 

LOCALITY. 
East of River. West nf River. 

Oley. Tulpehucken. 

Amity.' Union. 

Pike. Spring. 

District. Centre. 

Rockhind. Bethel. 

MaXatawny. 
Longswamp. 
Ontelaunee. 

INDIVIDUALS. 

Enst of River. West of River. 

Douglass. Robeson. 

Washington. Peun. 

Earl. Jefferson. 

Muhlenberg. Marion. 
Perry. 

Names of Towns. — In the county there 
are one hundred and twenty towns. " The 
greater number of them are named after indi- 
viduals. They are well distributed throughout 
the county. For convenience I have arranged 
them in two classes in the two divisions and 
four sections of the county according to my his- 
torical narrative^ The names of the one class 
were given to the towns after the individuals 
who laid out the town-plans or owned the land 
in the vicinity, and sold oif lots or first began 
local improvements, and are called " personal ;"* 



' From frien'isliip with Indians. 
2 IncUiding all classes — citj, boroughs ami villages. 
^ See narrative of townships. 

< Several have been named after prominent railroad men 
— Tuckerton, Fleetwood and Lyons. 



and the other class after localities or some 
feature of the neighborhood, and are called 
" local." 

PERSONAL NAMES (78). 

East of SehuylkilL 
Mavatawny Section (27). Ontelaunee Section (24). 

Blandon. 
Bovvers. 

Coxtown (now Fleet- 
wood.) 
Evansville. 
FetheroUsville. 
Grim-iville. 
Hancock. 
Jeftersonville. 
Kearnsville. 
Kempton. 
Kirbyville. 
Klinesville. 
Kutztown. 
Lecsport. 
Lenhartsville. 
Lyons. 
Mertztown. 
Mohrsville. 
MoUtown. 
Rothrocksville. 
Shoemakers vi lie. 
Smithsville. 
Trexlertown. 
Wessnersville. 



Barto. ' 

Baumstown. 

Boyertown. 

Bechtelsville. 

Claytonville. 

Douglassville. 

Engelsville. 

Esclibach. 

Fredericksville. 

Gabelsville. 

Griesemerville. 

Greshville. 

Hillegiasville 

Herefordvillc). 

Jacksonwald. 

LobachsviUe. 

Marysville. 

Pricetown. 

Schultzville. 

Seisholtzville. 

Shaneaville. 

Snyderville. 

Spangsville. 

Stonersville. 

Stoneville. 

Treichlersville. 

Tuckerton. 

Weavertown. 



(now 



West of Sclnnjlkill. 



Talpehocken Section (14). 

Brownsville. 
Frystown. 
Hetrichstown (now 

Mt. Pleasant). 
Millersburg. 
Rehrersburg. 
Robesonia. 
Schaefferstown. 
Schartelsville. 
Stouchsburg. 
Strausstown. 
Wernersville. 
Wintersville. 
Wohlebertstown (now 

Mt. Aetna). 
Womelsdorf. 



Schuijllcill Section (1.3). 

Beckeraville. 

Birdsboro'. 

Fritztown. 

Geigertown. 

Gickersville. 

Gouglersville. 

Joanna. 

Mohnsville. 

JEorgantown. 

Naomi. 

Seyfert. 

Shillington. 

Weitzelville. 



ERECTION OF COUNTY. 



81 



LOCAL NAMES (41). 

Eait of Schuylkill. 

31anatnwny Section (16). Onlelaunee Section (13). 

Atnityville. Berkeley. 

Antietam (now Stony Buena Vista. 

Creek Mills). E-.gle Point. 

Churchville. Farniington. 

Earlville. Hamburg. 

Friedensburg. Monterey. 

Monocacy. Moselem. 

New Berlin. Shamrock. 

New Jerusalem. Temple. 

Pleasantville. Topton. 

Reading. Virginsville. 

St. Lawrence. Walnutlown. 

Stonetown. Windsor Castle. 
Stony Point (now 

Dryville). 
Suckertown. 
Woodville. 
Yellow House. 

West of SchuylMU. 

Tulpehocken Section (5). Schuylkill Section (7). 



Bern villa. 
Centreport. 
Centreville. 
Mtchanicsville. 
West Leesport. 



Gibraltar. 
Mt. Airy. 
Mt. Pleasant. 
Sinking Spring 
Port Union. 
Springville. 
Unionville. 



EEnUCTIOXS OF TERRITOTiY. 
NoKTHUMBERLAND CoUNTY, 1772. As 

near as it was possible to do so, tlie provincial 
government kept the settlers from going beyond 
the limits of the purcha.^es from the Indians. 
After the purchase of 1749, the settlers extended 
the settlements beyond the Blue Mountain. 
Within the next score of years, numerous set- 
tlements were made in that territory, especially 
in the district which lies between the Blue 
Mountain and " Schuc'd Berg," or Sharp 
Mountain, — named so from the sharpness of its 
apex. Many per-sons located beyond the pur- 
chase, in the vicinity of the great fork in the 
Susquehanna; and this induced the additional 
purchase of 1768. Within the next four years, 
the Governor was persuaded to feel the necessity 
of erecting another county, even in that remote 
locality, notwithstanding a much larger popu- 
lation existed within the limits of the purchase 
of 174il. Its distance — averaging seventy-five 
miles — from the county-seat, Reading, was the 
11 



principal cause of complaint, and the prime 
reason to the Assembly in granting the prayer 
of the petitioners for a new county. Northum- 
berland was erected on March 21, 1772. It 
comprised about one-third of the whole State, 
including the entire northwestern section. Over 
three-fifths part of Berks County was cut to it. 
No townships had been formed in that section. 
Immediately after the erection of the new 
county, townships were formed, and a county- 
seat was established and laid out at Shamokin.' 
The place was named Sunbury. Names, statis- 
tics, etc., were not oljtainalile to show who were 
the first settlers, what was their number and 
wealth, and what amount of taxes they contrib- 
uted to Berks County in 1771. Fort Augusta, 
at the fork of the river, was a conspicuous 
place during the French and Indian War. It 
was erected in 1756. 

In the .first efforts towards erecting the 
county of Dauphin, in 1782 a proposition was 
made to cut off a portion of the western sec- 
tion of Berks County. But the citizens of the 
county generally remonstrated, and their oppo- 
sition was successful. It caused the political 
movement in behalf of the new county to con- 
fine itself within tlie limits of Lancaster County ; 
and it was erected several years afterward, 
in 1785. 

Schuylkill County, 1811. — A score of 
years had passed by when Berks County was first 
reduced in area by contributing territory to- 
wards the erection of a new county. After two- 
score of years more elapsed there was a second 
reduction. In these sixty years many surpris- 
ing developments were made, not only in settle- 
ments and population, but more especially in 
internal resources. The condition of affairs in 
Berks County was equal to that of any sec- 
tion of the State. Coal was discovered as early 
as 1775, along the head-waters of the Schuyl- 
kill. Its need had come to be felt. It quick- 
ened enterprise in developing new means of 
transportation. Agriculture had enriched the 
land wonderfully. Numerous furnaces and 
forges were carried on successfully, not only in 

> Not present Shamokin, but near Great Fork in the Sus- 
quehanna River. 



82 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the more populous parts of the county south of 
the Blue Mountain, but north of it, even in the 
vicinity of the coal region. The population 
and improvements in the county bej'ond the 
purchase of 1749, when Northumberland was 
erected in 1772, were comparatively trifling. 

But within this purchase they had grown to 
a surprising proportion when the second county 
was taken from it, for the population numbered 
about six thousand, and the several townships 
together contributed over eight hundred dollars 
in taxes. 

(For the erection of townships in the terri- 
tory l)eyond tlie Blue Mountain till 1811, the 
first taxable inhabitants in the several townships 
erected, etc., see Appendix). 

New Counties Proposed. — Before a score 
of years more had elapsed, movements began to 
further reduce Berks County. They were con- 
tinued with marked determination, for thirty 
years ; but, fortunately for her territory and 
people, fortunately for her wealth and influence 
and fortunately for her greatness in the family 
of counties which comprise our grand common- 
wealth of Pennsylvania, they all failed. 

In 1824 three different movements were made 
to cut off parts of Berks County : 

One, for the formation of a new county, which 
was to have been called Penn, out of the follow- 
ing territory: Albany, Greenwich, Wind.sor 
(part), Maiden-creek (part), Richmond, Max- 
atawny, Longswamp, Rockland, Rnscomb- 
manor (part) and Oiey (part), with Kutztown 
as the county-seat. This met with great oppo- 
sition, representations having been made that it 
would be impolitic and very expensive, that 
Reading, the county-seat, was in the central 
position of the county, and that the project was 
the result of a few ambitious, designing and 
speculating individuals who w^anted profit in 
increased value of property, and who doubtless 
wanted place also for political power. 

A second, for the erection of jjart of Berks, 
Montgomery, Chester and Lancaster into a new 
county. And a third for the annexation of part 
of Berks to Lehigh County. 

In 1825 the spirit continued, and it advanced 
so far as to have bills presented to tlie Legisla- 
ture : 



1. To erect part of Berks into a new county, with 
Kutztown as the county-seat. 

2. To erect part of Berks and Montgomery into a 
new county, with Pottstown as the county-seat. 

3. To erect part of Berks, Chester and Lancaster 
into a new county, with Churclitown as the county- 
seat. 

And petitions were circulated for the annexa- 
tion of part of Berks to Lebanon, and thus was 
there " a disposition to clip old Berks in every 
direction." But these bills having been earn- 
estly opposed, they were dropped. 

In January, 1838, after slumbering thirteen 
years, the feeling manifested itself again. Peti- 
tions and remonstrances from Berks County for 
and against a division of the county were pre- 
sented almost daily to the Legislature. And 
besides the new ccunties named, a fourth ap- 
peared, which was to bo erected out of ]iart of 
Berks and Schuylkill, and to be called " Wind- 
sor." If the prayers of all the petitions had 
been granted, Berks would have only comprised 
Reading and several adjoining townships. Bills 
were reported for all the projects, and many 
persons were at Harrisburg urging their pas- 
sage. 

In March following, the Kutztown party 
came very near accomplishing their scheme. 
Mr. Samuel Fegely, a resident of that borough, 
and then one of the Assemblymen, oppased the 
matter. His pleasing personal appearance and 
acknowledged good character carried great 
weight before the Legislature. On the 2d of 
March, 1838, the bill for "Penn County " was 
submitted to a vote; thirty-nine voted aye and 
thirty-nine voted nay. Fegely received much 
denunciation from his neighbors for his action. 
He was somewhat like the property-holders of 
Rehrersburg. But his conduct won the favor of 
politicians at and .surrounding Reading. Soon 
afterward he was promoted from the Assembly 
to the Senate, and he was kept in this office for 
two terms,— 1841 to 1846. 

In February, 1841, another bill was reported 
bv Mr. Daniel B. Kutz (of Kutztown), then in 
the Asseml)ly, for the erection of a new county 
out of part of Berks and Lehigh, with Kutz- 
town as the county-seat. By this scheme four- 
teen townships were to have been cut from 
Berks. But it was tabled. 



ERECTION OF COUNTY. 



83 



On November 15, 1845, there was a grand 
meeting at Pottstown to encourage a new county 
which was to have been formed out of" part of 
Berks, Chester and Montgomery, and named 
"Jackson." The townsliips to have been taken 
from Berks were Amity, Douglass, P^arl and 
Colebrookdale. William Johnson, from Berks, 
wiis president of the meeting, and on this occa- 
sion Dr. Andrew Bush, of Chester County, 
" made an eloquent address favorable to tlie new 
county." Resolutions were adojited with great 
unanimity and enthusiasm, in which there were 
expressed "the grievances and inconveniences 
which the people suffered from their remoteness 
from the scat of justice, county records, etc., and 
their indisputable claims to a new county by 
reason of their business resources, locality and 
])()pulation," the population of those three parts 
having then been estimated at thirty thousand, 
and capital in business upwards of three mil- 
lions of dollars. This ai'oused great feeling and 
caused meetings in opposition to be held at 
different places for four successive weeks : in 
Amity, November 22d ; in Earl, November 29th; 
in Douglass, December 6th ; and in Caernarvon, 
December 13th. The bill for this new county of 
"Jackson" passed through the committee, but 
" it was killed on tiie second reading," the vote 
by the Assembly having been, — yeas, twenty- 
one ; nays, sixty-one. 

In December of that year there was also an 
application for a new county out of part of 
Berks, Chester and Lancaster, to be called 
" Conestoga," with Churchtown as the county- 
scat, but it was not encouraged. 

In 1847 the leaders for the new county of 
" Jackson " were again at work before the Leg- 
islature. Their efforts stirred up opj)osition in 
all parts of the county. On the 4th of January, 
1847, a large and enthusiastic meeting was held 
in the court-house at Reading, and resolutions 
were passed in which determined opposition to 
this movement was expressed. Citizens from 
all parts of the county attended the meeting. 
At that session also, on the 15th of January, 
1 847, Mr. Jacob Graeff, then in the Assembly, 
presented a bill for the new county of " Penn," 
to be erected out of a jiart of Berks, but it was 
referred to a select committee of three. A third 



new county was applied for, to have been 
formed out of parts of Berks, Chester and 
Montgomery, and named " Madison," with the 
eonnty-seat at Pottslown. The part to have 
been taken from Berks comprised all of Union, 
Douglass, Colebrookdale, Washington, Here- 
ford, District and Earl, half of Amity, two- 
thirds of Pike and half of Longswamp. The 
efforts for the new counties of " Madison " and 
" Penn " were so great and persistent at that 
session that fears were entertained that the bills 
would pass. The opponents accordingly de- 
veloped a feeling against them by pul)lic meet- 
ings which they caused to be held in Windsor 
on the 16th of January, in Pike on the 19th of 
January, and in Maiden-creek on the 2.3d of 
January. The bill for "Penn County" was 
voted for on the 1st of March and defeated by a 
vote of nineteen ayes to forty-four nays ; and 
the bill for " Madison " was voted for on the 
3d of March and defeated by a vote of forty- 
two ayes to thirty-six [nays. The leaders for 
" Madison " had apparently worked very hard, 
and, securing such a strong vote — nearly two- 
thirds — they must have been greatly disap- 
pointed. 

In 1849, the subject of new counties was 
agitated M'ith renewed vigor ; but earnestly and 
sincerely as the one party worked for them the 
other party worked against them. During the 
winter and spring of that year, numerous oppo- 
sition meetings were held at different places. 
The most conspicuous and enthusiastic meeting 
favorable to a new county was one held at 
Kutztown on the 16th of February, 1849. It 
was for the " County of Penn." Very appro- 
])riate resolutions were reported and adopted. 
The proposed division was to have cut off fif- 
teen townships. But their enthusiasm passed 
away with general satisfaction to the county. 

In November, 1849, the people of Hamburg 
were also seized with this ambitious feeling. 
They, too, wanted their borough to become a 
county-seat, and accordingly prepared a petition 
for the erection of a part of Berks and Schuyl- 
kill into a new county, to be called " Windsor," 
which they circulated for subscribers, in antici- 
pation of the next meeting of the Legislature. 

In February, 1850, bills were reported to the 



84 



TirSTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Legislature for the new counties " Madison," 
" Penn " and " Windsor." 

And besides " Windsor," a petition for 
another county in the same re<rion of territory — 
to have included part of Berks and Schuylkill, 
and to have been named " Fulton " — was pre- 
sented to the Legislature ; but on the 1st of 
May, 1850, Henry A. Muhlenberg (the State 
Senator from Berks County) reported adversely. 

And still another new county was to have been 
formed. It would seem that the circle about 
Reading had to be completed in the numerous 
efforts to cut off the surrounding territory. The 
citizens in and about Bernviile caught the spirit 
at last, and they, too. had a bill presented, in 
March, 1852, for the erection of a new county 
out of part of Berks, which was to have been 
called " T^ee," with Bernviile as the county-seat. 
No particular excitement followed this applica- 
tion. The intelligence from Harri.sburg, com- 
municating to the people of Reading that 
" there were no hopes of the passage of the bill," 
must have had a cheering, if not a soothing, 
effect upon their agitated minds. 

At the session of 1854, and also of 1855, re- 
newed a]>plications were made for the county of 
■■' ^Iadi.son," but without any progress. Sud- 
deulv, however, all these movements collap.sed, 
as a bellows would have done from a break. 
What struck the wind out of them "' From 
the ado])tion of the Constitution of 1790, for a 
])eriod of three score-years, the spirit for new coun- 
ties had passed through the whole State like fire 
through a woods. The year 1800 was especially 
jtrolific. In these sixty years forty-three new 
counties had been erected. The politicians and 
men of public .spirit at Kutztown, Hamburg 
and Bernviile had apparently started too late. 
The growth of the number of counties and the 
con.sequent increase in representation, in offices 
and in local taxation had been gradually formu- 
lating legislation against this evil, and finally 
tiie bold genius of Charles R. Buckalew broke 
tlie storm by a constitutional amendment, which 
thus set the minds of ambitious, designing men 
at rest. The citizens of the county are to be 
congratulated in having had preserved for them 
such a magnificent natural arrangement of ter- 
ritory for their political existence. 



CHAPTER VL 



AGRICULTURE. 



General Condition and Progress — County Society and Ex- 
hibitions — Farms, Productions, etc., of County, 1870 and 
1880. 

General Condition and Progress. — 
When the fir.st settlers entered this territory 
they found it entirely without cultivation or 
improvement of any kind. The land along the 
Schuylkill and its tributaries was in a primitive 
state in every respect. But it was in a good 
condition for farming purposes. Its location 
was fine, its irrigation was superior. Alto- 
gether it was very inviting to them. Labor 
stood out prominently before them as the one 
thing necessary to cause it to become fruitful. 
Fortunately for them, they possessed this per- 
sonal quality in the highest degree ; and with 
this quality they also possessed other qualities 
equally important in taking hold of an unculti- 
vated country, — economy, perseverance and 
patience. They were in every way adapted to 
their situation. Their preparation was of the 
best order ; and driven from home by religious 
persecution or intolerance, they^ must have re- 
joiced in finding such a pleasing situation, such 
inviting conditions. After the beginning had 
been made, can we wonder that immigrants came 
by the thousand ? They knew their sufferings, 
their uncertain condition at home. Their sense 
of well-being induced them to leave. But in 
leaving the valleys and hills so dear to tliem, 
they came to possess and enjoy a country etjual- 
ly favored for beauty, for health and for profit ; 
but more highly favored in respect to a con- 
dition which was to them more important than 
all the others combined — freedom. It is sur- 
prising to find in the course of time and govern- 
ment the development of a condition for man- 
kind so unfortunate, so objectionable, so dis- 
couraging; but it is equally surprising to find 
in the .same course of time and government, 
though in a country far removed, over a thou- 
sand miles acro.ss a dreaded sea, a condition ex- 
aetlv opposite, fortunate, acceptable and encour- 
ing. 

The condition of the settlers was encouraging, 
not only in respect to an acceptable country, 



AaPJCULTrRE. 



85 



))ut also iu respect to their own constitution, 
])hvsically, mentally and morally. They were 
strong and enduring in physical development ; 
thev were sensible and practical in thought and 
feeling; they were sound, hopeful and trustful 
in religious convictions. These fitted them ad- 
mirably for their vocation. 

The land was cultivated then as it is now — 
by manuring and enriching the soil, by turn- 
ing tiie sod, by sowing and planting seeds, by 
rotating crops; but the manner was infinitely 
more laborious. Every act was performed by 
muscular exertion and endurance, with the assist- 
ance of horse-power. The plow, the harrow, the 
scvthe, the sickle and the rake were important 
then. By comparison of the past with the pres- 
ent, we can readily appreciate tiie vast difference. 
The fiirming implements were rude and simple 
iu construction and continued so for many years. 
The whole of the eighteenth century passed 
away without any improvement. The fiirmer 
labored on earnestly and faithfully year after 
year, and decade after decade, with the same 
muscular exertion. These rude implements re- 
(juired him to be at his place all the time, if he 
M'ished to be in season. His devotion was equal 
to the task. He was up with the sun in the 
morning, aud he was up with the moon in sea- 
son. He was never behind ; he could not be, 
without great loss and inconvenience. His im- 
])lements were satisfactory to him, because he 
gave them no thought beyond the assistance 
wliich they afforded ; aud sons followed in the 
footsteps of their fathers — by imitation. Half 
of the nineteenth century passed away without 
any material advancement in this vicinity be- 
yond the days of 1700, of 1750 and of 1800. 
Ijabor-saving machinery had begun to be intro- 
duced within a score of years before 1850, and 
this naturally led to an improvement in farming 
implements. The mower came to be substituted 
for the scythe, the reaper for the sickle and the 
drill for the hand. Improved ])lows of various 
])atterns were introduced. And now we have 
the combined reaper and binder — a machine 
truly ingenious. 

The same slowness, simplicity, but earnest 
labor, followed the threshing of grain after it 
had been harvested. The flail aud the walking 



of horses on the barn-floor were continued for a 
hundred and fifty years. Indeed, some of the 
poorer, non-progressive farmers in districts dis- 
tant from railroads and prominent highways still 
carry on this laborious performance. For long 
straw the flail is still indispensable. But about 
1850 ' thethresliing-machine wasintroduced,.and 
also the horse-power machine for running it with 
speed and success. Patent hay-rakes, hay-forks, 
corn-shellers and implements and machines of 
various kinds are also used in every section of 
our county. All these things were developed 
from the easy manufacture of iron into any 
shape. Accordingly, the model and the foundry 
played an important part in these improve- 
ments. And at the bottom of all this progress 
to and for the farmer we find iron, coal and 
steam. 

We no longer see from ten to thirty and 
forty persons engaged iu hay-making and har- 
vesting on our surrounding farms as they were 
seen one hundred, indeed, only thirty years 
ago. A farmer and his own family, with the 
aid of his horses and improve<l farming ma- 
chinery, can carry on all the work, from begin- 
ning to end successfully. He has little or no 
hired help to deal with. This is certainly a 
great consideration to him. His invt>stment in 
improved machinery is thei-eforo profitable; 
and it is always reliable and ready. During 
the last thirty years numerous manufacturing 
establishments were erected in our country. 
They caused a great demand for working-peo- 
ple, and this demand was supplied to a great 
degree from the farming districts. The manu- 
fat:tiu-er paid higher wages than the farmer, 
and limited the time of daily labor to ten hours. 
Tt>wns and cities, at which these establishments 
were almost entirely erected, afforded tiie work- 
ing-people more aud better advantages and 
facilities in respect to schools, churches, pleas- 
ures and associations. These naturally inclined 
them to quit laboring on farms in the country 
and enter establishments in populous places. 
Accordingly, farm-laborers began to grow 
scarce, and farmers became alarmed, but for- 



iPofsibly 1840. Between 1840 and 1850 they were 
iinufactureJ at Reading. 



8G 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



tunately for farming, M'hilst enterprise was 
drawing one way against its interests and wel- 
fare, genius was acting with equal force in the 
other for them. The result has actually come 
to be beneficial to the farmer, especially in 
respect to making him more self-dependent. 

County Society and PIkhibitioxs. — A 
society, formed for the purpose of promoting 
the intere-!ts of farmers through the ])rogressive 
cultivation of land, may not be strictly regarded 
as an intellectual association. But it is cer- 
tainly intended for the discussion of matters 
whose principal object is the improvement of 
farmers, as well respecting their condition as 
the ways by M'hich they can conduct their op- 
erations with greater ease and success ; and the 
process is purely intellectual — the direction of 
affairs through an improved understanding. 

In 182.'), a State Agricultural Society was sug- 
gested to the people of the State by an Act of 
incorporation ; but nothing resulted from the 
legislative movement. Nearly thirty years 
elapsed l)cfore a successful movement was made. 
A public letter was addressed to the farmers of 
the State, in May, 1850, which suggested a 
convention to be held at Harrisburg, in January, 
1851, for the purpose of forming a State Agri- 
cultural Society. There were delegates from 
tlie several counties in attendance, — those from 
Berks County having been Henry A. Muhlen- 
berg, John C. Evans, Jacob Reifsnyder, Alex- 
ander S. Feather, William D. Robeson and 
Samuel Fegely. It resulted successfully, and 
the first State Fair was held in October, 1851. 
This movement having met with success, a ])re- 
liminary meeting for organizing a society in the 
county was held at the Kej-stone House, in 
Reading, on December 20, 1851. It was at- 
tended by fifteen prominent citizens" of the 



' There were present at this meeting Dr. John P. Heis- 
ter, Hon. Charles Kessler. General William H.Keim,. Ja- 
cob Gehr, Peter Filbert, Augustus F. Boas, Frederick 
Laucr, Hon. .1. Pringle Jones. George W. Onkeley, Samuel 
L. Young, EdwarJ M. Clymer and Jacob Knabb. 

Dr. John P. Hiester was elected chairman, and Peter 
Filbert, Esq., secretary of this first meeting, and a call was 
issued for a county meeting, which was held at the court- 
house, in the city of Reading, on Tuesday afternoon, Jan- 
uary 13, 18.')2, at which Henry Flannery, Esq , of Uuion, 
presided. A constitution and rules of order were pre- 
sented by A. F. Boas, Esq., aiid adopted.. The election for 



county, all from Reading excepting two, who 
cau.sed a public address to be issued. A formal 
organization was effected at the court-house on 
January 13, 1852, and one hundred and eight 
persons .sub.scril)ed the constitution. The first 
exhibition was held on 17th of August, 1852, in 
the parlors of Housum's new hotel (now 
American Hou.se), on the southwest corner of 
Fourth and Penn Streets, Reading. It was 
confined principally to grains, vegetables, fruits 
and flowers ; and, though small, it exceeded all 
expectations and was an entire success, having 
attracted a large number of visitors from Read- 
ing and all parts of the county. This was a 
"horticultural fair." The first "agricultural 
fjiir" was held in October, 1853; the exhibi- 
tion of speed took place on a large lot on the 
northeast corner of Sixth and Walnut Streets ; 
of farming implements, stock, poultry, etc., in 
the lot on southeast corner of Fifth and Elm 
Streets; and of grain, fruits, flowers, fancy arti- 
cles, etc., in the Academy building, on north- 
east corner of Fourth and Court Streets. It 
was a great success, — the attendance was esti- 
mated at twenty thousand. 

In the spring of 1854 (April) an exhibition 
was held with success on a lot Ix'low Laurel 
Street, between Fourth aud Fifth Streets. 

In a report to the society, made April 5, 1853, 
a recommendation was made that the public 
park and parade-ground be obtained as a suit- 
able locality for the erection of buildings, etc., 
to promote agricultural science. This recom- 
mendation was acted upon, and on May 13, 
1854, the county commissioners lea,sed to the so- 
ciety the ground known as the '■'commons," 
for the purpose of holding its annual fairs, for 
the term of ninety-nine years. The third an- 
nual fair was held there ^ in October, 1854 ; and 

officers resulted in the choice of Dr. John P. Hiester ns 
president ; Colonel Henry Shubert, of Bethel, and Major 
Henry S. Kupp, of Union township, vice-presidents ; 
Thomas Penrose, of Maiden-creek, as recording secretary ; 
A. F. Boas, of Reading, as corresponding secretary ; and 
Adam Leize, of Reading, as treasurer. The terms of 
membership were ore dollar per annum, which entitled 
tlie member to a family ticket to the society's e.\hibitions 
during the year. 

* On part limited by Washington Street on north ; sub- 
sequently the fence was removed to Walnut Street. 



EAELY AND GEXEEAL INDUSTRIES. 



87 



every succeeding year till now the fairs have 
been conducted with increasing success on the 
" Fair Ground " excepting during tiie Civil 
War for three years (1862-3-4), when' it was 
taken and held by the United States govern- 
ment for the purposes of a military hospital and 
cam J). 

The exhibitions of the society since its organ- 
ization iiave been held altogether at Reading. 

The annual "Fair" is one of the principal 
objects of tlie society. Kut beyond this, there 
is an important feature — monthly meetings for 
the discussion of topics wliich pertain to the ag- 
ricultural and horticultural progress of the 
farmer. These are interesting and profitable in 
various ways. They have been held in the third 
story of the court-house for some years past. 
Formerly they were held at different places, 
prominent among them being the " Keystone 
House " and " Keystone Hall." 

The society is collecting an agricultural li- 
brary, the books now numbering several hun- 
dred. 

A similar society was formed at Kutztown in 
1870, and itsexhil)itions have been very success- 
ful. The success of this society should stimulate 
the residents of the county at and in the vicinity 
of the several boroughs, Boyerstown, Hamburg, 
Birdsboro', Bernville and Womelsdorf, to organ- 
ize similar societies and conduct annual exliibi- 
tions for the encouragement of local interest in 
the progressive development of agriculture and 
of everything connected with its profitable di- 
rection. 

The "Patrons of Husbandry" was organized 
into a prominent and influential association at 
Washington, D. C, in 18G7. The first subor- 
dinate organization of this kind in Pennsylvania 
was called a " grange." The " State Grange " 
Mas organized at Reading, on September 18, 
1873. Delegates from twenty-five granges were 
in attendance. Shortly afterward local granges 
were formed in different parts of the count)'. 

Farms, Productions, Etc., of County. — 
The following statement exhibits the number, 
acreage, value and productions of the farms in 
the county at two periods. Some marked 



differences appear, as in value of farms, live 
stock and farm products, which doubtless arose 
from a different process of ascertaining them. 

1870. issn. 

Farms, number ' 6,847 

Laml in farms, acr«? 472,008 488,183 

Improved land 374,500 405,288 

Woodland 70,932 70,602 

Unimproved 26,5X6 6,293 

Value of farms $43,638,465 $30,989,274 

Value farm implements, etc.. $1,753,750 $1,365,615 

Value live stock $4,544,490 .$2,859,533 

Value farm products $9,150,789 $4,485,551 

Value orchard products $171,215 $140,701 

Value garden products $36,224 $49,732 

Horses 16,783 17.969 

Mules and asses 1,333 1,905 

Working oxen 37 18 

Milch cows 32,112 33,541 

Other cattle 19,178 20,572 

Sheep 5,610 2,823 

Swine 37,5.''.3 37,790 

Wheat, bushels 930,053 737,125 

Rye, bushels 281,867 431,721 

Oats, bushels 1,425,157 1,207,657 

Buckwheat, bushels 4,992 11,476 

Barley, bushels 411 1,824 

Corn, bushels 1,267,194 1,586,896 

Potatoes, bushels 400,846 448,259 

Tobacco, pounds 1,000 240,027 

ilNol given in U.S. C'eoslis Reports. 



'Taken in .June, 1SG2. 



CHAPTER VII. 

EARLY AND GENERAL INDUSTRIES. 

Eaily Furnaces and Forges of County — Production, 1828-.jO 
— Industries in 1840 — Comparative Statement, 1850- 
1876 — Memorial for National Foundry — Summary of 
Pi-esent Furnaces, Forges, and Mills — Comparative Table 
of Statistics, for 1880 — Production of Iron in County at 
three recent periods— General Industries — Statistics of 
Manufactures of County, 1870 and 188U. 

EARLY FURNACES AND FORGES OF COU'NTY." 

The county of Berks was formed out of parts 
of Philadelphia, Lancaster and Chester Coun- 
ties in 1752. In each part there were iron in- 
dustries at an early period in the history of the 
county, especially in the lower portion of the 
part taken from Philadelphia County. They 
were scattered many miles from one another, 



■^ "Penna. Mag. of Hist.," vol. viii., p. 56-81 ; prepared by 
the author of this history and published in March, 1884. 



88 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



extending from the southern boundary to the 
northern, and from the eastern to the western. 
All were located along strong streams which 
afforded constant water-power, and in the midst 
of thickly-wooded territory which furnished an 
inexhaustible supply of charcoal. The greater 
number were east of the Schuylkill. The eight 
following streams were occupied before the 
Revolution : Manatawiiy and its tributary, — the 
Ironstone, West Branch of Perkiomen, French, 
Hay, Allegheny, Tulpehocken and its tributary, 
—Spring. 

South of the "South Mountain " were the 
following : Furnaces, — Colebrookdale, Mount 
Pleasant, Hopewell and Oley ; Forges, — Pool, 
Pine, Hay Creek, Oley, Spring, IVCouut Pleasant 
and Gibraltar. 

North of this mountain, however, there were 
one furnace, Roxborongh or Berkshire, and two 
forges. Charming and Moselem. 

The following historical facts are submitted, 
relating to the industries named. They conflict 
with and antedate numerous statements hereto- 
fore made and ])ublished. They were gathered 
almost entirely from the recorded deeds, etc., 
in the recorder's office of Berks County. For 
this reason they can be generally relied upon as 
correct. Notwithstanding my diligent search, 
this narrative is incomplete. Further investi- 
gation will doubtless reveal additional facts with 
respect to some of the industries named, both 
before and after the Revolution, and these may 
modify certain statements made and ojjinions 
expressed. 

FURNACES. 
COLEBIJOOKDALE FuRNACE. The Cole- 

brookdale Furnace was situated on the Ironstone 
Creek, an important branch of the Manatavvny, 
in Colebrookdale township, within a mile to the 
south of the borough of Boyertown. A valua- 
ble deposit of iron-ore there induced its erection 
at that point. It is supposed to have been 
erected in the year 1720, " or a year or two 
earlier," by a companj' comprising, among 
others, Thomas Rutter, Anthony Morris, James 
Lewis and Thomas Potts. Especial mention of 
it is made in Watson's "Annals," in the " Potts 
Memorial," by Mrs. James, and in the able and 
exhaustive chapter on " Iron-Making in Penn- 



sylvania," by Mr. James M. Swank, in " Penn- 
sylvania and the Centennial Exhibition," vol. i. 
The transmission of title to this furnace proper- 
ty is complicated. The facts about its inception, 
operation and abandonment are involved in con- 
siderable obscurity. A correct statement of 
facts about it will therefore not be attempted. 
It is generally conceded to have been tlie first 
furnace which was erected in Penn.sylvania. 
Thomas Rutter died in 1730. In November, 
1728, he executed a last will, by which it would 
appear that he owned two-thirds of a furnace 
and of a forge ; the former, it is supposed, was 
this furnace, and the latter " Pool Forge." In 
1731 it was owned in one-twelfth parts, as fol- 
lows — the Rutter family apparently not owning 
any interest: Anthony Morris, one-twelf\h ; 
Alexander Wooddross, three-twelfths ; Samuel 
Preston, one-twelfth ; William Attwood, one- 
twelfth ; John Leacock, one-twelfth ; Nathaniel 
French, three-twelfths; George MifHin, one- 
twelfth ; Thomas Potts and George Boone, one- 
twelfth. 

About that time the furnace was carried on 
extensively. Pig-iron was manufactured and 
sold in large quantities. The jn-ice was fifteen 
dollars a ton. " Country castings" — articles of 
iron used by farmers in the vicinity — were also 
made, the price of which was twice that of pig- 
iron. 

A stove-plate, inscribed as having been cast 
at this furnace in 1763, was exhibited at the 
" Centennial Exhibition " in 1876. It is sup- 
posed that the furnace was abandoned soon after 
this east was made. 

The furnace was named after one of the same 
name in Shrop.shire, in England. The sur- 
rounding territory naturally took the .same 
name; and, subsequently, in 1736, u))<in its 
erection into a township, it was called "Cole- 
brookdale." 

Mount Pleasant Furnace. — The Moinit 
Pleasant Furnace was situated on the West 
Branch of the Perkiomen CVeek, in Colebrook- 
dale (now Washington) township, about five 
miles north of Colebrookdale Furnace, at a 
point a short distance beyond Barto, the term- 
inus of the Colebrookdale Railroad. It is said 
to have been erected by Thomas Potts, Jr., in 



EAKLY AND GENERAL INDUSTRIES. 



89 



1 738. The first blast was made on the 12th of 
October, 1738, and continued to the 11th of De- 
cember following, during which time there 
were manufactured : Pig-iron, 85 tons ; country 
ciistings, 6 T. 1 cwt. 2 qr. 2 p. ; and forge cast- 
ings, 7 cwt. 3 qr. 6 p. — altogether 91 T. 9 cwt. 
1 qr. 8 p. Six blasts were made to the 20th 
of July, 1711 — a total of four hundred and 
seventy days — during which time six hundred 
and ninety tons of iron were produced. The 
subse([uent history of the furnace is not known ; 
at least it has not as yet been published, perhaps 
not even investigated thoroughly, owing to the 
absence of unrecorded agreements and title-pa- 
pers. Its exact locality can still be identified 
by the base of the stack. 

Hopewell Furnace. — The Hoijewell Fur- 
nace is situated on French Creek, in Union 
township, near the county line. It is said to 
have been erected by William Bird in 1759. 
This is possible, but not probable. He died 
November 16, 1762. But this furnace was not 
then part of his possessions. And yet he then 
owned the Roxborough Furnace, in Heidelberg, 
distant at least fifteen miles from Birdsboro'. If 
he had owned it, why should he have sold it 
just before his death, inasmuch as it was only 
five miles distant, whereas the lloxborough \vas 
situated three times as far off? But there is 
no title of record from him to any one. It is 
more than likely that Mark Bird built this 
furnace after his father's death, say about 1765. 
He was then twenty-six years old. He held it 
for twenty years. The first mention of it is 
made in a mortgage, dated in 1772, made by 
iiini to his sister Mary and brothers AYilliam 
and James to secure the j^ayment of certain 
trust moneys. Becoming subsequently em- 
barrassed, he, in 1785, was first compelled to 
borrow money (two hundred thousand Spanish 
milled dollars) from John Nixon, a merchant, 
of Philadelphia, on a mortgage, in which 
(among other properties) he described the Birds- 
boro' Iron- Works and eight thousand acres of 
land, which included the Hopewell Furnace 
property ; and then, finding himself insolvent, 
he, in 1786, transferred the property to Nixon, 
in trust, to sell and satisfy debts, etc. Nixon 
accordingly exposed it to public sale, and in 



1788 transferred one-third to Cadwallader Mor- 
ris and two-thirds to James Old, both iron- 
masters. At that time the furnace lands comprised 
altogether five thousand one hundred and 
sixty-three acres. In 1790 Cadwallader Morris 
sold his one-third of the premises to Benjamin 
Morris; and in 1791 James Old sold his two- 
thirds to the same person. In 1793 Benjamin 
Morris resold the entire furnace property to 
James Old. After the lapse of seven years 
Old became embarrassed and was forced to yield 
up his title through the law and the sheriff to 
his creditor, Benjamin ]\Iorris, who bought it at 
the sale. This was in 1800. In August, 1800, 
Morris sold it to Daniel Buckley, of Lancaster 
County, Thomas Brooke, of Montgomery 
County, and Matthew Brooke, Jr., of Berks 
County, for ten thousand pounds. The furnace 
was rebuilt in that year. The Brookes subse- 
quently sold out their interests, and Dr. Charles 
Clingan acquired an interest in it. Edward S. 
Buckley is now a joint owner with the estate of 
Dr. Clingan. Charcoal has been used from the 
beginning till now. It may be the oldest furnace 
in the county now in existence. The "Oley " 
was built about the same time. The " Hope- 
well " has been in the Buckley family over 
eighty years. The "Joanna" has been in the 
Smith family nearly ninety years. 

Oley Furnace. — The Oley Furnace is 
situated on Furnace Creek, a branch of the 
Little Manatawny, in Oley township, a short 
distance north of Friedensburg, and near the 
line between Oley and Ruscomb-manor town- 
ships. It was built most probably by Dietrich 
Welcker, an iron-master of Skippack, between 
1758 and 1768, say about 1765 ; and it is pos- 
sible that William Mayberry was a joint owner 
with him in the beginning. In 1768 the 
furnace was certainly in existence and in active 
opei'ation, for Welcker then borrowed one hun- 
dred pounds from John Lesher, an iron-master 
of (-)ley, and executed a mortgage to him, in 
which the furnace is mentioned and five tracts of 
land, together 558 acres, 110 perches He had 
borrowed money from others, who sent the sheriff 
after him. Subsequently Daniel Udree came to 
own this furnace, and carried it on in connection 
with the " Rockland Forges," situated several 



90 



IIISTOKV OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



miles to the northeast, till his death in 1828. It 
is now, and has been for years, owned by the 
" Clymer Iron Company." A plate, with an 
inscription "1770," is built iu the stack of the 
furnace; but this must certainly relate to some 
other fact than the date of the beginning of the 
furnace. An ore-bank is near by. But iron- 
ore was also supplied in its early operation from 
the Moselem Mine, in Richmond township, 
distant about eight miles to the northwest. 

Bekkshire Furnace. — The Berkshire Fur- 
nace was situated on a branch of Spring Creek, 
iu Lower Heidelberg township, about two miles 
southwest of Wernersville. It was erected by 
William Bird about 1760. It was part of his 
estate at the time of his death in 1762. The 
name first given to it was Roxborough. It is 
not known when the name Mas changed to 
Berkshire. About 1790 George Ege purchased 
the furnace property and carried it on for 
several years, when he abandoned it, doubtless 
owing to scarcity of water. During the Revo- 
lution cannon-balls were manufactured at this 
furnace. Ege carried it on under a lease with 
the widow of Wm. Bird — intermarried with 
John Pattou — -from 1774. She owned it from 
1764 to 1790. Mr. Ege rendered an account to 
the "United States" April 3, 1783, in which it 
appears that he I'urnished the government, 
November 14, 1780, with the following shells 
and shot, altogether of the value of =£2894 
lis. 6d.: 

Shells: 867, 10 in.; 714, 8 in. 

Shot: 843, 24 pd. ; 2137, IS pd.; 289, 12 pd. 

FORGES. 

Pool, Forges. — Pool Forge was situated on 
the Manatawny Creek, a short distance below 
the point where the Ironstone flows into it ; and 
another of the same name on the Manatawny, 
several miles below. The latter is supposed to 
have been the first of the two, and erected in the 
year 1717. This would be a few years before 
the time generally allowed as the date of the 
erection of the Colebrookdale Furnace. It is be- 
lieved that the remarks of Jonathan Dickinson, 
in a letter written in 1717, related to this forge. 
He said : " This Ia.st summer one Thomas 
Rutter, a smith, who lived not far from Ger- 



mantown, hath removed farther up in the 
country, and of his own strength hath set upon 
making iron. Such it proves to be, as it is highly 
esteemed by all the smiths here, who say that the 
best of Sweed's iron doth not exceed it. And 
we have accounts of others that are going on 
with iron works." It is not known when the 
former forge began. Thomas Rutter was in- 
terested in one, or perhaps both, of these forges. 
A forge is mentioned in his la.st will, dated 
1728, in which he disposes of two one- 
third interests. In 1731 a "Pool Forge" 
was owned in one-sixteenth parts, as follows : 
Anthony Morris, two-sixteenths ; Alexander 
Wooddross, two-sixteenths ; Samuel Preston, 
one-sixteenth ; William Attwood, one-sixteenth ; 
John Leacock, one-sixteenth ; Nathaniel 
French, one-sixteenth ; George Mifflin, one- 
sixteenth ; Thomas Potts and George Boon, 
one-sixteenth ; Rutter's estate, six-sixteenths. 

The subsequent history of this forge is un- 
known. It is possible that Pine Forge was 
built in 1740, near by, to take its place in tlie 
manufacture of blooms. 

Pine Forge. — The Pine Forge was erected 
in 1740, by Thomas Potts. It was .situated on 
Manatawny Creek, in Douglass township, very 
near the line of Amity. One of the Pool Forges 
was situated a short distance above and the 
other some distance below. His son, John 
Potts, succeeded him. After the forge had been 
carried on for some years by him, it was sold 
in 1769 to David Potts, Jr. In 1783 David 
Rutter bought it at public sale, and he carried 
it on till his death iu 1815, when his son John 
became the owner of the property. Subse- 
quently Joseph Bailey came to own the works, 
and in 1845 he converted the forge into a roll- 
ing-mill. There was a " Little Pine Forge " 
not far distant, but its locality and history have 
not been ascertained. 

Hay Creek Forge. — William Bird ob- 
tained land along Hay Creek, in the eastern 
extremity of Robeson township, in 1739, the 
patent therefor having been taken out three 
years before by Francis Hughes. In the fol- 
lowing year he began the iron business in this 
locality by the erection of a forge on Hay 
Creek, about half a mile above the Schuylkill. 



EARLY AND GENERAL LXDUSTRIES. 



91 



He then took up additional tracts of land by 
warrant and survey, and by 1756 he had se- 
cured about three thousand acres. This forge 
was carried on by him till his death in 1762. 
Subsequently his widow owned it for some 
years. His son, Mark Bird, carried on business 
there till he failed in 1788, and was sold out by 
the sheriiF. At that time it is supposed that 
Mark Bird had about eight thousand acres of 
land in connection with his iron industries. 

In 1764 the iron-works there comprised three 
forges, corn (grist) mill, saw-mill and about 
two thoTisand four hundred acres of land. 

The pig-iron was probably obtained at Cole- 
brookdale Furnace, distant about ten miles, for 
about twenty-five years, till the erection of Hope- 
well Furnace, five miles distant to the south. 

Mr. Bird laid out a town below the forge 
towards the river, it is believed about 1750, and 
called it Birdsboro.' In 1751 he erected, 
within the limits of the town-plan, a fine two- 
story, cut-stone mansion-house. This building 
is still standing, and is now the Birdsboro' 
House. 

At the sheriff's sale in 1 788, the forge property 
was purchased by Cadwallador Morris, James 
Wilson and otliers, of Philadelphia; and in 1796 
John Louis Barde became the owner. Mat- 
thew Brooke married a daughter of Barde, and 
subsequently purchased the property. It has 
since remained in the Brooke family. Edward 
Brooke and George Brooke, brothers, began 
l)usiness here in 1837. The iron-works then 
comprised two forges, with a capacity of two 
hundred tons of bar-iron j^er annum. In 1846 
tiiey erected a charcoal furnace, called 
"Hampton;" in 1848 a rolling-mill and nail- 
factory; in 1851 an anthracite furnace, and 
some years afterward two additional furnaces. 
Their total annual capacity is about thirty-eight 
thousand tons of pig-iron and one hundred and 
seventy-five thousand kegs of nails. After the 
death of Edward Brooke in 1788, the Brooke 
Iron Company was instituted ; and this com- 
pany is now carrying on the business. The 
iron industry at Birdsboro', which, in the 
course of one hundred and forty years, has been 
so admirably developed out of the " Hay Creek 
Forge" of William Bird, was in 1878 the 



largest and richest personal enterprise in this 
section of the State. 

Oley Forge. — The Olcy Forge was situated 
on the Manatawny Creek, about ten miles from 
its confluence with the Schuylkill, and about 
a half-mile south of the "Oley Churches." It 
continued in active operation for one hundred 
and twenty years. 

In 1744, John Ross, gentleman, of Philadel- 
phia, and Joiin Yoder and John Lesher, of 
Oley, entered into a joint partnership for erect- 
ing a forge for manufacturing pig-metal into 
bar-iron. They then purchased from Sebastian 
Graeff a tract of one hundred and ninety-seven 
acres of land, situated in Oley township, on the 
Manatawny Creek, adjoining lands of Robert 
Stapleton and John Yoder, and the " Great 
Road " leading to Philadelphia, and thereon 
erected a forge, constructed a water- pond, water- 
courses and the necessary buildings, and sup- 
plied the utensils for the business of making 
bar-iron ; and they also purchased warrants for 
taking up land on the hills adjacent to the 
forge, in order to supply it with charcoal. In 
1750 Jolm Yoder .sold to John Lesher his 
one-third interest " of said tract and of the 
forge, working-gears, tools, implements, dams, 
etc." Lesher and Ross held their respective 
interests in the forge till Ross' deiith. In 
the settlement of the partnership aifairs, 
litigation arose between Lesher and the Ross 
estate. This was being conducted in 1784, 
when Lesher sold his two-thirds to his son, 
Jacob Leslier, an iron-master, and his sons-in- 
law, John Potts, a miller, and Jacob Morgan, 
a merchant. In 1794, Frederick Spang, an 
iron-master of Oley, obtained an interest in this 
forge property, and some years afterward secured 
all the interests. He and, after his decease, 
his son Jacob, and grandson of the same name, 
carried on the iron business tliere for seventy 
years, until the close of the Rebellion. During 
this long interval, especially for fifty years, the 
forge was known as the " Spang Forge." It 
was abandoned about 1870. Nothing is left to 
mark the spot excepting the dam. In the 
transfer by Lesher to his son and sons-in-law 
in 1784, mention is made of a furnace. It was 
situated in District township, near the head- 



92 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



waters of Pine Creek, a tributary of Mana- 
tawny. The Oley Furnace was then in opera- 
tion several miles to the northwest. Lesher 
loaned money on it in 1768, and between that 
time and 1784 he may have come to own it, 
but the titles of record do not disclose the fact. 

Si'KiNG Forges. — A Spring Forge was at 
one time in existence on the Manatawny, not 
far from " Pool Forge." It was owned by 
Anthony Morris, and in operation in 1729. 
Pig-metal was supplied from Colebrookdale 
Furnace. No definite information in relation to 
it has as yet been developed. 

Another Spring Forge was situate on Pine 
Creek, a branch of the Manatawny, in District 
(now Pike) township, about four miles north of 
the " Oley Churches." Its early history is in- 
volved in obscurity. In 1760 Rebecca Potts 
purchased at sheriff's sale a one-sixth interest 
in it. She died possessed of this interest, and in 
1773 her executor sold it, and a like interest in 
six tracts of laud, togetiier containing eight 
hundred and thirty-eight acres, to John Old, an 
iron-master, resident in District township. Old 
subsequently obtained an increased interest in 
this industry, and in 1778 sold seventeen twen- 
ty-sevenths parts to Mark Bird. During its 
later history it was owned successively by Wil- 
liam Schall, Jacob Deysher and Francis R. 
Heilig. It was abandoned by Heilig about 
1865. 

A third Spring Forge was erected by John 
Schenkel Bcrtolet about 1812. It was situated 
on the Manatawny Creek, in the southern ex- 
tremity of Earl township, near the line of 
Amity. He carried it on till his death in 
1828. Then his son, Dr. David K. Bertolette, 
took the forge property under his last will and 
continued operations till 1840. Subsequently 
it passed through various hands, and was finally 
abandoned about 1860. It is possible that the 
forge first mentioned of this name was situated 
here or near by. But it (the first) may have 
been the second mentioned. And this is prob- 
able, for it existed before 1760; it occupied a 
superioi' site, ore was not far distant and wood 
was abundant in the immediate vicinitv. 

Mount Pleasant Foisge. — A forge, it is 
believed, was connected with the Mount Pleas- 



ant Furnace ; but there is no definite knowledge 
concerning its early history. It stood on the 
West Branch of the Perkiomen, about a mile 
above the furnace. If it was not erected and 
carried on by the Potts family, it is probable 
that it was by either Nicholas Hunter or his 
son-in-law, John Fisher, about fifty or sixty 
years afterward. Mr. Fisher, it is certain, car- 
ried it on for a number of years, till his decease 
in 1828, when his estate continued operations 
for over twenty years, — latterly by a son, J. N. 
H. Fisher, and son-in-law, Abraham B. Bech- 
tel. On the 25th of March, 1854, it was sold 
to Samuel W. Weiss, and then operated by 
him till the close of the Rebellion. The dam 
was washed away by a freshet several years 
ago. The Dale Iron-Works were situated a 
mile above it, on the same stream. 

Gibraltar For(tE. — Mark Bird, it is sup- 
posed, in connection with his other enterprises, 
began a forge on the Allegheny Creek, about a 
mile from the Schuylkill, in Robeson township, 
and named it Gibraltar. The year of its erec- 
tion is not known, — though it is supposed to be 
about 1770, — nor its subsequent history for 
many years; but this supposition is questionable. 

It is more than probable that this inilustry 
was founded by Thomas Bull, John Smith and 
Thomas May about the time that they erected 
the Joanna Furnace, about six miles to the 
south in the same township. They were in- 
terested then in Dale Furnace, and probably 
prejjared the way for selling it by first erecting 
the Gibraltar Forge, which was to be used in 
connection with the Joanna Furnace. 

In 1827 the estate of Thomas May owned it. 
In 1828 his two sons, Newton and Addi.son, 
by their guardians, sold it and four hundred 
and forty-four acres of land to Simon Seyfert 
and John Schwartz, for six thousand five hun- 
dred dollars. These two iron-masters then 
operated it in connection with the Aloinit I'enn 
Furnace, several miles to the west on Flying 
Hill Creek. In 1835 they dis.solved partner- 
ship, Schwartz taking the furnace and Seyfert 
the forge. Subsequently, the forge property 
was transferred to Seyfert, McManus & Co. 

CHARMrxG FoRfii:. — The Charming Forge 
is situated t)n the eastern border of Ma- 



EARLY AND (lEXERAL INDUSTRIES. 



1)3 



rion township, on the Tulpehocken Creek, 
several miles north of Woraelsdorf. It was 
erected by Johu George Xikoll, a hammer- 
smith, and Mioliael Miller, in 1749. Then, in 
pursuance of an agreement entered into shortly 
before, they, "at their joint expense, erected an 
Iron work or Forge and Dam, and dug a 
Race or water-course, and made other great 
improvements for the commencing of forging 
and the manufacturing of iron." After passing 
through several parties, Henry Wm. Stiegel be- 
came the owner in 1763. It was known as the 
Tulpehocken Forge. Soon afterwards he sold an 
undivided half-part of the forge property and 
of eight hundred and fifty-nine acres of land to 
Charles Stedman and Alexander Stedman, mer- 
chants, of Philadelphia. By 1770 the quantity 
of land used in connection with the forge had 
increased beyond three thousand seven hundred 
acres. In that year Charles Stedman bought 
his brother's interest in the forge property at 
sheriff's sale. In the sheriff's deed-poll to 
him, the forge is called, for the first time, in 
tiie title, Charming Forge. It had been so 
Jcnown and commonly called for some years 
previously. Its name arose from the picturesqu(!, 
charming locality. In 1773 the sheriff of the 
county sold Stiegel's undivided half-interest in 
the forge property (then comprising one thou- 
sand two hundred and ninety-one acres) to Paul 
Zensinger, merchant, of Lancaster, for one thou- 
sand six hundred and sixty pounds. Zensinger, 
on the same day that he obtained the sheriff's 
deed-poll for the property (February 9, 1774), 
conveyed his interest to George Ege, iron-mas- 
ter, of York County, for eight hundred and 
thirty-eight pounds, fourteen shillings and nine 
pence. Nine years afterward Ege bought Sted- 
man's interest in the property for one thousand 
five hundred and sixty-three pounds, thirteen 
shillings and six pence. From this time on- 
ward, for nearly fifty years, Mr. Ege was very 
prominently identified with the industrial life 
of Berks County. From 1701 to 1818 he was 
an associate judge. In 1804 he built and oper- 
ated the Schuylkill Forge, which was situated 
on the Little Schuylkill (Tamaqua Creek), a 
short distance north of Port Clinton. At that 
time he was doubtless the larMst land-holder 



in the county. His possessions then were, — 
Charming Forge, with four thousand acres ; 
Reading Furnae'C, with six thousand acres ; 
Schuylkill Forge, with six thousand acres; also 
four large and valuable farms, situated in Hei- 
delberg and Tulpehocken townships, comprising 
together nearly a thousand acres, and known 
in the vicinity as the Spring, Sheaff, Leiss and 
Richard farms. In 1824 he was forced to 
make an assignment. His debts and expenses 
exceeded three hundred thousand dollars. But 
his estate proved entirely solvent. Through 
the prudent management of his estate, for a 
period covering fifteen years, by his acting as- 
signee, Andrew Taylor, all the debts were sat- 
isfied, and a large balance was left for distribu- 
tion to his heirs. He died in December, 1830. 

This forge property then passed through a 
number of parties until 18o5, when it became 
vested in Andrew Taylor and his two sons, 
William and B. Franklin. In 1866 Mr. Tay- 
lor died, and his interest passed to the sons 
named by devise. They have since held and 
operated the forge. They own in connection 
with the forge about thirty-six huiidred acres of 
land. Five-sixths of this large quantity lie in 
the Blue Mountain range. The land extends 
from "Round Head" eastwardly in an unbrok- 
en tract for seven miles. 

In 1777 Ege improved the property at the 
forge by the erection of a large, commodious 
and conveniently arranged cut-stone two-story 
mansion-house. It is still standing in fine 
order. At that time he hired from the govern- 
ment thirty-four Hessian prisoners, for the pur- 
pose of cutting a channel from twelve to fifteen 
feet deep and two hundred and fifty feet long, 
through a bed of limestone, in order to supply 
with water-power a " slitting-mill " which he 
had erected. The channel is still used. No- 
vember 5, 1782, he allowed the United States 
government £1020 for their services. 

In 1780 he owned ten slaves — seven males 
and three females — certified of record in the pvo- 
thonotary's office of the county. 

MowEi.EM Forge. — There was a forge, 
known by the name of " Moselem Forge," sit- 
uated on the Moselem Creek, in Richmond 
towushiji, probably in the vicinity of the Moselem 



94 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



iron-ore mine. In August, 1767, Jacob Shoffer, 
of Maxatawny, yeoman, for the consideration of 
five luindred pounds, sold one undivided fourtii 
part of a tract of land, containing one hundred 
and seventy-five acres, situate on the Moselem 
Creek, in Richmond township, and also oue- 
fouth part of all forges, mills, etc., thereon 
erected, to Christian Lower, of Tulpehocken, a 
blockmiith. And I found the forge referred to 
in tlic description of a road laid out in 1768, 
leading from the " Moselem Forge " to Read- 
ing. I could not find any additional facts in 
connection with this early industry. It is 
jirol)able that the forge was erected some years 
before 1767. Iron-ore had been discovered 
there before 1750, and doubtless this di,scovery 
led to the early erection of a forge near by. 

OTHER FURNA.CES AND FORGES. 

Furnaces and forges were erected in different^ 
parts of the county during or .subsequent to the 
Revolution and before 1800. Among them 
there were the following ; Furnaces — Union, 
District, Sally Ann, Joanna, Dale, Mary Ann, 
Reading and Greenwood ; Forges — Brobst's, 
Rockland, Burkhart's, Dale and District. 

Uxiox FuENACE. — The Union Furnace is 
mentioned in connection with the Union or 
" Brobst's Forges." 

Di.sTRicT Furnace. — The Di.strict Furnace 
was situated on Pine Creek, in District township, 
about a mile from the line of Pike township. 
The time of its erection is not known, nor the 
builder, though it has been a.sserted that Jacob 
Lesher erected it previous to 1797. It was 
owned by John Lesher, father of Jacob, previous 
to 1784. He may have erected it about the 
time of the erection of the Oley Forge. This 
is possible, even probable. The distance be- 
tween the two indu.stries was about six miles. 
The pig metal was obtained from some furnace. 
He was a man of wealth, energy and enterj)rise; 
and it is more than likely that he supplied his 
own pig metal rather than purchaseitatthe Cole- 
brookdale and Mount Plea.sant Furnaces (which 
were situated across the "Oley Hills," and dis- 
tant from eight to ten miles), and haul it over 
rougl I and steep roads. In 1791 he conveyed 
it to liis son Jacob, " out of love and afl^ection," 



together with a grist-mill, saw-mill and three 
tracts of land. The " furnace tract " in Dis- 
trict comprised fifteen hundred and eighty-two 
acres one hundred and four perches. The other 
tracts were in Earl, and contained two hundred 
and thirteen acres sixty perches. Its subsequent 
hi.story is not known. On a county map of 
1820 it is marked as"Lesher's Furnace." It 
is suppo.sed to have been abandoned about 1797 
by Jacob Lesher, because he could not satisfac- 
torily work up to the primitive rock-ore of that 
vicinity. (By a deed of record dated in 1793 
it would appear that John Lesher sold one-third 
of this furnace to John Teysher, it having been 
called " German " or District Furnace.) 

Sally Ann Furnace.— ^The Sally Ann 
Furnace was erected, it is supposed, by Valen- 
tine Eekert, an iron-master, about 1791. It is 
situated on the Sacouy Creek, in the northern 
section of Rockland township. This supposi- 
tion is, however, doubtful, if not erroneous. 
Previous to 1811 Abraham Biever, a farmer, 
owned the tract of ninety-four acres njion which 
the furnace stands. In the year named he sold 
this tract to Nicholas Hunter, an iron-master. 
There was no furnace on then. It is, therefore, 
probable that ^Ir. Hunter erected this furnace 
soon after the purchase of the land. Subse- 
quently he transferred the furnace and lands to 
his son, Jacob V. R. Hunter, whose estate .still 
holds it. Active operations were discontinued 
about 1869. It was leased in 1879, but work 
was carried on for only a year. 

Joanna Furnace. — The Joanna Furnace 
was erected in 1792, by Potts & Rutter, and 
named after a daughter of the former. It is 
situated on Hay Creek, in Robeson township, 
near the line of Caernarvon. In 1796 it was 
purchased by Thomas Bull, John Smith and 
Thomas May. Subsequently Levi B. Smith, 
son of John Smith, became the owner, and 
operated it till his decease in 1876, when it 
passed to his sou, L. Heber Smith, who is the 
present owner. Nearly six thousand acres of land 
are connected with the furnace, lying together 
in a great, irregular tract, and situated in Robe- 
son, Caernarvon and Brecknock townships. 
The furnace was rebuilt in 1847. It is run by 
water and steam-power. 



EARLY AND GENERAL INDUSTRIES. 



95 



Dale Furnace. — The Dale Furnace was 

situated on the West Branch of tlie Perkiomen 
Creek, two miles above the ]\It. Pleasant Fur- 
nace. It was erected about 1791 by Thomas 
Potts, Joseph Potts, Jr., and John Smith, iron- 
masters. In the year named they purchased 
from Lewis Walker a tract of one hundred and 
fifty acres in Hereford township (but since 
18;59 in Washington), and doubtless imme- 
diately proceeded to erect thereon a furnace. 
In 1793 it was certainly in existence, for then 
Joseph Potts, Jr., sold his one-third interest to 
Robert 11 Plobart. In 1811 it was owned by 
Thomas Bull, Robert May, John Smith and 
•John Thompson, iron-masters. About that 
time, jjrobably soon afterward, a forge was 
erected near by. Then this enterprise took the 
name of "Dale Iron-Works." In 1819 these 
w(jrks were in active operation. The furnace 
was abandoned about 1821. In 1822 they 
were owned by Dr. Jacob Loeser. In 1826 
they were purchased by George Schall and 
David Schall for eleven thousand nine hundred 
dollars, comprising a forge, a large dam cover- 
ing fourteen acres, a fine commodious stone 
mansion and tenant-houses and other buildings 
and over six hundred acres of land. Subse- 
(juently David Schall became the sole owner of 
tiie works and ojierated them till the year 
18G8, when he abandoned the manufacturing 
business. 

Mary Ann Furnace. — The ]Mary Ann 
Furnace was situated in Longswamp township, 
on the head-waters of the Little Lehigh. It 
was erected before 1797, possibly about 1789, 
by Jacob Lesher, and carried on by him active- 
ly till 1808. He then sold it to his son-in-law, 
Reuben Trexler. It was operated by Mr. Trex- 
ler till 1837, when he transferred it to his son 
Horatio, who carried on work till a suspension 
of business there was forced in 1869 by the 
scarcity of wood, high price of labor and the 
increased demand and cost of the Longswamp 
ore, superinduced by the introduction of the 
East Peun Railroad, through the East Peun 
Valley, from Reading to Allentown. The rail- 
way, instead of benefiting the " Mary Ann," as 
it had been argued and hoped that the result 
would be, actually I'obbed her of glorious and 



profitable activity, and transferred the life of 
industry into the Lehigh Valley. 

The first " stone coal" stoves manufactured 
in Pennsylvania were made at this furnace by 
Reuben Trexler. They were called the " Le- 
high Coal Stoves." The plates of these stoves 
were first made in tiie open sand about 1820; 
subsequently flasks were introduced. They 
were made here till 1857, but the development 
of foundries for this purpose caused the dis- 
continuance of this branch of industry. 

Reading Furnace. — Upon the abandon- 
ment of the "Berkshire" Furnace by George 
Ege, he, in the same year, 1794, erected a fur- 
nace several miles to the west, on Spring Creek, 
in Heidelberg township, and carried it on suc- 
cessfully till his assignment for the benefit 
of creditors, in 182-1. In 1807 he improved 
the property by the erection of a mansion-house 
(similar to the one occupied by him at Charm- 
ing Forge) for the manager of the furnace, An- 
drew Taylor. It subsequently became vested 
in Robeson & Brooke, who abandoned it about 
1850. They improved the property by the 
erection of an anthracite furnace in 1845, and 
another in 1858. It was then purchased by 
White, Ferguson & Co. 

Greenwood Furnace. — In 1796 Lewis 
Reese and Isaac Thomas erected a furnace near 
Schuylkill Gap, on the north side of Sharp 
Mountain, and carried on the manufacture of 
iron till 1806. They then sold it to John Pott, 
of District township, in Berks County. In 
1807 Pott tore it down and erected in its stead 
another furnace which he named " Greenwood." 

Near the mouth of the Little Schuylkill, a 
short distance above Port Clinton, George Ege, 
it is said, erected the " Schuylkill Furnace " 
about 1804. 

These two furnaces are also mentioned in 
this narrative because they were includeil in the 
territory of Berks County, beyond Blue Moun- 
tain, till 1811, when Schuylkill County was 
erected. 

«- Brobst's Forges.— In Albany township, in 
the northern section of Berks County, t)n a 
branch of Maiden Creek, called Pine Creek, 
there were two forges and a furnace. It is not 
definitely known when <ir by wiiom they were 



96 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



erected. In 1780, Arnold Billig sold to Mich- 
ael Brobst two tracts of land in this township, 
one of one hundred and fifteen acres and the 
other of fifteen acres, with the buildings, im- 
provements, etc., for the sum of eleven thousand 
pounds. Xo iron-works are mentioned, as they 
generally are in deeds conveying property in- 
cluding such important improvements. But 
why should Brobst pay such a large considera- 
tion for one hundred and thirty acres of laud 
if there had not been erected thereon valuable 
improvements, such as iron-works ? Accord- 
ingly, it may be inferred that there were iron- 
works in this township then. Billig, however, 
is not described as an iron-master, nor Brobst. 
But Brobst was subsequently engaged in the 
manufacture of iron in this locality with his 
brother, Jolin Brobst ; and in 1818 they were 
sold out by the sheriff, the properties sold com- 
prising one furnace, two forges and three thou- 
sand six hundred and forty-six acres of land. 
These iron-works were subsequently know by 
the name of " Union," and operated for a num- 
ber of years by George Reagan. 

Rockland Forges. — The Rockland Forges 
were situated in the southcru section of Rock- 
land township, on Beaver Creek, a tributary of 
jNIanatawny. One of the forges was erected by 
John Truckenmiller, an iron-master of Rich- 
mond township, in the year 1783; and shortly 
afterward he erected a second forge about one- 
fourth of a mile farther up the creek. In 1788 
he was sold out by the sheriff of the county, and 
Richard Lewis, an iron-master of Robeson 
township, bought the forges. Ten years after- 
ward, in 1798, he .sold them to Daniel Udree, 
who operated them continuously till his decease 
in 1828. 

They, in connection witli a very large estate, 
then passed to his son-in-law, J. Udree Schnei- 
der, and were operated by him also till his 
death in 1834. Subsequently the Udree estate 
became involved by its management, and in 
1841 these forges were again put under the 
hammer by the sheriff and sold. After passing 
through several hands they were finally aban- 
doned about 1 850. A third forge stood on the 
same creek a short distance above these forges. 
It was erected about 1830 by Daniel Oyster, 



and operated ten years. Its site was just above 
the " Rohrbach Mill." 

Burkhart's FoKGE. — TiieBurkliart's Forge 
was situated in Alsace township, on Antietam 
Creek, about one hundred and fifty yards north 
of the " Stony Creek Mill." It was erected l)y 
Philip Seidel, an iron-master, resident in this 
town.ship about 1792. He, in 1791, had pur- 
cha.sed tract No. 82 of "Penn's Manor," con- 
taining fifteen acres one hundred and eigh- 
teen perches. By the record it would appear 
that he erected forges on this tract. On 
the 12th of March, 1796, he sold these forges 
to Samuel Burkhart, of Bern township. Burk- 
hart opei'ated them — at least one of them — sub- 
sequently for a number of years. In 1830 one 
forge was operated by Burkhart & Keen. It 
was known as the " Green Tree," having taken 
its name from the evergreen trees on the steep 
hillsides in the vicinity. It was abandoned 
about 1850. 

Dale Forge. — Tiic Dale Forge is mentioned 
in connection with the furnace of same name 
constituting "Dale Iron-Works." 

District Forges. — The District Forges com- 
prised two forges situated on Pine Creek, in 
District township. The first of these forges 
was erected about 1793, by Jacob Lesher. About 
fifteen years afterward he conveyed it to his son- 
in-law, Reuben Trexler, who carried it on till 
about 1830, when he demolislied it, and erected 
in its stead a large stone grist-mill. Another 
was built by Jacob Lesher, a half-mile farther 
up the stream, about the year 1812. He built 
it for his son-in-law, Samuel Sands. It was 
discontinued several years afterward. A third 
was built (it is supposed) by Jacob Else about 
the .same time, lower down the stream, in what 
is now Pike township. Subsequently it was 
operated by William Schall, Jacob Deysherand 
Francis Heilig. This supposition must be 
erroneous. This forge was known in the vicin- 
ity as tlie " Pott Forge," formerly the " Spring 
Forge " hereinbefore mentioned. A fourth 
forge was erected by Reuben Trexler, in 1828, 
a half-mile distant to the north. He carried it 
on till 1846, when he sold it to his son, Horatio 
Trexler. This also subsctiuently became vested 
in Francis Heilig. He operated both for some 



EARLY AND OENERAL INDUSTRIES. 



97 



years, till about 1865, when he gradually dis- 
oontinued active operation, and finally aban- 
doned them. They were latterly known a.s 
" Heilig's Forges." 

Speedwell Forge. — The Speedwell Forge 
was erected, it is supposed, by Philip Seidel, 
about 1800. In 1815 it was purchased by 
Nicholas Yocuni, who operated it for some 
years. It was situated in Cumru township on 
Angelica Creek, about five miles south of Read- 
ing. Speedwell, No. 2, was built by Mr. 
Yocuni in 1835. Moses and Daniel Yocum, 
his sons, then operated them separately till- 
about 1870, when they were abandoned. 

Recent Industries. — Among the more 
recent furnaces and forges in the county, there 
were the following, the date after the name in- 
dicating the year of erection: 



Furnaces. 



Windsor 

Hamburg 

Moselem. 1823 

Mount Pcnn 1825 

Earl 1835 

Mount Laurel 1836 

Henry Clay 1844 

second stack 1854 

Monocacy 1852 

Leesport 1853 

Maiden Creek 1854 



Reading (Seyfert, 

McManu3 & Co.)..1854 

second stack 1873 

Temple 18G7 

Keystone 1 8(i9 

second stack 1872 

Topton 1873 

East Penn (2 stacks). 1874 

Kutztown ....1875 

Bechtelsville 1875 



JFurff'S. 



Do-Well 1825 

Meyer's 1825 

Moselem 1825 

Sixpenny 1825 

North-Kill 1830 

Bloom 1830 



E.'ceter 1836 

Mount Airy 1840 

Seidel's 1853 

Keystone 1854 

Reading 1857 

Douglassville 1878 



Iron-M,\sters. — The iron-masters of the 
county compri.se many men distinguished for 
their energy, enterprise, success and wealth. 
They extend through the history of the county 
from its earliest settlements till now. A great 
proportion of the material prosperity and en- 
richment of the county has been contributed by 
them. They have, to a great degree, influenced 
its social, political and industrial welfare. In 
the settlement and development of its several 
sections, south, ea.st, west and north, the}' have 
been pioneers. Though their great and influen- 
tial industry does not antedate agriculture in the 



affairs of the county, it lias, nevertheless, been a 
traveling companion ; and, like agriculture, it 
has been transmitted from grandfather to .son and 
gj'and.son. Their names reveal the fact that the 
great majority of them have been Germans or 
of German origin. 

In the year 1806 Berks County was distin- 
gui.shed for its. numerous manufacturing estab- 
lishments, its trade and enterpri.se. The follow- 
ing iron industries were then in operation: 

Tilt hammers 9 1 Furn.ices 8 

Slitting-mill 1 I Forges 20 

Other industries of the county : 

Powder-mills 4 I Grist-mills 155 



Tanneries 49 

Oil-mills 20 

Hat factories (Read- 
ing) 40 



Fulling-mills 14 

Hemp-mills 2 

Paper-mills 10 

Saw mills 235 

Distilleries 212 ] 

(These were reported by assessors and 
published in the Reading Adler April 22, 1806.) 

The county at that time was evidently a great 
industrial centre. In the manufacture of ir< .n 
alone it contained thirty-eight establishments. lu 
18.30 there were eleven furnaces and twenty-four 
forges ; in 1850, thirteen furnaces and twenty- 
three forges; and in 1876, twenty-seven fur- 
naces, but only four forges. The great decrease 
of forges is accounted for by the introduction of 
rolling-mills, of which there were ten in the 
year last named. Water-power was apparently 
supplanted by the introduction of steam-power; 
and instead of being located in nuiny places 
throughout the county, as theretofore through a 
period of one hundred years, they were concen- 
trated in several places. 

The only industries of those named which 
were begun before 1800, now still in operation, 
are the following: Furnaces — Oley, Hopewell, 
and Joanna; Forges— Charming and Gibral- 
tar. 

Production, 1828-30.— The following two ' 
tables were arranged by Daniel M. Keim, to 
show the furnaces and forges in operation in 
Berks County for the years 1828, 1829 and 
1830, number of hands employed, the amount 
of production, etc., and published in the Berks 
and Schuylkill Journal, from which they were 
copied : 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



FVRNACES. 


Ow..„«. 


Work- 
men. 


Depend- 
ent per- 


No. of 
horses. 


Cords of wood. 


Tons of pig 
uietal. 


Tons of 
castings. 


Wheat, rye, 

and corn 

used. 


Beef and 
pork used. 






228 

168 

168 

220 

153 

150 

153 

195 

18 

18 

12 


1056 

1600 

1358 

1050 

765 

750 

765 

1075 

90 

90 

60 


198 
84 
80 

120 
75 
51 
81 
48 
15 
15 
12 


23,822 

15,(100 
15,000 
15,000 
10,500 
10.800 
12,000 
11,200 
4,500 
6,000 
4,500 


3,568 

1,279 

2,200 

1.700 

1,050 

1,300 

1,350 

650 

643 

700 

250 


95 
981 
500 
500 
360 
252 
330 
750 


33,000 

21,000 

21,000 

16,890 

14,226 

11,650 

12.500 

8,600 

2,000 

2,500 

3,000 


150,000 




Buckley & Brooke .. 
William Darling.... 
Seyfert & Schwartz. 
J. Udree Schneider. 

J. V. R. Hunter 

Reuben Trexler 

Jones, Keim & Co... 
N. V. R. Hunter ... 

George Reagan 

Jonas Kern & Co... 


30,000 




78,500 




92,000 


Oley 


4(),5(ii) 


Sally Ann 


36,000 
47,000 




49,000 




2,(JO0 






15,000 


Kernsville 


100 


3,000 


Total 




1483 


8659 


779 


128,322 


14,690 


8868 


146,366 


549,000 









Charmins 

Gibraltar (2) 

Do-Well 

Six-penny 

Birdshoro' 

Speedwell 

North-Kill 

Green Tree 

Moselem 

Rockland (2i 

Union 

Spring 

Oley 

New District 

District (2) 

Mount Pleasant (3). 

Dale 

Rockland 

Pine 



George Ege 

Seyfert & Schwartz. 

j Jonathan Seidel 

George Zacharias... 
Heirs of M. Brooke, 

Daniel Yocum 

{B. & J. Seyfert , 

Keen & Burkhart... 

N. & J. Hunter 

tj. Udree Schneider. 

George Reagan 

I J. S. Bertolette 

I Jacob S. Spang 

IWilliam Schall 

Reuben Tre.xler . ... 



David Schall .. 
[Daniel Oyster. 
J. Rutter 



Total. 



Depend- 
ent per- 
sons. 



99 
168 
85 
62 
94 
99 
36 
19 
110 
53 
61 
41 
35 
30 
62 
93 
32 
18 
90 



475 
740 
425 
310 
470 

99 
160 

82 
550 
265 
305 
205 
165 
146 
320 
453 
146 

81 
460 



6857 851 



70 
60 
60 
36 
52 
54 
22 
12 
00 
31 
87 
40 
61 
48 
64 
47 
19 
17 
61 



Cords of wood, 



9,000 
9,000 
5,000 
3,000 
7,500 
3.450 
8,000 
1,600 
7,500 
4,500 
3,000 
3,750 
3,000 
3,000 
5,300 
9,600 
3,100 
2,500 
8,500 



95,300 



750 
205 
300 
150 
300 
450 



375 

300 
240 
480 
720 
240 
150 
700 



6160 



1900 
1000 
600 



750 



600 



5150 



9.000 

12,000 

7,000 

5,500 

10,500 

11,000 

5,000 

2,500 

13,000 

6,000 

5,600 

6,000 

5,000 

4,000 

7.000 

10.000 

3,500 

2,400 

10,000 



135,000 



98,550 
175,000 
65,000 
56,000 
81,000 
86,000 
33,000 
17,000 
102,000 
5,000 
25,000 
86,000 
32,000 
26,000 
53,000 
78,000 
25,000 
16,500 
79,000 



1,089,050 



IxDUSTRiES IX 1840. — lu 1840' there were 
in the county eleven furnaces and thirty-six 
bloonieries, forges and rolling-mills ; total num- 
ber of iron industries, forty-.seven. The pro- 
duction, investment, men employed, etc., were 
as follows: 

Tons of cast-iron 9,165 

" bar-iron 6,569 

" fuel consumed 45,765 

Men employed 1,245 

Capital invested $367,444 

Value of mine product $54,800 

Capital in mines $32,100 

Other indn,stries in eouiitv tlieii : 



Flour-niitls. 
Grist-mills.. 
Oil-mills 



114 
15 



' Berks and Schuylkill Journal, December 20, 1810. 



Stores 119 

Saw-mills 108 

Paper-factories 5 

Potteries 3 

Powder-mills 3 

Pounds of powder 549,000 

Distilleries 29 

" product (gals.) 54,(544 

Breweries 6 

product (gals.) 01,600 

In USr)! there were forty-one iron-works in 
the county, a larger number than in any other 
county of Pennsylvania; and there was no 
county in the United States which contained 
more. Lancaster County had thirty; Chester 
County, twenty-five. The whole number in the 
State was five hundred and four. The capital 
invested in iron-works in the county then wa.s 
$1,231,000. 



EARLY AND GENERAL INDUSTRIES. 



99 



Comparative Statement, 1850-1876. — 
Tlie following statement shows the number of 
iron-works in Berks and adjoining counties for 
the years 1850 and 1876, respectively: 



1850. 1876. 



Berks 

Bucks 

Chester 

Dauphin 

Delaware 

Lancaster .... 

Lebanon 

Lehigh 

MontKomery. 
Philadelphia 
Schuylkill.... 



13 


27 


23 


2 


1 





5 


4 


6 


6 


12 


•I 











16 


15 


12 


6 


10 


3 


9 


28 





6 


15 


2 





1 


3 


5 


9 


6 





6S 


122 


57 


17 


36 67 


Tota 


1 of State... 


298 


279 


127 


i 39 

i 


79 156 



Memorial for National. Foundry. — 
In February, 1845,' a "memorial" was pre- 
pared by a committee of citizens of Reading, 
appointed at a town-meeting, setting forth rea- 
sons why Rending should be selected as a site 
for one of the national foundries, and it was 
presented to Congress. The committee rc^ferred 
to the security of Reading in time of war, its 
central position with regard to points of defense 
and supply of ordnance, its facilities of trans- 
jwjrtation, its supply of iron, coal and other 
materials and its low wages of labor. John 
l?anks, Isaac Hiester and Isaac Eckert were on 
this committee — theothers not being mentioned.- 
A statement of the furnaces and forges in the 
county was added, including those along the 



' There hud been a movement in this behalf seven yeara 
previously, the completion of the Reading Railroad having 
suggested the feasibility of procuring at Reading the estab- 
lishment of a National Foundry, the building of which was 
then being agitated in Congress. A large meeting of the 
citizens of Reading was held in March, 1838, with this 
object in view, at which meeting General George M. Reim 
was appointed the chairman of the committee to present a 
memorial to Congress, and Henry A. Muhlenberg and John 
Ritter accompanied him to Washington to urge the claims 
of Reading. 

' Readint/ Gazflle, j.i'ebruary ],184o. The entire memo- 
rial appears in this issue. Fifteen members were on the 
committee. The committee who carried the memorial to 
Washington were Wm. Darling, Wm. Strong and J. Pringle 
Jones. 



Schuylkill Canal, in Schuylkill County, and 
also those along the Union Canal, in Lebanon 
County. They atforded employment to about 
eleven hundred hands. 

The following statement' comprises only the 
furnaces and forges in Berks County in 1845: 

Distnnce from 
Kciiiling. 
Furnaces. OwiuTS. Slik-t*. 

Mount Pent! John Schwartz 3 

Joanna Darling & Smith 11 

Hopewell Brooke & Buckley H 

Reading D. R. Porter & Co 12 

Alsace .T. & S. Kauffman 4 

Jloselem N. V. R. Hunter 12 

Sally Ann T. V. R. Hunter I-'. 

Mary Ann Horatio Trexler IS 

Oley .Jacobs. Spang 10 

Windsor tones & Co 16 

Schuylkill Schuylkill Nav. Co IS 

Oley J. Udree Snyder S 

Glasgow Jacob Weaver 15 

Union George Reagan 24 

Henry Clay Eckert & Bro.... [Beading] 

Speedwell (1) Nicholas Yocum 2 

Speedwell (1) Daniel Yocutn 2 

Gibraltar (3) Simon Seyfert 3 

Allegheny (1) Thompson 3 

Birdsboro' (2) E. & G. Brooke 10 

Clinton (1) George Zacharias 11 

Pine (1) Toseph Bailey 15 

Charming (1) David R. Porter 11 

Spring (1) D. K. Bertolette 11 

Oley (1) Jacob S. Spang l^i 

Rockland (2) Snell & Co 14 

Araminta (1) Gottlieb Moyer 3 

Maiden-creek ( 2). Merkel & Co 20 

Union (2) George Reagan 24 

Mt. Pleasant (l)..John Rush 20 

Glasgow (1) .Tacob Weaver 15 

Do-Well (2) J. Seidel 4 

Dale (1) David Schall 16 

Green Tree (1) J. W. Burkhart 6 

Sally Ann(l) J. V. R Hunter 15 

District (1) Jacob Deisher 15 

Iron and nail-works, Reading, Whitaker, Seyfert 
& McManus, 

Total — 15 furnaces and 21 forges (including nail- 
works). 

Summary of Present Fcrnaces, Forges 
AND Mills. — Statement of iron furnaces, 
forges and mills in county, including size, 
capacity, etc., as published in " Directory of 



'^ ReaJuig Gazette, February 1, 184o. 



100 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Iron and Steel-Works in United States," by 
Aniericiin Iron and Steel Association, 1884: 

AKTHEACITE FURNACES. 

BechtehvWe Furnace, at Bechtelsville ; now known 
as Norway Furnace. One stack, SSi x 14, built in 
1875; open top; one iron hot-blast stove; ore, Berks 
County magnetic; product, foundry and mill pig- 
iron ; annual capacity, 16,000 net tons. Brand, " Nor- 
way." 

Ednt Penn Furnaces, at Lyons Station, owned by 
Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company. 
Two stacks, each 48x12; built i>y East Penn Iron 
Company in 1874-75 ; injured by fire in 1881 ; closed 
tops ; annual capacity, 17,000 tons. 

Henry Clay Furnaces, at Reading, owned by Eckert 
& Brother. Two stacks, each 57x13; one built in 
1842, and blown in in August, 1844; the other built 
in 1855, and blown in in September, 185!) ; four iron 
hot-blast stoves; closed tops; fuel, anthracite coal 
and coke ; ores, hematite and magnetic from Berks 
and Lebanon Counties; product. No. 2 foundry and 
gray forge pig-iron ; total annual capacity, 22,000 net 
tons. Brand, " Henry Clay." 

Keystone Furnace)!, at Birdsboro", owned by E. & G. 
Brooke Iron Company. Three stacks ; one, 50 x 12, 
built in 1853 1 one, 55x15, built in 1871; one, 
60 X 16, built in 1873 ; closed tops ; fuel, anthracite 
coal and coke; ores, principally magnetic, with a 
mixture of hematite ; product, forge pig-iron ; annual 
capacity, 50,000 net tons. Brand, " Keystone." 

Keystone Furnaces, at Reading, owned by Keystone 
Furnace Company. Two stacks; one, 50x15, built 
in 1869; the other, 50 x 14, built in. 1872-73; blown 
in during June, 1873 ; closed tops ; total annual 
capacity, 20,500 net tons. 

Leesport Furnace, at Leesport, owned by Leesport 
Iron Company. One stack, 55 x 15, built in 1852; 
first blown in in 1853, and rebuilt in 1871 ; closed 
top ; fuel five-sixths anthracite coal and one-sixth 
coke ; ores, three-quarters hematite from Moselem, 
]5erks County, and one-quarter magnetic from Corn- 
wall, Lebanon County ; specialty, foundry pig-iron ; 
annual capacity, 14,000 net tons. Brand, " Leesport." 

Kulztown Furnace., at Kutztown ; owned by Phila- 
delphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company. One 
stack, 55 X 15, built in 1875, by Kutztown Iron Com- 
pany; closed top; annual capacity, 8301) net tons. 

Monoc'icy Furnace, at Monocacy ; owned by Mono- 
cacy Furnace Company. One stack, 50 x 13, built at 
Hopewell in 18f)2; removed to Monocacy in 1854; 
specialty, foundry pig-iron ; annual capacity, 10,000 
net tons. Brand, " Monocacy." Formerly called 
Theresa Furnace. 

Moielem Furnace, at Moselem, owned by Leibrandt 
& McDowell. One stack, 49 x 12, built in 1823 for 
charcoal, and rebuilt several times; two Ford hot- 
blast stoves ; closed top ; fuel, anthracite coal ; ores, 



three-quarters Moselem hematite and one-quarter 
Cornwall magnetic; specialty, fimndry pig-iron ; an- 
nual capacity, 8000 net tons. Brand, "Moselem." 

A[t. Laurel Furnace, one mile east of Temple; 
owned by Clymor Iron Company. One stack, 50 x 11, 
built in 1836, rebuilt in 1847; changed to anthracite 
in 1873, but not blown in afterwards until February 
1, 1880 ; closed top ; annual capacity, 5000 net tons ; 
two hot-blast stoves; ore principally hematite; pro- 
duct, foundry jiig-iron. 

Reading Iron-Worls Furnace, sA Reading; owned 
by "Reading Iron-Works " Two stacks, 55 x 15 and 
55x16, built in 1854 and 1873, respectively ; closed 
tops; ore, principally hematite from Lehigh and 
Lebanon Counties ; product, foundry and mill pig- 
iron ; total annual capacity, 20,000 net tons. 

Robesnnia Furnnce, at Robesonia ; owned by Fer- 
guson, White & Co. One stack, 80x18, built in 
1858, and rebuilt in 1874, and again in 1884; three 
Whitwell hot-blast stoves ; closed top ; fuel, anthra- 
cite coal and coke; Cornwall ore is exclusively used ; 
product, red-short pig-iron for Bessemer steel and bar- 
iron ; annual capacity, 25,000 net tons. Brand, "Rob- 
esonia." A furnace, built here in 1845, was aban- 
doned in 1880. 

Topton Furnace, at Topton ; owned by Topton Fur- 
nace Company. One stack, 55x16; built in 1873, 
by Topton Iron Company. 

Temple Furnace, at Temple ; owned by Temple Iron 
Company. One stack, 55x14, built in 1867, and 
rebuilt in 1875 ; two iron hot-blast stoves ; closed top ; 
ores, from Lehigh, Berks and Lebanon Counties, and 
from New Jersey ; specialty, foundry pig-iron ; an- 
nual capacity, 12,000 net tons. 

CHARCOAL FURNACES. 

Hampton Furnace, at Birdsboro', owned by E. and 
G. Brooke Iron Company. One stack, 30 x 8, built in 
1846, and rebuilt in 1872 ; closed top ; cold blast ; ore, 
principally hematite, obtained in the vicinity of the 
furnace ;product, car-wheel iron ; capacity, 1500 net 
tons. 

Hopewell Furnace, in Union township, south of 
Monocacy, owned by Edward S. Buckley. One stack, 
30 X 7, built in 1765, and rebuilt in 1800 ; cold blast ; 
water and steam-power ; ores, hematite and magnetic, 
obtained in the neighborhood ; product, car-wheel pig- 
iron ; annual capacity, 1200 net tons. 

Joanna Furnace, at Joanna, owned by L. Heber 
Smith. One stack, 30 x 8, built in 1792 "by Potts & 
Rutter, and rebuilt in 1847; cold blast; water and 
steam-power ; open top ; ores, local magnetic and 
hematite; specialty, car-wheel pig-iron; annual capac- 
ity, 1200 net tons. Brand, " Joanna." 

Mary Ann Furnace, in Longsvvamp, owned by 
Horatio Trexler. Built in 1793. Out of blast since 
1869. 

Maiden-creek Furnace, at Lenhartsville, owned by 
Jacob K. Spang. One stack, 33 x 9, built in 1854; 



EARLY AND GENERAL INDUSTRIES. 



101 



cold and warm blast ; water and steam-power ; open 
top ; annual capacity, 1600 net tons. 

Mniint Fenn Furnace, in Cumru township, owned 
by W. M. Kaufman & Co. Built in 1830. One stack, 
30 X 8J. Abandoned in 1883. 

Olei/ Furnace, in Oley township, near Friedensburg, 
owned by Clymer Iron Company. One stack, 30 x 8, 
built in 1772; open top; cold blast: steam and water- 
power ; ores, three-quarters hematite and one-quarter 
primitive ; specialty. No. 1 dead gray iron ; annual 
capacity, 2000 net tons. 

Sally Ann Furnace, latterly called Rockland, in 
Rockland township, owned by Hunter estate. Built 
in 1791, rebuilt in 1879, and burned in 1881. 

MILLS. 

Bird-thorn' Kail- Works, at Birdsboro', owned by E. 
& G. Brooke Iron Company. Built in 1848 ; 2 single 
and 11 double puddling furnaces, 2 scrap and 4 heat- 
ing furnaces, 113 nail-machines, and 5 trains of rolls; 
steam and water-power; product, nails; annual ca- 
pacity, 250,000 kegs. Brand, " Anchor." 

Blanrlon Iron- Works, at Blandon, owned by Maiden- 
creek Iron Company. Built in 1867; 11 single pud- 
dling furnaces, 2 heating furnaces and 3 trains of 
rolls ; product, round, square, flat, hoop, band and 
skelp-iron ; annual capacity, 8000 net tons. 

Gibraltar Iron-Works, at Gibraltar, in Robeson 
township, owned by S. Seyfert & Co. Built in 1846, 
and completely rebuilt in 1883-84, and new machinery 
erected; 2 heating furnaces and one 18-inch train of 
rolls; product, boiler-plate and boiler-tube and pipe- 
iron ; annual capacity, 3000 net tons. 

Keystone Iron- Works, at Reading, owned by J. H. 
Craig and Jacob Snell. Built in 18.54 ; 1 double and 
5 single puddling furnaces, 2 heating furnaces and one 
18-inch train of rolls; product, boiler-plate, skelp, 
tank, chute, stack, pipe, boat and car-iron and muck- 
bars; annual capacity, 3600 net tons. 

Melivain & Sons' Boiler-Plate Mill, at Reading 
owned by Wm. McIlvain & Sons. First put in opera- 
tion in 1857 ; 2 double and 4 single puddling fur- 
naces, 3 heating furnaces, 2 trains of rolls (break- 
down rolls, 52 by 25 inches, and finishing rolls, 81 by 
25 inches) and one 3-ton hammer ; product, every 
variety of plate-iron ; annual capacity, 6000 net tons. 
Brand, "McIlvain." 

Philadeljihia and Reading Boiling-Mill, at Reading, 
owned by Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron 
Company, built in 1868 ; 12 single puddling furnaces, 
10 heating furnaces and 3 trains of rolls (one 12, one 
23 and one 24-iiich) ; product, rails, splice-bars, and 
muck -bars ; annual capacity, 50,000 net tors. Spe- 
cialty, reheated iron rails. Bessemer steel rails are 
rolled from purchased blooms. Brand, " P. & R." 

Beading Bolt anil Nut Wurks, at Reading, owned 
by J. H. Sternbergh. Established in 1865 ; enlarged 
in 1872 and 1881 ; 4 heating furnaces, 3 trains of 
rolls (one 9, one 10 and one 12-inch,) and 1 hammer; 



product, refined merchant bar, band and skelp-iron ; 
also, bolts, nuts, washers, rivets, etc. ; annual capacity, 
about 8000 net tons. 

Beading Iron- Worl-s, at Reading, owned by "Read- 
ing Iron-Works." Flue-iion mill built in 1836; 12 
single puddling furnaces, 4 heating furnaces, 1 rotary 
squeezer, 3 trains of rolls, 28 nail-machines and 1 
spike-machine; product, cut nails, bar, band, hoop 
and skelp-iron ; annual capacity, 7000 net tons. 
Plate mill built in 1863 ; 8 double puddling furnaces, 
4 heating furnaces, 1 hammer and 4 trains of rolls; 
product, sheet, plate and bar-iron ; annual capacity, 
10,000 net tons. 

Sei/firt Bolfing-Milh, at Seyfert Station, W. & N. 
R. R., in Robeson township, owned by Samuel R- 
Seyfert. Built in 1880-81, and started in March, 
1881 ; 4 double puddling furnaces, 4 forge fires, 3 
heating furnaces, one 4-ton hammer and 2 trains of 
rolls; product, boiler-plate, boiler-tube and pipe-iron, 
blooms, and puddled bar ; annual capacity, 5,000 net 
tons. 

BLOOMERIES (FOKOKS). 

Charming Forge, in Marion, near Womelsdnrf, 
owned by W. & B. F. Taylor. Built in 1749; 5 
forge fires, 1 heating furnace, 1 refinery and 1 ham- 
mer ; water power ; product, charcoal and coke blooms 
for boiler-plate and sheet-iron, made from pig-iron ; 
annual capacity, 1000 net tons. 

Gihrallar Iron-Works, at Gibraltar, in Robeson, 
owned by S. Seyfert & Co. Built in 1846; 1 coke run- 
out, 4 charcoal forge fires and 2 hammers; water- 
power; product, charcoal blooms for flue-iron and 
boiler-plate; annual capacity, 500 net tons. 

Mount Airii Forge, on North Kill, in Tulpehockeri 
Upper, nearShartlesville, owned by Robert C. Green. 
Built about 1840 ; 2 forge fires, one 4-tuyere run-out 
and 1 hammer; water-power ; product, run-out anthra- 
cite, charcoal and scrap blooms and billets for boiler- 
plate, sheets and wire; annual capacity. 4.50 net tons. 

Mayer's Forge, on Antietam Creek, in Exeter, south 
of Jacksonwald, owned by Morgan J. Althouse. Built 
in 1825; 3 fires and 1 hammer; water-power; product, 
charcoal blooms for steel, made from pig-iron and 
steel scrap. Abandoned in 1883, and converted into 
a chopping-mill. 

North Kill Forge, near Shartlesville, on North Kill, 
owned by M. B. Seyfert & Co. Built in 1830, and re- 
paired and started in 1879 after a long idleness. Pro- 
duct, run-out anthracite blooms. 

Schuylkill Steam Forge, at Douglassville, owned by 
B. F. Morret. Completed in 1878; 8 fires, 1 double 
run-out and 1 hammer; product, charcoal blooms for 
boiler plate and sheet iron, made from charcoal pig- 
iron and scrap-iron. 

Comparative Table of Statistics for 
1880. — Statistics relating to iron establishments 
and their production in Berks and surrounding 
counties for the year 1880,' — 



'From United States Census Ke'iort, lfe£0. 



102 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Number of establishments. 

Capital invested 

Hands employed 

Wages paid 

Value of all materials 

Value of all products 

Total weiglit of " (tons).. 



33 

$5,865,118 
3,048 
$1,123,94G 
$5,049,091 
$7,730,512 
213,580 



$2,159, 

1, 

$812, 

$2,650, 

$4,162, 

78, 



18 

$2,407,500 

1,605 

$444,305 

$1,757,828 

$2,663,223 

87,019 



13 

$1,428,628 

501 

$2.30,134 

$1,250,411 

$1,904,489 

73,149 



$9,514,850 

2,673 

$890,926 

$5,631,985 

$8,578,871 

324,875 



Montgomery. 



19 
$.5,245,6] 3 
2,973 
$1,301,610 
$4,593,563 
$7,194,821 
168,628 



PRODUCTION OF IRON IN BERKS COUNTY, AT THREE 
RECENT PERIODS.' 

1876. ■ 1882. 1884. 

Pig Iron. Net tons,^ Net tons. Net tons. 

Anthracite and coke 55,962 148,359 133,664 

Charcoal 2.679 8,391 2,283 

Total 58,641 1.56,7.50 135,947 

The following table shows the production of 
all forms of rolled iron, iucludiug bar-iron, 
plate-iron, nail-plate, sheet-iron, and iron and 
steel rails. (Xo steel was produced in Berks 
County. Steel for rails bought elsewhere.) 

Years. Net tons. 

1876 31,799 

1882 94,996 

1884 49,795 

Years. IlaniniereJ Iron Blooms. Net tons. 

1876 460 

1882 3,457 

1884 2,185 

General Industrie.s. — The industries pre- 
viously mentioned were prominent in theif sev- 
eral sections on account of the capital invested 
and the men employed to carry them on success- 
fully. But besides these there were many other 
industries in the several townships. Blacksmith- 
.shops and wheelwriglit-shoiJS were located and 
conducted in every community. They were 
necessary for the accommodation of the settlers. 
Tliey were not large. Only a few individuals 
>\orked together — mostlj' a master-w^orkman and 
his apprentice. Grist-mills for flour and feed 
■were situated along all the large streams. The 
mill of George Boone, E.sq , on the Monocacy, is 
the earliest one of w^hich I found any notice — it 
having been referred to in 1 727 ; and the 
Price Mill, at the mouth of the Wyomissing, was 
one of the earliest, having been erected about 
1735. The Welsh were mechanics who con- 
ducted their trades in small factories alouu; the 



1 Furnished by James M. Swank, vice-|iresiJenl of 
American Iron and Steel Association. 

^A ucl ton consists of two thousand pounds. 



Wyomissing. Rope-makers were common in 
every section. Ropes and cords were largely 
used in the daily affairs of life. This industry 
was conducted for many years by individuals at 
their homes; but improved machinery and 
steam caused its decline, and small ropewalks 
were compelled to discontinue. Carpenters and 
builders were numerous. They were finished 
workmen, preparing every article out of wood 
by hand. Some of the old buildings, still in a 
good state of preservation, attest the excellence 
of their workmanship. Doors and windows and 
frames of all kinds used in building opera- 
tions were hand-made. This custom amongst 
them continued till the introduction of the 
planing-mill about 1835, and then it began to 
decline. The country saw-mill, run by water- 
power, was active then in preparing lumber ; but 
great steam mills in the lumber regions have 
caused them to become less and less active. 
Great rafts of logs are no longer towed down 
the canals to Reading, especially the Union 
Canal from the Susquehanna River, to afford 
employment to our saw-mills. The railroads 
instead deliver finished lumber. 

Every community had a weaver, who con- 
ducted his business at his home. He wove car- 
pets and coverlets (plain and fancy) and linen 
and cotton stuffs for domestic use. He did not 
carry a large stock on hand ; he matnifactiired 
articles to order.' And so withA'ther trades. 

Fulling-mills, paper-mills, oil-mills anddistil- 
ling-mills were conducted for cloth.s, paper, oil 
and whiskey, but they were limited in capacity. 

Statistics of Manufactures of County, 
1870 AND 1880. — Two tables are introduced for 
the years 1870 aud 1880. The statistics were 
taken from the Census Reports of the United 
States : 

1 Counly industries are described in the districts where 
they were or are situated. Full statistics of counly pro- 
ductions were not ob ainuble. 



EARLY AND GENERAL INDUSTRIES. 



103 



Manufactures of Berks County, 1870 * 



Manufactures. 



EstaV)- 
lish- 
ments. 



Agricultural implements .... 

Boats 

Boots and shoes , 

Brass founding, etc 

Bread and bakerv products.. 

Bricks 

Brooms, etc 

Carpets (rag) 

Carpets (other than rag) 

Carriages and wagons 

Cars (freight and passenger; 

Charcoal 

Clothing (men's) 

Coffins 

Confectionery 

Cordage and twine 

Cotton goods 

Fertilizers 

Flour-mill products 

Furniture 

Gas 



Glue 

Hats and caps 

Hubs and wagon material 

Iron (blooms) 

forged and rolled 

bolts, nuts, etc 

nails, etc 

wrought, tubes, etc 

pigs 

castings 

stoves, heaters, etc 

Leather (tanned) 

(curried) 

Lime 

Liquors (distilled) 

(malt) 

Lumber (planed) 

(sawed) 

Machinery (not specified) 

(engines and boilers) 

Malt 

Marble and stone work (not specified). 

(tombstones) , 

Masonry (brick and stone) 

Millinery 

Oils (vegetable and linseed) 

Paper (not specified) , 

(printing) 

Saddlery and harness 

Sash, doors and blinds 

Scales and balances 

Stone and earthenware 

Tin, copper and sheet-iron ware 

Tobacco and cigars 

AVoolen goods 



(;4 
121 
177 

13 

13 
38f) 

26 

27 

IR 
18') 

20 

14 

307 

8 

() 

4f> 
341 

12 
ir)4 
130 > 

12 i 

17 i 
432 j 

19 i 

16 
1027 

26 

140 

241 

1244 

421 

71 
113 t 

74 I 

172 i 

9 ■ 

66 

26 

40 

68 
112 
6 I 

20 

63 
125 ' 

31 
6 

13 

50 

85 

130 

<) 

40 

95 
282 
227 



Total 1414 89911 



f66,050 

59,.500 

70,900 

28,000 

3,100 

191,lii'» 

7,3.Vl 

2,775 

5,5ll0 

67,950 

10,000 

350 

88,375 

5,500 

6,001} 

100,(100 

198,400 

22,000 

557,550 

- .50,475 

150,000 

12,000 

391,188 

13,500 

62,500 

2,199,659 

110,000 

180,000 

750,000 

2,378,000 

505,500 

121,000 

180,765 

111,525 

86,450 

22,000 

421,000 

70,000 

43,200 

72,990 

95,500 

40,000 

16,000 

40,135 

6W 

S,S20 

S.."')(l(l 

30,000 
68,000 
18,500 
56,500 
25,000 
72^431 
59,986 
89,500 
197,780 



§27.329 

46,470 

60,150 

7,020 

5,528 

81,416 

1,910 

4,423 

2,525 

40,846 

6,000 

2.850 

54.647 

2,240 

l;800 

10,001) 

77,4-')0 

5,200 

29,5.55 

27,013 

8,300 

2,880 

177,460 

5,600 

5,133 

581,260 

13,.564 

66,250 

108,410 

332,945 

171,283 

40,340 

26,191 

15,777 

34,878 

3,025 

36,720 

15,000 

11,000 

23,090 

40,600 

5,000 

9,900 

16,171 

19,630 

3,200 

1,140 

4,000 

15,000 

13,773 

61,417 

8,600 

15,345 

18,502 

49,910 

57,473 



S29,810 

106,401 

89,622 

6,730 

10,090 

97,915 

4,495 

14,160 

8,900 

44,064 

75,000 

22,336 

137,143 

8,400 

5,860 

1 14,800 

175,-574 

29, 1 25 

1,127,265 

35,904 

24,533 

8,972 

458,299 

5,410 

40,415 

2,19^,684 

52,309 

288,472 

437,206 

1,415,166 

348,888 

55,002 

281,499 

250,961 

96.433 

28,689 

150,715 

28,000 

43,250 

14,480 

42,350 

34,100 

18,200 

18,428 

44,488 

7,275 

20,760 

21,400 

76,488 

26,652 

112,852 

9,375 

10,601 

47,381 

86,198 

158,795 



$11,182,603 



,711,231 $10,646,049 



$85,675 

155,801 

170,417 

25,000 

1 9,291 

260,110 

14,300 

25,175 

12.400 

137,233 

106,.")00 

32,000 

228,.S0l 

1S,924 

13,000 

145,600 

299,550 

37,-500 

1,308,233 

93,668 

72,471 

14,000 

951,880 

20,328 

59,220 

2,983,7-55 

71,000 

3.83,.500 

5(;9,634 

2,041,025 

616,60!) 

101,i)5o 

34S,5i;4 

314,S.%1 

].S5,979 

92,520 

257,679 

-50,000 

85,666 

6S,7.50 

107,640 

50,000 

31,-500 

50,322 

99,900 

15,320 

24,900 

65,000 

129,(i79 

56,859 

211,861 

15,300 

-54.125 

101,9(51 

196,543 

285,435 



$16,243,453 



* Tor year 1800 : Number of establishments, 079 ; hands employed, 5,n09 ; capital invested, 55,829,440 ; wages, $1,313,508 ; 

material, $4,208,210; products, $0,831,840. 
t Males above si.vteen, 7,071 ; fenialea above sixteen, 701 ; youths, 019. 



1(14 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Manufactures of Berks County, 1880. 



Estftb- 1 Hands | 
lish- ' employ- Capital invested, 
uients. ed. 



Agricultural implements 84 $iti),812 

Koiiis ••111(1 shoes 4 70 74,()()(» 

Hoxts iii^'ar) 4 17 lO.floO 

Kivad :iii(l bakery products 30 80 41,800 

Brick ami tile....". 25 31() I 21(i,570 

Brooius andbrushes 9 20, 8,128 

C:irpo>ts (rag) 8 47 r>,300 

Carriages and wagons 12 88 51,800 

Clothing (men's) 33 217 102,091 

Confoetionerv 8 27 20,100 

Conl^igo and'twine 1 28 50,000 

Cotton goods 1 221) 150,000 

Flouriiig and grist-mill ))roducts ' 15.'> 174 789,300 

Foundry and machine-shop products 21 S()7 71)2,265 

Furniture 28 IKi 125,625 

Hardware , 4 619 422,363 

Iron and steel I 33 3048 5,365,118 

Iron forgings ' 1 43 40,000 

Iron pipe (wrought) 1 700 1,000,000 

Leather (curried) 23 4'l 69,747 

Leather (tanned) 29 lol 241,833 

Liipiors (di.stilled) 3 6i 45,000 

Licpiors (malt) 7 • 80 ,' 577,000 

Lumber (sawed) 36 47! 48,540 

Marble and .stone work 14 44 87,087 

Mixed textiles 2 loO 15,167 

Taints i 1 13 70,000 

Paper 4i 115 1 90,000 

Printing and publishing I 12 I 202^ 230,900 

Saddlery and harnefs ' 24 31 i 22,705 

Shirts ." 3 21 5,400 

Shoddv 1 1 7 ' 25,000 

Spectacles and eye-glasses 1 117 100,000 

Tin, copper, and sheet iron ware. 44 80 101,015 

Tobacco, cigars, etc 61 406 167,840 

Woolen goods 10 192 114.167 

Wool hats 17 891 662,000 

Total 1044 10008* $12,522,140 



Wages. 


Materials. 


Products. 


$24,068 


$17,8.so 


.*71,993 


17,730 


54,2SO 


78,017 


5.180 


25,750 


45,450 


26,137 


78,023 


147,280 


51,978 


87,297 


197,269 


7,375 


16,600 


38,900 


10,476 


12,650 


32,243 


26,096 


39.000 


87,200 


45,334 


134,777 


209,512 


7,600 


28,400 


49,600 


7,200 


50,000 


75,000 


38,445 


83.334 


125,175 


34,229 


1,320,305 


1,522,821 


304,749 


546,044 


1,049,648 


36,709 


69,441 


178,3S3 


182,562 


188.241 


579,789 


1,123,946 


5,409,091 


7,730,512 


16,816 


58,113 


76,792 


240,000 


2,000,000 


3,000,000 


12,988 


155,381 


192,840 


22,802 


270,.831 


362,211 


2.000 


25,500 


38,500 


4o,5SO 


214,791 


390,520 


(),fi(i5 


44,173 


79,830 


14,040 


50,000 


96,600 


35,485 


72,417 


149,936 


5,600 


72,000 


80,000 


28,833 


157,198 


213,551 


63,909 


66,845 


178,800 


8,700 


18,565 


40,835 


5,180 


12,700 


23,800 


1,400 


20,000 


32,000 


35,000 


15,000 


60,000 


26,472 


53,890 


104,095 


77,493 


221,612 


380,091 


51,966 


171.760 


288,692 


248,987 


818,704 


1,385,026 



$3,077,919 I $13,026,331 $20,143,164 



' Hands employed : males above sixteen, 8,307 ; females above fifteen, 890 ; youths, 811. 



CHAPTER YIII. 

FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 

Military Periods — fau^e of War — Officers, Supplies, etc. — 
Colonial Forts — Burd's Journivl — Invasion of County by 
Indians — Numerous Letters on Sufferings of Early In- 
habitfluts — Peace Declared — Persons Murdered, Taken 
Prisoners and Missing. 

Military Pkriods. — Like every other 
coiiiitrv, ours has also its military periods. 
They are very interesting to us, and the interest 
is not of an ordinary kind. Its nature is more 
or less tlirilliug. Nothing in the pyogi'ess of 
our country is more so. Our growtli in popu- 
lation and \yealth, its fluctuations from different 
causes, losses by storm and fire, and death by 



famine and pestilence, awaken in us great interest. 
As \ve advance step by step in our researches, 
from interest we grow into eagerness, and from 
sympathy we are carried into a sort of terror 
i at the wonderful power of an apparently inex- 
plicable and uncontrollable law. But when we 
get beyond the agency of natural forces, studv 
the actions of man against man, tribe against 
tribe or nation against nation, incited b\' inter- 
est or hate in the onward movements of our 
.social organization, and see that at times they 
result in war, bloodshed and death, our interest 
becomes inten.se and tiirilling sensations move 
us into inexpressible pity or revenge. 

The citizens of Berks County participated in 
the following five wars, in which our country 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



105 



was engaged during its eventful history, from 
the beginninjr till now : French and Indian 
War, 1755 to 1702 ; Revolution, 1 775 to 1 782 ; 
English War, 1812 to 1815; Mexican War, 
1846 to 1848 ; War of the Rebellion, 1801 to 
1 865. 

At present we have a strong feeling of secu- 
rity in tlie enjoyment of life and ])roperty. This 
is a great blessing. It is both inspiring and en- 
nobling. It conduces to the persistent direc- 
tion of labor in the various channels of indus- 
try, and to the development of our general life 
as a free j)eople. This feeling did not exist one 
hundred and thirty years ago. Then, for some 
years, our ])e<)ple were in constant alarm and 
great dread of loss and death. Our county or- 
ganization had just been established after re- 
peated efforts in the Colonial Assembly running 
through a number of years. Before this the pros- 
pects for rapid improvement were bright and 
promising. But these prospects were darkened 
by a cruel foe. The inhabitants had confidence 
in themselves, but they needed protection. The 
colonial government was weak. It could not 
extend its power effectively ovtr the entire 
State. They were, therefoi-e, discouraged. 
Driven by dread, and suffering from loss, they 
were obligt'd to petition tlie Governor for pro- 
tection, lu pursuance of their petitions, forts 
were erected along the Blue Mountain, and 
small detachments of soldiers were stationed in 
them to guard the neighboring settlers from the 
atrocious cruelties of the Indians. Formerly 
tlie Indians and settlers were on the most 
friendly terms. They associated and dealt with 
each other in the most satisfactory manner. 
The change from friendship and peace to hate, 
revenge and war was most surprising. It was 
])riMlnced by the wicked misrepresentations of 
tiie French, and terminated in wliat is known in 
our history a-s the "French and Indian War." 

Causio ok War. — Whilst the Penns were 
endeavoring to locate a town on the eastern 
bank of the Schuylkill at the " Ford," war was 
being carried on between England and France, 
and the treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle was formed 
between them in the same year in which the 
town was laid out. But this treaty of peace 
(li<l not settle the controversy between them in 



respect to territory on the American continent. 
The English cdonies were originally planted 
along the sea-coast. But they advanced wcst- 
wardly. The English, therefore, claimed the 
right to extend their settlements across the con- 
tinent, from ocean to ocean. The French, how- 
ever, had possessed C-'anada to the north and 
Louisiana to the south. They, too, claimed the 
intervening territory which lay along the Ohio 
and Mississippi Rivers. Both parties claimed 
the same country, and, in order to maintain 
their respective rights, they " rushed into a 
fierce and bloody war for lands which belonged 
to neither, and which, in twenty years after the 
termination of hostilities, passed away from 
both and became vested in a new power whose 
national existence, by a mysterious Providence, 
in a great measure, grew out of their conten- 
tions." ' It was accelerate<l by a large grant of 
six hundred thousand acres of land in that dis- 
puted territory by the English to certain per- 
sons who associated under the title of the " Ohio 
Company." This great company agitated a 
scheme for the settlement of the land granted to 
them, which alarmed the French. Remonstrances 
and complaints having proved fruitless, each 
party seized and plunderc'd the subjects of the 
other ; and hostilities ensued which resulted iu 
the defeat of Braddock in the western section 
of the province in 1755.^ 

The Indians, having united with the French 
through misrepresentation, and finding the fron- 
tier open, proceeded eastwardly to recover and 
repossess the territory which had formerly been 
theirs, and out of which they believed they had 
been swindled.' On their way they committed 



' Ramsay'a " History of United States," 276. 

2 The declaration of war was published at Easton by the 
Governor, on the 30th of July, 1756, and at Philadelphia in 
August following. ^ It was issued by King George on the 
17th of May, 1755: See 2 Penn. Arch., 73.5. 

3 In a message to the Executive Council on the 3d of 
November, 1 755, Governor Morris said, — 

" This invasion was what we had the greatest reason to 
believe would be the consequence of General Braddock's 
defeat and the retreat of the regular troops, and had my 
hands been properly strengthened, I should have put this 
province into such a posture of defence as might have pre- 
vented the mischiefs that have since happened. 

" It seems clear, from the different accounts I have re- 
ceived, that the French have gained to their interest the 



kk; 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



depredations and cruelties which resulted in a 
great loss of life and property. Notwithstanding 
forts were erected by the provincial govern- 
ment along the Klttatinny Mountain, from the 
Delaware to the Susquehanna, to afford pro- 
tection to the settlers in the vicinity, and were 



Delawares and Shawanese Indians under the ensnaring 
pretense of restoring them to their country, their intimate 
knowledge of which will make them dangerous enemies to 
the colonies in general, and to this in particular." 

The Governor doubtless founded his opinion upon the 
following report which was made to him by a committee of 
three persons (Robert Strettell, Joseph Turner and Thomas 
Cadwalader), who had been appointed to make a full in- 
vestigation for the purpose of ascertaining the causes that 
occasioned the defection of the Indians ; 

"And wefurther beg leaveto remind yourhonor, that, at 
one of the conferences held with Scaroyody, one uf the Six 
Nation chiefs, and Andrew Mountour, in the council 
chamber, they being particularly asked if the Delawares or 
Shawanese had any cause of complaint given them by this 
government, they declared that those Indians never men- 
tioned any to them, and that they never heard or did be- 
lieve they had any ; but that they attributed their de- 
fection wholly to the defeat of General Braddock, and the 
increase of strength and reputation gained on that victory 
by the French, and their intimidating those Indians and 
using all means hy promises and threats to seduce and fix 
them in their interest, and to the seeming weakness and 
want of union in the English, and their appearing unable 
or unwilling to protect them, and pai'ticularly this govern- 
ment, who hud constantly refused to put the hatchet into 
their hands ; and we beg leave to say we are entirely of 
opinion that this is the true and sole cause of their de- 
fection." 

Teedyuscung, the chief of ihe Delawares, referred to this 
treaty with the Indians at a meeting in Easton, June 28, 
17(52, in a speech to Governor Hamilton, of Pennsylvania, 
and Sir William Johnson, of New York, when he said, — 

"At a treaty held here about six years ago I made a 
complaint against the proprietors and charged them 
with depriving us of our lands by forgery and fraud, 
which we did at a time when we were just come from the 
French, by whom we were very much inceused against our 
brothers, the English. This matter was afterwards, by our 
mutual consent, referred to the great King George over the 
waters, who directed you, brother, to enquire into the cir- 
cumstances of the case and make a report to him that he 
might see what was just therein. 

"You have taken the trouble to come for this purpose, 
and many days have been spent in this affair. It now ap- 
peal's, by sundry old writings and papers which have been 
shown by the proprietary commissioners and read at this 
conference, that the said charge of forgery was a mistake, 
into which mistake we were led by the accounts we had re- 
ceived from our ancestors concerning the lands sold 
by Maykerikishe, Sahoppey and Tahaughsey to old Wil- 
liam Penn in the year 1680." 



garrisoned with twenty-five companies, compri- 
sing one thousand four hundred men, they 
even crossed the mountain and carried their 
wickedness, arson and murder into the counties 
adjoining. Berks County was entered. Nu- 
merous persons, including men, women and 
children, were killed, and many dwellings and 
barns were burned. This naturally spread 
consternation throughout the county. The 
settlers along the mountain fled and abandoned 
home and property. The enemy extended their 
incursions to a point near Reading. The in- 
habitants of the town became alarmed for their 
safety. They armed and organized themselves 
to defend tlie town, atid even marched to the 
mountain to assist in driving the cruel foe out 
of the county. Many letters have been pub- 
lished which describe the wretched state of the 
people who lived in the townships to the north 
and west of the town. 

The cruelties of the Indians and the unsettled 
condition of the inhabitants of the upper .sec- 
tion of the county continued during the years 
1755, 1756 and 1757. During these years the 
English were unsuccessful in their campaigns 
against the French and Indians. Their affairs 
here were in an alarming situation. Their 
efforts had produced only expense and disap- 
pointment. But in 1758 the tide turned in 
their favor through the vigorous administration 
of a new leader, William Pitt. The Indians 
retreated and victory crowned the British 
armies everywhere during the succeeding years 
till 1760, when the French were dispossessed of 
all the territories in dispute and forced to surren- 
der Canada. Peace was declared in 1763. 

Tlie town of Reading had just been fairly 
■started when this terrible shock fell upon the 
inhabitants. Though discouraged, they did 
not abandon their new settlement and its bright 
prospects, as the settlers were forced to do along 
the mountain. They remained, they perse- 
vered, they succeeded. It is probable that the 
unsettled condition of affairs during that period 
in the townships bordering on the mountain, 
which arose from the incursions and cruelties of 
the Indians, contributed much towards the rapid 
growth of the town. 

The Friends, through Christopher Saner, 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR, 



the publisher of a German newspaper, at Ger- 
luantown, induced the German settlers to 
oo-operate with them. They persuaded them 
to believe that the Provincial Council intended 
to enslave them, enforce their young men to 
become soldiers and to load them down with 
taxes. These representations induced the Ger- 
mans to travel to Philadeiphia from all parts in 
order to vote, and they carried all the elections. 
Almost to a man, the Germans refused to bear 
arms in the Freneli and Indian War. 

Officers, Supplies, etc., in County. — 
Tlie provincial military officers of Berks 
County in 1754 were : Lieutenant-Colonel, Con- 
rad Weiser : Captains, Christian Busse (at Fort 
Henry), Frederick Smith, Jacob Orndt, Jacob 
Mori^an (at Fort Lebanon) ; Lieutenant, Philip 
Weiser ; Ensigns, Harry (at Fort Leb- 
anon), Edward Biddle ; Sergeant, Peter Smith ; 
Corporal, Schaeffer. 

Weiser was lieutenant-colonel of the Second 
Battalion of the Pennsylvania Regiment, which 
consisted of nine companies. This was a por- 
tion of the troops which were ordered by the 
Governor and provincial commissioners to be 
raised for the purpose of repelling the invasion 
by the Indians, the total force to comprise twen- 
ty-five companies, numbering fourteen hundred 
men. Of tiie nine companies under Weiser, 
one and one-half companies were at Fort 
Henry, and one company was at Fort Williams. 

In March, 175(5, an independent company 
of grenadiers, in General Shirley's regiment, 
was stationed at Reading on duty. Upon re- 
ceiving orders to march to New York, twenty- 
five men, under the command of a lieutenant, 
were ordered to Reading to remain on guard 
till further orders. 

In June, 175G, the town was occupied by a 
company of men, under the command of Con- 
rad Weiser. It was composed of two sergeants 
and twenty-eight privates. Shortly before, an 
independent company of grenadiers, from 
Genei'al Shirley's regiment, had been stationed 
here on duty. The ammunition at Reading 
then consisted of twenty-five good muskets, 
twenty-five muskets out of repair, eleven broken 
muskets, nine cartridge-boxes, two hundred and 
forty pounds of powder, six hundred pounds 



of lead. In August, 1757, "fifty men, from 
Cumru and other townships near Reading, set 
out in expectation of bringing in some Indian 
scalps." 

In February, 1758, Fort Williams was gar- 
risoned by Captain INIorgan and fifty-three men ; 
and Fort Henry was garrisoned by Captain 
Busse with eighty-nine men, and Captiiiu Wei- 
ser with one hundred and five men ; and Fort 
Augusta witli eight companies, numbering three 
hundred and sixty-two men. 

The whole number of men receiving pay 
then in the province was one thousand two 
hundred and seventy-four. 

In June, 1758, Berks County had in the ser- 
vice fifty-six good and strong wagons. Each 
wagon was completely furnished with four able 
horses and an exjiert driver. Tliese wagons were 
formed into two divisions, — the first division 
containing twenty-six wagons, and the second 
thirty wagons. A deputy wagon-master, ap- 
pointed by Colonel Weiser, was over each divi- 
sion. Their names were John Lesher and 
Jacob AVeaver, who were reported to be free- 
holders and able to speak the English and Ger- 
man languages and to understand smith and 
wheelwright work. 

In 1761 the inhabitants of Tulpehocken 
and Heidelberg townships raised one hundred 
and fifty men as rangers to guard the county 
lines of Berks and Lancaster Counties. 

The following is from a return of troops, 
commanded by Major Asher Clayton, stationed 
on frontiers of Lancaster, Berks and Nortliamp- 
ton Counties, dated June 1, 1764: 

In Berks County. 

At Fort Heury, Bethel township, Captain John 
Philip De Haas; one sergeant, eighteen men. 

(Conrad) Kehrer's, Bethel townshiji, Lieutenant 
Christopher Seely ; fourteen men. 

Christopher Young's, Tulpehocking township, En- 
sign William Wild [Wiles] ; one sergeant, thirteen 
men. 

Kauflman's Mill, Bern township, Captain Jacob 
Kern ; one sergeant, fourteen men. 

Hagabaugh's, Albany township, Lieutenant John 
Sitzhoupt ; fifteen men. 

John Overwinter's, Albany township. Ensign 
George Nagle; twelve men. 

, Bern townshi|i; one sergeant, ten men. 



108 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



, Heidelberg township, Captain Nicholas 

Houssegger, Ensign William McMean; one sergeant, 
twenty -six men. 

Coi.oxiAL Forts. — When the officials of the 
provincial government learned that the Indians 
and French had united for the purpose of co- 
operating; against the English on this continent, 
they decided to afford protection to the settle- 
ments near the frontiers by the erection of forts ; 
and the number of settlers who had gone beyond 
the Blue Mountains till this time having been 
small, they determined to locate these forts 
along this natural boundary line from the 
Delaware on the east to the Susquehanna on 
the west.' The object of these forts was simply 
for refuge, as places to which the inhabitants 
could retreat when danger was imminent. They 
were erected hastily to serve a temporary pur- 
pose. Unfortunately for the people, they were 
too few in number and too far apart to serve the 
purpose for which they were intended, especially 
to those who were somewhat removed. The 
Indians did not march over the mountains in 
large numbers together, and they did not attack 
the forts. They came quietly and in small par- 
ties. Without any warning they fell upon the 
unprotected families like a thunderbolt, and af- 
ter murdering men, women and children indis- 
criminately and .setting fire to dwellings and 
barns, they departed like a flash. And their 
success in these wicked incursions was truly 
wonderful. 

The following forts were erected in the terri- 
tory which was embraced in Berks County, 
the first four having been along the Blue Moun- 
tain, and the last at Shamokin (now Suubury) : 
Fort Henry, Fort Dietrich Snyder, Fort North- 



• In 1758, the location and distances were reported to be 

as follows : 

Miles. 

From Wind Gap to Doll's Block-House 20 

Thence to Fort Leychy 8 

" Fort Allen ... 10 

" Block-House 20 

" Fort Everit 10 

" ■' Fort Williams 12 

" " Fort Henry 22 

" " Fort Swiitara.... 14 

" " Fort Hunter, on Susquehanna 24 

Total distance UO 



kill. Fort Lebanon, Fort Franklin and Fort 
Augusta. 

Fort of 1754. — The house within the stock- 
ades was built of logs, and often crowded uncom- 
fortably by the neighboring inhabitants in times 
of danger. The stockades were logs, about 
eighteen feet long, cut in the woods where the 
forts were built, and planted in the ground as 
closely as possible. They were intended to 
protect the house and prevent the Indians from 
shooting its occupants when they stepped out of 
the house. 

Fort Henri/ Avas situated in Bethel township, 
in what wa.s, and still is, commonly known as 
" The Hollow," about three miles northwardly 
from the present village of Millersburg, some 
fifty yards to the east of the " Old Shamokin 
Road," which leads over the mountain. The 
spot was somewhat elevated, to enable the guard 
to look out some distance in every direction. 
There is no particular mention of this fort in 
the Colonial Records, which omission induces 
the belief that it was a fort erected by the 
people of that vicinity for their protection. It 
was sometimes called " Dietrich Six's," doubt- 
less because it stood on the land of Dietrich Six. 
The records mention several times that the 
people fled to Dietrich Six's, but the place was 
not indicated as a military jjost. The field where 
it was situated has been under cultivation for 
many years. Not a single mark remains to 
indicate where it stood. It was erected some 
time before June, 1754. 

In the beginning of June, 1757, the Gover- 
nor of the province visited Fort Henry, having 
been escorted thither by sixty substantial free- 
holders of the county on horseback, completely 
armed. " They presented a very dutiful ad- 
dress to his honor, in which they expressed the 
warmest loyalty to the King and the greatest 
zeal and alacrity to serve His Majesty in defense 
of their country." 

Michael La Chauviguerie, a French officer, 
was captured at Fort Henry, and examined in 
Reading, October 16, 1757, by Conrad Weiser, 
James Read and Thomas Oswald, but nothing 
of any particular importance was developed 
except that he had Iieen in this part of the 
country once before and that his party killed 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



109 



and scalped a German and took seven children 
prisoners. He stated that the Indians had a 
great number of prisoners which they would not 
part with. 

Fort at Dietrich Snyder . 9. -A fort was situ- 
ated on the top of the Broad IMountain, north of 
Fort Xorthkill. It occupied one of the most 
prominent spots on the mountain. Being within 
two miles distant from Fort Northkill, it is 
supposed that this fort was designed for an 
observatory or watch-house. It is mentioned 
in the " Historical ]\Iap of Pennsylvania." 

Foii Northkill was situated in Upper Tulpe- 
hocken township, near the Northkill — a branch 
of the Tulpehocken Creek — about two miles 
east of Strausstowu and about a mile south from 
the base of the Blue Mountain. It was built in 
the early part of 1754. 

With regard to the dimensions of the fort 
Commissary Young says, June 20, 1756 : "The 
fort is about nine miles to the westward of the 
ydinylkill, and stands in a very thick wood, 
on a small rising ground, half a mile from the 
middle of Northkill Creek. It is intended for 
a square about 32 feet each way ; at each corner 
is a half-bastion of very little service to flank 
the curtains — the stockades were ill fi.xcd in the 
ground, and oj)eu in many places — \vithin is a 
very bad log-house for the people ; it has no 
chimney and can afford but little shelter in bad 
weather." 

Ensign Harry had command of the fort in 
June, 1754. "Harry marched out of the fort 
aliout 12 o'clock with his men to Fort Lebanon, 
according to orders. Provisions I found in the 
fort as follows: 5 pounds of powder, 198 
pounds of flour, 10 small bars of lead, 15 
pounds of beef and pork, 3| pounds of can- 
dles." ' 

In 1879 there was a heap of ground close by. 
This was caused by the excavation of the cellar 
or underground chamber into which the women 
and children were placed for security. Some 
of the ground has fallen into the opening, and 
the autumn leaves have been blown into it for 



' 2 Penna. Arch, 159. He delivered possession of the 
fort to his successor on the 15th of June, 1754 ; the name 
of the commander is not mentioned. 



one hundred and twenty-five years, so that now 
it is nearly full. Mr. Jonathan Goodman, of 
Strausstown, a man nearly eighty years of age, 
who was born and who lived all his lifetime in 
the neighborhood of the fort, said then that he 
remembered that the stockades were still in 
position, higher than the ceiling of a room, and 
that the form of the fort could still be seen in 
his younger days.^ 

There was an attack in the neighborhood of 
Fort Northkill on the 1st of October, 1757. 
Application was made to Conrad Weiser (who 
was in Reading at the time) for immediate as- 
sistance. Captain Oswald (who commanded the 
guards about Reatling) sent two lieutenants 
with forty men to their relief. 

Fort Lebanon was situated " on the forks of 
the Schuylkill," in that section of the county 
beyond the Blue Mountain, near the outlet of 
the "Little Schuylkill." This was at a point 
just above Port Clinton. It was erected in the 
beginning of the year 1754. In 1758 it was 
known as " Fort Williams ; " and it was also 
called sometimes " Fort Schuylkill." It is 
frequently mentioned in the Pennsylvania Ar- 
chives. Two years after its erection it was 
described as follows : " Fort Lebanon, about 
24 miles from Gnadenhutten, in the line to 
Shamokin. Fort 100 feet square. Stockades 
14 feet high. House within built 30 by 20, 
with a large store-room. A spring within. A 
magazine 12 feet square. On a barren, not 
much timber on it. One hundred fannlies pro- 
tected by it within the new purchase. No 
township. Built in three weeks ; something 
considerable given by the neighbors towards 
it." 

Fort Franklin. — The fourth ami last fort on 
the frontier of Berks County was situated .sev- 
eral miles above the Blue Mountain, on Lizard 
Creek. It was built about two years later than 
the other forts. It was sometimes called Fort 
Allemaugael, or Fort above Allemangael, or 
Alle Mangel (all wants), afterward changed into 
Albany. 

The first information of this fort is from Ben- 
jamin Franklin, who (while superintending the 

' Brunner's " Indians of Berks County,'' p. 23. 



no 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENxNSYLVANIA. 



erection of Fort Allen, where Weissport now 
stands) wrote to Governor Morris after it was 
finished, and said: " Foulk is gone to build 
another between this (Fort Allen) and Schuyl- 
kill Fort (Lebanon), which I hope will be 
finished (as Texter is to join him) in a week or 
ten days. As soon as Hays returns I shall 
detach another party to erect another at Surfas' 
which I hope may be finished in the same time, 
and then I hope to end my campaign." This 
letter was written January 25, 1756. A 
" Block-House " and several other buildings 
stood between Fort Franklin and Fort Allen, 
in which soldiers were stationed, and Surfas was 
evidently the name of a man upon whose prop- 
erty one of the forts was located. The fort was 
named in honor of its projector, Benjamin 
Franklin. 

James Young, " commissary of ye ^Musters," 
visited the fort on June 21st. He reported the 
road from Fort Lebanon " a narrow path, very 
hilly and swampy ; about half-way we came 
through a very thick and dangerous pine 
swamp ; very few plantations on this road, 
most of them deserted and the houses burnt 
down ; half of a mile to the westward of this 
fort is good plantation ; the people retire to the 
fort every night. This fort stands about a mile 
from the North Mountain ; only two planta- 
tions near it. This fort is a square of about 
forty feet, very ill stockaded, with two log 
houses at opposite corners for bastions ; all very 
unfit for defence ; the stockades are very open 
in many places ; it stands on the bank of a 
creek, the woods clear for 120 yards; the lieu- 
tenant (Igle) ranges towards Fort Lebanon 
and Fort Allen about four times a week; much 
thunder, lightning and rain all night." 

Fort Augusta. — The first allusion to this fort 
is in a letter by Governor Morris, on 1st of 
February, 1756, in which he states that he pro- 
posed to build a fort at Shamokin, at the forks 
of the Susquehainia, as soon as the season would 
admit a passage of that river. And in a letter 
dated July 20th following, he stated that a fort 
was then building at Shamokin (where a camp 
was stationed for some time) by Colonel Clap- 
ham, who had five hundred men with him. 
Shortly afterward (August 14, 1756), the colo- 



nel addressed a letter to the Governor, dated at 
" Fort Augusta," in reference to a necessary 
supply of military stores. This fort was there- 
fore built during July and August, 1756. No 
dimensions are given. But it was large and 
commodious, affording room for many men and 
a large quantity of military stores at a time. 
Frequent reports of the supplies on hand and of 
the forces stationed there appear in the records 
and archives ; and cruelties by the - Indians 
were committed in the vicinity. These matters 
are not included in this narrative. Though 
the fort was within the territorial limits of the 
county, it was many miles beyond the settle- 
ments of its inhabitants. 

In order to give some idea of the activity of 
the soldiers in the northwestern part of the 
county, the journal of the commander ^ at Fort 
Northkill is presented in this connection. It 
begins .June 13, 1754, and ends on August 31st. 
It contains an account of what was done every 
day during this time, and it also furnishes the 
first information relating to the actual inv.asion 
of the county by the Indians so far as to and 
even on this side of the Blue Mountain, and to 
the murders committed upon our inhabitants. 

The commander says in his journal * — , 

" Accordiugh' I set out from Reading by break of 
d.ay ou the 14tli, and arrived at Lieut.-Colonel 
Weiser's, where I received orders to inarch with the 
company, or detachment, to Fort Henry, and from 
there take a detachment of twenty men and continue 
till to Fort on Northkill. Accordingly, on the 

" 15th. — In the morning I took the said twenty men 
from Fort Henry of the new levies, and marched 
straitway to the said fort (Northkill), accompanied 
with Captain Basse and Captain Smith. As soon as I 
arrived, I gave ensign Harry (then commander at 
Fort Northkill) notice of my orders, and sent off two 
men immediately to Col. Weiser with a report of the 
condition I found the fort in, and sent him a list of 
the new levies who were detached from Captain 
Basse's fort (Henry) ivith me to this fort. 

" lOth. — Captains Basse and Smith set off about 10 
o'clock with a scout often men, which Captain Busse 
had ordered of his company on the 15th. [Here a 
description of the fort appears, quoted before]. 

"17th. — I, with a corporal and twenty men, accord- 
ing to orders from Lieut.-Col. Weiser, went a scouting 

' Name not given in Archives. 

■' 2 Pennsylvania Archives, 159-166. Some of the d.ays 
have been omitted, being of no interest or consequence. 



FRKNCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



Ill 



and ranging the woods till to Fort Lebanon, where we 
arrived at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. We staid there 
iill night, being not able to scout any farther or return 
iiome because of a heavy rain. 

" 18th. — Set off from Fort Lebanon in the morning, 
being rainy weather, and ranged the woods, coming 
back, as before, with the same number of men, and 
arrived at Fort on Northkill about 4 o'clock in the 
afternoon. 

" 19th. — Gave orders to Sergeant Peter Smith to 
scout to Fort Lebanon and to bring me report the 
next day of his proceedings. Accordingly he arrived 
on the 30th about 3 o'clook in the afternoon and made 
report that he had done according to his orders, and 
that he had made no discoveries. Received a letter 
from Captain Morgan, ^ informing me that he had no 
news, &c. 

"20th. — Sent off Corporal Shafer to scout as be- 
fore. 

"21st. — Minister Shumaker- came and preached a 
sermon to the company. The scout arrived trom Fort 
Lebanon. The corporal reported that nothing strange 
had come to his knowledge. A scout of Captain 
Basse's arrived about 11 o'clock, and returned about 
4 towards their fort, but upon the Indian alarms, they 
immediately returned back to my fort and gave me 
notice ; in the midst of the rain I sent on the first 
notice Sergeant Smith with eighteen men, and ordered 
them to divide themselves in two parties. 

" 23d. — Sergeant Smith returned and made report 
that he arrived at Dietz's house about 10 o'clock in 
the night, where they heard a gun go off at Jacob 
Smith's, about a mile off. They immediately set off 
again from said Smith's towards the place where the 
gun went off, and surrounded the house (according to 
my orders). They searched all the house but found 
no marks of Indians. From this they marched to 
Falk's house in the Gap, and surrounded it, but found 
no Indians. From there they went to the mountain, 
and arrived there at 2 o'clock in the morning, where 
Sergeant Smith, according to orders, waylaid the road 
in two parties, and as soon as it was day went back 
and buried the man that was killed, to wit: Peter 
Geisinger, who was shot and killed the day before. 
At burying him, they heard five guns go off about 
two miles from said place, whereupon Sergeant Smith 
immediately repaired to the place, and divided them- 
selves into two parties. (I have sent off Corporal 
Shafer with eight men,onthe22d, to their assistance). 
Sergeant Smith also makes report that this morning, 
about 7 o'clock, a girl about 15 years, daughter of 
Balser Schmidt, was taken prisoner by two Indians, 
whose tracks they saw and followed, but to no pur- 
pose. A party of Captain Busse's company went 
along from this and remained with my men all the 
time. Fifteen or sixteen of the inhabitants came to 

'Commander at Fort Lebanon. 

'' Pastor of Trinity Lutheran congregation at Reading. 



me and applied for assistance. I ordered out several 
detachments to assist them. 

"June 24. — I set off with twenty men from this to 
Captain Busse's fort, along the mountain, and called 
at the place where the murder was committed. Went 
up as far as the gap of the mountain, but as I found 
no tracks there I thought the Indians would be on 
this side the mountains, therefore I went up along the 
mountains without opposition, till to Captain Busse's 
fort, and as it rained very hard all day and we went 
far about, we arrived there towards the evening. 

" June 25. — Set off in the morning with the same 
number of men, and scoured the woods nearly the 
same way back again, and arrived towards evening in 
the fort, being rainy weather. 

" June 26. — Received in the morning aletter for me, 
positively not to neglect my scouting toward Fort 
Lebanon ; accordingly, immediately called in my de- 
tachments. This afternoon a woman living about one 
and a half miles from here came to the fort and said 
she had seen an Indian just now in her field, almost 
naked, and had a gun, but said she did not stay lo 
look long. I immediately sent off Sergeant Smith 
with two parties, consisting of about 20 men. They 
searched the place and found nothing, but saw two 
bare feet tracks. They divided into small parties, and 
scoured the woods till evening and then returned to 
the fort, and as I had to-day but men sufficient to 
guard the fort, I sent out no scout. This evening in- 
telligence came to me from the Colonel [Weiser] in- 
forming me that he had notice from Captain Orndt of 
fifteen going to fivll on this settlement on hereabouts. 
He ordered me therefore immediately to send notice 
to Captain Busse's fort, in order that it might be from 
there conveyed to Fort Swatara. I did accordingly. 

"June 27. — Gave orders to Sergeant Smith to go 
scouting the wood.s between this and Fort Lebanon, 
and, if Captain Morgan thought that itwasserviceable, 
to range some way up Schuylkill (as that gap is their 
common rendezvous). 

June 28. — A scout of Cajitain Busse arrived in the 
forenoon, and set off again this afternoon. 

" June 29. — In the evening there came two men to 
the fort, and reported that the Indians had invaded 
about six miles from this, about nine o'clock this 
morning. I was somewhat concerned that I had no 
sooner intelligence of it; however, I immediately 
sent off twelve men under two corporals. 

"June 30. — About noon the two corporals returned 
and made the following report : That yesterday they 
could not reach the place, as they were tired, but staid 
at a house till nigh break of day, and then set off again. 
He did not immediately go to the place where the man, 
etc., were killed, but went somewhat further down 
towards the Schuylkill, thinking that the Indians 
had invaded lower down, but as it was not so he took 
another route towards the place where the murder 
was committed, and as he came there he found the 
man's wife (Frederick Myers), who had l.eiii at a 



112 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



plough, and shot through both her breasts and was 
scalped. After that he went to look for the man, 
whom they found dead and scalped some way in the 
woods. They took a ladder and carried him to his 
wife, where the neighbors came and helped to bury 
them, after which they went towards the mountain, 
and scouted along the same and arrived here about 
four o'clock in the afternoon. It is reported by the 
farmers who saw the deceased a short while before, 
that he was mowing in his meadow, and that his 
children were about him, which makes them believe 
that the man, after he had heard the shot which 
killed his wife, went to run oft" with only the youngest 
child in his arms, as the man was shot through his 
body, and the child is one and a half years of age and 
is scalped, but yet alive, and is put at a doctor's. The 
other three, who were with their fatlier, are taken 
prisoners ; one of them is a boy about ten years old, 
the other a girl of eight years and the other a boy of 
six years. There was a baby, whom they found in a 
ditch, that the water was just to its mouth. It was 
lying on its back crying. It was taken up, and is like 
to do well. A boy of one Reichard, of eight years, 
was taken prisoner at the same time. This was all done 
within half an hour, as some neighbors had been there 
in that space of time." ' 

A sqiiaJ of soldiers were ranging the woods 
daily between Forts Henry, Northkill and 
Lebanon, but no Indians were seen for three 
weeks. On the 23d of July the commander of 



' This heart-rending tragedy occurred about a mile and 
a half north of Shartlesville, in Upper Bern, on the farm 
owned by Frederick Moyer, the gi-.andson of the little child 
that had such a narrow escape I'roni cruel death. 

Tradition says that the child found in the ditch was 
scalped and otherwise hurt, and died afterwards. 

The child Frederick, who was scalped and put to a doctor, 
was also shot through the arm, probably pierced by the 
bullet that killed the father, but recovered and in due time 
became the owner of the farm and died at the age of seventy- 
eight years. The property then came into the possession 
of his son, Jacob M , and after his death into the possession 
of his grandson, Frederick, who is the present owner. 

The Keichard mentioned in the report belonged to a 
family living on the farm owned by Mr. Daniel Berger. 
Tradition says that the Reichard family was murdered, 
except one of the boys, whom the Indians had intended to 
take prisoner. Mr. Reichard used to tell his children that 
if the Indians should come and attempt to take any of them 
alive they should resist to their utmost. This young boy, 
wishingto carry outhis father's request, resisted the Indians 
who, after conveying him as far as to Moyer's, and, chafed 
by his insubmission, killed him with their tomahawks and 
scalped him. 

It was also about this time that the Ilostetter family was 
killed near the forge west of Shartlesville. — Brunner's 
" Indians of Berks County," p. 29-80. 



Fort Northkill marched along the mountain as 
far as to the east side of the Schuylkill, and re- 
mained at Fort Lebanon during the night. 
Then he continues in iiis journal, — 

" July 24th. — Returned, and as soon as we came 
over on this side of the mountain (it being yet early 
in the day), I took quite another route through the 
woods, but made no discovery, so we arrived at Fort 
Northkill in the evening. I had not been there one- 
half an hour before three farmers came and informed 
me that this morning the Indians had taken a boy of 
about 14 years prisoner, but had done no other dam- 
age. I immediately sent off a party, but as it hap- 
pened, the boy being taken prisoner in the morning, 
night came on before my men could get there. 

"2.5th. — In the morning I heard that the boy had 
escaped, and that he made report, and that there 
were four white men and four Indians with him, and 
that at night he escaped ; they had tied him and he 
was obliged to lie between them, but as they all got 
drunk and fast asleep, he untied himself and ran oft'. 
He further says that when he was taken prisoner he 
made a noise, and that they struck him and told him 
to be silent. I imagine they saw me with my men go 
over the day before yesterday. The Indians were 
this night about the fort, but it was very dark, there- 
fore I did not sally out. 

" 26th. — This morning sent out Sergeant Smith 
with five men to search about the fort for tracks, but 
he only found one which was in a muddy place. 
But it being nothing but stones, he could not follow 
the tracks. It rained all day, therefore I could send 
no scouts. 

[Scouts were sent out every day, but nothing was 
seen of the Indians for a week.] 

" August 4th. — X scout of Captain Busse arrived 
and returned the same day. The inhabitants desir- 
ing assistance to bring in their harvest, I gave them 
some men, and went scouting, but as I left few men 
in the fort I returned this evening." 

[The soldiers often guarded the fields while the 
farmers took off' their grain and hauled it away, 
because when they were engaged in this work, the 
Indians could approach them more closely without 
being observed.] 

" 7th. — This being Sunday, I took a party and 
went to church,^ as the church lies near the moun- 
tain and the minister could not come without a 
guard. 

"8th.— The sentry fired at an Indian. The Indian 
stood behind a bush about 300 yards off, and was 
viewing the fort. I went off with eighteen men, and 
parted them in six parties, and went after the In- 
dians, but could not come up with them. Went to 
clearing about the fort, it being thick of bushes. 

'' The old church situated half a mile east of Strausstown. 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



113 



"9th. — Continual clearing and burning bush. 

" 10th.- — Sent off a scouting party who returned and 
l)rought no intelligence. This night the sentry about 
an hour after dark perceived that a fire wliich had been 
kindled to burn brush, but was before night gone out, 
began to burn afresh, upon which he called the Ser- 
geant of the guard, who, perceiving the same, ordered 
the guard to fire, on which the Indians ran off. The 
dogs pursued them and kept barking after them about 
half a mile. I had the men all under arms, but 
everything being now quiet, dismissed them, ordering 
them to be in continual readiness with their accoutre- 
ments on. In about an hour the Indians returned 
and took a fire-brand out of the fire and ran off. 
They were immediately fired on, but in vain. 

" 14th. — Being Sunday, Minister Shumaker came 
here and the soldiers being fatigued with continual 
scouting, there was no scout to-day. 

" 20th. — Sent a scout of fifteen men to range the 
woods towards Schuylkill, into Windsor township, 
and with orders to call in some detachments lying in 
the said township, according to Lieut.-Colonel's 
order. 

" 23d. — A scout of Captain Busse arrived. The 
sentry heard the Indians distinctly whistle this night. 

" 26th. — Ensign Biddle returned from his scout 
having been at Captain Morgan's Fort [Lebanon], 
and thence scouted over the mountains into Al- 
bany, and thence along the foot of the mountain 
till here." 

In June, 1756, Janie.s Young, "commi.ssaiy 
general of ye musters," was .sent "to examine 
into the state and condition of the forts, arms, 
ammunition, provisions, blankets, accoutre- 
ments, tools and other stock and things belong- 
ing to his majesty or the province," and report 
to the Governor. He rendered his report July 
2, 1756. That part of the journal ' which re- 
lates to the forts of Berks County is as fol- 
lows : 

"Reading, June 19. — At 11 o'clock in the morn- 
ing I came to Reading. I sent an express to Lieut.- 
Col. Weiser, to acquaint him of my intended journey 
to the northern frontier, that I inclined to muster the 
company here, and that I should want some men to 
escort me to the next fort. Ammunition at Reading, 
25 good muskets, 25 muskets want repairs, 11 broken 
muskets, 9 cartouch boxes, 250 pounds of powder and 
(JOO pounds of lead. 

"At 6 P.M., Col. Weiser came here, I mustered his 
company that is posted for a guard to this place. 
They consist of 30 men, viz : two sergeants and twen- 
ty-eight private soldiers ; two of them were absent at 
Col. Weiser's house. 



' 2 Penna. Arch. 675-677. 



" Fort Northkill. — June 20, at 2 p.m. I set out 
from Reading, escorted by five men of the town, on 
horseljack, for the Fort at Northkill ; at half-past 6 
we came to the fort, it is about 19 miles from Read- 
ing, the road very hilly and thick of woods. When I 
came here the Sergeant, who is commander, was ab- 
sent and gone to the next plantation, half a mile off, 
but soon came when he had intelligence I was there; 
he told me he had 14 men posted with him, all de- 
tached from Captain Morgan's company, at Fort Leb- 
anon, five of them were absent by his leave, viz., 
two he had let go to Reading for three days, one he 
had let go to his own house, ten miles off, and two 
more this afternoon, a few miles from the fort, on 
their own business ; there were but eight men and the 
Sergeant on duty. I am of opinion there ought to be 
a commissioned officer here, as the Sergeant does not 
do his duty, nor are the men under proper command 
for want of a superior officer; the woods are not 
cleared above forty yards from the fort ; I gave orders 
to cut all down for two hundred yards; I inquired the 
reason there was so little powder and lead here, the 
Sergeant told me he had repeatedly requested more of 
Captain Morgan, but to no purpose. Provisions here, 
flour and rum, for four weeks; Mr. Seely, of Reading, 
sends the officer monej' to purchase meal as they want 
it. Provincial arms and ammunition at Northkill 
Fort, viz., eight good muskets, four rounds of powder 
and lead, per man, fifteen blankets and three axes. 

"June 21. — At eight o'clock, a.m., Captain Busse, 
from Fort Henry, came herewith eight men on horse- 
back, he expected to meet Conrad Weiser here, in or- 
der to proceed to the several forts on the northern 
frontier, but Colonel Weiser wrote him that other bus- 
iness prevented him, and desired Captain Busse to 
proceed with me, and return him an account how he 
found the forts, with the quantity of ammunition and 
stores in each, of which I was very glad, as the escort 
on horseback would expedite our journey very much, 
and be much safer. 

" Fort Lebajston. — Accordingly, we set out for 
Fort Lebanon ; all the way from Northkill to Lebanon 
is an exceedingly bad road, very stony and mountain- 
ous. About six miles from Northkill we crossed the 
North Mountain, where we met Captain Morgan's 
lieutenant with ten men, ranging the woods between 
the mountains and Fort Lebanon ; we passed two 
plantations, the rest of the country is chiefly barren 
hills ; at noon we came to Fort Lebanon, which is sit- 
uated in a plain ; on one side is a plantation, on the 
other a barren, pretty clear of woods all round, ouly 
a few trees about fifty yards from the fort, which I de- 
sired might be cut down. . . . The fort is a little 
too much crowded on that account; I acquainted 
Captain Morgan that the Sergeant at Northkill did 
not do his duty, and I believed it would be for the good 
of the service to have a commanding officer there, on 
which he ordered his Lieutenant, with two men, to go 
and take post there, and sent with hiui four pounds 



114 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of powder and ten pounds of lead. Provineial arras 
and ammunition: 28 good muskets, 10 wanting re- 
pair, 9 rounds of powder and lead, 4 pounds of pow- 
der, 24 pounds of lead, 30 cartouch boxes, 40 blankets, 
1 axe, 1 wall piece. 

" By Captain Morgan's journal, it appears he sends 
a party to range the woods four or five times a week, 
and guard the inhabitants at their labor. At 1 P. M. 
I mustered the people and examined the certificates 
of enlistments which appear in the muster roll, after 
which 1 ordered the men to fire at a mark ; 15 of 28 
hit within two feet of the centre and at the distance 
of 80 yards. Provisions here — flour antl rum for a 
month ; the commissary sends them money to pur- 
chase meal as they want it. 

" J"'oRT ABOVE Alleminga (Albany).' — At one- 
half past three p.m. we set out with the former 
escort and two of Captain Morgan's company for the 
fort above Alleminga, commanded by Lieutenant 
Engle. Provincial stores — 28 good muskets, 8 want- 
ing repair, 16 cartouch boxes, 8 pounds of powder, 24 
pounds of lead, and twelve rounds for 30 men, 30 
blankets, 1 axe, 1 adz, 1 auger, 2 planes, 1 hammer, 2 
shovels, 9 small tin kettles. 

" June 22 — At a.m. I ordered the people to fire 
at a mark ; not above 4 in 25 hit the tree at the dis- 
tance of 85 yards; at 7, mustered them; found 2o 
present, 2 sick, 2 absent on furlough, 2 sent to Read- 
ing with a prisoner, and 5 at Fort Allen on duty. Pro- 
visions — one cask of beef, exceedingly bad, flour and 
rum for three weeks." 

In 1758 tho niuuljer of men in the pay of 
the province was one thousand two hundred 
and seventy-four men. These were employed 
in garrisoning the forts and ranging. In the 
limits of Berks County, there were at Fort 
Henry two companies, comprising one hundred 
and five men ; at Fort William (Forks of 
Schuylkill), one company, fifty-three men ; and 
at Fort Augusta, eight companies, three hun- 
dred and sixty-two men. These were rejDorted 
at Philadelphia, on the 9th of February, 1758, 
by James Young, commissary of the musters. 

Bued's Journal. — During the month of 
February of that year Colonel James Burd 
visited the forts between the two rivers. That 
part of his journal which relates to the fort« in 
Berks County is as follows: 

"Tuesday, 2l3t February. — March'd at 1 p.m. for 
Fort Henry (from Fort Swatara) ; at 3 p.m. gott to 
Soudder's (7 miles) ; left Lieutenant Broadhead to 
march the party 4 miles to Sneevly's, there to hault 

' About nineteen miles northeast from Fort Lebanon.- 



all night, and to march to Fort Henry in the morn- 
ing (0 miles). The roads being very bad, marched 
myself with Adjutant Thorn and 8 men on horse- 
back; arrived at Fort Henry at 5 p.m.; found here 
Captain Weiser, Adjutant Kern and the ensigns Bid- 
die and Craighead doing duty with 90 men. Ordered 
a review of the garrison to-morrow at 9 a.m. 

" Wednesday, 22d. — Had a review this morning at 
9 A.M. j found 90 soldiers under good command, and 
fine fellows; examined the stores and found about 2 
months' provision in store, and am informed by the 
Commanding Officer there is 2 months' more about 
miles from hence, at Jacob Myers' Mill ; no poud- 
der; 224 lbs. of lead; no flints; about 80 province 
arms, belonging to these two companies, good for 
nothing; ordered Ensign Craighead, with 18 men of 
this garrison, to march to-morrow morning to Fort 
Swettarrovv, and there to apply to Captain Allen, and 
to receive from him 7 men, and with this party of 25 
men to march from thence to Robertson's Mill, there 
to take Post, to order from thence a Serg't, Corporall 
& 8 men to the house of Adam Read, Esq., and to 
employ his whole party in Continuall ranging, to 
cover these Fronteers. This I found myself under a 
necessity of doing; otherwise several townships here 
would be evacuated in a few days. Ordered Ensign 
Haller to march back my escort to Hunter's Fort 
to-morrow morning, and Captain Weiser to continue 
to range from this to Forts Northkill & Swettarrow ; 
to employ all his judgment to waylay the enemy & 
protect the Inhabitants. This is a very good stock- 
aded fort, & everything in good order, & duty done 
pretty well; marched to-day at 11 a.m., & arrived at 
Conrad Weiser, Esqr.'s, at 3 p.m. (14 miles), where I 
found 4 quarter-casks of poudder belonging to the 
province, 3 of which I ordered to Fort Henry, and 1 
to Fort Swettarrow ; no lead here ; very bad roads & 
cold weather; stayed all night. 

'■ Thursday, 23d. — Marched this morning, and ar- 
rived at Reading at 3 p. m., found Capt. Morgan 
here ; this is 14 miles from Mr. Weiser's. Examined 
the stores here and found 77 blankets, 8 pounds of 
powder, 300 pounds of lead, and half a cask of flints. 
Ordered 50 blankets to be sent to Captn. Patterson's 
Co. and 11 to Capt. Lieut. Allen's; 200 pounds of 
lead to Fort Henry, and 100 pounds to Swettarrow ; 
gave the 8 pounds of poudder to Captn. Morgan, and 
400 flints to each company. 

"Before I came to Reading, Adjutant Kern had 
sent by Lieutenant Engle blankets for four companies, 
viz : Ornd, Weatherholt, Davis and Garavvay, 224, 
and one-quarter cask of poudder, 300 bars of lead, 
and 1000 flints. 

" Friday, 24th. — This morning set out for Fort 
William, arrived at Peter Rodermil's at 2 p. m., 15 
miles from Reading ; it snowed and blew so prodi- 
giously, I stayed here all night. 

"Saturday, 25th. — Marched this morning, the snow 
deep, for Fort William, arrived at Fort William at 12 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



115 



M. ; here was Lieut. Humphreys and Ensign Harry; 
ordered a review of the garrison at 2 P. m. ; at 
2 P. M. reviewed the garrison and found 53 good 
men, but deficient in discipline ; stores — 3 quarter 
casks of poudder, 150 pounds of lead, 400 flints and 
5(5 blankets, no arms fit for use, no kettles, nor tools, 
nor drum ; two months' provisions. 

" Here I found a target erected, ordered the com- 
pany to shoot at the mark, set them the example my- 
self by wheeling round and firing by the word of 
command. I shot a bullet into the centre of the 
mark, the size of a dollar, distance 100 yards. Some 
of them shot tolerably bad ; most of their arras are 
very bad. 

"Ordered Captain Morgan to continue to jiatrol to 
Northkill and Allemangel." 

Inv.vsion of Couxty by Ixi)i.\n.s. — The 
English, under General Braddock, were de- 
feated by the Frencdi and Indians on the 9th 
of July, 1755, in the western part of the prov- 
ince. This victory encouraged the Indians to 
move eastward, and it was this movement by 
them which threw terror into the quiet rural 
districts of this vicinity. The news of their 
shocking cruelties to the inhabitants of the 
province on their way had been carried before 
them. We cannot appreciate the excitement 
that prevailed. Preparations for defense were 
made, but these were feeble. The forts along 
the frontier were either tQO distant from the 
settlers or too far apart to be serviceable. The 
community were not organized to carry on vig- 
orous measures against the approaciiing foe. 
Arms and ammunition were scarce. Weak- 
ness was apparent on every side, and, conscious 
of this weakness, all the inhabitants trembled 
with fear and many fled from their homes. 

I.ETTER.S ox SUFFERINGS OF EARLY IXHARI- 
TAXT.S. 

Tiie following important and interesting cor- 
respondence by prominent persons is submitted 
to show the state of affiiirs which existed during 
this trying period of our early history. 

The earliest information on the subject of 
departing residents of Berks County, who feared 
the Indians, is contained in a letter addres.sed to 
the Pennsylvania Gase/fc, dated 25th of August, 
1755. It stated that there were then several 
families in Eeading on their way to New Jer- 
sey, who had left their habitations on the frontiers, 



and that forty more were expected some time 
during the same week, thinking that it was not 
safe to stay any longer on account of the .scalp- 
ing Indians. 

Weiser Letters. — The first remarkable 
letter from a resident of this county — which re- 
lated to the approaching Indians and their 
cruelties — was by Conrad Weiser to Governor 
Morris, — 

" Honored Sir, — 

"I take this opjiortunity to inform you 1 received 
news from Sbamokin that six families have been 
murdered on John Pcnn's Creek, on the west side of 
Susquehannah, about four miles from that river, several 
people have been found scalped and twenty-eight are 
missing; the people are in a great consternation and 
are coming down, leaving their plantations and corn 
behind them. Two of my sons are gone up to help 
one of their cousins with his family down. I hear of 
none that will defend themselves but George G.abriel 

and . The people down here seem to be 

senseless, and say the Indians will never come this 
side of Su.squehanna River, but I fear they will since 
they meet with no opposition nowhere. I don't doubt 
your Honor heard of this melancholy afl'air before 
now by the way of Lancaster, perhaps more particu- 
larly, yet 1 thought it my duty to inform you of it, 
and when my sons come back I will write again if 
they bring anything particular. I have heard noth- 
ing of the Indians that are gone out to fight against 
the French on Ohio. Their going I fear has been the 
occasion of this murder. I have nothing to add, but 
am, 

"Honored Sir, Your very humble servant, 

CONEAI) WkISER." 

"Reading, October 22, 1755." 

Several days afterward Weiser's two sons 
returned. He then addressed another letter to 
Governor Morris, as intimated in his previou.s 
letter to him. It was as follows: 

" Heidelberg, in the County of Berks. 
Oct. 26, 1755, at 5 o'clock in the evening. 
"Sir: — Just now two of my sons, to wit, Frederick 
and Peter, arrived from Shamokin, where they have 
been to help down their cousin with his family. I 
gave them orders before they went, to bring me down 
a trusty Indian or two to inform myself of the present 
circumstances of Indian affairs, but they brought 
none down ; they saw Jonathan but he could not 
leave his family in this dangerous time. Whilst they 
were at Geo. Gabriel's, a messenger came from Shamo- 
kin, sent by James Logan, one of Shickelamy's sons, 
and Cacachpitow, a noted Delaware always true to 
the English, to let Geo. Gabriel know that they had 
certain intelligence that a great body of French and 



116 



HISTORY OF BEllKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Indians had been seen on their march towards Penn- 
sylvania at a place where Zinaghton river or rivers 
comes out of the Allegheny hills, and that if the 
white people will come up to Shamokiu and assist, 
they will stand the French and fight them. They 
said that now they want to see their brethren's faces, 
and well-armed with smooth guns, no rifled guns — 
which require too much cleaning. They in particular 
desired the company men gathered at George Gabriel's, 
Captain McKees' and John Harris', they being in- 
formed that people had* gathered thei-e, and that they 
are extremely concerned for the white people's run- 
ning away, and said they could not stand the French 
alone. This message was delivered to George Gabriel, 
and about ten whites more, among them were my two 
sons, by a Delaware Indian named Enoch, and a 
white man called Lawrence Bork, who came with the 
Indians as a companion. The Indians' messenger 
that brought the news to Shamokin from the Indians 
living up the river Zinachtow (the North West 
Branch of the Susquehanna) arrived at Shamokin at 
midnight before the 23d of this instant. The Indians 
are extremely concerned, as my sons tell me, people 
are coming away in great hurry, the rest that stay 
plundering the houses and make the best of other 
people's misfortune. The French want to see Jona- 
than taken prisoner, etc. All this in great hurry. I 
pray, good sir, don't slight it. The lives of many 
thousauds are in the utmost danger. It is no fiilse 
alarui. 

"1 am, Honored and Dear Sir, your very obedient, 
"Conrad Weisee. 

"P. S. — If a body of men would go up they could 
gather plenty of Indian corn, beef and other provi- 
sions; now everything is in the utmost confusion. I 
suppose in a few days not one family will be seen on 
the other side of Kittatiny Hills.'' 

On tlie same day, at eleven o'clock at night, 
he addressed tiie following letter to James Read, 
Esq., at Reading, whereby he commuuicated 
the first intelligence pertaining to the arrival of 
the Indians across the Susquehanna River. 

"Loving Friend: — This evening, about an hour ago, 
I received the news of the enemy having crossed the 
Susquehanna and killed a great many people, from 
Thomas McKee down to Hunter's Mill. Mr. Elder, 
the minister at Paxton, wrote this to another Presby- 
terian minister in the neighborhood of Adam Read, 
Esq. The people were then in meeting, and immedi- 
ately desired to get themselves in readiness to oppose 
the enemy, and to lend assistance to their neighbors. 
Mr. Read sent down to Tulpehocken, and two men — 
one that came from Mr. Read — are just now gone, 
that brought in the melancholy news. I have sent 
out to alarm the townships in this neighborhood, and 
to meet me early in the morning at Peter Spicker, to 



consult together what to do, and to make preparations 
to stand the enemy with the assist.ance of the most 
high. I write you this that you may have time to 
consult with Mr. Seely and other well-wishers of the 
people, in order to defend your lives and others. For 
God's sake, let us stand together and do what we can, 
and trust to the hand of Providence. Perhaps we 
must in this neighborhood come to Reading, but I will 
send armed men to Susquehanna, or as far as they 
can go, for intelligence. Pray let Sammy have a copy 
of this, or this draft for his Honour, the Governor. I 
have sent him about three hours ago express to Phil- 
adelphia, and he lodges at my son Peter's. Dispatch 
him as early as you can. I pray beware of confusion. 
Be calm, you and Mr. Seely, and act the part as fath- 
ers of the people. I know you are both able ; but 
excuse me for giving this caution — time requires it. 

"I am, Dear sir, Your very good friend and humble 
servant, " Conkad Weiser. 

Mr. Read received this letter the next morn- 
ing (Oct. 27th), and he immediately addressed 
the following brief letter on the same sheet of 
paper to Governor Morris : 

"Sir: — I must not detain the bearer a moment. I 
have sent the original letter from Mr. Weiser, that no 
mistake may arise by any doubts of the justness of a 
copy. 

" I shall raise our tOwn in an hour, and use all pru- 
dent measures for our defense. I could wish that 
your Honour could order us two or three swivel guns 
and blunderbusses, with a few muskets, and some 
powder and swan shof. Nothing shall be wanting in 
me — who has the misfortune of being Major of two 
associated companies ; but I kuow not how my people 
will behave, as they are under an infatuation of an 
extraordinary sort. 

" I am, May it please your Honour, Your Honor's 
most obedient and most humble servant, 

"James Read. 

" [P. S.] Many wagons that are got thus far are 
bound back again immediately upon hearing the 
news." 

On the oOth of October, which was foiu- days 
after he had addressed the foregoing letter to 
Read, Weiser commuuicated additional news to 
the Governor in a letter, which was as follows : 

" Reading, October 30, 1755. 

" JMay it Pkwte Four Honor : — Since the date of my 
last letter, which I sent by express, by Sammy 
Weiser, dated last Sunday evening, 5 o'clock, and 
about 11 o'clock the same night, I sent a letter to Mr. 
Read in this town, who forwarded it to your honor, 
by the same opportunity. 

"The following account of what has happened 
since, I thought it was proper to lay before your 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAK. 



117 



honor, to wit : — after I had received the news that 
Paxton people above Hunter's Mills, had been mur- 
dered, I immediately sent my servants to alarm the 
neighborhood. The people came to my house by the 
break of day. I informed them of the melancholy 
news, and how I came by it, &c. They unanimously 
agreed to stand by one another, and march to meet 
the enemy, if I would go with them. I told them 
that I would not only myself accompany them, but 
my sons and servants should also go — they put them- 
selves under my direction. I gave them orders to go 
home and get their arms, whether guns, swords, 
pitchforks, axes or whatever might be of use against 
the enemy, and to bring with them three days' pro- 
vision in their knapsacks, and to meet nie at Benja- 
min Spicker's, at three of the clock that afternoon, 
about six miles above my house, in Tulpehocken 
township, where I had sent word for Tulpehocken 
people also to meet. 

" I immediately mounted my horse, and went up to 
Henjamin Spicker's, where I found about one hun- 
dred persons who had met before I came there ; and 
after I had informed them of the intelligence, that I 
had promised to go with them as a common soldier, 
and be commanded by such officers and leading men, 
whatever they might call them, as they should choose, 
they unanimously agreed to join the Heidelberg peo- 
ple, and accordingly they went home to fetch their 
arms, and provisions for three days, and came again 
at three o'clock. All this was punctually performed ; 
and about two hundred were at Benjamin Spicker's 
at two o'clock. 

" I made the necessary disposition, and the people 
were divided into companies of thirty men in each 
company, and they chose their own officers ; that is, 
a captain over each company, and three inferior offi- 
cers under each, to take care of ten men, and lead 
them on, or fire as the captain should direct. 

" I sent privately for Mr. Kurtz, the Lutheran min- 
ister, who lived about a mile off, who came and gave 
an exhortation to the men, and made a prayer suita- 
ble to the time. Then we marched toward Susque- 
hanna, having first sent about fifty men to Tolheo, in 
order to possess themselves of the gaps or narrows of 
Swatara, where he expected the enemy would come 
through; with those fifty I sent a letter to Mr. Par- 
sons, who happened to be at his plantation. 

" We marched about ten miles that evening. My 
company had now increased to upwardsof three hun- 
dred men, mostly well armed, though about twenty 
had nothing but axes and pitchforks — all unani- 
mously agreed to die together, and engage the enemy 
wherever they should meet them, never to inquire the 
number, but fight them, and so obstruct their way of 
marching further into the inhabited parts, till others 
of our brethren come up aud do the same, and so 
save the lives of our wives and children. 

"This night the powder and lead came up, that I 
sent for early in the morning, from Reading, and I 



ordered it to the care of the officers, to divide it 
among those that wanted it most. On the 28th, by 
break of day, we marched, our company increasing 
all along. We arrived at Adam Read's, Esq., in 
Hanover township, Lancaster County,' about ten 
o'clock. There we stopped and rested till all came 
up. Mr. Read had just then received intelligence 
from Susquehanna, by expre>s, which was as fol- 
lows: 'That Justice Forster, Capt. McKee, John Har- 
ris and others, to the number of forty-nine, went up 
to Shamokin to bury the dead bodies of those that 
had been killed by the enemy on John Penn's creek, 
and, coming up to George Gabriel's, about five miles 
this side of Shamokin and on the west sideofSus- 
quehannah, they heard that the dead bodies had been 
buried already, and so they went along to Shamokin, 
where they arrived last Friday evening and were 
seemingly well received, but found a great number of 
strange Indians, though Delawares, all painted black, 
which gave suspicion, and Thomas McKee told his 
companions that he did not like them, and the next 
morning — that is, last Saturday — they got up early 
in order to go back, but they did not see any of the 
strangers ; they were gone before them. Andrew 
Montour was there, painted as the rest ; advised our 
people not to go the same way they came, but to keep 
this side of Susquehanna and go the old road; but 
when they came to the parting of the roads a majority 
of them was for going the nighest and best road, and 
so crossed the Susquehanna contrary to Andrew Mon- 
tour's council, in order to go down on the west side of 
that river as far as Mahoning. When they came to 
John Penn's creek, in going down the bank they were 
fired uptn from this side by Indians that had way- 
laid them. Some dropt down dead ; the rest fled and 
made towards Susquehanna and came to this side, 
and so home as well as they could. Twenty six of 
them were missing and not heard of as yet (last Mon- 
day evening).' 

" Upon this we had a consultation, and as we did 
not come up to serve as guards to the Paxton people, 
but to fight the enemy, if they were come so far, as 
we first heard, we thought best to return and take 
care of our own townships. 

" After I had given the necessary caution to the 
people to hold themselves in readinesss, as the enemy 
was certainly in the county, to keep their arras in 
good order, and so on, and then discharge them — and 
we marched back with the approbation of Mr. Read. 
By the way, we were alarmed by a report that five 
hundred Indians had come over the mountain at . 
Tolheo to this side, and had already killed a number 
of people. We stopped and sent a few men to dis- 
cover the enemy, but, on their return, proved to be a 
false alarm, occasioned by that company that I had 
sent that way the day before, whose guns getting wet, 
they fired them off, which was the cause of alarm — 

' Now in Lebanon County. 



118 



HISTORY OF BEKK8 COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



this not only had alarmed the company, but the 
whole townships through which they marched. In 
going, back, I met messengers from other townships 
about Conestoga, who came for intelligence, and to 
ask me where their assistance was necessary, promis- 
ing that they would come to the place where I should 
direct. 

"I met, also, at Tulpehocken, about one hundred 
men well-armed, as to fire-arms, ready to follow me; 
so that there were in the whole about five hundred 
men in arms that day, all marching up towards Sus- 
quehanna. I and Mr. Adam Read counted those who 
were with me — we found them three hundred and 
twenty. 

" I cannot send any further account, being uncom- 
monly fatigued. 1 should not forget, however, to in- 
form your Honor that Mr. Read has engaged to keep 
proper ])ers()ns riding between his house and Susque- 
hanna, and if anything material shall occur, he will 
send me tidings to Heidelberg or to Reading, which 
I shall take care to dispatch to you. I find that great 
trouble has been taken at Reading to get the people 
together, and nearly two hundred were here yester- 
day morning; but upon hearing that the people attend- 
ing me were discharged, the people from the country 
went of}' without consulting what should be done for 
the future, through the indiscretion of a person who 
was with them and wanted to go home ; and near the 
town they met a large company coming up, and gave 
such accounts as occasioned their turning back. 1 
think most of the inhabitanis would do their duty, 
but without some military regulations we shall never 
be able to defend the province. 

"I am sure we are in great danger, and from an 
enemy that can travel as Indians. We may be sur- 
prised when it would be impossible to collect any 
number of men together to defend ourselves, and 
then the country would be laid waste. I am quite 
tired and must say no more than that. 

" I am your Honor's most obedient servant, 

" Conrad Weiser." 

Parsons' Letter. — Ou the 3 1st of October, 
1755, William Parsons' wroteto Richard Peters, 
at Piiiiadeiphia. His letter communicated the 
first direct intelligence of murder within the 
borders of Berks County, in the year 1755, 
after it was apparent that the Indians had de- 
termined to invade the county for the certain 
.purpose of committing as many outrages ui)on 
the inhabitants as possible. It was as fol- 
lows : 

" \Vhen I wrote last to you, I informed you that I 
was engaged in laying out the road from Easton to 
Reading. . . . On Monday (whilst at Reading) 



'Then iitStrongkill, iu Lancaster County (now Lebanon). 



I heard a rumor of Thomas McKee's engagement with 
some strange Indians. I had heard before of some 
murders having been committed by them on the west 
side of Susquehanna, near Shamokin. Monday 
evening I received an express from Mr. Weiser, in- 
forming me that he had summoned the people to go 
and oppose the Indians, and desired me to meet a 
large company near the foot of the mountain in the 
Shamokin road,'- while he went with about 300 to 
Paxtang. When I came to the company at the foot 
of the mountain, about 100 in all, I found one-half of 
them without any powder or lead. However, I ad- 
vised them to go forward, and those that had no am- 
munition I advised to take axes, in order to make a 
breastwork of trees for their security at night ; and 
the next day advised them to go forward to the Upper 
Gap of Swarotawro, and there to make another breast- 
work of trees, and to stay there two or three days in 
order to oppose the enemy if they should attempt to 
come that way; which, if they had done, I am inclined 
to think what has since happened, would have been 
prevented. I promised them to go to Tulpehocken, 
and provide powder and lead, and a sufficient 
quantity of lead to be sent immediately after 
them. But they went no further than to the top of 
the mountain, and there those that had ammunition, 
spent most of it in shooting up into the air, and then 
returned back again firing all the way, to the great 
terror of all the inhabitants thereabout, and this was 
the case with almost all the others, being about 500 
in different parts of the neighborhood ; there was an- 
other company who came from the lower part of Bern 
township, as far as Mr. Freme's Manor. So that 
when I came to Tulpehocken I found the people 
there more alarmed than they were near the moun- 
tain. For when they saw me come alone they were 
overjoyed, having heard that we were all destroyed, 
and that the enemy were just at their backs, ready to 
destroy them. At Tulpehocken there was no lead to 
be had ; all that could be had from Reading was 
taken to Paxtang. 1 therefore sent an express over 
to Lancaster to Mr. Shippen that evening, desiring 
him to send me some lead. He sent me seven pounds, 
being all that the town people were willing to part 
with, as they were themselves under great apprehen- 
sions. I also procured 20 pounds of powder, papered 
up in one quarter pounds, and ordered out a quantity 
of bread near the mountains, but when I returned 
home I learned that my people had given over the 
pursuit, in the manner above mentioned. I have 
since distributed a good deal of the powder and lead, 
and the bread 1 ordered to the poor people who are 
removing from their settlements on the other side of 
the mountain, from whence the people have been re- 
moving all this week. It is impossible to describe the 
confusion and distress of those unhappy people. Our 

'This place was in the upper section of Betliel township, 
Berks County. 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



119 



roads are continually full of travelers. Those on the 
other side, of the men, women and children, most of 
them barefooted, have been obliged to cross those 
terrible mountains with what little they could bring 
with them in so long a journey through ways almost 
impassable, to get to the inhabitants on this side. 
While those who live on this side near the mountain 
are removing their effects to Tulpehocken. Those at 
Tulpehocken are removing to Reading, and many at 
Reading are moving nearer to Philadelphia, and 
some of them quite to Philadelphia. This is the 
present unhappy situation of Pennsylvania. 

"Yesterday afternoon I was informed that J^ dam 
Reed was come from over the mountain and reported 
that he had been at the house of Henry Hartman, 
whom he saw lying dead, having his head scalpt.' I 
sent for him, and before five o'clock this morning he 
came to me and told me that between eleven and twelve 
o'clock yesterday — being then at home on his planta- 
tion on the west side of Swatawro, about nine miles 
from my house and about five miles from tlie nearest 
settlement on this side the hills, he heard three guns 
tired toward Henry Hartman's plantation which made 
him suspect that something more than ordinary was 
the occasion of that firing. Whereupon he took his 
gun and went to Hartman's house — being about a 
quarter of a mile from his own, where he found Hart- 
man lying dead, with his face to the ground, and all 
the skin scalpt from his head. He did not stay to 
examine in what manner he was killed, but made the 
best of his way through the woods to this side of the 
mountain. He told me further that he had made 
oath before Adam Reed, Esq., of the whole matter. 
This day I set out with some of my neighbors to go and 



I The Indians performed the operation of scalping in the 
following manner : They placed their foot on the neck of the 
victim, seized the hair with the left hand, and twisted it 
very tight together, in order to separate the skin from the 
head. Then they cut it all around with a shai-p knife, and 
tore it off. This operation was often performed in a min- 
ute. Under certain circumstances it was fatal, though not 
always. The scalp was painted red, placed upon a red pole in 
token of victory, to the great satisfaction of the whole 
nation, and carefully preserved in memory of their courage 
and prowess, in avenging the cause of their country. They 
like to carry off their prisoners alive, but bound, till they 
were not in fear of their pursuers. In the night they 
fasten them to the ground, witli their arms, legs and necks 
bound to large stakes, and, for greater security, a cord 
passed from them to a free Indian, who was immediately 
awakened if ihey attempted to move. Notwithstanding 
these precautions, prisoners sometimes escaped. The 
European prisoners were immediately shorn after the man- 
ner of the Indians, and their heads and faces painted red, 
so as hardly to be distinguished from the Indians them- 
selves. If any dispute arose bttween two warriors about a 
prisoner, he was immediately killed, to put an end to 
it. — Loxlciel, 



view the place and to see the certainty of the matter 
and to assist in burying the dead body. Mr. Reed had 
appointed the ])eople about him to go with him for 
that purpose, and we intended to meet him at the place 
by way of Shamokin road. When we got to the 
top of the mountain we met with seven or eight 
men who told us that they had been about two or 
three miles further along the road and had discovered 
two dead men lying near the road about two hundred 
or three hundred yards from each other and that both 
were scalpt, whereupon I advised to go to the place 
where these two men were, and with great difficulty 
we prevailed with the others to go back with us — being 
then twenty-six men strong. When we came to the 
place, I saw both the men lying dead and all tlie skin 
of their heads was scalpt off. One of them we perceived 
had been shot through the leg. We did not examine 
further, but got some tools from a settlement that was 
just by and dug a grave and buried them both together 
in their clothes just as we had found them to prevent 
their being torn to pieces and devoured by wild beasts. 
There were four or five persons, women and children 
yet missing. One of the dead men had been over on this 
side of the mountain with his family and was return- 
ing with his daughter to fetch some of their effects 
that were left behind. She is missing for one. It is 
not for me to describe the horror and confusion of the 
people here and of the country in general. You can 
best imagine that in your own mind. But where will 
these proceedings end? For myself I do not know 
whether I shall stay where I am or leave all that I 
have to be destroyed by those barbarians, or to be 
plundered by wicked people amongst ourselves." 

A letter dated November 3, 1755, .stated that 
two men had been lately killed and scalped near 
the first branch of the Swatara, on the road to 
Shamokin, one being named Odwaller, the other 
unknown; that both had families and that it 
was supposed that their missing families had 
been carried oif by the Indians." 

On the 31st of October, at eight o'clock, at 
Reading, five of the count}' justices (John Potts, 
Conrad Weiser, William Maugridge, Jonas 
Seely and James Reed) prepared a paper of in- 
telligence, in which they stated, among other 
thing.s, — 

" We are all in uproar, all in disorder, all will- 
ing to do, and have little in our power. We have no 
authority, no commissions, no officers practiced in 
war, and without the commiseration of our friends in 
Philadelphia, who think themselves vastly safer than 
they are. If we are not immediately supported, we 



''Pennsylvania Guzelte. It is probable that these two 
men are the same to which Parsons refers in h.s letter. 



120 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



must not be sacrificed, and therefore are determined 
to go down with all that will follow us to Philadel- 
phia, and quarter ourselves on its inhabitants and 
wait our fate with them." 

TliLs was adtb-essed to the Executive Count-il 
and read at a meeting on the 2d of Xovember, 
1755, whence it wa.s sent by expresses from town- 
ship to township, into all parts of the western 
counties, in order to put the inhabitants upon 
their guard. 

On the 16th of November, 1755, a party of 
Indians crossed the Susquehanna, and fell upon 
the countv of Berks. They murdered thirteen 
persons, burnt a great number of houses, de- 
stroyed vast quantities of cattle, grain and fod- 
der, and laid waste a large extent of country. 

MoRii.vx Depositiox. — The following de- 
position (relating to certain murders which 
were committed in Berks County, but not men- 
tioned by Weiser or Parsons) was taken at 
Reading, on the 18th of November, 1755, and 
published in the Pennsylvania Gazette, on the 
20th of November, 1755 : 

" Berks County, Pennsylvania, ss. 

"Jacob Morgan, a captain in Col. Weiser's regi- 
ment, being sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Al- 
mighty God, doth depose and say, that on Sunday, 
the 16th November, 1755, at about five o'clock p.m., 
he, the deponent, Mr. Philip Weiser and Mr. Peter 
Weiser, set out from Heidelberg towards Dietrich 
Six's, to get intelligence of the mischief done at Tol- 
heo, or thereabouts, and to get a number of men to 
join them to go and seek for the persons scalped by the 
Indians ; and to help in the best manner they could, 
the poor distressed inhabitants. That about nine 
miles from Mr. Weiser's they found a girl about six 
years old scalped, but yet alive, and a vast number of 
people there; but he knowsnotat whose house it was 
nor the name of the child. That at the request of the 
people there, Mr. Weiser's son and deponent, went back 
to Mr. Weiser's for powder and lead. That at or about 
two o'clock yesterday morning they were alarmed 
at Mr. Weiser"s with an account that the Indians had 
beset George Bollinger's house, and his family were 
fled ; whereupon Philip Weiser, and the deponent, 
and a person whose name deponent does not know, 
set off immediately, and at Christopher Weiser's 
overtook a large company, consisting of about one 
hundred men, and with them proceeded to George 
Dollinger's, and surrounded his house, where they 
found a good deal of damage done, and in the gar- 
den, a child about eight years old, daughter of one 
Cola, lying dead and scalped, which they buried. 

" That the whole company went on to a plantation 



of Abraham Sneider, and found in a corn-field the 
wife of Cola, and a child about eight or nine years 
old, both dead and scalped, and in the house they 
found another child of the said Cola's about ten years 
old, dead and scalped ; but the deponent knows not 
of what sex either of these two children was. That 
while they were preparing the grave, they were 
alarmed by the firing of a gun, and flying to their 
arms, they went (a few staying to take care of the 
dead) to the place from whence the sound came, and 
about half a mile from the place they came from, they 
met the company, one of whom had indiscreetly dis- 
charged his musket, and then went back to bury the 
dead ; on their return they found the scalp of a white 
person. That having buried the woman and children, 
they went to Thomas Bower's, in whose house they 
found a dead man, scalped, whose name the deponent 
thinks was Philip, by trade a shoemaker, but knows 
no more of him. 

" That the company increased fast, and, were now 
about one hundred and thirty men, who marched on 
the Shamokin road to near Dietrich Six's ; about half 
a mile from whose house they found Casper Spring 
dead and scalped, and having buried him, they 
marched about one hundred rods and found one Bes- 
linger dead and scalped — they buried him. That at 
the same distance from Beslinger's they found an In- 
dian man dead and scalped, which Indian, it was 
generally believed, was a Delaware. Mr. Frederick 
Weiser scalped him the day before. 

"That twenty of their body, who had gone a little 
out of the road, about two miles from Dietrich Six's, 
found (as the deponent and the rest of the company 
were informed, and as he believes without any doubt) 
a child of Jacob Wolf — he cannot say whether a boy 
or a girl — which was scalped ! Its age the deponent 
does not know, but the father carried it in his arms 
to be buried, as they were informed. That the de- 
ponent was informed by Mr. Frederick Weiser, that 
a company, with whom he had been the day before, 
had buried John Leinberger and Rudolph Candel, 
whom they found scalped. 

"That the deponent and company finding no more 
scalped or wounded, they returned, being then by the 
continual arrival of fresh persons, about three hun- 
dred men, to George Dollinger's. That Casper 
Spring's brains were beat out; had two cuts in his 
breast ; was shi>t in his back, and otherwise cruelly 
used, which regard to decency forbids mentioning; 
and that Beslinger's brains were beat out, his mouth 
much mangled, one of his eyes cut out, and one of his 
ears gashed, and had two knives lying on his breast. 
That the whole country thereabouts desert their in- 
habitations, and send away all their household goods. 
The horses and cattle are in the cornfields, and every 
thing in the utmost disorder, and the people quite de- 
spair. And further that he heard of much mischief 
done by burning houses and barns ; but not having 
been where it was reported to have been done, he 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



121 



chooses not to have any particulara thereof inserted 
in this deposition. 

"James Morgan. 

" Sworn at Reading, the 18th of November, 1755, 

before us. 

" JoxAs Seely. 

" Henry Harry. 

"James Read. 
" Besides the persons mentioned in the above de- 
position, one Sebastian Brosiua was murdered and 
scalped, whose scalp was brought to Philadelphia, 
having been taken from an Indian." 

BiDDi.E Letter. — The following letter, writ- 
ten by Edward Biddle, of Reading, to hi.s father 
in Philadelphia, expresses the perturbed state of 
feeling ju the city of Reading. There is no 
date attached to it, but it is supposed to have 
been written on the 16th of November : 

" Mij Dearest Father — I am in so much horrcjr and 
confusion I scarcely know what I am writing. The 
drum is beating to arms, and bells ringing and all the 
people under arms. Within these two hours we have 
had different though too certain accounts, all corrob- 
orating each other, and this moment is an express ar- 
rived, dispatched by Michael Reis, at Tulpehocken, 
eighteen miles above this town, who left about thirty 
of their people engaged with about an equal number 
of Indians at the said Reis'. This night we expect 
an attack ; truly alarming is our situation. The peo- 
ple exclaim against the Quakers, and some are scarcely 
restrained from burning the houses of those iew who 
are in this town. Oh, my country! my bleeding 
country ! I commend myself to the divine God of 
armies. Give my dutiful love to my dearest mother 
and my best love to brother Jemmy. 

"I am, honored sir, your most affectionate and obe- 
dient son, "E. Biddle. 

" Sunday, 1 o'clock. I have rather lessened than 
exaggerated our melancholy account." 

Weiser Letters. — The following letter de- 
scribes the condition of the settlements beyond 
the Blue Mountain during this exciting period; 
and it also shows to some degree a waut of pa- 
triotic feeling on the part of the inhabitants, 
notwithstanding their perilous situation. It 
was addressed to Governor Morris by Conrad 
"Weiser, from his home, on 2d of November, 
1755, at night: 

" I am going out early next morning with a com- 
pany of men, how many 1 can't tell as yet, to bring 
away the few and distressed families on the north side 
of Kittidany Hills yet alive (if there is yet alive 
such). They cry aloud for assistance, and 1 shall give 
as my opinion to-morrow, in public meeting of the 
16 



townships of Heidelberg and Tulpehocken, that they 
few who are alive and remaining there (the most part 
is come away) shall be forewarned to come to the south 
side of the hills, and we will convey them to this side. 
If I don't go over the hills myself, I will see the mow 
so far as the hills and give such advice as I am able 
to do. There can be no force. We are continually 
alarmed; and last night I received the account of 
Andrew Montour. . . . My son Peter came up 
this morning from Reading, at the head of about fif- 
teen men, in order to accompany me over the hills. I 
shall let him go with the rest ; had wc but good reg- 
ulations, with God's help we could stand at our places 
of abode, but if the people fail (which I am afraid 
they will, because some go, some won't, some mock, 
some plead religion and a great number of cowards), 
I shall think of mine and my family's preservation 
and quit my place, if I can get none to stand by me 
to defend my own house. But I hope you will excuse 
this hurry, I have no clerk now, and had no rest these 
several days nor nights hardly." 

And two weeks afterward he addressed the 
following two letters to the Governor in refer- 
ence to the murders committed upon the settlers 
in the county south of thy Blue JMountain, — 

" Honored Sir : On my return from Philadelphia, I 
met in Amity township, Berks County, the first news 
of our cruel enemy having invaded the county this 
side of the Blue Mountains, to wit: Bethel and Tul- 
pehocken. I left the papers as they were in the mes- 
senger's hands, and hastening to Reading, where the 
alarm and confusion was very great, I was obliged to 
stay that night and part of the next day, to wit : the 
17th inst., and set out for Heidelberg, where I arrived 
that evening. Soon after my sons, Philip and Fred- 
erick, ari'ived from the pursuit of the Indians, and 
gave me the following relation: That on lastSatui- 
day, about four o'clock in the afternoon, as some men 
from Tulpehocken were going to Dietrich Six's place, 
under the hills on the Shamokiu road, to be on the 
watch appointed there, they were fired upon by the 
Indians but none hurt nor killed (our people were but 
six in number, the rest beingbehind), upon which our 
people ran towards the watch-house, which was one- 
half of a mile off, and the Indians pursued them, and 
killed and scalped several of them. A bold, stout 
Indian came up to one Christopher Ury, who turned 
about and shot the Indian right through his breast. 
The Indian dropped down dead, but was dragged out 
of the way by his own companions (he was found next 
day and scalped by our people). The Indians divided 
themselves into two parties. Some came this way, to 
meet the rest that were going to the watch, and killed 
some of them, so that six of our men were killed that 
day and a few wounded. The night following the 
enemy attacked the house of Thomas Brown, on the 
Swatara Creek. They came to the house in the dark 



122 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



night, aud one of them put his fire-arm through the 
window and shot a shoemaker, that was at work, dead 
on the spot. The people being extremely surprised 
at this sudden attack, del'euded themselves by firingout 
of the windows at the Indians. The fire alarmed a neigh- 
bor who came with twoor three more men. They fired 
by the way and made a great noise, scared the Indians 
away from Bower's house, after they had set fire to it, 
but by Thomas Bower's dilligenceand conduct it was 
timely put out again. So Thomas Bower, with his 
family, went off that night to his neighbor, Daniel 
Schneider, who came to his assistance. By eight 
o'clock parties came up from Tulpehocken and Heid- 
elberg. The first party saw four Indians running off. 
They had some prisoners, whom they scalped imme- 
diately ; three children they scalped yet alive, one 
died since and the other two are likely to do well. 
Another party found a woman just expired, with a 
male child on her side, both killed and scalped ; the 
woman lay upon her face; my son Frederick turned 
her about, to see who she might have been, and to his 
and his companion's surprise they found a babe about 
fourteen days old under her, wrapped up in a little 
cushion, his nose quite flat, which was set right by 
Frederick, and life was yet in it and it recovered 
again. Our people came up with two parties of In- 
dians that day, but they hardly got sight of them. 
The Indians ran off immediately. Either our people 
did not care to fight them, if they could avoid it, or 
(which is more likely), the Indians were alarmed first 
by the loud noise of our people's coming, because no 
order was observed. Upon the whole, there were 
fifteen of our people killed, including men, women and 
children, and the enemy not beat but scared off. 
Several houses and barns are burned. I have no true 
account how many. We are in a dismal situation. 
Some of these murders have been committed in Tul- 
pehocken township. The people left their planta- 
tions to within six or seven miles from the house. I 
am now busy putting things in order to defendmy 
house against another attack. Guns and ammunition 
are very muili wanted here. My sons have been 
obliged to part with most of that which was sent up, 
for the use of the Indians. I pray your Honor will 
be pleased, if it is in your power, to send us up a 
quantity upon any condition. I must stand my ground, 
or my neighbors will all go away and leave their 
habitations to be destroyed by the enemy or our own 
people. This is enough of such melancholy account 
for this time. I beg leave to conclude, who am, sir, 
" Your very obedient, 

" Conrad Weiser. 
" Heidelberg, Berks County, November 19, 1755. 

" P. S — I am creditably informed just now that one 
Wolff, a single man, killed an Indian at the same 
time when Ury killed the other, but the body is not 
found yet. The poor young man since died of his 
wound through his belly." 



" May it please the Governor : That night after my 
arrival from Philadeli)hia, Emanuel Carpenter and 
Simon Adam Kuhn, Esqrs., came to my house and 
lodged with me. They acquainted me that a meet- 
ing was appointed (of the people of Tulpehocken, 
Heidelberg and adjacent places,) in Tulpehocken 
township, at Benjamin Spicker's, early next morning. 
I made all the haste with the Indians I could, and 
gave them a letter to Thomas McKee, to furnish 
them with necessaries for their journey. Scarujade 
had no creature to ride on. I gave him one. Before 
I could get done with the Indians, three or four men 
came from Benjamin Spicker's to warn the Indians 
not to go that way, for the people were so enraged 
against all the Indians, and would kill them without 
distinction. I went with them, as also the gentle- 
men before named. When we came near Benjamin 
Spicker's I saw about four or five hundred men, and 
there was a loud noise. I rode before, and in riding 
along the road (and armed men on both sides of the 
road), I heard some say. Why must we be killed by 
the Indians and we not kill them ? Why are our 
hands so tied? I got the Indians to the house with 
much ado, when I treated them with a small dram, 
and so parted with them in love and friendship. 

" Captain Dieffenbach undertook to conduct them 
(with five other men), to the Susquehanna. After 
this a sort of a council of war was held by the officers 
present, the gentlemen before named and other free- 
holders. It was agreed that 150 men should be 
raised immediatel}', to serve as out scouts, and as 
guards at certain places under the Kittatinny Hills 
for 40 days. That those so raised to have two shil- 
lings per day, and two pounds of bread, two ])ounds 
of beef and a gill of rum, and powder and lead. 
Arms they must find themselves. This scheme was 
signed by a good many freeholders and read to the 
people. They cried out that so much for an Indian 
scalp they would have (be they friends or enemies) 
from the Governor. I told tliem I had no such 
power from the Governor or assembly. They began, 
some to curse the Governor ; some the assembly ; 
called me a traitor to the country, who held with the 
Indians, and must have known this murder before- 
hand. I sat in the house at a low window. Some of 
ray friends came to pull me away from it, telling me 
that some of the people threatened to shoot me. I 
offered to go out to the people and either pacify them 
or make the King's proclamation. But those in the 
house with me would not let me go out. The cry 
was : The land was betrai/ed and sold. The common 
peO])le from Lancaster County were the worst. The 
wages, they said, were a trifle, and said somebody 
pocketed the rest, and they would resent it. Some- 
body has put it into their heads that I had it in my 
power to give as much as I pleased. I was in danger 
of being shot to death. In the meantime a great 
smoke arose under the Tulpehocken Mountain, with 
the news following that the Indians had committed 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



123 



murder on Mill Creek (a fulse alarm) and set fire to a 
barn. Most of the people ran, and those that had 
horses rode off without any order or regulation. I 
then took my horse and went home, where I intended 
to stay and defend my own house as long as I could. 
There is no doings with the people without a law or 
regulatidu by Governor and Assembly. The people 
of Tulpehocken have all fled ; till about six or seven 
miles from me some few remain. Another such attack 
will lay all the country waste on the west side of the 
Schuylkill. I am, sir, " Your most obedient, 

" Conrad Wkisek. 
" Heidelberg, Berks County, Nov. 19, 1755." 

Spickeu Letter. — Three days before these 
letters were addressed to the Governor, Conrad 
Weiser received tlie following letter from Peter 
Spicker (who resided on the Tulpehocken road, 
near the western boundary line of the county), 
detailing the great anxiety of the community in 
that vicinity, and the losses which the people 

suffered : 

" TuLPEHOCKEX, Nov. 10, 1755. 
"CoNR.iD Weiser, Esq. 

"Jofin Anspack and Frederick Read came to me 
and told me the miserable circumstances of the peo- 
ple murdered this side of the mountain yesterday. 
The Indians attacked the watch, killed and wounded 
him at Dietrich Six's, and in that ' neighborhood a 
great many in that night. This morning our people 
went out to see ; came about ten o'clock in the morn- 
ing to Thomas Bower's house, finding a man dead, 
killed with a gun-shot. Soon we heard a firing of 
guns; running to that place and found four Indians 
sitting on children scalping; three of the children are 
dead; two are alive; the scalps are taken off; here- 
after we went to the watch-house of Dietrich Six, 
where the Indians first attacked, finding six dead 
bodies, four of them scalped ; about a mile this side 
of the watch-house as we went back the Indians set 
fire to a stable and barn, where they burned the corn, 
cows and other creatures, where we found seven In- 
dians, five in the house eating their dinner and drink- 
ing rum, which was in the house, and two outside the 
house ; we fired to them but in vain ; the Indians 
burned four plantations more than the above account 
told me. Peter Anspack, Jacob Caderman, Christo- 
pher Noacre, Leonard Walborn told me in the same 
manner; George Dollinger and Adam Dieffenbach 
sent me word in the same manner. 

" Now we are in a great danger to lose our lives or 
estates, pray, therefore, for help, or else whole Tulpe- 
hocken will be ruined by the Indians in a short time, 
and all buildings will be burned down and the people 
scalped, therefore you will do all haste to get people 
together to assist us. The Assembly can see by this 
work how good and fine friends the Indians are to us, 
we hope their eyes will go open and their hearts ten- 



der to us, and the Governor's the same. They are 
true subjects to our King George the Second, of 
Great Britain ; or are willing to deliver us into the 
hands of these miserable creatures. 
"I am your friend, 

" Peter Spicker. 
"N. B. — The people are fled to us from the hills. 
Peter Kryger and John Weiser are the last." 

Report of Cruelties. — On the 24th of 
November, 1755, Conrad Weiser, Emanuel 
Carpenter and Adam Simon Ruhm subscribed 
and addressed a communication to the Gov- 
ernor, which set forth to him the result of 
their deliberations upon the " miserable condi- 
tion of the back inhabitants of these parts," and 
the means which should be adopted in order!' to 
withstand our cruel Indian enemy." 

" First. — Since the last cruel murder committed by 
the enemy, most of the people of Tulpehocken have 
left their habitations ; those in Heidelberg moved 
their effects ; Bethel township is entirely deserted. 

''Second. — There is no order among the people; 
one cries one thing, and another another thing. They 
want to force us to make a law, that they should have 
a reward for every Indian which they kill ; they de- 
mand such a law of us, with their guns cocked, point- 
ing it towards us. 

"Third. — The people are so incensed, not only 
against our cruel enemy the Indians, but also (we 
beg leave to inform your Honor) against the Governor 
and Assembly, that we are afraid they will go down in 
a body to Phihulelphia and commit the vilest out- 
rages. They say they will rather be hanged than 
to be butchered by the Indians, as some of their 
neighbors have been lately, and the poverty that 
some are in is very great. 

"Fourth. — Yesterday we sent out about seventy 
men to the mountain to take possession of several 
houses, and to range the woods along the mountain in 
Berks County, on the west side of Schuylkill. The 
same number are sent to the back part of Lancaster 
County, we promised them two shillings per daj", 
two pounds of bread, two pounds of beef, and a gill 
of rum a day, and ammunition, and that for forty 
days, or till we shall receive your Honor's order. We 
persuade ourselves your Honor will not leave us in 
the lurch; we must have such a thing done or else 
leave our habitation, if no worse; and all this would 
not do, we and others of the freeholders have been 
obliged to promise them a reward of four pistoles for 
every enemy Indian man that they should kill. 
Many things more we could mention, but we don't 
care to trouble your Honor any farther." 

And Conrad Weiser added tlie following 
postscript : 



12-t 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



" I cannot forbear to acqviaint your Honor of a cer- 
tain circumstance of the late unhappy affair: One 
Kobel, with his wife and eight children, the eld- 
est about fourteen years and the youngest fourteen 
days, was flying before the enemy, he carrying one, 
and his wife a boy, another of the children, when 
they were fired upon by two Indians very nigh, but 
hit only the man upon the breast, though not danger- 
ously. They, the Indians, then came with their 
tomahawks, knocked the woman down, but not dead. 
They intended to kill the man, but his gun (though 
out of order, .so that he could not fire) kept them off. 
The woman recovered so far, and seated hereelf upon 
a stump, with her babe in her arms, and gave it suck; 
and the Indians driving the children together, and 
s])nke to them in high Dutch, be still, we u-on'l htirl 
vuu. Then they struck a hatchet into the woman's 
head, and she fell upon her face with her babe under 
her, and the Indian trod on her neck and tore off the 
scalp. The children then ran : four of them were 
scalped, amting which was a girl of eleven years of 
age, who related the whole story ; of the scalped, two 
are alive and like to do well. The rest of the chil- 
dren ran into the bushes and the Indians after them, 
but our people coming near to them, halloed and 
made a noise. The Indians ran and the rest of the 
children were saved. They ran within a yard by a 
woman that lay behind an old log, witli two children ; 
there were about seven or eight of the enemy." 

The onward movement of the Indians and 
tlie terrifying reports of their barbarity excited 
the settlers to such a degree that the sections of 
the county near by and beyond the Bhie Moun- 
tain became almost entirely deserted. Even 
t\w inhabitants of Reading, though they were a 
considerable body together, luanifcsted ninch 
anxiety for their welfare. Conrad Wei.ser 
stated in a letter from Reading, dated 13th of 
December, 1755, — 

" The people of this town and county are in very 
great consternation. Most of this town are but day- 
laborere, and owing money, are about to leave it, they 
have nothing at all wherewith to support their fami- 
lies. All trade is stopped, and they can get no em- 
ployment, and unless the Government takes about 
thirty or forty of them into pay to guard this town, 
they must go off and the rest will think themselves 
unsafe to stay, and the back inhabitants will have no 
place of security left for their wives and children, 
when they are out either against their enemy, or tak- 
ing care of their plantations and cattle, and when 
things should come to extremity." 

The massacres by the Indians contiiniing 
month after month, the Governor visited Read- 
ing in the latter part of December, for the pur- 



pose of acquainting himself with the situation 
of the people, and, after an examination, he 
found that the policy of defense was not satis- 
factory, and that new measures had to be taken 
to subdue the Indians. Whilst at Reading he 
also consulted with the Executive Council and 
the commissioners in respect to a proper dis- 
tribution of the regular troops which had ar- 
rived at Carlisle from New York. The Gren- 
adiers were ordered to be quartered at Reading. 
Their rations were three pounds of pork, three 
pounds of beef, one pound of fish, ten and one- 
half pounds of bread or meal for a week, and 
one gill of rum per day. 

Premium for Scalps. — In pursuance of 
this spirit of carrying on active measures again.st 
the Indians, the board of commissioners de- 
cided on the 9th of April, 1756, to recommend 
to the Governor that bounties, or premiums, be 
paid for prisoners and .scalps, — 

For every male Indian prisoner above ten years 
old, that shall be delivered at any of the gov- 
ernment forts or tewns $150 

For every female Indian prisoner or male pri- 
soner.of ten years old and under, delivered as 
above 130 

For the scalp of every male Indian above ten 
years old 130 

For the scalp of every Indian woman 50 

Probst Letter. — By the foregoing letters 
and others, it would seem that the Indians con- 
fined their invasions into the county beyond 
the Blue Mountain before 1756, to the west of 
the Schuylkill. But in the beginning of 1756 
they reached the district along the mountain to 
the east of the river, and committed similar 
outrages upon the unprotected settlers. Valen- 
tine Probst, a resident of Albany township, ad- 
dressed the following letter to Jacob Levan, 
(one of the justices of the county, who resided 
in Maxatawny township,) on the 15th of Feb- 
ruary, 1756, in which he mentions the horrible 
murders committed upon the Reichelderfer and 
Gerhard families: 

" Mr. Lev ax — I cannot omit writing about the 
dreadful circumstances in our township, Albany. The 
Indians came yesterday morning about eight o'clock, 
to Frederick Keichelderfer's house, as he was feeding 
his horses, and two of the Indians ran upon him, and 
followed him into a field ten or twelve perches off; 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



125 



but he escaped and ran towards Jacob Gerhard's 
house, with a design to fetch some arms. When he 
came near Gerhard's he heard a lamentable cry, 
' Lord Jesus! Lord Jesus ! ' which made him run back 
towards his own house ; but before he got quite home, 
he saw his house and stable in flames, and heard 
the cattle bellowing, and thereupon ran away again. 
"Two of his children were shot; one of them was 
found dead in his field, the other was found alive and 
brought to Hakenbrook's house, but died three hours 
after. All his grain and cattle are burned up. At 
Jacob Gerhart's they have killed one man, two women 
and six children. Two children slipped under the 
bed ; one of which was burned ; the other escaped, 
and ran a mile to get to the people. We desire help, 
or we must leave our homes." 

Muhlenberg Letter. — Tlie Rev. Henry 
Melchior Muiilenberg described this shocking 
affair as follows : 

"In New Hanover (Mont. Co.) I had confirmed 
two grown daughters of Frederick Reichelsdorfer. 
This man subsequently bought a tract of forest land 
near the Blue Mountains, which he cultivated suc- 
cessfulTy, with much toil and great sacrifice, to enable 
him to support his family. But fearing the IiuliaHS, 
who scouted the region, sacking, burning and mur- 
dering, he removed his family back to New Hanover, 
whilst he journeyed to and fro to attend to his place. 
In the month of March, after he and his daughters 
had threshed out his wheat, on a Friday morning, 
they suddenly felt an uncomfortable presentiment of 
fear. Entering upon their evening devotions, they 
joined in singing the old hymn, ' Wer weiz wtc uahe 
mir meiii Ende.' Committing themselves to God, 
they retired. On the following Saturday morning, as 
the father had gone upon the open field to bring in 
his horses, and on the eve of starting for home, he 
was surrounded by Indians. From sudden fright, in 
view of his great peril, he could neither utter a cry, 
nor move a limb. As the savages were within twenty 
paces, he turned his thoughts to God, and was enabled 
to cry : ' Jesus ! I live by Thee ! Jesus ! I die in Thee !' 
In the moment of this exclamation, he felt himself at 
once endowed with superhuman energy, in virtue of 
which he turned, became swift-footed as a deer, and 
winged, like the ostrich. He escaped from their sight 
and reached his home ; but, alas ! his hut lay in ashes ; 
the cattle were bellowing in a sheet of flame, his eld- 
est daughter lay a crisp, and the younger, partly 
alive, scalped and horribly mutilated, had barely 
strength to relate the harrowing circumstances, and 
to impress a dying kiss upon the distracted brow of 
her father, bending over her." 

Gerhart MuRDEii. — The Gerhart murder 
was committed on a form in the extreme north- 
we.stera section of Albany township, owned by 



George Bolich. A house was immediately 
afterward built on the spot where the original 
house stood. It was torn down by Mr. Bolich, 
who erected a handsome dwelling in its stead. 
The traditional accoimt of the murder, one hun- 
dred and twenty years after it occurred, as 
given by Mr. Bolich, was as follows : 

" While the whole family was in the house, quietly 
enjoying the comforts of a rural home in the wilder- 
ness of Albany in the month of February, an unusual 
noise was heard in the vicinity of the house. Noth- 
ing was known of the presence of the Indians or of 
any other person, until they heard a suspicious noise 
which excited their fears at once that a sad fate was 
awaiting them. Mr. Gerhart, solicitous about the 
safety of his beloved family, opened the door and 
peeped out, but saw no one. He quietly stepped out- 
side of the door to make a closer inspection of his 
premises, when a concealed Indian shot him and he 
fell dead at the door. The women dragged Mr. Ger- 
hart into the house. The Indians knowing that the 
head of the family was killed, had less to fear, aj - 
proached the house and set it on fire. The women 
and children knew that a horrible death was staring 
them in the face — that they must either be burned 
alive, or leave the house and submit to a death fully 
as revolting. They chose the first alternative. A 
boy of about twelve years of age, whose hair had 
already been burned off his head, and had seen suffer- 
ing among his mother, little brothers and sisters, 
which no pen or human tongue can portray, jumped 
out of a window on a side of the hou-e opposite the 
Indians. He ran to a family over a small hill south 
of this place to giv(» the alarm, but when assistance 
came the house was consumed by the flames and the 
Indians had made their escape." ' 

This occurrence naturally alarmed the neigh- 
borhood and many of the settlers moved away 
to places where they could feel secure in the 
enjoyment of life and property. A letter 
dated 24th of March, 1756, describes the fatal 
consequences to a party in an attempt at remov- 
ing :— 

" Ten wagons went up to Allemaengel to bring 
down a family with their effects ; and as they were 
returning, about three miles below George Ziesloff's, 
were fired upon by a number of Indians from both 
sides of the roads, upon which the wagoners left their 
wagons and ran into the woods, and the horses 
frightened at the firing and the terrible yelling of the 
Indians, ran down the hill and broke one of the 
wagons to pieces. The.eneray killed George Ziesloff 
and his wife, a lad of twenty, a boy of twelve, also a 

' Brunner's "Indians of Berks County," p. 47. 



126 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



girl of fourteen years old, four of whom they scalped. 
Another girl was shot in the neck and through the 
mouth and scalped, notwithstanding all this she got 
ofl'. A boy was stabbed in three places, but the 
wounds were not thought to be mortal. They killed 
two of the horses and five are missing, with which it 
is thought the Indians carried off the most valuable 
goods that were iu the wagons." 

Ill ]\[arch, 17o6, the Indians burned the 
house and barii of Barnabas Seitel and tlie mill 
of Peter Conrad, killed Balser Neytong's wife 
and took a son eight years of age captive. 
Captain Morgan sent seven men in pursuit ; 
but they failed to overtake the Indians. 

Kluck Muuder. — On the 24th of March, 
the house of Peter Kluck (about fourteen miles 
from Reading) was set on fin; by the savages, 
and the whole family killed ; while the flames 
were .still ascending, the Indians a.ssaulted the 
ht)u.se of one Linderman, in which there were 
two men and a woman, all of whom ran up- 
stair.s, where the woman was shot dead through 
the roof The men then ran out of the house 
to engage the Indians, when Linderman was 
shot in the neck and the other through the 
jacket. Upon this, Linderman ran towards the 
Indians, two of whom only were seen, and shot 
one of them in the back, when he fled, and he 
and his companion scalped him and brought 
away his gun and knife. 

The report of the several jtreceding massacres 
is not definite with regard to the locality; but 
it is probable that they occurred within the 
limits of Albany township. 

At the same time' the Indians carried off a 
young lad, named John SIioop, about nine years 
old, whom they took by night seven miles be- 
yond the Blue Mountain ; but where, accord- 
ing to the lad, the Indians kindled a fire, tied 
liim to a tree, and took off his shoes and put 
moccasins on his feet; that they prepared them- 
selves some mush, but gave him none. After 
su])per they marched on further. The same 
Indians took him and another lad between 
them, and went beyond the second mountain ; 
having gone six times through streams of 
water, and always carried him across. The 
second evening they again struck up fire, took 

1 Time of the Ziesloff murder. 



off his moccasins, and gave him a blanket to 
cover himself; but at midnight, when all the 
Indians M'ere fast asleep, he made his escape, 
and at daybreak had traveled about six miles. 
He passed on that day, sometimes wading 
streams neck deep, in the direction of the Blue 
Mountain ; that night he stayed in the woods. 
The next day, exhausted and hungry, he ar- 
rived by noon at Uly Meyer's plantation, 
where Charles Folk's company lay, who wished 
him to remain till he had regained strength, 
and they would conduct him to his father. He 
was accordingly sent home. 

The eastern part of the county was disturbed 
only once by the Indians during the French 
and Indian War. They would not, in their 
invasions, go any distance into a country settled 
by the white people where it was possible to 
intercept their retreat. In March, 1756, they 
ventured as far south as Hereford. On' the 
22d of that month (March) one John Krausher 
and his wife, and William Yeth and his boy 
about twelve years old, went to their place to 
find their cattle, and on their return were fired 
upon by five Indians, who had hid themselves 
about ten perches from the road, when Yeth 
was mortally wounded in the back; Krausher's 
wife was found dead and scalped, and had 
three cuts in her right arm with a tomahawk. 
Krausher made his escape, and the boy was 
carried off by the enemy. 

Indian Treaty. — During the war, messen- 
gers were sent by the Governor to the chiefs of 
the Indians, and the Indians sent representa- 
tives of their tribes to Philadelphia or some 
place midway between Philadelphia and the 
council fires of the Indians. One of the most 
important treaties was held at Easton in the 
latter part of July, 1756. Teedyuscung, with 
fourteen other chiefs, was present. He said he 
was an ambassador appointed by ten nations, 
and authorized to treat with the Governor of 
Pennsylvania. In attempting to palliate the 
breach of former treaties and the numerous 
massacres of settlers upon lands bought of them, 
he assured the Governor that the " present 
clouds " owed their origin to the custom of their 
ancestors from having a " multitude of kings." 
He made strong professions of friendship, de- 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



127 



j)lored the hostile feelings between the white 
]>eople and the Tndians, and said tliat all the 
harm inflicted upon the white people was com- 
mitted by the French Indians who lived on the 
Ohio. After faring well for a week at the ex- 
pense of the government, and receiving a large 
quantity of presents, the ciiiefs took "some of 
tiiat good tobacco that the Six Nations put into 
our pipe," and all parties smoked the pipe in 
turn ; and, according to their custom, a lasting 
peace and friendship was to be maintained. But 
the fumes of " that good tobacco " had scarcely 
disappeared when the Indians again fell upon 
the .settlers of Berks County, burned their 
buildings and cattle, lurked behind the thickets 
and shot men at work in their fields, scalped 
women and children alive and captured others, 
many of whom were subjected to great hard- 
ships and cruel sufferings.* 

Two Women Scalped. — Three months 
afterward, Conrad Wei.ser addressed the follow- 
ing letter (dated at Heidelberg, 19th of October, 
1756,) to Governor Denny : 

"Honored Sir: Last night about 10 o'clock I 
received the melancholy news that the enemy Indians 
had again made an invasion in Berks county, and 
killed and scalped two married women and a lad of 
fourteen years of age, and wounded two children of 
about four years old, and carried off two more; one 
of the wounded is scalped and like to die, and the 
other has two cuts on her forehead, given her by an 
Indian boy in order to scalp her, but did not; there 
lieing eight men of Fort Henry posted in two differ- 
ent neighbors' houses about one and a half miles off, 
when they heard the noise of the guns firing they 
made towards it but came too late. 

" The people are moving away, leaving their barns 
full of grain behind them ; and there is a lamentable 
cry among them. It is with submission a very hard 
case that so many men are taken away to protect Sha- 
mokin (a wilderness) and the inhabited part be with- 
out it. I have ordered eighteen men out of the town 
guard of Reading to re-enforce Fort Henry im- 
mediately, of which I hope your honor will ap- 
prove. ..." 

CuLMORE AND Fei,l Murder.— On the 
4th of November, 1756, Jacob Morgan, the 
commander at Fort Lebanon, addressed the fol- 
lowing letter to the Governor in reference to 
outrages committed in Albany township: 



' Brunner's " Indians of Berks County," p. 51. 



"Yesterday morning at break of day one of the 
neighbors discovered a fire at a distance from him ; 
he went to the top of another mountain to take a bet- 
ter observation, and made a full discovery of the fire, 
and supposed it to be about seven miles off, at the 
house of John Fincher; he came and informed me of 
it; I immediately detached a party of ten men (we 
being about 22 men in the fort) to the place where 
they saw the fire, at the said Fincher's house, it being 
nigh Schuylkill, and the men anxious to see the 
enemy, if there, they ran through the water and the 
bushes to the fire, where to their disappointment they 
saw none of them, but the house, barn, and other out- 
houses all in flames, together with a considerable 
amount of corn ; they saw a great many tracks and 
followed them, and came back to the house of Philip 
Culmore, thinking to send from thence to alarm tiie 
other inhabitants to be on their guard, but instead of 
that found the said Culmore's wife and daughter and 
son-in-law all just killed and scalped; there is like- 
wise missing out of the sam-e house Martin Fell's wife 
and child about one year old, and another boy about 
seven years of age, the said Martin Fell was he that 
was killed, it was just done when the scouts came 
there, and they seeing the scouts ran off. The scouts 
divided in two parties, one to some other houses nigh 
at hand, and the other to the fort (it being within a 
mile of the fort) to inform me. I immediately went 
out with the scout again (and left in the fort no more 
than six men), but could not make any discovery, but 
brought all the families to the fort, where now I 
believe there are upward of sixty women and children 
that are fled here for refuge." '' 

Ten Women and Children Rescued. — 
On the 14th of the same month. Lieuten- 
ant Samuel Humphreys, who was stationed at 
the fort above Northkill, wrote to Conrad 
Weiser as follows : 

"May it please the rb^nc/.-— Yesterday we were 
alarmed by a number of Indians who came and took 
a child away. Immediately upon hearing the news, 
I, with nine men, went in pursuit of them, leaving a 
number of farmers to guard the fort till we should re- 
turn. But we found nothing till this morning, we 
went out again ; and, in our return to the fort, we were 
apprized of them by the firing of several guns; when 
I ordered my men to make what speed they could. 
We ran till we were almost out of breath, and, upon 
finding Nicholas Long's hou.se attacked by the In- 
dians, the farmers who were with us to the number of 
twenty, deserted and fled, leaving the soldiers to fight. 
We stood in battle with them for several minutes till 
there were about sixty guns discharged, and at length 
we put the Indians to flight. 



23 Pa. Arch. 30. Subsequently, in September, 1708, 
Fincher and his family were murdered by the Indians. 



128 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



" We have one man wounded, and my coat was shot 
through in four phices. The mimher of the Indians 
was twenty. Our number at first was twenty-four. 
But they all deserted and fled except seven. Two old 
men were killed before we came, one of whom was 
scalped. Ten women and chililren were in the cellar 
and the house was on fire; but we extinguished it and 
brought the women and children to the fort. I desire 
the Colonel to send me a reinforcement, for the men 
solemnly say they will not go out with the farmers, 
as they deserted in the battle and never fired a gun. 
The Indians cried the halloo during the battle. We 
have one of their guns and a blanket which had two 
holes with a buUet in it, and is bloody. The Indians 
had all red hats and red blankets." 

GiKL TAKEN Captive.— A letter was ad- 
dre.ssed to the Governor from Bethlehem, on the 
30th of November following, stating the com- 
mission of another murder in Albany township : 

"John Holder came here this evening from Alle- 
mangle and informed me that last Sunday evening, 
the 28th instant, three Indians came to the house of a 
certain man nameil Schlosser and knocked at the 
door ; the peojde within called who is there. Answer 
was made, a good friend ; they within not opening the 
door, they knocked again ; they within asked who is 
there ; no answer being made from without, then one 
of the men named Stonebrook looked out of the win- 
dow, when an Indian discharged a gun and killed him 
on the spot. They then opened the door, the woman 
and two children endeavored to escape, and the In- 
dians pursued and took both the children. One of 
the men fired at the Indians and saw one of them fall, 
when one of the girls he had possession of made her 
escape from him, but the other they took away. The 
Indian that was fired at fell, cried out very much, 
but in a short time he got up and made oft'." 

About this time the Indians also appeared in 
this township and carried off the wife and three 
children of Adam Burns. The youngest child 
was only four weeks old. 

Petition' for Fort. — At a mseting of the 
ExecutiveCouucil,held on tiie 7th of May, 1757, 
a petition, addressed to the Lieutenant-Governor, 
was read, setting fortli, — 

" That your petitioners are informed that Fort 
Franklin is to be removed to this side of the Blue 
Mountains, and a considerable way into Albany town- 
ship. 

"That, if in case the said Fort is to be removed, 
your petitioners will be obliged to desert their plan- 
tations, for their lives and Estates will then lay at 
stake, and a great part of this province will lay 
waste, and your petitioners will become a burden to 
the other inhabitants. 



" That your petitioners humbly conceive that it 
would be the safest way to have the said Fort con- 
tinued and rebuilt, as it is very much out of order and 
repair. 

" Therefore your petitioners humbly pray your 
Honor to take the premises into consideration and 
issue such orders as will prevent the removal of the 
said Fort, and order a sufficient number of men in it, 
and to grant your petitioners such other relief as to 
you in your wisdom shall deem meet. 

"This petition was signed by George Gilbert and 
Adam Spittlemeyer, at the request and in behalf of 
the following persons, ' all inhabitants of Berks 
County, within four miles of and about Fort Franklin 
over the Blue Mountains ' : 



' George Gilbert. 
Adam Spittlemeyer. 
Henry Hauptman. 
Casper Langeberger. 
Nicholas Kind. 
George Merte. 
Henry Norbeck. 
Widow of Mark Grist 

(deceased).' 
Widow of Geo. Krammer 

(deceasel).' 
William Ball. 
Philip Annes. 
Jacob Leisser. 



William Weigand. 
Anthony Krura. 
Philip Scholl. 
Jacob Keim. 
John Frist. 
William Gable. 
Philip Kirsbaum. 
John Wissemer. 
George Wartman. 
Jacob Richards. 
Christopher Sprecher. 
John Scheefer. 
George Sprecher." 



Peter Gersinger was shot and scalped about 
the middle of June, 1757, while plowing in a 
field. The place of this murder is not named, 
but the report of it seems to indicate Bethel 
township. 

Trump Murder. — James Head, Esq., ad- 
dressed the following letter from Reading on 
the 25th of June, 1757: 

" Last night Jacob Levan, Esq., of Maxatawny, 
came to see me, and showed me a letter of the 22d 
inst., from Lieutenant Engel, dated in Alleniangel, by 
which he advised Mr. Levan of the murder of one 
Adam Trump, in Allemangel, by Indians that even- 
ing, and that they had taken Trump's wife and his 
son, a lad of nineteen years old, prisoners ; but the 
woman escaped, though upon her flying she was so 
closely pursued by one of the Indians (of which there 
were seven) that he threw his tomahawk at her, and 
cut her badly in the neck, but 'tis hoped not danger- 
ously. This murder happened in as great a thunder- 
storm as has happened for twenty years past ; which 
extended itself over a great part of this and Northamp- 
ton Counties — for I found much mischief done, as I 
came from Easton, Northampton County, to this 

' '•Which said Grist and Krammer have lost their lives in 
the defense of their cuuuiry lost fall." 



FREx\CH AND INDIAN WAR. 



129 



town, the length of fifty-two miles — the day before 
yesterday, and which I hear has brokeu down the 
dams of seven forges and six grist-mills on Maxa- 
tawny Creek, chiefly in this county, the rest iu Phila- 
delphia County. 

" Mr. Levan told me that at the same time that the 
Indiansdid the mischief in Allemangel, another party 
killed and scalped a man near Fort Henry, in this 
county, and the next day carried off a young woman 
from the same neighborhood. I am told too — though 
I cannot tell what credit is to be given to it — that 
two persons were killed and scalped near the Foit at 
Northkill, in this county, Wednesday evening last, 
at the time of the thunderstorm. 

" I had almost forgot to mention (for I am so hur- 
ried just now, 'tis no wonder) that the Indians, after 
scalping Adam Trump, left a knife and a halbert, or 
a spear, fixed to a pole of four feet, in his body." 

Ill a letter from Tulpehocken, dated 4th of 
July, 1757, to the Pennsylvania Gazette, it was 
stated, — 

"' If we get no assistance from the county all the 
inhabitants of Tulpehocken will move away. The 
county ^lould rise and send a large body to drive the 
Indians off', and keep a strong guard in the houses on 
the frontiers besides the soldiers, or all will be lost." 

On the 4th of July, 1757, two ludian.s were 
seen near Reading. 

Seven Pej!sons Murdered — On Jidy 5, 
1757, "seven persons (three men and four chil- 
dren), who had been murdered and scalped all 
in one house, were brought to our burying- 
ground for burial. They were killed by the 
Indians yesterday, about sun-down, five miles 
from here." This was at Tulpehocken church.' 

Mother's Defen.se of Children. — The 
following extract is taken from a lettet dated at 
Heidelberg, on 9th of July, 1757 : 

" Yesterday, about three o'clock iu the afternoon 
between Valentine Herchelroad's and Tobias Bickel's, 
four Indians killed two children, — one about four 
years old and the other five. They at the same time 
scalped a young woman of about sixteen, who, with 
])roper care, is likely to live and do well. A woman 
was terribly cut with the tomahawk ; but she was not 
scalped — her life is despaired of. Three children 
were carried off prisoners. Christian Schrenk's wife 
— who was among the partj' — bravely defended her- 
self and her children for a while. During an assault 
upon her, she wrested the gun out of the Indian's 
liands, and also his tomahawk and threw them away ; 
and in the meantime, whilst saving her own life, two of 



i rentisylviinia Gazette, July, 1757. 



her children were taken captive. In this house there 
were also twenty women and children who had fled 
thither from their own habitations to take shelter. 
The men belonging to them were distant about one- 
half a mile, engaged in jjicking cherries. They came 
as quickly as possible and went in pursuit of the In- 
diiins, but to no purpose, for the Indians had concealed 
themselves." 

Appeal for Aid. — It would seem that as- 
sistance was asked generally from the peoj)le of 
the province by the inhabitants of Tulpehocken 
township during their terrible sufferings and 
lo.sses. A notice to this effect was advertised in 
the German newspaper, published at German- 
town by Christopher Saner, in Jidy, 1757. It 
was as follows (being translated from the Ger- 
man) : 

" The distant inhabitants of Tulpehocken would 
pray for assistance to enable them to give more atten- 
tion to their security, inasmiich as the forts lay so far 
from one another, and the persons therein do little 
service. Whoever may be willing to give anything, 
can inform Reverends Otterbein and (icrock, Lutheran 
ministers in Lancaster; Revs. Muhlenberg and Leydig. 
at New Hanover and Providence; Dr. Abr.iham 
Wagner in Madeische; Mr. Michael Reyer, in Gosch- 
enhoppen ; Christopher Sauer, Sr., at Germantown ; 
and Rev. Handschuh, in Philadelphia, and write also 
how much they may have given. And these persons 
can forward the same to Col. Conrad Weiser or Peter 
Spycker, or Rev. Kurtz, as each may be pleased to 
do. Those who have been able to carry on their har- 
vest in peace and security, cut and deliver it at home, 
have reason to be thankful to God." 

Four Killed and Six Scalped. — A letter 
from a place in Lynn township (now included 
iu Greenwich) reported the following cruelties: 

"Adam Klaus and his neighbors were .surprised by 
a party of Indians on the 9th of July, whilst they 
were engaged in reaping rye ; two men, two women 
and a young girl escaped ; Martin Jaeger and his 
wife were killed and scalped ; John Kraushaar's wife 
and child, Abraham Seckler's wife and one of Adam 
Clauss's children were scalped, but they still lived, 
though badly wounded ; one of the women is wound- 
ed in the side and the other in the hip ; two of Kraus- 
haar's children were killed, and one of Seckler's and 
ene of Philip Eschton's, but these were not scalped. 
The alarm being raised, a party went in pursuit of 
them, and, overtaking nine, fired upon them. But 
they soon eluded the pursuit of the whites." 

Conrad Weiser, whilst at Easton for the pur- 
pose of conferring with the Indians, detailed the 
circumstances connected with a murder of ten 



130 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



people, in a letter to the Governor on the 15th 
of July, 1757: 

"Incoming along through Maxatawny I heard a 
melancholy account often people being killed by the 
enemy Indians. They pji-ssed by two or three planta- 
tions on this side of the mountain before they at- 
tacked. A certain woman ran otF towards her place 
and told her husband of the attack, who cut the gears 
off his horse.s then in ihe plow, and rode as fast as he 
could to Lieut. Wetherholt, about three miles off. 
Lieut. Wetherholt, with a small detachment. I am told 
seven in number, came away immediately, and came 
to the place where the murder was committed, where 
by that time a number of people had gathered. Weth- 
erholt proposed to pursue the enemy, but none would 
go with him, so he took his seven men and pursued 
the enemy a few miles from the house and found the 
place where they rested themselves, and in about 
three miles he overtook them in thick bushes, at a 
very little distance. It seems they saw one another 
at once. One of the Indians was beforehand with 
Wetherholt and aimed at him, but his gun flashed. 
Wetherholt, a moment after, tired at the Indian, and 
thinks he hit him, but is not sure. Several guns were 
fired by our people, but did no execution, and the In- 
dians' guns missing fire, they ran off and left two 
horses behind them, one belonging to the man they 
killed, laden with the best of his household goods." 

Morgan Journal. — A monthly journal, 
kept by Jacob Morgan, for the month of July, 
1757, indicates that considerable vigilance was 
exercised in this vicinity, and yet the outrages 
just mentioned were committed by the Indians. 
The journal records the followiug circum- 
stances : 

"July the 1st. — Sent a corporal with 11 men on a 
scout to Clingaman Hausabough's, at AUemingle, who 
staid all niglit. 

" 2nd. — The scout returned from AUemingle and re- 
ported that they had made no discovery of the 
enemy. 

"3rd. — Sent a party to range to AUemingle. 

"4th. — Our men returned from AUemingle and re- 
ported that some of tlie inhabitants, who were afraid 
near the mountain, were removing downwards. 

" 5th, 6th and 7th. — Was exceeding heavy rain and 
waters very high. 

"8th. — Being a day of humiliation we apjilied our- 
selves thereto. 

" 8th. — Rainy weather, we could not scout. 

"10th. — I sent out a party to range to AUemingle. 
This day Sergeant Matthews returned from Colonel 
Weiser's with orders for me to station 10 men in 
Windsor township, and to keep 10 men in readiness to 
go to Easton. 

"11th. — The scout returned. I prepared the men 



in readiness according to ordefs; and sent some men 
to guard the farmers in their harvest. 

" 12th. — I went with ten men to Windsor township 
and stationed them there, where I found the most 
proper. In the evening verj' heavy rain and thunder, 
obliged me to stay all night; we sent some parties to 
guard the farmers. 

" 13th. — I returned in the morning to the fort. . . . 
Parties went to guard the farmers, and this day in my 
return I met the scout which I had posted in Windsor 
township, ranging about the farmers' houses. 

"14th. — Parties ranged and guarded the farmers. 

" 15th. — Being all day heavy rain, and the creeks so 
high that the Schuylkill rose perpendicularly fifteen 
feet in nine hours' time, being considerably higher 
than ever was known in these parts ; the guards could 
not return, and we remained in the fort with only 
eight men to guard." 

During the remainder of July soldiers were 
sent out dailj' to guard the farmers in their ag- 
ricultural work, but no Indians came to molest 
them. 

On the 27th of July, 1757, James Read, Esq., 
at Reading, wrote to the Governor stating that 
white men had appeared in Bern township and 
were co-operating with the Indians. His ac- 
count is as follows : 

" It is with great uneasiness I must inform your 
honor that the day before yesterday four white men 
took away from a plantation in Bern township, about 

thirteen miles from this town, one Good (I think 

that is the surname), a lad about sixteen years old, 
and carried him to four Indians about eight miles 
from the place where he was taken. The white men 
and Indians all got very drunk, and the lad happily 
made his escape in the night. Of his being taken I 
heard the evening it happened; of the rest I was in- 
formed bf Robert Smith, a sergeant, who came yes- 
terday from Fort William (Lebanon), and on his roarl 
was told by one Peter Rodermel, a farmer of very 
good credit, who had seen and conversed with the 
lad. Monday, in the afternoon, an Indian was seen 
near Sinking Spring, five miles from the town, by 
Peter Rood, a person of as high credit as is in the 
county. Some of the inhabitants went immediately 
in pursuit of the Indian, but returned without having 
overtaken him. I have taken care ever since the 9th 
of this month to keep a patrol of ten of the inhabit- 
ants every night about this town ; and, as our ])eop!e 
are very uneasy upon hearing that white men are 
among the Indians, we purpose to have a guard to- 
night of twenty-one, — seven at either end of the town 
and seven in the centre, — who will keep out a patrol 
all night. In this service I am cheerfully assisted by 
Mr. Seely and Mr. Biddle. We hope our very dan- 
gerous condition will be considered and some measures 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



131 



will be taken for our security. . . . I am sorry to 
have occasion to assure you that if our defense be 
committed to the soldiers now in these parts, our 
people will be still as uneasy as they are now." 

By the latter statement it would appear that 
the soldiers were not thoroughly patriotic, hav- 
ing doubtless done something to sacrifiee the 
confidence of the people. There is no published 
information on the subject. Read added in his 
letter that he would not then assign reasons, 
though he might "some time next week acquaint 
him with the principal grounds of their objection 
to such a protection." 

In August, 17o7, fifty men from Cumru and 
other townships near Reading set out in expec- 
tation of bringing in some Indian scalps. 

Alarmixg CoxDrxroN of People. — The 
following earnest, pathetic letter was addressed 
by Conrad Weiser from his home in Heidel- 
berg on the 4th of October, 1757, to the Govr 
ernor's secretary. It narrates the alarming 
condition of the people at that time, showing 
that the Indians were still active in their cruel- 
ties, notwithstanding treaties or the protection 
afforded by forts and scouting-parties : 

"Sir: — I did not thint of the post till he entered 
my door, else I would have written particularly to the 
Governor, though I have been very busy with writing 
to the commanding officers of the several forts under 
my care. It is now come so far that murder is com- 
mitted almost every day; there never was such a 
consternation among the people ; they must now 
leave their houses again, with their barns full of 
grain ; five children were carried off last Friday ; some 
days before a fick man was killed upon his bed ; he 
begged of the enemy to shoot him through his heart, 
which the Indian answered, I will, and did so. A girl 
that had hid herself under a bedstead in the next 
room heard all this ; two move families were about 
that time destroyed. Inclosed is the journal of last 
month of my ensign at Northkill. Captain Busse lies 
dangerously sick at John Harris'. I hear he is tired 
of everything. I have neither men nor a sufficient 
number of officers to defend the country. If his honor 
would be pleased to send orders to recall all the men 
belonging to my battalion from Fort Augusta he 
would justly bring upon him the blessings of the 
Most High. I cannot say any more. I think myself 
unhappy; to fly with ray family in this time of dan- 
ger I can't do. I must stay if they all go. I am now 
-preparing to go to Fort Henry, where I shall meet 
some officers to consult with what may be best to be 
done. I have ordered ten men, with the Governor's 
last order, to Fort Augusta; I shall overtake them 



this evening at Fort Henry and give them proper in- 
struction. For God's sake, dear sir, beg of the Gov- 
ernor, press it upon him in my behalf, and in behalf 
of these distressed inhabitants, to order my men back 
from Fort Augusta. I will give my reason afterwards 
that I am in the right. I conclude with my humble 
respects to his honor." 

Petition for Soldiers. — In March, 1758, 
Conrad Weiser forwarded to the Lieutenant- 
Governor a petition subscribed (in German) by 
a number of the inhabitants of Bern township, 
with the recommendation that they be favored 
with soldiers, to be stationed for their defense 
in some of the most exposed farm-houses. The 
petition set forth — 

" That from the beginning of the Indian incursions 
into this province, the neighborhood wherein your pe- 
titioners live hath been frequently harassed by the 
enemy, and numbers of their neighbors cruelly mur- 
dered, others captivated, and many of your petition- 
ers obliged to fly from their dwellings to avoid the 
same unhappy fate, to their unspeakable terror and 
distress. That during this winter the severity of the 
weather had prevented those barbarians from commit- 
ting their wonted cruelties ; but, as the snow is now 
melting and the weather is growing fair, your peti- 
tioners are every moment dreading an attack from the 
enemy, and find themselves less secure than hereto- 
fore from their attempts, as the block -house at North- 
kill is destroyed and no garrison kept in those parts. 

" Your petitioners, in the deepest distress, implore 
your honor's protection, and most earnestly beg that 
they may not be left a prey, to the savage enemy, pro- 
testing that, without assistance from the public, they 
are utterly unable to defend themselves, and must, on 
the first attack, abandon their habitations and rather 
embrace the most extreme poverty than remain sub- 
ject to the merciless rage of those bloody murderers. 
And that they have the greatest reason to expect an 
attack is obvious from the many former successful at- 
tempts of the enemy— three or four Indian-paths lead- 
ing into their neighborhood." 

In the following month, (April, 1758,) the 
people of Reading were likewise alarmed, and 
they, too, sent a petition to the Governor, setting 
forth their dangerous situation and praying for 
assistauQe. The Governor, in pursuance of its 
earnest representations, said, in a message to the 
Assembly on the 27th of April, 1758 : "We 
have just received a petition from the distressed 
inhabitants of the town of Reading ; their un- 
happy situation seems to be more easily con- 
ceived than described, occasioned by the want of 
a due exertion of the military force in that 



132 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



([uarter." He therefore entreated the Assembly 
to order provincial forces to be sent to their im- 
mediate relief. Their prayer was granted and 
a hundred men were sent. 

LiEBENGUTH MuRDER. — Aboiit this time 
the Indians again divided themselves into small 
parties and surprised the settlers unawares. At 
Tulpehocken they killed and scalped a man by 
the name of Liebenguth and his wife ; and at 
Northkill they killed and scalped Nicholas Gei- 
ger's wife and two children and Michael Ditzel- 
er's wife. 

Tiie following correspondence in German is 
added, relative to the murders just mentioned:' 

" Wichtige Nachrichten aus Sauer's ' Pennsyl- 
vanische Nachrichten,' von dato Isten April 1758. 

" Am verwichenen Montag sincl abernaahl bei zwaii- 
zig ganz fremde Indianer zu Bethiehcm angekom- 
men, welche audi willens sind mit den Englischen in 
Frieden und Freundschaft zu leben. Wie man ver- 
steht so haben sie der Tidiuskung's Siihne berednet 
zum Frieden, und haben sie raitgebracht. Sie mel- 
den auch, dass dem Tidiuskung sei angesagt worden 
dass der so sehr beruffene Indianer Captain Schingas 
auch konimen wollte, und wieder mit den Englischen 
in Fried und Freund-chaft leben. Darauf habe 
Tidiuskung fuer Freiden einen hohen Luft-Sprung ge- 
than. welches er kaum verinuthet hat. 

" Und also dorfFten die Forten an der Grenze mit 
ihren Garisonen von wenig Nutzen sein, und viele 
von un-iern Landes-Leuten aus ihrer Gefangenschafll 
losz und wieder heim kommen. 

"Auszug eines Briefs von einem Officier in dem 
Dienst dieser Provinz geschrieben zu Dolpehacken 
den 8. April 1758. 

"Ich und Mr. Kern sind soeben bei Jacob Scher- 
man angekommen, da hat man uns berichtet, dasz 
den vorigen Abend eine Frau von den ludianern ge- 
tiidtet und gescolpt worden, von feindlichen Indianern 
etwa drci Meilen von hier. 

"Wir sind soeben bereit ihnen nachzufolgen- . . . 
Die Liste von denen die getodtet worden, nebst einer 
die sie mitgenommen haben lautet wie folgt, nehm- 
lich: zu Schwatara sind zwei ledige Bursche zwei 
Brueder mit NamenSchnatterle getodtet, Michel Sau- 
ter und William Hardt sind auch todt, und eine 
Wittfrau haben sie mitgenommen In Dolpe- 
hacken ist ein Mann mit Namens Liebegut und seine 
Frau getodtet und gescolpt worden. . . . An der Nord- 
Kill ist des Nicolaus Geigors Frau und ihre zwei Kin- 
der getodtet, und auch Michel Ditzeler's Frau, die 
sind all gescolpt. 

" Die Indianern haben sich in kleinen Partheien 



'Tiiken from Penni. Gazette, priuleJ by BenjaDiin 
Franklin, 1757-58. 



vertheilet und kriechen durch das Gebuesch zu den 
Plantaschen. Esgiebt verschiedene Muthmassungen : 
Einige dencken es seien von den Indianern wek-he 
schon Frieden gemacht. Andere aber glauben : Weil 
die Frauzosen wissen, dass eine grosse Macht von 
Krieg-Schiffen und Landvolkern aus England kommt. 
und hier viel Viilker angewerben werden, wekhe alle 
gegen die Franzosen fechten sollen, so batten die 
Franzosen eine sehr grosse Menge Indianer, welche 
mit ihnen nicht nur in Freund.^chaft sondern gar in 
Verwandtschaft stelien, die ?chickten sie an die Grenze 
um Schaden zu thun, damit die Volker in den Forten 
bleiben sollen und nicht gegen ihre gros.se Festungen 
hinziehen sollen u. s. w. Die Todten kiinnen eben 
nicht sagen wer die sind die sie getodtet haben, und 
wanii wirs wustzen, so hiitten wir wenig Nutzen dafon. 
Nur selig sind die im dem Herrn sterben. Sie ruhcn 
ihrer Arbeit, und ihre Wercke folgen ihnen naoh. 

"Im ubrigen gehen schwereGerichteueberden Erd- 
bodeu und das Gericht der Verstockung ist ein schwe- 
res Gericht. Man sollte auf die Hand sehen, die mit 
der Ruthe streichet, und nicht auf die Ruthe wie ein 
Hund, der in den Stein beiszt, womit er getroffen ist. 
Juni, den 16teu. 1758. Wir horen dass seither noch 
raehr Botschafter von fremden Indianern nach Phila- 
delphia gekommen sind, welche sich auch erbieten, 
dass sie mit den Englischen in FreundSvhaft leben 
woUen. Es sei ihnen aber nicht gar zu freundlich 
geantworlet worden. Doch werde eine grosse Menge 
kommen um ein Traty halten. Ob aber die hin- 
tern Einwohnern diesen Soramer so ruhig sein wer- 
den wie den Winter das ist ungewisz, ueberhaupt mo- 
gen wir wohl ein hartes Jahr haben." 

Frantz Murder. — Captain Busse, at Fort 
Henn.-, wrote to Conrad Weiser on 19th of 
June, 1758, — 

"At noon I received news that this morning about 
eight o'clock the Indians took and carried away the 
wife of John Frantz, with three children, six miles 
from here, deep in the country. I sent momently 
Lieutenant Johnston with a party of nine men to go 
along the mountains and to stay at the Hole to inter- 
cept them. They being gone, a farmer who was fol- 
lowing on horseback, came back and told me that he 
saw three Indians near the Fort at Six's (Dietrich 
Six's or Fort Henry, in Bethel township). Being not 
able to spare more men, as just a detachment was out 
to meet the wagon with provision, I sent Sergeant 
Christ. Mowrer with only two men to look for their 
tracks. It is a cruel fate that we are brought to ; we 
shall fight without powder and lead. If some is there, 
be pleased to send it to us. . . . 

"Just now I received news that the son of John 
Snabele, not far from Dub's, is killed and scalped, 
having five shots in his body. As this has happened 
at the same time there must be undoubtedly a good 
number of the Indians. It is probable that they are 
' still in the country, all the tracks going in and none 



FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



133 



out. I suppose, according to the tracks, that there 
are about twenty in the country. I believe that our 
very good allies at Wyoming have done this service 
to us, as all the tracks over the mountains come from 
tlie east. 

"The fjirmers of Tulpehocken have brought up 
some men toward the Hole, and desired me to join 
them with a part of the garrison, whercui)on I have 
sent them a sergeant with eight men." 

A letter from the same place about the same 
time mentions that the wife of John Frantz and 
tlircc ehiklrcn were carried off by the Indians, 
and that the woman was murdered a little way 
from Frantz's house, she having been weakly 
and not able to travel. Also, that the son of 
Jacob Snavely, a shoemaker, was killed and 
scalped about the same time. From the tracks 
of the enemy, their number was supposed to be 
about twenty. {Fenna. Gt/srffc, June 29, 1758). 

" The Indians burnt a house on the Swatara 
ard killed one man. Three men are missing. 
Two boys were found tied to a tree and re- 
leased. AVo are alarmed in the fort almost every 
night by a terril)le barking of dogs ; there are 
certainly some Indians about us. " ' 

After General Forbes had taken possession of 
Fort du Ciuesne, 25th of November, 1758, 
many of the soldiers were marched to and 
quartered at Lancaster and Reading. They 
were quartered among the inhabitants, and their 
conduct caused grievous complaints. To rem- 
edy the evils, the Assembly cau.sed a barracks to 
be erected at Lancaster, in 1759, large enough 
to accommodate five hundred men. 

Horses Stolen. — In the middle of Sep- 
tember, 1759, three Delaware Indians were 
hunting near Tulpehocken, and whilst tiiere 
stole six hor-ses. The owners pursued them as 
far as Fort Augusta and there informed Major 
Orndt of their loss. L^pou making inquiry tiie 
major discovered the thieves. In their confes- 
sion they expressed themselves sarcastically that 
when any of their property was taken very 
little was said about it, but when they took a 
few horses a great noise was made. An order 
was given that they restore the horses to the 
owners; but they went away without compliance. 

FiNCHER Murder. — For several years after 



'Letter to Pennn. Gazette, Oct. 17G8. 



the terrible excitement which prevailed in the 
county during the years 1755, 175G, 1757 and 
1758, there would seem to have been no invas- 
ions or losses in life and property worthy of 
mention. No letters have as yet come to light 
indicating that the Indians had been on this 
side of the Blue Mountain. But, whilst all 
was quiet with the settlers along the frontier, 
and they were busily and hopefully carrying on 
their daily labor on their farms and in their shops, 
how they must have been shocked by a sudden 
invasion over the mountain and into Albany 
township during the month of Septf-mber, 176;5, 
when a party of Indians fell upon and murdered 
John Fincher and his family, and this, too, 
within a mile from the place where a small 
body of soldiers were stationed under the com- 
mand of Ensign Shaffer ! Tlie following letter 
from Jonas Seely (one of the justices of the 
county), at Sinking Spring, dated 10th of Seji- 
tember, 1763, communicated the sad intelligence 
to the Governor, John Penn : 

"Honored Sir: I am sorry 1 have to acquaint 
your honor of the following melancholy account 
which I received from Captain Keru last night: On 
the eighth instant a party of Indians came to the house 
of one John Fincher, about three-quarters of a mile 
distant from Captain Kern's men, commanded by 
Ensign Shaffer; they killed Fincher, liis wife and 
two of his sons, his daughter is missing; one little 
boy made his escape from the savages and came to the 
ensign, who immediately went to the place with his 
party. But the Indians were gone, and finding by 
their tracks which way they went, pursued them to 
the house of one Nicholas Miller, where he found 
four children murdered; our party still ])ursued, and 
soon came up with the enemy and fired on them. 
They returned the fire, but the soldiers rushed on 
them so furiously that they sdou ran offand left behind 
them two prisoners, two tom.ahawks, one hanger and 
a saddle; the Indians were eight in number, and our 
party seven ; three of the enemy were much wound- 
ed. The two. prisoners that our party recovered were 
two of said Miller's children that they had tied to- 
gether and so drove them along. Miller's wife is 
missing ; in all there are eight killed and two missing 
in that neighborhood." 

And on the following day he addressed 
another letter (then at Reading) to the Governor, 
relating to an attack upon Frantz Plubler's house, 
in Bern township — the premises being now in 
Upper Bern. It was as follows : 



134 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



" Honored Sir : This moment, at Reading, as I 
was sending off tlie express, certain intelligence came 
that the house of Frantz Hubler, in Bern township 
about IS miles from here, was attacked Friday even- 
ing last by the Indians; himself is wounded, his wife 
and three children carried off, and three other of his 
children scalped alive, two of whom are since dead." 

Small-Pox. — During November, 17(33, the 
small-pox prevailed at Fort Augusta. James 
Burd, stationed tiiere, informed the Governor 
that volunteer parties had brought the disease 
there, and that sundry of the soldiers were down 
with it ; that a great number of the men never 
had it, and he expected all would be infected ; 
and having no medicine, Nature would have to 
eifect a cure. 

Thkke Men Killed. — On the 25th of No- 
vember, 1763, Jonas Seely addres.sed a third 
letter to the Governor, in which he stated that 
three men were murdered hy the Indians on the 
north side of the mountain, in the forks of the 
Schuylkill, about twenty-two miles fi-orn Read- 
ing. Tiiese men were on their way returning 
to a plantation, which they had deserted. Cap- 
tain Kern, immediately after hearing of the 
murder, marched in pursuit of the enemy for two 
days, but, a very heavy snow having fallen and 
the Indians having fled a considerable distance, 
he desisted from further pursuit upon reaching 
the place where the murder had been committed. 
This is supposed to have been the last murder 
committed in the county. 

Peace Declared. — After the French had 
receded into Canada before the advancing army 
of English soldiers, the Indians naturally fol- 
lowed their allies. Hence the cruelties here 
ceased after 1758. And when Canada was sur- 
rendered in 1760, the peace and safety of our 
community were assured. The declaration of 
peace was delayed for three years. When it was 
published in 1763, only a few Indians remained 
in the eastern section of Pennsylvania. A small 
settlement of them, who were friendly to the 
government and the inhabitants, remained at 
Shamokin ; and some families were scattered 
in different parts of the county, where thev 
remained for many years afterward. 

Before the war considerable trade had been 
carried on successfully between the settlers and 
the Indians, continuing indeed without inter- 



ruption from the time of the first settlement 
till 1744, and even a decade afterward. The 
relations had become so pleasant and firm that 
certain Indians remained in the county unmo- 
lested during the war, and carried on their 
peaceful vocations, such as basket-making, bead- 
work, etc. ; and after the war traveling parties 
of them frequently visited the county antl sold 
articles of their handiwork. 

During the French and Indian War the In- 
dians killed about one hundred and fifty, and 
captured thirty inhabitants of the county. Sev- 
eral of those who were taken captive returned 
after the war. But, strange to say, during these 
eight years, only four of the Indians were 
killed in the county. We may well ask what 
enabled the Indians to be so successful in their 
warfare against the colonial government. The 
protection afforded by the government was 
wholly inadequate. The forts were too few in 
number for the one hundred and forty miles of 
frontier which they were designed to protect; 
they were too far apart to render assistance to 
fleeing, terror-stricken people when danger was 
upon them. But the Indians were cunning, 
fleet and enduring. They approached settle- 
ments stealthily, committed outrages, arson and 
murder, and then departed speedily. They 
were always in small parties of three, four or 
six. Being thoroughly acquainted with the 
mountains, they were enabled to escape pursuit 
by various routes. 

Persons Murdered, taken Pri8oner.s 
and Mlssing. — The following persons were 
murdered by the Indians in the county during 
the " French and Indian War," the number 
being about one Uundred and fifty. The exact 
number cannot be stated, because in four in- 
stances a man and his family were killed — but 
the number was not mentioned in the report. 
Twenty-seven persons were taken prisoners and 
eight were reported as missing. jNIany persons 
were wounded, some of whom doubtless died 
from their wounds : 

MURDERED. 

June, 175-1. — Peter Gcisinger, Tulpehocken. 
June, 1754.— Fred. Myers and wife, Tulpehocken. 
June, 1754. — Young girl, Tul|H'hocken. 
June, 1754. — Hostetter family, Bern. 
June, 1754.— Sebastian Brosius, Bethel. 



FKENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 



135 



October, 1755. — Henry Hartniari, Bethel. 

October, 1755. — Two men (iinknonn). Bethel. 

October, 1755. — Odwaller and another unknown,' 
Bethel. 

November, 1755. — Thirteen persons unknown, 
Bethel. 

November, 1755.— Child, eight years old, daughter 
of a man named Cola, Bethel. 

November, 1755. — Cola's wife and two children 
older. Bethel. 

November, 1755. — Philip a shoemaker. Bethel. 

November, 1755.— Casper Spring, Bethel. 

November, 1775. Beslinger,'- Bethel. 

November, 1755. — Child of Jacob Wolf, Bethel. 

November, 1755. — John Leinberger, Bethel. 

November, 1755. — Rudolph Candel, Bethel. 

November, 1755. — Sebastian Brosius, Bethel. 

November, 1755. — Six men killed,^ Bethel. 

November, 1755. — Unknown man, a shoemaker at 
Brown's house, Bethel. 

November, 1755. — A child scalped and died,* 
Bethel. 

November, 1755. — A woman^ and male child. Bethel. 

November, 1755. — Fifteen persons (excluding five 
preceding), Bethel. 

Novelhber, 1755 — Christopher Ury, Bethel. 

November, 1755. Youngman, Bethel. 

November, 1755. — Wife of Kobe!," Bethel. 

February, 1756. — Two children of Frederick Rei- 
chelderfer, Albany. 

February, 1756. — One man, two women and six 
children,' Albany. 

February, 1756. — George Zeisloffand wife, two boys 
and a girl, Albany. 

February, 1756. — Wife of Balser Neyfong, Albany. 

March, 1756. — Peter Kluck and family, Albany. 

INIarch, 175G. — A woman at Linderman's house, 
Albany. 

March, 1756. — William Yeth, Hereford. 

March, 1756. — Wife of John Krausher, Hereford. 

October, 1756. — Two married women and two boys,'* 
Bethel. 



Possibly these two and the two immediately before are 
tlie .«ame. 

2 Near by an Indian was found dead and scalped — of 
Delaware tribe — scalped by Frederick Weiser. Another 
was shot and scalped several weeks afterward. 

' Supposed to have been soldiers. 

* Two otliers also scalped, who doubtless recovered. 

' Under this woman her babe only fourteen days old was 
found. It was alive, wrapped up in a little cushion. 

6 Four of their children were scalped at 'he same time. 
They had eight children with them. Two probably died. 
The father was wounded. 

' All killed at house of Jacob Gerhart, situate in the 
upper section of the township, commonly known as the 
''Eck" (corner). Eight of them were burned. 

" One of them reported as likely to die from scalping. 



November, 1756. — Wife, daughter andsoli-in-law of 
Philip Culmore, Albany. 

November, 1756. — Martin Fell, Albany. 

November, 1756. — Two old men," Bethel. 

November, 1756. • Stonebrook, Albany. 

June, 1757. — Man unknown, near Fort Henry, 
Bethel. 

June, 1757. — Two persons near Fort Northkill, 
Tulpehocken. 

June, 1757. — Adam Trump,'" Albany. 

June, 1757. — Peter Gei singer, Bethel. 

July, 1757. — Three men and four children," Bethel. 

July, 1757. — Two children near Bickel's. 

July, 1757. — Martin Jaeger and wife,'^ fJreenwich. 

July, 1757. — Two childreu of John Krausher, 
Greenwich. 

July, 1757. — One child of A. Seehlcr, Greenwich. 

July, 1757.— One child of Philip Eshton, Greenwich. 

July, 1757. — Ten people.'^ 

September, 1757. — A man shot in bed whilst sick. 

September, 1757. — Two families." 

April, 1768. — Jacob Lebenguth and Margaret his 
wife, Tulpehocken. 

April, 1758. — Wife and two children of Nicholas 
Geiger, Tulpehocken. 

April, 1758.^Wife of Michael Ditzeler, Tulpe- 
hocken. 

June, 1758. — Wife of John Frantz, Tulpehocken. 

June, 1758. — Son of John Snabele, Tulpehocken. 

October, 1758.— A man. Bethel. 

September, 1763. — John Fincher, wife and two 
sons, Albany. 

September, 1763. — Four children at house of 
Nicholas Miller,'' Albany. 

September, 1763. — Two children of Frantz Hubler, 
Bern. 

November, 1763. — Three men near forks of Schuyl- 
kill." 



' Ten women and children were rescued at this place 
from the cellar of a burning buildinj;. 

'" Found with a knife and a spear (fixed to a pole four 
feet long) in his body. 

" All murdered and scalped in one house. 

''^ John Kraushaar's wife and child, Abraham Sechler's 
wife, and a child of Adam Clauss were scalped at the same ' 
time and badly wouuded. 

'' Alluded to in Weiser's letter. Probably he referred to 
party killed in Greenwich. 

'• No number mentioned. 

■5 Two of Miller's children were prisoners, but were 
rescued. When rescued they were tied together, in which 
manner they had been driven along. 

'* These are supposed to have been the last persons killed 
by the Indians at this time. But during the Revolutionary 
War, in August, 1780, John Negman and his two young 
children were cruelly murdered by the Indians thirty- 
three miles from Reading on road to Shamokin ; and at the 
same time a little girl was carried off. (8 Pa. Arch., 529. j 



136 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVAXIA. 



TAKES PRISOXERS. 

June, 1754.— Daughter of Balser Schmidt (fifteen 
years old), Tulpehocken. 

June, 1754. — Three children of Frederick Myers 
(two boys, ten and six years old, and a girl eight 
years old), Tulpehocken. 

June, 17-i4. — Son of Reichard (eight years old), 

Tulpehocken. 

February. 1756 — Son of Balser Xeyfotig, Albany. 

March, 1750. — Son of William Yeth, Hereford. 

November, 1756. — Girl nameil Stonebrook, Albany. 

June, 1757. — Son of Adam Trump, Albany. 

Tune, 1757. — Young woman from near Fort Henry. 
Bethel. 

July, 1757. — Three children from near Bickel's. 

July, 1757. — Tsvo children at same time, 

September, 1757, — Five children, 

June, 1758. — Three children of John Frauiz. Tul- 
pehocken. 

September, 1763. — Wife and three children of 
Frantz Hubler, Bern. 

MISSIXR. 

November, 1756. — Wife and child of Martin Fell, 
Albany. 

November, 1756. — A boy seven years old, Albany. 

October, 1758. — Three men missing. Bethel. 

September, 1763. — Daughter of John Fincher, 
Albany. 

September, 1763. — Wife of Nicholas Miller. Albany, 



were being conducted in their midst to keep 
them interested in public progress. But fol- 
lowing the " Indian Invasion," the establish- 
ment of the " District of Reading," the proposed 
change of gDvernment, the erection of the court- 
house and the opening of the public offices, 
etc., public matters one succeeding the other in 
quick succession, together with many jirivate 
enterprises, there came a subject which developed 
a general excitement surpassing all the previous 
subjects combined. The way was unconsciously 
prepared for them by foreign legislation, and, 
though it resulted in no increased burdens, it 
stimulated the discussion and appreciation of 
pei-sonal rights to such a degree during the next 
decade as to develop in them a wonderful energy 
and combined resistance which carried them 
through suffering warfiu-e for seven years, 
and eventually realized the establishment of an 
independent, representative government. 



CHAPTER IX. 

EEVOLCTIOX AXD IXDEPESDEXCE. 

Kevoluiion — Stamp Duty — P;itriolic Spirit at Re.iJing — 
Various Cotninittees Chosen — Battle .it Lexington 
awakens County — Companies frotn Berks County — Con- 
scientious Scruples against War — Tory Feeling in 
County — English Prisoners at Reading — Associators — 
Brigndier-General Elected — Quota of County Excee<led — 
Patriotism of Joseph Hiester — Battle of Long Island — 
Deserters. — Hessian Prisoner? — Hessian Camp Sur- 
prised — Hessian Officer Drowned — Militia Refuse to 
March — Militia Returns of County — Army Supplies — 
Affairs at Reading in 1777— Conway Cab:il — Duel at 
Reading — Independence Won and Peace Declared — 
Revolutionary Survivors — Continental Paper Money, 

The consternation incident to the invasion of 
the county by the Indians had not fully sub- 
sidetl before the inhabitants of the town came to 
be agitated about a proposed change of provincial 
government. Their opposition was active and 
the preservation of the prevailing form was 
doubtless gratifying to them. Numerous things 




BRITISH STAMP. 

Stamp Dcty. — The Parliament of Great 
Britain pas.sed an act on March 22, 1765, which 
required all instruments of writing, such as 
deeds, bonds and promissory notes, to be written 
on parchment or paper and stami)ed with a 
specific duty, otherwise they were to have no 
legal effect; but this measure met with such 
general opposition in Great Britain and through- 
out the American colonies, and was found to be 
so unjKipular, that the act was repealed in the 
following year, February 17, 1766.' This oppo- 
s'tion, however, led the Parliament to pass a 
declaratory act — which accompanied the repealing 
act — as.serting the power over the colonies " in 

' The cheapest stamp was of the value of one shilling. 
The stamps on documents increased in value according to 
their importance. .AH the colonist" manifested unbounded 
joy over the repeal of this odious law. 



RK\(ll,l TlOX AND INDEPENDENCE. 



137 



all cases whatsoever." And' then an act was 
|)as.*('(l which itnj)()so(l a tax on tea, filass, paper 
and painters' colors iin[H)rtc(l into the colonies. 
" FiCgislation without representation," as this 
was, awakened in the cohmies a j^reat spirit of 
resistance ; and this grew year after year till it 
finally culminated in a violent demonstration at 
lioston in December, llT-i, when cci'tain men 
in the disguise of Indians went upon three 
vessels loaded with tea at the wharf in the night 
time and threw the tea overboard. This act led 
to llie passage of the " Boston Port Bill " on the 
I 4tii of March following, which provided that 
after the ISth of June, 1774, no person should 
load or unload any ship in that harbor. In this 
manner it was thought that the customs and 
commerce would be transferred from Boston to 
Salem. And other acts were passed in reference 
to th(! government of Massachusetts, the trial of 
the offenders, etc. Through these acts the people 
of Iioston were visited with suffering and loss. 
I?ut their situation won the sympatiiy of ail the 
colonies. The colonists expressed themselves 
with disgust and rage at this treatment, and 
formed associations for their relief. 

PATrnoTrc Sitrit at RiiAOiNci. — When the 
news reached Reading, in Berks County, the 
citizens manifested great excitement and sym- 
pathv. Meetings were held at which the action 
of the liritish government was condemned. 
These meetings were called by notices headed 
" Boston Port Bill " and posted throughout the 
town. The following report of one of these 
meetings at Reading has been preserved, and is 
|iresented in this connection to show what action 
the people of the town were inspired to take, 
and what expi'essions they were led to make in 
the matter: 

"At a meeting of a very respectable body of free- 
lioUlers and others, inhabitants of the county of Berks, 
at Heading, the 2d of July, 1774, Edward Biddle, 
Esq.,' in the chair. 



'Edward Biddle was born in 1732. He entered the 
inovincial array in 17ti4 and became an ensign. In 17u9 
lie was promoted to lieutenant, and in 1760 he was com- 
missioned captain. Resigning from the army, he studied 
law, and, after the usual course of study, established him- 
self as a lawyer at Reading. He represented Berks County 
in the Assemlily of Pennsylvania from 1767 to 1781 — 
having been Speaker in 1774. During his service he was 
17 



" This assembly, taking into their very serious con- 
sideration, the present critical situation of .Vmcrican 
afi"aii"s, do unanimously resolve as follows, viz.: 

" 1. That the inhabitants of this county do 
owe, and will pay due allegiance to our rightful 
Sovereign, King George the Third. 

"2. That the powers claimed, and now attempted 
to be put into execution, by the British rarliament 
are fundamentally wrong, and cannot be admitted 
without the utter destruction of the liberties of 
America. 

"3. That the Boston Port Hill is unjust and 
tyrannical in the extreme. .\nd that the measures 
pursued again.st Boston are intended to operate 
equally against the rights and liberties of the other 
colonies. 

" 4. That this assembly doth eoneur in opinion with 
their respective brethren of Philadelphia, that there 
is an absolute necessity for an immediate congress of 
the deputies of the several advices, in order to 
deliberate upon and pursue such measures as may 
radically heal our present unhai>py disturbances, and 
settle with precision the rights and liberties of 
.Vmerica. 

"5. That the inhabitants of this county, confiding 
in the prudence and ability of the deputies intended 
to be chosen for the general congress, will cheer- 
fully submit to any measures which may be found 
by the said congress best adapted for the restoration 
of harmony between the mother-country and the 
colonies, and for the security and firm establishment 
of the rights of America. 

"G. That as the people of Boston are now suffering 
in the grand and common eau.se of American liberty ; 
Resolved, 

"That it is the duty of all the inhabitants to con- 
tribute to the support of the said surt'erers, and that 
the committee hereafter named do open subscriptions 
for their relief. And further, that the said conunittee 
do lay out the amount of such subscriptions in pur- 
chasing flour and other provisions, to be sent by them 
to our said siiftering brethren. 

" 7. That Edward Biddle, James Reed, Daniel 
Brodhead, Henry Christ, Esqs., Christopher Schultz, 



placed upon the most important committees. In July, 1774, 
lie, with seven others, was elected to represent Pennsylva- 
nia in the First Continental Congress. He was re-elected 
to Congress in December, 1774, in November, 1775, and in 
November, 1778. In January, 1775, on his way to Phila- 
delphia from Reading in a boat, he fell ovei-board. Through 
this accident he contracted a weakness from which he 
never recovered. He died at Baltimore, September 5, 1779. 
" Love of country, benevolence and every manly virtue ren- 
dered him an object of esteem and admiration to all that 
knew him." He had two sons, Nicholas and Charles, the 
latter having represented Berks County in the General 
.\sserably in 1788. (See "Autobiography of Charles Bid- 
dle," pp.74, 127, 389-391.) 



138 



HISTORY OF BKRK8 COUxNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Tliomas Duii<liis and Jonathan Potts, gentlemen, be, 
and they are hereby appointed a eomraittee to meet 
and correspond with the committees from the other 
counties of the Province." 

Thethauksof the assembly were unanimously 
voted to the chairman, for the patriotic and 
spirited maimer in which he pointed out the 
dangerous situation of all the American colonies, 
occasioned by the unconstitutional measures 
lately adopted by the British Parliament with 
respect to Boston ; expressing, at the same time, 
the greatest loyalty to our sovereign, and the 
most warm and tender regard fur the libei'ties of 
America. 

There never ajipeared to be greater unanimity 
of sentiment upon any occasion than in the 
resolves made by the freemen of this comity, 
all cordially agreeing to sacrifice every tempo- 
rary advantage for the j)urpose of securing 
liberty to themselves and their posterity. 

From this meeting to the close of the Eevo- 
lution, the people of the town and of the county 
participated actively in all the affairs of the 
province which were conducted towards the 
establishment of independence. They were rep- 
resented by delegates at the several conferences 
held ; and they contributed their quota of men, 
money and supplies in the snccessful prosecu- 
tion of the war. 

Various Committees Ch().sen. — The depu- 
ties chosen to represent the county at the pro- 
vincial meeting, held at Philadelphia, on July 
15, 1774, were Edward Biddle, James Read, 
Daniel Broadhead, Thomas Dundas, Jonathan 
Potts and Christopher Schultz. 

Pursuant to advertisements scattered through- 
out the county, a respectable numberof the inhab- 
tants met on the .5th of December, 1774, at the 
(«urt-house, in Reading, and proceeded by bal- 
lot to the election of a committee, as recom- 
mended l)y Congress, when the following gen- 
tlemen were duly chosen : Edwai-d Biddle, 
Christopher Schultz, Dr. Jonathan Potts, Wil- 
liam Reeser, Baltzer Gehr, Michael Bright, John 
Patton, Mark Bird, John Jones, John Old, 
Sebastian Levan, George Nagel, Christopher 
Witman, Jacob Shoemaker and James Lewis. 

The Committee of Correspondence for the 
county appointed in reference to the safety of the 



colonies, ek\, met at Reading on January 2, 1775, 
and unanimously agreed to the proposed Provin- 
cial Convention, to be held at Philadelphia on 
January 23, 1775, and they appointed the fol- 
lowing delegates to represent the county at the 
convention : Edward Biddle, Mark Bird, Balt- 
zer Gehr, Sebastian Levan, John Patton, Jona- 
than Potts and Christopher Schultz. 

And they also tiien appointed a Committee of 
Correspondence for thecounty, — Edward Biddle, 
Mark Bird, Jonathan Potts, William Reeser 
and Christopher Witman. 

This committee addressed a letter to the com- 
mittee of Lanciister County, dated January 5, 
1775, in which, among other things, they said : 

" When we consider that our disputes are drawing 
fast to a crisis, and that the most cordial unanimity 
is absolutely necessary for our preservation, we can- 
not doubt but that your respectable committee will 
without hesitation appoint deputies to attend the pro- 
vincial congress. The neglect of any one county 
may have the most fatal consequences. And we well 
know the pleasure it would give our enemies to see 
even the appearance of disunion at this very impor- 
tant time." 

The following letter, in reference to sheep 
and wool in the county, was circulated through- 
out the county during January, 1775 : 

"To the Farmers of Berks County : 

" Reading, January 16th, 1775. 

" The Committtee of the County of Berks having 
considered the association of the butchers of this 
town not to kill any sheep whatsoever till the first 
day of May next, take the liberty earnestly to recom- 
mend to the inhabitants of this county not to sell any 
sheep whatsoever to any butcher from Philadelphia 
or elsewhere till the first day of May. The preserv- 
ing of wool being an object of the greatest conse- 
quence, the committee Hatter themselves that the far- 
mers will cheerfully observe this recommendation, 
and as the committee will meet in Reading, on Tues- 
day, the 14th day of February, if any inhabitants 
have any objections to make to the measure hereby 
recommended, such inhabitants are requested to at- 
tend the committee, to make their objections, that the 
same may be maturely considered. 

"Any person having wool which he caunot dispose 
of in the country, may bring it to the house of Mr. 
Mark Bird, in Reading, who will give fourteen pence 
per pound for any quantity. 

" By Order of the Committee. 

"Jonathan Potts, SecrHary." ' 

' I American Achives, p. 1144. 



KEVOLUTKJN AND INDEPENDENCE. 



139 



From the patriotic spirit that prevailed, this 
recommendation was doubtless observed. 

Battle at Lexington AwakExVs Couxty. 
— TJie battle of Lexington was fought on the 
lUth of April, 1775. When the news of the 
battle reaehed Reading, about a week afterward, 
a company of men was formed, who wore crape 
for a cockade in token of the sorrow for the 
slaughter of their brethren. Each township in 
Berks County resolved to raise and discipline its 
company. On the 25th of April, a town meet- 
ing was called at Philade]i)hia, when thousands 
of the inhabitants assembled, and agreed to 
associate for the purpose of defending with arms 
their lives, their property and their liberty.* 
This patriotic feeling prevailed at Reading and 
in the county. The following extract of a let- 
ter from Reading, dated 26th of April, 1 775, 
presents it forcibly : 

" We have raised in this town two comiianies of 
foot under proper officers ; and such is the spirit of 
tlie people of this free county, that in three weeks 
time there is not a township in it that will not have 
a company raised and disciplined, ready to assert at 
the risk of their lives the freedom of America." '' 

COMPANIES FROM BERK.S COUNTY. 

A number of companies from Berks County 
were enlisted and served in the great struggle 
of the colonies for independence. A record of 
their respective services has not been published, 
and I have not been able to ascertain satisfact- 
orily what they did or where they served. 
Tliis will account for the want of an introduc- 
tory narrative with the several rosters. The 
companies, so far as I have been able to ascer- 
tain them, were the following. I made diligent 
search amongst the records of our county 
in order to ascertain what companies were fur- 
nished by the county in this period, but I could 
not find any statement or evidence of any kind 
relating to this subject. 

Captain George Nagel, Thompson's Battalion of 
Riflemen. 

Captain Jonathan Jones, D. Haas' First Pennsyl- 
vania Battalion. 

Captain Henry Christ, Miles' regiment Pennsyl- 
vania Riflemen. 



'4 Bancroft's "Hist, of U. S.," p. 549 (Centenary Ed., 
1879.) 

' 2 American Archives, p. 400. 



Captain John Spohn, Magaw's Fifth Pennsylvania 
Battalion. 

Captain Peter Decker, Magaw's Fifth Pennsylvania 
Battalion. 

Captain John Lesher, Patton's regiment. 

Captain Jacob Moser, Harmar's Sixth Regiment 
Pennsylvania Continental Line. 

Captain Jacob Bauer, Von Ottendorfl''s corps Penn- 
sylvania Continental Line. 

Captain Benjamin Weiser, Hauscgger's regiment. 

Nagel'.s Company op Riflemen. — On 
June 14, 1775, the Continental Congress passed 
resolutions requiring twelve companies of expert 
riflemen to be raised for the purpose of joining 
the army near Boston. Eight of these compa- 
nies were to be raised in Pennsylvania, formed 
into a battalion, and commanded by officers 
recommended by the Assembly or convention 
of the province. The officers were recom- 
mended and commissioned; and the command 
formed of these companies was called " Colonel 
Thompson's Battalion of Riflemen." Each 
company consisted of one captain, three lieuten- 
ants, four sergeants, four corporals, a drummer 
or trumpeter and sixty-eight privates. The 
pay was as follows : Captain, $20 a mouth ; 
lieutenant, $13J; sergeant, |8; corporal, $7 J; 
drummer, $7^; private, $(>B. 

They supplied their own arms and clothes. 
The term of enlistment was one year. 

One company in this battalion was from 
Reading. It was Captain George Nagel's. 

ROLL OF CAPTAIN GEORGE NAGEL'S COMPANY.-' 
Captains. 
George Nagel, commissioned June 25, 1775 ; promoted 
major of the Fifth Battalion, Colonel Robert Ma- 
gaw, January 5, 177(i. 
Morgan Conner, commissioned January 5, 1776 ; March 
9th called from camji by Congress, and sent into 
the Southern Depaitnient ; afterwards lieutenant- 
colonel of Colonel Hartley's regiment. 

First Lieutenants. 
Morgan Conner, commission dated July 17, 1775; 

promoted captain. 
David Harris, appointed January 5, 177(>. 

Second Lieutenants. 
Peter Scull, commissioned July 17, 1775; promoted 
captain of Third Pennsylvania Battalion, Colonel 
John Shee's, Januarv 5, 1770. 



spenna. Arcliives (2d seiies), vol. x. p. 34 For his 
tory of this battalion, see same volume, pp. 3-13. 



14(1 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUXTY, PE^^■SYL^■AXIA. 



Benjamin Chambers, Sr., from private, Captain 
Chambers' company, January 5, 1776; subse- 
quently first lieutenant First Pennsylvania. 

Third Lieutenants. 
Peter Grubb, com. July Peter Weiser, appointed 
17, 1775 ; appointed to January o, 1776. 

Miles' ride regiment. 

Surgeon. 
Dr. Jonathan Potts. 
Sergeants. 
Jacob Bower, appointed John McKinty. 

quartermaster. Alexander Brannon. 

Hananiah Lincoln, see Philip Gibbons. 
Twelfth Pennsylvania. 

Corporals. 
James Williams. Henry Senevely. 

Hugh Hughes. Casper Heiner. 

Drummer. 
John Molay. 

PriiKites. 

Thomas Bain. Abraham Griffith. 

Christopher Baldy. John Grow. 

Y''ost Berger. Timothy Harris. 

Conrad Bourke. John Huber. 

Peter Bowman. William Jones. 

Peter Brough. George Kemmerling. 

James Brown. John Kerner, wounded at 

John Bermeter, living in Lechmere Pond, Nov. 

Berks County in 1810. 9, 1775; re-enlisted in 

Michael Ceney. Sixth Pennsylvania in 

Casper Cool, or Kool, 1777. 

died in Berks County Charles Kleckner, pro- 

in 1807. moted ensign of Ger- 

John Cox. man Regiment. 

Robert Creed. Nicholas Leasure. 

William Crowley. John Leaman. 

Henry Deckert. Casper Leib. 

Christian Derr, re-enlist- Harmon Leitheiser, en- 

edinold Eleventh, Col. sign Sixth Pennsylva- 

Humpton. nia. 
Hugh Deunison. John Lewis. 
John Dombaugh. Samuel McFarland. 
Jacob Duck. Christopher Martin. 
Jacob Elgerts. Michael Miller. 
Jacob Ebright. Peter Mingle. 
Andrew Engel. Alexander Mogey [Mc- 
Peter Felix. Gee]. 
George Fisher. Adam Mover. 
Christian Fought. Christian Mover, or Chris- 
Michael Foust. topher Myer. 
Lewis Franklinberry. Michael Mover. 
George Gearhart. Ernst Nibber [Lawrence]. 
Charles Gordon. Frederick Nipple. 
Daniel Gorman. X Henry Orwig. 



George Spotts. 
John Stone. 
John Streker. 
Frederick Tueo. 
Abraham Umstedd. 
Philip Waggoner, of Tul- 

pehocken. 
Nicholas Waltman. 
Christian Wander. 
.Tohn Weiser. 
Isaac Willey. 



Daniel Graff. 
John Grant. 



Samuel Parks. 
Adam Pickle. 



Elias Reiger, discharged 

July 1, 1776; resided 

in Union County in 

1820. 
Thomas Reilly. 
John Rewalt. 
William Robinson. 
Christian Rone. 
Nicholas Shanefelt. 
Andrew Shirk. 
Joseph Smith. 
Henry Senevely, Sr. 

A returu of March, 177(3, states the strength 
of ttie company as follows : One captain, 
three lieutenants, four sergeants, four cor- 
porals, oue drummer and sixty-five privates 
pre.sent. 

Ix Mass.\chu.setts Campaigx. — AVithin 
three weeks from the time of their enlistment 
some of the companies took up their Hue of 
march to the Hudson River on tlieir way to the 
army at Cambridge, Mass. During July and 
August, 1775, they passed thmugh New Wiud- 
.sor — on the Hudson several miles above West 
Point. Nagel's company, from Reading, re- 
ported at headquarters, at Cambridge, on the 
18th of July.' The last of the battalion arrived 
on the 1 8tii of August. The appearance of the 
men was described as follows : 

"They are remarkably stout and hardy men, many 
of them exceeding .six feet in height. They are 
liressed in white frocks or rifle-shirts and round hats. 
These men are remarkable for the accuracy of their 
aim, striking a mark with great certainty at two hun- 
dred yards distance. At a review, while on a quick 
advance, a company of them fired their balls into ob- 
jects of seven inches diameter at the distance of two 
hundred and fifty yards. They are now stationed in 
our lines, and their shot have frequently proved fatal 
to British officers and soldiers who expose themselves 
to view even at more than double the distance of com- 
mon musket-shot." - 

" Each man bore a rifle-barreled gun, a toma- 
hawk or small ax and a long knife, usually called 
a ' scalping-knife,' which .served for all purposes 
in the woods. His underdre.ss — by no means in 
military style — was covered by a deep ash-colored 
hunting-shirt, leggins and moccasins — if the latter 



' A letter, dated .Tiily '2-1, 1775, from the camp at Cam- 
bridge, stated — '-The Reading Company of Rifles got into 
camp last Tuesday (18th)." 

2 Thatcher's " Mililarj' Journal of Revolution," August, 
1775. 



REVOLUTION AND INDEPENDENCE. 



141 



could be procured. It was tlie silly fashion of those 
times for riflemen to ape the manners of savages."' 

Tlie battalion was fir^it actually engaged and 
.sustained its first less in killed and wounded on 
the 27th of August, whilst covering an intrench- 
ing party. Captain James Chambers, of Cum- 
berland County, described the eugagement in a 
letter, dated 29th of August, as follows : 

"On the evening of the 2(Jth instant (Saturday) I 
was ordered to draw fifty men out of each of the Cum- 
berland companies and to be ready to march at sun- 
set. I did so, and marched, without beat of drum, to 
Prospect Hill, and thence proceeded with the riflemen 
stationed there (in all about four hundred) to Ploughed 
Hill and then to the hill within three or four hundred 
yards of the enemy's strongest works, to cover a party 
of about two thousand musketmen, who were at the 
same time to entrench on Ploughed Hill. They la- 
bored hard all night and atdaybreak had the redoubt 
nearly completed. The English began a heavy can- 
nonading, which continued all day. They killed one 
adjutant and one soldier w-ith cannon and wounded 
three others with musket-balls. William Simpson, 
of Paxtchi, was struck by a shot and his foot carried 
away." 

Simpson was ayoung man in fJaptaiii Smith's 
Company, from Lancaster County. During his 
illness he was visited and consoled by (ieneral 
Washington, in person, and by nio.st of the offi- 
cers of rank belonging to the army. Every 
exertion was made to save him, without avail. 
He died on the 29th of August, 177o, and his 
<lcath became a theme of common sorrow in an 
army of twelve or fourteen thousand men. He 
was the first Pennsylvania .soldier who fell in 
the War of the lievolutiou." 

Jones' Company. — The campaign for the 
conquest of Canada was conducted during the 
year I77G. The company of Captain Jonathan 
Jones, of Berks County, participated in it. In 
January, 1776, he and hi.s cotupany, number- 
ing eighty-three men, set out upon the long 
march of six hundred miles to Canada, pro- 
ceeding by way of Easton, the Hudson River 
and Albany, and arriving at Quebec in the lat- 
ter part of March. They suifered much cold 
and sickness and endured m;iuy hardships. 



' Description by .ludge Henry, of Lancaster, who. when 
but a boy, was one of the riflemen. 

^ '' History of Lancaster County " (Everts & Peck, 1883), 
pp. 39-40. 



After their retreat from Quebec, they returned, 
at the risk of capture, and secured valuable 
papers which had beeu left behind. They par- 
ticipatetl in the battle of Three Rivers, on June 
8, 1776, and accompanied the army in its dis- 
astrous retreat to Ticonderog-a. 

ROLL OF COSIPAXY. ' ■ 

Captain. 
Jonathan Jones. 

Corporals. 

Bean. Jacob Candy. 

^ Kelly. Matthew Clark. 

Priva/cs. 

(xeorge Alexander. Patrick McLaughlin. 

John Brown. Clement Merls. 

James Dagley. Philip O. Miller. 

Brice Dunlap. Robert Murdnck. 

.loseph Fullerton. .lames Murphy. 

Robert Gougher. Albert Pearson. 

Daniel Leary. Ezra Shea. 

James McCorlcy. Joseph Skclton. 

.lohu McGregor. William Tennent. 

Robert McKillup. William Walker. 

Joseph McMullen. Thonnis Walters. 

Jonathan J( )nks was a son of David Jones, 
one of the earliest settlers of Caernarvon town- 
ship. He was born in this township in 1738. 
Upon the breaking out of the Revolution he 
raised a company of Associators in that locality, 
and was appointed a captain in the First I'enn- 
sylvania Regiment of the regular Continental 
army, October 25, 1775, and ordered with his 
company to the " British Barracks," at Phila- 
delphia. He acted as jiart of the escort of 
Martha Washington into Philadelphia, and in 
December was ordered into Northamjiton Conu- 
ty, Ya., to protect it against Lord Dunmore. 
The alarming state of affairs in Canada led to 
the revocation of this order, and, by command 
of Congress, he marched with his company of 
eighty-three men for Ciuebcc, over the snow and 
" frozen lakes." This terrible mid-winter march 
consumed two months. After the precipitate 
retreat from Quebec, he voluntarily returned, 
at the risk of capture, and recovered valuable 
papers. He was with Arnold in his pursuit of 
the British, after the battle of the Cedars, and 
took part in the battle of " Three Rivers," June 

3 10 Pa. Arch. (2d ser.) 57. Roll incomplete. 



142 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



8, 1776. He shared the terrible and distressing 
sufferings of the army in its disastrous retreat to 
Ticouderoga, aud underwent at that post the 
severe aud exacting routine of militarv duty in- 
cident to its fortification and defense to resist 
the attack of General Carleton. He wasstationed 
there from July 9 to Xo%'ember 15, 1776. 
On October 27th the time of enlistment of his 
men ran out, but through his exertions they 
consented to remain as long as the enemy was 
in their front. After a year's active service he 
was promoted to the rank of major, October 25, 
1776, and to lieutenant-colonel of his regiment, 
which had become the second under the new 
arrangement, March 12, 1777. His constitu- 
tion was so shattered by the hardships and ex- 
posure of the campaign against Canada that he 
was obliged to return home to recruit his health 
in the winter of 1776-77. Having partially re- 
covered, he rejoined his regiment in the spring 
of 1777, the command of which devolved upon 
him after the resignation of Colonel James Ir- 
vine, June 1, 1777. Two companies of the 
regiment were then on duty in Philadelphia 
and the remainder were guarding the upper 
ferries of the Delaware. Increasing ill-he:dth, 
liowever, oblige^l him to resign his commission 
in the latter part of July. In December, 1778, 
he was appointed by the Assembly a commis- 
sioner under the test laws, and he was a member 
of the General Assembly of Pennsylvania from 
Berks County from October, 1779, to October, 
1780. His health continued steadily to decline, 
and he was shortly afterward stricken with 
paralysis, of which he dial, after a lingering 
illness, on September 26, 1782, at the early age 
of forty-four. He was buriefl at Bangor Cliurch, 
Churchtown, of whicli members of his family 
had been wardens and vestrymen from its 
earliest foundation. | 

Christ's Company. — The following is the 
roll of Captain Henry Christ's company in [ 
Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment, under command 
of Colonel Samuel Miles : 

Gap fain. 
Henry Christ, Jr., Berks County, March 9, 1776 ; 
resigned March 19, 1777. 

l^rsi Lieutenant. 



Daniel Tophani, March 28, 1776 ; captured August 
27, 1776; exchanged April 20, 1778. 



Second Lieutenant. 

Jacob Maess, March 16, 1776. 

Third Lieutenants. 

Abner Davis, March 28, 1776; resigned October 

19, 1776. 
George Gyger, from sergeant October 24, 1776. 

Sergeants. 

George Gyger, April 1, 1776; promoted third lieu- 
tenant October 24, 1776. 

Matthew Whitlow, April 20, 1776 ; missing since 
the battle, August 27, 1776. 

Jeremiah Geiss. March 29, 1776 ; missing since the 
battle, August 27, 1776. 

Adam Christ, from private; wounded, ball passing 
through his breast at Brandywine. \ — 

Joseph Starke. 

Drum and Fife. 

Samuel Keiser. Matthias Rehrer. 

Xathan Hinkel. 

Privates. 

William Albert, March 29, 1776. 

Henry Alter, April 8, 1776. 

Michael Arnold. 

William Butler, April 12. 1776; re-enlisted in Second 
Pennsylvania. 

Adam Christ, March 18, 1776 ; promoted sergeant. 

Melcher Close. 

Godfry Dering, April 11, 1776. 

John English, April 22, 1776. 

Francis Fisher. 

Henry Fisher, April 11, 1776. 

Godfrey Fister, April 20, 1776. 

Henry Frederick, April 17, 1776. 

Paul Frederick, May 4, 1776 ; missing since the bat- 
tle, August 27, 1776. 

Yost Fuchs [Fox], March 23, 1776 ; missing since 
the battle, .\ugust 27, 1776. 

Harmon Geiss, April 11, 1776. 

,lohn Green, April 9, 1776. 

Peter Groff, April 6, 1776. 

Michael GrofT. 

Valentine Gyger, of Shamokin, April 13, 1776. 

John Hambright, of Shamokin, April 15, 1776. 

Nicholas Hamm, March 26, 1776. 

William Harbert, March 24, 1776. 

Jacob Heckman. 

Yost Heck. April 2, 1776. 

George Heftner. 

John Hermon, April 8, 1776. 

Michael Hienerleiter. 

Henry Hill, March 25, 1776. 

Nathan Hinkel, April 12, 1776. 

Daniel Houseknecht, March 23, 1776. 

John Hummel, March 23, 1776. 

George Jones, April 7, 1776. 

Francis Keehl. 





LT. COL. JONATHAN JONES, 
Secoiul Penna. Regt. Cuntinciual Aimy. 



RRVOLITIOX AND INDEPENDENCE. 



143 



Christiiiii Kenimerer, May 3, 1776. 

George Kettner, March 25, 177(J. 

Christian Kreamer, April 5, 177G. 

Simon Kreisher, March 22, 177G. 

Abraham Lantsert, March 25, 177(). 

Henry Leffler, March 24, 1776. 

George Lehnig, April 13, 1776. 

Isaac Linwill, April 9, 1776. 

Emanuel Lippert, April 5, 1776. 

John Long. 

Philip Lott, April 22, 1776. 

.John Lutz, April 22, 1776. 

Gotlieb Mack. 

Simon Maderia, April 9, 1776. 

George Mengel, April 13, 1776. 

Henry Merts, April 14, 177(). 

Philip Miller. 

Joseph Muffly. 

Daniel Nitterhous, April 8, 1776. 

John Nothstein. 

Frederick Poust [Boust], March 22, 1776. 

Matthias Rehrer, April 10, 1776. 

Charles Reichard, April 3, 1776. 

Jacob Reiff, March 26, 1776. 

Jacob Riegle. 

David Sftibold. 

Yo.st Seyler, April 28, 1776; resided in Centre County 

in 1830. 
Adam Shafler, April 22, 1776. 
Joseph Stark, May 14, 1776. 
Adam Streckdefinger. 
Frederick Struble, April 26, 1776. 
Peter Treher, March 25, 1776. 
Christian Walk, April 6, 1776. 
John Weaver, April 7, 1776; discharged January 1, 

1778; resided near Germantown in 1821. 
John Weidman, April 10, 1776. 
Henry Weiss, 
(ieorge Whitman, March 24, 1776 ; his wife, Maria, 

shared witli him the fatigues of army life; died 

in 1823. 
Michael Wissler. 
Henry Wolf, April 8, 1776. 
George Zenig. 
Philip Zott. 

Si'ohn's and Decker's Companies. — In the 
Fifth Pennsylvania Battalion, under the com- 
mand of Colonel Robert Magaw, there were 
two companies from Berks County, one from 
Reading, Captain John Spoiui's ;' and the 
other, mostly composed of men from the county, 
Captain Peter Decker's." 



' Pennii. Arch. (2d ser.), vol. x. p. 1.51 
''■ Same, p. 155. For history of battalion, see same volume, 
pp. 103 and 137. 



ROLL OF CAPTAIN JOHN SI'OHN's COMPANY. 

[This roll is incomplete.] 
Enlisted at Reading, Pa. On the 28th of May, 
1776, his company, officers and men, numbered seventy- 
eight. 

Captain. 

John Spohn, Reading, commissioned January 5, 1776; 
resigned November 4, 1776. 

First LiciitenaH/. 
John Morgan, Philadelphia, commissioned January 
6, 1776; taken August 16, 1776; same day pro- 
moted captain, vice Miller, killed June 1, 1778, 
became supernumerary ; exchanged August 26, 
1778. 

Second Lieutenant. 

William Stanley, commissioned January 8, 1776; 
taken August I6th; same day promoted first lieut- 
enant; exchanged August 25, 1780. 
Ensign. 
John Gansel, commissioned January 8, 1776. 

Sergeant- Major. 
Enoch Wright, appointed November 16, 1776. 

Sergeants. 
Jacob Vanderslice, Reading, taken November 16, 1776. 
Adam Ruth. 



Henry Vanderslice, Reading, taken November 16, 
1776 ; residing at Sunbury, 1792. 

Henry Goodheart, Reading, taken November 16, 1776. 

James Campbell, Reading, taken November 16, 177(). 
Privates. 

Jacob Albert, Reading, taken November 16, 1776. 

John Allison, subsequently sergeant-major of Fourth 
Pennsylvania. 

John Barnhest, taken November 16, 1776; paroled 
December 26, 1776. 

Richard Barington, Cecil County, Md., taken No- 
vember 16, 1776. 

Anthony Bishop, Reading, taken November 16, 1776 ; 
paroled December 26, 1776. 

George Cole, Reading, taken November 16, 1776 ; 
paroled December 26, 1776; residing in Berks 
County, 1811. 

William Collins, taken November 16, 1776. 

Timothy Carney, Cecil County, Md., taken November 
16, 1776; paroled December 26, 1776. 

Dennis Calaghan, enlisted June 1, 1776. 

Valentine Dengler, Reading, taken November 16, 1776. 

Peter Duck, Philadelphia, taken November l(i, 1776. 

William Fletcher, Cecil County, Md., taken Novem- 
ber 16, 1776 ; paroled December 26, 1776. 

Henry Goodhart, residing at Sunbury, 1791. 

Christopher Havener, Reading, taken November 16, 
1776. 

George Heilman, Reading, taken November 16, 1776 ; 
paroled December 27, 1776. 



144 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Christian Holick, Reading, taken November 16, 1776. 
Jacob Hauskaecht, Reading, taken November 16, 

1776. 
George Hotl'uer, Reading, taken November 16, 1776; 

paroled December 27, 1776. 
Martin Link, Reading, taken November 16, 1776. 
Nicholas Mann, Reading, taken November Ki, 1776; 

paroled December 26, 1776. 
George Marshal, Reading, taken Novendicr Ki, 1776. 
Jacob Miller, Reading, taken November 16, 1776; re- 
enlisted in Colonel Hartley's regiment; discharged 

1781 ; died in Walker township, Centre Connty, 

1822, aged sixty-seven. 
Peter Miller, Reading, taken November 16, 1776 ; 

paroled December 26, 1776. 
John Nair, Readiug, taken Novcndjcr Ki, 1776. 
John Rangier, Reading, taken November Ki, 1776. 
Jlichael Raume, Reading, taken November 16, 1776. 
John Rbeam, Reading, taken November 16, 1776. 
Michael Selser, Reading, taken November 16, 1776. 
John Shelson, Cecil County, Md., taken November 

16, 177(5. 
Michael Whitmer, taken November 16, 1771! ; residing 

in Cumberland County, 180!(. 
George Whitmire, Reading, taken November 16, 1776 ; 

died in New York, two days before exchange. 
Benjamin Ziegler, Reading, taken November 16, 

1776. 
Michael Zurn, Reading, taken November 16, 177(). 

On May 2(i, 1770, Decker'.s company nuni- 
l)ered eighty-six officers and men. Decker was 
tVom Readiug ; commissioned January 5, ] 776 ; 
taken prisoner November 1(5, 1776 ; broke his 
parole, and resigned February 1, 1777. 

In a return dated October 7, 1776, Spohn's 
company was reported to have had seventy 
officers and men, of wiiom fifteen were sick and 
absent, and Decker's .seventy-four, of whom 
nine were sicic and absent. On November 15th 
foHowing, Spolin's had one first lieutenant, one 
second lieutenant, four sergeants, and of rank 
and file, twenty present fit for duty, and nine- 
teen sick, present; and Decker's had one captain, 
fir.st lieutenant and .second lientenant, each, four 
sergeants, two drum and fife, and rank and file, 
thirty-seven present fit for duty, and six sick, 
present. 

ROLL OF C.VPTAIX PETER DECKER'S COMPANY. 

[This roll is incomplete.] 
Captain. 
Peter Decker, Reading, commissioned January 5, 
1776; taken November 16, 1776; broke his par- 
ole; resigned (February 2, 1777. 



Firsi Lieutenant. 
Charles Phile, Philadelphia, commissioned January 
6, 1776; taken November 16th; promoted cap- 
tain February 1, 1777; exchanged August 26, 
1778; became supernumerary. 

Secund Lieutenant. 
.lohn Rudolph, Darby, Chester County, commissioned 
January 8, 1776; taken November 16th ; promoted 
to first lieutenant February 1, 1777; exchanged 
October 25, 178(1. 

Ensign. 

James Mulloy, commissioned .lanuary 8, 1776. 

Serijeaiits. 
.lames Forsythe, Cumru, Berks County, taken No. 

vember 16, 1776. 
Michael Gabby, New London, Chester County, taken 

November 16, 1776; j)aroled December 26, 1776. 
Christopher Weiser, residing in Buffalo township, 

Union County, 1792. 

Corporal. 
Philip Duck, Cocalico, Lanca.ster County, taken No- 
vember 16, 1776; paroled December 26, 1776. 

Privates. 
Abraham Brosious, Cumru, taken November 16, 1776. 
Michael Burkhart, Cumru, taken November 16, 1776; 

died in prison, 
.lacob Cherchner, Cumru, taken November 16, 1776; 

died in prison. 
Andrew Cook, Darby, taken November 16, 1776. 
Leonard Dell, Cumru, taken November 16, 1776 ; 

died iu Peun township, Snyder County, 1792. 
James Finerty, Mildriek, Del., taken November 16, 

1776. 
Robert Fry, Philadelphia, taken November 16, 177(i. 
George Huber, taken November 16, 1776; residing 

in Dauphin County, 1806. 
George Huber, taken November 16, 1776; residing 

in Dauphin County, 1807. 
Anthony Lehman; Pennsylvania pension, York 

County, in 1818, aged sixty-five. 
Peter Moyer, taken at Fort Washington ; exchanged 

1778; re-enlisted in Captain Bankson's company. 
Matthias Spang, Cumru, taken November 16, 1776; 

paroled December 26, 1776. 
Leonard Strow, Cumru, taken November KJ, 1776. 
Edward Welsh, Cumru, taken November 1(!, 1776. 
Jacob Young, Cumru, taken November 16, 1776; 

paroled December 26, 1776. 
Michael Zeller, Cumru, taken November 16, 1776; 

residing in Dauphin County in 1807. 
.John Zuier, Cumru, taken November 16, 177(i; died 

in prison. 

Leshkh's Compaxy. — The following is a 
copy of the roster of a company from Berks 
Countv which served during the campaign com- 



ItEVOH'TIO.N AXIt TNDKPEXDKXCK. 



145 



mencing with the battle of Long Island (dated 
Perth Aniboy, August 27, 1776) : 



Colonel. 

llll PiltlUll. 



First Major. 

.I(»s('i)li Thornburirh. 

Second Major. 

Christian Lower. 

iSfaff Adjutant. 

Henry Spyker. 

Quarter-master. 

George Lechner. 

Captain. 

John Lesher. 

Fir.^t Lieutenant. 

Jacob Rehrer. 

Second Lieutenant. 

Jolin Anspach. 

Ensign. 
Jacob Bortiier. 

Sergeants. 
Valentine Beuler. Wm. Eichberger. 

Francis Zeller. Conrad Sherman. 

Coriiorids. 
Philip Eichberger. Peter Weis. 

Henry Kruui. .Jacob Read. 

Fifer. 

Andrew Zeller. 
Drummer. 

■ John Weis. 
Privates. 
Ludnig W'irtcnberger. 
Lorcntz Wolfe. 
George Fisher. 
John Gebhart. 
Peter Mayer. 
John Reinhart. 
Jacob Megan t. 
George Brobst. 
Christian Enierich. 
Baltzer Houtz. 
Frederick Young. 
Michael Kattermau. 
Nicholas Stouch. 
Peter Forney. 
Conrad Wentzel. 
Samuel Read. 
Jacob Hitzman. 



Baltzer Noll. 
John Teisinger. 
Philip Weber. 
Henry Snyder. 
Jacob Brown. 
Godfried Seltzer. 
Nicholas Teisinger. 
Hieronymus Schrift. 
Nicholas Smith. 
Ludwig Ohrenbaum. 
George Paffiiiger. 
Leonard Emerich. 
Abraham Snyder. 
Peter Pontius. 
Nicholas Bressler. 
Henry Sterner. 



" Rations furnished to Colonel Rattan's Regiment, 
at Womelsdorf, 1068. 
18 



" Record of March to Long Island. 
" At Womelsdorf, fiom August 1st to 9th, getting 
cloth for tents and making tents. August 11, marched 
at 12 M. from Womelsdorf to Sinking Spring, nine 
miles. August 12, to Reading, five miles, and detain- 
ed there by Committee 13th and 14th. August 15, 
marched to Levau's (Kutztown), eighteen miles. 
.Vugust 16, to Bethlehem, twenty-four miles. August 
17, to Straw's Tavern, fifteen miles. Ne.xt day, Sun- 
day, remained there, raining all day. August 19th, 
marched to South Branch of Raritan River, twenty 
miles. August 20th, to ' Punch Bowl,' twenty miles. 
August 21st, to Boneautown, seventeen miles ; and on 
22d arrived at Perth Amboy, seven miles ; total dis- 
tance marched, one hundred and thirty-five miles." 

Moser's Company. — The following is the 
roll of Captain Jacob Moser's company in Sixth 
Pennsylvania Regiment of Continental Line : 

Captain. 
Jacob Moser, February 15, 1777. 

First Lieutenants. 
George Will, Berks County, February 14, 1777 ; had 
been eleven years in Prussian and English ser- 
vice; left the regiment October 7, 1777. 
Samuel Smith, October 8, 1777. 

Second lAeutenants. 
Samuel Smith, promoted October 8, 1777, first lieu- 
tenant. 
Farquhar McPherson, October 8, 1777. 

Ensign. 
Ernest Greese, February 15, 1777. 

Sergeants. 
Peter Sackville, April 30, 1777. 
John Albright, March 26, 1777. 
John Gallagher, April 30, 1777. 
Dennis Carroll. 

Corporals. 

Dennis Carroll, April 28, 1777. 

Jacob Boyer, March 10, 1777 (three years). 

Drummer. 

Jacob Busvalt. 

Fifer. 

Francis Parvin, April 28, 1777. 

rrivatcs. 

William Adam, Maxatawny, June 0, 1778 (three 

years). 
Martin Armfighter, April 30, 1777. 
Charles Bates, May 1, 1777. 
John Barnhart, April 10, 1777. 
Jacob Bower, April 25, 1777. 
Samuel Boyer, March 10, 1777. 
John Boyd, April 12, 1777; missing June26, 1777. 
Edward Brown, March 13, 1777. 



146 



inSTOUY OK BKRKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



George Camp, Maxatawny, June 28, 1778 (three 

years.) 
John Casedy, Maxatawny, June 9, 1778 (three 

years). 
Adam Decker, Maxatawny, July 0, 1778. 
James Dietrick, Maxatawny, May I.'), 1778 (three 

years. 
John Dumb, April 2, 1777. 
Phineas Eachey, September 18, 1777. 
David Gibson, March 8, 1777. 
Jacob Glasnnire, May 3, 1777. 
John Glasmire, May 8, 1777. 
Ludwick Guthbroad, Eeadiug, May 28, 1778. 
John Hawkins, May 11, 1778 (three years). 
John Herman, March 10, 1777. 
Henry Hopper, May 1, 1777; transferred to artillery 

in October, 1777. 
John Howard, Reading, July 27, 1778 (three years). 
Daniel Keel, May T), 1778. 
Henry Kelchner, Maxatawny, May 11, 1778 (three 

years). 
John Kerner, March 10, 1777; promoted sergeant 

(see general list). 
Casper Knorr, Maxatawny, May 19, 1778 (three 

years). 
Conrad Kline, Maxatawny, March 12, 1778 (three 

years). 
John Ijcslie, February 23, 1777 (for three years). 
Jacob Leimmes (Lemer), May ."i, 1777. 
James Mathews, Reading, Ai)ril 2.5, 1778. 
John Metz, April 22, 1777. 
Adam Meyer, Maxatawny, May 5, 1778 (three 

years). 
Thomas Mitchell, May 17, 1777. 
Isaac MuUer. 

Jacob Oswald, April 30, 1777. 
Thomas Pickworth, Reading, May 7, 1778. 
Abraham Pyke, Reading, May 7, 1778. 
John Reedy, April 5, 1777. 
Daniel Reel, May 5, 1777. 
John Roland, Maxatawny, April 30, 1778. 
Balther Sheaf, May 1, 1777. 
Jacob Schrader, Maxatawny, May IT), 1778 (three 

years). 
Michael Stainer, May 3, 1777. 

Philip William Stewart, Maxatawny, June 17, 1778. 
Peter Ulrick, May 8, 1778. 
Peter Wendland, May 4, 1777 ; missing September 11, 

1777. 
Jacob Wetzel, Maxatawny, July 1(1, 1778 (three 

years). 
Jacob Welrick, JIarch 30, 1777 (for three years). 
James Wilson, May .5, 1777. 
George Wright, Maxatawny, June 30, 1778 (for three 

years) 
Jacob Young, Sr., pioneer, April 1, 1777. 
Jacob Young, Jr., A\ni\ 27, 1777. 
Michael Zern, Maxatawny, June 9, 1778 (three 

years). 



(Those not marked three years were enlisted "dur- 
ing the war"). 

Bauer's and Wf.iser's Companies. — These 
two companies were also doubtless from Berks 
County. The following is the roll of Captain 
Jacob Bauer's company in Von Attcndorfl''s 
corps, Continental Line : 

Captain. 

Jacob Bauer.' 

First Lieutenant. 

Lewis Aug. de Mechtritz. 

Second Lieutenant. 

John Sharp. 

Serr/eants. 
George Bamberg. Jacob Young. 

t'orporah. 

Andrew Hornberg. John Mannerson. 

Drummer. 

Andrew Ransier. 

Privates. 

Charles Butner. John G. Neimrich. 

George Eirich. John Pattis. 

Charles Feidler. Andrew Rebourg. 

Jacob Fernecorn. William Roch. 

John Geisel. Jacob Shafer. 

John Geo. Klein. Adam Sypert. 

Jonathan Lynch. John Shepherd. 

John Mitchell. John Walch. 

The following is the roll of Captain Benjamin 
Weiser's company, in German Regiment, com- 
manded by Colonel Nicholas Haussegger. Ca])- 
tain AVeiser resided in Heidelberg township and 
was a son of Conrad Wciser : 

Cajitdiii. 

Benjamin Weiser. 

First Lieutenant. 

Jacob Bower.- 

Second Lieutenant. 

Frederick Y'eiser. 

Ensign. 
Jacob Kreanier. 
Sergeants. 
Charles Glichner, July 10, 1776. 
Stewart Herbert, July 15, 1776. 

1 Also spelled Bower. 

- A resident of Heidelberg township. In a deed on rec- 
ord his name is spelled Bauer. He was promoted to cap- 
tain. 



REVOLUTION AND INDEPENDENCE. 



147 



John Benkler, August 15, 1776. 
Joseph Miller, August 19, 1776. 

( 'orporah. 
Nicholas Waldman, July 10, 1776. 
George Price, July 14, 1776. 
Coanifl Rahn, August 1'), 177G. 

Drummer. 
William Marx, July 2"), 1776. 

FifW. 
Adam Bush, July 12, 76 ; disch. Sept. 16, '76. 

Privates. 

John Baruheisell, July 22, 1776. 

John Bishop, July 28, 1776. 

John Christman, August 6, 1776. 

John Derr, August 26, 1776. 

George Fick, July 10, 1776. 

John Heier, July 25, 1776. 

John Henry, August 12, 1776. 

Casi)er Kealer, August 23, 1776. 

Philip Killmar, July 14, 1776. 

Peter Lesher, August 15, 1776. 

Johji Lorash, August 6, 1776. 

Joseph Mast, July 19, 1776. 

John Maurst, August 15, 1776. 

Eberhart Mayer, August 27, 1776. 

Jacob Mickley, September 1, 1776. 

Baltzer Newfang, July 15, 1776. 
John Portner, August 3, 1776. 

Abr. Price, August 9, 1776. 
John Razor, July 24, 1776. 

Michael Riegel, July 20, 1776. 
Martin Jleiskell, August 6, 1776. 
Joseph Romick, August 6, 1776. 
Adam Rasemeisell, July 12, 1776. 
Peter ShifFer, July 12, 1776. 
Benj. Servey, July 19, 1776. 

Henry Seyfert, July 22, 1 776. ^ 

Jacob Smith, July 21, 1776. 
John Snyder, August 16, 1776. 
Frederick Spire, July 15, 1776. 
Adam Stull, July 20, 1776. 
Peter Toney, August 2, 1776. 
Frederick Trester, July 26, 1776. 
Conrad Treywitz, August 18, 1776. 
John Tudro, July 15, 1776. 
William Wallraan, July 27, 1776. 
Philip Warley, July 22, 1776. 
Christopher Weigle, July 28, 1776. 
Frederick Williams, August 9, 1776. 
Vincent Williams, August 19, 1776. 
Michael Yeisley, August 9, 1776. 

The following i.s the roster of tlie Berks 
County regiment in the Revolution, August 27 
1777: " 



First Battalion. -Colonel, Daniel Hunter; Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel, Jacob Boyer; Major, Martin Kercher; 
Adjutant, Philip Berlet; Chaplain, Jacob Michael; 
Quartermaster, Isaac Feeder; Surgeon, Dan'l Velcher; 
Captains, Conrad Geist, Joseph McMurray, Charles 
Krause, John Lesher, Jacob Whetstone, Christopher 
I Foulke ; Lieutenant, Henry Knauss. 

■Second Battalion. —Coloxiel, Daniel Udree ; Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel, John Guldin ; Adjutant, George 
Reihm ; Surgeon, John Umstead ; Surgeon's Mate, 
Thomas Kerlin ; Quartermaster, Conrad Foose ; Cap- 
tains, Stephen Krumrein, John Reitmeyer, George 
Battorf, John Eisington, Peter Smith, Conrad Minich; 
Lieutenant, Joseph Colier. 

Third Battalion. — Colonel, Michael Lindeuiuth ; 
Captains, Sebastian Lentz, Daniel Deturck, Jacob 
Rothermel, David Strouse, Sebastian i\Iillcr, Jacob 
Shartly, George Souter, George Beaver ; Lieutenants, 
Daniel Woraelsdorf, Francis Umbehacker, William' 
Williams, Philip Boenig. 

Fourth Battalion.— Colonel, 3oii&Y>h. Hiester ; Cap- 
tains, Sebastian Emerick, Peter Nagle, George Grant, 
Conrad Weiser; Lieutenants, Isaiah Davis, Jacob 
Dreibelbis. 

Fifth 5a«a;io«.— Lieutenant-Colonel, Geo. Miller; 
Captains, Michael Bretz, George Reihm ; Lieutenants^ 
Kerper, Joseph Talbot. 

Sixth Battalion.— Colonel, Henry Spyker ; Caij- 
tains, Michael Vogge, Jacob Rhoada,o&aco]3' Shaj)- 
pell, Henry Weaver, Conrad Eckcrt, Jacob Hill. 

Seventh and Eighth Battalions.— Colonel, Jacob 
Weaver; Major, John Cinte; Adjutant, Leonard Ger- 
ber; Captains, Daniel Reif, John Eagner, Ferdinand 
Ritter, Philip Creek, David Morgan, Jacob Kremer, 
Philip Filbert, Conrad Mingle; Wagonmaster, John 
German; Sergeant, James Lone; Ensign, John Kidd. 

Captain Joseph Hiester's Co.mi'axv. 

Joseph Hiester raised a company of eighty men 
at lleadingabont June, I77G, and commanded 
it in the battle of Long Island. No record of 
this company has been preserved. 

Captain Jacob Maurkr'.s Company.— 
Jacob Maurer also raised a company of men at 
Reading, and it was also engaged in the battle 
of Long Island, but no roll of it has been pub- 
lished. 

Captain Jacob Livixgood's Riflemen. 

By the colonial records it would appear that 
Jacob Liviiigood, of Middletown (Womel.sdorf), 
had formed a company of riHenten in Heidelbero- 
township during the latter part of Septembei^ 
1781, who were enlLsted to serve till the succeed- 
ing January. He was appointed captain of this 
company. I could not find the roster. They 



148 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



performed service, and the Executive Council 
passed orders in January, 1782, to satisfy them. 

Other Troops FRoxr County. — On No- 
vember 18, 1777, Morgan reported that he had 
sent to camp four hundred militia, out of the 
Fifth and Sixth Classes, under the command of 
Colonel Henry Spyker. 

In January, 1778, (Tenoral Washington recom- 
mended that Cajjtain Edward Scull recruit one 
hundred and fifty men in Berks County for the 
battalion of the State in the Continental 
army. 

Jacob Morgan reported to Council, on the 16th 
of August, 1778, that he had sent from Berks 
County, pursuant to orders, one hundred and 
eighty men, including officers, to Sunbury, and 
one hundred and twenty-three to Easton. He 
also reported, on the ^Oth of June, 1780, that 
he had sent to Philadelphia a company of 
twenty-five men with a muster-roll, — these hav- 
ing been raised as volunteers in Berks County. 

The Fifth Regiment of Infantry in the 
Pennsylvania Line was ordered on the 23d of 
January, 1781, to be recruited at Reading. And 
on the 30th of January following an order for 
five hundred ])ounds was drawn to Henry 
Christ for enli.sting men into this regiment. 

Valentine P]ckert (lieutenant of Berks County) 
reported to President Reed, on the 8th of Oc- 
tober, 1781, that he had sent to Newtown, 
Bucks County, upwards of three hundred men, 
exclusive of officers. Three companies were 
composed of Berks County men — two of which 
were armed, the other was not armed — and 
three more companies were then forming. 

In Augu.'it, 1782, the Indians invaded Berks 
County, and the lieutenant of the county was 
re([uired to call into service a lieutenant and en- 
sign with twenty-five men for the defense of 
the frontiers of the county. Shortly afterward 
he was ordered to send fifty men to defend the 
frontiers of Beri;s County in parts adjacent to 
Northumberland County, and thence to march 
to Sunbury, where they were to be placed under 
the command of Colonel Samuel Hunter. And 
in September following he was ordered to call 
into service immediately one hundred and 
twenty-five of the county militia, who were to 
marcii to Northumberland, and T'cndc/vous at 



Muncy. On the 2d of October, 1784, a de- 
tachment of fifty men out of Berks County 
militia was ordered to be sent to Wyoming to 
quiet the disturbances tiiere and support the civil 
authorities. 

DanieIj Broai^heap was burn proltably in Al- 
bany, N. Y., 1725. In 1738 his father migrated 
to Pennsylvania, and settled in Monroe County, 
now East Stroudsburg. He gi^w up in a frontier 
settlement. Their house was attacked by In- 
dians in 1755. In 1771 he removed to Read- 
ing, and soon afterward was appointed deputy- 
surveyor under John Lukens, surveyor-general. 
In July, 1775, he was appointed a delegate 
from Berks County to the Provincial Convention 
at Philadelphia. In iNIarch, 1776, he was ap- 
pointed lieutenant-colonel of Miles' rifle regi- 
ment ; and in October following he was trans- 
ferred to the Third Pennsylvania Battalion, 
known as Slice's. He was tlieu promoted to col- 
onel of Eighth Pennsylvania Continental Line, 
March 12, 1777, to rank from September 29, 
1776. He joined this regiment in April, 1776; 
and in January, 1781, he was transferred to the 
First Pennsylvania Line, and he was still colo- 
nel of the regiment in September, 1783. Upon 
tiie capture of Colonel Miles, at the battle of 
Long Island, the command of the remainder of 
the battalion devolved upon him ; and he was, 
in fact, after the battle, in command of the 
whole Pennsylvania contingent, being then the 
senior officer remaining in the army ; shortly 
afterward he went home on sick-leave, and 
when he rejoined the army it was as colonel of 
the Eighth Regiment. He made some import- 
ant treaties with the Indian.s, and for this he 
expected to be ordered to move into the Indian 
country, but he was disappointed, the command 
having been given to Colonel Clark, a Virginia 
officer. The war having then been virtually 
ended he was not assigned to any command. It 
is believed that he I'cceived the appointment of 
brigadier-general before the close of the war. 
In 1789 he represented Berks County in the 
General Assembly and participated in the im- 
portant discussion relating to the alteration and 
ammendment of the Constitution of 1776. He 
voted in the affirmative. Subsequently, in the 
.same year, when the As.^embly reconvened, he 



REVOLUTION AND INDEPENDENCE. 



149 



voted for the calling of a convention to iimeDd 
tilt' Constitution. In 1789 lie received the ap^ 
]i()intmcnt of surveyor-general of Pennsylvania, 
wliich he held for eleven years. He then ro- 
jiioved to Milfurd, Pike County, Pa., where ho 
died November 15, 1809. He was twice mar- 
ried, his first wife having been Elizabeth Dcpiu, 
and his second the widow of Ciovernor Thomas 
Milllin. 

William Adams, ot'JMaxatawny, private, 8ixth Penn- 
sylvauia Continental Line, in Hninphroy's com- 
pany, September, 1778 ; resided in Honry County, 
Ky., 1832, aged eighty-six years. 

Matthias Babb, the first private who enlisted in Cap- 
lain Hiester's company ; was a tall, well-propor- 
tioned and handsome man, and a coppersmith by 
occupation at Reading ; he died in 1825, at an 
advanced age. 

Matthias Baughter, sergeant. Captain SeuU's com- 
pany, in Fourth Pennsylvania Continental Line; 
enlisted in 1777; discharged January, 1781 ; re- 
sided in Berks County, 1814. 

David Bloom, private, German Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania Continental Line, August 8, 177G ; three 
years. 

Di'tner (Botmire) Bonser, private Second Pennsyl- 
vania Continental Line, from German Regi- 
ment; discharged January 14, 1781; died in 
Brecknock, Berks County, 1790. 

Jacob Botamer, private, German Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania Continental Line, August, 1776, in Cap- 
tain Bergen's company ; wounded at Trenton, 
N. J., January, 1777; resided in Westmoreland 
County, 1813. 

Jacob Bower, Reading, quartermaster, Thompson's bat- 
talion of riflemen ; lieutenant January 18, 1776 ; 
afterward captain in Flying Camp ; captain 
Sixth Pennsylvania Continental Line February 
15, 1777 ; transferred to Second Pennsylvania 
Continental Line January 1, 1783 ; died in Berks 
County, 1822. 

Edward Burd, major, First Pennsylvania Line. 

Peter Cryolick, private. Von Heer's dragoons Conti- 
nental Line ; pensioner. 

Sebastian Cunitz, Reading, private, Vou Heer's 
dragoons, Continental Line, April 1, 1780. 

Peter Decker, captain, Sixth Pennsylvania Conti- 
nental Line ; prisoner of war. 

Samuel Dewees, captain in the Eleventh Regiment, 
superintendent of certain liospitals ; died at Al- 
lentovvn, 1777. 

Samuel Dewees, filer in Eleventh Regiment, enlisted 
when a boy fifteen years old ; born at "Reading 
Furnace," Heidelberg township, in 1760; son of 
Captain Samuel Dewees. 

Jacob Dodridge, private, Hazen's regiment, Conti- 
nental Line, December 4, 1776 ; discharged at 



end of war, June 20, 1783, with two wounds in his 
arm; resided in Berks County, 1835, aged ninety. 

John Dougan, of Cumru, private. Fourth Pennsyl- 
vania Continental Line; died 1787 and left a 
widow, net' Mary Evans. 

David Edgar, private. Second Pennsylvania Conti- 
nental Line ; died in Berks County .lanuary 15, 
1822, aged seventy-one years. 

Michael Engle, sergeant, Nicholas' company Artillery 
Artificers, Continental Line. 

Andrew Fox, private. Von Heer's dragoons Conti- 
nental Line , pensioner. 

David Fox, Reading, trumpeter Von Heer's dra- 
goons Continental Line, 1778; pen.sioner ; in 
Berks County, 1835, aged sixty-nine years. 

Jacob Fox, Reading, private. Von Heer's dragoons 
Continental Line, 1778 ; pensioner. 

George Fricker, private. Von Heer's dragoons. Con- 
tinental Line ; resided in Reading, 1787 ; pen- 
sioner. 

Peter Fricker, private, Vou Heer's dragoons, Conti- 
nental Line; pensioner; died in Berks County, 
1827, aged sixty-two j'ears. 

Stephen Gilbert, private. Third Pennsylvania (.'onti- 
nental Line ; died in Berks County November 8, 
1819, aged sixty-three years. 

Jacob Glassmirc, private. Second Pennsylvania Con- 
tinental Line, also private Sixth Pennsylvania 
Continental Line; resided in Berks County, 1835, 
aged eighty-one years. 

John Gohoon, corporal, German Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania Continental Line, August 6, 1776. 

John Gouter, farrier. First Partisan Jjegion, C(mti- 
nental Line, May 27, 1782, for eighteen months. 

Frederick Graff', private. Von Heer's dragoons. Con- 
tinental Line; resided in Berks County, 1787 ; 
pensioner. 

Adam Grawley, private. Artillery Artificers ; resided 
in Berks County, aged seventy-seven years. 

Ernest Greese, ensign, Sixth Pennsylvania Conti- 
nental Line February, 1778 ; captured at Short 
Hills and made his escape; served in Royal 
American Regiment in French War ; became 
supernumerary 1778; resided at Reading, 1814. 

Ludwig Gutbreath, ofReading, private, Sixtii Penn- 
sylvania Continental Line. 

Andrew Hagar, German Regiment Pennsylvania 
Continental Line. 

Thomas Hartley, colonel. Eleventh Pennsylvania 
Continental Line January 15, 1777 ; previously 
of Sixth Bat-talion ; he was born near Reading 
September 7, 1748, and removed to York, Pa., 
wlien eighteen years old ; he there studied law 
and was admitted to the bar, 1769. He was a 
prominent representative man in York till his 
decease in 1800. 

Jacob Hartman, private. Captain Douglass' company 
wounded above knee at Brandywine and dis- 
charged 1779 ; resided at Reading, 1792. 



150 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PPLNNSYLYAXIA. 



William Henderson, captain, Fourth Pennsylvania 
Continental Line; from lieutenant May 1(5, 1778, 
succeeding Captain Edward Scull. 

John Herman, private, Hazen's regiment, Continen- 
tal Line; resided in Berks County, 1812. 

John Hess, private, Captain Bower's company, Sixth 
Pennsylvania Continental Line, April 28, 1777. 

John George Hiller, Reading, trumpeter. Von Heer's 
dragoons. Continental Line, January 1, 1778. 

Jacob Holder, private, Second Pennsylvania Conti- 
nental Line; wounded at Brandywine; resided in 
Berks County, 1820, aged seventy-five years. 

William James, a Revolutionary survivor, died on 
the 24th of February, 1850, in the ninety-third 
year of his age. 

Henry Kalkner, Maxatawny, private, Harmar's com- 
pany. Sixth Pennsylvania Continental Line, Sep- 
tember, 1778. 

Peter Keplinger, private, Captain Davis' company. 
Ninth Pennsylvania Continental Line, 1777; 
discharged February, 1780, time expired. 

John Kerner, sergeant, Captain Kagle's company ; 
re-enlisted in Captain Moser's company ; wounded 
October, 1777, and lost two fingers; transferred 
to Captain Finney's company; discharged 17S1 ; 
died in Union County, 1820, aged eighty-four 
years. 

John Keim, private, Captain Peter Nagle's company, 
in Colonel .loseph Hiester's regiment. 

Francis King, private. First Pennsylvania Continen- 
tal Line; died in Berks County, .July 3, 1825, aged 
eighty-five years. 

Saihuel Kline, private, First Pennsylvania Continen- 
tal Line, January 1, 1777; January 18, 1781; re- 
sided in Berks County, 1834, aged seventy-four 
years. 

Adam Koch, private, Armand's Legion, Continental 
Line ; died in Berks County, 1827. 

Herman Leitheiser, of Reading, ensign, Sixth Penn- 
sylvania Continental Lino, February, 1777; died 
in Berks County February 11, 18211, aged seventy- 
seven years. 

Michael Lenig, of Bethel, ])rivate. Seventh Pennsyl- 
vania Continental Line. 

William Marks, Reading, drummer in Selin's com- 
pany, Von Ottendorf's corps. Continental Line, 
March 21, 1777. 

James Matthews, Reading, private, Sixth Pennsyl- 
vania Continental Line. 

Alex. McQuillon, private. Captain Scull's company 
and transferred to Tenth Pennsylvania Continen- 
tal Line. ' 

John Mears, of Reading, cai>tain, Fourth Pennsylva- 
nia Continental Line, July 3, 1777; served till 
May 26, 1778; resided in Reading 1781; com- 
manded Captain Tudor's company till his return 
from captivity. 

Peter Meyer, Heidelberg, private. German Regiment, 
Pennsvlvania Continent.-il Line. 



Jacob Miller, Reading, private, Captain Spohn's com- 
pany. Fifth Pennsylvania Continental Line; died 
in Centre County, 1823, aged seventy years. 

Abel Morris, second lieutenant; from lieutenant of 
Flying Camp to Second Pennsylvania Continen- 
tal Line, 1777; became supernumerary. 

Frederick Midler, Reading, private, Von Heer's dra- 
goons. Continental Line, August 1, 1780. 
Wm. Muneback, private, Artillery Artificers; resided 
in Berks County, 1835, aged seventy-three years. 

George Nagel, major in Magaw's Fifth Pennsylvania 
Battalion, commissioned January 5, 1771!; lieute- 
nant-colonel Ninth Pennsylvania Continental 
Line, October, 1770, to rank from August, 1776; 
promoted colonel Tenth Pennsylvania Battalion, 
Februaiy, 1778; became supernumerary July 1, 
1778. 

Philip Nagle, private. First Pennsylvania Continen- 
tal Line; resided in Berks County, 1835, aged 
eighty-one years. 

Dr. Bodo Otto, Reading, ho.s]iita! physician, Septem- 
ber 30, 1780. 

John Pearson, Reading, first lieutenant Eleventh 
Pennsylvania Continental Line, 1776; promoted 
captain September 7, 1777 ; transferred to Ninth 
Pennsylvania July 1, 1778. 

Abraham Pike, Reading, private, Sixth Pennsylvania 
Continental Line; resided in Luzerne County 
1835. 

Thomas Pikeworth, Reading, private. Sixth Pennsyl- 
vania Continental Line. 

Dr. Jonathan Potts, Reading, surgeon, Canada De- 
partment, 1776; deputy division-general North- 
ern Department, April 11, 1777 ; resigned. 

Daniel Rightmyer, Reading, private, Von Heer's 
dragoons, Continental Line, 1778. 

.lohn Roland, Maxatawny, private. Sixth Pennsylva- 
nia Continental Line. 

Jacob Rupjiert, private. Von Heer's dragoons, Conti- 
nental Line, August, 1778; resided in Berks 
County, 1831. 

Edward Scull, of Reading, captain, Fourth Pennsyl- 
vania Continental Line ; from Adjutant of Colo- 
nel Haller's battalion. Flying Camp, January 3, 
1777; resigned May 16, 1778,^nd appointed sec- 
retary of Board of War. 

Peter Scull, captain in Shee's Third Pennsylvania 
Battalion, commissioned January 4, 1776; ap- 
pointed brigadier major March 23, 1776. 

Charles Shumann, Reading, private. Von Heer's Dra- 
goons, Continental Line, April 1, 1780. 

John Smeltzer, Tulpehocken, private, German Regi- 
ment, Pennsylvania Continental Line, February, 
1780. 

Conrad Smith,private, Third Pennsylvania Continen- 
tal Line, February 29, 1777 : died Oct. 15, 1778 ; 
his widow, Elizabeth, resided at Reading, 1794. 

Henry Snyder, Reading, private, German Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Continental Line, July, 1776. 



i;i;V()M TloX AM) INDEPENDENCE. 



151 



Henry Swetzgay, private, German Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania Continental Line ; died in Berlvs County, 
1825, aged seventy-seven years. 

Frederick Tisius, Reading, private, Von Heer's dra- 
goons. Continental Line, March 1">, 1780. 

Bartholomew Von Heer, Reading, captain. Provincial 
Guard Dragoons, Continental Line ; removed 
with family from Berks County, in 1785, to near 
Falls of Schuylkill, Philadelphia County. 

Michael Wallizer, of Heidelberg, private, Captain 
Scull's company. Fourth Pennsylvania Continen- 
tal Line; transferred to Third Pennsylvania, 1781. 

John Weidman, private, German Regiment, Pennsyl- 
vania Continental Line, August, 1776 ; promoted 
to first lieutenant May 14, 1777 ; retired January 
1, 1781 ; died June 9, 1830, aged seventy-four 
years ; buried in Lutheran Cemetery, Reading. 

Christopher Weigel, private, Weiser's company, Ger- 
man Regiment, Pennsylvania Continental Line; 
wounded in ankle ; discharged at Valley Forge, 
1778 ; resided in Berks County, 183.5, aged seven- 
ty nine years. 

Benjamin Weiser, captain, German Regiment, Penn- 
sylvania Continental Line, 177() ; resided after 
the war at Selin's Grove. 

Peter ^Veiser (grandson of Conrad Weiser), second 
lieutenant First Pennsylvania Continental Line; 
wounded and captured at Germantown. 

Jacob W'eisler, Reading, private, tierman Regiment 
Pennsylvania Continental Line, October, 1776. 

George Whitman, private, from RiHe Regiment to 
First Penusylvania Continental Line ; re-enlisted 
1776 ; discharged July, 1781 ; resided in Berks 
County in 1813. 

Jacob Michael Wilhelm, i)rivate, Armand's Legion, 
Continental Line. 

Henry Willhausen, Reading, private, Von Heer's 
dragoons. Continental Line, April 1, 1780. 

Thomas Williams, private. First Pennsylvania Conti- 
nental Liue ; died in Berks County, 1792. 

Jacob Wirtz, private, Fifth Pennsylvania Continen- 
tal Line ; resided in Berks County, 1835, aged 
seventy-seven years. 

Peter Withington, captain, Twelfth Pennsylvania 
Continental Line, October 1, 1776; took sick in 
Philadelphia, December, 1776, and sent home to 
Reading and died May 11, 1777. 

William Witman, second lieutenant. Ninth Penn- 
sylvania Continental Line, February, 1777 ; shot 
through the body with a musket-ball at German- 
town ; taken prisoner and paroled ; left out in 
arrangement in 1778; resided in Berks County in 
1789; died October 12, 1808. 

Michael Youse, private, from Lowdon's company in 
Thompson's Rifles to First Pennsylvania Conti- 
nental Line, 1776-83; resided in Maxatawny, 
Berks County, 1817. 
Henry Ziegler, Reading, private. Von Heer's dra- 
goons, Continental Line. 



Conscientious Scruples against War. — 
A meeting of deputies of divers inhabitants of 
the county, who were conscientiondi/ scrupuluus 
against bearing arms, was held at Reading, on 
September 1, 1775. Tliey passed certain reso- 
hitions, whicli, briefly stated, were as follows : 

1. Agreeing to voluntary subscriptions for the uses 
pointed out by the recommendations of the Assembly, 
on June 30, 1775, and of the Continental Congress, on 
July 18, 1775. 

2. Ordering accounts of moneys received and ex- 
pended to be kept by a treasurer. 

3. Submitting the moneys to the dis[)osal of the 
Committee of Safety as a part of the share to be ac- 
counted for b)' Berks County. 

4. Agreeing to answer requisitions on them by the 
Committee of Safety. 

These resohitions were signed by Win. Ree.ser, 
as president of the meeting. On September 11, 
1775, he sent a copy of them to tlie Committee 
of Safety, stating iu his accompanying letter 
tiiat they were conscientiously .scnipidous of 
taking up arms, though fully sensible of the 
justice of our cause, but that they were willing 
to contribute to its support. Hi; acknowledged 
tt) have received in hands the sum of one him- 
dred and fifty-two pounds for the Committee of 
Safety, and assured the committee that they 
would ever cheerfully contribute their propor- 
tion towards the .s;ifety and wel litre of the 
public. 

On the 20th of January, 177(;, (lie people of 
the county were asked by tiie Committee of 
Saiety to sign the Articles of Association.' 

Tory Feeling in County. — About this 
time it would seem that certain persons iu the 
county po.ssessed the " Tory" feeling, and, under 
its influence, endeavored to depreciate the "Con- 
tinental currency." Two men were apprehended 
for doing this, but they were discharged, having, 
on 30th of January, 177(5, at Reading, publicly 
acknowledged their error, begged the pardon of 
the community and promised to conform to the 
rules and regulations that existed. Their ac- 
knowledgment was then published "so as to 
deter others from following the same shameful 
and wicked practice." ^ 



' 8 American .\rchives, 795. 
* 4 Americau .\rchives, 887. 



15:; 



HISTORY OF BERKS CorXTV, PHNNSVLVAXIA. 



English Prisoners at Readin(s. — The 
Committee (if Correspondcuce at Reading ad- 
dressed a letter to the Peiinsylvauia delegates 
in Congress, dated 4th of February, 1776, in 
which they stated that " a number of English 
soldiere, lately taken prisoner in Canada, ar- 
rived at Heading with their wives and children. 
The committee were surprised at the arrival of 
so large a party by order without notice to them, 
and without any attending person to supply 
them with necessarii's ; but they immediately 
appointed Henry Huller one of the committee 
to provide houses, firewood and provisions for 
the party, who must have otherwise suffered 
much at this severe season." They asked Con- 
gress for instruction. In this communication 
they recommended that HaHer be retained as the 
commissary for the soldiers stationed at Read- 
ing. 

Some months afterward, Idth of -Tuly, 1771), 
Congress ordered that the prmdes who were 
prisoners in the town of Reading should be re- 
moved to Lancaster. 

A number of prisoners of war were stationed 
at Reading in September, 177(). Their eonduoit 
and late hours excited the citizens to such an 
extent that a meeting of the committee of Berks 
Coimty was called on 3d of September, and 
resolutions were adopted praying the Council 
of Safety to retjuire the prisoners to disarm 
themselves and to repair to their respective 
lodgings at a seasonable hotir— eight i*.M. every 
evening. Captain John Witman, Thomas War- 
ren and Michael Clraus were a})pointed to take 
possession of the fire-arms, etc. ; and, on the 
4th, Daniel Rose, Philip Kremer and Kraut}' 
Hiiuer were appointed to assist. On the ijth 
they reported that 'General Prescott had refused 
to deliver up his pist()ls until he had first bro- 
ken and rendered them usek'ss, and that he had 
declared they acted like robbers. He admitted 
his conduct. The committee resolved that lie 
had misbehavt^tl himself, and " that he be com- 
mitted to the Common Goal till the opinion of 
the Council of Safety be known " James 
Reed, chairman, reported this action to the 
Council, and made reipiest that " a Guard be 
kept as a security from any attempts which may 
be made by the prisoners in our present de- 



fenceless situation." The Council heard the 
matter on the 10th of September, and ordered 
guard to be kept as long as the j)risoners re- 
mained, at the Council's expense' 

James Read wrote to the Council of Safety, 
on December 27, 1776, the letter having been 
induced by the delivery at Reading of seven 
prisoners from Northampton County, — 

" Reading, being the nearest place, \vc, who have al- 
ready more prisoners (French and Scotch) than we 
have men-at-arms (old and young together) in this 
place, shall have all the Tories that Northampton can 
find, whereby the Ruin of this Town is justly appre- 
hended. Lancaster has Barracks, and neither that 
town nor York has any prisoners in it. But, if the 
people of Northampton have their choice of three 
places, they will always send to the nearest of them. 
Thus Reading must be endangered and, at best, bur- 
theued. Our Prison is small ; that of Lancaster large ; 
and that Town is three times as large as this. Pray, 
sir, let these things be immediately considered. We 
are distressed. . . . We have heard that a Hospi- 
tal is to be made in this place. Strange, this I when 
we have not one house in town unoccupied. Many 
families have come hither from Philadelphia." 

AssociATORs. — A Provincial Conference was 
held at Carpenter's Hall, in Philadeljjhia, dur- 
ing June (18 to 25), 1776, for the purpose of 
taking the necessary steps towards the forma- 
tion and adoption of a Constitution for the gov- 
ernment of Pennsylvania.- 

In the proceedings of this conference provi- 
sion was made " for raising 4500 militia, in obe- 
dience to resolutions of Congress of the 3d and 
4th of June, 1776, for establishing a flying 
camp, to consist of 10,000 men, in the middle 
colonies," and a direction given for the prepara- 
tion and publication of an address to the Asso- 
ciatorsof the province im this subject. The ad- 
dress was as follows : 

" 7o the Associators of PennxylvanUi. 
" Gentle.men, 

" The only design of our meeting together was to 
put an end to our own power in the province, by fix- 
ing upon a plan for calling a convention, to form a 
government under the authority of the people. But 
the sudden and unexpected separation of the late As- 

1 5 Pa. Arch., 19. For a list of the names of the prison- 
ers, see 1 I'a. Arch. (2d ser.) 424 ; certified by James Read, 
to Council of Safety, on October 11, 1770. 

- For delegates from Berks County, see chapter on Gov- 
ernment. 



REVOLrTlOX AND IXDEPE.NDP^XCE. 



153 



sembly has compelled us to undertake the execution 
of a resolve of Congress for calling forth 4500 of the 
militia of this province, to join the militia of the 
neighboring colonies, to form a camp for our imme- 
diate protection. We presume only to recommend 
the plan we have formed to you, trusting that, in a 
case of so much consequence, your love of virtue and 
zeal for liberty will supply the want of authority del- 
egated to us expressly for that purpose. 

" We need not remind you that you are now fur- 
nished with new motives to animate and support your 
courage. You are not about to contend against the 
power of Great Britain, in order to displace one set of 
villains to make room for another. Your arms will 
not be enervated in the day of battle with the reflec- 
tion that you are to risk your lives or shed your blood 
for a British tyrant ; or that your posterity will have 
your work to do over again. You are about to con- 
tend for permanent freedom, to be supported by a 
government which will be derived from yourselves and 
which will have for its object, not the emolument of 
one man or class of men only, but the safety, liberty and 
happiness of every individual in the community. We 
call upon you, therefore, by the respect and obedience 
which are due to the authority of theUnited Colonies, 
to concufin this important measure. The present cam- 
paign will probably decide the fate of America. It is 
now in your power to immortalize your names by ming- 
ling your achievements with the events of the year 1776 
— ayear which, we hope, will be famed in theannals of 
history to the end of time, for establishing upon a last- 
ing foundation the liberties of one-quarter of the 
globe. 

" Remember the honor of our colony is at stake. 
Should you desert the common cause at the present 
juncture, the glory you have acquired by your former 
exertions of strength and virtue will be tarnished ; 
and our friends and brethren, who are now acquiring 
laurels in the most remote parts of America, will re- 
proach us and blush to own themselves natives or in- 
habitants of Pennsylvania. 

" But there are other motives before you. Your 
houses, your fields, the legacies of your ancestors, or 
the dear-bought fruits of your own industry, and your 
liberty, now urge you to the field. These cannot 
plead with you in vain, or we might point out to you, 
further, your wives, your children, your aged fathers 
and mothers, who now look up to you foraid,and hope 
for salvation in this day of calamity only from the in- 
strumentality of your swords. 

" Remember the name of Pennsylvania — Think of 
your ancestors and of your posterity. 

" Signed by an unanimous order of the conference, 
" Thomas M'Kean, President. 
" June 25, 1776." 

A letter from the Committee of Berks County was 
laid before the Board, and the same being considered, 
and it being therein represented to this Board that 
19 



some misrepresentation of the intention of Congress 
has arisen amongst the Associators of this State and 
the OfBcers who were appointed to form the Flying 
Camp, with respect to the March and Arrangement 
of the Associators and militia who were to compose 
the said Camp, and in order that it may be better 
understood, it is, — 

"Resolved, That all the Militia who may be fur- 
nished and equip'd agreeable to the Resolve of Con- 
gress do march to such place as they have been 
respectively ordered by Congress, and that the per- 
sons who have been appointed Captains in the Flying 
Camp and have not Inlisted 25 men for that service, 
do return them to their respective Corps of Associa- 
tors to which they formerly belonged, and continue 
with them ; the appointment of the officers for the 
Flying Camp still to continue, and the men already 
enlisted to be considered as bound by their enlist- 
ment, and to be continued in service when the militia 
may be permitted to'return, and subject to further 
orders of the Convention or this Board. And it is 
(brther recommended that those Companies which 
have been raised to form the Flying Camp, which 
already consists of 25 privates and upwards, do im- 
mediately proceed to Trenton or Brunswick, as here- 
tofore directed. 

"Resolved, That this Board will allow the OfBcers 
who were appointed to command the Flying Camp 
all such reasonable expenses iis have accrued in the 
recruiting service. 

The Following Letter was written to the Com- 
mittee of Berks County, and signed by the Chair- 
man : 

" GenVn : 

"Your letter, 22d Inst., to the Hon'ble B. 
Franklin, Esq", Presid't of the Convention, was re- 
ferred by the Hon. Convention to the Council of 
Safety. They must acknowledge the Laudable zeal 
with which your Committee has, at all times, carried 
into execution the recommendation of such powers as 
acted under the People; But, particularly, your ready 
& cheerful Obedience to the ordinance of Convention 
for disarming of non- Associators. 

" The embarrassments you Labor under in conse- 
quence of Resolves of Congress and others, which, 
from the confused state of the times, appeared some- 
what Contradictory, appears to us excusable. In 
order to render the intentions of Congress more plain 
& Comprehensive and to their expectations, The 
Council of Safety have inclosed you their resolution 
upon the matter, requesting that you will take such 
Measures to publish it through your district as will 
be most EtTectual & Expeditious, and that you would 
encourage the Associators to turn out on this very 
important Immergency. 

" By order of Council of Safety. 

" 24 July, 1776." 



154 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Brigamer-Gexekals Elected. — A ])ub- 
lic meeting was held at Lancaster on July 4, 
1776, for the purpose of electing two brigadier- 
generals to command the battalions and forces 
in Pennsylvania. The meeting consisted of the 
officers and privates of fifty-three battalions of 
the Associators of Pennsylvania. A full ratio 
of men was sent by the military of Bei-ks 
County. The following delegates represented 
the county at the meeting : 

Fint Battalion: Officers— Major, Gabriel Hiester; 
Lieutenant, Philip Cremer; privates, John Hartman, 
Peter Filbert. 
"^ Second Battnlion: Officers— Colonel, Mark Bird; 
Major, Jolm Jones ; privates, David Morgan, Benja- 
min Tolbert. 

Third Battalion: Officers — Lieutenant-Colonel, 
Nicholas Lutz ; Captain, George Rlieam ; privates, 
Henry Spoon, Matthias Weurich. 

Fourth Battalion : Officers- Major, Mich.ael Linde- 
mut ; Captain, George JLay ; i)rivate, Mich'l Moser. 

Fifth Battalion : Officers — Colonel, John Patton ; 
Lieutenant-Colonel, John Rice ; privates, Jacob Sel- 
ser, Christ'n Winter. 

Sixth. Battalion: Officers — Major, Conrad Leffler; 
Lieutenant, John Miller; privates, John Hill, Henry 
Lark. 

Serenth Battalion: Officers— Colonel, Seba.itian Le- 
van ; .\djutant, Samuel Ebey ; privates, Pliiliii Bi.s- 
ters, Ca.sper Smack. 

Colonel Mark Bird, of the Second Battalion, 
was one of the judges of the electicm. Daniel 
Roberdcau was elected the first brigadier-general, 
and James Ewing the second. ]\Iark Bird 
received seven votes. Eight candidates were 
placed in nomination. 

Quota of Coltxty Exceeded. — The Com- 
mittee of Correspondence of Berks County ad- 
dressed a letter to Congress, dated 13th of July, 
1776, in which they stated that they had raised 
a company more than the ijuota of the county 
for the Flying Camp of four thoii-sand five hun- 
dred men, in order to complete the battalion, 
concluding as follows : " Our conduct is dictated 
by the warmest attachment to the cause of our 
country, and we trust it will be considered in 
that light by the honorable Congress." ' 

Patriotism of Joseph Hiestek. — Among 
the many men of Reading who were actively 
engaged in the Revolutit)n, Joseph Hiester oc- 



1 American Archives (5lh 5?eriee), 254. 



cupies a prominent position. When the excite- 
ment began, which disturbed all the elements 
in the community, he was a young man, twenty- 
three years of age. But he was not too young 
to rally to the call of the country for indepen- 
dence. He was first selected as one of the dele- 
gates of the county to the Provincial Conference, 
which was held at Carpenter Hall, in Phila- 
delphia, during June, 1776 ; and this confer- 
ence, in its proceedings, provided for raising 
certain militia to form a part of the " Flying 
Camp," and ordered an address to be issued to 
the Associators. Upon the adjournment of the 
conference, he carried the spirit, which had been 
developed there, back to Reading and acted 
promptly in behalf of the provision for troops 
to con.stitute part of the " Flying Camp." On 
July 10, 1776, he-called together, by beat of the 
drum, twenty-five or thirty of his fellow-citi- 
zens and asked them to take into consideration 
the alarming state of the country. He ex- 
plained the situation and said that there was a 
necessity for action. 

Having aron.sed their patriotism, he expressed 
a desire to raise a company of volunteers and 
march with them to the assistance of General 
Washington, who was then in a perilous situa- 
tion in New Jersey. He was listened to with 
great resjiect. At the conclusion of his remarks 
he said (laying forty dollars in money on a 
drum-head) : " I will give this sum as a bounty 
and the appointment of a sergeant to the first 
man who will subscribe the articles of as.socia- 
tion to fi)rm a volunteer company to march 
forthwith and join the commander-in-chief; and 
I also ])ledge myself to furnish the company 
with blankets and necessary funds for their 
equipment and on the march." 

Matthias Babb was the first to step forward. 
He took the money from the drum-head after 
signing the articles. This example induced 
twenty others to sign also. Notices were sent 
out into the neighborhood and meetings were 
held. In ten days afterward Hie.ster had en- 
rolled ninety-si-x men. They were promptly 
organized. This success led him to determine 
to raise a regiment. His liberality and popu- 
larity paved the way for promotion to the 
highest office over these troops that were to be 



REA'OLT'TIOX AND INDEPENDENCE. 



155 



raised. Notwithstanding their preference for 
him, he used all liis influence for the election of 
Henry Haller to the office of colonel, and 
Edward Burd, major. This he did at their 
request. He assured his fellow-soldiers that he 
was satisfied to serve as captain, and even de- 
flared a willingne-ss to serve in the ranks if he 
could there better serve the country. He then 
marched his company from Reading to New 
Jersey, and they became a part of the Flying 
Camp in the regiment commanded by Lieutenant- 
Colonel Nicholas Lotz. 

At Elizabethtown they learned that General 
Washington had marched to Long Island. Some 
of his company, and the company commanded 
by Captain Graul, declared (heir determination 
Dot to march any farther, and said that they 
had proceeded farther than they could have been 
compelled to go. He called the men into line 
and addressed them in bold, impassioned patri- 
otic language, and asked them to fall in with 
him and march forward to join AVashington 
and fight for freedom. All responded nobly 
excepting three. When the drums began to 
beat and the men to march, these three could 
not resist the feeling, and they, too, joined. 
They then marched to Long Island. There 
some were killed and others wounded. The 
concentration of the British troops resulted in 
the capture of many of the American troops. 
As prisoners they were treated with great 
ci'uelty. Along with other officers, Hiester was 
confined for six weeks on board of the prison- 
ship " Jersey." Thence he was removed to 
another prison-ship. Shortly afterward he was 
<-i)nfined on board of the ship " Snow Mentor," 
and there similar bad treatment was inflicted 
upon him. He became veiy sick with fever, 
and very weak under such imprisonment, so 
feeble indeed that he was compelled to crawl on 
hands and knees to get up and down-stairs. 
Whilst there he was plundered of all his clothing 
and money. He was exchanged in December, 
and then returned to Reading. During his 
imprisonment he was elected a major, and upon 
his return home he was elected a colonel. 
He received both commissions at the same time. 
At home he soon recovered his wasted strength. 
Feeling it his patriotic duty, he left home and 



friends and rejoined the army of General Wash- 
ington in Philadelphia (now included in Mont- 
gomery County), remaining with his troops until 
his term of service expired, when he returned 
home. Soon afterward an attack on New York 
was apprehended. General Joseph Reed com- 
manded the Pennsylvania troops. Lisendingout 
circulars for ti'oops, he sent one to Colonel Hies- 
ter asking him to raise volunteers for service. 
Hiester responded promptly, raised six hundred 
and fifty men and joined Reed's army in New 
Jersey. For this ])atriotic action Reed gave 
him a highly complimentary recognition. He 
remained in the army until the close of the war, 
and, after his honorable discharge, returned 
home. His unselfish conduct and his devotion 
to the country in the great struggle for freedom 
made him a most popular man and prepared 
the way grandly for him in his successful 
political life in after-years.' 

Battle of Lox<; Island. — Eight bat- 
talions of Pennsylvania troops in the " Flying 
Camp " were sent to the army at New York, 
'riiree of them were incomplete, and of these, 
two were composed of Berks County militia, 
under the command of Lieutenant-Colonels 
Nicholas Lotz and Peter Kachlein. Lotz's 
major was Edward Burd, and. his colonel M'as 
Henry Haller, of Reading, who did not join the 
army till after the opening of the campaign. 
The commands of Lotz and Kachlein comprised 
each two hundred men and were in Stirling's 
brigade. On the 24th of August, 1776, Wash- 
ington was in doubt as to the intentions of the 
enemy. He found the British sixteen thousand 
strong, but they had been estimated at only 
eight thousand. He ordered more reinforce- 
ments over on the Brooklyn side, and among 
these was Lotz's command. The battle of 
Long Island was fought on August 27, 1776. 
In the engagement part of Lotz's command, un- 
der Major Burd, was stationed at the coast- 
road, at and around the " Red Lion Tavern." 
Burd was at the lower road with Hand till he was 
relieved. The British in numbers exceeded the 
Americans on the island three to one. The ad- 



1 Takm partly from correspondence in United Stales Ga- 
zette, 1832 ; and see Rupp'a " History of Berks County,'' 
pp. 176-179. 



156 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



vance-guanl of the British, under Graut, 
marched up the Narrows and struck the Amer- 
ican pickets in the vicinit}' of the " Red Lion " 
about two o'clock in the morning. The pickets 
retreated before the enemy without checking 
their march. There was hardly more than an 
exchange of fire with Major Burd's detachment 
when he and many others — about eight hun- 
dred — were taken prisoners. This skirmish 
took place on the " Narrows Road," between 
Thirty-eiglith and Fortieth Streets. The 
Americans were defeated because the British 
had completely outflanked and surprised them 
on the Jamaica road. Among the prisoners 
there were ninety-one officers. The killed were 
six officers and fifty privates, and less than six- 
teen officers and one hundred and fifty privates 
were wounded. The total loss of the British 
was reported at three hundred and sixty-seven 
officers and men. No official report of the 
losses in Lotz's and Kachlein's detachments 
can be found. Lotz had six officers taken from 
him, all prisoners, none killed or M'ounded, and 
Kachleiu not more. The following appeared 
among the list of prisoners : Lieutenant-Colonel 
Nicholas Lotz, Lieutenant-Colonel Peter Kach- 
leiu, Major Edward Burd, Captain Jacob 
Graul, Captain Joseph Hiester, Captain Jacob 
Maurer. Hiester and jNIaurer were exchanged 
in December, 1776.' Lotz was admitted to 
parole within certain bounds on April 16, 1777, 
and exchanged on September 10, 1779. He 
returned to his home in Reading, where he 
must have died shortly after, for it does not ap- 
pear that he ever called on the commissaries of 
prisoners for anything that may have been due 
him during his imprisonment and parole.^ 

Deserters. — Henry Haller was on duty at 
Reading in December, 1776, with his battalion. 
On the 16th of Decendjer he left, and on the 
30th of December he wrote to the Council of 
Safety : 

" That the greatest number of the men of my Bat- 
talion fleserted on the IStli and 14th, a thing that 
might, in ray opinion, have been prevented had the 



1 " Campaign of 1776 around New York and Brooklyn," 
by Henry P. Johnson. 

2 Saffel's "Record of Revolutionary War," 309. [He 
lived nearly twenty years afterward.] 



officers taken proper steps ; but some of them were as 
willing as the privates to break up the Battalion ; 
took no pains to get tlieir men, and this conduct en- 
couraged others. Since that I have been here 
waiting to get the pay-rolls, that money might be 
drawn to pay off the men, that they might be encour- 
aged to re-enter the service. But some of the cap- 
tains give me all the delay in their power. There- 
fore, I pray your attention to the matter. I think it 
a paymaster was ordered up here to pay off the Bat- 
talion, it would have a good effect." 

The Executive Council, on the 18th of Jan- 
uary, 1777, took the following action in refer- 
ence to the refusal of the associators in Hun- 
ter's Battalion to march to the seat of war in 
New Jersey : 

" Whereas, This Council is informed that many of 
the principal associators of Colonel Hunter's Battalion, 
of Berks County, refuse to march to join General 
Washington's army at this Important Crisis, when so 
glorious an opportunity off'ers of crushing the enemy, 
and thereby have prevented and discouraged the rest, 
and proceeded even to dare tlieni to enforce the re- 
solves of this Council upon them; therefore, 

"Resolved, That Colonel Hunter be directed forth- 
with to collect all the well affected in his Battalion, 
and seize upon the ringleaders in this defection and 
send them under guard to Philadelphia, and that he 
do execute the Resolve. The resolve of this Council 
of the seventh of December last upon all who refuse 
to march without favor or affection, and that they do 
collect blankets and other necessaries of those who 
are to march, paying a reasonable price for the same ; 
and should any person refuse to deliver sucli neces- 
saries as they can spare, the Colonel is directed to 
take and pay for the same. Those that turn out are 
to march the most direct road to Head Quarters." 

And three days after this (21st of January, 
1777,) General Israel Putnam addressed a letter 
from Princeton to the Council of Safety of 
Pennsylvania, saying that " Captain Echard 
and Captain Fisher, of Berks County, had just 
informed him that their coiupanies had run 
away to a man, except a lieutenant, sergeant 
and a drummer." He added, " I hope, gentle- 
men, no pains or cost will be spared >to apprehend 
these men and bring them back to their duty. 
I think it is of the last importance that thi.s 
spirit of desertion should be crushed in its in- 
fancy, and the militia taught that there is a 
power that can and will detain them." 

Hessian Prlsoxers. — In 1775 the king of 
Great Britain obtained by treaty from the Ger- 



RKVOLUTIOX AND INDEPENDENCE. 



157 



man jiriuces seventeen thousand men for the 
purpose of sending them to America to assist in 
subduing the American colonies. These men 
were sent early in 1776. Many of them (Hes- 
sians) were taken prisoners at the battle of 
Trenton on December 26, 1776, and conveyed 
to Lancaster.^ Some of these prisoners were 
afterward stationed at Heading. Their first 
quarters in the town were in the soutiiern section, 
and, after remaining in that loaility several 
years, they were removed to the southern de- 
clivity of Penn's Mount. This removal was 
caused by tlie frequent disturbances which arose 
between the prisoners and the citizens of the 
town. In May, 1779, a proposition was made 
to send them to New Jersey. On the 27th of 
June, 1781, President Reed wrote to Valentine 
Eekert, "that it was the desire that the jjrisoners 
should be encamped in huts at some small dis- 
tance from Reading, wiiere wood and water 
were convenient, that Colonel Morgan had 
mentioned a piece of ground which had belonged 
to the proprietaries, which would be convenient 



' The Continental troops took the following prisoners, 
arms, etc., at the battle of Trenton : 7oO Hessians, 1 lieut- 
euaut-colonel, 2 majors, 4 captains, 15 subalterns, 3 stan- 
dards, 6 brass field-pieces, and near lOOO stand of arms. 
Two days afterward General Washington commanded them 
to be forwarded to Lancaster. 

The following letter was addressed to Daniel Clymer, 
Esq., at Lancaster, in 1777, in reference to the removal of 
prisoners from that place to Reading : 

" Dr. SiK, — Thtf Board have directed me to write to Wil- 
liam Atlee, Deputy Commissary of Prisoners, to whom 
you'll please to render all the assistance in your power in the 
removal of the Prisoners of War from Lancaster towards 
Reading and Lebanon. Congresshaving just been informed 
by Express that the Enemy are landing in Maryland above 
Baltimore, & its being past a doubt the rescuing their Pris- 
oners & the destruction of our Stores are the objects they have 
ill view. On this important occasion, anything in your 
power, the Board are well satisfied will be done. You'll 
please to have an eye to the Prisoners at Yorlj, & if Mr. 
Atlee can do the Business by himself at Lancaster, it is the 
desire of the Board you proceed thither, & the Committee 
are hereby earnestly requested to furnish such a number 
of Militia as shall put it out of the power of the Prisoners 
to effect an escape. We are unacquainted with the Number 
of Prisoners at Yorli ; you will, therefore, act as your own 
good sense may dictate, I am with all due Respect 
" Your very humble Serv., 

" Joseph Notrs, D. S. 
" Philadelphia, Friday evening, seven o'clock. 
" Danl. Cltmeu, Esq., Lancaster." 



and proper." Three persons were appointed to 
select a location, — Valentine Eekert, lieutenant 
of Berks Coiuity ; Major Bayley, and Colonel 
Wood, Lancaster. On the 17th of July, follow- 
ing. Colonel Wood wrote President Reed, "that 
he could not decide where to locate the prisoners, 
that certain persons who thought they did not have 
a legal title to the commons, had paid the taxes 
and claimed the land." He, therefore, referred 
the matter to him for a decision. He also 
alluded to the Coutiuental stable at Reading, 
which, he thought, might be converted into 
barracks. This stable was in dimensions, twenty 
by one hundred and seventy-five feet, and a 
store-house, twenty by sixty feet. The " Com- 
mons " was not selected ; but the coiBmittee 
went half a mile to the eastward, and selected a 
spot on the hill-side, where they cau.sed huts to 
be erected, and in which they stationed the 
prisoners. At the close of the Revolution many 
of the prisoners remained and settled perman- 
ently in Berks County, mostly in Alsace and 
Oley townships. The place has since been 
known as " Hessian Camp." The greater part 
of these huts were standing in 1841. In July, 
1780, the prisoners at Reading numbered one 
hundred. On 16th of June, 1781, a large 
number of convention prisoners of war, ten 
hundred and fifty, all Germans, excepting sixty- 
three Britons, arrived in Reading under guard 
of the York County militia. Valentine Eekert 
called out two classes of companies from the 
Sixth Berks County regular militia to guard the 
encampment. They were under the charge of 
Major Bayley. During the week following, ad- 
ditional prisoners were brought, so that the 
whole number was near eleven hundred. They 
were encamped on the east bank of the Schuyl- 
kill, near Reading. It is not known whether 
they were taken along to " Hessian Camp " or 
not. On February 2od, 1782, the lieutenant of 
the county was ordered to call out the first class 
of the militia to guard the military prisoners at 
Reading; but only forty men were wanted at a 
time for this purpose. The order was as fol- 
lows : 

" Ordered, That the Lieuteuant of the county of 
Berks be directed to call out a class of the militia of 
the said county, for the purpose of guarding the 



158 



HLSTORY OF BERK.S COUNTY, PENXSYLVAXIA. 



military prisoners oF that county ; that as forty men 
are only wanted at one time for the said purpose, the 
lieutenant be directed to call out no more than that 
number, and that the battalion be called up in their 
numerical order, beginning at the first, for the said 
one class, so far as may be necessary to furnish the 
said number; and when the time of the first forty 
shall expire, he then call on the next battalion or bat- 
talions for the like number, so as to have the succeed- 
ing numbers ready to take charge of the said prisoners 
when the time of the first shall expire, and so on 
until the said one class shall have served their tour 
of duty, or until further orders from this Council." 

Some of the Hessian prisoners at Reading, 
during the course of their imprisonment, were 
hired out to service, notably to George Ege at 
Charming Forge and to John Patton at Berk- 
shire Furnace. 

Hessian Camp Surprised. — The following 
interesting incident transj)ired at the Hessian 
camp on Christmas-Day, 1781. The Hessian 
prisoners and their guard were suddenly 
alarmed by certain soldiers in the disguise of 
Indians, which caused them to fly from the en- 
campment. A court-martial was afterwards 
held, but no one was punished : 

'■ Van Campen, whilst at McClure's Fort, which 
was on the Susquehanna River, above Sunbury, upon 
the service of conducting scouts around the line of the 
settlements, was ordered with his company to Lan- 
caster, late in the fall of 1781. He descended the 
river in boats as far as Middletown (a place ten 
miles below Harris's Ferry), where the order was 
countermanded by another, directing him to march 
ti) Reading, Berks County, where he was joined by a 
part of the Third and Fifth Pennsylvania Regiments, 
and a company of the Congress Regiment. Their 
principal duty, while here, was to take care of a large 
body of Hessians that had been taken prisoners with 
Genera! Burgoyne. These had been under the guard 
of a company of militiamen, whose time had not yet 
expired. The march which Van Campen 's soldiers 
had performed was, on account of lateness of the sea- 
son and bad roads, e.xtremely fatiguing, and, as the 
time for which the militia were engaged continued 
(hem in service a little longer, he allowed them the 
space which intervened as a season of rest. This 
proved grateful to the soldiers, and it no doubt 
served to invigorate their spirits, for, in the approach- 
ing Christmas holidays, they were found to be suf- 
ficiently recruited to engage in the exercises of sport. 
Some of those belonging to Van Campen's company 
determined to have a frolic with the militiamen be- 
fore they should be dischar»;ed from their posts. 
These were stationed at a little distance out of the 



village, near the direct road from Reading to Phila- 
delphia, on the side of a hill, around which the way 
turned, and which hid the view to the road before 
reaching the place. When Christmas came, twelve 
or fifteen young soldiers set out, with music in their 
heads, for the militiamen's camp. Just before they 
came to where the road turned around the hill, and 
while they were yet out of sight, they arrayed them- 
selves in Indian dress and crept along up the 
ascending ground until they came in sight of the 
militiamen's camp. There they fired their guns, 
which contained an unu.sual charge of powder, and 
followed the discharge of these by loud and continued 
yells. They presented themselves to the view of the 
soldiers, and began to jump from tree to tree so as to 
produce an enlarged idea of their numbers. Their 
unexpected appearance produced the intended effect. 
The soldiers were startled by the sudden roar of the 
rifles, which echoed through the deep forest like the 
terrible thundering of cannon. The loud yells, too, 
from the supposed Indians, were enough to have 
startled them at a time of peace, much more when 
the savage was looked for at any moment to commit 
his deeds of violence. The soldiers conceived an in- 
stantaneous alarm; fear was scattered throughout 
their ranks, and, with a sudden bound, they started 
from their encampment. The sentinels fled without 
firing a single gun and the whole company deserted 
their posts, leaving the poor Hessians (whom they 
were placed to guard) without a man to prevent their 
being retaken. But these, too, apprehensive that 
they might be mistaken for rebels, were infected with 
the universal panic and showed their heels to the 
enemy. The camp was entirely deserted in a few 
moments after the first alarm had been given. No 
sooner had the militiamen deserted their camp than 
they began to spread the alarm, saying, 'that all 
Niagara was let loose ; that a party of several hun- 
dreds of Indians had attacked their camp, and that 
they had just escaped with their lives.' The intelli- 
gence was saon brought to the troops at Reading, who 
were immediately placed in the order of defence, and 
who began forthwith to march, with Van Campen at 
their head, towards the enemy. They had not gone far, 
however, before they were met by some of their own 
soldiers, who assured them that they had started out 
upon a false alarm, at the sKme time giving them a 
history of the secret of the attack and of the brave de- 
fense which had been made by the militiamen. They 
returned to their quarters, very much amused and 
with the laugh upon the poor soldiers who had made 
such a display of their bravery. 

" But this little event (which had been conceived 
only in sport, like many others of the same origin) 
was the occasion of serious difficulty. To one party 
it afforded the highest amusement, but to those who 
had committed their valor to their h^els it was a sub- 
ject of constant annoyance. They could not endure 
the chagrin that was brought upon them by having 



IIEVOLUTIOX AND INDEPENDENCE. 



159 



been put to flight by a few boys who had been dis- 
guised as Indians, and who had so successfully played 
off their wits upon them of a Christmas holiday. The j 
militia officers, whose bravery was somewhat impli- 
cated in the affair, declared that they would be satis- 
fied with no reconciliation short of the punishment of 
those who had been concerned in creating the alarm- 
"A court-martial was held, in which Lieutenant 
Van Campen sat with the militia officers, to decide 
the point at issue. These affirmed it to be but right, 
— that those who had occasioned the mischief should 
be whijiped ; while Van Campen, whose soldiers were 
implicated, unwilling that his men (who belonged to 
some of the most respectable families of that part of 
Pennsylvania,) should sufler such a disgrace, would 
allow of this only upon condition that the sentinels, 
who had fled from their posts without firing, should be 
punished as the martial-law required — with death. 
These terms were not agreeable to the minds of the 
officers, and Van Campen, who declared that he 
would sooner see his men shot than whipped, con- 
tinued to sit in court-martial for the space of three 
weeks. A compromise was finally made between the 
two, it being proposed that the sergeant, who had 
been one of the leaders in the affair, should be broken 
ofhis-iiank. This was allowed, and harmony was 
again restored between the two parties. The 
sergeant was broken of his rank at night and restored 
the next morning; so that his punishment, after al), 
was more nominal than real. Immediately after, Van 
Campen and his men entered upon the care of the 
Hessian soldiers and remained in this service until 
the next spring, when they were relieved by the 
militia, who again took them under charge.' 

Hessian Officer Drowned. — During the 
time that the Hessian prisoners were at Read- 
ing, a Hessian officer of rank was fishing from 
a canoe one day in the Schuylkill, and fell 
overboard. A servant on the shore saw the ac- 
cident, but, instead of alarming the occupants 
in a house near by, he ran and informed the 
commanding officer. When the officer arrived, 
he found the Hessian at the bottom of the river, 
drowned, and his efforts to resu.scitate life were 
fruitless. 

During the winter of 1776-77 there was 
much sickness amongst the prisoners. Many of 
them died. The burials were made in " Pot- 
ter's Field," which comprised two lots of 
ground, numbers 398 and 399 on the west .side 



' Taken from " Life and Adventures of Moses Van Cam- 
pen," by liis grandson, John N. Hubbard, in 1841 ; pp. 
239-243. Copy of work in library of Peminsylvania His- 
torical Society, at Philadelphia. 



of North Sixth Street, south of Walnut, in 
Reading. The deaths were so numerous at 
times that it becaine necessary to bury two, and 
even three, in one grave. I heard this state- 
ment made frequently by some of the older 
residents. 

MiLiTi.A. Refi'se to March. — About Jan- 
uary 1, 1777, .some of the militia at Reading 
refused to march under orders given. Daniel 
Brodhead,^ by direction of General Mifflin, 
took a company of Northumberland County 
militia, stationed at Reading, and compelled 
them to march. In a letter to Owen Biddlc he 
said he believed " the remainder were so much 
alariued that few will think of staying at home." 

The Council of Safety was informed, on Jan- 
uary 18, 1777, that "many of the principal as- 
sociators of Colonel Hunter's Battalion of Berks 
County refuse to march to join General Wash- 
ington's army at this Important Crisis, when so 
glorious an opportunity offers of cru.shing the 
enemy, and thereby have prevented and dis- 
couraged the rest, and proceeded even to dare 
them to enforce the resolves of this Council 
upon them." It was then decided that the Colo- 
nel should forthwith collect all the well affijcted 
in his Battalion, seize the ring-leaders in this 
defection and send them to Philadelphia. 

Militia Return.s of County. — Jacob 
Morgan and his sublieutenants met at Reading 
on April 25, 1777, for the purpose of receiving 
returns of the inhabitants of Berks County, be- 
tween the ages of eighteen and fifty-three years. 
The number then returned was about four 
thousand. These were divided into .six districts, 
and meetings were ordered to be held on 
the 5th and 6th of May following, for the 
purpose of electing officers and of forming com- 
panies. Morgan reported that he had forwarded 
to the Executive Couucil an exact list of the 
field officers, captains, subalterns and court- 
martial men, comprising the six battalions of 
the Berks County militia. But this list was 



'Diiniel Brndhead, of Berks County, was appointed 
Lieutenant Colonel of the Second Bivttalion of Colonel 
Samuel Miles' Pennsylvania Rifle Regiment, on March 13, 
177G. He had removed to Reading in 1771. For sketch 
see Pennsylvania Arch. (2d ser.), vol. 10. p. ti4.5 ; and 
supra. 



1(50 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXNSYL^'ANIA. 



lost, not having been iuclutlecl in the Archives. 
It has not been discovered since. 

On August 17, 1777, Morgan reported that 
two classes of militia had marched from Read- 
ing on tlieir way to West Chester. They con- 
sisted of twelve companies. They left mostly 
in the beginning of August ; the last company 
on the 16th. The whole number of officers and 
men was six hundred and fifty-six. The two 
battalions M'ere commanded by Daniel Hunter 
and Daniel Udree. "In the opinion of every 
one here they were hearty and able men, fit to 
take the field against our inveterate enemies." 

In the State returns of the militia, dated Sep- 
tember 6, 1777, these two battalions included 
the following officers and men : 

Hiintei-. Udree. 

Colonel 1 1 

Lieutenant-Colonel 1 1 

Major 1 

Captains 5 r> 

Lieutenants 7 10 

Ensigns 4 (i 

Chaplain 1 

Adjutant 1 1 

Quartermaster 1 1 

Surgeon 1 1 

Sergeants 17 21 

Drummers 4 G 

Filers S 4 

Fit for duty 184 183 

Sick, present 27 21 

Sick, absent 18 ,'> 

On command 47 

On furlough 1 1 

Total 272 210 

Deserted 2 4") 

The total number of the State Avas two thou- 
sand nine hundred and seventy-three. 

Army Stippi.ies. — In the beginning of the 
Revolution, Reading was selected as a place, 
adapted by its situation, for storing army sup- 
plies. It was capable of easy defense in the 
event of an attack from the enemy ; and it was 
not far distant from the operations of war in the 
State. Large quantities of provisions M'ere 
stationed here. In April, 1780, the Executive 
Council was directed by General Washington to 
furnish the State out of the supplies at Reading, 
with the following articles : Two hundred bar- 
rels of Hour ; five hundred and sixtv gallons of 



rum ; one hundred and eighty tons of hay ; 
and fourteen thousand bushels of corn. 

At this time Xicholas Lotz was the com- 
missioner of purchases for Berks County. Two 
years before, there were two commissioners, 
Valentine Eckert and John Lesher. In 1778 
the supplies at Reading were large and valuable ; 
and then Congress requested the State to station 
two hundred militia at this point to defend the 
magazines of military stores, and keep commu- 
nications secure from sudden incursion of the 
enemy. Colonel Cowperthwaite was the store- 
keeper. The Executive Council made such an 
order. In ilay, of this year, Jacob ^Morgan re- 
ported that he had reduced the guard in Read- 
ing to fifty men, rank and file. 

In November, 1777, in pursuance of orders 
received, three hundred and fifty wagons were 
sent from Berks County to Philadelphia; also a 
wagon master-general and wagon masters. 
When they reached Philadelphia, the enemy 
had left. The wagons got nothing. Twenty 
were taken into service. The men returned and 
demanded pay. Henry Clirist, Jacob Shoe- 
maker and John Ludwig requested the president 
of the Executive Council to forward money for 
this purpose. The sum i-equired was between 
twenty-five hundred and three thousand pounds. 

The quota of articles, etc., from Berks 
County to the State in July, 1780, was — si.x 
hundred barrels of flour per month ; six hundred 
bushels of forage per month ; twenty wagons 
and two hundred horses; and three hundred 
militia ; and there having been then a great 
want of teams in the army, a requisition was 
made on the county to furnish twenty wagons. 
In September, 1778, the quota of wagons was 
one hundred and ten, and these were then ordered 
to be sent to Philadelphia. On June 14, 1779, 
Jacob Morgan, Jr., reported that he liad sent to 
cam]) at jNIiddle Brook, thirty-six good Con- 
tinental teams and fifty-four spare horses, and 
on the next day twelve teams properly 
equip]>cd. 

Nicholas Lotz, as commissioner of forage, re- 
ported on June 5, 1780, that he had purchased 
forty tons of flour, one hundred and seventy- 
two bushels of oats and nineteen bags ; and on 
the I9th of June, following, he reported the 



KEVOLrTIOX AND INDEPENDENX'E. 



llil 



purchase of teu head of cattle and forty sheep, 
wliich lie was obliged to take under the law. 
Cattle aud sheep he reported to be scarce, be- 
cause luanv butchers and drovers had come 
fidin Philadelphia and other places and bought 
tiicni up. He was appointed coniiuissioner on 
April 3, 1780. 

It was reported to Council on August 12, 
ITsO, that John Patton by agreement with 
Captain Jay, agreed to supply the Board of 
War with ninety tons of shell and shot ; for 
wliich purpose he put his Berkshire Furnace in 
i)last. He was then at work ; but how long lie 
would continue he could not tell becan.se his 
workmen were not exempted from military duty. 
Tiicn they were oi'dered out, and unless they 
were released he could not keep his works going. 
At this time he also had .some Hessian prisoners 
employed. These were demanded from him ; 
and if they were not returned his bond would 
be put into suit. 

In Jray, 1776, Mark Bird offered to buy or 
have made in Berks County, one hundred mus- 
kets, provided he were supplied with the 
necessary funds. This offer was accepted by the 
E.xecutive Council and an order to him for four 
hundred pounds was drawn. And in August, 
1 77(), tiie committee of safety also drew an order 
in favor of Samuel High, a county commissioner, 
for six hundred dollars, on account of arms 
making in the county. 

On July 8, 1776, the Council passed a resolu- 
tion : 

" That the Irou Masters employed in casting cannon 
or shot for the public service in the counties of 
Chester, Lancaster and Berks, be permitted to employ 
any of the soldiers, prisoners of war at Lancaster and 
Reading, as laborers in the said business, giving an 
account to the committees of Lancaster and Reading 
of the time of such soldiers as they shall so emidoy. 

" This permission was given in view of the public 
exigency which required additional artillery and war 
materials to repel the invasion of the country by the 
army of General Howe, who had recently appeared 
at New York with the British fleet." 

On January 10, 1777, Captain Daniel Jay 
reported to Councils from tlie Reading Furnace 
that Mr. Old was casting different sizes of shot 
and expected to have by January 12, 1777, four 
tonsof.shot,— 3-lb.,2i-lb.,2-lb.,"li-lb.,l-lb.and 



J-lb., with a quantity of canister shot. But he an- 
ticipated difficulty in getting teams to haul them 
down. 

That week he sent down to Philadelphia 
two tons of .shot,— 62 18-lb. shot; 250 .3-lb. 
shot; 400 1-lb. shot; 300 *-lbshot; 1350 Ij-lb. 
shot; 815 pounds canister shot. 

Owing to the aid given by divers inhabitants 
of tiie State to the enemy, the Council of Safety 
appointed a committee in the several counties to 
seize upon and dispose of all the property of 
such offenders and make an inventory and return 
of their proceedings under oath. This was in 
September, 1777. The following committee 
was appointed in Berks County : Thomas 
Parry, David Morgan, Peter Xagle, Henry 
Haller, Daniel Udrce, Henry Spyckcr and 
Joseph Hiester. 

And about that time the Council also ap- 
pointed a committee to collect arras, clothing, 
etc., from the inhabitjints of the county who did 
not take the oath of allegiance, or who aided the 
enemy, and deliver them to the clothier general. 
The committee in Berks County was Henry 
Christ, Henry Haller, Thomas Parry, Daniel 
Udree, Philip Miller, Nathan Lewis, John, 
Lower, Godfrey Ream, Jacob Seltzerand Nicho- 
las Shaffer. 

Jacob Morgan was cpialified on September 3, 
1777, as a councillor from Berks County in the 
Supreme Executive Council of the State, and he 
then took his seat. On May 25, 1778, an order 
was drawn to him for three hundred and one 
pounds and five shillings for attending Council 
one hundred and eighty days, including mileage. 
James Reed succeeded him as the councillor 
from Berks County and was qualified on June 
30, 1778. 

The following intere.stiug miscellaneous items 
are added to this chapter. 

Aug. 15, 177(3.— The Committee of Safety appointed 
two persons in each district of the county to make 
provision for distressed families whose husbands and 
fathers were in actual service. Henry Hahn and Peter 
Feather were appointed for Reading. 

December 4, 1776. — Order to pay expense of remov- 
ing public papers to Reading. 

June 9, 1777. — Order to Colonel Jacob Morgan 
(lieutenant of Berks County) for one hundred and 
fifty stand of arms and one thousand five hundred 



1(12 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PE.XXSYLYAXIA. 



fliuts and order ou treasurer to Colonel Jlorsau for 
£500. 

August 2(1, 1777. — Henry Spyker appointed pay- 
master of militia of Berlcs County in place of Colonel 
Hunter, to whom inconvenient. 

September 12, 1777.— Ordered that Rucks County 
militia be employed as a guard to conduct the British 
prisoners to Reading, and puch others a.s may be neces- 
sary to be added and ordered that the third and fourth 
class of militia of Berks County be called into immed- 
iate service. 

October 23, 1777. — Ordered th.at si.xth and seventh 
class of Berks County be immediately called out. 

January 1, 1778. — Orderto pay expenses for remov- 
ing Quaker prisoners to Reading — £ir)9 3s. id. 

January 9, 1778. — Leonard Reed was wagon-master 
of Berks County. Subsequently the appointment of 
wagon master-general was tendered to him. Henry 
Haller was appointed wagon-master in 1778, and he 
held this appointment till 1780. In June, 1779, he 
was wagon master-general. 

January 10, 1778.— Ordered that Yal. Eckhard and 
John Lesher, of Berks County, appointed to act as 
commissioners for purchasing forage, supplies and 
fire-arms. 

February 20, 1778.— Ordered that the sum of £4000 
be sent by Jacob Morgan to Yal. Eckhart and John 
Lesher for purchasing supplies. 

Order to treasurer for $lo0 for recruiting, etc. 

March 2-1, 1778. — Ordered that two hundred mili- 
tia of Berks County, for guard at Reading. 

March 28, 187S. — Order drawn ou treasurer in favor 
of Henry Spyker, paymaster of militia of Berks 
County for £5,000. 

July 13, 1778.— Letter of Colonel D. Hunter to 
several colonels of Berks County militia for inmiediate 
assistance, laid before Congress. 

July 23, 1778. — Order of one-third ton of gunpow- 
der, etc., be delivered to lieutenant of Berks County 
militia. 

June 1, 1779. — Letter from Reading to Mr. Haller, 
inclosing sundry papers — respecting prisoners at 
Reading, and disturbances between them and the in- 
habitants of the town. Ordered that papers be sent 
to Board of War and request that prisoners be sent to 
some other ]>lace. 

June 29, 1779. — Congress authorized a loan of$20,- 
000,000, and suggested the aiqiointment of persons to 
take subscriptions for loans. The Executive Council, 
on the 14th of July following, appointed Henry Hal- 
ler a commissioner for this purpose in Berks County. 

July 14, 1779. — Henry Haller, Esq., appointed to 
receive subscription in Berks County for loan of 
$20,000,000 on interest. 

July 1-5, 1779. — Letter from Henry Haller as to sugar 
and rum, sent to John Wiliuan, tavern-keeper at 
Reading. 

March 13, 1780. — Letter from commissioners of 



Berks County as to obstructions, in way of executing 
their office, and answer. 

May 19, 1780.— Petition of Christian SShultz, as- 
sessor of county of Berks, complaining of commis- 
sioners; read and referred to judge of the Supreme 
Court. 

August 14, 1780. — Jacob Morgan, Jr., was appointed 
superintendent of the commissioners of the State for 
purchasing supplies, and also of the wagon-masters, 
at a salary of £1,000 per annum, and an order was 
then drawn in his favor for £20,000, which he was 
directed to forward to the commissioners to enable 
them to purchase supplies. 

November 25, 1780. — John Witnian appointed col- 
lector of excise for Berks County. 

November 30, 1780. — Order on treasurer drawn to 
Henry Spyker, paymaster of Berks County, for £l(i3,- 
000 to pay militia of said County, if so much in treas- 
ury for nulitia fines. 

December 13, 1780. — Resolved that Jacob Morgan 
pay otf militia who marched on late tour of duty. 

December 13, 1780. — A petition from divers inhabit- 
ants of Berks County who were convicted of misde- 
meanor, in associating together, to oppose the col- 
lector of the public taxes iu said county was read, 
setting forth that they are unable to pay fines laid on 
them by court, and pray remission. Resolved that 
they be remitted. 

January 26, 1781. — Petition of Inhabitants of 
Bern, praying for remission of fine of £300 sentenced 
for misdemeanor in confederating against payment 
of taxes. 

July 1, 1781. — Letter from Henry Christ and Henry 
Haller. Ordered that secretary do answer that coun- 
cil understand the tract of land, on which the town 
of Reading stands, to be an estate held by the pro- 
prietors in their public capacity, and accordingly de- 
volves to the State ; but that if any advice respecting 
construction of law be necessary to Christ and Haller, 
that it is proper they should state the ijuestion to the 
Attorney-General, who will, of course, give his 
opinion. 

Affairs at Reading ix 1777. — The j^teacly 
advance of the English upon Philadelphiaduring 
the Summer of 1777 hatl thrown the city into 
a great panic. Many persons went to Keading 
as a phice of safety — the fugitive families having 
been estimated at a score or more. The ensuing 
winter (1 777-78) at Reading was gay and agree- 
able, notwithstanding that the enemy was in 
possj.ssion of the metropolis. The society was 
sufficiently large and select; and a sense of 
common snifering in being driven from their 
homes had the effect of more closely uniting its 
members. Besides the families established in 
this place, it was seldom without a number ot 



REVOLITTION AND INDEPENDENCE. 



1(« 



visitors, gentlemen of the array and others. 
The dissipation of cards, sleighing parties, 
balls, etc., were numerous. General Miitlin, 
at this era, was at home — a chief out of war, 
complaining, though not ill, considerably mal- 
content, and apparently not in high favor at 
headquarters. According to him, the ear of 
tiie commander-in-chief was exclusively pos- 
sessed by Green, who was re])resent€d to be 
neither the most wise, the most brave nor the 
most patriotic of counsellors. In short, the cam- 
paign in this quarter was stigmatized as a series 
of blunders; and the incapacity of those who had 
conducted it was unsparingly reprobated. The 
l)etter fortune of the northern army was ascribed 
to the superior talents of its leader; and it 
began to be whispered that Gates was the man 
who should, of right, have the station so incom- 
petently sustained by Washington. There was, 
to all appearance, a cabal forming for his depo- 
sition, in which it is not improbable that Gates, 
MifHin"Tin(l Conway were already engaged, and 
in which' the congenial spirit of Lee on his 
exchange immediately took a share. The well- 
Icuown apostrophe of Conway to America, im- 
porting " that Heaven had passed a decree in her 
favor or her ruin must long before have ensued 
from theimbecility of her military counsels," was 
at this time familiar at Reading. And I (Grav- 
don) heard him myself — when he was afterwards 
on a visit to that place — express himself to this 
effect : " That no man was more of a gentle- 
man than General Washington, or appearetl to 
more advantage at his table or in the usual 
intercourse of life ; but, as to his talents for 
the command of an army (witli a French 
shrug), they were miserable." Observations of 
this kind continually repeated could not fail to 
make an impression within the sphere of their 
circulation ; and it may be said that the popu- 
larity of the commander-in-chief was a good 
deal impaired at Reading."' 

Cosway-Cabal. — The " Conway-Cabal " 
was a secret movement by which it was 
intended to remove Washington and put Gates 
in his place. Conway spent the winter of 
1777-78 at York intriguing with ^Mifflin, Lee 



'Graydon's Memoirs, 283. 



and some members of Congress to bring about 
the removal of Washington. The correspond- 
ence between Gates, Mifflin and Conway, reflect- 
ing upon Washington, became known through 
the indiscretion of Wilkinson, who had seen 
one of the letters and repeated its purport to 
Stirling. The unfavorable impression produced 
by this discovery was not removed when Gates, 
with some bluster, first demanded of Washing- 
ton to know who had tampered with his letters, 
and then denied that Conway had written the 
letter whose words had been quoted." iNIifiliii 
had written to Gates, informing him that ai> 
extract from Conway's letter had been procured 
and sent to headquarters. This perplexed Gates 
and caused him to suspect that his portfolio had 
been stealthily opened and his letters copied, 
and in a state of mental trepidation he wrote to 
Washington on the 8th of December, in which, 
among other things, he said : " I conjure your 
Excellency to give me all tiie assistance you can 
in tracing the author of the infidelity which put 
extracts from General Conway's letter to me in 
your hands." Washington replied with char- 
acteristic dignity and candor on the 4th of Jan- 
uary following, — saying, among other things : 

" I am to inform you theu, that Colonel Wilkinson, 
on liis way to Congress in the month of Octoljer last, 
fell in witli Lord Stirling at Reading and — not iu 
confidence that I ever undei-stood — informed his aid- 
de-camp, Major Williams, that General Conway had 
written this to you: 'Heaven has been determined 
to save your countiy, or a weak general and bad 
counsellors would have ruined it.' LordSterling — from 
motives of friendship — transmitted the account with 
this remark: 'The enclosed was communicated by 
Colonel Wilkinson to Jlajor McWilliams.' Such 
wicked duplicity of conduct I shall always think it 
my duty to detect.' '' 

Attempts to influence State legislatures 
proved^ equally abortive, and when the purpose 
of the "Cabal" became known to the country 
and to the army, it met with universal 
condemnation. It has been said that this 
" Cabal " was conceived at Reading, one tra- 
dition locating the place of meeting in a 
low one-story log building on the south side of 



'3 Bryant's " History ofU. S.,"596. 
^3 Irving's "Life of Washington." Also Sparks' "Life 
of Washington,'' vol. 5, pp. 484 et seq. 



I(i4 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Peuii street sixty feet above Eighth, (which was 
toru down several years ago), aud another 
tradition in a two-story stone building on the 
south side of Penn street, one hundred and 
twenty feet above Tenth, called for many years 
the " Fountain Inn." But these traditions are 
not correct. Conway was not at Reading at 
any time. Wilkinson was ou his way from 
Saratoga to York, where Congress was then 
assembled, with dispatches from Gen. Gates 
concerning the surrender of Burgoyne's army 
on the 17th of October. Accordingly the peo- 
ple of Reading knew of the surrender before 
Congress. 

Duel at Readix(;. — Col. Richard Butler's 
regiment was quartered at Reading during 1780 
-81. jNIost of its officers were very w-orthy 
men. It was commanded by Lieut.-Col. Metz- 
ger, in the absence of the Colonel, who was 
not at Reading most of the winter. Metzger 
was one of the very few foreign officers who 
were valuable to the colonists. There was a 
Captain Boweu in the Regiment. He was 
recognized as an excellent officer; but he had a 
warm temper which occasioned some disturb- 
ances at Reading about that time. On one 
occasion he took offense wlien none was intended, 
and on that account, fought a duel with the 
major of the regiment. The duellists each fired 
a shot, and Bowen had a button shot from his 
coat. Their .seconds tlien settled the matter 
between them. An investigation of the cause 
of the difficulty was then made. " It appeared 
the major was walking with some girls on the 
night before, aud they bur.st out laughing just 
after Bowen had passed them. Their laugiiter 
was caused by the major telling them of his 
and Bowcn's being at a dance on the evening 
before, when the blind fiddler broke one of the 
strings of his fiddle and the landlady took a 
caudle and held it for him while he was fitting 
a new string." This story even set the seconds 
to laughing and they all returned in good 
humor. Upon another occasion, .soon after- 
ward, whilst Bowen and Charles Biddle (who 
was then residing at Reading) were playing 
backgammon, at a certain place. Captain Bower 
— an iifficer in the same Regiment, came into 
tiie room and, addressing him.self to Bowen, 



said : " I hope you are very well, Major." 
Bowen immediately started up aud replied to 
him: "Don't major me, sir! None of your 
majors! You know I am not a major, sir! 
What do you mean, sir?" Bower declared 
that he had not intended to give any offense. 
Bowen then took Biddle into an adjoining room 
and inquired if he should not challenge Bower. 
Biddle replied to him that " a man who would 
not fight on some occasions was not fit to live, 
nor was a man fit to live M'ho was always quar- 
reling." They returned, and Biddle made the 
captains shake hands, aud so avoided a second 
duel. Boweu held the appointment of Town- 
Major for a time.' 

IXDEPESDEXCE WOX AND PeACE De- 

CEARED. — The surrender of liOrd Coruwallis, 
at Yorktown, on the 19th of October, 1781, 
was virtually the end of the Avar between Eng- 
land and America. The news of the surrender 
reached London on the 2oth of November, fol- 
lowing. Several months afterward, the war- 
fare in the American Colonies was discussed 
aud its continuance discouraged in the House of 
Commons, a resolution having been passed, 
declaring that chey who advised the continua- 
tion of the war were enemies of their country. 
These discussions were continued witii earnest- 
ness till they culminated in a preliminary treaty 
of peace on the 30th of November, 1782. In 
the first article of this treaty, " the independ- 
ence of the thirteen United States of America " 
was recognized. The treaty was not made final 
then, owing to the three allied powers — Great 
Britain, France and Spain — having been 
[jledged to one another not to conclude a treaty 
except by common consent ; aud the consent of 
France and Spain was to be obtained. This 
occasioned further delay and obliged the United 
States to await the adjustment of the differences 
between tlicm. The final treaty of peace was 
concluded at Paris ' on the 3d of September, 
1783, and thereby the United States were ac- 
knowledged to be "free, sovereign and inde- 
pendent." - 

During these two years of negotiation and 
delay there were no general militai'v operations. 

' Autobiog. of Cbarles Biddle, pp. 150-51, 
-' Bryant's U. S. History, pp. 73-90. 



REVOLUTION AND INDEPENDENCE. 



165 



But great anxiety was felt over the prospects 
for a permanent peace. Through the inactivity 
of the army, the officers and soldiers became 
restless ; also discontented because they were 
not rewarded for their patriotic services. An 
attempt was made by anonymous and seditious 
publications to inflame their minds and to 
induce them to unite in redressing their griev- 
ances whilst they had arms in their hands. But 
Washington succeeded in quieting them. His 
wisdom and eloquence elicited from the ofificers 
the unanimous adoption of a resolution by 
which they declared " that no circumstances of 
distress or danger should induce a conduct 
that might tend to sully the reputation and 
glory they had acquired; that the army con- 
tinued to have unshaken confidence in the jus- 
tice of congress and their country ; and that 
they viewed with abhorrence and rejected with 
disdain the infiimous propositions in the late 
anonymous address to the officers of the army." 

In orcler to avoid the inconveniences of dis- 
missing a great number of soldiers in a body, 
furloughs were freely granted. In this way a 
great part of the unpaid army was disbanded 
and dispersed over the states without tumult or 
disorder. The soldiers returned to labor. As 
they had been easily and speedily formed out of 
farmers and mechanics and laborers, in 1775, 
so with equal facility did they throw off their 
military character and resume their former 
occupations. They had taken up arms earn- 
estly for the purposes of self-defense and politi- 
cal freedom, but when these were no longer 
necessary they laid them down peaceably to be- 
come again good industrious citizens as they 
had been for eight years devotetl and patriotic 
soldiers.' 

The manner and the time of the return of 
the Berks county troops from the seat of war 
have not as yet been ascertained. There was no 
record here or elsewhei:e; and, at that time, 
there was no newspaper publication in the town 
to report the aj-rivals. No written or printed 
statement has been prepared or published, show- 
ing the companies and men which were supplied 
by the county, the men killed or wounded, or 



'Ramsay's U. S. History (Introduction-pp. 85-37). 



returned. Doubtless the citizens of the town 
rejoiced with all the people of the country 
when the struggle was over and peace declared. 

Revolutioxary Survivors. — The follow- 
ing survivors of the Revolution, who were resi- 
dents of Reading, are presented in this connec- 
tion, though not strictly a part of this period. 

In 1823 there were thirty-nine survivors. 
They held a public meeting on the 19th of 
August, of that year, for the purpose of endors- 
ing Andrew Gregg as a candidate for Governor 
of the State. Peter Xagle was chairman of the 
meeting and Michael Madeira secretary. Ap- 
propriate resolutions were adopted, — 

Peter Nagle. Michael Madeira. 

John Strohecker. Jacob Dick. 

Nicholas Dick. Daniel Rose. 

George Snell. Gottlieb Christine. 

Henry Miller. William Mannerback. 

Henry Stiles. Philip Nagle. 

Michael Reifschneider. Alexander Eisenbise. 

Michael Spatz. Balthaser Ottenheimer. 

John Snell. George Slear. - - 

George Price. John Bingenian. 

David Fox. .John Fox. 

Christian Miller. Henry Holm. 

Jacob Petree. Christopher Diem. 

Andrew Fichthorn. George Yerger. 

Peter Stichter. John Row. 

James Haiden. Ludwig Katzenmyer. 

John Giley. Cliristian Hoffman. 

John Sell. Samuel Homan. 

Frederick Heller. Henry Diehl. 

John Syder. 

In 1840 the census reported nine surviving 
Revolutionary soldiers in Reading who were 
then drawing pensions froui the State Govern- 
ment, viz. : 

Michael Spatz, aged seventy-eight years. 

Peter Stichter, aged seventy-eight years. 

Aaron Wright, aged seventy-eight years. 

William James, aged seventy-nine years. 

Sebastian Allgaier, aged eighty-three years. 

John P. Nagle, aged eighty three years. 

Henry Stiles, aged eighty four years. 

Joseph Snablee, aged eighty-four years. 

Christian Miller, aged eighty- five years. 

In 1846 two still survived — Michael Spatz and 
William James. 

Continental Paper Money. — During the 
progress of the Revolution the government of 
the United States was compelled to resort to the 
emission of " bills of credit " with which to 



166 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



purcliase army supplies, etc, and to satisfy the 
demands of carrying on the war. Gold and 
silver was not tiien known to exist in the coun- 
try in any (luantity equal to the demands of 
war ; nor could they be procured. Direct taxa 
tion, thougli practicable, was deemed impolitic. 
The only plausible expedient in the power of 
Congress was the emission of bills of credit 
which were to represent specie under a public 
engagement of redemption through taxation, or 
of exchange for gold or silver. This practice 
had been familiar from the first settlement of 
the colonies ; and, under proper restrictions, it 





Thirty Dollars. 

THE Bearer is en- 
titled to receive Thirty 
Spanljh milled D O L 
LARS, or an equai 
Sum in Gold or Silver 
laccordiiig to a Refo 
iulionof'COA^G^i'^S 
of llie 14th "January, 
1779- 

o Dollars. 




^//a/^ 



CONTIXEXTAL CT-RREXCY. 

had been found highly advantageous. Congress, 
therefore, resolved, in June, ITTo, to emit such 
bills to the amount of two millions of dollars; 
in July, ordered a million more, and in Novem- 
ber, three millions more; and for their redemp- 
tion congress pledged the Confederated colonies. 
Subsequently other emissions were made ; and, 
.such was the animation of the times, that these 
several emissions, amounting to twenty millions, 
circulated for some time without any deprecia- 
tion, and commanded the resources of the 
<_ountry for jiublic service equally with gold or 
silver. For a considerable time the Govern- 
ment derived much benefit fi'om this paper 
■creation of their own, though it was without 
any established funds foi- its support or redemp- 
tion. Whilst the ministry of England were 



puzzling themselves for new taxes and funds ou 
which to raise supplies, congress raised theirs 
by resolutions directing paper of no intrinsic 
value to be struck off in the form of promissory 
notes. But there was a point both in time and 
quantity beyond which this process ceased to 
operate; that time was about eighteen months 
from the date of first emi.ssiou and that quantity 
twenty millions. The rulers thought it still 
premature to urge taxation, and they therefore 
resorted to the expedient of further emissions. 
The ease with which the means of ])rocuring 
supplies were furnished by simply striking off 
bills of credit and the readiness with 
which the people received tjjem, 
prompted congress to multiply tliein 
beyond the limits of prudence ; and 
a depreciation of their value was the 
unavoidable consequence. At fi rst this 
depreciation was scarcely perceptible, 
but it increased daily, till finally the 
currency became worthless. The de- 
preciation began at different periods in 
different States; but in general about 
the middleof the year 1777, and then 
increased jirogressively for several 
years. 

In the latter part of 1777 it was 
two dollars in currency for one in 
specie; in 1778, five for one; in 1779 
twenty-seven for one; in 1780, 
fifty for one. After this year the circulation 
was limited to certain localities ; but where the 
currency ])assed it depreciated to one hundred 
and fifty dollars for one. In Pennsylvania the 
executive council resolved, as late as Feb- 
ruary 1, 1781, that continental money should 
be received for public dues at the exchange of 
seventy-five dollars in currency for one in specie. 
But an act provided that after June 1 st, following, 
only specie or equivalent bills of credit should 
be received for taxes or other public dues ; and 
this rendered the currency woi'thless in the 
State. This extraordinary depreciation brought 
great loss to many pf the people who had aided 
the government in the grand struggle for free- 
dom. In this respect the soldiers suffered 
most. The people of Reading, and especially 



WHISKEY INSIKRECTIUX OF 1704. 



107 



of the county, met with considerable losses 
thereby. Some of them had large quantities 
which were trausmitted forsome time till lost or 
destroyed. It was uot redeemed. 



CHAPTER X. 

Whiskey Insurrection of 1794 — House Tax and Lilreriy 
Poles of 1799— Embargo of 1807— War of 1812--15 an.l 
Companies of County Enlisted. 

Whiskey Ixsurrectiox of 1794. — As 
early as 1756 the province of Pennsylvania had 
looked to excise on ardent spirits for the means 
of sustaining its bills uf credit. The original 
law was limited to a period of ten years; but it 
was extended from time to time as necessities 
pressed upon the treasury. During the Revo- 
lutiou the law was generally evaded in the 
western part of the State by considering all 
.spirits as for domestic use, such having been ex- 
cepted ftom excise. But, when the debts of 
the Revolution began to press upon the States, 
the government officials became more vigilant 
in the enforcement of the law. Congress, 
after a long debate, passed a law in March, 
1791, increasing the duty on imported spirits 
and levying a tax ' oa distillation, and this went 
into operation in July following. The Legisla- 
ture of Pennsylvania had instructed their rep- 
resentatives in Congress to vote against the law. 
Opposition arose at once in the western counties 
of the State, and resolutions were adopted at 
public meetings demanding an unconditional 
apj)eal. Liberty poles were erected, and people 
even assembled in arms to resist officers in the 
enforcement of the law. Various public ex- 
citements continued till 1794, when an insur- 
rection ensued. Governor Mifflin, of the 
State, on various excuses, declined to call out 
the militia to suppress the insurrection, and, as 
a consequence, the spirit extended into conti- 
guous States. President Washington, who 
feared that successful resistance to one law 
might be the beginning of rebellion against all 
law, called on Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Mary- 
land and A^irginia for fifteen thousand men, 
and sent commissioners to the scene of the dis- 



' Four pence per gallon on all distilled spirits. 



turbance,^ with power to arrange for peaceful 
submission any time before September 14, 1794. 
But the commissioners returned to Philadelphia 
ten days after that date, having failed to obtain 
a satisfactory settlement. The troops were 
promptly put in motion, the governors of the 
several States named commanding their respec- 
tive quotas. Governor Lee, of Virginia, had 
chief command of the army. On the appear- 
ance of the troops, in November, the insurrec- 
tion subsided. There was no opposition and 
no bloodshed. Among the Pennsylvania troops 
there was a comjjany from Reading under 
the command of Captain Daniel de B. Keim. 
This comjjany was formed from certain survi- 
vors of the Reading Battalion in the Continen- 
tal Army, which had been commanded by 
Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholas Lotz, and was 
called the " Reading LTnion Volunteers." It 
was afterwards known as the " Reading Artil- 
lerists." This insurrection cost (lie government 
eleven hundred thousand dollars. 

The proportion of troops, which was to be 
supplied by Berks County towards the quota of 
Pennsylvania militia under the requisition of 
the President of the United States, was four hun- 
dred and thirty four officers and privates, and 
twenty-six cavalry. The four hundred and 
thirty-four men were placed under the command 
of Brigadier-General Francis Murray, in the 
.second brigade. The Adjutant-General of the 
State issued an order on September 11, 1794, 
requiring " the quota for the counties of Bucks, 
Northampton and Berks to assemble at Read- 
ing, where they will be furnished with arms 
and equipments and cam]) equipage, and march 
from thence by way of Harrisbnrg to Carlisle." 

The quartermaster-general of Pennsylvania, 
Clement Biddle, arrived at Reading on Sunday 
evening, September 28, 1794. In a letter by 
him to Governor Mifflin, dated the day follow- 
ing, he i-emarked about the Berks County troops : 
" Colonel Cowperthwaite had collected four hun- 
dred men iu the encampment at Peters's farm, 
who were fully furnished with everything they 
required. The drafts from the county continu- 
ed to come iu and he proposed marching to- 
morrow." And he reported that Captain For- 



■' In Washington County, I'enna. 



ItiS 



HLSTORY OF BEKKS COUNTY, rE.\N8YLVAMA. 



rest's troops had moved from Reading on Satur- 
day (27tli); that he expected the Bucks County 
Militia here on 30th ; and that the jNIilitia of 
Berks County would assemble on October 1st; 
also that the rear of the Jersey troops would 
march from here on 30th under General White. 

WAsniN(iTO>r AT Reading. — In another 
letter to Governor Mifflin, dated at Reading, 
October 2, 1794, he stated that— " The Presi- 
dent (Washington) was here last night, and 
went on this moi-uiug to Carlisle.'' He also re- 
ported then that " the cavalry of this county 
(Berks) are by this time at Carlisle. Captain 
Spade has a fine company of infantry ready to 
march, and I shall hasten the drafts from the 
county off to-morrow." The cavalry mentioned 
was Moore's, and contained — one captain, one 
lieutenant, one cornet, four sergeants, four corp- 
orals, one (quartermaster, ( me surgeon and twen- 
ty-five privates. 

The militia of Berks County responded 
promptly on the requisition of the President to 
suppress this insurrection. 

Hoi'Se-Tax and Liberty-Poles, 1799. — 
During the early part of Adams's administra- 
tion, Congress passed an act requiring a direct 
tax to be levied upon houses. This tax was 
called the " house-tax," also " window-tax." The 
federal government, in collecting it in the eas- 
tern counties of Pennsylvania, caused a consider- 
able excitement and opposition, which eventually 
broke out in an insurrection in 1799. "In 
some townships associations of people were act- 
ually formed in order to prevent the officials 
from performing their duty and more particular- 
ly to prevent the assessors from measuring their 
houses. This opposition was made at many 
public township meetings called for the pur- 
pose; and in many instances written resolutions 
were entered into, solemnly forewarning the of- 
ficers, and accompanied many times with 
threats.'" The leader in this insurrectionary 
proceeding was John Fries, of Bucks County ; 
who was tried and convicted of high treason 
and sentenced to be hanged. But President 
Adams, against the advice of his Cabinet, par- 
doned Fries and also issued a general amnesty 



' Day's Penna. Historical Coll. 422. 



for all the offenders. It was reported that 
" great men were at the bottom of the business." 
Thirty-one persons were arrested in Xorthamp- 
ton County, fifteen for high treason.^ The ex- 
citement — if not actual opposition — about the 
direct " house-ta.\," extended into the northeas- 
tern border of Berks County. 

Excitement at Re.4lDIN(;. — The insurrec- 
tion — though not directly active in the county — 
was indirectly the cause of a considerable com- 
motion at Reading. Certain troops were called 
out to suppress the insurrection ; and among 
them was Captain jNIontgomery's company of 
Light Dragoons from Lancaster. Their way to 
the scene of excitement was through Reading. 
Upon arriving here they cut down certain 
" Liberty Poles," insulted the people, etc. ; and 
these unwarranted performances induced an 
anonymous correspondent of the Adler to publish 
a letter, criticising their conduct. He subscribed 
it "A Friend of Truth." This appeared whilst 
the company was on the way to Xorthamptou 
County. But upon their return they heard of 
it. Naturally it developed in them as soldiers 
a spirit of revenge. So they went to Jacob 
Schneider, the senior proprietor of the Adler, 
and demanded from him the name of the per- 
son who had written the letter condemning and 
ridiculing them. He was bold enough to refuse 
compliance. His refusal led the soldiers to 
spend their anger on him by taking him forcibly 
to the market-house and giving him a certain 
number of lashes. The letter^ which caused 
the trouble was as follows: 

"On Monday iifternoon, April 1, 17l>9, C:ipt. Mont- 
gomery's troop of Light Dragoons arrived here on 
their march from Lancaster to Northampton County, 
in order to apprehend the ' rebels,' and to quell the 
insurrection. But tlieir determination will be more 
likely to create an uproar than to restore order. . . . 

" Upon their arrival here, their first undertaking 
was to go quietly and unnoticed to a citizen of the 
town who had erected a Liberty Pole upon his own 
ground and cut it down. But not satisfied with this 
they were desirous of disturbing this man's family, 
before whom they flourished pistols and drawn swords 
and took with them the instrument with which they 

''Names, incUuling Fries, are given in Adler, -Vjiiil 16, 
1709. 

^ Adler, .-ipril 9, 1799. Translated from the Germiin. 



HOUSE TAX AND LIBERTY POLES. 



169 



had cut dowu the symbol of true freedom. Then 
they went upon a second expedition. At a particu- 
lar place chilih'en had raised a pole with some 
patches attached ; but when they observed the troops 
coming, they took it dowu and carried it into the house. 
But these troops went into the house with pistols 
and drawn swords, struck the owner of tlie house upon 
his breast and threatened to shoot him if he said one 
word. They broke the pole in pieces, took up the 
patches and other articles which did not concern 
them at all and carried them away. They sought a 
third adventure a short distance away and found a 
single small boy whom they commanded not to throw 
a certain tree (already cut down and lying near the 
river), into the water, and clubbed him unmercifully 
without the slightest reason. Thence they went to 
numerous other places and committed offenses not 
any less shameful and cruel. By this time night had 
come when they were forced to discontinue. 

" On the following morning they arose very early 
for new adventure.-. But they were so unfortunate 
as to find one immediately. Why unfortunate? 
Yes, it appeared dreadful to them, for these adven- 
turous cannibals feared to ajiproach within eighty 
steps of a well -guarded Liberty Pole, . . . which ap- 
peared t9,ije surrounded with explosive pipes. They 
hesitated, stood still and gaped at this wonderful 
thing, as a cow at a newly painted stable door. They 
were asked to come nearer ; but they were afraid ; 
they would not move a step, till a messenger was 
sent informing them ' they might come a little nearer 
in order to be able to see.the emblem of Liberty, for no 
harm should be done to them.' Upon this one of 
them took courage and rode along ; when the others 
saw that nothing was done to him, another followed. 
They were then asked what they wanted. They 
replied : ' Nothing more than to see the country and 
this Liberty Pole and to give their horses a little 
exercise.' They were asked further whether they 
had not intended to cut down this Liberty Pole, and 
they answered ' Xo.' Still another question was put 
to them whether they had a right to cut down such a 
Liberty Pole and to abuse the peojile. They an- 
swered : 'They did not in reality have the right then, 
but they might perhaps obtain it, in which case they 
would not ouly cut down all the Liberty Poles but 
also burn and destroy everything where such poles 
stood and were erected.' Upon this they were 
asked to exanune this Liberty Pole particularly to 
see if anything objectionable was upon it, and if so 
they were welcome to cut it down ; but they replied 
that they could not see anything and would not give 
it the slightest injury Then three cheers were 
shouted, and we saw that the caps of the Dragoons 
could flourish in the air as well as the round 
hats. . . ." 

" The troops which left here to arrest the disturbers 
of the peace in Northampton County returned to 
Reading on April 20, 1799 — Saturday afternoon. On 
20 



the following Monday afternoon and Tuesday morn- 
ing all, excepting the regular troops, marched to their 
respective homes. '. . . A party of them (Captain 
Montgomery's Company of Light Dragoons) came 
into my printing establishment, not as men of good 
character, but as scoundrels and rascals, tore off my 
clothing and dragged me before their fine captain, 
who is not a particle better than any of his company. 
He immediately commanded them to give me twenty- 
five lashes on my back at the Market House, and this 
would have been done, if one of Captain Leiper's 
company, from Philadelphia, had not interfered, and 
said that they should be ashamed of their perform- 
ance. Through this interference I did not receive the 
whole number. . . ." [An editorial in Adler, 23 
April, 1799, subscribed by the proprietor, Jacob 
Schneider.] 

Mr. Schneider made coniphiiut before a justice 
of the peace and caused the criminals to be ar- 
rested, l)ut Captain Montgomery denied the 
authority to make the arrest. The matter was 
then referred to General Macpherson, who said 
he would look into it; and so they rode away 
on Sunday evening. \_Adler, 7th May, 1799.] 

By the time that Montgomery's troops re- 
turned to Reading on their way home, Stro- 
hecker had erected a liberty-pole in the place of 
the one erected by his children. Hearing this, 
the soldiers went to Strohecker's place and there 
attempted to compel a common laborer to cut 
down the "offensive wood," notwithstanding 
that he protested against doing so, declaring at 
the same time, on the most solemn asseveration, 
that he also was a Federalist. They succeeded 
in divesting the pole, and with it appended as a 
trophy, they rode through the streets of Read- 
ing to their quarters. In a few days they left, 
but on the 24th of April an army, under the 
command of Brigadier-General W. Macplier- 
son, arrived at Reading. They apprehended 
some of the insurrectionists, who were after- 
wards tried before Judge Peters ; some of them 
Mere found guilty, some were fined and im- 
prisoned and others condemned to be capitally 
punished ; but none atoned with their lives — 
they were pardoned through executive clem- 
ency.' ' 

Complaints. — Some persons doubting that 
the troops had misbehaved themselves, the 
charge was reiterated, and the names of other 



' Rupp's History of Berks County., pp. 165-' 



170 



HISTORY OF BERKS UOUiNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



persons were atkled who suffered from tlieir 
cruel treatment. These persons were, — 

Rudolph Lampe. 

Isaac Feather, a landlord, and his family, 
treating him in the most cruel manner \^Adler, 
21st of May, 1799]. 

On the isth of :\Iay, 1799, the following 
persons appeared before Peter Nagel, Esq., a 
justice of the peace of Reading, and made com- 
plaint against the Lancaster troops : 

1. Jacob Gosiu, bad treatment of himsflf aud fam- 
ily and larceny of an ax. 

2. John Strohecker, bad behaviour and the taking 
of a flag from a Liberty Pole which his children had 
erected and of other things which did not belong to 
them. 

3. Jacob Epler, assembling and resolving to cut 
down a certain Liberty Pole which stood near bis 
house (in Bern township) \^Adkr, 21st of May, 1799]. 

Captain Dewees narrates the following ac- 
count in relation to the cutting down of Epler'.s 
liberty-pole and the cow-hiding to Schneider 
[Hanna's Life of Dewees, p. 329] : 

"There was a farmer of the name of Epply, who 
lived about three miles from Reading, who was an 
influential and wealthy man. Epply stood in the 
fi-ont rank of the ' Liberty Boys,' in that section of 
the country. The insurgents rendezvoused on liis 
farm and erected a ' Liberty Pole ' in front of his 
house. There was a company of Light Horse, com- 
manded by Captain Slow, sent on from Lancaster 
with orders to cut it down. When this company ar- 
rived on the farm of Epply, and within sight of the 
Liberty Pole, Captain Slow was surprised to find 
upwards of one hundred Riflemen under arms and 
guarding the pole ; and finding that he had too few 
men to contend against this force, he retired without 
making any effort to fill the measure of his orders. 
He returned to Reading with his company and ob- 
tained a reinforcement and moved on a second time 
to execute his orders. When he arrived within sight 
of the Liberty Pole a second time, the insurgents find- 
ing that Slow's force was augmented aud too strong 
for them to contend against, gave way and dispersed 
in all directions. Captain Slow and his force then 
moved up to the pole, which was immediately cut 
down. These prompt measures put an end to the 
Liberty Boys in the neighborhood of Reading. After 
Captain Slow returned to Reading the second time, a 
printer in town, whom I knew very well, published 
an article in his newspai)er derogatory to the charac- 
ter of Slow a-s a gentleman and as a soldier. Slow, 
who was a large and powerful man, no sooner beheld 
it than he went and bought a cow-hide and went to 
the printing-oflice and took hold of the printer and 



dragged him across the street to the Market-house, 
w hich was opposite the printing-oflice, and cow-hided 
him severely. There was not any person interfered, 
nor did any person say anything against it, for the 
printer was looked upon as the aggressor." 

Keim's Compaxy Complimented. — Upon 
the breaking-up of the head-(iuarters at Reading, 
on April 22, 1799, Brigadier General W. Mac- 
pherson addressed the following interesting 
letter to Captain Daniel Keim : 

" While I congratulate you and the company you 
command on their return home, I take an additional 
pleasure in expressing my complete satisfaction with 
every part of their steady and soldier-like conduct 
during a very fatiguing though short expedition. It 
is much to be regretted that in a country blessed as 
this is, by an excellent constitution faithfully admin- 
istered, there should be found any portion of its in- 
habitants so ignorant, or so wicked, as to oppose laws 
peculiarly adapted<o the ease of the mass of the peo- 
ple, since the burden falls immediately upon the 
opulent. But it is a great consolation to see gentlemen, 
such as compose your company, come forward aud 
brave fatigue and danger in support of the honor 
and happiness of their country. Accept, sir, my 
sincere thanks for this instance of your patriotism 
and be pleased to convey to every individual my 
particular acknowledgmeut.s, best wishes aud affec- 
tionate tarewell." 

Embargo of 1807. — Congress passed an act 
on December 22, 1807, laying an embargo on 
all the ships and vessels in the ports and harbors 
of the United States in pursuance of the recom- 
mendation of President Jefierson. It prohibited 
the departure of all American vessels and of all 
foreign vessels, except those in balla.st. No 
merchandise whatever was to be exported. The 
act was not simply to .save American ships from 
danger, as Jefferson suggested in his mes.sage ; 
but it was a measure of aggression against Eng- 
land. It was unpopular in proportion as men 
were or were not engaged in commerce. The 
maritime states thought that the agricultural 
states took a special satisfaction in a qumi war, 
of which all the burden fell at first upon com- 
merce. But the burden at length ].)ecame uni- 
versal. The men, whose tobacco, corn and cot- 
ton could not be sent to market, soon learned that 
they also, as well as the carriers of those products, 
were paying a heavy tax by this interdiction of 
commerce. Under thepressureof publicopinion, 
this act was repealed on March 1, 1809, and 



THE WAR OF 1812. 



171 



another act was then substituted which interdict- 
ed the commercial intercourse bet\yeeu tiie 
United States and Great Britain and France, 
and forbade imports from Europe. From this 
policy of nou-iutercourse and from other diffi- 
culties, which in a state of war hindered impor- 
tations from Europe, there was born unexpect- 
edly that gigautic system under which the 
United States has become a great manufacturing 
nation.' 

During this interdiction, the people of Berks 
County began to feel the evil effects of this 
policy of non-intercourse. A number of mil- 
lers and other citizens met at the public house 
of Valentine Brobst, in Reading, on April 11, 
181 "2, " for the purpose of taking into consider- 
ation the late measures of Congress, the pei'ilous 
situation of our common country, aud of consult- 
ing and devising such means or measures as may 
tend to relieve us from the distress which im- 
pends over us ; " and passsd the following reso- 
lutions f* 

"1. Remhed, That we disapprove of the late measures 
of Congress, particularly the act establishing an Em- 
bargo, which will induce great hardship and oppres- 
sions to the millers and farmers of the State of Penn- 
sylvania in particular, and to the citizens generally. 

"2. J%e.-ohed, That a committee be appointed to 
draught a memorial to our representatives in Congress, 
praying ior a repeal of the act establishing the Em- 
bargo. 

" 3. Resolved, That the friends of the peace and 
prosperity of our country be requested to assemble 
generally throughout the union, and express their 
disapprobation by remonstrance or otherwise of the 
said act of Congress and solicit the repeal, to save our 
country from the evil with which it threatens to over- 
whelm her. 

" 4. Resolved, That a remonstrance be prepared and 
transmitted to the Representatives of Congress from 
this district, disapproving of their conduct in support- 
ing by their votes the late obnoxious law establishing 
an Embargo in the ports of the United States, with 
instructions calling on them to use their endeavors to 
have the same repealed at the expiration of sixty days 
or sooner. 

" 0. Resolved, That committees be appointed in the 
different townships in the County of Berks, to obtain 
the signatures of such of our citizens to the memorial 
as are unfriendly to the continuance of the Embargo. 



' Ramsay's History of U. S. 132: 4 Bi-ynnt's History of 
U. S 178-80. 
» Weekly Advertiser of Reading, April 18, 1812. 



" 6. Resolved, That the following persons be ap- 
pointed a committee to obtain signatures to the me- 
morial to Congress in the different townships as fol- 
lows : In Albany, Jacob Kisler ; Alsace, Henry Leiss, 
Martin Kothermel ; Bern, Joseph Conrad and Samuel 
Bell ; Cumru, Henry Van Reed and David Hemmig ; 
Colebrookdale, Daniel Boyer and John Thompson, 
Esq.; Exeter, Peter Howsemand Isaac Broome; Amity, 
Thomas Boone, Esq., John Schrack and Valentine 
Boyer ; Douglas, William Long and Henry Keely ; 
Heidelberg, William Addams aud Frederick Bechtel ; 
Greenwich, Jacob George; Longswamp, Peter Trex- 
ler; Maxatawny, Benjamin Levan aud Motheral Wil- 
son ; Maidencreek, John Wily, John Stichter and 
John Gerich; Oley, John Knabb and Frederick 
Spang; Reading, Jacob K. Boyer and Benneville 
Keim ; Robeson, Daniel Hartzel and Christopher 
Thomson ; Ruscomb-manor, Benjamin Parks and 
Jonathan Price; Rockland, Benjamin Klein aud 
Johu Hoch ; Richmond, Solomon Eckert and Thos. 
Dumm; Tulpehocken, John Furry, Christopher 
Leiss and George Ege, Jr.; Union, Johu Smith, Esq., 
John Brown and Daniel Kerst. 

" 7. Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting 
be signed by the chairman and secretary, and pub- 
lished in the German and English j^apers in Reading. 

" Adam Leiss, Chairman. 

" David Hemmig, Secretary/." 
" Ai)ril 11, 1812." 

EXGLI.SH V\^A.I{ (JF 1812-15. 

The Revolution of the United Colonies was 
carried to a successful termination. The inde- 
pendence, which they had declared in 1776, was 
thereby established. But though peace was de- 
clared to exist between the two nations, the Brit- 
ish government conducteil itself jiersistently in 
an offensive manner towards the people of the 
United States, their commerce, etc., and to their 
great injury for thirty years. The United 
States government passed naturalization laws 
whereby foreigners could be naturalized and be- 
come citizens. But the British government 
contended that a British subject could not be 
naturalized, and claimed the right of stopping 
United States vessels, searching for seamen of 
English birth, and impressing them into their 
service. In exercising this right they stationed 
ships at harbors of the United States and 
searched every departing and arriving vessel. 
They were so vigilant that within a period of 
eight years they captured nine hundred vessels 
and impressed over six thousand seamen into 



172 



HISTOllY OF BERKS COUNTY, rEXXSYLVANIA. 



their uavy.^ All this humiliation was borne 
with patience, superinduced by an admitted in- 
ability to carry on war. But finally the com- 
plaints became too loud, and the injuries too 
grievous to be endured any longer, and Presi- 
dent Madison made them the subject of a mes- 
sage to Congress on June 1, 1812. It was re- 
ferred to the Committee on Foreign Eelations ; 
and this committee, after giving its contents a 
serious consideration, reported a bill, declaring 
war between the two governments. 

Causes op War. — The following is a sum- 
mary of the manifesto of the causes which im- 
pelled this declaration :■ 

" 1. Impre-ising American citizens, while sailing on 
the highway of nations; dragging them on board their 
ships of war and forcing them to serve against nations 
in amity with the United States, and even to partici- 
pate in aggressions on the rights of their fellow-citizens 
when met on the high seas. 

"2. Violating the rights and peace of oin- coasts 
and harbors, harassing our departing commerce and 
wantonly spilling American blood within our terri- 
torial jurisdiction. 

'"3. Plundering our commerce on every sea, under 
pretended blockades, not of harbors, ports or places in- 
vested by adequate force, but of extended coasts, with- 
out the application of fleets to render them legal, and 
enforcing them from the date of their proclamation, 
thereby giving them virtually retrospective eftect." 

" 4. Committing numberle-s spoliations on our ships 
and commerce under her orders in council of various 
dates. 

"5. Employing secret agents within the United 
States with a view to subvert our Government and 
dismember our union. 

"(3. Encournging the Indian tribes to make war on 
the people of the United States." 

This bill was passed by both houses, and ap- 
proved by the president; and the proclamation 
of war was made on June 19, 1812. 

Anticipating this ''Declaration of Mar," 
Governor Snyder issued an "Order"' dated 
May 12, 1812, requiring the (piota of troops 
from Pennsylvania, fourteen thousand, to be 
promptly raised and formed into two divisions. 
The first division — which included the troops 
from Berks County — was placed under the com- 

' Egle's " History of Lebanon County," p. 53. 
23 Ramsay's " History ofU. S.," p. 163. 
'Egle's "History of Lebanon County," p. 53-54. The 
complete order is publisheJ. 



mand of Major General Isaac Worrell. A noble 
response was made to this call. The troops 
tendered exceeded three times the quota re- 
quested. The destrixctiou of the Capitol and 
public buildings at Washington, in August, 
1814, and the threatenetl attack on Baltimore 
by the enemy shortly afterward, brought the 
war near to Pennsylvania. The march of the 
enemy towards the interior by way of the 
Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay naturally 
stimulated the military spirit in the State, and a 
great number of men came forward in her de- 
fense. 

The following notice for volunteer troops 
appeared in the Weekly Adccrtiwr, of Reading, 
on May 30, 1812: 

"FAME .\SD FORTINe!" ■ 

To men nf patnothm, courage and enterprise: 

"Every able-bodied man, between the age of 18 
and 4.5 years, who shall enlist in the service of the 
United States, for the term of 5 years, will receive a 
bounty of 16 dollars; having faithfully served the 
term of his enlistment, and obtained an honorable dis- 
charge, he shall be allowed three months additional 
pay and 160 acres of land, to be designated, surveyed 
and laid oft" at public e.xpense. Should he die in the 
service, his heirs or representatives will be entitled to 
the aforesaid 3 months of pay and 160 acres of land. 
Apply at the Recruiting rendezvous at Reading to 
Jas. F. McElroy, 
Captain U. S. Infantry. 
"JLiy 25th, 1S12." 

The companies enrolled at Reading, in the 
beginning of the war, could not be obtained. 
They have not been published. A record of 
the military companies of Berks County for the 
years 1812 to 1815 is deposited amongst the 
county records in the Prothonotary's office at 
Reading, but there are no dates attached to sig- 
nify the time or even the fact of their enlist- 
ment. Those companies which do appear in it, 
correspond with the companies included in the 
following statement, excepting Elder's company. 
The company of Captain Moore was composed 
entirely, and the companies of Captain Marx 
and Captain Marshall mostly, of men from 
Reading. 

Local Preparation for War. — After 
Washington was taken, and the news of its 
destruction by the enemy reached Reading, the 



THE WAE OF 1812. 



173 



militaiy spirit of this oominunity was thorough- 
ly aroused. The following notice from the 
Weekly Advertiser, Septemljer 10, 1814, indi- 
cates the action which was taken by the people 
of Reading: 

PUBLIC XOTICE. 

" At a large and resjiectable meeting of the inhabi- 
tants of the borougli of Reading, convened agreeably 
to public notice, to take into consideration the very 
alarming situation of our beloved country, and par- 
ticularly the city of Philadelphia, it was resolved, 
after first appointing John Spayd, Esq., chairman, 
and Henry Betz, secretary, that we, the subscribers, 
should be a committee for the purpose of collecting 
and calling upon our fellow-citizens of Berks County 
for all Public Arms now remaining in their hands. 
We hope, therefore, every patriotic citizen will 
promptly and immediately forward to either of the 
said committee any musket or muskets in their hands, 
so that they may be immediately repaired and deliv- 
ered to the different volunteer companies now form- 
ing in this town, to march for the defence of Phila- 
delphia, etc., etc. It was further resolved, that the 
citii!ens js^f the borough generally, will meet every 
evening on the common of this borough at four 
o'clock in the afternoon, to train themselves and go 
through the different evolutions necessary for a mih- 
tary corps — and all young men from the county are 
invited to attend those exercises if they think 2)roper. 

" Jacob Snydek, 1 

" Lewis Reese, 

"John Potter, [• Cotnmiitce 

"Charles Snowden, j 

" CuRTLS Lewis, J 

"Reading, September (5th, 1814." 

The companies, which were organized here, 
had left Reading shortly before to take an ac- 
tive part in the military service of the country. 

The naval battle on Lake Erie was fought 
on September 10, 1813, with brilliant success. 
Commodore Perry then sent his famous de- 
spatch to General Harrison : " We have met 
the enemy, and they are ours." The news 
reached Reading on the 27th of September fol- 
lowing, and a grand illumination of the town 
took place in the evening from seveii till ten 
o'clock, to signalize the glorious event. 

ExGLisH Families, compelled to leave 
Philadelphia, locate at Reading. — Du- 
ring this period a number of foreign English 
families, resident at Philadelphia, left the city 
for the interior parts of the country, owing to a 
law which required them to move away from 



the sea-coast and ports at least fifty miles. 
Some of these families' came to Reading, aud 
took quarters at the Tyson Inn, at the head of 
Franklin Street (now Bechtel's Hotel). Whilsti 
here, the City of Washington was captured by 
the English, who Avantonly destroyed the gov- 
ernment buildings, excepting the patent office. 
This was in August, 1814. This news caused 
them to rejoice, and to express their joy they 
carried on dancing, with the assistance of mu- 
sic ; but they misconceived the temper of the 
Germau people of this inland borough, who 
were thoroughly patriotic and in sympathy 
with the government, and they soon found that 
their conduct wounded the national pride of 
the people. In the midst of their demonstra- 
tions of joy, they were suddenly attacked by a 
))arty of citizens, and the attack ^^•as made so 
earnestly as to require the building to be closed 
and the performance to be .stopped. And it is 
said that if certain prominent English-speaking 
men of the borough had not interposed in their 
behalf, they would have been driven out of the 
towu. These men invited aud took the women 
and children to their homes. The names of 
these men were John McKnight, John Spayd, 
Marks John Biddle, Charles Evans, Dr. James 
Diemer, Collin.son Read, Rev. John F. Grier 
and Hon. Robert Porter. The names of the 
families have not been preserved, excepting 
po.ssibly two of them, — Wood (father of the 
late Archbishop Wood, of Philadelphia, aud a 
small boy) and Hood Irviu. I examined the 
papers published here during this time; but 
they contain no notice of such a local event, 
and I interrogated a number of persons without 
obtaining any definite information beyond the 
facts mentioned. 

Officers and Companies. — The following 
officers and companies from Berks County were 
enlisted in the service during this war: — 

The following were the staff officers of Sec- 
ond Brigade : 

Major-General, Daniel Udree, 1812-14. 
Brigadier-General, David Hottenstine, 1812. 
Brigadier-General, John Adams, of Reading, 1814. 
Aid-de-Camp, Samuel D. Franks, of Reading ; re- 
signed November 1, 1814. 

' Reported to have been twenty-five. 



174 



HLSTURY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Aid-de-camp, Samuel Humes; appointed November 
1, 1814. 

Brigade-Inspector, Peter Shoemaker, 1S12. 

Brigade-Major, Gabriel Hiester, Jr., of Reading. 

Brigade Ordnance Master, Cliarles Shoemaker, of 
Windsor township. 

Brigade Forage-Master, Lucius Walhice. 

Brigade Wagon-ilaster, George Shreffler, of Read- 
ing. 

The following is the imister-roll of field and 
staff officers of First Regiment, Second Brigade, 
from September 1, 1814, to November 1, 1814: 

Lieutenant-Colonel, Jeremiah Shappell, of Windsor. 

First Major, Samuel Jones, of Heidelberg. 

Second Major, Andrew Kepner, of Reading. 

Adjutant, Isaac Myers, of Reading. 

Quartermaster, John Schwartz, of Reading. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant, Samuel Byerly, of Read- 
ing; appointed October 1, 1814. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant, William Frill, of Reading; 
resigned October 1, 1814. 

Paymaster, Charles Witman, of Reading. 

Sergeant-JIajor, Jacob Bright, of Reading. 

Surgeon, John de Benneville, of Reading; appointed 
October 1, 1814. 

Surgeon, Samuel Humes, of Reading; transferred 
October 1, 1814, to First Brigade. 

Surgeon's Mate, Alexander Melloy. 

Drum-Major, John Seitzinger, of Reading. 

Fife-Major, Philip Rush, of Reading. 

Wagoner, Jacob Dippery, of Reading. 

Wagoner, Jacob Seyler, of ^\'indso^. 

Wagoner, Henry Rapp, of Reading. 

Wagoner, John Laughlin, of Reading. 

The following were the field and staff officers 
of Second Regiment, Second Brigade : 

Lieutenant-Colonel, John Lotz. 
First Major, John McClure. 
Second Majtu", John Clemson. 
Adjutant, Samuel McClellan. 
Adjutant, Lewis T. Riter. 
Quartermaster, Henry Good. 
Quartermaster, George Nagle. 
Paymaster, Jasper Scull. 
Surgeon, John B. Otto. 
Surgeon's Jlate, John Baum. 
Sergeant-Major, John Dunwoody. 
Quartermaster-sergeant, Abner Mitchell. 
Drum-major, Henry Homan. 
Fife-Major, Davis Witmyer. 
Colored Waiter, Arthur Clymer. 

The following companies were in .Shappell's 
regiment : Captain John May's, Captain John 
Manger's, Captain Jacob Marshall's, Captain 
George Marx's, Captain George Ritter's, Cap- 



tain Henry Willotz's, Captain Jonathan Jones', 
Captain George Zieber's. 

The following companies were in Lotz's 
regiment : Captain Thomas Moore's, Captain 
John Christman's, Captain Gabriel Old's. 

The following is the muster-roll of the 
company commanded by Captain John May. 
They performed a tour of duty at York, Pa., 
under order I'rom the Governor dated August 
26,1814: 

John May, captain, Windsor, 
Edward Goheen, lieutenant, Caernarvon. 
George Reagle, ensign, Windsor. 
Paul Amon, first sergeant, Robeson. 
Andrew Steel, second sergeant, Caernarvon. 
George Wheeler, third sergeant, Windsor. 
John Lindemuth, first corporal, Bern. 
Nicholas O'Neil, second corporal, Windsor. 
Christian Shoemaker, third corporal, Bern. 
Daniel Wentzel, fourth corporal, Bern. 

PrivnUs. — George Arnold, Windsor; Peter .\hman, 
Bern; Robert Bradshaw, Windsor; Peter Boucher, 
Windsor ; John Beam, Robeson ; Jacob Beam, Robe- 
son ; Frederick Boucher, Albany; John Bart, Wind- 
sor; William Coulter, Windsor; Abraham Kum- 
merer, Greenwich; David Kachel, Greenwich; An- 
drew Kachel, Cumrn ; John Davis, Windsor; George 
Eatzel,Cumru ; Daniel Eisenhouer, Greenwich ; Jacob 
Finkbone, Windsor ; Christian Frees, Albany ; John 
Frewfelder, Windsor; Henry Furman, Robeson; 
Jacob Glass, Robeson ; John Gearhart, Cumru ; 
Henry Glass, Robeson ; Philip Guss, Albany ; Andrew 
Hummel, Windsor; William Heattrick, Windsor; 
John Hoyer, Windsor; David Hamm, Robeson ; Ed- 
ward Hughes, Union ; Peter Hoffinan, Robeson 
Daniel Ham, Albany ; Samnel Hine, Albany ; Philip 
Hollenbach, Bern; John Hollen, Windsor; Samuel 
Hoyer, Robeson ; John Hartz, Cumru; John Homan, 
Robeson ; George Kreitz, Bern ; Christian Lochman, 
Windsor ; John Laup, Brecknock ; Jacob Mayer, 
Windsor; John Maurer, Robeson; David Marckel, 
Greenwich ; Andrew Miller, Bern ; John Neas, Wind- 
sor; Solomon O'Dair, Cumru ; Peter Roush, Windsor; 
John Reagel, W^indsor; Daniel Reaperd, Robeson; 
Jacob Seeger, Windsor; Alexander Sillyman, Wind- 
sor ; Thomas Smith, Windsor ; Joseph Shomo, Wind- 
sor ; Charles Spatz, Windsor; Nicholas Swoyer, 
Windsor; Samuel Smith, Windsor ; Benjamin Smith, 
Windsor; Jacob Smith, Albany; Samuel Sohl, Wind- 
sor; John Sously, Albany ; Jacob Savage, Albany; 
Philip Sously, Windsor ; John Sear, Windsor ; Wil- 
liam Steiger, Cumru ; Samuel Unger, Windsor; Dan- 
iel Westley, Robeson ; John Westner, Albany ; John 
Will, Greenwich ; William Watson, Robeson ; John 
Welsh, Robeson; Benjamin Wendel, Robeson; Chris- 
tian Shoemaker. 



THE WAR OF 1812. 



175 



The following is the muster-roll of the com- 
pany comraaiided by Captain John jVIauger, at 
York, from August 28, 1814, to March 5, 1815. 

John Mauger, captain, Douglass. 

Jacob Fisher, lieutenant, Douglass. 

Jacob Griner, ensign. Amity. 

Christian Breyman, first sergeant. Amity. 

Henry Mauger, second sergeant, Douglass. 

Jacob Nagle, third sergeant, Colcbrookdale. 

John Camwell, first corporal, Douglass. 

Jacob Mauger, second corporal, Douglass. 

Frederick Mauger, third corporal, Douglass. 
Privates. — Henry Auman, Amity ; John Baker, 
Douglass ; Edward Boone, Amity ; Hugh Boone, Am- 
ity ; Dewalt Barrall, Maxatavvny ; Daniel Bachman, 
Richmond ; Jacob Breshal), Greenwich ; Rooert 
Clark, Amity ; Joseph Christman, Greenwich ; Jacob 
Dehart, Amity ; Peter Folk, Greenwich ; Daniel 
Freycr, Colebiookdale ; Samuel Gerber, E.xeter ; John 
Gerber, Douglas-! ; Jacob George, Greenwich ; Jacob 
Herner, Douglass; Henry Herner, Amity ; Jacob Hop- 
ple, Amity; Daniel Hopple, Amity; John Hendricks, 
Maidencreek ; John Hains, Richmond ; Daniel Heff- 
ner, Richmond ; Samuel Knouse, Colcbrookdale ; 
Jacob liern, Exeter; Jacob Keely, Douglass; Mich- 
ael Kaup, Maxatawny ; Henry Koehler, Greenwich ; 
George Koehler, Greenwich ; William Knouse, Pike ; 
Abraham Ludwig, Amity; William Leffel, Amity; 
James Lafterty, Amity ; Daniel Luckins, Greenwich ; 
John Mullen, Amity; Daniel Meek, Amity; William 
Mullen, Reading; John Nagle, Douglass; John Poll, 
Greenwich; Reuben Riualer, Exeter; John Rush, 
Amity ; Abraham Smith, Amity ; .Jacob Spatz, Doug- 
lass ; Samuel Spare, Union ; John Schoener, Long- 
swamp ; Peter Sidler, Richmond; .lohn Sieder, Green- 
wich ; John Teater [Dieter], Amity ; Abraham Tca'er, 
Amity; George Yocum, Douglass. 

The folhiwing is the muster-roll of the 
Company commanded by Captain Jacob Mar- 
shall, which left Reading on September 2, 1814; 
at York till March 4, 1815,— 

.Jacob Marshall, captain, Reading. 
Henry Burcker, first lieutenant, Reading. 
William Hiester, second lieutenant, Bern twp. 
Lemuel Alston, ensign, Reading. 
Jasob Bright sergeant-major, Reading. 
John E. Yungman, first sergeant, Reading. 
John Frailey, second sergeant, Reading. 
William Freaner, third sergeant, Reading. 
Jesse Lincoln, fourth sergeant, Caernarvon. 
Isaac Jackson, first corporal, Reading. 
Jacob Ely, second corporal, Reading. 
Joseph Shirey, third corporal, Reading. 
r- Samuel Beyerly, fourth corporal, Reading. 
Privates. — Jos, Allgier, Reading; George Bennick, 
Reading; John Benton, Cumru ; John Buzart, Caer- 



narvon ; Benjamin Bressler, Reading; Henry Bressler, 
Reading, William Boone, Bern ; Abraham Clemence, 
Reading; Jacob Camp, Reading; John Deitrich, Al- 
sace ; Henry Diehl, Reading ; Wm. Dewces, Cumru ; 
Jacob Diehm, Reading ; George Drinkhouse, Read- 
ing ; Frederick Eberhard, Reading ; Peter Fick, Alsace ; 
Peter Fletcher, Bern; Jacob Felix, Reading; Solo- 
mon Felix, Reading ; William Furman, Reading; John 
Fix, Reading ; Michael Fix, Reading ; John From, 
Bern ; Samuel Fesig, Reading ; Jeremiah Foley, Read- 
ing; John Gerhard, Alsace; George Gantz, Alsace; 
Abraham Gress, Reading; George Gilbert, Reading; 
George Hartman, Exeter ; Henry Hettrick, Cumru ; 
Daniel Haberacker, Reatling; David Holicnbach, 
Reading; John Hill, Exeter; Samuel Hill, Exeter; 
Joseph Jones, Reading; John Kendall, Reading; 
John Klinger, Exeter; Peter Kiemer, Reading; John 
Kelley, Reading; William Lawyer, Reading; Daniel 
Leinbach, Alsace ; Christian Leinbach, Alsace; Wil- 
liam Miller, Alsace; Joseph Miller, Alsace; John 
Moore, Alsace; Peter Mengel, Caernarvon; Samuel 
McKinney, Reading; William Moyer, Exter; William 
Machemer, Bern ; Dewalt Meek, Cumru ; John Nail, 
Bern; James Norton, Reading; Leonard Ossman, 
Reading; Peter Phillippi, Reading; John Phyfer, 
Alsace; Philip Reitzel, Reading; Thomas Rorick, 
Reading ; Joseph Rehr, Hereford ; John Ritner, Read- 
ing; Jacob Ritner, Reading; H. Reifsnyder, Bern; 
John Stuart, Caernarvon ; George Spicker, Reading ; 
John Schambers, Reading ; Jacob Small, Alsace ; 
Henry Spangler, Reading; Daniel Smith, Reading; 
John Thomas, Reading; Thomas Wilson, Reading; 
Alfred Wheatly, Reading; John Weaver, Reading; 
John Yaumer, Reading; Samuel Zieber, Rea<ling; 
George Phillippi, musician, Reading; Jacob Phillippi, 
musician, Reading; John Laughlin, wagoner. Read- 
ing; John ^Varner, wagoner, Reading. 

The following is the muster-roll of the com- 
pany commanded by Captain George Zieber, 
at York from September 1, 1814 to Decemljer 
4,1814: 

George Zieber, captain, Reading. 
Isaac C. Griesemer, first lieutenant, Oley. 
Charles VVitman, second lieutenant, Reading. 
Jacob Fuhlman, ensign, Reading. 
John Epley, first sergeant, Reading. 
Samuel Goodman, second sergeant, Earl. 
Thomas May, third sergeant, Earl. 
Solomon Stateman, fourth sergeant. Earl. 
JIatthias Armpriester, first corporal, Oley. 
Caleb Perry, second corporal. Union. 
John Linderman, third corporal. Union. 
William Drumheller, fourth corporal. Earl. 

Privates. — Jacob Albright, Union ; A. Achey, Oley ; 
George Bechtel, Oley ; John Boycr, Oley ; Abraham 
Dodinger, Earl ; John Davidheiser, Earl ; George Diet- 
rich, Isaac Dickison, Hereford; Ernst Dessaiier, Read- 



i7t; 



IILSTOKY OF BKRKS COUNTY, PENXSYLA'AXIA. 



ing; Henry Emore, Exeter ; George Epner, Cumru; 
Aaron Gilhara, Union; Henry Gable, Earl; John 
Glenser, Cumru ; John Goodman, Cumru ; John Glau- 
ser, Oley ; Jacob Hoch, Oley ; John Hammelton, 
Union; John Hoftman, Caernarvon ; William Hosier, 
Cumru ; Stephen Hughes, Windsor ; John Kepner, 
Colebrookdale ; Jacob Keller, Union ; George Kep- 
linger, Cumru ; John Kessler, Cumru ; Jacob Kiener, 
Hereford; Christian Long, Rockland; Adam Leven- 
good. Earl ; George Mosser, Cumru ; David Mackafee, 
Ri>beson ; Henry Moore, Robeson ; Jacob Moore, Robe- 
son ; John Neiman, Union ; John Noll, Alsace; Jacob 
Retry; Caleb Richards, Bern; George Rodes, Earl; 
Henry Reifsnyder, Oley; Henry Rapp, Reading; 
Andrew Spotz, Bern ; George Stout, Alsace ; William 
S])ringer, Colebrookdale; Matthias Stout, Bern ; An- 
thony Schrader, Oley ; Abraham Shatz, Reading ; John 
Snyder, Peter Statler, John SchaflTer, Robeson ; Daniel 
Spies, Oley; George Schwenk; Thomas Sillyman; 
Samuel Schaffer ; Valentine Wenrich, Bern ; Conrad 
Weise, Pike ; Michael Wolf. Robeson ; George Wam- 
sher, Union ; David Wamsher, Union ; Samuel Wam- 
sher, Caernarvon ; Samuel Zerby, Cumru ; Jos. Zerby, 
Cumru ; Valentine Ziegler, Reading ; Samuel Zetter, 
Cumru; Jacob Schroeder; Philip Schafier. 

The following is the muster-roll of" the com- 
pany commanded by Captain Henry \\'illotz, at 
York,f"om August 28, 1814, to March 5,1810: 

Henry Willolz, captain, Bern. 

William Harman, first lieutenant, Reading. 

John Herberling, ensign, Cumru. 

John Y. Cunnius, first sergeant, Reading. 

Jonathan Moyer, second sergeant, Cumru. 

Samuel Evans, third sergeant, Reading. 

Solomon Houder, fourth sergeant, Heidelberg. 

Daniel Miller, first corporal, Cumru. 

Jtihii Kremar, second corporal, Bern. 

Daniel Hover, third corporal, Cunnu. 

Jacob Wingert, founh corporal, Cunnu. 

Samuel Benton, fifth corporal. 

Daniel Hacket, sixth corporal, Reading. 

Privates. — Frederick Ahman, Cumru; Jos. Bushey ; 
Joseph Briton, Longswamp ; Dewalt Bast, Maxa- 
tawny ; Samuel Boyer, Richmond ; James Coft'ee, 
IMaiden-creek ; George Clouser, Ruscomb-manor ; 
Samuel Eberly, Heidelberg; John Eck, Longswamp, 
John Pons, Cumru; Daniel Feather, Cumru; Benja- 
min Featherolf, Maiden-creek; Daniel Hare, Cumru; 
Isaac Heister, Cumru ; George Hassler, Cumru ; Ja- 
cob Heller, Alsace ; Nicholas Hamerstein, Bern; Isaac 
Heller, Bern; John Heister, Bern; William Heister, 
Bern; Francis Krick, Cumru ; Samuel Lash, Cumru; 
John Learch, Bern ; Michael Louck, Cumru ; John 
Lupt, Cumru ; George Jlallooue, Cumru ; Jacob Mes- 
sersmith, Ruscomb-manor; William McCoy, Read- 
ing; Janus McCurdy, Caernarvon ; Jacob Miller, Al- 
sace ; Nicliolas Maidenfort ; Peter Miller ; Andrew 



McMickens, Longswamp ; Jacob Neaudrace, Maxa- 
tawny ; Michael Niess, Longswamp; James R. Phil- 
ijis, Caernarvon; Casper Rader; Conrad Rader; Wil- 
liam Ruth, Cumru; Jacob Reifsnyder, Bern; John 
Reifsnyder, Cumru ; Benj. Reaber ; George Reaber ; 
Philip Ruth, Cumru ; John Rotbermal, Richmond; 
Peter Rockafeller, Bern ; John RoUman, Cumru ; 
Daniel Ruth, Cumru; Samuel Snyder, Alsace; Henry 
Snyder, Alsace ; Isaac Snyder, Alsace ; Godfrey 
Seller, Cumru ; Daniel Smeck, Alsace ; Samuel Sle- 
gle, Ruscomb-manor; John Strunk, Cumru ; Henry 
Sassaman, Reading; Jacob Shell, Richmond; Wil- 
liam Shell, Bern ; Henrv Spohn ; Jacob Wanner ; Al- 
sace ; Isaac Wagner, Cumru; Geo. Weigner ; Isaac 
Weigner; Henry White, Reading ; Philip Wolfinger, 
Heidelberg; Jacob Zweitzig, Alsace. 

The following is the mu.ster-roll of the com- 
pany commanded by Captain George INIarx, at 
York, from August 28,1814 to March 5,1815: 

George Marx, captain, Reading. 
George Boyer, first lieutenant, Reading. 
Michael Christian, ensign, Reading. 
John Camlen, first sergeant, Reading. 
Slichael Reifsnyder, second sergeant, Reading. 
Charles Kessler, third sergeant, Reading. 
Jacob Fritz, fourth sergeant, Reading. 
Jacob Frenz, first corporal, Reading. 
Peter Briner, second corporal, Reading. 
Joseph Bright, third corporal, Reading. 
Samuel Krauser, fourth corporal, Reading. 
Philip Rush, musician, Reading. 
John Seitzinger, musician, Reading. 

P)-ivaies. — George Albright, Bern ; James Aston, 
Reading; Andrew Aulebach, Reading; Daniel Bcr- 
ger, Bern ; Henry Bingeman, Reading ; John Binge- 
man, Reading; Peter Bingeman, Reading ; Jlichael 
Bright, Reading; Samuel Briner, Reading; Andrew 
Braizman, Reading; George Brown, Reading; George 
Coleman, Robeson; Jacob Dippery, Reading; Mi- 
chael Eage, Reading ; Joseph Ebbert, Reading ; Dan- 
iel Ely, Reading ; David Ely, Reading; George Em- 
merick, Reading; Christian Fisher, Reading; Jolin 
Foster, Reading; John Fox, Reading; John Frill, 
Reading; William Frill, Reading ; Jacob Goodman, 
Reading; Samuel (^raul, Reading; Jacob Greese, 
Reading; George Harf, Reading; Adam Harbold, 
Reading; Daniel Hoffman, Reading ; Peter Honian, 
Reading; John Keating, Reading; John Keller, 
Reading ; Nicholas Knower, Robeson ; John I/cbo, 
Exeter; William McNeil, Cumru; Daniel Moser, 
Bern ; John Moore ; Daniel Mauger, Reading ; George 
Nagle, Reading ; Peter Nagle, Reading ; Samuel 
Reeser, Bern ; Jacob Reitmeyer, Reading ; Jacob 
Seyler, Hamburg; Daniel Seitzinger. Cumru; John 
Shenfelter, Reading; Charles Sigfried, Reading; Jo- 
seph Sigfried, Reading; Thomas Sigfried, Ruscomb- 
manor; Samuel Sinclair, Reading; John Snell, Jr., 



THE WAR OF 1812. 



177 



Reading; Christian Spang, Reading; John Tobias, 
Reading ; Samuel Witnian, Reading ; William Wit- 
mau, Reading ; John Wunder, Reading; Daniel Yea- 
ger, Cumru ; Jacob Young, Reading ; Michael Young, 
Reading. 

The following i.s a muster-roll of the com- 
IKiny commaiidcd by Captain Jonathan Jones, 
at York from Scirteniber 1, 1814, to Dccem- 
her 4, 1814. 

Jonathan Jones, captain, Amity. 
Samuel Morrow, first lieutenant. Amity. 
Samuel D. Franks, second lieutenant, Reading. 
Simon Grove, ensign, Douglass. 
Nicholas Jones, first sergeant, Amity. 
Thomas Church, second sergeant, Caernarvon. 
Lewis Beish, third sergeant, Colebrookdale. 
Ezekiel Jones, fourth sergeant. Amity. 
John Bunn, fifth sergeant. Amity. 
Peter Bush, first corporal. Amity. 
Abraham Hesser, second corporal. Union. 
William Sheridan, third corporal, Caernarvon. 
Josei)h Russel, fourth corporal, Amity. 
Michael Serjison, fifth corporal, Caernarvon. 
Wiffiam Akins, sixth corporal. Amity. 

Privates. — John Arp, Colebrookdale ; Emanuel 
Britten, Douglass ; David Boyer, Amity ; Charles 
Bell, Amity; David Babb, Alsace; David Borst, 
Exeter; Peter Borst, Exeter; Alexander Bartley, 
Caernarvon ; John Boyd, Robeson ; John Barrick, 
Albany; .Jeremiah Cunningham, Bern; John Carson, 
Caernarvon ; Nicholas Carver, Exeter ; Daniel Diet- 
rich, Exeter; Samuel Dietrich, Exeter; Samuel Ep- 
penheimer, Doudat^s ; Daniel Fair, Amity ; Abraham 
Fies, Alsace ; David Fox, Reading ; George Frey- 
berger, Exeter; Philip Fillman, Douglass; Daniel 
Goodman, Amity ; George Gevens, Caernarvon ; Mat- 
thew George ; Henry Harpcster, Amity ; Jacob 
Heater. Exeter ; Jacob Hill, Alsace ; John Heck- 
man, Exeter; William Hammilton, Caernarvon; 
Henry Hallibach, Greenwich ; Jacob Jackson, Exe- 
ter; William Jackson, Caernarvon; James Jacobs, 
Robe.«on ; John Kreider, Douglass ; John Kutxi 
Windsor; John Long, Amity ; Samuel Lapsly, Doug- 
lass ; John Liver, Dousilass ; George Matthew, 
Union; Christian Miller, Alsace; Adam Miller, 
John McCracken, Douglass; David McBride, Caer- 
narvon; Jacob Mills, Caernarvon; John Morgan 
Union; .Tohn Null, Alsace; George Null, Alsace; 
Frederick Ox, Amity ; Jeremiah Putz, Amity ; Jacob 
Roue, Exeter ; William Rice, Union ; John Spies, 
Amity; John Strunk, Exeter; Samuel Smech, Ex- 
eter; Daniel Stubblebine, Amity ; Philip Shloppich, 
John Salter, Bern ; Nathan Thomas, Exeter; Peter 
Willbouer, Robeson; George Wikel, Colebrookdale ; 
George Wurtz, Douglass ; George Robinson, Caernar- 
vou ; Henrv Bunn. 



The following is the muster-roll of the com- 
pany commanded by Captain George Ritter, 
at York from August 28, 1814, to March 6, 

1815. 

George Ritter, captain, Ruscomb-manor. 
John Bertow, first lieutenant, Oley. 
Isaac Moyer, second lieutenant, Reading. 
Daniel Stotman, ensign, Ruscomb-manor. 
Philip Berninger, first sergeant, Hereford. 
Abraham Breidigam, 2d sergt., Ruscomb-manor. 
William Clauser, third sergeant, Rockland. 
John FoK, fourth sergeant, Ruscomb-manor. 
Henry Haffer, fifth sergeant, Ruscomb-manor. 
Daniel Acker, first corporal, Earl. 
Abraham Beriow, second corporal, Rockland. 
Jacob Berninger, third corporal, Hereford. 
Mathias Haeffer, fourth corporal, Oley. 
Michael Lowra, fifth corporal, Ruscomb-manor. 
Jacob Moyer, sixth corporal, Ruscomb-manor. 
Joseph Bingeman. drummer, Ruscomb-manor. 
John Stoteman, fifer, Ruscomb-manor. 

Privates. — John B. Andy, Earl ; Jacob B. Andy, 
Earl; Mathias Oley, Oley; John Adams, Oley; 
Jacob Andy, Oley; Jacob Brown, Rockland; John 
Bierman, Ruscomb-manor; Jacob Bowman, Oley; 
John Boyer, Oley ; John Beam, Rockland ; John 
Beaver, Oley ; Devald Beaver, Hereford ; John Bor- 
kal, Oley ; Henry Berger, Rockland ; John Becker, 
Rockland ; David Clark, Pike ; Peter Donberd, Long- 
swamp ; Daniel Dillinger, Hereford ; Christian Edin- 
ger. Pike; John Emrich, Rockland; Daniel Eby, 
Robeson ; Henry Folic, Ruscomb-manor ; Jacob 
Flicker, Earl ; Henry Fegely, Hereford ; Engel Fox, 
Rockland; Henry Gerver, Oley; Samuel Gilbert, 
Ruscomb-manor; Samuel Gregory, Hereford ; Peter 
Gregory, Hereford ; Michael Gruber, Rockland ; 
Jacob Hobbes, Ruscomb-manor ; Jacob Himmelreicb, 
Oley ; George Haas, Ruscomb-manor ; Adam Hass, 
Ruscomb-manor; Jacob Herb. Hereford ; John Hira- 
melreich, Oley ; Henry Hemig, Rockland ; Samuel 
Herbst, Pike ; George Heist, Rockland ; Jacob Hoff- 
man, Pike; George Klein, Hereford; George Keller, 
Ruscomb-manor; Conrad Kisster, Earl; Christian 
Lehman, Earl; George Ludwig, Robeson; Peter 
Leas, Rockland ; Abraham Mayer, Ruscomb-manor; 
John Miller, Hereford ; Daniel Mohn, Oley; David 
Ohlinger, Ruscomb-manor; John Ohrens, Ruscomb- 
manor; Severin Peterson, Oley ; George Price, Rus- 
comb-manor; John PauHes, Rockland ; Herman Rup- 
pert, Rockland ; Abraham Ruppert, Rockland ; John 
Rush, Hereford ; Henry Stetler, Hereford ; Peter 
Speght, Ruscomb-manor ; Henry Speigelmoyer, Rus- 
comb-manor ; John Shirry, Pike; Nicholas Sliirry, 
Ruscomb-manor ; William Smith, Earl ; George Wel- 
ler, District ; John Werstler, Earl ; Philip Windbig- 
ler, Oley ; George Yost, Robeson. 



178 



HLSTOllY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The following is the muster-roll of the com- 
pany commanded by Captain Thomas ISIoore 
at York from September 1, 1814, to March 5, 
1815. Entire company enlisted from Reading: 

Thomas Moore, ca]itain. 

William Tilton, first lieutenant. 

George Baum, ensign. 

Samuel Moore, first sergeant. 

Jacob Homan, second sergeant. 

.Jacob Slichter, third sergeant. 

Jacob Stout, fourth sergeant. 

Peter MufTert, first corporal. 

Thomas Christ, second corporal. 

Peter Aurand, third corporal. 

Henry Homan, drummer. 

David Rightmyer, fif'er. 
Privates. — Jacob Allgair, Jonas Baum, John Binga- 
min, Thomas Chadwick,' Jacob Cyder [Seider], John 
Dager, George Goodman, Frederick GraetF, Christian 
Haberacher, Samuel Haberacher, Frederick Hyne- 
man, John Heller, Mathias Isebeisse [Eisenbeis], 
John Kepner, John Kroh, George Kreisher, John 
Kim, Nicholas Lotz, Joseph Lowry, William Lotz, 
Daniel Lotz, Michael Louaberger, Joseph McKoy, 
Francis Muhlenberg, George Nagle. Richard Porter, 
Jacob Fhillippi, Abraham Prutzman, William Row, 
Abraham Reinhart, George Roland, Jacob Stout, 
Benjamin Stout, Samuel Stout, John Witman, John 
Weisman, William Witman, Charles Witman, Peter 
Wunder, Joseph Wood, George Wunder, Daniel 
Young, George Zimmerman. 

The following were in the company com- 
manded by Captain John Christian, Second 
Regiment, Second Brigade : 

John Christian, captain, Reading. 
John Schwartz, second lieutenant, Reading. 
John Mcintosh, first sergeant, Reading. 
John Homan, private, Reading. 
Samuel Homan, drummer, Reading. 

The other officers and privates of this com- 
pany were from Schuylkill County. 

The following is the muster-roll of the com- 
pany commanded by Captain Gabriel Old, at 
York from September 1, 1814, to March .5,1815: 

Gabriel Old, captain, Longswamp. 

John Fisher, lieutenant, Maxatawny. 

William Shook, ensign, Greenwich. 

Rudolph Meislin, first sergeant, Richmond. 

Isaac Levan, second sergeant, Maxatawny. 

William Graeff, third sergeant, Maxatawny. 

George Amor, fourth sergeant, Richmond. 

Daniel Gracfl', first corporal, Maxatawny. 

John Witman, second corporal, Richmond. 

' Promoted to fniirth corporal. 



Jacob Layman, third corporal, Maxatawny. 
Jacob Longbieu, fourth corporal. Maiden Creek. 
Jonas Freyler, fifer, Longswamp. 
William Marx, drummer, Maxatawny. 

Privates — William Addam, Longswamp ; Jonathan 
Aker, Maxatawny ; Abraham Biehl, Maxatawny ; 
Samuel Bushy, Maxatawny ; Abraham Boyer, Rock- 
laud; John Bowman, Maiden-creek; Andrew Brocon, 
Maiden-creek; Cieorge Braish, Maxatawny; Daniel 
Boyer, Richmond; Jacob Danner, Longswamji; 
Michael Delong, Maxatawny ; William Dox, Max- 
atawny ; George Esser, Maxatawny; Jacob Eiseii- 
hart, Longswamp ; John Fisher, Maxatawny ; Jacol) 
Fisher, Maxatawny ; George Fegeley, Maxatawny ; 
Adam Flower, Longswamp ; Samuel Flower, Maiden- 
creek; Peter Folk, Longswamp; William Frasher, 
Richmond; John Frimot, Maxatawny ; Jacob Glauser, 
Rockland ; Jonas Gilgart, Maiden-creek ; Valentine 
Gei.st, Longswamp ; Joseph Hoffman, Rockland ; 
Gideon Hoffman, Ruscomb-manor ; Peter Hill, Rich- 
mond ; Jacob Housknecht, Greenwich ; Jeremiah 
Hughes, Richmond ; John Keyser, Maxatawny ; 
Benjamin Kercher, Maxatawny ; Jacob Keiffer, Long- 
swamp; John Kimerling, Ruscomb-manor; Jacob 
Kemp, Richmond; Samuel Kemp, Richmond; An- 
drew Kaup, Maxatawny ; Nicholas Kreisher, Maiden- 
creek ; Daniei Long, Longswamp ; Abraham Lit- 
weilor, Longswamp; Reuben Leiby, Maxatawny;' 
John Minker, Richmond ; Henry Minker, Richmond ; 
Philip Miller, Richmond ; John Noll, Richmond ; 
George Old, Greenwich ; Jacob Polsgrove, Longswamp ; 
John Reeder, Maxatawny; Henry Rafl' [Rai)p], Max- 
atawny; John Roof [Rapp], Maxatawny ; David R.iu- 
zan [Rauenzahn], Richmond ; Christopher Rauzan 
[Rauenzahn], Richmond ; Moses Reifsriyder, Rus- 
comb-manor; John Reninger, Ruscomb-manor; George 
Stroup, Maxatawny; Samuel Stout, Maiden-creek ; 
.Jacob Shaffer, Maiden-creek ; Nathan Shaffer, Long- 
swamp; Jolin Strome, Richmond ; William Simons, 
Longswamp ; John K. Snyder, Richmond ; John 
Snyder, Greenwich; Andrew Smith, Maiden-creek; 
Jlichael Shercr, Greenwich ; Jacob Wisser, Max- 
atawny ; Jacob Winter, Maiden-creek; Henry 
^Veaver, Longswamp ; George Woulison, Maiden- 
creek ; Peter Weaver, Greenwich ; Daniel Young, 
Ruscomb-manor; Benjamin Zeigler, Longswamp. 

Reading Wa.shington Guards. — Another 
company from Reading was enlisted in this 
war. It was the " Reading Washington 
Guards," under the command of Captain Daniel 
De B. Keim. T!ie company was raised, uni- 
formed and equipped within fifteen days. 
Gn the ICth of September, 1814, previous to 
departure it was paraded and then formed in a 
circle on Penn Square where the Rev. J. F. 
Grier (pastor of the Presbyterian Church) deliv- 



THE WAR OF 1812. 



179 



ered an appropriate and pious address. A band 

of music, under the leadership of Colonel . 

Simons, escorted the company to the Schuylkill 
where boats were taken. Upon its arri\-al at 
Philadelphia, its services were not required for 
the defense of the citv. But it was ordered to 




WASHINGTOX GRAYS. 

join the army near Wilmington, and thence it 
marched to " Camp Dupont." It was afterward 
attached to the " Advance Light Brigade," 
Eleventh Company, First Regiment, Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteer Infantry, under the command 
of General Cadwalader and served till the close 
of the war. The following is the roll : 

Daniel De B. Keini, captain. 

Henry Betz, first lieutenant. 

Jonathan Good, second lieutenant. 

Samuel Baird, ensign; 

Samuel Conner, first sergeant. 

James D. Biddle, second sergeant. 

Nathan P. Hobart, third sergeant. 

David Medary, foiu'th sergeant. 

John C. Neidly, fifth sergeant. 

Henry \V. Pearce, first corporal. 

John W. Roseberry, seeond corporal. 

Charles A. Bruckman, third corporal. 

J. R. Thomas, fourth corporal. 
Privates. — frerhard Geisse, Robert E. Hobart, Rob- 
ert Lafterty, William Brooke, John Schambers, Jacob 
Rahn, David Potts, Jr., Robert M. Ross, Thomas 
Potts, Wm. Kleinginni, William Bird, Samuel Potts, 



George Snyder, James Leits, John Metzger, William 
Skeen, William Nice, Lewis Stichter, Daniel Kaercher, 
Christian Brobst, James Eckert, George Hahn, Wil- 
liam Bower, Matthew 51. Brooks, Samuel Kerschner, 
Richard Boone, John K ulp, Samuel Schaefier, Wil- 
liam Shower, Thomas I5aird, Robert May, Samuel 
Barde, Timothy Lindsley, John Bannan, Benjamin 
Putt, Jacob Seitzinger, David Jor.es, William Thomp- 
son, Henry Keiser, John Barde, Thomas Wilson, 
Charles Busbar, Jonathan Stroud, Peter Yeager, John 
Bright, Thomas Kejjple, George Wile, George Drenkle, 
Samuel Graul, Joseph Green, Abrahiim Seifert,_Jobu 
Ruth, Joseph Kendall, James B. Hubley, Elisha Ely, 
Henry Schoener, John Hanley, Thomas Reiffsnyder, 
A<lam Bell, Thomas B. Smith, Jacob Maurer. 

Pkack Deci.akeix — Peace was concluded at 
(ihent on December 24, 1814. But it was not 
till February 22, 1815, that the event became 
known at Reading. During the day, the citizens 
of the borough signalized it by shooting off 
cannon, and at night by a grand illumination in 
which sixteen hundred pounds of candles were 
consumed. 

The following extract of a letter, dated at 
Reading, on February 23, 1815, written by 
Mrs. ^lary Keim to her husbaad George De B. 




GEORGE DeBENNEVILLE KEIM 

Keim, who was then at Philadelphia, describes 
the manner in which the people of the borough 
received the news : 

" With pleasure did I peruse your affectionate 



ISO 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



epistle and the preparations for last night's illumina- 
tion have alone prevented my answering it sooner. As 
the wife of a true American, I felt disposed to enter 
patriotically into it, aud I exhibited a few emblematic 
pieces from my chamber windows, which attracted 
crowds of gazers, who, by loud shouts, evinced their 
admiration of our house, which was said to excel all 
the others. But to do justice to the people, the town 
was brilliantly lighted up and the utmost order jire- 
vailed during the early part of the evening. But we 
unfortunately liave two classes of beings; one who 
considered it a day of privileges, and not even the 
blessedness of peace to our country could restrain 
them. By this the Laws of Heaven are violated, the 
peace of society broken, religious duties and morality 
ridiculed. Vice alone ruled, and this urged them to 
destroy a great deal of harmony by breaking windows, 
lamps, etc." 



CHAPTER XL 



MEXICAN WAR. 



Cause of the War — Reailing. Artillerists — DeparturB for 
Mexico — Participation in War — Battles EngageJ In — 
Return of Artillerists — Brilliant Reception. 

Cause of the War. — Tlie ^Mexican ^\'al• 
arose out of the question relating to the annexa- 
tion of Texas to the United Stat ;s. The constitu- 
tion of Mexico prohibited slavery in Texas, and 
this provision was a sufficient reason why the 
Southern States of the Union should wish to 
control it. President Adams aud also President 
Jackson made fruitless efforts to buy the jjrov- 
ince ; and sub.sequently for some years the 
scheme of annexation was considered. One of 
the last acts of Jackson's official life was the 
appointment of an official agent to Texas, 
thereby acknowledging the independence of the 
province. This was looked upon as the first 
step towards obtaining possession of territory 
large enough for five new slave states. Hence- 
forward the project ^\as urged with persistence, 
but little success till about LS42, when Presi- 
dent Tyler gave it his encouragement. It was 
argued that if slavery were abolished in Texas 



'A series of interesting articles on the "Mexican 
War " appeared in tlie Berks and Sclmi/lkiH Journal, begin- 
ning with the issue of March 19, 1853, contributed as 
" Leaves from the Diary of a Volunteer." I could not 
aseert.ain the author. 



the ruin of the Southern States was inevitable ; 
but if the province were annexed to the Union, 
the future of the slave States would be brilliant. 
Van Buren having declined the request of 
Texas for admission into the Union, he was 
"killed politically;" and subsequently Webster 
was removed from Tyler's cabinet because he 
was not willing to encourage the scheme. In 
1844, Calhoun became Secretary of State, and 
he " believed in annexation at any cost," and 
President Tyler justified Calhoun's invitation 
to Texas to join the United States because he 
thought Great Britain was engaged in a diplo- 
matic intrigue to abolish slavery in Texas. 
Calhoun then made a treaty with Texas in 
reference to annexation without the consent of 
Mexico, but oifered Mexico $10,000,000 as an 
indemnity. But the Senate rejected the treaty ; 
it was not even supported by the Democratic 
party. Yet, in the Presidential election of 1844, 
Polk was elected as a Democrat, because he 
fiivored annexation, whilst other Democrats, 
such as Van Bui-eu and Benton, were retired 
from political favor because of their opposition, 
— the opposition of the former closing his 
public career. At the close of Tyler's admin 
istration, a joint resolution was passed annex- 
ing Texas; and Tyler acting under this resolu- 
tion the annexation was carried. But as Tyler 
went out of office with the scheme carried 
through Congress, Polk came into office with 
the certainty of war with Mexico. In the 
beginning of May, 1846, the regular troops 
under General Taylor were intercepted along 
the Rio Grande by the Mexican troops imder 
General Arista, and the battles of Palo Alto 
aud Resaca de la Palma ensued. Before the 
news of these events reached Washington, Con- 
gress had declared war on the IStli of May, 
and authorized the President to call for 50,000 
volunteers for one year. After carrying on war 
for nearly two years, the Mexicans were con- 
quered, and a treaty of peace was signed in 
February, 1848, at the City of Mexico, whereby 
the United States acquired not only Texas, but 
also Arizona, New Mexico and California. 

During the excitement throughout the coun- 
try incident to the declaration of war, a great 
patriotic feeling was developed at Reading. On 



TIIH MEXICAN WAR. 



181 



the 20th of May, 1846, a large town meeting 
was hekl, presided over by Chief Burgess 
William Bet;?, at which the national govern- 
ment was sustained. A second meeting was 
held on the next day, at which appropriate 
resolutions were adopted, approving the course 
of President Polk. A prominent prevailing 
sentiment was — " Our country, our whole coun- 
try, our country right or wrong." And during 
this week the volunteer companies of Heading, 
— Reading Artillerists, Washington Grays and 
National Grays — held meetings and tendered 
their services to the President. 

Peaiuxc Aktillerists.' — The following 
officers and privates comprised the Muster Roll 
of the "Reading Artillerists" when the ser- 
vices of the company were tendered to the 
President, and accepted with marching orders 
to proceed to Pittsburg : 

Captain, Thos. S. Leoser. 

First Lieutenant, William Wander. 

Seosnd Lieutenants, Levi P. Knerr and Henry 

A. 51. Filbert. 
First Sergeant, Lewis H. Wunder. 
Second Sergeant, Henry Beidinger. 
Third Sergeant, Ellis L. Aker. 
Fourth Sergeant, William W. Diehl. 
First Corporal, William R. Grattl'. 
Second Corporal, Jetlerson Alocher. 
Third Corporal, Charles Leader. 
Fourth Corporal, William Herbert. 
Drummer, Jacob Coleman. 
Fifer, Thos. McGec. 

Privates. — Joseph Alexander, New York ; Paul 
Albert, John Q. Anderson, (Virginia); John E. Arthur. 
Jacob Armpriester, John Briestly, Lewis Brown, 
Geo. Bachman, (Baltimore); John Bertlinger, Frank- 
lin Bitting, Henry Boyer, Nehemiah Bean, Hiram 
Bauchter, Thomas Carragan, Charles Clinger, Cyprian 
Cobb, Schuylkill County ; William S. Diehl," John 
Donnelly, Charles Dunbar, James Eason, Josiah 
Ebbert, Edwin Fritz, Charles Flickinger, William 
Flickinger, John Frymire, Augustus Fisher, John 
Fisher, Daniel L. Forney, (Schuylkill County); Wil- 
liam Frey, George H. Gibbs, Frederick Gast, Daniel 
Graefl', John Hardee, Isaac S. Hottenstein, Peter 

'Major Richards McMichael has "muster iu" and 
" muster out '' rolls of the company ; also •' Daily Morning 
Report Book" of the company; all of which by his kind 
permission I examined for the purpose of obtaining correct 
statements of the men mustered iu and out of service, etc. 

For age, size and weight of men, see Reading Gazelle, 
January 1(5, 1847. 



Hogan, John G. Hambright, Charles W. Horrell, 
George Henry, William Herbst, John A. Heil, Jesse 
C. Jones, (Delaware) ; John H.Jones, (Pottstown); 
John Jordon, Joseph Kohlberg, Israel Kaercher, 
(Schuylkill County); Henry Kaercher, (Schuylkill 
County) ; Valentine Klotz, George R. Kramer, (Schuyl- 
kill County); John Kurtz, George H. Long, William 
Laiug, Christian Linderman, Richards McMichael, 
Lewis Mouzert, Peter B. JIadara, George L. Moss, 
Isaac Moyer, Peter Moyer, All)ert Myers, John Miller, 
William Marks, Adam Mathias, Nathan Metz, Ran- 
dall McDonald, Sylvester McCaragan, Napoleon 
Mcrceron, (Baltimore) ; William Patterson, Jacob 
Rapp, Abraham Roland, Charles Ritchey, Thomas 
C. Rissler, (Pottstown); Charles Smith, Daniel G. 
Saul, John Sheetz, Frederick Saener, Garret Scher- 
merhorn, (New York); William Trayer, William 
LImpleby, (Chester County); William Van Thiel, 
Cornelius Van Doren, (Schuylkill County) ; Reruhanl 
Vaux, (Schuylkill County); William Clemens, John 
Fleshour, John Foesig, Henry Gardner, Lewis Heil- 
man. Christian Jaus, John Steel, William M. Smith, 
William Walters and John White. 

At a town meeting held in the court-house on 
December 19, 1846, for the jnu-pose of devising 
means to aid the volunteers, a committee <pf 
prominent citizens was appointed to escort the 
company to Philadelphia. At the meeting, G. 
A. Xicolls, in behalf of the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad Company, offered the company 
a free passage over their railroad to Phila- 
delphia. The meeting recommended to Town 
Council that one thousand dollars be appropriatefl 
towards the comfort of the soldiers and the re- 
lief of such of their families as needed a.ssistance. 
Suljsequently, on December 22, 1846, the Town 
Council authorized a loan of one thousand 
dollars for the purposes mentioned. A similar 
appropriation was recommended by the grand 
jury of the county on the 5th of January, follow- 
ing, to be made by the county comrai.«sianers. 

Departure for Mexico. — The company 
left Reading for Philadelphia on the 26th day 
of December. The following intere-sting de- 
scription of their departure was published in 
the Berks and Sc/mylkiU Journal, i.ssued on the 
2d of January, 1847 : 

"The departure of this fine corps of Volunteers, nn 
Saturday morning last [26th December, 1846], for the 
theatre of war, exhibited one of those scenes which 
occur but once in a life-time. At an early hour our 
streets were crowded with citizens of the town, and 
people and military from various parts of the countrv 



182 



HI8TOKV OF BKKKS COrXTY', PENNSYLVAMA. 



At eight o'clock the pillunt little band formed into 
line on Fifth street, near Penn, iind, preceded by the 
Committee of Escon and the corps of ' Washington 
Grays,' they were paraded through our principal 
streets, followed by crowds of people anxious to take 
a last look at those who had so nobly volunteered 
their services to defend the honor of our flag on the 
plains of a distant country. As they passed through 
the town, the windows were crowded, and many a 
fond bosom throbbed with anguish and many a bright 
eye moistened at the idea of parting for an indefinite 
time, perhaps forever, with those endeared to them by 
the ties of kindred and affection. The scene was 
solemn — so solemn, indeed, that not a cheer rose from 
the thousands who accompanied them through the 
streets. The feeling was too deep, too sad ; the re- 
flection which their departure excited too melancholy 
to enliven the spirits of the most enthusiastic. 

" At half-past nine o'clock the company reached 
the Depot and took their station in the cars provided 
for their accommodation by the liberality of the rail- 
road company. Here a thrilling scene ensued. The 
last farewell was to be said — the last words spoken. 
The separation of wives from their husbands, mothers 
from their sons, sisters from their brothers and friends 
from one another was touching in the extreme. We 
noticed many a stout heart, that would scorn to waver 
on the field of battle, heaving with emotion while 
going through the feeling ceremony of leave-taking. 
The crowd around the Depot was one of the largest 
we have ever seen collected in this borough, and when 
the signal was given and the cars moved off, they rent 
the air with a shout that seemed to well up from the 
bottom of every heart, in one unanimous " God bless 
you," Most heartily do we hope that every one of 
this glorious little band of patriotic soldiers may live 
to return and enjoy the reward of their gallantry for 
many years yet to come." . . . 

Tlie Artillori.sts arrived at Pliilaclelphia in 
the afteriiouu of the same day. After their ex- 
amination by Dr. Wurts, United States Surgeon, 
he pronounced them the finest boily of men he 
liad yet passed into the service. 

On the day previous to tiieir departure, the 
officers were the recipients of numerous testi- 
monials of regard. The workmen of the rail- 
road company's shops distinguished themselves 
in this respect. The Captain and the Second 
and Third Lieutenants were in the company's 
employ. The officers were presented with swords. 
Sergeant McMichael was presented with an ele- 
gant sword, revolver, sash, belt and accotitreraeuts 
by his friends and sliop-mates engaged at John- 
ston's foundry. And numerous Colt's revolving 
pistols and Bibles were also presented. 



The Artillerists left Philadelphia by railroad 
on Monday morning, December 28, and ar- 
rived at Harrisburg in the afternoon of the .same 
day. After dining at Colonel Herr's, they pro- 
ceeded by railroad to Carlisle and Chambers- 
burg, where they arrived on Tuesday morning 
at two o'clock. After breakfast, they immedi- 
ately proceeded afoot on their way to Pittsburgh. 
That day they walked to McConnellsburg, 
twenty-two miles. Wednesday they walketl to 
Bloody Run, twenty-six miles. The di.stance 
was arranged so as to reach Pittsburgh by Tues- 
day, January 4th. Three large six-horse bag- 
gage teams accompanied them, having been 
supplied by Joel Ritter, who was sent by the 
citizens of Reading to pay their expenses to 
Pittsburgh. They arrived on January 5th. On 
the same day, the company wei e mustered into 
the service of the United States, as Company A, 
in the Second Regiment of Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteers, under the command of Col. William B. 
Roberts.' Two regiments of volunteers from 
Pennsylvania were mustered into the ser- 
vice ; and two companies of men from Penn- 
sylvania volunteered to make up the quota of 
NcM' Jersey, which were mustered in and attached 
to the Second Regiment fivjm Pennsylvania, 
as Companies L and M. 

Participate in War. — The company, with 
other companies, left Pittsburgh on the 8th of 
January in the boat " Antliony Wayne," and 
proceeded by way of the Ohio and Mississippi 
Rivers to New Orleans, arriving there on the 
15th. They encamped on the old battle-ground 
of 1812-15, seven miles below the city. "And 
there they laid all night in the rain without 
tents ; and, owing to the negligence of certain 
government officials, they were without provis- 
ions for thirty-six hours. This caused much 
dissatisfaction in the ranks, and, as a consequence, 
twelve men of the company deserted." Such 
was their beginning in active military service. 

'"The ten persons last named in the muster roll were 
not mustered in with the " Artillerists," though they went 
with the company for that purpose, owing to the military 
regulation as to the number of eacli company. They, how- 
ever, eulisteil in other companies, and were mustered into 
tlie service. In the election of staff officers for the regiment, 
at Pittsburgh, on January 0, 1847, Richards McMichael was 
elected sergeant-major. 



THE JIEXICAN WAR. 



183 



The company served with distinction through- 
out the war and was particularly recognized for 
its bravery. The following highly compliment- 
ary mention was made of the company by 
Colonel Geary, of the Second Kegiment, in his 
report to General Scott : 

" Company A, coinmancled by Captaiu T. S. Leoser, 
allowed no one to surpass them in the performance of 
their duty : in crossing the swamp, ascending the hill, 
and, in fact, during the whole day, they maintained 
their position well. I would here beg leave to call to 
your recollection the gallant conduct of Captain Leo- 
ser and Lieutenant McMiehael, of this company, in 
crossing from the Garita to the breastwork near the 
citadel during the afternoon. The great coolness 
with which they acted in an unusually exposed 
position will, I hope, receive your iiarticular atten- 
tion." 

The following extract was taken from a 
letter dated May 20, 1847, at Jalapa, and 
published in the Philadelphia Ledger,^ in refer- 
ence to the brave conduct of Richards McMich- 
ael at ti|e battle of Cerro Gordo : 

" After we had received the first round of grape and 
canister, our company fell back with the rest of the 
ten, when Richards JIcMichael sprang forward, crying 
to us to come on. We immediately followed. He 
le<l us through the thickest of the fire, the men fall- 
ing on each side of him, but he, undaunted, still en- 
couraged the wavering and reprimanded the cow- 
ardly. Such conduct has gained him the esteem of 
this regiment. Words I find insufficient to express 
our admiration of this brave young man. . . ." 

Battlbs Engaged ix. — The company was 
engaged in the following battles : Vera Cruz, 
March 19th to 28th ; ^ Cerro Gordo, April 18th; 
Chapultepec, September 12th ; Belen Gate, 
September 13th.^ 

Returx of Aktillerists. — The City of 
Mexico was taken on the 14th of September, 
the Mexicans having evacuated the capital 
during the previous night, owing to the cap- 
ture of the San Cosmo Causeway and the 
Belen road. The troops, including Com- 
pany A, were stationed in this famous city till 
the 18th of December, when they were removed 



^ Copied in Berks and Schui/lkill Journal, June 26, 1847. 

2 A grand illumination took place in Reading when the 
news of the victory at Vera Cruz arrived, 20th .\pril, 1847. 

^ See sketch of Captain T. S. Leoser, at end of chapter, 
for other battles mentioned. 

.Also, see sketch of Richards McMichacl, in Chapter XII. 



to San Angel, at which place they continued 
till peace was declared. They were ordered 
home about the middle of June, 1848. 
They then marched to Vera Cruz — consuming 
about a month in the march — where they 
took transportation on the bark " Florida " 
for New Orleans. Thence they proceeded up 
the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to Pittsburgh, 
and were mustered out of service there on the 
21st of July. The company then were com- 
posed of the following officers and privates : 

Thomas S. Leoser, captain. 
Richards McMichael,* first lieutenant. 
William Graeff,^ Ellis L. Aker, 2d lieutenants. 
Jett'erson Alocher, first sergeant. 
Charles Leader, second sergeant. 
William Herliert,'' third sergeant. 
Peter Hogan,' fourth sergeant. 
John A. Heil, first corporal. 
John Frymire,- second corporal. 
John E. Arthur," third corporal. 
Nehcmiah Bean, fourth corporal. 
Thomas McGee,'' Musician. 
rrivaiea. — Jacob Armpriester, John Briestley, Lewis 
Brown, Franklin Bitting, Henry Boyer, George Bach- 
man, Hiram Bauchter, Jacob Coleman, Charles Flick- 
inger, Augustus Fisher, George Giblis, Frederick Gast, 
John Hardee, Jesse C. Jones, Thomas Carrigan, Geo. 
Long, Peter B. Madara, Isaac Moyer, John Miller,'' 
William Marks, Randall McDonald, Jacob Rapp," 
Charles Ritchey, Thomas C. Rissler, Daniel G. Saul," 
Garrett Shermerhorn, William Umpleby, William 
Herbst, John H. Jones. 

Samuel Burns, drummer, Danville; Adam Bamber- 
ger, Philadelphia ; Patrick Coldricht Pittsburgh ; 
Leopold Hess, York ; Edward Lay, York ; Au- 
gustus Myers, Holidaysburgh; David Welsh, Phil- 
adelphia. [These seven me.n joined the company 
in December, 1847, and January, 1848.] 

Brilliant Reception. — The company ^ then 
took packets and traveled by canal to Harris- 
burg, and thence by railroad to Philadelphia 



'Promoted to first lieutenant 9th September, 1847 ; and 
in the election of officers, occasioned by the death of Col. 
Roberts, he was elected to the office of major. 

^Promoted 1st November, 1847. 

6 Wounded at Chapultepec and recovered. 

' Wounded at Belen Gate and promoted. 

8 Wounded at Belen Gate and recovered. 

'The men from Reading. William Graff was compelled 
to remain at Pittsburgh on account of sickness, with Long 
and Rapp to wait upon him ; they arrived at Reading 10th 
of August, 1848. Bachman left the company at Baltimore 
on their return to Harrisburg. 



184 



.HISTORY OF BEKKri COUNTY, FEXXf^YLVAXlA. 



and Reading. Some of the men went by stage 
to Reading. Upon their arrival, on the 29th 
of July, they were given a brilliant military 
reception. Numerous buildings and streets 
were handsomely decorated with flags and 
wreaths. The military procession was under 
the command of Gen. William H. Keim. The 
troops numbered over eight hundred men. The 
battalion consisted of two companies of cavalry 
under the command of Gen. William High, 
viz. : — National Troop and Reading Troop — 
and of eight companies of infantry uuder the 
command of Major H. A. Muhlenberg, viz. : — 
Reading Artillerists, Washington Grays, Ham- 
burg Artillerists, Womelsdorf Legion, Moselem 
Blues, Washington Rifle Blues, Friedensburg 
Light Infantry, Cadets of Military Institute. 

After parading through the principal streets 
of the city, the procession was taken to " Inde- 
pendence Island," where an appropriate oration 
was delivered by Charles Davis, Esq.; with which 
the demonstration ended. 

Deaths. — The following twenty-seven men 
of the company died in Mexico, mostly from 
sickness contracted there : 

Abraham Kohind, April 27, 1847, at Jalapa Hospital, 
from wounds received at Cerro Gordo in head at 
right ear ; ball lodged under his tongue, 
.lohu Sheetz, April 29, 1847, at Jalapa Hospital, 
from wound received at Cerro Gordo, in calf of 
left leg. 
Charles Dunbar, April 29, 1847, at Jalai.a Hospital.' 
.John Kutz, May K!, 1847, at Vera Cruz Hoi>ital. 
William Van Thiel, June 11, 1847, at Perote Hos- 
pital, from diarrhifa. 
William Patterson, June 17, 1847, at Perote Hospital, 

from diarrhoea. 
Israel Kaercher, July 14, 1847, at Perote Hospital, 

from rheumatism. 
Henry Kaercher, July 30, 1847, at Perote Hospital, 

from diarrhiea. 
Henry Gardner, July 20, 1847, at quarters in Puebla. 
Christian Lindernian, .\ugust 3, 1847, at Perote Hos- 
pital, from diarrhfea. 
James Eason, August 19, 1847, at Perote Hospital, 

from diarrhuea. 
John Fisher, August 25, 1847, at Puebla Hospital, 

from diarrhcea. 
Napoleon Merceron, August 27, 1847, at Perote Hos- 
pital. 



1 Charles Dunbar fell a victim to camp-fever and died of 
medical neglect. The sick soldiers were badly treated, and 
loud complainl3 were made. 



William S. Diehl, August 29, 1847, at Puebla Hos- 
pital, from diarrhcea. 

George L. Moss, August 30, 1847, at Perote Hospital. 

Henry Beidinger, September 1, 1847, at Puebla Hos- 
pital, from diarrhfea. 

John Donnelly, September 1, 1847, at Perote Hos- 
pital, from diarrli(ea. 

Daniel L. Forney, September 5, 1847, at Puelila Hos- 
pital, from diarrha-a. 

Peter Moyer, September 13, 1847, killed in storming 
of Chapultepec. 

Lieutenant William Wuuder, September 14, 1847, at 
Miscoac." 

Sylvester McCaragan, September 27, 1847, at Puebla 
Hospital, from diarrhcea. 

Xathan Metz, October 17, 1847, at City of Mexico, of 
wouud received at Chapultepec. 

William Flickinger, November 3, 1847, at Puebla 
Hospital, from diarrhcea. 

Sergeant J. G. Hambright,'* November 7, 1847, at 
Mexico Hospital. 

Bernhard Vaux, November Ki, 1847, at Mexico Hos- 
pital. 

George Henry. November 29, 1847, at Mexico Hos- 
pital, of wound received at Gate of Belen. 

Daniel Graeff, February 16, 1848, at San Angel. 

Discharged. — The following men were dis- 
charged during their term of service on account 

of sickness : 

Sergeant L. H. Wunder, April 4, 1847. 

Private William M. Smith, from Vera Cruz Hospital, 

April 4, 1847. 
Private John Q. Anderson, from Vera Cruz Hospital, 

May 17, 1847. 
Private William Frey, from Vera Cruz Hospital, 

May 17, 1847. 
Private Albert Myers, from Vera Cruz Hosjiital, May 

17, 1847. 
Private William Trayer, from Vera Cruz Hospital, 

May 17, 1847. 
Private Edwin Fritz, from Vera Cruz Hospital, May 

17, 1847. 
Lieutenant Levi P. Knerr, June 1, 1847. 
Private Charles W. Horrell, from Castle of Perote. 
Sergeant William W. Diehl, wounded in arm at 

Puebla de los Angelos. 

' Fell sick at Jalapa. His body was sent to Reading. It 
lay in state in the court-house. On May 13, 1848, an 
oration was delivered by J. Glancy Jones, Esq., after 
which the burial was made in the Charles Evans Cemetery. 
The funeral procession was very large, including military, 
municipal officers, and Councils, judges, lawyers, physi- 
cians and secret organizations. The city generally was 
crowded with people from the country. After the burial 
appropriate services were also held in Trinity Lutheran 
Church. 

s Promoted April 1, 1847. 



THE iNFEXICAN WAR 



185 



Lieiileiiant H. A. M. Filbert, Xovember 1, 1847 (re- Discharged on account of sickness 12 

signed). Deserted 13 

Private Lewis Mouzert, from Puebla Hospital, No- I 

vember 5, 1847. Honorably mustered out of service: 

Private Joseph Alexander, from Puelda, where he Commissioned officers 4 

was sick. Non-commissioned officers and musicians 10 

Privates 35 



RECAPITtlLATIOX. 



Commissioned officers 4 

Sergeants 4 

Corporals 4 

Sergeant-major. 1 



49. 



Total 102 

Tho.mas S. I>K().sku was one of the best- 




(0^^^^^—.^ ^ ^^^L^r^^ 



Musicians 2 

Privates 80 

Privates joined from regimental depot 6 

Private joined by transfer as musician 1 

Total strength during war ,..102 

Killed in action 1 

Died of wounds 4 

Died of disease 22 

Resigned 1 

21 



known citizens of Berks County from 1 845 to 
the time of his deatli. 

He was born in the lower part of the county 
May 27, 1818, and was the son of Dr. Jacob 
Leoser and Sarah Bull Leoser, the daughter of 
John Smith, of Joanna Furnace. 

He was graduated at the University of Penn- 
sylvania at an early age, and, on the 7th of No- 
vember, 1838, was married to Mary Hillegas 



18(i 



TTISTORY OF BERKS COCNTY, I'HNNSYLVANIA. 



Rheem, the daughter of Jacob Rheem, Esq. of 
Philadelphia. 

He always took an active interest in military 
matters and coinmanded a company of nulitia 
called the " Reading Artillerists " for some years 
previous to the Mexican War. 

At the breaking out of that war the company 
volunteered, and was mustered into the service 
of the United States as Comj)any A, of the Sec- 
ond Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, with 
him as the commissioned Ca]itain. The Regi- 
ment joined S(;ott's column at Lobos Island and 
took part iu the work of his arm}' uutil the oc- 
cupation of the city of Mexico, participating iu 
the siege of Vera Cruz, the battle of Cerro Gor- 
do, the engagements at Jalapa, Perote and Pu- 
ebla, the battles of Contreras and Chcrubusco, 
and the storming of Chapultepec. 

On the return of the company to Reading, 
the enthusiasm of its reception 'was unbounded, 
and tlie citizens so far forgot their accustomed 
phlegmatic demeanor that some of them carried 
Captain Leoser from the station to his residence 
on their shoulders. 

Jk'fore the war began, he had received from 
Governor Slimdv a commission as brigade in- 
spector for T)au])hin, Lebanon, Berks and 
Schuylkill ( 'ounties for four years. During liis 
absence in Mexico the duties of this office were 
performed by a substitute. 

After his return from the war, Captain Leo- 
ser enjoyed the greatest popularity among his 
fellow-citizens, and, when he died, September 12, 
1849, of an affection of the stomach and liver 
contracted in Mexico, his loss was universally 
mourned by the community. He left to sur- 
vive him two sons— Charles McKnight Ijcoser 
and Christopher Leoser — and a daughter, Sid- 
ney H., married to Morton C. Mcllvain ; a 
third son, Thomas S., having died iu infancy. 



CHAPTER XII. 

CIVIL WAR. 

lutroiluction — Patriotism of County — War-JIeeting.s au'l 
Ajipropriiitions— Ladies' Aid Society — Reading Hospital 
— Drafts and Quotas of lierlcs County — Nortlieru Men in 
Service — Summary of Battles — Paper Money— List of 



Companies from Berks County in Civil War — President's 
Call for Troops — First Companies in War — Ringgold 
Light Artillery the First Company — Statement of Cap- 
lain McKuight — Soldiers of Berks County iu Three 
Months' Service, 1801 : Three Years' Service ; Nine 
Months' Service; Volunteer Militia of 1862; Drafted 
Militia of 186'2: Volunteer Militia of 1863: One Hun- 
dred Days' Service ofl8()-t; One Year's Service, 1861-155 
— Miscellaneous Enlistments from Berks County — Sol- 
diers Buried in Berks County —tiraud Army Posts — So- 
ciety of Ex-Prisoners uf War. 

The Civil War in our country broke (int in 
April, 1<S()I. The tlireet cause was the agita- 
tion of the great subject which related to slav- 
ery. Li 1620 religion started the movement 
for f'recihiin in the northern part of our coun- 
try, and about the .same time trade .started the 
movement for slavery in the .southeru part. 
These two agents in tiie tlevelopment of our 
people moved, as it were, westwardly from the 
Atlantic Ocean, side by side in the onward 
cour.se of time, .the one in the northern .section 
and the other in the southern section, withdut 
any substantial interference for two hundred 
years. When independence from the British 
government was agitated on account of burden- 
some taxation, all the States north and south 
united in the one common purpo.se of establish- 
ing a free, representative government, separate 
and apart by themselves, of, for and by the 
people, and through this union they were en- 
abled to carry on successfully the Revolutionary 
War, which, after a severe trial of eight years, 
resulted in their favor. In 1787 delegates 
from these several States assemliled together for 
the pnrpo.se of formulating a Con.stitution for 
their general government and protection as a 
nation, and in this they were entirely succes.sful. 
In the interest of harmouy and progress, large 
concessions were made to the Southeru States 
on the subject of slavery. The two agents, 
religion and slavery, were able to move alono- 
successfully side by side for a nniuber of 
years afterward by reason of their separation. 
But as education developed greater notions of 
liberty and equality, and as steam brought the 
people of the several sections of the country 
closer togeth(!r, and as manufactures and traffic 
induced them to trade -with one another more 
intimately and more frequently, these two 
agents began to antagonize each other more and 



THE CIVIL WAK. 



187 



more, and statesmen of the North and of the 
South anticipated the danger of an inevitable 
conflict between them. Increasing liberality in 
religion introduced many improvements, di- 
rectly and indirectly, amongst the people of the 
North. Poj)ulation and wealth increased rap- 
idly over an eidarging area of territory, and 
these gave the northern section more States and 
a stronger political influence and power. But 
slavery was stationary in the South, new poli- 
tical rights were not awakened, progress in 
any direction was not developed, thougli new 
States were erected and political representation 
w as increased to preserve the balance of power 
Itetween the two agents. After 1850 the ex- 
tension of slavery on the one hand, and its 
restriction on the other, became thoroughly 
national questions and their animated discus- 
sion resulted iu a terrible struggle lor the su- 
premacy. Till this time the South had the 
general control of political affairs tiirough lead- 
ership and legislation. But the Southern states- 
men then saw that their political power was in 
reality jiassing away through the wonderful 
growth of the North in population and wealth, 
and in political representation in the national 
government. A similar growth could not be 
cflected iu the South ; so its leaders desired to 
extend the rights of slaveiy. This was particu- 
lui'ly apparent upon the admission of Kansas as 
a State. The Republican party — the exponent 
of restricting slavery to territory then occupied 
— became an active political factor in the country 
ill 185(5 ; but its Presidential candidate was de- 
feated. Threats of secession by the Soutiiern 
States had been made about that time, and it 
was thought that if the Republican party had 
been successful, secession would have been at- 
tempted. 

For four years this (juestion was ])i-om incut 
above all other (piestions. Buchanan preserved 
the peace during his administration, but he 
cciuld not preserve the balance of power. Pub- 
lic opinion grew more favorable towards the Re- 
|)nblican party, and in 1860 this party appeared 
before the people with renewed strength. During 
that time the Democratic party agitated the 
question of slavery to such an extent that two 
Ijranches of the party were created, — one, the 



Douglas branch, fer submitting the question 
to the people of a new State upon its erection ; 
and the other, the Brcekenridge branch, for sub- 
mitting it to the Supreme Court for adjudication 
underthe national Constitution, — and in the Pres- 
idential campaign of 1800 their political power 
was divided. The party was still strong enough, 
as a whole, to elect a candidate; l)ut it was not 
strong enough to bear a division, especially 
such a division as Douglas was able to create 
by the snpiiort which he had won through pub- 
lic discussion. Lincoln, the Republican candi- 
date, was elected. From the sentiments of his 
party — especially from the sentiments of its 
ultra-leaders, who werestyled " Abolitionists" — 
the Southern leaders felt constrained to take 
earnest steps towards secession ; and these steps 
were taken between the day of the election, in 
Xovember, and the day of Lincoln's inaugura- 
tion, in March, not only vigorously, but suc- 
cessfully, without the slightest hinderance on 
the part of the national government. Promi- 
net Cabinet ofhcials. Senators and Representa- 
tives withdrew from their respective positions 
and caused their several States to pass ordi- 
nances of secession, declaring the contract be- 
tween them and the national government 
ijroken. When Ijincoln took possession of the 
government, the status was not only discom-ag- 
ing but very alarming. In his inaugural ad- 
dress, he stated that apprehension seemed to ex- 
ist among the peo})le of the Southern States 
that, by the accession of a Republican adminis- 
tration, their property, peace and ])ersonal se- 
curity were to be endangered, but that there 
never had been any reasonable cause for such 
apprehension ; and he declared that he had no 
pur[iose, directly or indirectly, to interfere with 
the institution of slavery in the States where it 
existed. lie had no inclination to do so on the 
one hand, and on the other he had no lawful 
right. Those who had nominated and elected 
him did so with the full knowledge that he had 
made these declarations, which he had never re- 
canted ; and, besides, his party had placed iu 
their platform the clear and emphatic resolu- 
tion : 

"That the maintenance, inviolate, of the rights 
of tlie States, and especially the right of oaili 



ISS 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



State to order aud control its own domestic insti- 
tutions, according to its own judgment exclusively, 
is essential to that balance of power on which the 
perfection and endurance of our political fabric de- 
pend ; and we denounce the lawless invasion of the 
soil of any State or territory by armed force, no mat- 
ter under what pretext, as among the gravest of 
crimes." 

He tlien reiterated these sentiiueuts and 
j)ressed upon the public attention the most con- 
clusive evidence of which the case was suscep- 
tible, that the projierty, peace and security of 
no section were to be in any wise en- 
dangered by his administration. Notwith- 
standing his plain and direct language, to 
perform the duties of his office according 
to the Constitution and laws, without any 
mental reservations or any purposes to con- 
strue them by hypercritical rules, and his ex- 
pressed sentiments for peace and inseparable 
union of the States, the Southern leaders per- 
sisted in secession and disunion ; and wlien he 
endeavored to protect national property they 
rose up in arms and committed positive acts of 
treason. 

In April, ISlil, Fort Sumter was bom- 
barded from the fortresses and batteries at 
Charleston in such a furious manner that the 
commander was forced to surrender it. This 
was the signal for war, and the people in the 
North rose with a grand, patriotic impulse to 
punish the outrage. The President issued a 
requisition for seventy-five thousand troops, in 
order to quell the disturbance in the insurrec- 
tionary States, and the response was prompt 
and noble. The national government had not, 
as yet, done anything to cause the South to feel 
alarmed, but this hostile demonstration required 
it to show some positive action towards defend- 
ing its property and enforcing its laws. The 
excitement at Reading, as everywhere else in 
the North, was intense. Captain James Mc- 
Knight offered his company of Ringgold Light 
Artillery, and it was the first military organi- 
zation that responded to the call and moved to 
the defense of the country. This historical fact 
is worthy of espa^ial mention, for in it our peo- 
ple take a just, patriotic pride, and it is a dis- 
tinction in this great crisis of our country which 
no other community enjoys. It was hoped that 



this simple manifestation of executive author- 
ity would restore peace ; but the organization at 
the South was too thorough, and its purpose to 
establish, if possible, a confederation by itself, 
was too 2>remeditated. Men rushed to arms 
and were forced into dreadful warfare, call after 
call for troops was made, and thousands of lives 
were sacrificed, and millions of dollars were ex- 
pended, in the two sections, for a right which 
each claimed, — the one to establish a con- 
federation aud the other to maintain constituted 
authority, — and this terrible contest continued 
four years before peace was restored. 

It is not my purpose to write a history of the 
war. I sim})ly desire to record the patriotism 
which our county disjila^'ed upon this occasion 
by narrating the more prominent events which 
transpired in our eoniniunity during this per- 
iod. 

Patriotism of County. — The feeling here 
for maintaining the l^nion and upholding the 
Constitution was strong and continuous during 
the entire period from the beginning to the close 
of the war ; and this was exhibited by Demo- 
crats and Republicans alike. Breckenridge had 
received a majority over Lincoln, exceeding two 
thousand votes, but the sentiment fin'the Union 
was general in all our districts, especially at 
Reading. Coiupauies were raised ra))idly and 
nuistered into service — mmibering eightj^-seven, 
almost entirely enlisted in and from the county. 
They went to the rescue freely, moved by the 
highest patriotic impulse. Public meetings 
were numerous and earnest sympathy for the 
cause was manifested at all ol' them. The 
prominent men took the lead. Our judges, 
lawyers and merchants, and business men gen- 
erally, without respect to party affiliations, 
united to encourage and sustain the national 
administration. Their pronounced opinion in 
the matter created and preserved a proper sjiirit 
in the couununity. The ctiunty and city 
governments were constantly liberal in :ij)pro- 
priations of money towards encoui-aging volun- 
teer enlistments. But the methods of conduct- 
ing the war received a degree of criticism 
amounting to condemnation. This was natural 
from partisans who entertained political opin- 
ions opposed to those of the administration in 



TIIK ('[VrL WAK. 



189 



power. A disposition to criticise and condemn 
was shown even in small local matters ; how 
much more was it to be expected in national 
matters of such enormous proportions, involv- 
ing tlie ap])ropriation (if millions of dollareand 
the exejcise of extreme legislative and executive 
authority over the people ! Certain measures, 
which were resorted to diu'ing the progress of the 
war, such as the susjiensiou of tiie writ of haheas 
corjHts, the issue of paper money, the conscrip- 
tion of men for military service, the proclamation 
of emancipation, the enlistment and enfranchise- 
ment of negroes, etc., were particularly objec- 
tionable, but tluy were consequences that were 
unavoidaljle under the trying circumstances 
in which the country was placed ; and, if they 
were not exactly within the letter of the Con- 
stitution, the preservation of the country, its 
property, its government and its people justi- 
fied them entirely. A national Constitution 
and all the laws growing out of it could not be 
jiaramount, in such an extreme emergency, to 
national existence, inasmuch as they M'ere par- 
ticulai^v designed to preserve it; and this 
was certainly no time for "sympatliizers," — a 
class of indiviiluals which prevailed here as 
elsewhere. Further indulgence of theSoutli — 
after it had taken national ])roperty and carried 
on destructive warfare, and especially after its 
army had invaded Peimsylvania, not for the 
|)urpose of defending its proj>erty and po- 
litical rights, but for the purposes of vengeance, 
of destroying our property and of jeo])ardizing 
the ])eace and security of our political exist- 
ence — ceased to be a virtue; and those who 
were not for the Government were against the 
Union. These two were one and inseparable. 
For them extraordinary measures were enacted, 
not promptly and hastily, but only after much 
discussion and dt'lay. They M'ere forced upon 
the jieople as justifiable war measures. 

Our county containcKl a large majority of peo- 
ple who were against the war, if we interpret 
their opinion from the exercise of their political 
suffrage at elections; but they were submissive— 
they caused no trouble, no riotous demonstration. 
This reflects great credit upon them as a law- 
abiding community. Our national and State 
governments, by enactments, required these 



things of them, and therefore they bore them. 
They went to the war by the thousand, they 
endured conscription without opposition and 
they permitted the a.ssessment of burdensome 
taxation. They encouraged appropriations of 
money, amounting to nearly a million of dollars, 
expressly for the enlistment of men, and thev 
invested large sums of money in the national 
securities. These, taken together, truly consti- 
tute significant evidence of devotion to their 
country and to the administration of its affairs 
by an opposite party, — a party whose principles 
were not only different from theirs, but, in fact, 
objectionable, if not repulsive, to them. Tln'ii- 
general conduct of co-operation under sucli cir- 
cumstances is therefore commendable and wor- 
tliy of this prominent mention. 

During this period, the excit(>nient throughout 
the county was ever active, and several times, 
when the State was invaded by tiie revengeful, 
destructive rebels, and our own county was 
threatened with the horrors of war, it became 
alarming. This was particulai-ly the case at 
Reading. Penn S([uare was daily, more or less 
in con\motion with the eidistment of men, tlie 
formation and exercise of companies and their 
departure to the seat of war or their return 
fnmi it. The music of fife and drum and the 
marching of men — fathers, husbands, brothers 
and sons — thrilletl the entire comnuuiity time 
and again. These were, indeed, events that 
made a lasting impression upon that generation. 
Two encampments — one in the northern part of 
Reading in 1862, and another in the eastern 
pai-t in 1863 — attracted nuich attention. Thev 
afforded the people an opportunity of forming a 
proper conception of camj)-lifc and military dis- 
cipline. If our peaceful inhabitants did not 
realize the actual terrors and iiorrors of warfare 
by the booming of cannon, the explosion of 
shells and the destruction of property in their 
midst ; if they did not see blood and death in 
their highways and upon their fields as the evi- 
dence of bitter opposition and revenge, they saw 
officers and soldiers in uniforms and witnessed 
military exercises with the weapons of war, and 
they knew bytheirown personal observations that 
earnest preparations were made for encounters 
with the enemy. How they looked at these 



lllSTOltV OF BKKKS COUNTY, I'KNXSVLVAXIA. 



military cities, with tents aiul streets under 
strict regulation ! how they watched the men in 
drill, by platoons and coiu[)anies and l)attalions! 
how they pointed out generals and colonels and 
captains as the men who had been in war and 
passed safely through the jaws of death ! But 
when the wounded, the dying and the dead were 
brought home to them, then they felt that the 
cui'se of rebellion was in the laud. Did they 
catch the true spirit with these things about 
them '.' Yes ; they sprang to the rescue, — they 
either went themselves or urged others to go to 
])reserve the Union, — they raised money and en- 
dured luirdensome taxation, amounting to the 
millions; their mothers, wives and daughters 
prepared flags for the men, and said, "Go, de- 
fend these banners ; let not a star be torn away. 
You have our prayers. Your patriotism must 
win the crown of victory." With such inspira- 
tions our men, as men everywhere throughout 
the North, went to this war. 

The religious services djiring this time were 
intensely interesting. Oh, what praise, what 
sermons, what teai's, what prayers ! The souls 
of tills great community in the numerous 
churches were as one in earnest efforts to win 
the tlivorof God, — the God of our fathers who 
had been blessed in their Kevolutiou and struggle 
for independence and freedom, — so that the Union 
could be preserved as it had been transmitted 
unto them. Every minister was ekxpient, and 
he could well be elo(|uent upon such a subject 
with an excited audience before him. 

The " Union League," a Kepublican a.ssocia- 
tion at lieading, organized after the great 
"Union League" at Philadelphia, was very 
active in enli^ting men for military service; and 
so were the various secret .societies, cs])ecially 
the " Junior Sons of America." 

In the midst of the great excitement incident 
to the general feelings for war and the necessary 
preparations to carry it on successfidly, our 
local energy displayed itst'lf toa remarkable de- 
gree in every department of business. Trade 
was both active and profitable, and it stimulated 
various enterprises. Railroads were projected 
and substantial improvements were made in 
every section of the county, esjiecially at Read- 
ing ; and matters pertaining to education and 



religion were directed witii earnestness and suc- 
cess. The prices of all kinds of material were 
high ; but money was abundant and a spirit of 
increased liberality kept it moving aboutactively 
from hand to hand, from store to store, from 
bank to bank and from place to place. 

Wak-Mektin(;.s and Appuopkiations. — 
After the election of Lincoln, a sentiment of tear 
tor the preservation of the Union of our several 
States developed more and more rapidly 
with each passing day. This was more espec- 
ially caused by the action of certain Southern 
States on the subject of secession. This fear ob- 
tained at Reading ; and in order to express the 
opinion of this community on the subject of 
" preserving the integrity of the LTnion," a 
large meeting, including prominent men of both 
political pai'ties, was held in the court-house on 
December 1."}, liSGO. Hon. John Banks was 
chosen president. Appropriate rescJutions were 
tidopted, favorable to the TTnion,l)Ut particularly 
recommending non-interference with the rights 
of property in slaves guaranteed by the Constitu- 
tion to the Southern States. John S. Richards 
and Iliester Clymer delivered most ert'ective and 
highly appreciated speeches. 

On the 10th of December (three days before) 
the Democratic City Club had met and reportetl 
a " Memorial to Congres.s on the State of the 
Union," prepared by a committee of thirty- three 
prominent Democrats, in which similar senti- 
ments of non-interference and compromise had 
been expressed. 

In July, 18()2, when there was a threatened 
invasion of Pennsylvania, our j)cople became 
very much alarmed for the safety of their lives 
and property. Large and enthusiastic meetings 
were held in the court-hon.se to devise means for 
protection. They included all the prominent 
and influential citizens of Reading, such as Hons. 
W. J. Woodward, J. Pringle Jones, John 
Banks, J. Glancy Jones, Wm. M. Hiester and 
George D. Stitzel, Drs. H. H. Muhlenberg, Dil- 
ler Luther and C. H. Hunter, and Messrs. 
Jacob Knabb, J. Lawrence Getz, A. F. Boas, 
John ]McManu.s, G. A. Nicolls, John S. Rich- 
ards, Isaac Eckert, Levi B. Smith and William 
M. Baird. Their j)nblic expressions were 
thoroughly patriotic ; and, in pursuance of their 



THE riVTI- WAR. 



lt)l 



earnest recommendation, tlie county commis- 
.siouers — Paul Weudicli, (ieorge K. Lorah and 
Jacob Donaliowcr — ottered a bounty of fifty dol- 
lars to every officer and private mustered into 
the service from the county. In September 
IciUowing, the commissioners again ottered the 
same bounty for every volunteer soldier ; and 
the City C'ouncils appro[>riated ten thousand 
dollars additional for tlie pui-pose of encourag- 
ing volunteer etdistmenls; and in .Time, ISfi;?, 
similar meetings were held. 

The city of Reading ai)propriated altogether 
for war purposes, in bounties, relief, etc., f'ST;?,- 
179, as follows: 1861, $oO0; 18(i2,$S0-t; 18(;:l, 
$2,509; 18()4, $2.58,7()0 ; 1865, 
$1 10,fiO(i And the Comity of Berks 
the sum of 1452,389, as follows: 
1 861 , .fl 2,;?1 9 ; 1 862, $45,082 ; 1 863, 
.'#19,788; 1864, $347,7-50; 1865, 
$27,450. 

The totiil amount, for the city and 
county, was $825,568. Besides this 
sum, tlie l)iiroiigIis likewise appro- 
priati'd_ and raised moneys for the 
same purpose : Kiit/.town, $1(),()05- 
21 ; Bcrnville,$69.53.8] ; Boyertown, 

; Hamburg, ; Wo- 

melsdorf, . 



"depot" was established at Reading, to which 
all the goods were carried and from which they 
were consigned. This was in a small frame 
building situate ou North Fifth Street, No. 116. 
The couuti-y districts were encouraged to co- 
operate in this benevolent work, and the ladies 
there responded nobly by forwarding materials 
to Reading. The meetings of tiie society were 
held for a time in the '' Pearson Building," No. 
432 Penn Street, on the second floor, the room 
for this ])urpose having been generously given 
by Mr. John S. Pearson, free of rent ; and af-^ 
terward in the building occupied by the provost- 
marshal of this district, No. 520 Penn Street. 




A '•-^ 



Ladies' Aid Socikty. — Tlie men 
of our community are presented very 
[)romincntly in tliis period of our history. I'>nl 
the women arc also worthy of respectful mention 
for their patriotism. They did not enlist in prac- 
tical military service ; but they gave the national 
administration a moral support which is truly 
praiseworthy. Just as the " Ringgold Light 
Artillery " were preparing to take the Lebanon 
Valley railroad train on the afternoon of April 
16, 1861, to proceed to Harrisburg in answer 
to the call of President Ivincolu for troops, cer- 
tain influential ladies of Reading assembled 
in the parlor of Mrs. Dr. Diller Luther, on 
Penn Street (No. 530), and formed a society, 
which they entitled " Ladies' Aid Society." 
Its object was to supply the soldiers with 
clothing and materials useful whilst in military 
service away from home. It was actively en- 
gaged during the entire period of the war, col- 
lecting and forwardino; tons of materials. A 



SA.NITAKY FAIR BUII.DrXGS. 

This was the first society of the kind organ- 
ized in the country ; and as wc take a just pride 
in having furnished the military company which 
was the first to respond to the call for troops 
and to report at Harrisburg for service, so do 
we take a similar pride in having organized this 
Ladies' Aid Society, which was the first to take 
active and successful steps towards providing 
for the comfort and welfare of the soldiers. 

This society participated actively in the mat- 
ters pertaining to the Sanitary Commission at 
Philadeljihia, and it was represented by a num- 
ber of ladies at the great "Sanitary Fair," which 
was held in that city for the purpose of raising 
funds to relieve the wants of the soldiers. 

The officers of the society were Mrs. Rosa 
C. Nicolls, president; Mrs. Catharine Hause, 
vice-president; Mrs. Annie H. Muhlenberg, 
treasurer; Mrs. Maria W. Brooke, secretary. 



192 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENXSYLVAXIA. 



In July, 1866, a general review of its chari- 
table work wa.s piiblij^hed bv the treasurer, Mrs. 
Annie H. Muhlenberg (widow of the Hon. 
Henrv A. Muhlenberg). It was as follows: 

" A statement of money and supplies received and 

forwarded during the war : — 

" Cash received from : — 

Individuals §1541.30 

Church collections 126o.l2 

Lodges 237.00 

Soldiers' Mite Society 181.28 

State of Pennsylvania for w(X)len sovks... 137.32 

Fairs, exhiliitioos aud concerts 921.47 

Sanitary Fair for " Berks Co. Kitchen "'.. 305.95 
" oue day's income 8407.83 

$12,997.27 

Estimated donations of clothing, provi- 
sions, etc., for Sanitary Fair 5,000.00 

817,997.27 
■' Cash disposed of as follows : 

To Sanitary Fair $9,012.00 

To Soldiers' Orphan Aid So- 
ciety 683.00 

To Sanitary Commission 200.00 

To Christian Commission... 200.00 
To New York Soldiers' Hos- 
pital 72.00 

For clothing, provisions, etc., 
sent to hospitals, etc, whilst 
armies were in the field.... 2,830.27 

§12,997.27 

"Mrs. AXXIE H. MfHLEXBERCi, 

■' Treasurer. 
" Reading, July 9, IStJG." 

READiNci HdsriTAL. — A " Military Hospi- 
tal" was fitted up at Reading during the mid- 
dle of June, 1862, in the main exhibition build- 
ing of the Agricultural St)ciety, on the " Fair- 
Grouud," with cots sufficient to accommodate 
one huudretl and thirty patients, and success- 
fully couductetl till the spring of 18G3. The 
" Ladie.s' Aid Society " of Reading took an ac- 
tive interest in the welfare of the sick and 
wounded soldiers, and performed admirable ser- 
vice during the continuance of the hospital. The 
regularly comniissioue<l surgeons in attendance 
were Dr. Martin Luther and Dr. John B. 
Brooke. 

Draft axd Quotas of Berks Cocnty. — 
During the progress of the war, i-eijuisitions for 
troops be«tme so frequent that the government 
was compelled to resort to the conscription of 



men for the purjiose of enabling it to prosecute 
the war with success. Numerous volunteers en- 
listed from Berks County, and the citizens of 
this district resjx)nde<l nobly to the sevei-al calls 
for troops. But here, as elsewhere, the draft 
had to be made. 

There were four drafts, one in e;ich of the 
years 1862, 1863, 186-1 and 1865. The pro- 
vost-marshals of this district were, in succession, 
Henry I. Kupp, Jacob C. Hofl'and George W. 
Dureil. 

The first draft was conducted in October, 

1862. By the following table, the total enroll- 
ment of men in the county numbered 17,809; 
the volunteers, 3,186; and the cjuota, 2,719. 
The number of men who voluntecretl in lieu of 
draft was 345 ; and the substitutes who enliste<l 
for three years numbered 146. The total num- 
ber of men drafted in the county was 1,"242. 
These men were encamped on the " Deininger 
Farm," adjoining the Evans' Cemetery on the 
north, fornieil into companies and placeil under 
the command of Colonel Charles Knwlerer. 
They were musterwl into service as the One Hun- 
dred and Si.Kty-seventh Regiment. 

A second draft was made August 2()-2!t, 

1863. The quota of men to l>e furnished by 
the county was 1,554 — this number having been 
fifty per c^Mit. in excess to provide against ex- 
emptions. 

The draft was made on a platform in front of 
the marshal's office, soutliwest corner of Fift:h 
and Cherry Streets, Reading, by a blind man 
(George Phillippi), who was blindfolded in the 
presence of the following committee of promi- 
nent citizens specially appointeil to be present 
upon the ocx-asion : 

Charles Kessler, editor of Adlei- ; J. Lawreui* 
Getz, editor of Gazette; Jacob Kuabb, alitor of 
Journal; Arnold Puwelle, editor of Beobachter ; 
.v. S. AVhitman, editor of Times; H. J. Moore, 
c<litor of Press; Hon. W. J. Woodward, presi- 
dent judge; H. R. Hawman, county commis- 
sioner : Hon. J. S. Hover, mayor ; Rev. C. A. 
Pauli ; Rev. F. A. M. Keller ; Rev. Francis 
O'Conner ; Hon. George D. Stitzel : Hon. S. E. 
Ancona; Hon. Hiester Clymer; Daniel Ermen- 
trout ; Richard Boone ; Isaac Eckert ; Peter 
Hoch. 



THE riVTL WAR. 



lf)3 



The third draft proposed in March, 1864, for 
Berks County, was postponed for a time. The 
cjiiuta in the (!iill for two hundred thousand men 
was 767 ; the deficiency of the county under 
former drafts was 298; total number required, 
1 ,065, and tiie credit of the county on April 1 5, 
18(i4, for men supplied to the government, 1036. 
Tins deficiency of 29 men was more than sup- 
plied hy re-enlisted veterans. Subsequently, 
lio\vever, in May, a draft was ordered, upon 
finding a deficiency in certain sub-districts in 
the county. Each sub-district was required to fill 
its own quota. The total number drawn was 172. 



In service 1862. [Aug., 1863.1 1864. 











•s 






S 








„■ 






•3 








^ 






= 


i 










E 


S 










1° 








^ 


s* 


























— 


s 


3 






C 


* 
















































H 


> 




Cf 






<y 


n 


=• a 




















Albany 


ai- 


21 


3 


67 


129 


39 


22 2 


31 48 




■i'li 


23 




61 


12* 


38 


17, 10 


22 44 


Ainity 


wy 


57 




36 


110 


Xi 


21 ... 


22 44 


Bern 


374 
:)47 


28 
17 


1 
2 


46 
81 


188 
150 


56 
45 


30 5 

291 6 


4:1 78 


Bern, Upper 


46 ... 


B«inville 


KK. 


27 




16 


47 


14 


6 ... 


3 ... 


Bethel 


:(7(: 


8 




!l« 


220 


66 


491 ... 


.591 118 


Brecknoeldf?. 


144 


4 




46 




23 


11 


ft 


22] 38 




Ifit 


30 




13 


66 


20 


11 




14 28 




an 


10 
38 




6'J 
30 


138 


38 
41 


19 

23 


13 






26 1 32 




sail 
i;«) 


62 

1 




71 
40 


156 
76 


47 
2S 


34 
11 


"fi 


44 ... 


District 


22 44 




2a 

180 
448 
320 


43 
21 
87 
5 


i 


21 
33 
55 
90 


79 
193 
159 


23 
24 
58 
43 


U 
19 
30 
29 


"ii 
3 










34 68 




40 68 


Hamburg 


276 


97 


3 


*1 




27 


111 


1 


13, 24 




1811 


34 


4 


36 




26 


16 


7 


2U| 20 


Hoidelburg, L... 


4«fl 


43 




117 


212 


63 


31 


6 


54l 96 


Hcidelburg.N... 


176 


3 


I 


66 


88 


26 


16 




19 16 


Hereford 


na 


9 








32 


13 


3 


28, 58 


Jefferson 


214 


10 




63 


loo 


30 


2(1 


10 


24: 44 


Kutztowu 


187 


52 




10 


74 


22 


16 


1 


Hi 56 


Longtjwanip 


244 


68 




32 


191 


67 


27 


8 


49| 84 


Maxiitawiiy 


40t 


25 




94 


158 


47 


32 


IS 


31 1 68 


Maiden-creek.... 


24S 


16 




M 


loo 


30 


22 




20 1 36 


Marion 


285 
326 


31 
44 


"li 


68 
55 


129 

179 


39 
54 


25 
35 


5 




Miililenbcrg 


31; 60 


Uley. 


40S 


73 




62 


179 


54 


3(1 




3 6 


Ontelaunee 


27!l 


66 




23 


93 


28 


21 




22 42 


Ponn 


264 


10 




76 


116 


35 


21 


4 


29 50 


Perry 


287 


10 


... 


69 


140 


42 


17 




35 68 




178 
41 S) 


10 
24 




60 
120 


09 
262 


21 
76 


14i 7 


17 22 


Riclimuud 


47 


3 


56' 106 


Robeson 


486 


102 




62 


209 


63 


33 




44 84 


Rockland 


2.'i7 


17 




58 


119 


36 


32 


S 


15 24 


Ruscomb-nianor 


228 


27 




50 


108 


32 


23 


12 


14 28 


Spring 


4311 


28 


1 


101 


194 


58 


35 




48 ... 


Tulpehockeu.... 


331 


21 




91 


168 


60 


43 


13 


49 98 


Tulpehocken, U 


20il 


20 




40 


1U9 


32 


20 


9 


27 ... 


Union 


:m 


119 




31 


2119 


63 


33 




34 58 


Washington 


3011 


20 




67 


148 


44 


29 




36 62 


Windsor 


213 


23 




41 


124 


3T 


25 


3 


29 42 


Womelsdoif 


2U1 


67 


2 


11 


76 


23 


20 




12 ... 


County total 


12744 


1646 


27 


2462 


5897 


1764 


1107 


172 


1277 ... 


Reading : 




















N. E. ward.... 


1334 


332 


11 


141 


,V27 


159 


118 




74I .... 


N. W. ward... 


84» 


322 


21 


8 


381 


115 


SO 




42| ... 


S. E. ward 


Ul.'i 


334 


24 


89 


377 


114 


90 




62 ... 


S. W. ward 


872 


300 


40 


20 


200 


81 


83 




49, ... 


Spruce ward.. 


886 


252 


10 


9 


325 


98 


79 


... 


.56; .... 




iioe.'j 


1640 


112 


2UJ 


1870 


567 


456 




283 .... 




17809 


3180 


139 


2719 


7773 


2331 


1563 


... 


1600 1970 



A call for 500,000 men was made on July 18, 

1864. The quota for Berks County was 1887 
— for Reading, 450. On August 1st, the defi- 
ciency in the county was 1,62.") — in Reading 
212. A draft was made on September 22d, but 
only for one sub-district — Ru.scomb-manor, fifty- 
two men — all the other sub-districts having 
supplied their deficiencies. 

A fourtii draft was made February 23-25, 

1865. Reading, Ujiper Bern, Bernville, Cum- 
ru, Douglass, Spring, Upper Tulpehocken, 
and Womelsdorf had supplied their quota of 
men by volunteers. The aill was made in De- 
cember, 18()4, for 300,000, the quota of which 
for Pennsylvania was 49,563, and of Berks 
County, 1560. 

Northern Men in Sehvice. — The calls, 
periods of service and number of men obtained 
during the Civil War from the Northern States 
were as follows : 

Nutnber Period of Number 

Date of Cull. called. St^rvice. obtained. 

April 15, 1861 T.'i.OOO 3 months 93,326 

May and .July, 1861. ..582,748 3 years 714,231 

Jlay ami .luiic, 1862 3 months 15,007 

July 2, 1862 .300,000 3 years 431,958 

August 4, 1862 300,000 9 months 87,588 

.June 15, 1863 100,000 6 months 16,.361 

October 17, 1863 300,000 3 years | 374 807 

February 1, 1864 200,000 3 years J 

March 14, 1864 200,000 3 years 284,021 

April 23, 1864 S.'i.OOO 100 days 83,652 

July 18, 1864 500,000 l,2aud3yrs. 384,882 

December 19, 1864 300,000 I,2and3yr8. 204,568 

2,942,748 2,690,401 

The aggregate number of men furnished by 
Pennsylvania was three hundred and sixty-six 
thou.sand three hundred and twenty-six ; re- 
duced to three years' standard, two hundred 
and sixty-seven thousand five hundred and 
fifty-eight. It is estimated that during the war 
fifty-six thousand national soldiei's M'cre killed 
in battle, and about thirty-five thousand died 
in hcsijitals of wounds, and one hundred and 
eighty-four thousand by disease. The total 
casualties, if we include those who died subse- 
quent to their discharge, were about three hun- 
dred thousand. The loss of the Confederates 
was less in battle, owing to the defensive char- 
acter of their struggle ; but they lost more from 
wounds and by disease, on account of inferior 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, TENNSYLA'AXIA. 



sanitary arrangements. The total loss of life 
caused by the Rebellion exeeeded half a million 
of men, and nearly as many more were dis- 
abled. 

Summary of Battles. — In the four years 
of service, the armies of tiie Union — counting 
every form of conflict, great and small — had 
been in twenty-two hundred and sixty-five en- 
gagements with the Confederate troops. From 
the time when active hostilities began until the 
last gun of the war was fired, a fight of some 
kind — a raid, a skirmish or a pitched battle — 
occurred at some point on our widely-extended 
front nearly eleven times a week, upon an 
average. Counting only those engagements in 
which the Union loss, in killed, wounded and 
missing, exceeded one hundred, the total num- 
ber was three hundred and thirty. From the 
northernmost point of contact to the southern- 
most, the distance by any practicable line of 
communication was more than two thousand 
miles. From East to West the extremes were 
fifteen hundred miles apart. During the first 
year of hostilities — one of preparation on both 
sides — the battles were naturally fewer in num- 
ber and less decisive in character than after- 
wards, when discipline had been imparted to 
the troops by drill, and when the materiel of 
war had been collected and stored for prolonged 
campaigns. The engagements of all kinds in 
lcS61 were tliirty-five in number, of which the 
most serious was the Union defeat at Bull Run. 
In 1862 the war had greatly increased in mag- 
nitude and intensity, as is shown by the eiglity- 
four engagements between the armies. The 
net result of the year's operations was highly 
favorable to the Rebellion. In 1863 the bat- 
tles were one hundred and ten in number, — 
among them some of the most significant and 
important victories for the Union. In 1864 
there were seventy-three engagements, and in 
the winter and early spring of 1865 there were 
twenty-eight.' 

Paper M(jney. — Before tlie Civil War, it liad 
been the uniform practice of the diifercut States 
to allow banks to be established for tiie issue of 
notes, payable in specie on demand. Tiiese 

1 2 Blaine's "Twenty Years of Congress," 20. 



banks were established by acts of the local Leg- 
islature, which limited the liability of the share- 
holders. Banking then was quite free, and all 
individuals could carry it on, provided tiiey pur- 
sued the requirements of the law. But under 
this system there was great fluctuation in value, 
which produced an unprecedented amount of 
bankruptcy and ruin. Between 1811 and 1820 
many banks became bankrupt ; and twenty 
years afterward another financial panic oc- 
curred. Tiie inflation of the bank-notes was 
wonderful between 1830 and 1837. But just 
as the amount had then increased, so it decreased 
during the following six years till 1 843 ; and 
this caused the ruin of many moneyed institu- 
tions. Among them was the Bank of the 
United States, the renewal of whose charter 
had been denied by I'resident Jackson. 

The loss in the value of stocks and property 
of all kinds was enormous. But great as the 
loss was, it was trifling compared with the in- 
jury which resulted to society in disturbing the 
elements of social order and in causing the utter 
demoralization of men by the irresistible temp- 
tation to speculation which it afforded and by 
swindling to retain riches dishonestly obtained. 
Another crash took place in 1857. 

At the beginning of the war the paper money 
in circulation amounted to $200,000,000, of 
which three-fourths had been issued in the 
Xorthern or loyal States; and the coin amounted 
to §275,000,000. The early necessities of the 
national treasury in this trying period compelled 
the government to borrow money, and' in this 
behalf, in February, 1862, Congress authorized 
the issue of treasury notes amounting to $150,- 
000,000, and declared them to be legal tender 
except for customs duties and for interest on 
the national debt. This action was taken after 
a full, if not a bitter, discussion of the question. 
Its constitutionality was contested vigorously, 
but unsuccessfully. 

A premium on gold naturally followwl, caus- 
ing it to be drawn entirely from circulation, 
and this increased as the treasury notes multi- 
plied. Then the National Banking system 
was introduced to supply a circulating medium. 
This was created on February 25, 1863, and 
amended June 3, 1864, whereby a Bureau and 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



195 



Comptroller of Currency were appointed in the 
Treasury Department, with power to authorize 
hanking associations, under certain provisions, 
for {Jublic security. The existing State banks 
were rapidly transformed into national hanks 
under thi.s system and their previous notes were 
withdrawn from circulation. The currency of 
the country in this manner came to consist of 
treasury demand notes, which in I860 amounted 
to 1450,000,000, and of national bank notes, 
whieli approached the limit of $300,000,000. 
The latter circulated as freely as the former, 
because tlieir ultimate redemjition was assured 
bv the deposit of an adequate amount in United 
States bonds at the national treasury. This 
system was found superior in the protection 
against loss which it aiforded ; but it could not 
|)revent a financial crisis from sweeping over 
the country, especially when other causes, such 
as excessive manufactures and enormous losses 
from fire, contributed greatly towards the I'esult. 

Congress also authorized small notes for five, 
ten, twenty-five and fifty cents to be issued for 
the purpose of supplying the loss of the small 
denominations of coin money from circulation. 
This was commonly known as "currency." It 
was all redeemed after the war. 

During this jieriod our merchants at Jieading 
issued and circulated for a time their own frac- 
tional demand notes for the purpose of encour- 
aging trade amongst one another. But it was 
gradually redeemed as the national currency 
was supplied. 

List of Companies from Berks Couxty 
IN Civil War. — The following eighty-seven 
com])anies of men were enlisted from Berks 
County and mustered into the service of the 
National Government in the Civil War. Eleven 
(if the companies included men which were ac- 
credited to other counties. Reckoning all the 
men together in the companies named and in 
the unclassified alphabetical arrangement fol- 
lowing them, it can be asserted that at least 
eight thousand five hundred men of our county 
were engaged in the great and successful strug- 
gle for the preservation of the Union: — 

THREE months' SERVICE, 1S(J1. 

Twenty-fifth Regt.— flinggold Light Art.. Jas. Mc- 
Knigbt, capt. 



First Regt. — Co. G, Beading Artillerists, Geo. W. 

Alexander, capt. 
Fifth Regt.— Co. H, Union Light Inf., Frank M. 

Cooley, capt. 
Seventh Regt.— Co. C, Wash. Art., Isaac Schroeder, 

capt. ; Co. D, Penn. Art., Geo. S. Herbst, capt. ; 

Co. G-, Reading Rifles, Albert F. Rightmyer, 

capt. 
Fourteenth Regt. Co. A, — Union Guards, David A. 

Griflith, capt. ; Co. E, Keystone Infantry, John 

C. Shearer, capt. 

THREE years' SERVICE, 1861-64. 

Thirty-second Regt. (3d Reserves). — Co. A, Reading 
Artillerists, Jacob Lenhart, Jr., capt. ; Co. D, Me- 
chanics' Infantry, Wm. Briner, capt. ; Co. F, 
Wash. Guards, Washington Richards, capt. 

Thirty-sixth Regt. (7th Reserves). — Co. I (Berks and 
Lebanon Cos.), Jos. G. Holmes, capt. 

Forty-fourth Regt. (IstCav.). — Co. L, Reading Troop, 
J. C. A. HoiTeditz, capt. ; Co. M, Reading Cav., 
Thos. S. Richards, capt. 

Forty-sixth Regt. — Co. E, Reading Rifles, Cornelius 
Wise, capt. 

Forty-eighth Regt.— Co. D (Berks and Schuylkill Cos.) 
Daniel Nagle, capt. 

Fiftieth Regt. — Co. B, Ellsworth Zouaves, Hervey 
Herman, capt. ; Co. E, Reading Light Infantry, 
Wm. H. Diehl, capt.; Co. H, Union Light In- 
fantry, Thos. S. Breuholtz, capt. 

Fifty-fifth Regt.— Co. B, Wash. Legion, John C. 
Shearer, capt. 

Fifty-ninth Regt. (2d Cav.).— Co. K (Berks and Phila. 
Cos.), Stephen H. Edgett, capt. 

Seventieth Regt. (6th Cav.).— Co. G, Reading Dra- 
goons, Geo. E. Clymer, capt. 

Seventy-fourth Regt. — Co. G (Berks and Adams Cos.), 
William J. Bart, capt. 

Eightieth Regt. (7th Cav.).— Co. L (Berks and North- 
umberland Cos.), Chas. C. McCormick, capt. 

Eighty-third Regt. — Co. I (Reading and Harrisburg 
Co.), Robt. W. McCartney, capt. 

Eighty-eighth Regt. — Co. A, Junior Fire Zouaves, 
Geo. W. Enable, capt. ; Co. B, Neversink Zou- 
aves, Henry R. Myers, capt. ; Co. H, Union 
Guards, David A. Griflith, capt. 

Ninety-third Regt. — Co. B, Union Zouaves, John E. 
Arthur, capt. ; Co. G, Coleman Rifles, Alex. C. 
Maitland, capt. ; Co. K, David C. Keller, capt. 

Ninety-sixth Regt. — Co. G, Hamburg Light Infantry, 
Jas. M. Douden, capt. ; Co. H, Jacob W. Glase, 
capt. 

One Hundred and Fourth Regt. — Independent Bat- 
tery, Geo. W. Durell, capt. 

NINE months' SERVICE, 1862-63. 

One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regt. — Co. A, 
Wash. Infantry, L. Heber Smith, capt.; Co. B, 
Muhlenberg Infantry, William McNall, capt. ; 



196 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLA'ANIA. 



Co. E, Reading Artilleriats, William H. Andrews, 
capt. ; Co. H, Felix Light Guard, John Kennedy, 
capt. ; Co. I, Reading Iron Works Guard, Richard 
H. Jones, capt. ; Co. K, City Guard, Geo. Xew- 
kirk, capt. 
One Hundred and Fifty-linst Regt.— Co. E (Outelau- 
nee), Jacob S. Graff, capt. ; Co.G (Bernville), Levi 
M. Gerhart, capt. ; Co. H (Upper Tulpehocken), 
Wm. K. Bolt/., capt. ; Co. I (Berks and Schuyl- 
kill Cos.), Wm. L. Gray, capt.; Co. K (Long- 
swamp), Jas. W. Weida, capt. 

VOLUNTEER MILITIA OF 1862. 

Second Regt. — Co. G, Fifth Ward Guards, Franklin 

8. Bickley, capt. 
Eleventh Regt.— Co. E, Nicolls Guards, Chas. H. 

Hunter, capt. ; Co. I, McKnight Guards, Nathan 

M. Eisenhower, capt. 
Twentieth Regt. — Co. G, Liberty Fire Zouaves, 

William Geiger, capt. ; Co. H, McLean (luards, 

Samuel Harner, capt. ; Co. I, Halleck Infantry, 

Frederick S. Boas, capt.; Berks County Cav., 

Samuel L. Young, capt. 

DRAFTED MILITIA OF 1862 — NINE MONTH.s' SERVICE. 

One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Regt. — Co. A, Jon- 
athan See, capt. ; Co. B. Chas. Melcher, capt. ; 
Co. C, Peter Y. Edelman, capt. ; Co. D, Samuel 
A. Haines, capt. ; Co. E, Hiram H. Miller, capt. ; 
Co. F, Jos. Groh, capt. ; Co. G, Wm. A. Schall, 
capt. ; Co. H, Abraham H. Schaetfer, capt. ; Co. 
I, Jonas M. ShoUenberger, capt. ; Co. K, Edward 
F. Reed, capt. 

One Hundred and Seventy Ninth Regt. — Co. I, Amos 
Drenkel, capt.; Co. K, John B. Wagoner, capt. 

VOLUNTEER MILITIA OF 1863. 

Thirty-first Regt.— Co. H, David A. Griffith, capt. 

Forty-second Regt. — Co. A, William F. Walter, 
captain ; Co. B, Reading Loyal League, Samuel 
Harner, capt. ; Co. C, Muhlenberg Guards, 
John E. Arthur, captain ; Co. D, Wm. D. 
Smith, capt. ; Co. E, McKnight Guards, John 
McKnight, capt. ; Co. F, Bcntly H. Smith, capt. ; 
Co. G, Samuel A. Haines, capt. ; Co. H, Lerch 
Light Infantry, John Obold, capt.; Co. I, Ed- 
ward Bailey, capt. ; Co. K, Jacob Deppen, capt. 

Forty -eighth Regt. — Co. G, Jos. G. Holmes, capt. 

Fifty-third Regt. — Co. A, Richmond L. Jones, capt.; 
Co. B, Felix (Juards, .Jacob Lehman, capt.; 
Ringgold Light Art., Wm. C. P2rmentrout, capt. 

ONE IHNDKED DAYs' SEKVK'E, ISM. 

One Hundred and Ninety-fourth Regt. — Co. I, 

Henry E. Quimby, capt. 
One Hundred and Ninety-fifth Regt. — Co. A, Henry 

D. Markley, capt. ; Co. B, Harrison Maltzberger, 

capt. 
One Hundred and Ninety-sixth Regt. — Geo. S. Row- 

botham, capt. 



ONE year's SERVICE, 1864-65. 
Two Hundred and Fifth Regt.— Co. B, Jos. G. 

Holmes, capt. ; Co. E, Wm. F. Walter, capt. ; Co. 

H, Franklin Schmehl, capt. 
One Hundred and Ninety-eighth Regt. — Co. D, Isaac 

Schroeder, capt. ; Co. G, Wm. L. Guinther, 

capt. 
One Hundred and Ninety-second Regt. — Co. F, John 

Teed, capt. 

Pkesident'.s C.\LL FOR Tuoop-s. — The Civil 
War was begun on the morning of the 12th of 
April, 18G1. The military forces of South 
Carolina, under the leadership of General Rob- 
ert Beauregard, then began to fire upon Fort 
Sumter, which was under the command of Ma- 
jor Robert Anderson. The President of the 
United States, finding the laws of the country 
opposed and the execution thereof ob-structed in 
.seven Southern States '"by combinations too 
powerful to be suppressed by the ordinary 
course of judicial proceedings or by the powers 
vested in the marshals by law," issued a procla- 
mation on the 15th day of April, 1861, calling 
for seventy-five thousand militia of the several 
States of the Union, " in order to suppress said 
combinations and to cau.se the laws to be duly 
executed ; " and therein he appealed " to all 
loyal citizens to favor, facilitate and aid this 
etibrt to maintain the honor, integrity and exist- 
ence of our national Union, and the perpetuity 
of popular government and to redress the 
wrongs already long enough endured." A call 
wiis made on Pennsylvania for sixteen regi- 
ments. Two regiments were wanted within 
three days, inasmuch as the city of Washington 
was entirely unprotected and a sudden dash 
upon it was strongly threatened. 

First C().mpanies. — Among the first troops 
to respond to this call were the Ringgold Light 
Artillery (Captain James McKnight) of Read- 
ing, the Logan Cuards (Captain J. B. Selhcimer) 
of Lewistowu, the Washington Artillery (Cap- 
tain James Wren) and the National Light In- 
fantry (Captain McDonald) of Pottsville, and 
the Allen Rifles (C-aptain Thomas Yeager) of 
Allentown. 

On January 21, 1861, Major-General Wil- 



1 South Carolina, Georgia, FloriJa, .\labama, Mississippi, 
Louisiana and Texas. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



lit: 



liam H. Keim (then surveyor-general of Penn- 
sylvania, from Reading), with characteristic 
sagacity, advised Capttiin McKnight that the 
services of his company ' would probably soon 
be needed,' and counseled him to hold them in 
readiness for immediate service. From that 
time till April 16th almost daily drills were 
practiced. On the 22d of February they were 
in readiness to obey marching orders. The 
dispatch announcing the attack on Fort Sumter 
found the company at drill at some distance 
from the city. The effect was electrical. All 
were impatient to move to the defense of the 
flag. 

On the morning of the Kith of April, march- 
ing orders were received from Governor Cnrtin; 
and, on the afternoon of the same day, the com- 
pany moved by the Ijebanon Valley Railroad 
to Harrisburg, where it arrived at eight o'clock 
in the evening.* The company numbered one 
hundred and eight men, fully armed and 
eijuipped as light artillery. On reporting at 
the Executive Office (the Governor being ab.sent 
in Washington) orders were sought from the 
Secretary of War (Simon Cameron), who tele- 
graphed that the company be forwarded by the 
earliest train. This order was, later in the day, 
countermanded by the Secretary of the Com- 
monwealth.'' 



'TheRinggokl Light Artillery of Reading, a volunteer 
company, was organized and equipped under .James Mc- 
Kniglit, captain. It was armed witli four six-pounder 
brass field-pieces and caissons, with full equipments of ar- 
tillerists, including sabres. The muster-roll included 
ninety men. It was composed of good material, and was well 
drilled, and was the pride of the city of Reading. It had 
participated in several volunteer encampments, one at 
Easton, of a week's duration, where it was entertained by 
ex-Governor Reeder and other leading citizens. 

'At this time Captain McKnight recommended to Miyor- 
General Keim three other companies in Berks County — one 
at Friedensburg (Schroeier's), a second at Wonielsdorf 
(Clouse's) and a third at Hamburg. 

'' Immediately after their departure Jacob Kuabb (senior 
editor of the Berh and Schuylkill Journal) sent the follow- 
ing telegram to the Associated Press : 

" RE.tDiNQ, April 1(5, 1801. — The Ringgold Flying Artil- 
lery (Captain James McKnight), with 108 men and four 
field-pieces, having received a requisition from the Governor 
this morning, set out this evening for Harrisburg, the place 
of rendezvous. They are the first Pennsylvanians in the 
field. • 



The five volunteer companies named were 
mustered into the service of the United States 
at Harrisburg for three months, and departed 
for Washington by railroad, on the 18th of 
April, at nine o'clock a.m. They arrived at 
Baltimore at one o'clock p.m. They were 
imder the necessity of marching about two miles 
through the city, from Bolton to Camden Sta- 
tion. On leaving the cars, a battalion was 
formed in the following order : Fourth Artil- 
lery (regulars) ; Logan Guards ; Allen Rifles, of 
Allentown ; Washington Artillery and National 
Light Infantry, of Pottsville ; with the Ring- 
gold Artillery bringing up the rear. As the 
column was forming near Bolton Station, 
the police of Baltituore appeared in large force, 
headed by Marshall Kane, and followed by a mob, 
who at once commenced an attack upon the vol- 
unteers, countenanced by a portion of the police, 
who had been sent to give safe conduct through 
tiie city. Orders were given to the meti to 
preserve their tetuper, and to make no reply to 
anything that should be said to them. At the 
command " forward," the mob commenced 
hooting, jeering and yelling, and proclaimed, 
with oaths, that tiic troo[)s siiould not pass 
through their city to fight the South. 

Arriving near the centre of the city, Fember- 
ton, with his regular.s,'^ filed off toward Fort 



* "H.tKRisiu'Uii, .\pril l(i, IStil. 
"Captain James McKnight: 

"Hear Sir. — You will please delay yiinr uiarch to Wash- 
ington until ordered by llie (lovernor. 

" Respectfully yours, 

'• El.I .Sl.lFEK." 

If this order h.id not been given the company would 
have reached Washington before daylight on the morning* 
of the 17th of April, or before any of the other Pennsyl- 
vania companies left their homes. It was the first organ- 
ized volunteer company in the United States to offer its ser- 
vices to the government — an offer having been made to 
General Scott a month before the President's first call for 
troops. It was the first company to leave home after the 
call, and the first to reach Harrisburg and report for duty. 

A long article was prepared by Hon. William M. Hiester 
and published in the Berks and Schuylkill Journal on June 
18, 1870, proving these assertions. But similar assertions 
were made before in the Journal (see issue of June IG, 
1866 ; also May 7, 1870). 

' The regulars were under tlie command of a sergeant. 
Pemberton was not with them, he having been in the 
passenger train. Captain McKnight met him there. 



198 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUXTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



McHenry, leaving the volunteers to pursue 
their way through the city as well as they could. 
At this juncture the mob were excited to a per- 
fect frenzy, breaking the line of the police, and 
pushing through the files of men, in an attempt 
to break the column. Every insult that could 
be heaped upon the troops was oiFered, but no 
word of reply was elicited. The officers and 
men marched steadily on toward Camden Sta- 
tion. At every step the mob increased till it 
numbered thousands of most detei'inined and 
desperate men. 

As the volunteers were boarding the train at 
the .station, the angry mob hurled a .shower of 
bricks, stones and clubs into their disorganized 
ranks, fortiuiately, however, inflicting only 
slight injuries. In the mid.st of the confusion, 
an attempt was made to detach the engine from 
the train and run it away. This was only pre- 
vented by the determined character of the 
engineer and his assi.stants, who drew revolvers 
and threatened to shoot any who dared to 
make the attempt. At length, amidst the 
demoniac yells of the crowd, the train moved 
off, carrying the volunteers safely beyond the 
reach of their desperate assailants.' They ar- 
rived in ^Vashington at seven o'clock in the 
evening.- Arms, ammunition and ccjuipmcnts 
were furnished and the work of barricading the 
Capitol was commenced immediately. Squads 
of the rebel soldiers were then drilling ou the 
opposite side of the Potomac River in full 
view of the Capitol. It having been ascer- 
tained on tiie 23d of April that an attempt 
would be made to cai)ture Washington by May 
of the arsenal and the navy-yard, the " Ring- 
•gold Artillerists " were ordered to report to 
Captain Dahlgreen, at the navy-yard. Three 
twelve-pound howitzers were assigned to them, 
with which they were expected to defend the 

^ The House of Representatives passed a rt. solution on 
22d of July, 1861, tendering thanks to these companies 
for passing through the mob of Baltimore and reaching 
Washington on the 18th of April, for the defense of the 
national capital. Such a resolution is rarely passed and 
only to signalize great and distinguished service. 

'^The Wtiahinyton Chronicle, in publishing a chronological 
list of the troops which arrived in Washington, stated that 
these companies were the very first to arrive in the city 
after the publication of the President's proclamation. 



place.* Excepting a detachment of twelve 
men, detailed to guard the "Short Bridge," 
the entire command was required to man these 
guns. On the 25th a .sergeant and six men 
were detailed to .ser%'e as a guard ou the .steamer 
" Powhatan,", which was dispatched to make a 
i-econnoissance down the Potomac for the pur- 
pose of searching for obstructions and of ascer- 
taining if forts were being erected along the 
river. Ou the 26th the company were ordered 
to duty at the Capitol ; and on the 15th of May 
the Secretary of War assigned them to duty at 
the Washington Arsenal, where they remained 
till the expiration of their term of service, 
excepting a short interval, when they were de- 
tailed to mount guns in the forts about W^ash- 
ington. They wei'e nmstered out at Harris- 
l)urg. 

These first five companies were justly entitled 
to the first place in the First Regiment of the 
Pennsylvania troops ; but they were not organ- 
ized till after twenty-four regiments, which suc- 
ceeded them in the .service, had been organ- 
ized and fully equipped, when they became part 
of the Twenty-fifth and last regiment for the 
three months' service. Henry L. Cake, of 
Pottsville, was elected colonel of this regiment. 
But these companies, serving in Fort Washing- 
ton, did not see their regiment or colonel. 
Nearly two months of the three for which they 
had enlisted pa.ssed by before they received 
adequate clothing or camp equipage from either 
the State or the national government; and 
many of the men were excused from duty be- 
cause of their partial nakedness.* 



s When the company left Harrisburg they were ordered 
to leave behind their field pieces and equipments, with the 
exception of sabres, and these were not restored to them 
till the 16tb of May. 

'This statement is mside by Bates, in tlie '• History of the 
Pennsylvania Volunteers.' But it is erroneous. The 
Ringgold .\rtillery was the only company that was regular- 
ly uniformed and equipped when these companies reached 
Washington The other companies were in citizens' dress, 
but received uniforms and equipment* several days after 
their arrival. The Ringgold Artillerists retained their 
uniform and drew none from the government The com- 
panies without uniforms were not recognized in the mob 
at Baltimore ; and only a dozen or fifteen men in Sel- 
heimers company carried rities. 



TIIH CTVTL WAR. 



199 



RINGGOLD LIGHT ARTILLERY (tHE FIRST COM- 
PANY). 

At a military ceiebratiou held at Piiiladelphia 
(111 July 4, 1866, the post of lionur in the parade 
was not given to the Ringgold Light Artillery, 
as the first company from Pennsylvania in the 
War of the Union ; on which a(«ount the com- 
pany refused to participate in the parade. Its 
place in history having been unjustly given to 
another company, the Hon. William M. Hiester 
prepared a paper to prove that the Ringgold 
Light Artillery was the first company, and 
read the same before the Historical Society of 
Berks County on June 14, 1870. In it he 
sustained the claim by incontrovertible evidence. 
I submit the following extracts as a valuable 
part of the chapter in this history to the Civil 
\\'ar : 

President Lincoln issued his proclamation 
for seventy-five thousand men, April 15, 1861. 
On that morning, the Ringgold Light Artillery 
were drilling with full ranks, armed and 
ecjuipped, on their parade-ground, a short dis- 
tance from the city, when telegraphic news 
of the proclamation of the President reached 
the company on parade. The following dis- 
patch was foi'thwith sent to Governor Ciirtin 
and appeal's in the record of dispatches in the 
office of tile adjutant-general at Harrisburg : 

" Readino, April 1'), 1S(U. 
" Governor A. O. Ciirtin : 

" The Ringgold Light Artillery arc parading this 
inorniDg with their guns for practice, have ninety 
men on parade, every one of them expecting to be 
ordered on duty for the U. S. service before they leave 
their guns. " H. A. Lantz." 

The deputy secretary of the commonwealth, 
as appears by the first dispatch recorded on that 
day as sent, answered, — 

" Hakkisi.u:k(;, A|iril ITi, ISIH. 
"H. A. Lantz, Reading: 

" Dispatch received. Will answer more fully as 
soon as possible. 

" S. B. Thomas, Deputy Secretary." 

This was followed by another dispatch from 
the secretary of the commonwealth, omitted in 
the record of dispatches at Harrisburg, but 
found transcribed in the minute-book of the 
company. 



"Harrisbukg, April 15, 1861, 
" Captain James McKniyhf : 

" Bring your command to Harrisburg by first train, 
[f any of the men need eciuipments, they will be pro- 
vided here by the General Government. Lose no 
lime. 

" By order of the Governor, 

"Eli Slifer." 

This dispatch wa,s received by Captain 
McKnight at 11.20 A.M., April 16th. By the 
first train after its receipt, the Ringgold Light 
Artillery, one hundred and one men, took pas- 
sage, fully uniformed, armed and equipped, for 
Harrisburg, and reached there at eight o'clock 
P.M. They at once reported for dut}' to the 
secretary of the State, (the Governor being absent 
at Washington,) who, by telegram to the Secre- 
tary of War at Washington, reported the Ring- 
gold Ivight Artillery at Harrisburg, awaiting 
orders. The Secretary of War telegraphed in 
answer, — 

"Push forward the company by first train." 
This telegram, conveying orders to nuircli, was 
transmitted by the secretary of the common- 
wealth to Captain McKnight. Orders in 
obedience thereto were then issiuul to the com- 
mand, to take the train for Washington at 
three o'clock a.m., A[)ril 17th. If these orders 
had not been countermanded, the Ringgold 
Light Artillery would undt)ubtedly have reached 
Wasiiington safely in advance of all troops 
from Penn.sylvania and elsewhere, and before the 
Logan Guard and the c^ompanies from I'otts- 
ville reported at Harrisburg. At midnight, 
however, the order to march was countermanded ' 
in the following counter-order : 

"H.\RRisnuRG, April KJ, 1801. 
" Captain James McKnight: 

" You will please delay your march to Washington 
until ordered by the Governor. 

" Respectfully yours, 

" Eli Slifer." 

This order fixes so indisputably the time of 
till" arrival and the report for duty at Harris- 
burg l)y the Ringgold Light Artillery that any 



' I asked Major McKnight if he knew why this was 
done. He said that Governor Curtin was punctilious about 
his authority, he wanting to order tlie troops as commander 
of PennsylTania. 



200 



HISTORY OF BERKS COTTNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



cumulative evidence is wholly superfluous. If 
anv be needed, it will bo found in the following 
extract from the Pennxyivciiiid Dal/}/ Telcr/raph 
of A()i-il 17, l(Stll, an evening paper published 
at Harrisburg : 

"Last night about eight o'clock, the Ringgold 
Artillery, Captain James McKnight, numbering one 
hundred men, arrived. They took up quarters at 
Herr's Hotel. They are a fine body of men and are 
fully prepared and determined to do their whole duty 
iji the present crisis. Our citizens welcomed them 
with cheers." 

It i.s stated in Bates' " History of Pennsyl- 
sania A Oluiiteers :" 

"Ou the afternoon of the day of the President's 
proclamation for seventy-five thousand nieu, the 
Secretary of War telegraphed the call to the Governor 
of Pennsylvania, and it was telegraphed to all parts 
of Pennsylvania. Among the first to respond was the 
Ringgold Artillery, Logan Ouard, Washington Ar- 
tillery, National Light Infantry and Allen Rifles. On 
reporting at the E.Kecutive office — the Governor being 
absent in Washington — orders were sought from the 
Secretary of War, who telegraphed to push company 
forward in earliest train. That order, for prudential 
reasons, was almost immediately countermanded by 
the Secretary of the Commonwealth." 

The Logan Guard did not reach Harrisburg 
till midday of the 17th, and the Pottsville com- 
panies till the evening of the 17th. 
[From I'cnnsylvdiivi Daily Trlri/raph, A]iril 17, 18(U.] 

" More Military. — The Logan Guard of Lewis- 
town arrived here this morning." 

[From Peiinsylvanin Daily Telcgrcph, April 18, 1861.] 
" We give below a list of the companies that 
arrived last night : Washington Artillery, Pottsville, 
Captain Wi-en, one hundred and ten men ; National 
Light Infantry, Pottsville, Captain McDonald, one 
hundred and four men ; Allen Infantry, Allentown, 
Captain Yeager, sixty-four men." 

[From Bates' " History of Pennsylvania Volunteers."] 
" The Logan Guard were in line and ready to 
march at 10 p.m. of the 16th of April, and move to the 
station, but for lack of transportation did not reach 
Harrisburg till the morning of the 17th. 

" The two Pottsville companies under marching 
orders left Pottsville on the 17th, and arrived in Har- 
risburg at eight o'clock in the evening." 

Statement of Captain McKnight. — " I com- 
manded the Ringgold Light Artillery from the year 
1850 until June 14, 1861, when I was appointed to a 
captaincy in Fifth United States Artillery. 

"On or about the 21st day of January, 1861, I was 



visited by William H. Keim, then surveyor-general 
of the State of Pennsylvania and major-general of the 
Fifth Division Pennsylvania Militia. 

"The general first meeting me in a public i)lace at 
my residence,^ stated that he had a subject of much 
importance and great secrecy in regard to which he 
desired to advise me, and requesting at the same 
time that I would suggest some place to which we 
could both retire, where the nature of the communi- 
cation which he wiis about to make to me would be 
unheard by others. We then both withdrew to a pri- 
vate a|)artment. 

"The general then proceeded to state that the gov- 
ernment was in possession of facts tending to develop 
an intention on the part of the rebels to seize Wash- 
ington on the 22d of February, and not, as was at first 
supposed, upon March 4, 1861. He came to me, 
{he further stated,) by direction and under the orders 
of Governor Andrew G. Curtin, commander-in-chief 
of the Pennsylvania Militia, who had commissioned 
him to select from the best volunteer organizations of 
the State such companies as could be relied upon, if 
the emergency should arise and who would be ready 
to move upon twenty-four hours' notice. 

"Upon satisfying thegeneral, notonly of the willing- 
ness but also of the ability of my command to start 
whenever desired, he then and there directed me to 
consider myself and command as under orders. 

" The general about the same time imparted similar 
information to other volunteer organizations of this 
county. 

"My orders, coming as they did from the com- 
mander-in-chief of the Pennsylvania troops, were so 
imperative in their nature and admitted of so little 
delay that I immediately set about perfecting and 
equipi)ing my command for active field duty. The 
same day upon which my orders were received, the 
company was divided into squads for the purpose of 
more effective drilling, which was continued uninter- 
ruptedly, (save on Saturdays and Sundays,) up to the 
day before we left for Harrisburg, April 16, 1861. The 
drills were not confined to the service of the guns and 
the duties incident to drivers and the care of horses ; 
the men were also well instructed in the use of the 
sabre, the only legitimate arm of defense of an artil- 
leryman when dismounted and away from his guns. 

" During the month of January, a number of the 
leading citizens having been apprised of the secret 
orders under which my command was placed, pur- 
chased for the use of the men one hundred overcoats,-' 
which were worn on the 22d of February at a general 
parade of the company. On the loth day of April, 

' Union Bank Building. He resided in the rear part 
-The meeting comprised the following gentlemen, who 

then raised a fund for that purpose: John McManus, G. A. 

NieoUs, David MuKnight, Edward Wallace, Horatio Trex- 

ler, H. H. Muhlenberg, William M. Hiester, James Mill- 

holland and C. H. Hunter. 



THE CIVIL WAK. 



201 



1861, whilst at drill some three miles from the city, 
intelligence was received of the proclamation of the 
President of the United States calling for seventy-five 
thousand men. 

" The Governor of the State was immediately tele- 
graphed that the Ringgold Light Artillery was ready 
to move without any delay whatever. I then sus- 
pended drill, returned to the city, and, after di- 
recting a certain signal to be sounded upon receipt of 
orders, dismissed the command. 

" At twenty minutes after eleven o'clock a.m., April 
Hi, 1801, the following telegram was received by me: 

"'Harrisburg, April 1(5, 18(31. 
"' To Captain James McKnigh/ : 

" ■ Bring your command to Harrisburg by first train. 
If any of the men need equipments and arms they 
will be provided here by the General Government. 
Lose no time. 

" ' I?y order of the Governor. 

'" Eli Slifer.' 

"At noon of the same day, forty minutes after the 
receipt of the order, the command declared itself 
ready to move at one o'clock p.m. 

"A committee having been appointed to make all 
arrangements for transportation, reported that after 
conferring with G. A. Nicolls, general superintendent 
of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, they were 
adviseil T)y him to take the regular passenger train at 
six o'clock P. M., as a special, being subject to un- 
avoidable delay, would in all jjrobability not reach 
Harrisburg until after the arrival of the regular 
train. 

"Acting upon this advice, I left Reading w'ith my 
command, numbering one hundred and one men, 
fully armed and equipped, on the evening of April 
l('), 18(>1, at six o'clock, reaching Harrisburg at 
eight o'clock." 

THREE XtONTHs' SEI!VI(_'E. 

First SoEinERs from Berk.s County in 
(JiviL War. — Tlie following eight companies 
comprise the luen from Berks County who, as 
voliniteers, offered their services to the govern- 
ment in answer to the call of the President for 
troops, and were nuistered into military service 
for three months : 

Ringgold Light Art., 25th Regt., Capt. Jas. McKnight. 

( 'o. G, 1st Regt., Capt. George W. Alexan<ler. 

Co. H, 5th Regt., Capt. Frank M. Cooley. 

Co. C, 7th Regt., Capt. Isaac Schroeder. 

Co. D, 7th Regt., Capt. George S. Herbst. 

Co. G, 7th Regt., Capt. Albert F. Rightmyer. 

Co. A, 14th Regt., Capt. David A. Griffith. 

Co. E, 14th Regt., Capt. John C. Shearer. 

KiNGGOLD Light Artillery. — This com- 
23 



pany was recruited at Reading, and mustered 
into service at Harrisburg April 18, ]8(il. 

James McKnight, captain. 

Henry Nagle, first lieutenant. 

William Graeff, second lieutenant. 

George W. Durell, first sergeant. 

Daniel Kreisher, second sergeant. 

Henry Rush, third sergeant. 

Jeremiah Seiders, fourth sergeant. 

Levi J. Homan, first corporal. 

F. W. Folkman, second corporal. 

Jacob Womert, third corporal. 

Horatio Leader, fourth corporal. 

John A. Hook and George B. Eckert, buglers. 

Privates. — Solomon D. Ash, James M. Anthony, An- 
thony Ammon, Charles B. Ansart, Augustus Berger, 
George S. Bickley, Reuben R. Burkhart, Harrison G. 
Bouse, William W. Bowers, David Bechtel, Addison 
Gehry, Charles W. Gebhart, Henry Geiger, Lemuel 
Gries, James H. Gentzler, Samuel Hamilton, Amos 
Hnyett, William Herbst, Nathaniel B. Hill, Andrew 
S. Helms, William Haberacker, Jacob J. Hessler, 
Franklin House!, John L. Kennedy, Geo. W. Knabb, 
John D. Koch, Aaron Bechtel, Charles A. Bitting, 
Henry Coleman, William F. Christ, Amos Drcnkel, 
Daniel M. Dickinson, Edward G. Ebling, Benjamin F. 
Erraentrout, Henry E. Eisenbcis, William C. Eben, 
Samuel Evans, Robert Eltz, Henry Fleck, Adam Frees, 
John Frees, Jr., Harrison Fox, Christian C. Frantz, 
Adam Faust, William W. Fix, James A. Fox, Jacob 
Leeds, Harrison Lutz, Peter A. Lantz, Daniel J. Le- 
van, George D. Leaf, Aaron H. Levan, Christojiher 
Leoser, George S. Lauman, Isaac S. Leeds, Charles 
Levan, Franklin Shaetler, Edward L. Smith, Franklin 
Smeck, Geo. W. Silvis, Edward Scull, Chas. Sj)angler, 
Jonathan Shearer, Wm. H. Smith, Albert H. Shirey, 
William Sauerbier, Albert H.Seyfert, Daniel Witman, 
Henry Whiteside, Daniel 8. Yohn, John L. Yohn, 
Frederick M. Yeager, Daniel Maltzberger, Charles P. 
Muhlenberg, Joseph H. McKnight, Wni. M. Miller, 
William P. Mock, James L. Mast, Howard Mcllvaine, 
John H. McLenegan, Henry Neiliart, TMward P. Pear- 
son, Jr., James PHeger, Frederick Peck, I'^rederick H. 
Phillippi, Ferdinand S. Ritter, Henry Rush, William 
Rapp, Jr., Francis Rainbo, Isaiah Ramlio. George B. 
Rhoades, Jackson Sherman. 

Ma.ior James McKnight was the son of 
John McKnight, cashier of the Pennsylvania 
Branch Bank at Reading. He was born in the 
bank building March 20, 1820, and received his 
higher education at Princeton College. Upon 
his return from college he entered the hardware- 
store of Daniel M. Keim & Co. as a clerk. In 
1841 he became associated with Joseph L. 
Stichter, and they together, under the name of 



202 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, TENNSYLVANIA. 



Stichter & McKnight, conducted the business 
till he retired in 1858. During that time he was 
actively interested in military affairs. When 
the Civil War broke out in 18G1, he was the first 
captain (o offer the services of his company, the 
Ringgold Light Artillery, to the government 
and to report for duty at Harrisburg. He 
served with this company for three months. 
Then he was commissioned a major of artillery 
in the regular army and served till the close 
of the war. He has since lived in retirement. 

FIRST REGIMENT. 

The First Regiment was organized at Har- 
risburg on April 20th. In pursuance of orders, 
it performed duty at several jilaces in Pennsyl- 
vania, Maryland and Virginia till July 23(1, 
when it returned to Harrisbin-g, and was there 
honorably discharged. During its service it 
did not participate in any battles; but it ac- 
complisiied much good l)y checking any move- 
ment on the part of the rebels in arms along 
our borders. It included the following com- 
pany, which was recruited at Reading, and 
mustered into sc^rvice on April 20, 1861 : 

COMPANY G. 

George W. Alexander, captain. 

William A. H. Lewis, first lieutenant. 

Thomas M. Richards, second lieutenant. 

William McNall, first sergeant. 

William Eisenhower, second sergeant. 

Patrick Bloomfield, third sergeant. 

Sanuiel O. Boone, fourtli sergeant. 

Diller B. Cirott' tir.st corporal. 

Daniel Kelly, second corporal. 

George Ashenfelter, third corporal. 

Henry Beckhart, fourth corporal. 

Richard H. Fisher and D. H. Snyder, musicians. 
Privates. — William H. Andrews, David L. Acker, 
Charles Boyle, .John Boland, Allen Bechtel, Henry 
Becker, Jacoh K. Becker, Charles A. Briner, Jacob N. 
Boyer, George W. Boger, Philip Benson, Elijah F. 
Body, James A. Clark, John Connelly, William Cox- 
ell, William H. Clark, Samuel K. Clark, Charles H. 
Davis, William F. Dougherty, James Eisenhower, 
Thomas T. Eyrich, Charles Eisenhower, Harrison Fix, 
William S. Fox, Henry Goodhart, George Graff, Chas. 
A. Golden, Jr., Nathaniel Gay, Jacob Gabriel, Henry 
Gossler, Michael Hasson, J. Brooke Harper, Patrick 
Holland, Charles A. Heckler, Daniel E. Hafer, Wm. 
D. Krause, George W. Leedom, Wellington Levan, 
George F. Linderinan, Isaiah Miller, De Witt Clinton 
Morris, Frank P. Muhlenberg, George W. McMichael, 
William Miller, Charles D. Nagle, Albert Nagle,Wm. 



G. Row, Henry S. Reeser, Jacob R. Reigel, William 
Reilly, Percival Rhoads, James H. Reed, Geo. Rum- 
mel, Wm. Strawbridge, John D. Stieff, Albert Sheri- 
dan, Henry A. Summons, Joel Setley, John Shine, 
Coin-ad Strahle, James E. Teed, Robert Toole, May- 
bury Van Reed, John F. Witman, George F. Yeager. 

FIFTH REGIMENT. 

The Fifth Regiment was organized at Camp 
Curtin (Harrisburg) on Ajiril 21st. It per- 
formed guard dut}' mostly at Baltimore, Wash- 
ington and Alexandria. It w:is at the latter 
place during tlie di.sastrous battle of Bull Run, 
in which the brigade, to which it had been 
transfl'rred, particijtated. It wa.s discjiarged at 
Harrisburg on July 25th. 

Company H. — The following compan}- was 
recruited at Reading. It was nuistered into 
.service on April 20, 18(jl. 

Captain, Franklin M. Cooley. 

First Lieutenant, Thomas S. Brenhollz. 

Second Lieutenant, Charles Parker. 

First Sergeant, Henry A. Flickinger. 

Second Sergeant, .Tames R. Boyer. 

Third Sergeant, William D. Clemens. 

Fourth Sergeant, Howard Potts. 

First Corporal, John R. Stettler. 

Second Corporal, .Joseph (ioodhart. 

Third Corporal, Madison Sutlade. 

Fourth Corporal, William E. Van Reed. 

Musicians, John Reed, Theodore Hertman. 
Privates. — Jacob Andy, Theodore Akei', Henry 
Anthony, Matthew Ba.tter, William Banon, Peter 
Clouser, Henry Cleveland, Aaron Doebler, Robert 
Devine, John B. Eisenbise, James Ely, Julius A. En- 
gleman, Peter Finkbone, Eliiis Fox, Reuben Homan, 
George Haines, Hiram B. Homan, Daniel Hogan, 
Jacob Hell, William High, John Hetrick, Lewis 
Hummel, Richard Hebit, John H. Johnson, John 
A. Keen, Julius W. Korfkowoski, James W. Kis- 
singer, George J. Killner, Aaron E. Killner, Henry 
A. Lotz, Henry Lott, John Lancaster, Michael E. 
Lotz, .John Lutz, Charles McDonough, Isaac D. 
Morris, Samuel G. McKnable, John Meek, Daniel 
Moore, Harrison Neider, Joseph Nagle, Peter Noll, 
John O'Reilly, William Phillips, William Qnigg, 
John W. Rambo, Henry Rapp, Frank E. Reifsnyder, 
Elias Sliafer, John W. Seiders, John Smith, Henry 
Stettler, George Shaefer, John Stoltz, Charles Saun- 
ders, Henry Schretfler, William Ulrich, William 
Vergees, John Weidner, William Weidner, Daniel 
M. Weidner, Aaron S. Wright, John K. Wright, 
Edward Young. 

SEVENTH REGIMENT. 

The Seventh Regiment wa.s organized at 
Cani]i C'nrtin on April 22d. It was encamped 



THE CIVTL WAK. 



208 



for over a month at Charabersburg. On June 
8tli it moved southwardly. It was stationed 
at Williamsport on the 19th, and whilst there, 
late in the evening of that day, an alarm was 
raised which caused the whole brigade (Third) 
to be called to arms and formed into line of 
liattle; but, beyond distant picket-firing, nothing 
further was heard. On July 2d it began the 
march to Martinsburg. On the way it confis- 
cated the contents of an extensive flour-mill, (a 
large amount of grain and flour and one hun- 
dred and fifty barrels of whiskey), the owner 
having been a captain in the rebel army. 
Shortly afterward it was encamped at Charles- 
town, where it remained, without special inci- 
dent, until ordered to IIarrisI)nrg, where it was 
nmstered out of service in the latter j>art of 
July. The following three companies were re- 
cruited in Berks County : 

Company C. — Remniited at Fricdensburg, 
Berks County, and mustered in Ajiril 2P>, 1801 : 

Isaac Schroeder, captain. 

Henry R. Myers, tirst lieutenant. 

Petei;,Y. Edelman, second lieutenant. 

Franklin B. Laucks, tirst sergeant. 

Henry S. Boyer, second sergeant. 

William C. Baker, third sergeant. 

Reuben Kaufman, fourth sergeant. 

Isaac Pott, tirst corporal. 

George P'oos, Jr., second corporal. 

Jeremiah H. Hauck, third corporal. 

John C. Steckline, fourth corporal. 

Peter H. Hauck and George A. Eltz, musicians. 
Privates — Enoch Adam, Benneville Angstadt, Edwin 
S. Bear, Aaron Bright, Thomas Best, Wm. D. Brown, 
Edmond Y. Bock, Alexander Bigger, John H. Clem- 
mens, Washington G. Dengler, .lohn G. Dengler, Ed- 
ward Draher, Wellington Egel, Jos. Eberhardt, John 
Fiese, Joe! Ginder, Celestial Good, Caleb Gallagher, 
Harrison Gechter, Charles Hafer, Israel Hafer, Daniel 
Hunter, Jas. H. Harner, Henry Hauck, Jacob Holm, 
Henry H. Harbold, Samuel B. Jones, Fred'k Kindly, 
David Keller, Ebenezer C. Lell, Henry R. Laucks, 
Jacob Link, Nathaniel Linderniuth, Jeremiah Lotz, 
Daniel Meek, Aaron Moyer, Frederick Moble, Seyer 
Melot, John Madary, Peter Maurer, Mahlon A. Mc- 
Noldy, Wm. Poorman, Chas. Bothermel, Ginder Rank, 
Daniel Rothenberger, Henry Sheafler, Jacob F. Schild, 
Henry Schroeder, Zachariah Swavely, Isaac Sider, 
Henry Schmeck, Michael R. Shultz, Frederick H. 
Sener, Jacob Tre.xell, Albert S. Tool, William Voght, 
Amos Wentzel, Jonathan Wentzel, John Weidner, 
Daniel Wentzel, .John Williams, Aaron Yoder, Solo- 
mon Yeakle. 



Company D. — Recruited at Pleasantville, 
Berks County, and mustered in A|)ril 'i-T, 
18()1 : 

George S. Heibst, captain. 

Samuel Bans, tirst lieutenant. 

Joel Ruppert, second lieutenant. 

Charles G. Kline, tirst sergeant. 

Abraham Ruppert, second sergeant. 

Peter Shafer, third sergeant. 

Edward F. Reed, fourth sergeant. 

John J. Nash, first corporal. 

William Hassler, second corporal. 

Jacob Shafer, third corpoial. 

Lenhard Swizhard, fourth corporal. 

Joel Frederick and Elias Angstadt, musicians. 
Privates. — Benjamin Angstadt, Abner Brutzman, 
Henry Bobb, Henry Beck, Abraham Bobb, Marcus 
Bean, Franklin Burns, Henry Boyer, William Bouchat, 
Simon Clouser, Levi Clouser, William Cleaver, Daniel 
Crackens, Jacob Drezer, David H. Delcamp, William 
Dreyer, Peter Eck, Samuel Eckert, Robert Engel, 
Francis Fisher, William Foreman, Benjamin Goodwin, 
George Hewett, William Hassler, Jonas Hassler, Joel 
R. Housman, .Tosepli Harris, George F. Hungerford, 
George Hummel, Edward Harper, Charles Hatner, 
Henry Kash, Geo. Kemp, John List, John S. Leed.s, 
Franklin Lins, Daniel Moyer, George Moore, Michael 
Miller, James A. Murroii, John Mitchell, (.'. Henry 
Mathcw, David Paul, Franklin Keidenauer, .John Rei- 
mer, William Roland, Francis Rothenberger, George 
Richards, Julius Shafer, Franklin Specht, Amos Syler, 
Daniel Staufer, D. George Sellers, Paul Simon, Simon 
Stout, H. John Sowers, Michael Stilvier, William 
Souder, Albert Stewart, Albert Sides, Levi Strunk, 
Ephraim Updegrove, Joseph Wibel, Daniel Yoder, 
Peter Yoder. 

Company G. — Recruited at Reading, Berks 
County, and mustered in April 23, 1861 : 

Albert F. Rightmyer, captain. 

Cornelius Wise, first lieutenant. 

Jacob H. Worth, second lieutenant. 

John G. Ulrich, first sergeant. 

Anthony Heller, second sergeant. 

Abraham Latshaw, third sergeant. 

William Runyeon, fourth sergeant. 

Jacob Ege, first corporal. 

William H. Dehart, second corporal. 

Thomas Craton, third corporal. 

George Hart, fourth corporal. 

Gideon Ginder and Henry Benneville, musicians. 
Piirates. — John C. Anthony, Charles Bachman, 
Marks Bechtel, Sidney Bank, William Brown, James 
Boyer, Augustus Burkert, William Boone, William 
Breneiser, Fillermachus Berkert, Daniel D. Baker, 
James Berstler, Samuel T. Baker, William Clymer, 
Aaron Deem, Edward Dyer, John Denhard, George 
Dougherty, Stephen Edgar, Reuben Freas, Martin S. 



204 



HISTORY OP BEftKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Gnodliart, George W. Grant, William Graiil, Levi 
Hildebrand, Henry A. Haak, William Heifert, Au- 
gustus Hauck, Samuel H.Jones, George L. Knupp, 
William Kline, Samuel Kissinger, John C. Kribbs, 
John S. Ludwig, William A. Lewis, William Mohr, 
George Miller, John Mergert, William Murphy, Russel 
Miller, George Obenhauser, Obediah R. Priestley, 
Henry J. Penrose, Marion Rauck, Simon M. Rush, 
Isaac E. Robinson, Damon Steuben, Albert A.Simon, 
William Sands, Damon Shultz, Jacob Spotz, John R. 
St. Clair, Henry Siegfried, Alfred J. Stout, James E. 
Stout, John Taylor, Francis Thomas, James H. Van- 
deever, James D. AVhitman, George Wunder, Oliver 
B. AVilson, Frank ]?. Wilson, Godfrey Weiler, John 
A. Walker, John Whitman. 

FOUUTEENTH REGIMENT. 

Tlie Fourteenth Regimeut was organized at 
Camp Curtin on April .30th. Richard.s Mc- 
Michael ^ was elected lieutenant-colonel, and 
Jo.'-eph A. McLean major of the regiment. 
Both were from Reading. It was encamped at 
Camp Johnston, in Lancaster, till .lune .'kl, 
having been thoroughly drilled during thi^: 
interval ; and subserpiently it marched to 
Chambersburg, Hager.stown, Sharpsburg, ]\Iar- 
tinsburg, Bunker's Hill and Harper's Ferry, 
doing picket and guard duty, and making vari- 
ous expeditious to encounter the enemy. Whilst 
at tlie latter place the term of enlistment expired 
and it was accordingly ordered to Harrisburg. 
On its way it encamped and remained two weeks 
at Carlisle, where it was mustered out of service. 
Harrisburg was then full of returning troops. 
A large proportion of this regiment re-enlisted in 
various military organizations of Pennsylvania. 
It includ(!(l two companies from Berks County. 

Company A. — Recruited at Reading and 
mustered in April 27, 18(51 : 

D. A. Griffilh, captain. 

.1. A. McLean, first lieutenant. 

E. .1. Ranch, second lieutenant. 
J. Phillippi, first sergeant. 
Amos .\rni)ld, second sergeant. 
H. Missimer, third sergeant. 

F. W. Berg, fourth sergeant. 
Thoma.s Gabriel, first corporal. 

G. W. Rapp, second corporal. 
S. Dampnian, third corporal. 
Bentley vSniith, fourtli corporal. 

H. (ioodhart and Francis Bauer, musicians. 
Privates. — .lohn Armstrong, Moses Burns, Joseph 
Bauman, Daniel Bosler, John H. Brookins, Matthias 



' I'or AiiHid' account see l'J4tli Regiment. 



Bell, Nelson Bell, Joseph Chalfant, William Cook, 
Bartholomew DeVoute, Charles M. Dichm, Jacob 
Finkbone, Augustus Farrel, Daniel Finkbonc, Samuel 
Fix, Henry Getrost, Leonard Getz, Aaron Goodman, 
Emanuel Gottschall, Gotlieb Hiller, John S. Hind- 
man, John H. Hassinger, George M. Hayes, Jacob 
Houder, James High, Samuel Husk, Benjamin Hum- 
mel, Benjamin Klemmer, Nicholas Kramer, Daniel 
Kerper, Willi.iiu R. Lewis, William Large, William 
Lawrence, .Joseph Lawrence, Levi Miller, Charles 
Miron, Joel May, Charles Noland, George Pollam, 
Henry Quimby, Charles Riegel, Milton Roy, Henry 
Regenfuss, Ephraim Snieck, Harrison Stieft', Robert 
Simon, Charles Smith, Nicholas Smith, F. B. Shalters, 
Jr., A. S. Seaman, Henry Sailor, Henderson Sample, 
James A. Shultz, Cyrus Trout, Urias Traite, James 
Toole, James M. Thompson, Van Tassel, Frederick 
Ulmer, Cornelius LTxly, Peter Wolf, Edwin Whitman, 
Philip Weidner, Samuel Zellers. 

Company E. — Recruited at Womelsdorf, 
Berks County, and mustered in April 24, ISfil : 

John C. Shearer, captain. 

John T. Schoener, first lieutenant. 

William G. Moore, second lieutenant. 

George N. Steach, fii-st sergeant. 

Cyrus Oberly, second sergeant. 

Henry Weighman, third sergeant. 

William Wcinhold, fourth sergeant. 

.Tames Gaul, first corporal. 

Henry Gutwald, second corporal. 

Levi Bennethum, third corporal. 

Eli Dougherty, fourth corporal. 

John Daniels and Cyrus Hefi'clfinger, musicians. 
I'rird/e^. — James Ayres, Henry Arnold, Samuel Ar- 
nold, Samuel Barket, William Bennethum, Charles 
Bennethum, John Brechbill, Jonathan Bennethum, 
.Tohn Clouser, Peter Capp, Jacob Deppcn, David Dis- 
singer, Levi Dehart, Isaac Fiddle, William Fink, Chas. 
Folk, William Fry, William Giist, Henry Haywood, 
Henry Harp, Wm. Honies, Mandon Hawk, Reul)en 
Hendricks, John Hampton, Frederick Hotlinan, Wil- 
liam Himmelreich, John Haas, Samuel Klahr, Israel 
Koch, George W. Kuhns, Henry P. Kaufz, Henry 
Kohler, William Lash, .John H. Liveringhouse, Ben- 
jamin Lash, Lawrence Meek, Elias Moyer, William 
Madary, Samuel Mathew, Thomas McGuiie, Augustus 
Milligsock, Peter Muskuess, Milton U. Nice, Lew 
Owens, Samuel Parsons, Frederick Putt, Ja.s. Pollum, 
.Tames Reinhart, Henry Rosenberger, .leremiah Rus- 
sell, Isa.ac Rose, Isaac Scholl, Emanuel Stout, Zadoc 
Smith, Michael Shafl'er, William W. Seidel, William 
Strousc, .Tames Seidel, Daniel Sjiotz, Cyrus Ulrich, 
Peter Wise, William H. Wenrich, Levi Wise, George 
Weiser, William H. Wells, Samuel Whitaker, Per- 
cival Zechman. 

Gener.vl WiLrjA>r H. Keim was born at 
Reading on June lo, 181.3. He was the eldest 



THK cniL w.vi;. 



son of Benneville Keim, the President of the 
Farmers' Bank for a number of years, Mayor 
of Reading for three terms, and a prominent 
and enterprising business man of tlic county. 
His mother was Mary Higii, a daugiiter of Gen- 
eral William High, a wealthy farmer of Cum- 
rn township, at " Poplar Neck," and a man 
]n-omincnt in the military affairs of the county. 
At the age of twelve years he entered the i 



sides the store business, he encouraged enter- 
prises generally for the development of Read- 
ing. 

His early military training gave him a nat- 
ural taste for military affairs, and he found a 
field for its gratification in the volunteer service 
of the State Militia. Before the age of seven- 
teen years, he was an Orderly Sergeant of the 
" Washington Grays," and in 1837 he became 




>. >• 




Military Academy at Mount Airy, near Phila- 
delphia, which, during its active existence, was 
one of the foremost educational institutions in 
the United States, and was graduated with hon- 
or in 1829. Upon returning home he entered 
the store of his father, which was then one of 
the largest general hardware-stores in Reading, 
and continued actively engaged in this pur'suit 
for nearly thirty years — the greater part of the 
time as a proprietor of a large store in co-part- 
nership with his brother, John H. Keim. Be- 



Captain — succeeding his cousin, Captain Daniel 
M. Keim. He was promoted rapidly till 1842, 
when he was elected Major-General of the Fifth 
Division of Penna. Vols., which was composed 
of Berks, Lebanon, Dauphin and Schuylkill 
Counties. In that year he took a prominent 
part in the Military Encampment held at Read- 
ing, which was an eventful occasion in the liis- 
tory of military affairs in this county. Among 
other distinguished military men, General Win- 
field Scott was in attendance. In 1844, during 



2(16 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, 1'K^■NSYI>^■AXIA. 



the terrible religious riot at Philadelphia, he was 
ordered to assist in quelling the disturbances, 
which resulted in loss of life and property. He 
was under Gen. Robert Patterson, kSenior Major- 
Geueral in the State. The good oj)inion, which 
General Keim's command had won, was justly 
expressed in the following extract from General 
Order, No. .30, issued by General Patterson, 
when the detachment of the Fifth Division was 
relieved until further orders : 

"The Major-Gcneral further desires to express his 
knowledge of their exemiilarv and soldier-like deport- 
ment while under his command. He will at all times 
be happy to serve with such troops. Berks County 
may well be proud of her volunteer soldiery." 

His services in organizing our local militia 
and in bringing them under jn-oper discipline 
were both untiring and successful, thereby plac- 
ing them in the front rank of the volunteer sol- 
tliers of the State. 

In 1X48 he was elected to the office of Mayor 
of Reatling for one term. He was the second 
Mayor of the city. He had been nominated and 
run as the Whig candidate in the previous year, 
but a tiiird candidate in the field, who ran inde- 
pendently, caused his defeat. Several years after- 
ward, he took great — if not the principal — inter- 
est in establishing at Reading the " Pennsylvania 
Military Institute," for the purpose of enabling 
yoimg men to obtain education in military luat- 
ters. In November, 1858, he was elected to rep- 
resent Berks County in Congress, to fill the 
vacancy till March following, caused by the res- 
ignation of Hon. .T. Glancy Jones. In Octo- 
ber, previously, .Jones ha<l been defeated in a 
campaign for re-election by John Schwartz, 
through a coalition of Republicans and Inde- 
pendent Democrats. When Jones resigned to 
accept the mission to Austria, this political feel- 
ing was still active, and it resulted in the elec- 
tion of General Keim as the Republican candi- 
date against Joel B. Wanner, the Democratic 
candidate. He was the first and the only Re- 
publican elected to represent this district in 
Congress. In 1859 he was elected Surveyor- 
General of the State for the term of three years. 
At that time he also held the office of Major- 
General of militia. 

In 18fiO, whilst at Harrisburg, after the re- 



sult of the Presidential election in favor of the 
Republican party had become known, General 
Keim suggested to Governor Curtin that the 
commonwealth be put in a condition of defense, 
inasmuch as the signs of discontent indicated 
civil strife; and he recommended in that behalf 
a general encampment of the militia of the 
State. Governor Curtin accepted this timely 
suggestion, and, in pursuance of an order by 
him, an encampment was held at York, in the /I 
beginning of September, 186(^, with General . 
Keim as the chief in command. In January 
following, upon visiting his home at Reading, 
he ciilled upon Captain .James iNIclCnight, who 
commanded the Ringgold Light Artillery, a 
company of volunteers in his brigade, and asked 
him to keep his company in readiness so as to 
be able to respond prom|)tly to any order that 
might be given. Through this notice, the 
Ringgold Light Artillery came to be the first 
company that responded to the President's 
call for troops and reported for duty at Harris- 
burg in April, 1861. General Keim offered his 
services when the crisis arose, and Gov. Curtin 
appointed him to a command of State troops 
under the first requisition of the President. 
Major-General Robert Patterson commanded 
the Pennsylvania line, which was composed of 
two divisions, and served for three mouths in 
the campaign on the LTpper Potomac. The 
head<juarters were at Chambersburg, and Gen- 
eral Keim was in command of the Second Di- 
vision. On June. 15th, this army was encamped 
at Hagerstown, and on Jidy 2d, it crossed the 
Potomac into Virginia. 

A force under " Stonewall " Jackson was met 
shortly afterward at " Falling Waters," but 
after a skirmish it fell back, and its camp 
at Hoke's Run was occupied. On Jidy 15th, 
the army advanced from Martinsburg to 
Bunker's Hill, and on the 17th ( "iiarlestowu 
was reached. By that time the term of service 
of many of the regiments expired and orders 
for their muster out were issued. The column 
was so much weakened thereby that it withdrew 
to Harper's Ferry. 

After the campaign nn the Tapper Potomac, 
General Keim received from the President the 
appointment of Brigadier-General of National 



TIIK Civil, WAR, 



troops ; and tlieu resigning the office of Survey- 
or-(Tcneral, lie was ordered to join the Army 
of the l\)tomac. His brigade was attaelied to 
(iciieral Casey's division of General Keyes' 
eiirps, and was sent to Fortress Monroe, where, 
under the command of General MeClellan, it 
advanced towards Richmond. At the battle of 
Williamsburg, (one of tlie most severe contests 
of the war), General Keim distinguished him- 
self Although too siclv to be on duty, he could 
not l)e prevented from leaving the hospital, 
mounting his horse and leading his brigade on 
the field. His coolness, judgment and great 
bravery during the action were conspicuous. 
Though under fire nearly the whole time, he 
was perfectly calm. A bomb fell almost under 
liis horse. Every one about him turned pale 
from fear. Tiie explosion covered him with 
mud. After the battle. General McClclIau 
eallcd on him, complimented him for the great 
service which he had rendercil, and ordered him 
to the post of honor in advance of the army. 
But the excitement incident to this battle aggra- 
vated his illness and lie was ol)liged to ask for 
a furlough. This was granted and he returned 
to Harrisburg, where his family had taken up a 
temjiorai'v residence. Unfortunately, his health 
was too far gone, and he died on May 18, 1862, 
in the very prime of life and usefulness, aged 
forty-eight years. The news of his death pro- 
duced a profound sensation of regret through- 
out the Army of the Potomac. General Mc- 
Clellan was deeply affected by the loss of this 
faithful commander, and he, on May 2Gtli fol- 
lowing, issued a General Order announcing his 
death and complimenting his faithful, patriotic 
services to his country, which was read to every 
regiment in the army. His remains were 
brought to Reading, and buried with military 
honors in the Charles Evans Cemetery. 

A public meeting of citizens was held on May 
20, 1862, for the purpose of expressing regret 
over General Keim's death. A committee — of 
which Hon. J. Pringle Jones, ex-president judge 
of the county, was chairman— reported appropri- 
ate resolutions, including, among truthful senti- 
ments, the following high tribute : 

" For long years, a prospenms iiierLhant, we knew 
liim as one whose praises were ou all men's tongues, 



as well for enterprise in business and liberality 
in promoting the good of the community, as for 
indulgence to those who were his debtors, and for the 
exercise of a wide charity to the jwor. We knew him, 
too, when misfortune overtook him, and we know 
with what honor and honesty and with what fortitude 
he passed through the dark days of adversity. In the 
varied relations of his private life he was greatly be- 
loved; and in his death our city and county have lost 
a citizen whose modest deportment, exemplary con- 
duct, public spirit and stevliug integrity endeared 
him most deservedly to the people." 

TIIKF-E years' SEUVICK. 

The insurrection having been too powerful to 
be suppressed by the first display of military 
authority, the President issued a second j)rocla- 
raation, calling upon the States to furnish two 
hundred thousand men who were to lie enlisted 
for three years. The response was prompt and 
vigorous. The quota of men from Pennsyl- 
vania was soon filled by tlie patriotic impulses 
of her people. 

' The following compiuiies coniprise the men 
from Berks County who enlisted as \i)linitcers 
for three veai's: 



('oinpany 
Company 
Company 
Company 
Company 
Company 
Company 
Coni|)aiiy 
Company 
Company 
Company 

holtz. 
Company 
Company 
Company 
Company 
Company 

miek. 
Comj)any 

ney. 
Company 
Company 
Company 
Company 
Company 

land. 
Company 
Company 
Company 



A, 32d Rcgt., Capt. Jacob Lcrduut .Jr. 

D, 32d Rogt., Capt. William IJrimr. 

F, 32dKegt., Capt. Washington Uicliaids. 
I, 3()th Regt., Capt. Jerome Myers. 

L, 44th Regt., Capt. J. C. A. Hofieditz. 
M, 44th Regt., Capt. Thomas S. Riehards. 

E, 4Gth Regt., Capt. Cornelius Wise. 

D, 4Sth Regt., Capt. Heiuy Nagle. 

I?, 50th Regt , Capt. llcrvey Herman. 

E, 50th Regt., Capt. ^Villiam II. Diehl. 
H, 50th Regt., Caj.t. Thomas S. Brcn- 

B, 55th Regt., Capt. .lohn C. Shearer. 
Jv, 59th Regt., Capt. Charles Chauneey. 
(i, 70th Regt., Capt. CJeorgo E. Clymer. 
(!, 74th Regt., Capt. William J. Bart. 

L, SOth Regt., Capt. Charles C. McCor- 

I, 8;5d Regt., ('apt. Robert W. McCart- 

A, 88th Regt., Capt. (Jeorge W. Knabb. 

B, S8th Regt., Capt. Henry A. Myers. 
H, SSth Regt., Capt. David A. CJrillith. 
B, <J3d Regt., Capt. John K. Arthur. 

G, 93d Regt., Capt. Alexander C. ]\lait- 

K, 93d Regt., Capt. David C. Keller. 
G, 9t;th Regt., Capt. James N. Douden. 
D, Capt. George W. Durell. 



2(18 



HISTORY OF BKRK8 COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



THIRTY-SECOND EEGIMENT. 

The Tliirty-second Regiment included com- 
panies A, D and F, from Berks County, the 
other companies being from Bucks and Phil- 
delphia Counties. It was mustered into the 
United States service at Harrisburg, on Ju- 
ly 27, 18(31, after an experience of two 
mouths ill drilling in camp near Easton. 

It was immediately ordered to Wasliingtou ; 
and after remaining there till August 2ud, pro- 
ceeded to Tennallytown, a village sjx miles 
northwest from the Capitol, and was there en- 
camped with other troops. Wiiile in camp the 
I'egiment was drilled, and assisted in ere<'ting 
Fort Pennsylvania, whicii was a formidable 
and very important eartliwork. (-)n ( )ctober 
9th it moved over the Potomac and cucamj)ed 
near Laugley in the army line stretching nearly 
twenty miles along the Virginia shore. Here 
they did skirmishing, picketing and drilling. 

On March 10th, 18()2, it moved with the 
"Army of the Potomac" in search of the enemy. 
On April 10th it was taken by rail to Manas- 
sas Junction with the brigade (second), and 
thence proceeded to a point opposite Fredericks- 
burg. Whilst there the trooops Avere reviewed 
by President Ivincoln. From this point they 
marched down the Rappahannock, arriving at 
the White House on the 11th of May, where 
the 2nd brigade checked the enemy's move- 
ments, and repulsed an attack upon tiie train of 
the Reserves. On May l.'ith they were within 
a few miles of Richmond , occupying the ex- 
treme right and in advance of the main line; 
there they were attacked by the enemy, and held 
their ground against vastly superior numbers, 
resting upon the field at night. At 2 A. M. on 
the fi)Iio\ving inurning the regiment was relieved. 
In withdrawing from the field, it passed under a 
heavy fire from the enemy by which it suffered 
some loss. At (Jaines' Mill, the division, inclu- 
ding this regiment, was held in reserve; but the 
enemy soon broke through the fii"st line, and for 
two hours the regiment was left to bear the 
brinit of the fierce assaidt of the enemy, when 
it was relieved by other troops. Its conduct in 
this battle "was highly praised by General Meade 
upon the field. On May 15th the regiment was 
withdrawn across the Chickahominv, and in 



June following it was engaged in the battle of 
Gaines' Mill, which was fought by McClellan 
to save the material of liis army. On June 29th 
it was posted on picket duty toward Richmond. 
In an engagement there, the regiment was sent 
forward to feel tlie enemy, and was received 
with a withering fire of musketry. 

While the whole line was engaged a support- 
ing regiment mistook the 32nd Regiment in the 
smoke of battle for the enemy, and opened fire 
upon its ranks, throwing the men into disorder 
and causing them to break ; but they did not 
leave the field. At 11 o'clock in tlie night of 
that day the division was withdrawn and 
marched to Malvern Hill, and afterward to 
Harrison's Lauding, where it was encam|)ed un- 
til August 1st following. 

.Vfter the Army of the Potomac was ordered 
to evacuate the Peninsula, the 32nd Regiment 
moved to Warrenton after passing other points, 
and there, on August 24th, was formed in line 
of battle, but without entering an engagement. 
Subsequently the regiment was engaged in a 
battle at Hall's Hill, near Manassas Junction, 
and its loss was severe ; and at Antietam, on the 
16th and 17th of Septendier, where they fought 
for hours until relieved by other troops. Fifty- 
one of their nundjcr were killed and wounded 
in this battle. In October, November and De- 
cember they moved toward Fredericksburg, 
where they were engaged in battle on the 13th 
of December. During the charge upon the en- 
emy the regiment maintained its positiDU with 
great firmness, and was among the very last to 
retire. It lost there in killed, wounded and 
missing, one hundred and twenty-eight men. 

After marching to several places without an 
engagement it moved to the defenses of Wash- 
ington on February 8th, where it was attached 
to the 22nd Army Corps. There it was given an 
opportimity to rest and recTuit its ranks, hav- 
ing been greatly reduced by severe fighting and 
by long and fatiguing marches. It remained 
here until January 6th, 1864, when it was or- 
dered to duty in -West Virginia, under General 
Sickel. The regiment was then commanded by 
Major William Briner, and with other troops 
(Fourth Reserves) did picket duty on the roads 
in the vicinity of ^lartinsburg during January; 



TUK CIVIL WAR. 



209 



ami after inareliing and couuter-marching for 
about a week for the purpose of finding the 
cnt'iuy and guarding again.><t surprise, in which 
the men were completely exhausted hy loss of 
sleep and nuicii exposure, tliey again performed 
picket duty on the Baltimore and (^hio Hail- 
road near Martinsbnrg until March 20th, when 
they moved to Harper's Ferry. In the begin- 
ning of April they proceeded across the Alle- 
gheny Mountains to Gi-afVon and thence to the 
Kanawha Valley ; there this regiment was placed 
under the command of C'aptain Jacob Lenhart, 
Major William Briiier having been sent to the 
iiospital at (irafton, on account of severe injury 
on his rigiit hand. On the ()th of May they 
liad a lively skirmish with the Sixtietli Virginia 
troops at Princetown and during tiie next two 
days iiad a long niareli of thirty miles to the 
gap in Walker (or Cloyd) Mountain, near 
Shannon briilge. On May !)tii tijey had an 
engagement near by, in which the enemy was 
routed ; there Captain Lenhai-t was wounded 
and the command of the regiment devolved 
upon Captain Robert .lohnson. In the charge 
u|)()n the' enemy's works the regiment had three 
(•((l(>r-l)earcis shot down. After considerable 
marching they halted at Meadow Bhitf on May 
loth. In this time they had much skirmishing 
with the enemy; and every night a strong guard 
was posted around the camp to avoid sur|)rise. 
The men sutfei'ed much from hunger, and many 
were without soles on their shoes. On May 
22(1 they moved to Millville, near ijouisburg, 
and while there their term of service ex]>ired. 
In pursuance of orders they |)roceeded I'ia J'itts- 
burg to Philadelphia, where they were mustered 
out of service on June 17, ](S(i4. 

C'uMT.KNY A. — This company was recruited 
at Reading, and mustered out Jinie 17, l.S()4, 
except where otherwise mentioned. 

•lacoli Lt'iiluirt, .Jr., ciqit., iimst. in .Tune 7, ISdl;- 

wounded at Cloyd Mountain, May 9, lS(i4. 
Jacob Lcluiian, 1st lieut., must, in June 7, 18()1 ; 

disfh. by order of War De|>t., Aug. lU, 18G2. 
Mitluiel Walters, 1st lieut., must, in July 28, 18(11; 

di.sch. Sept. 15, 18ii3. 
Amos N. Seitzinger, 1st lieut., must, in June 7, 1861; 

pro. to 2d lieut. Sept. 26, 1862 ; to 1st lieut. Oct. 

26, 1863. 
24 



Jeremiah A. Clouse, 2d lieut., must, in June 7, 1861 ; 

res. Feb. 20, 1862. 
Sebastian Eckle, 2d lieut., must, in June 7, 1861 ; res. 

July 18, 1862. 
Daniel Setloy, 2d lieut., must, in June 7, 1861; pro. 
to 1st sergt. Nov. 1, 1862 ; to 2d lieut. Oet. 24, 
1863. 
John S. Painter, 1st sergt., must, in June 18,1861; 

pro. to 1st sergt. Nov. 1, 1863. 
Jacob C. Esterly, 1st sergt., must, in June 7, 1861 ; 

disch on surg. cerlif. Oct. 31, 1862. 
George Mosser, 1st sergt., must, in June 7, 1861 ; pro. to 

sergt. Nov. 1, 1862. 
Lewis Griffith, 1st sergt., must, in June 7, 1861 ; pro. 

to sergt. Nov. 1, 1862. 
Henry K. Mull, 1st sergt., nui.st. in .June 7, 1861 ; pro. 

to sergt. Nov. 1, 181)2. 
Chiis. Fredericks, 1st sergt., must, in June 7, 1861 ; 

diseh. on surg. certif. Dec. 31, 1862. 
John Wittich, 1st .sergt., must, in June 7, 1861 ; disch. 

on surg. certif. June 14, 1862. 
Ricliard Yeager, 1st sergt., must, in July !l, 1861; 
trans, to 3d brig., 2d div. dept. VV'est \'a., June6, 
and to .')4th Kegt. P. V. July 4, 1864. 
Francis 1). Niigle, 1st sergt., must, in June 7, 18()1 ; 

killed at While Oak Swam)), June 30, 18(i2. 
Henry Kenler, corj)., nuist. in June 18, ISfJl ; pio. to 

Corp. July 1, 1862. 
Peter Hartenstein, coip., must, iu June 7, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp. March 1, 1863. 
William J. Smith, corp., niu.st. iu ,luue 7, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp. Nov. 1, 1862. 
Henry W. Esser, corp., must, in June 7, 1861 ; [iro. 

to corp. Nov. 1, 1862. 
Flarian Harljacli, corj)., must, in June 7, 1861 ; disch. 

on surg. certif. Feb. 28, 1863. 
Henry J. Richards, musician, must, in June 7, 1861. 
John D. Hertzog, musician, must, iu June 7, 1861 ; 
must, out as private. 

Prirates. 
Jacob 1). ,\ugsladt, must iu June 7, 1861. 
James I). Asli, must, in .tune 18, 1861 ; diseli. on surg. 

certi f. 
John Bcdencup, must, in June 7, 18(il. 
Richard Boone, must, in .luue 7, 1861. 
.John Broadliurst, nuist. in June 7, 1861. 
Benjamin Brady, must, in Sept. 23, 1862; disch. on 

surg. certif. Aug. 24, 1863. 
Henry Bownnm, must, iu June 7, 1861 ; trans, to .54tli 

Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 
John H. Babb, must, in June 7, 1861 ; wounded and 
pris. at Cloyd Mountain, West. Va., May 9, 1864; 
must, out May 30, 1865. 
.James Calvert, must, in .June 18, 18(il. 
Samuel Derr, must, in June 18, 1861. 
William Degroat, must, in T'eb. 19, 1862; trans, to 3d 
brig. 2d div. dept., West Va., June 6, and to 54th 
Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864. 



210 



HISTUKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PP]NNSYLVANIA. 



David English, must, in July 20, 18lil ; killed at 

Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1862. 
Andrew Fegely, must, in June 7, 18(il. 
Samuel B. Frey, must, in June 7, 1861. 
James A. Fix, must, in June 7, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Feb. 23, 1863. 
Allen M. Frey, must, in Feb. 1,1864; trans, to 3d 

brig., 2d div. dept. West Va., June 6, and to 54tb 

Regt. r. V. July 4, 1864. 
Daniel Greaff, must, in 'June 7, 1861. 
David J. Goodman, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Jacob Ganster, must, in June 7, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Feb. 13, 1863. 
Joseph Good, must, in July 18, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Feb. 28, 1S63. 
Frederick Garst, must, in July 2S, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. 
Albert S. Greth, must, in June 7, 1861 ; trans, to 54th 

Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 
Henry A. Harner, must, in June 7, 1861. 
George Hodern, nuist. in June 7, 1861. 
John Hodern, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Lewis Hart, must, in July 28, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Oct. 17, 1861. 
Peter F. Holland, must, in June 7, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif Oct. 29, 1861. 
Marks D. Haws, must, in July 18, 1861; trans, to 3d 

Brig., 2d Div. Dept., West Va., June 6, and to 

54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864. 
Harrison llarbach, must, in July 20, 1861 ; trans, to 

3d Brig., 2d Div. Dept. of West Va., June 6, and 

to 54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864. 
William P. Holland, must, in June 7, 1861 ; trans, to 

54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864; vet. 
Albert S. Henershotz, must, in June 7, 1861 ; trans. 

to 54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 
Daniel Harbach, must, in July 20, 1861 ; died at 

Washington, June 7, 1862 ; bd. in Mil. Asy. Gem. 
Andrew Jackson, must, in June 7, 1861 ; killed at 

Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. 
Christian J. Koch, must, in June 7, 1861. 
John Koch, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Francis Kiicber, must, in June 18, 1861. 
Jacob iS. Kunsiiian, uuist. in June 7, 1861 ; wounded 

at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862; absent, in hos- 
pital, at muster out. 
Samuel S. Kissinger, must, in July 18, 18(51; disch. 

on surg. certif. Nov. 18, 1862 
Henry C. Kcehn, must, in July 18, 1S(;1; trans, to 

54tli Regt. P. V. July 4, 18(14 ; vet. 
Lewis Kershuer, must, in July ITI, 1S61 ; trans, to 3d 

Brig., 2d Div. Dept. West Va., June 6, and to 

54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864. 
Augustus Marquat, must, in July 18, 18()1 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Oct. 28, 1863. 
Henry C.. Milans, must, in Sept. 9, 1861 ; wounded 

and ordered to report to the adj. -gen. 's office, 

Washington. 



Patrick Murphy, must, in Feb. 11, 1862; trans, to 3d 

Brig., 2d Div. Dept. West. Va., June 6, 1861, and 

to 54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864. 
Wm. McDonough, mu.st. in June 18, 1861 ; wounded 

at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862 ; absent, in hospital, 

at muster out. 
Peter McQuaid, must, in June IS, 1861. 
John McDonough, must, in June IS, 1861; disch. on 

surg. certif June 26, 1863. 
Hugh McGcttigan, must, in July 28, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif Dec. 7, 1862. 
Charles Neebe, must, in July 18, 1861. 
John O'Neal, must, in .Tune 7, 1861 ; wounded and 

prisoner at Cloyd Mountain, West Va., May 9, 

1864; must, out Sept. 23, 1864. 
Henry Otten, must, in June 7, 1861 ; died at Smoke- 
town, Va., Oct. 12, 1862, of wounds received 

at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. 
.lames B. Old, must, in July 18, 1861 ; killed at Cloyd 

Mountain May 9, 1864; vet. 
William Peters, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Abraham Perry, must, in Feb. 17, 1862 ; disch. on 

surg. certif Nov. 4, 1862. 
Levi Richards, must, in .July 28, 1861. 
Augustus Rhein, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Levi B. Rhoads, must, in June 7, 1861. 
John Rork, must, in June 18, 1861. 
Ludwig Rupp, must, in June 18, 1861. 
Emanuel Richards, must, in .Tune 7, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif Jan. 16, 1863. 
Niclndas Rllible, must, in July IS, 1861 ; killed at 

White Oak Swamp June 30, 18(52. 
Charles Schroth, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Ephraim Z. Sellers, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Henry S. Smith, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Wm. Stiflenburg, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Albert S. Stautler, must, in June 7, 1861 ; disch. (m 

surg. certif. Juue 2, 1862. 
James A. Scholield, must, in Juue 7, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif Feb. 9, 1S63; trans, to 54th Regt. P. 

v.; vet. 
Frederick Saylor, must, in July 20, 1861. 
James Salada, must, in Sept. 23,1862; trans, in :;d 

Brig., 2d Div. Dept. West Va.,June 6, and to 

54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864. 
Chas. Sehaneberger, must, in July 20, 1861 ; trans, to 

3d Brig., 2d Div. Dept. AVest Va., June (;, isdl, 

and to 54tb Regt P. V. July 6, 1864. 
Daniel Shafer, mu.st. in June 7, 1861. 
William Warner, must, iu June 7, 1861. 
Charles Weber, must, in June 7, 1S61. 
A. Wcidrnhamer, must, in June 7, lS(il. 
Jonas Youse, must, iu .lune 7, 1861. 
John R. Yeich, must, in June 7, ISdl. 
John M. Yohn, must, in June 7, 1S6I ; trans, to 54lh 

Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864; vet. 

Company D. — This comj)ai)y was iccriiited 



THE CTVIL WAR. 



211 



ill Berks County, and was mustered out June 
17, 1864, except wliere otherwise mentioned. 

William Briner, caj)t., must, in Juno V, ISOl ; pro. 

to major Aug. 1, 18112. 
F. H. Straub, capt., must, in .Juno 7, l>*lll; pro. to l.'it 

lieut. Nov. lit, 1801 ; to capt. Aug. 1, 18<!-2 ; killed 

at Antietam, September 17, 18()2. 
Andrew J. Stetson, capt., must, in June 7, 18(51 ; pro. 

2d lieut., Nov. 19, 18(31; to 1st lieut., Aug. 1, 

18(32; to capt., March 1, 18(3:3. 
Franklin S. Bickley, 1st lieut., must, in ,lunc 7, ISfil; 

resigned Nov. 13, 181)1. 
Jacob V. Shilling, 1st lieut., must, in June 7, 18(31 ; 

pro. to 1st sergt. Jan. 7, 18(32 ; to 2d lieut. Aug. 1, 

18(32; to 1st lieut., Oct. 1, lS(i2; killed nt Fred- 
ericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. 
Albert Briner, 1st lieut., must, in June 7, 18(11 ; pro. 

to 1st sergt., Aug. 1, 18G2 ; to 1st lieut., March 1, 

18(33. 
George B. Davis, 2d lieut., must, in June 7, 1861 ; pro. 

to sergt., Aug. 1, 18()2 ; to 2d lieut., March fi, 

18(33. 
Abra'm li. Yocum, 1st sergt., must, in June 7, ISfil ; 

pro. to Corp., Nov. 20, 18(31 ; to sergt., Jan. 1, 

18(33 ; to 1st sergt., May 1, 18(33. 
James Sehrader, 1st sergt., must, in June 11, 18(51 ; 

pro. to sergt., March 1, 1862; to 1st sergt., Oct. 1, 

1862^ killed at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. 
David HoUenback, 1st sergt., must, in June 7, 1861 ; 

pro. to 1st sergt., Nov. 20, 1861. 
Wm; K. Leamaii, sergt., must, in June 7, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp., Nov. 20, 1861 ; to sergt., Jan. 1, 1863. 
Franklin Trusscl, sergt., must, in June 7, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp., Aug. 1, 1862; to sergt., Jan. 1, 1863. 
Levi Boyer, sergt., must, in June 7, 1861 ; pro. to 

q.m.-sergt., Sept. 30, 1861. 
William H. Parker, sergt., must. July 21, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp., March 20, 1863 ; to sergt., Jan. 1, 1863 ; 

trans, to 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 18(54. 
Francis Eisenbeis, sergt., must, in July 18, 1861 ; pro. 

to corp. Aug. 1, 1862; to sergt.. May 1,18(33; 

trans, to 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 1864. 
John A. Price, sergt., must, in June 7, 1861 ; pro. to 

sergt., Nov. 19, 1861 ; killed at Charles City Cross- 

Roads, June 30, 1862. 
John N. Smith, sergt., must, in .lune 7, 1861 ; pro. to 

sergt., Aug. 1, 1S62. 
H. H. Hemming, corp., must, in July 18, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp., Jan. 1, 18(53. 
Nelson G. Sheeder, corp., must, in .Tune 11,1861; 

pro. to Corp., Jan. 1, 1863. 
Lewis F. Henderson, Corp., must, in .Tune 11, 1861 ; 

pro. to Corp., Jan. 1, 1863. 
William Carlin, corp., must, in June 7, 1861 ; pro. to 

Corp., Jan. 1, 1863. 
William S. Lamb, corp., must, in .lune 7, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp., Jan 1, 1863. 



Peter B. Keehn, Corp., must, in June 11, 18(51 ; pro. 

to Corp., Jan. 1, 1863. 
Adam F. Waid, corp., must, in July 13, 1861 ; pro. to 

to Corp., ,lan. 1, 1863 ; trans, to 54th Regt. P. V., 

July 4, 1864. 
Ephr'm Strohecker, corp., imist. in June 7, 1861; 

died at Wiishington, D. C, March 19, 18(12. 
John G. Bland, corp., must, in June 7, 1861 ; pro. to 

Corp., Nov. 20, 1861 ; kille<l at Fredericksburg, 

Dee. 13, 1862. 
Henry Setley, Corp., must, in July 9, 1861; pro. to 

Corp., March 1, 1862; killed at Fredericksburg, 

Dec. 13, 1862. 
John S. Keever, musician, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Charles K. Bechtel, musician, must, in July 21, 1861 ; 

pro. to jirincipal musician, Sept. 1, 1862. 
M. L. Jliintzberger, musician, must, in June 11, 1861; 

pro. to principal musician, .luly 1, 1863. 

I'rirates. 
Obediah Achey, private, must, in .luuc 7, 18(51 ; di(ul 

at Van Clevcsville, W. Va., March 25, 18(54. 
Edward Allen, ])rivate, must, in .Tuly 28, 1861 ; trans. 

from Co. I. 
Henry Barr, private, must, in .Tune 7, 1861. 
Clark Bishop, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
.Teremiah Boone, ]>rivate, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Thomas D. Boone, private, nuist. in .Tune 11, 18(11. 
Charles Boyer, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Philip Billing, private, must, in .Tune 7, 18(51 ; disch. 

on surg. certif., Dec. 10, 1862. 
Samuel Bobst, private, must, in June 7, 1861 ; disch. 

on surg. certif., Jan. 29, 1862. 
William Broom, private, must, in Sept. 19, 1862; 

disch. on surg. certif., Feb. 1, 1863. 
Charles H. Barber, private, must, in July 13, 1861 ; 

trans, lo 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 1864; vet. 
John H. Becker, private, must, in July 12, 1861 ; 

trans, to 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 1864. 
Wash'n L. Boyer, private, must, in June 7, 1861 . 

trans, to 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 1864; vet. 
Jeflerson Briner, private, must, iu July 12, 1861 ; 

trans, to 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 18(54. 
.Tohn Babb, private, nuist. in .Tune 7, 1861 ; killed at 

2d Bull Run, August 30, 1862. 
David Bechtel, private, must, in July 18, 1861 ; mis. 

at Charles City Cross-Roads, June 30, 18(52. 
Jacob Bechtel, private, must, in July 18, 18(51 ; wd. 

and mis. at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. 
John H. Boyer, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Peter Cunningham, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Josiah Coller, private, must, in June 7, 1861 ; disch. 

on surg. certif., March 25, 1863. 
James Caldwell, private, must, in June 7, 1861. . 
Samuel Davics, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
De Losier De Parson, private, mast, in Sept. 30, 1862 ; 

disch. on surg. certif., March 1, 1863. 
Peter Dehart, private, must, in July 13, 1861 ; trans. 

to 54tli Regt. P. v., July 4, 1864. 



212 



H [STORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Heury Denglcr, private, must, in Sept. 30, 1802; 

trans, to .54tli Regt. P. V., July 4, 18G4. 
James Doty, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
David C. Epphimer, private, must, in June 7, 18(11 ; 

pro. to com.-sergt., March 1, 1864. 
William Ellis, private, must, in Sept. 30, 1862 ; trans. 

to 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 1864. 
Franklin Ellis, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Josiah Focht, private, must, in June 7, 18()1 ; diseh. 

on surg. certiC, Nov. 27, 1862. 
Edward Frill, private, must, in June 11, 1861. 
David Fisher, private, must, in Sept. 30, 1862; must. 

out June 23, 1865. 
Henry Geiger, private, must, in June U, 18(51. 
William S. (xood, private, must, in .June 11, ]8(il. 
Reuben G. Gearhart, private, must, in ,luiie 11, \Xi>\ ; 

diseh. on surg. certit'., Feb., 1862. 
Emanuel Good, private, must, in Sejit. 10, 1862; 

disch. on surg. certif., July 25, 1863. 
Henry S. Good, private, must, in July IS, ]S(i] ; 

trans, to 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 1864; vet. 
William Grath, private, must, in Aug. 26, l.S(i2 ; 

trans, to 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 1S64. 
Alexander Geiger, private, must, in July 13, 1861 ; 

killed at Bull Run, August 30, 1862. 
Alfred Harner, private, must, in June 11, 1861. 
Sam'l L. Harrison, i>rivate, must, in June 11, 1801. 
Henry Hofllnan, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
James L. Hobson, private, must, in June 11, 1861 ; 

disch. on surg. certif., Nov. 24, 1862. 
Fred'k Hendley, private, must, in June 11, 1861 ; 

killed at Antietam, September 17, 1862. 
Jer'h C. Hunsberger, private, must, in July 13, 1861 ; 
wd. and pris. at Cloyd Mountain, West Va., Jlay 
9, 1864. 
Albert D. Helmer, private, must, in July 12, 1861. 
Morgan Kupp, private, must, in June 7, 1861 ; pro. 

to q. m. 167th regt. P. V,, Dec. 11, 1862. 
William Kelchner, private, mu.st. in Aug. 30, 1862 ; 

trans, to 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 186)4. 
Adam F. Kellar, private, must, in June 11, 1861. 
James Long, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Henry A. Lorah, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Patrick Lowrey, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Alexander Lorah, private, must, in July 20, 1861 ; 

must, out Aug. 12, 1864. 
David Levan, private, must, in Sept. 8, 1862. 
Henry Lichtenfelt, private, must, in June 11, 1861. 
Samuel Mann, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Nath.aniel Miles, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
William Miller, private, must, in June 7, 1861 ; 

disch, on surg, certif.. May 18, 1862, 
Jacob Mellen, private, must, in June 7, 1861 ; killed 

at Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 
Isaac Moohn, private, must, in Sept, 30, 1862. 
Sam'l McChalicher, private, must, in July 13, 1861 ; 
disch. Nov. 27, 1862, for wounds received at Bull 
Run, Aug. 30, 1862. 



Heber M'C'ord, private, must, in July 18, 1861 ; trans. 

to 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 18(i4. 
Geo. A, Raudenbush, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
William Rank, private, must, in June 7, 1861 ; died 

at Fairfax Seminary Hospital, Va., Sept. 24, 

1862. 
.loseph Rorke, private, must, in July 13, 1S61 ; miss" 

ing in action at Charles City Cross-Roads, June 

30, 1862. 
William S. Sagee, private, must, in .tune 7, 1861. 
.\ugustus Sayboldt, private, must, in .luiu- 7, 1861 ; 

pro, from corp, to sergt., Nov. 10, ls(il. 
Roland G. Scarlet, private, nni.st. in June 7, 1861. 
Solomon S. Shaner, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Josi|>h Slichter, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
•lolm Schiefley, private, must, in .lune 7, 1861 ; disch. 

.lune 22, 1863, for wounds received at Fredericks- 
burg, Dec. 13, 18(i2. 
Richard Steeve, private, must, in ,lune 7, 18iil ; disch. 

on surg, certif,, April 10, 1S62. 
Harrison Shatter, private, must, in Aug. 25, 18(!2; 

trans, to 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 1864. 
Henry J. Simmons, private, must, in Aug. 30,1862; 

trans, to 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 1864. 
Andrew M. Shepherd, private, mu.st. in July 18, 1861; 

trans, to 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 1864. 
Cyrus Schwartz, private, must, in June 7, 1861 ; mis. 

in action at Charles City Cross-Roads, June 30, 

1862. 
George Setley, private, must, in June 11, 1861; died 

at Staflbrd C, H,, Va., Nov. 24, 1862. 
Geoige Shatter, private, must, in Sept. 9, 1862, 
.fames P.Thomas, private, must, in Sept. 1,1862; 

trans, to 54th Regt. P. V., July 4, 1864. 
Bcnj. F, Walker, private, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Henry Wann, jtrivate, must, in June 7, 1861. 
Geo. O. Weigner, private, must, in Juno 7, 1861. 
Charles E. AYright, private, must, in June 7, 1861 ; 

w'd. and mis. in action at Fredericksburg, Dec. 

13, 1862. 
Charles Wilkins, jirivate, must, in July IS, 1861. 
Samuel Yoder, private, must, in June 7, 1S(;1 ; disch. 

Nov. 28, 1862, for wounds received .at Bull Run, 

Aug. 30, 1862. 

CoMi'.WY F. — This conijtany was rocriiitccl 
ill Berks County, and was mii.stci'cd out June 
17, l.S(j4, except wliere otiierwi.sc nientinncd. 

Washington Richards, capt., must. in. Tune 11, 1861 ; 

trans, to Vet. Res. Corps July 1, 1863; resigned 

September 5, 1863. 
Albert P. Moulton, capt., must in .Tunc 11. isci ; pro. 

from 1st lieut. to capt. Sept. 15, l.S(>3; trans, to 

Co. M, a4th Regt., P. V. July 4, 1864. 
Henry S. Moulton, 1st lieut., must, in July 28, 1S(;1 ; 

]>ro. to 2d lieut. Oct. 1, ]S(;2; to 1st lieut. Sept. 15, 

1863. 



TIIK ClVir. WAR. 



213 



Albeit A. Jamison, 2d lieut., must, in June 11, 1861; 

pro. to adjt. June 24, 1861. 
EdwarJ K. Moll, 2d lieut., must, in June 11, 1801 ; 

resigned July 28, 1862. 
Benjamin D. Hemming, 2d lieut., must, in June 11, 

1861; pro. to 2d lieut. Sept. 16, 1863 ; must, out 

Sept. 27,1864. 
Isaac Addis, sergt., must, in .June 11, 1861 ; detached 

to Bat. G, 43d Kegt. P. V.; disih. Dec. 4, 1862. 
Daniel Murphy, sergt., must, in June 11, 1861; 

wounded ; diseh. March 4, 1S63. 
Levi HofTmaster, sergt., must, in June 11, ISdl : 

disch. on surg. certif. Dee. ii, 1S62. 
Robert Smith, sergt., must, in June 20, 1861 ; trans. 

to 54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864; vet. 
John Vandorn, sergl., must, in June 11, 1861 ; trans. 

tor,4th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 
Ivlw.ard Clater, sergt., must, in June 11, 1861 ; trans. 

to 54th Kegt. P. V. July 4, 1864; vet. 
.lames M. Phillips, sergt., must, in June 11, 1861; 

trans, to 54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1 864 ; vet. 
.lolin M. Biery, sergt., must, in June 11, 1861 ; trans. 

to 54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864; vet. 
(icorge Able, eorp., must, in June 11, 1S61. 
Levan Lehr, corp., must, in June 27, 1861. 
Wellington Miller, Corp., must, in June 11, 1861. 
John P. Douth, musician, must, in June 11, 1861. 
Calvin Reedy, musician, must, in June 11, lsi;i ; pro. 

to musician Oct. 1, 1861. 

Privates, 

.lohn Andy, must, in June 20, 1861; must, out Oct. 

27, 1865, to date June 18, 1864. 
Charles Adler, must, in July IS, 1X61 ; trans, to 54th 

Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 
Jesse Adams, must, in June 20, 1861 ; trans, to 54th 

Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 
Henry Acker, must, in June 20, 1861 ; killed at Fred- 
ericksburg, Dec. 13, 1802. 
.lohn Brown, nuLst. in June 11, 1861 ; trans, to "Vet. 

Res. Corps .July 1, 1863. 
J(din L. Bard, must, in June 20, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Sept. 1, 1862. 
William P. Butz, nuist. in June 20, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Feb. 6, 1863. 
Henry Bowman, disch. on surg. certif. May 13, 1863. 
Kdward Blose, must, in July 21, 1801 ; trans, to 54th 

Regt. P. V. July 4, 1804 ; vet. 
Levi Beechart, must, in July 17, 1861 ; trans, to 54th 

Regt. P. V. July 1, 1864 ; vet. 
Levi Bernheisel, must, in June 11, 1801 ; trans, to 

54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864; vet. 
William Borman, trans, to 54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 

1864; vet. 
Henry Boger, must, in June 27, 1861 ; trans, to Co. K 

Oct. 2, 1861. 
John A. Becker, must, in July 18, 1861 ; died at Mill 

Creek, Va., Sept. 19, 1802. 



Henry Burkhart, must, in June 11, 1861 ; killed in 

action July 10, 1862. 
.Joseph Bellas, must, in June 27, 1861. 
Joseph Connor, must, in June 11, 1801. 
Allen Christmau, must, in July 20, 1801 ; trans, to 

54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 
.Jacob Cooper, must, in June 11, 1861. 
Henry Eisenboth, must, in July 20, 18(;i ; disch. by 

order of War Dept. Aug. (i, 1862. 
Henry Ecknold, must, in June 11, 1X61; trans, to 

54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 
Daniel Filbert, must, in June 27, 1861 ; wounded ; 

disch. June 20, 1862. 
.Vdam Gilbert, must, in June 11, 1801. 
Andrew Gangwer, must, in June 20, 1801 ; tran.s. to 

54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1804. 
.Tames Glennose, must, in July 20, 1801 ; trans, to 54th 

Regt. P. V. July 4, 18(i4. 
.J:imes Hartzel, must, in June 28, 1861. 
■Jacob Heming, must, in June 11,1801. 
Rudy Haverstick, must, in .Tune 11,1801; died at 

Easton, Pa., July 10, 1801. 
Josejdi Herbrant, must, in June 11,1801; died at 

Washington, Aug. 24, 1801 ; buried in Military 

A.sylum Cemetery. 
Henry Hai-sta, must, in June 11, 1861 ; killed at 

Gaine.s' Mill, June 27, 1862. 
William Henry, must, in June 11, 1861. 
Mark Hogan, died at Philadelphia Oct. 7, 1802. 
John House. 
.Joseph Helbrick. 
William Jones, must, in June 27, 18(!1 ; wounded ; 

disch. Feb. 1, 1803. 
Henry Jones, must.in June 11, 1801 ; killed at Antie- 

tam, Sept. 17, 1862. 
Charle.s Jennings, must, in July 22, 1861 ; trans, to 

54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 18(i4 ; vet. 
Edward Killpatrick, must, in June 11,1861 ; trans, to 

Vet. Res. Corps July 1, 1803. 
Theo. Killpatrick, must, in June II, 1801; trans, to 

54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 
Thos. Kochel, must, in June 11, 1861 ; trans, to 54th 

Regt. P. V. July 4, 1804 ; vet. 
John H. Killian, must, in June 20,1801; killed at 

Gaines' Mill, June 27, 1862. 
Manassah Kline, must, in June 20, 1861. 
John Kelly, must, in .Tune 11, 18()1. 
Willoughby Labold, must, in June 20, 1861. 
Pompelius Lippi, must, in June 20, 1861. 
Harrison Lutz, must, in June 11, 1861 ; must, out 

Oct. 27, 1865, to date June 17, 1864. 
.Tames Leese, must, in June 20, 1861 ; killed at An- 

tietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 
Franklin I^eh, must, in July 8, 1861. 
Samuel Miles, must, in June 11, 1861. 
Eugene Mertz, must, in June 28, 1861 ; trans, to 54th 

Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864; vet. 
Adam Mier, must, in June 20, 1861 ; trans, to 54th 
Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 



214 



fllSTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Monroe Mertz, must, in June 20, 1861. 

Lew. D. McFarlaiid, mustered in June 20, 1S61 ; 

killed at Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862. 
George S. Neal, must, in June 11, 1861 ; trans, to r)4th 

Kegt. P. V. July 4, 1S64 ; vet. 
Uriah Nunemaclier, must, in June 20, 1861 ; trans, to 

r)4th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1S64 ; vet. 
Josephus Ruth, must, in July IS, 18()1 ; diseh. en surg. 

certif. Dec. 1, 1862. 
Alexander Rambo, must, in June 11, 1861 ; trans, to 

54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 
Peter Rusk, must, in July 18, 1S61 ; killed at Antie- 

tam, Sejit. 17, 1862. 
John Rulile, must, in June 11, 1861. 
Cyrus Reed, must, in .luly 20, 1861. 
Andrew Rohrer, must, in Feb. 26, 1.S61 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
John School, must, in June 11, 1861. 
John Silbeman, must, in June 11, 1861. 
Levi Schneer, must, in June 11, 1861 ; trans, to .')4lh 

Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 
William H. Stotz, must, in June 20, 18(!1 ; trans, to 

54th Regt. P. V. Julv 4, 1S64; vet. 
John Seidere, must, in June 28, 1S61 ; killed at Gaines' 

Mill, June 27, 1862. 
John Stadler, must, in July 20, 1861. 
Joseph Seidere, must, in July 24, 1861. 
Hugh Sweeny, must, in July 15, 1861. 
John H. Stailnecker, must, in July 18, 1861. 
Win. Tonia, must, in June 20, 1861. 
Michael Tracy, must, in July 20, 1861. 
John Trexler, must, in July 12, 1861 ; trans, to 54th 

Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 
Lewis B. Tice, must, in June 11, 1861. 
Jacob Trapold, must, in June 11, 1861. 
William Walters, must, in June 11, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Sei)t. 1, 1862. 
Adam Weber, must, in June 27, 1861 ; trans, to 54tli 

Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 
John Wentzel, must, in July 12, 1861 ; trans, to 54th 

Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864. 
Edward Wild, mu.st. in July 20, 1861. 
Jacob Whiteiieck, must, in June 11, 1861. 
Adolph Zetze, must, in June 11, 1861 : trans, to 54th 

Regt. P. V. July 4, 1864 ; vet. 

THIKTY-SIXTH KEOIMENT. 

The Tliirty-Sixth Regiment wa.s corapo.sed of 
comjianics recniited in several counties east of 
the AUeglieiiy Mountains. Compauy I was 
made up of men reeruited in Berks and Lebanon 
Counties. Tlie regiment was mustered into .ser- 
vice July 27, 1S61. It was not engaged in any 
fighting until the latter pa«'t of June, 18G2, when 
it w;us engaged in the battle of Gaines' Mill. It 
octaipied the left of the line. Its next engage- 
ment was at Charles City Cross-Roads, June 



30, 1862. It passed through seven days of 
fighting, and upon nuistering the regiment only 
two hundred men were present to answer to 
their names. It was also engaged iu the bat- 
tles of Antietam, Frederick.shurg and the 
Wilderness. Nearly the entire regiment was 
(•a]itured in the latter battle, and the men were 
imprisoned at Auder.souville. The regiment 
was mustered out of service June IG, 1864. 
The following men in Compauy I were from 
Berks County, recruited at Reading : 
Joseph (i. Holmes, capt., must, in May 10, 1S61 ; 

pro. to capt. Nov. 7, 1861. 
.\aron /cigler, 1st lieut., must, in May 28, 1S61 ; pro. 

to 1st lieut. July 5, 1862. 
J. H. (i. Marquette, 2d lieut., mu.st. in May 20, 1861 ; 

must, out with company June 16, 1864. 
Wm. Harmon, 2d lieut., must, in June 1, 1.S61 ; pro. 

to 2d lieut. July 1, 1862. 
Edward F. Smith, sergt., must, in May 26, 1861 ; 

wounded .Tune 30, 1862; disch. on surg. certif. 

March 5, 1863. 
Wm. R.Smith, sergt., must, in July 7,1861 ; wounded 

at South Mountain Sept. 14, 1.S62; disch. on sur 

certif. Feb. 1863. 
Peter S. Haintz, sergt., must, in July 7, 1861 ; missing 

in action at Wilderness May 5, 1864. 
Wm. Vancamp, sergt., must, in May 26, 1S61 ; caji- 

tured May 5, 1864; disch. June 16, 1865. 
Edward C. Geiger, corp., must, in May 26, 1861 ; 

must, out with company June 16, 1864. 
Henry G. Housum, C(jrp., must, in May 26, 1861 ; 

wounded at Gaines' Mill June 27, 1862 ; disch. 

on surg. certif. Jan. 14, 1863. 
Peter F. Seaman, corp., must, in July 7, 1861 ; pris- 
oner from May 5, 1864, to Feb. 27, 1865. 
,los. Vondrock, Corp., must, in May 26, 1861 ; died at 

Point Lookout, Md., July 25, 1862. 
Oliver Vondrock, musician, must, in July 15, 1861 ; 

disch. on surg. certif. Oct. 15, 1862. 
Privates. 
.Vlonzo Auberton, must, in May 26, 1861 ; mi.ssing in 

action at Wilderness May 5, 1864. 
Charles August, must, in July 18, 1861 ; died of 

wounds received at Bull Run Aug. 30, 1862. 
Lewis Bournman, must, in July 17, 1861 ; died May 

12, 1863. 
George Becker, must, in May 26, 18()1 ; killed at An- 
tietam Sept. 17, 1862. 
.Tohn Drom, mu.st. in May 26, 1861; missing in action 

at Fredericksburg Dec. 13, 1862. 
Frederick Fey, must, in May 26, 1861 ; died Aug. 7, 

1802 ; buried in Cypress Hill Cem., L. I. 
Cornelius Gerhart, must, in May 26, 1861 ; wounded 

at (iaines' Mill ; disch. on surg. certif. .Jan. 16, 

1863. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



213 



Jeremiah Horner, must, in May 26, 1861 ; missing in 

action at Wilderness May 5, 1864. 
Wm. J. Haines, must, in June 1, 1863 ; prisoner from 

May 5, 1864, to Feb. 28, 1865 ; tlisch. July 17, 

1865. 
Freflerick Hertzel, must, in July 7, 1S6I ; prisoner 

May 5, 1.S64; died at Andersonville ( )et. 26, 1864; 

grave 11,481. 
Alfred 15. Jleck, must, in July 7, 1861 ; missing in 

aetion at Wilderness May 5, 1864 ; veteran. 
Aaron Miller, must, in July 7, 1861 ; missing in ac- 
tion at Wilderness May 5, 1864; veteran. 
Lawrence Roesler, must, in May 23, 1X61 ; trans, to 

Vet. Res. Ckirps Oct. 7, 1863. 
W. H. Rothenberger, must, in July 7, 1861 ; Ifilled at 

Charles City Cross-Roads June 30, 1862. 
John Stehle, must, in July 16, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. May 31, 1864. 
.Jacob T. Strohecker, must, in May 26, 1861 ; trans. 

to 190th Regt. P. V. May 31, 1864 ; veteran. 
Alfred Shappel, must, in July 7, 1861 ; mi.ssing in ac- 
tion at Wilderness May 5, 1864. 
F. Shollenberger, must, in July 7, 1S61 ; died ol 

wounds received at Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. 
John lllnier, must, in July 16, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. October 8, 1862. 
John Weikami), must, in May 26, 18t)l ; must, out 

with company June 16, 1864. 

FOUTT>-1'OIIRTH RECilMENT (FIKST CAVALKY). 

Tlie Forty-fbiirtli llegimeiit, or First Cav- 
alry, wa.s recruited in a number of counties — 
Coinjiany M in Berks C'onnty, and Company 
h in Berks, Lebanon and Lancaster C'ounties. 
Company L was mustered into service as an 
independent comj)any on July 30, 1861, and 
was stationed at Baltimore for five months, and 
Company M was mustered into service August 
5, 1861, and was stationed at .same place until 
( )etober od. On January 7th these comjjanies 
joine<l their regiment and moved with the army 
towards Manassas. They were engaged in the 
battles of Strasburg, Woodstock, Harrisonburg 
and Fredericksburg during the year 1862; and 
afterward, in 186.j, in the battles of Brandy 
Station, Beverly Ford and Aldie. They were 
also concerned in Sheridan's raid upon E-ich- 
nidiid, during the spring of 1.S64, in whicli 
they encountered the enemy in a number of 
engagements, and in tlie following sunnner they 
were engaged in fighting with the enemy at 
Saint Mary's Church, Malvern Hill, Gravel 
Hill and Ream's Station. On August 2\), 1864, 
they were encamped on the Jerusalem Plank- 



Road, near the left of the army. Their term 
of service having expired, an order was i.ssued 
for their relief from duty. They withdrew 
from the front Septembiu- 1st, and proceeded to 
Pliiladelphia, where they were mustered out of 
service September 9, 1864. 

Company L. — This company was recruited 
at Reading, and was mustered out Se])tember 9, 
1864, except where otherwi.se mentioned. 

J. 0. A. Hoffeditz, cai>t., must, in July 28, 1S61 ; re- 
signed April 16, 1862. 
William A, kSands, capt., must, in July 30, 1861 ; pro. 

from 1st lieut. April 16, 1862; captured June 21, 

1864; must, out Dec. 19, 1864. 
Henry S. (laul, 1st lieut., must, in July 30, 1861 ; [)ro. 

from 2d lieut. April 19, 1862. 
C. A.Litchenthaller, 2d lieut., must, in July 30, 1861 ; 

pro. from sergt. A])ril 19, 1862; resigned June 

25, 1863. 
David S. Buxton, 2d lieut., must, in July 30, 1861 ; 

wounded in action Dec. 27, 1863; pro. from sergt. 

March 7, 1864; wounded and prisoner June 21, 

1864; died in Libby Prison, Richmond, Va., July 

5, 1864. 
Cyrus lientz, 1st sergt., must, in July 30, 1861 ; disch. 

on surg. certif. Oct. 6, 1861. 
.fcr. K. Rhoads, 1st sergt., must, in July 30, 1861; 

disch. on surg. certif. March 10, 1863. 
I'.eiij. F. Hull, 1st sergt., must, in July 30, 1861; i)ro. 

from sergt. June 28, 1863. 
Daniel Howdcr, q.m. -sergt., must, in July .30, 1861 ; 

captured June 21, 1864; absent at muster out. 
Augustus Rhoads, com. -sergt., must, in July 30, 1861; 

disch. on surg. certif. March 10, 1863. 
John Howder, com. -sergt., must, in July 30, 1861 ; 

trans, to battal. Sept. 9, 18(!4; veteran. 
W. D. Kofenhaver, sergt., must, in .Inly 30, 1861 ; 

disch. on surg. certif. Nov. 8, 1861. 
Benj. F. Bright, .sergt., must, in July 30, 1861 ; disch. 

by order See. of War, March 25, 18(i3. 
George Keni]), sergt., must, in July 30, 1861 ; died 

July 17, 1863; burial record, July 18, 1863. 
Michael Donovan, sergt., must, in July 30, 1861; 

killed at Brandy Station, Va., June 9, 1863. 
James N. Hunter, sergt., must, in July 30, 1861 ; 

disch. on surg. certif. Nov. 8, 1863. 
Joseph Buck, sergt., must, in July 30, 1861; missing 

in action June 21, 18(i4. 
Milton Hofl'editz, sergt., must, in Dec. 15, 1861 ; trans. 

to battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Samuel H. Shiffert, sergt., must, in July 30, 1861 ; 

pro. from corp. July 22, 1863. 
William A.Tobias, sergt., nuist. in July 30,1861; 

pro. from Corp. July 22, 1863 ; absent, in hospital , 

at muster out. 



216 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, I'ENNSYLVANTA. 



Peter Dasher, sergt., must.in July 30, 1S61 ; pro. from 
Corp. July 22, 1863. 

I>. (t. Pretzman, corp., must, in July 'JO, ISOl; iliscli. 
on surg. certif. June 27, l.S(>2. 

John Guires, corp., mu.st. in July 30, ISOl ; discli. on 
surg. certif. Dec. 9, 1S(J2. 

John Kramer, corp., nuist. in July 30, IStil ; wounded 
at Culpeper, Va., Sept. 13, 13(53; killed in ac- 
tion June 21, 18(;4. 

John H. Johnson, corp., must, in July 30, ISGl ; capt- 
ured .lune 0, 18()3, at Brandy Station, Va., and 
June 21, 1S(J4; trans, to battal. Sept. !), 1804; 
veteran. 

riiumas Wendling, corp., must, in July 30,1801; 
captured; died Jan. 23, 1864; buried at Rich- 
mond, Va.; veteran. 

Ilobcrt M. Devine, corp., must, in .luly 30, 18()1 ; 
trans, to battal. Sept. !», 1864; veteran. 

Dewilla H. Long, corp., must, in July 30, 1861 ; 
trans, to battal. Sept. 9, 1864; veteran. 

John M. Algier, corp., must, in July 30, 1861 ; pro. 
to Corp. Oct., 1863. 

David IMundshower, corp., must, in July 30, 1861 ; 
pro. to Corp. Oct. 1863. 

Francis M. Coover, corp., must, in .luly 30, 1861 ; pro. 
to corp. Oct., 1863. 

George Kesler, bugler, must, in July 30, 1861 ; trans, 
to battal. 8ei>t. 9, 1864; veteran. 

Wni. W. Warner, bugler, must, in .July 30, 1.S61 ; 
trans, to battal. Sept. 9, 1864; veteran. 

M. A. Bertolette, bugler, must, in Feb. 5, 1864; trans, 
to battal. Sept. 8, 1864. 

Prioates. 

Daniel Addis, must, in July 30, 1,S61; wounded at 

Brandy Station, Va., June 9, 1863. 
James Angstadt, must, in Feb. 6, 1864; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
ICIias AUgaier, must, in Feb. 12, 1864; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Samuel Bilman, nuist. in July .30, 1861. 
William Burns, must, in July 30, 1861. 
John O. Burkman, must, in July :iO, 18()1. 
Peter B. Buck, must, in July 30, IStU. 
Isaac Bobst, must, in Feb. 6, 18ti4; captured June 21, 

1864; trans, to battal. Sei>t. 9, 1864; must, out 

with Co. L by G. 0. Aug. 7, 1865. 
Franklin Brenizer, must.in Feb. 6, 18(i4; captured 

June 21, 1864; trans, to battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Hugh W. Black, must, in July 30, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864; pro. to sergt. Co. "L Dec. 

15, 18()4; must, out .Tune 20, 1865; veteran. 
John Brown, must, in Aug. 17, 1863; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864. 
Thomas Bower, must, in Feb. 6, 1S64 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
John Black, must, in July 30, 1861 ; died April 25, 

1862. 



Aaron E. Bacbman, nuist. in July .30, 1861; captured 

Dec. 1, 1863; nuist. out May 31, 1865. 
H. H. Biowumiller, must, in Jan. 1, 1864; wounded 

June 21, 1864; jtro. to corp. Co. L battal., 

March 4, 18(i5 ; must, out June 20, 1805 ; veteiaii. 
James Conrad, must, in Feb. 3, 1864; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864. 
Henry Derrick, must, in .Inly 30, 1861 ; wounded 

Nov. 27, 1863. 
Jago Doyle, must, in July 30, 1861. 
Isaac S. Dissenger, mu.st. in July 30, 1X61 ; discli. on 

surg. certif. Nov. 3, 18()1. 
Daniel K. Di.xon, must, in Feb. 6, 1864 ; tiaiis. to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
John H. Doyle, must, in July 30, 1861 ; captured at 

Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. 9, 18(i2; killnl in 

action June 21, 1864. 
Peres S. Fisher, must, in July 30, 1861. 
Urias Fink, must, in July 30, 1861 ; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864; veteran, 
(xeo. W. Fincher, must, iu July, 30, 1861 ; pro. to 

q. m. -sergt. Nov. 1, 1864; veteran. 
George P. Froese, must, in .luly 30, 1861 ; killed in 

action May 23, 1864. 
Daniel Folk, must, in July 30, 1861. 
Patrick Fagan, must, in July 30, 1861. 
James Garis, must, iu July 30, 1861. 
Daniel A. Geiger, must, in Feb. 6, 1864 ; captured 

June 21, 1864; trans, to battal. Se|)t. 9, 1864. 
Charles Gries, must, in Feb. I, 1864; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864. 
James Gliisser, must, in I'^eb. (i, 1864; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864. 
.John f!ro.ss, must, in I'Vli. 6, 1864; trans, to battal. 

Se|)t. 9, 1S(;4. 
Thomas Glenney, must, in Feb. 6. 1864; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Jer.Gromlich, must.in July 2lt, 1.S61 ; killed in action 

Nov. 17, 1863. 
Hamilton Geliert, must, in .luly 30, 1861; prisoner 

from .luly 11 to Dei'. 10, lX(i4; must, out Feb. 

27, 1865. 
.Vbram Horrock, must, in .Inly 30, IsOl. 
MahloiiG. Hoyer, must, in .luly 30, 1861. 
Charles L. Harrison, must, in July 30, 1861 ; discli. 

on surg. certif. May 6, 18(!2. 
Peter Hummel, must, in July 30, 18<!1 ; discli. on 

surg. certif. Dec. 16, 1861. 
Joseph Holster, must, in Feb. 4, 1S64; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9,1864. 
John Herring, mu,st. iu l''eb. 11, 1S64; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Amos Hafer, must, in Feb. 4, 1864; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864. 
George Huyett, must, in Feb. 5, 1S64; tran.s. to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864. 
Samuel Hendricks, must, in Feb. 1, 1864; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 



THE Civil. WAR. 



217 



Reuben Homan, must, in July 30, 1861. 

Robert F.Irwin, must, in July 30, 1861; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864; veteran. 
Wm. H. Irwin, must, in July 30, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; pro. to corp. Co. L Jan. 1, 

1865; must, out June 20, 1865; veteran. 
George W. James, must, in July 30, 1861 ; captured 

June 21, 1864; trans, to battal. Sept. 9, 1864; 

pro. to Corp. Co. L Nov. 1, 1864 ; must, out June 

20, 1865; veteran. 
Jobn Jackson, must, in Feb. 6, 1864; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864. 
Robert W. Jackson, must, in Feb. 11, 1864; killed 

in action June 21, 1864. 
Tbomas Knauss, must, in July 30, 1S61 ; captured at 

Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. 9, 1862; wounded in 

action Nov. 27, 1863. 
Jobn A. Kerns, must, in July 30, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Dec. 8, 1862. 
Lewis Karshsarf, must, in July 30, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Nov. 17, 1863. 
Jonas Keller, must, in Feb. 5, 1864 ; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 18(i4. 
Edwin Kerling, must, in Feb. 13, 1864; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
J. H. A. Lindeniuth, must, in July 30, 1861. 
Albert S. Levan, must, in July .30, 1861. 
Thomas Lindley, must, in July 10, 1863 ; wounded at 

Culpeper C. H., Va., Sept. 13, 1863; disch. on 

surg. certif. June 15, 1864. 
Henry W. Loy, must, in July 30, ISfil ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
William B. Leister, must, in Feb. 6, 1864; wounded 

inaction July 28, 1864; trans, to battal. Sept. 9, 

18(i4. 
William D. Lotz, must, in Feb. 4, 18()4 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Cyrus Lesher, must, in Feb. 11, 1864; trans, to Battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864; must, out May 14, 1864. 
Joseph R. Lacy, must, in ,Tuly 30, 18()1 ; died Dec. 3, 

1863; buried at Culpeper C. H., block 1, sec. A, 

row 1, grave 23, 
Henry Minker, must, in July 30, 1861. 
Adam Moyer, must, in July 30, 1861 ; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864 ; veteran. 
Andrew McElwee, must, in March 30, 1S()3 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
John McLellen, must, in Feb. 6, 1864; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Charles H. Millet, must, in Feb. 15, ]S(!4; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 18(;4. 
John Miller, must, in July 30, ISCl ; died Oct. 13, 

1863. 
Henry Machainer, must, in Nov. 28, 1861 ; died April 

7,1862; buried in Military Asvliiiii Cemetery, 

D. C. 
Aug. R. Noaeker, must, in July 31), 1861. 
John Newkirk, must, in July 30, 1861. 



Peter Noll, must, in July 30, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. April 24, 1862. 
Samuel Ness, must, in Dec. 12, 1861; disch. on surg. 

certif. Dec. 19, 1862. 
Samuel M. Pfleager, must, in July 30, 1861 ; absent, 

on detached service, at muster out. 
Isaac Porter, must, in March 30, 1863 ; trans, to bat- 
tal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
George Patterson, must, in July 30, 1861 ; died Dec. 

21, 1862; burial record, Dec. 81, 1862, buried at 

Point Lookout, Md. 
Joseph F. Rodgers, must, in July .30, 1861. 
Jacob Roland, must, in July 30, 1861. 
Daniel L. Ringler, must, in July 30, 1861. 
Joseph Ritter, must, in July 30, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Dec. 11, 1863. 
Effinger Rhodes, must, in July 30, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Dec. 19, 1862. 
Daniel H. Ruth, must, in July 30, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Dec. 16, 1861. 
W. A. Rightmeyer, must, in July 30, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864; vet. 
Henry S. Rudy, must, in .Inly 30, 1 861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864; vet. 
H. R. Reifsnyder, must, in Feb. 3, 1864; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Jacob Ringler, must, in Feb. 3, 1864; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864. 
Thomas Ramer, must, in Feb. 11, 1864; trans, to bat- 
tal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Jacob H. Reber, must, in July 30, 1861 ; died Aug. 8, 

1864. 
Levi Reeder, must, in July 30, 1861 ; died Sept. 10, 

1862. 
Samuel P. Reed, must, in July 30, 1861 ; wounded in 

action June 21, 1864; died Aug. 3, 1864; buried 

at Philadelphia ; vet. 
Richard Reinhold, must, in July 30, 1861. 
John Raudenbush, must, in July 30, 18(il. 
Daniel Reed, must, in Feb. 6, 1864; captured .hine 

25, 1864; not on nuister-out roll. 
J. W. Reinoehl, must, in April 4, 1864 ; not on muster- 
out roll. 
D. B. Reifsnyder, must, in Feb. 3, 1864 ; not on mus- 
ter-out roll. 
Lewis Sherman, must, in .Inly 30, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Aug. 11, 1861. 
Aaron Stamm, must, in July 30, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Aug. 8, 1861. 
Nicholas Seyfert, must, in July 30, 1S61 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Dec. 16, 1861. 
Samuel Schmale, must, in July 30, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9,1864; must, out Aug. 9, 1865; 

vet. 
Isaac Seiders, must, in July 30, 1861 ; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
James Sanders, must, in Feb. 6, 1864; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864. 
Jesse W. Strasser, must, in Feb. 15, 1864 ; trans, to 



218 



HLSTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, J'ENNSV],VANIA. 



battal. Sept. 9, 1864; must, out by G. O. Aug. 10, 

i8or.. 

David Snyder, must, in Feb. 0, 18154; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 18G4. 
Reuben Smith, must, in Feb. 4, 18<)4; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 18(;4. 
Jonathan Sanders, must, in Feb. 6, 18G4; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 18G4. 
George F. Sanders, must, in Feb. 6, 18G4; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Martin Scheirer, must, in Feb. 11, 1864; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Henry E. Seiders, must, in Feb. 1, 1864; ti'ans. to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
James Sedar, must, in Feb. 23, 1864; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864. 
John Stoltz, must, in Jan. 1, 1864; captured .Tune 21, 

1864; not on muster-out foil ; vet. 
George Vernervault, must, in July 30, 1861 ; killed 

in action May 2S, 1864. 
Reuben Wagner, must, in July 30, 1861, 
George P. Wilson, must, in July 30, 1801. 
August H. Warner, must, in July 30, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864; vet. 
Juliu.^ Wideman, must, in Feb. 14,1863; trans, to 

battal. 1st Pa. Cav. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Barney Winne, must, in Dec. 7, 1863; trans, to battal. 

1st Pa. Cav. Sept. 9, 1864. 
William Werkes, must, in July 30, 1861 ; died Sept. 

•>-, 1863. 
Jepse W. Wise, must, in Nov. 17, 1863. 
James Watson, must, in Feb. 16, 1864; not on musliT- 

out roll. 
George S. Zimmerman, must, in Dec. 30, 1861 ; trans. 

to battal. 1st Pa. Cav. Sept. 9, 1864. 

Cai'TAIN J. C. A. HoFFEUTTZ is ofCiermau 
flespeiit. His father was the Rev. Theodore L. 
Holfklitz, D.D., who was born near Karls- 
liaafeu, in Germany, in 1780. He there ob- 
tained an education, learned the trade of a piano- 
inaker and emigrated to America when eigiiteeu 
year.s of age. He located at Reading and car- 
ried on his trade for some years, when he took 
up the study of theology at Philadelphia. Sev- 
eral yeai's afterward he was duly ordained as a 
mini.ster in the Reformed Church, and tlien 
receiving calls to preach for five congregations 
in Nortiuimpton and Monroe Counties, he pro- 
ceeded to the former and there fixed his re.si- 
dcucc. He preached with great success in those 
counties for forty-.six years, till his decease. He 
died in 185G, aged seventy-six years. Some 
years i>efore he died, tlie degree of Doctor of 
Divinity was conferred upon him by the Synod 



of the German Reformed Ciiurcli. He was a 
well-known and distinguished minister of the 
Gospel. He acted as the first presiding officer 
of the meeting of the United Synod of this 
church, which was held at MifHinburg, Pa. 
He was married to Julia Roth, of Northampton 
County, and had thirteen children, of whom 
eight survive him, — Louisa, Theodore (who 
l)ecame a minister), Maria (married to Rev. 
George Weber), C. W. Lorenzo, Pauline, John 
Christian A., William B. and Emma .1. (mar- 
ried to Rev. Eli Keller). 

John C. A. Hotted itz was born April ;j,182(), 
in Upper ]\Iouut Bethel township, Northampton 
County. After having been sent to .school in 
that townsliip till his twelfth year, he became a 
pupil of the Moravian school at Nazareth, 
(hmiliarly known as the " Nazaretii Hall." 
Upon completing his studies there he removed 
to Carbon County and devoted four years to 
acquiring tlie trade of a taimer. He then pur- 
sued tliis vocation at Easton for a year, after 
whicli he settled at Reading and carried on the 
mercantile business. In 1880 he associated with 
his .son, J. Calvin Hoifeditz, in the manufacture 
of carriages, they together ereetuig for the pur- 
|)Ose an extensive four-story brick factory and 
warehouse, and continued in this enterprise for 
several years. 

Several months after the Rebellion liad 
begun, and just after the disastrous battle of 
Bull Run, when the whole country was alarmed 
over the defeat ol" our army, he raised a company 
of ('avalry, called the " Reading Troop," and 
became its captain. He offered the .services of 
his company to the national government bv 
telegram to General Simon Cameron, Secretary 
of War, and it was the first company of cavalry 
from Pennsylvania accepted by him for military 
service in the Civil War. He reported for duty 
and it was attached to the Eorty- fourth, or First 
Cavalry Regiment of Pennsylvania A'olunteei's, 
as Company L. He continued in command of 
the company till sickness obliged liim to resign 
his commission. His resignation was acce])ted 
April 6, 1862. Upon returning to lieading he 
acted for some time as de|)nty provost marsiial of 
the Eighth Pennsylvania J)istrict, coin])rising 
the county of Berks. 



THK CIVIL WAR. 



In politics he is an ardent Republican, fre- this extensive and influential organization. He 
quently taking an active part in the conventions j is a charter member of McLean Post, No. 16, 
of this party. The school affairs of the city i and also of Keira Post, No. 76, of the Grand 
have received his earnest attention. He is now Army of the Republic. He is connected witli 
representing iiis ward (the Seventh) in the \ St. Paul's Memorial Reformed congregation at 
.school board. His enterprise in behalf of the ! Reading, having been a member of the church 
city improvements led him to organize tiie I for many years. 
" Reading Electric Light and Power Company," j On July 24, 1853, lie was married to Emma 





lor the ]iurpose of supplying Reading with a 
light superior to gas, and he filled the office of 
president of the conijiany for the first year. 

Captain Hoffeditz is a prominent and highly 
respected member of the Masonic fraternity in 
this community. He is connected with four 
lodges of the Free and Accepted Masons, — Chan- 
dler I^odgc, No. 227 ; Reading Chapter, No. 
1 ;j2 ; De Molay Commandery, No. 9 ; and 
Reading Counc^il, No. 16. He has received the 
Thirty-third Degree, " Right of Memphis," in 



'f^ 



H., daughter of Michael Reifsnyder, of Reading. 
They had four children, — John Calvin, Theo- 
dore M., William C. and Rosa M., all of wliom 
have died excepting the first. 

Company M. — This company was recruited 
at Reading, and was mustered out September 9, 
1864, except where otherwise mentioned, — 

Thomas S. Richards, capt., must, in Aug. 5, 1801 ; 

pro. to maj. May 5, 1862. 
Hamp. S. Thomas, capt., must, in Aug. 1, 1861 ; pro. 

from 1st lieut. Co. G May 1, 1862 ; detached as 



220 



HISTOllY OF BERKS COUNTr, PENNSYLVANIA. 



A. A. I. G. 1st Brig. April, 1863 ; trans, to Co. 

M biittal. Sept. 9, 1864; pro. to maj. Jan. 4, 1865; 

tobvt. lieut.-col.and bvt. col. April5, 1865; trans. 

to 2d Regt. Prov. Cav. June 17, 1865. 
John Hill, 1st lient., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. cortif. Aug., 1861. 
George 1). Leaf, 1st lieut., must, in Aug. 11, 1861 

resigned Feb. 3, 1863. 
Henderson Sample, 1st lieut., must, in Dec. 30, 1861 

pro. from 2d lieut. Feb. 12, 1863; resigned Aug, 

12, 1864. 
A. J. Shollenberger, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 

resigned Dec., 1861. 
Joseph S. Wright, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 

pro. from sergt. Feb. 12, 1863; died July 4, 1864, 

of wounds received at St. Jlary's Church, Va. 

June 24, 1864. 
Job H. Cole, 1st sergt., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; pro. to 

battal. adjt. May 5, 1862. 
J. B. Rothenberger, 1st sergt., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; 

pro. from sergt.; wounded July 12, 1864; trans. 

to battal. Sept. 9, 1864; pro. to 2d lieut. Co. M 

March 4,1865; trans, to 2d Regt. Prov. Cav. 

June 17, 1865 ; vet. 
Henry P. Smith, q.m. -sergt., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; 

wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 12, 1862. 
Frederick Munson, com. -sergt., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; 

pro. from corp. Oct. 1, 1862. 
James R. Smith, sergt., must, in Aug. 5, 1861. 
Zachner P. Potts, sergt., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; disch. 

on surg. certif. Dec. 23, 1862. 
Abraham B. Kerst, sergt., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; 

disch. on surg. certif. Sept. 20, 1862. 
D. B. Shollenberger, sergt., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; 

trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, date unknown. 
William A. Scott, sergt., must, in Aug. 5, 1861; trans. 

to battal. 1st Pa. Cav.; vet. 
George S. Glisson, sergt., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; 

wounded in action JLiy 28, 1864; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864; pro. to sergt. -maj.; to 2d lieut. Co. 

F Dec. 18, 1864 ; to 1st lieut. Co. L March 4, 1865 ; 

must, out June 21, 1865 ; vet. 
Emanuel R. Britton, sergt., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; 

wounded in action Nov. 27, 1863; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864; pro. to 2d liout. Co. M Oct. 20, 

1864; to 1st lieut. Feb. 20, 1805; trans, to 2d 

Regt. Prov. Cav. June 17, 1865; vet. 
Charles B. Miller, sergt., must, in Nov. 21, 1861 ; pro. 

from Corp.; wounded in action Aug. 14, 1864; 

trans, to battal. Sept. 9, 1864; vet. 
James R. Aten, sergt., must, in Aug. 5, 1861; pro. 

from corp. April 1, 1863. 
W. R. Shollenberger, corp., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; 

disch. on surg. certif. May 18, 1862. 
N. T. Baer, corp., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; pro. to corp. 

Jan. 1, 1862; died Aug. 29, 1862; burial record, 

Aug. 2, 1862, at Alexandria; grave 122. 
William A. Harper^ corp., must in Aug. 5, 1861 ; pro. 



to Corp. March 1, 1863 ; missing at Brandy Sta- 
tion, Va., June 9, 1863. 

Charles Morrissey, corp., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; pro. 
to corp. Jan. 1, 1864; captured at St. Mary's 
Church, Va., June 24, 1864; trans, to battal. 
Sept. 9, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 8, 1865 ; \e(. 

Abr. Shollenberger, corp., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, 
to battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 

Henry F. Williams, corp., must, in Jan. 8, 1862; trans, 
to battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; must, out as sergt. Co. 
M June 20, 1865; vet. 

Anton Wolf, corp., must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, to 
battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; must, out as sergt. Co. M 
June 20, 1865 ; vet. 

Edw. L. McGinley, corp., must, in Oct. 15, 1861 ; trans, 
to battal. Sept. 9. 1864; vet. 

Charles H. Engel, bugler, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; miss- 
ing at Brandy Station, Va., June 9, 1863. 

George Mentzer, bugler, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; 
trans, to brigade band, date unknown. 

Robert H. Scott, bugler; not on muster-out roll. 

Pricatfit. 
James Allison, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Jan. 15, 1863. 
John Alt, must, in May 13, 1864; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864. 
George H. Britton, must, in Aug. 5, 18(il. 
Samuel Brown, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; wounded in 

action May 28, 1864. 
Thomas R. Boyer, must, in Aug. 5, 1861. 
Joel Black, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 12, 

1862, for wounds received at Falmouth, Va., April 

18, 18(!2. 
H. R. Baxter, must, in Aug. 5, 1861; disch. on surg. 

certif. March 27, 1862. 
John Britton, must, in Nov. 14, 1862; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864. 
William Buckelman, must, in Aug. 21,1862; trans. 

to battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Linderman Britton, must, in Feb. 15, 1864 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864; died April 5, 1865; buried 

in Philadelphia. 
Alonzo Bird, must, in Aug. 25, 1864, one year; trans. 

to batt. Sept. 9, 1864; must, out in Co. M June 6, 

1865. 
Frederick A, Britton, must, in Aug. 19, 1864, one 

year; trans, to battal. Sept. 9, 18(i4; must, out in 

Co. M June 6, 1865. 
E. W. Carpenter, nmst. in Aug. 5, 1861. 
John M. Cochrane, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Sei)t. 18, 1861. 
Samuel Carver, must, in .\ug. 5, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. April 30, 1862. 
Daniel Carter, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864; vet. 
Peter Casper, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864; vet. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



221 



Nathaniel F. Confer, must, in Aug. 5, 18G1 ; wounded 
at Falmouth, Va., April 19, 1862, and Culpeper, 
Va., Sept. 13, 18lJ3; trans, to battal. Se]>t. 9, 1894; 
vet. 

Thomas Devine, must, in Aug. 5, 18<)1 ; disrh. on 
surg. certil. Dec. 18, 18G1. 

r.arclay M. Denny, must, in Aug. 5, 18lil ; diseh. on 
surg. certil'. .lune 22, 18()2. 

Tatrick Devlin, must, in Aug. .5, 18(!] ; killed at Fal- 
mouth, Va., April 18, 1802. 

Oeorge W. Ebert, must, in Aug. 5, 1801; wounded in 
a<tion May 28, 1804; trans, to battal. Sept 9, 
1804. 

Henry Eberly, must, in Mar. 29, 1804 ; not on muster- 
out loll. 

Jacob Feather, must, in Aug. 5, 1801. 

Jacob Frill, must, in Aug. 5, 1801. 

George Foster, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; captured Aug. 
1802. 

James Fisher, nuist. in Aug. •'), 1801 ; trans, to battal. 
Sept. 9, 1804; vet. 

Orville French, must, in Jan. 4, 1802 ; trans, to battal. 
Sei)t. y, 1804 ; vet. 

Charles S. Flag, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; died Oct. 12, 
1802 ; burial record, Apl. 22, 1804, at Alexandria, 
grave, 1788. 

Henry Garto, must, in Mar. 25, 1864; not on muster- 
out roll. 

John li. Gabli', must, in Aug. .'>, 1861. 

Charles (Seltner, must, in Aug. T), 1801 ; captured 
.\ug., 1862 ; trans, to battal. Sept. 9, 1864; vet. 

William Grittith, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; wounded at 
Falmouth, Va., April 18, 1802 ; trans, to battal. 
Sept. 9, 1804; pro. to corp. ; died Feb. 19, 186.5; 
buried at Point Lookout, Md. ; vet. 

Henry Gay, must, in Feb. 1!), 1804 ; trans, to battal. 
1st l*a. Cav. ; must, out by general order May 14, 

isor). 

T. D. Grimsly, must, in Aug. 5, 1801. 
John Garison, not on muster-out roll. 
Thomas Grimsley, trans, to brigade band Jan. 1, 

186:?. 
David Harrigan, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; wounded June 

9, 1803, at Brandy Station, Va., and Nov. 27, 

1803. 
Joseph Hale, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

eertif. June 6, 1862. 
Milton P. Hawley, must, in Aug. 5, 1801 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1804 ; vet. 
Henry Hoffman, must, in Aug. 5, 1801 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
William Hendricks, must, in Feb. 9, 1804; not on 

muster-out roll. 
William Hartman, must, in May 27, 1864; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Joseph M. Hale, must, in Feb. 15, 1864; not on 

muster-out roll. 
J. T. Jackson, must, in Aug. 5, 18()1 ; disch. on surg. 

eertif. April 30, 1862. 
25J 



Aaron B. James, must, in Aug. 5, 1801; disch. on surg. 

eertif. April 30, 1862. 
John P. Klink, must, in Aug. 5, 1861. 
treorge W. Kline, must, in Aug. 4,1801; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
II. R. Kline, must, in Dec. 23, 1801 ; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1804. 
John Kline, must, in Mar. 22, 1804 ; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1804. 
.\braham Kerst, must, in Feb. 15, 1804 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864. 
Jacob F. Kinney, must, in Aug. 24, 1804; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; must, out in Co M 

May 27, 1865. 
Wellin. R. Kershner, must, in March 30,1804; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Henry Long, must, in Aug. 5, 1801 ; disch. on surg. 

eertif. Sept. 18, 1801. 
William Leeds, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; wounded at 

Brandy Station, Va., June 9, 1863 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
Nath. Lindenmuth, must, in -Vug. 5, 18<)1 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
Nicholas H. Lose, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864; vet. 
.lohn J. Lose, must, in Feb. 9, 1864 ; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864. 
.lohn W. Long, must, in Alay 13, 1804; captured ; died 

July 21, 1864; buried at Slaunton, Va. 
(ieorge McFarland, must, in May 28, 1804; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Thos. A. Martin, must, in Aug. 5, 1801 ; wounded at 

Falmouth, Va., April 18, 18(J2,andat Fredericks- 
burg, Dee. 12, 1862. 
William McEwen, nmst. in Aug. 5, 1861. 
Patrick McGargle, must, in Aug. 5, 1801. 
John K. McGinley, must, in Aug. 5, 1801. 
Levi Moore, must, in Aug. 5, 1801. 
Enoch Mains, must, in Feb. 13, 1804 ; not on muster- 
out roll. 
Don Carlos Miller, must, in Aug. 5, 1801. 
M. M. Margnett, must, in Aug. 5, 1801 ; disch. on .surg. 

eertif. April 28, 1862. 
William Montgomery, must, in Aug. 5, 1801; disch. 

on surg. eertif. April 0, 1862. 
Patrick McNamara, must, in Aug. 5, 1861; disch. on 

surg. eertif. July 21, 1862. 
Thomas MeGlone, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; diseh. Oct. 

18, 1861. 
John H. Miller, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

eertif. July 21, 1862. 
Daniel Moore, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

eertif. Oct. 22, 1862. 
Edward Moon, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

eertif. Feb. 29, 1863. 
Edward Miller, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. eertif. May 18, 1862. 
Daniel E. McGinley, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864; vet. 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



George Miller, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
E. F. Muthard, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sei)t. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
William Miller, must, in .Tune 3, 1868 ; drowned in 

James River, .July, 1864. 
John McEwen, must, in Jan. 1, 1862. 
Thomas Martin, must, in Feb. 10, 1864 ; missing at 

Todd's Tavern, Va., June, 1864; trans, to battal., 

Sept. 9, 1864. 
George W. Musscr, must, in Feb. 1, 1864; must, out 

as Corp. Co. M battal. June 27, 1865 ; vet. 
John Moyer, must, in April 8, 1863 ; not on muster- 
out roll. 
Henry Nunian, must, in Aug. .5, 1861. 
T. Norton (Morton), must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; killed at 

Falmouth, Va., April 18, 1862. 
Monroe Phillips, must, in Aug. 5, 18(il ; wounded at 

Culpeper, Va., Sept. 13, 1863. 
William Potell, must, in Aug. •'), 1861 ; discli. on surg. 

certif. Dec. 30, 1862. 
George Paulis, must, in Aug. .5, 1861 ; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864; vet. 
Henry F. Potter, nmst. in Aug. 5, 1861 ; died, 1863, of 

wounds received at lirandy Station, Va., June 9, 

1863. 
Henry A. Rapp, nuist. in Aug. 5, 1861; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
Jo.seph Richards, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
John Roberts, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864 ; must, out in Co M Aug. 7, 

18()5 ; vet. 
John Rhodewalt, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; died Sept. 

13, 1863 ; burioil in Military Asylum Cemetery, 

D.C. 
Samuel Rhodes, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; died Nov. 

26, 1863, of wounds received in action. 
Michael Rudy, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; killed at Fal- 
mouth, Va., April 18, 1862. 
Jeremiah Raw, must, in Aug. 5, 18(;i ; not on muster- 
out roll. 
Jeremiah Strinc, must, in Aug. 5, lS(;i ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Sept. 18, 1S61. 
Henry Strine, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Sept. 18, 1861. 
Charles E. Scott, must, in Aug. .'>, ISlH ; wdunded at 

Culpeper, Va., Sept. 13, 1863 ; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
John Sheets, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; captured Aug. 11, 

1862; trans, to battal. Sept. 9, 1864; must, out as 

Corp. Co. M June 20, 18<i5 ; vet. 
.\ugustus Shealer, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; must, out as corp. Co. 

M June 20, 1865 ; vet. 
Joiin Snovel, must, in Aug. 5, 1861; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
Henry Stetler, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; wounded May 

28, 1864; trans, to battal. Sept. 9, 1864; vet. 



William Souder, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; wounded at 

Culpeper, Va., Sept. 13, 1863; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864; vet. 
Robert Strine, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, to battal. 

Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
Jeremiah Shappel, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
George Shaffer, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; died Sejit. 18, 

1861. 
William Strine, must, in Aug. 5, 1S(!1 ; died Sept. IS, 

1861. 
Joseph Smith, must, in April 26, lS(i4 ; not on muster- 
out roll. 
Samuel Schealer, must, in March 30, 1864; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Finegan Smith, must, in 1861. 
Henry P. Urner, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
.lohn Uniphris, must, in March 26, 1864 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
John Wentzel, must, in Aug. 5, 186)1 ; disch. on surg. 

certif., date unknown. 
Charles Williamson, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864; must- out as corj). Co. 

M June 20, 1865; vet. 
L. Winegarduer, must, in Aug. 5, 18(51 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 1864 ; vet. 
William Winegarduer, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; 

wounded at Culpeper, Va., Sept. 18ti3 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 9, 18()4 ; vet. 
Joseph H. Whitmer, must, in Aug. 5, 1861; wounded 

in action 'May 28, 1864 ; trans, to battal. Sept. 

9, 1864 ; vet. 
Henry B. Wagner, must, in .\ug. 5, 1861. 
.\ugust Wanner, must, in Ai>ril 8, 1864; not on 

muster-out roll. 
John L. Wingard, must, in Feb. 1, 1864; not on 

muster-out roll ; vet. 
David Yocum, must, in Aug. 5, 1861 ; captured at 

Shepherdstown, Va., July 17, 1863; died at 

Andersonville, Aug. 6, 1864; grave 4900. 
Charles Zink, must, in May 13, 1864; not on muster- 
out roll. 

FORTY-SI XTII liEl i 1 M HNT. 

Tlie Forty-isixth Regiment wa.'i organized at 
Harrisljiirg on Sept. 1, 1861. It included one 
company, E, wliich was recruited at Reading. 
Soon after organization it was ordered to Har- 
per's Feriy and placed under the command of 
General JianUs, in First Brigade of Second Di- 
vision. The n^gimcnt was engagwl in drilling 
and camp duty till the opening of the spring 
campaign. Its first conflict was at Winchester, 
where for five hours it held its position with 
great coolness and bravery whilst retreating to- 
ward the Potomac before Stonewall Jackson. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



223 



On August 8, 1862, it was in the battle of Ce- 
dar Mountain. Its position fell opposite the en- 
emy's advanced pieces, and upon tiiesc the men 
charji;e<I witli desperate valor ; and on Sept. 
17tli following, it was engaged in the battle of 
Antietam. lu May 18().>, it participated in a 
fierce engagement near Chancellorsviile; and in 
July following it took a prominent part in the 
battle of Gettysburg. On the 3d it occupied 
the extreme right of the line. After the with- 
drawal of Lee it was attached to the Army of 
Tennessee, under General Rosecrans. Its first 
service there was in guarding the Nashville 
Railroad from Tullahonia to Bridgeport. In 
January, 1864, the Regiment proceeded to Penn- 
sylvania on a veteran furlough, the greater 
part of the officers and men having re-enlisted 
for a second term of three years. 

Among the re-enlisted men in the regiment 
was a young man, Henry Weidensaul, a native 
of Morgantowu, in Berks County. He entere<l 
the regiment in his fourteenth year and par- 
ticipated in the battles of Winchester, Cedar 
Mountain, Chanccillorsville, (Gettysburg, Resac^a, 
Dallas, Kenesaw and Peach Tree Creek. He 
was first wounded at Cedar Mountain, where 
he was takeu prisoner and confined in Libby 
Prison for five weeks. He received wounds 
also at Peach Tree Creek and Atlanta. On 
July 1, 186.'), he was seventeen years old. 
The Keystone State claimed him to be the 
youngest veteran soldier in tiie service. 

Upon recruiting its ranks it rejoined the 
army at Chattanooga, and participateil in the 
Atlanta campaign under General Sherman in his 
great march to the sea. After nearly four 
years of faithful service it was mustered out on 
July 16, 1865, near Alexandria, V^a. 

Bir^DsiiORo' Band. — Mustered into servi(!e 
for three years on August 27, 1861, as the 
regimental band of the Forty-sixth Regiment ; 
but discharged on August 16, 1SG2, in pursu- 
ance of an order dispensing with regimental 
bands. 



R. J. Stiiiiley, leiuler. 
Augustus Dewitt. 
John W. Deeds. 
Bcnneville Evans. 
Daniel Fix. 
Isaac Hoyer. 



George W. Horner. 
Jolni H. Karcli. 
William V. Light. 
.Joseph Ijaeey. 
Augustus MiTiker. 
James U. Miuker. 



John Nagle. James Shule. 

Harrison Rigby. William J. Stanley. 

Company E. — This company was recruited 
at Reading, and was mustered out July 16, 1865, 
except where otherwise mentioned, — 
Cornelius Wise, capt., must, in Aug. 14, ISHl ; re- 
signed Sept. 24, 18(i2. 
Sefru T. Ketrer, capt., must, in Sept. 4, 18(11; pro. 

from 2d lieut. to capt. Sept. 17, I8(i2; died .July 

21, 1862, of wounds received at I'each Tree 

(Jreek, Ga., July 20, 1804. 
Samuel Evans, capt., must, in Sept. 4, ISfil; jjro. 

to Corp. to sergt. to 1st sergt. ; to 2d lieut. March 

20, 1SG4; to capt. May 22, 18(i,'j; veteran. 
Obadiah R. Priestly, 1st lieut. must, in Sept. 4, 18(51; 

killed at Chancellorsviile, Va., May 2, 1868. 
Levi Hildebrand, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 4, 1801 ; 

pro. from sergt. to 2d lieut. Nov. 1, 18()2 ; to 1st 

lieut. March 21, 18(;4; disch. July 13, 18(54. 
William Baron, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 4, 1801 ; 

pro. to corj)., to sergt., to 1st lieut. May 22, 1865 ; 

veteran. 
Samuel F. .Jones, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; 

killed at Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. !), 1862. 
Edmund Cramsie, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 4, 1801 ; 

pro. from priv. to sergt. Dec. 22, 1862; to 2d 

lieut. May 22, ISO.") ; prisoner from Jlay 2 to 

May 13, 1803. 
Josej>h li. Ward, 1st sergt., must, in Jan. 13, 18(14; 

pro. from Corp. to sergt. March 21, 1863; to 1st 

sergt. May 1, ISd.*"); vet. 
Reese B. Thompson, Isl sergt., must, in Sept. 4, 1801 ; 

wounded at Moutieth Swamp, Ga., Dec. !>, 1864 ; 

died at Savannah, Ga., Feb. 18, 186.') ; vet. 
Daniel 1). leaker, 1st sel^t., must, in Sept. 4, 18(il ; 

wouuded at Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 
• 1864; died at Vining's Station, Ga., .July 31, 

1864; vet. 
John Bechtel, sergt., must, in January 13, 1864; pro. 

to Corp. ; to sergt. Sept. 6, 1864 ; priscuier from 

May 2 to May 13, 1863 ; vet. 
Samuel B. Weidner, sergt., must, in Jan. l.'l, 18(i4 ; 

pro. to Corp. ; to sergt. Sept. 4, 1804 ; vet. 
Ruebeu R. Burkbert, sergt., must, in Feb. 28, 1804 ; 

I)ro. to Corp. Sept. 5, 1804 ; to sergt. May 1, 1805. 
Samuel Rork, sergt., must, in Jan. 13, 18(54 ; pro. fnjm 

priv. to sergt. May 1, 18(i5. 
Charles A. Row, sergt., must, in Sept. 4, 1801 ; must. 

out Sept. 18, 1864, expiration of term. 
John R. St. Clair, sergt., must, in Sept. 4, ISlil^; killed 

at Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. 9, 1862. 
David E. Snyder, Corp., must, in Jan. 13, 18(;4; pro. 

to corp. Sept. 6, 1864 ; prisoner from May 2 to 

May 13, 1803 ; vet. 
D. M. Eisenhower, corp., must, in Jan. 13, 1864; 

pro. to corp. Sept. 25, 1864 ; vet. 
Levi Strunk, corp., must, in Jan. 13, 18(i4; pro. to 

corp. Sept. 25, 1864 ; vet. 



224 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



.liiines Whitwoitli, Corp., must, in Feb. 28, 1864; pro. 

to Corp. Soi>t. '25, 1<S()4. 
lliram Jolinsou, corj)., must, in .July 14, ISGi!; drall- 

I'd ; pro. to corp. Jan. 13, l.StiS. 
llcnry ypohn, corp., must, in Feb. 2S, 18ii4 ; pro. to 

Corp. .Jan. 1.'!, 18Go. 
Albert Birch, corp., nuist. in Jan. 13,1804; pro. to 

corp. May 1, 186.T; vet. 
PeterT. I'hillippi, corp., must, in March 27, JSII4; ab- 
sent, sick, at muster out. 
Jordan Collar, Corp., must, in Sept. 4, 18(!1 ; must. 

out Nov. ll>, 1864, expiration of term. 
John F. Goodhart, corj)., must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; 

wounded at Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. il, 1S()2 ; 

disch. on surg. ccrtil'., date unknown. 
Henry Geiger, corp., must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; must. 

out Sept. 18, 1864, expiration of term. 
Augustus Jlouck, cori)., must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; killed 

at Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. 9, 1862. 
Gotfried Wiler, corp., must, in Sept. 4,1861; killed at 

Cedar Jlountain, Va., Aug. 9, 1862. 
.leremiah Lot/, Corp., must, in Sejtt. 4, 1861 ; died 

near Edward's Ferry, Va., date unknown. 
John Beadeueup, Corp., must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; killed 

at Winchester, Va., May 25, 1862. 
Henry Connor, corp., must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; killed 

at Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864. 
Willard Kerryhard, mus., must, in Feb. 28, 18()4; 

must, out with company July 16, 1865. 
Daniel C. Clouse, mus., must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. 

on surg. certif , date unknown. 
Charles Beunethum, mus., must, in Sept. 1861 ; 

not mustered into United States service. 

J'j-iralcs. 

Charles Ammerell, must, in Feb. 18, 1864. 
Wellington Adams, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certif., date unknown. . 

Jacob Andy, must, in Sept. 4, 18(>1 ; must, out Sept. 

la, is(i4. 

Wm. Alexander, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. for 
wounds received at Autietam, Sept. 17, 1862. 

Richard B. Adams, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; must, out 
Sept. 18, 1864, expiration of term. 

Peter Adams, must, in Sept. 4, 1861. 

Nicholas E. Baker, must, in Feb. 2, 1864; vet. 

Edward H. Beard, must, in Jan. LS, 1864 ; vet. 

James Boyer, must, iu Jan. 13, 1864 ; vet. 

Charles Bard, must, in Jan. 13, 1864; vet. 

Joseph Bowman, must, in Jan. 13, 1864; vet. 

Daniel Briel, must, in Jan. 13, 1864 ; vet. 

John S. Brown, must, in Jan. 13, 1864; vet. 

John Bouseley, must, in July 3, 1863 ; substitute. 

William Blum, must, in Feb. 28, 1864. 

Benton D. Bitner, must, iu Feb. 28, 1864. 

Francis Bright, must, in April 15, 1864. 

William Butler, must, in March 15, 1865, one year; 
drafted. 

William Boyer, must, in March 18, 1865,.one year. 



Wilson Bishop, must, in Aug: 2, 1863 ; absent, sick, 

at muster out. 
Andrew Bumgardner, must, in July 16, 1863; sub- 
stitute; must, out July 27, 1865. 
John Bause, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif., date unknown. 
Michael Bowers, must, in July 14, 1863 ; substitute ; 

wounded at Resaca, Ga., May 15, 1864 ; disch. on 
. surg. certif., Jan. 31, 181)5. 
.\ndrcw J. Byerly, must, in July 16, 1S63; drafted; 

disch. on surg. certif., .June 24, 1865. 
.John W. Baker, must, in Feb. 28, 1864 ; disch. on 

surg. certif, March 25, 1865. 
Charles H. Briner, must, iu Sept. 4, 1861 ; killed at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 2, 1863. 
Samuel T. Baker, must, in Sei)t. 4, 1861 ; killed, acci- 
dentally, near Frederick, Md., date unknown. 
William F. Becker, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; wounded 

at Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. 9, 1862 ; died near 

Alexandria, Va. 
James A. Calhoun, must, in Jan. 13, 1863 ; drafted. 
Walter Craig, must, in July 16, 1863; drafted ; ab- 
sent, sick, at muster out. 
William .l.C^lanuon, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 18, 1864, expiration of term. 
Daniel Culler, must, in March 3, 1864; not on mus- 
ter-out roll. 
Daniel P. Dumb, must, iu .fan. 13, 18li4; vet. 
Edward Dyer, must, iu Sej)!. 1, 1861 ; wounded at 

Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. 9, lS(i2; disch. on 

surg. certif., date unknown, 
.lohu Danhart, nuist. iu Sept. 4, 1861; must, out Sept. 

IS, 18(i4, expiration of term. 
Henry Durstine, must, in July 13, 1863; drafted; 

wounded at Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 

1864; disch. on surg. certif., Nov. 30, 18(54. 
( ieorge Dease, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; mis. in action 

at Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. 9, 1862. 
Cyrus Eppenstine, must, in Jan. 13, 1864; vet. 
.\nthony Eiler, must, in Sept. 4, 18()1 ; disch. on surg. 

certif., date unknown. 
12niil Eyles, must, in July 13, 1863; substitute; 

wounded in action .June 23, 1864 ; disch. on surg. 

certif., Nov. 22, 1864. 
Jno. L. Espenshade, must, in Feb. 28, 1864; died 

Sept. 22, 1864, of wounds received at Peach Tree 

Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864. 
Charles Farbion, must, in Feb. 28, 1864. 
Charles Fritz, must, in April 16, 1864. 
Franklin Frantz, must, in July 13, 1863; drafted. 
William H. Fox, must, in Sept. 4, ISlil ; wounded at 

Winchester, Va., May 25, 1862 ; disch. on surg_ 

certif., date unknown. 
Henry Fricker, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; died July 26, 

1864, of wounds received at Peach Tree Creek, 

Ga., July 20, 1864. 
Philip Foulk, must, in Ajiril 18, 1864; died at Dal- 

ton, Ga., July 10, 1864. 
Daniel C. Fields, must, in July 13, 1863 ; drafted; 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



225 



wounded at Gulp's Farm, Ga., June 27, 1864 ; 

died at Chattanooga, Tenn., July 5, 18C4; grave 

517. 
William Gahres, must, iu Jau. 13, 1864 ; vet. 
Samuel (xross, must, in J^b. 28, 1864. 
Amos Goodman, must, in Jan. 23, 1865, one year. 
Isaac Good, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; discli. on surg. 

certif., date unknown. 
David Good, mu.st. in Sept. 4, 18(51 ; disch. on surg. 

certif., date unknown. 
Charles Gross, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; wounded at 

Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. 9, 1862 ; disch. on 

surg. certif., date unknown. 
Adam S. Gillett, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; pro. to hosp. 

steward, date unknown. 
Warren C. Gulden, must, in Aug., 1861 ; not must. 

into U. S. service. 
Jarcd Hoyer, must, in March 14, 1864. 
Anton Heitger, must, in July 13, 1863 ; drafted. 
John H. Hughes, must, in July 13, 1863 ; drafted. 
Lewis Hoslinger, must, in July 13, 1863 ; drafted. 
Gideon Heplcr, must, in Feb. 25, 1864 ; discli. by 

G. O. July 24, 1865. 
Geo. D. HofFmaster, must, in Sci>t. 4, 1861 ; disch. for 

wounds received at Cedar Mountain, Va., Aug. 

9, 1862. 
Levi Heckman, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 18, 1864, expiration of term. 
Wm. B. goflmaster, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; discli. on 

surg. certif., date unknown. 
Henry G. Hoyer, must, in Sept. 4, 1861; wounded at 

Winchester, Va., May 25, 1862; disch. on surg. 

certif, date unknown. 
Nathaniel Hantch, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 18, 1864, expiration of term. 
Clement Hamilton, must, in Aug. 15, 1864; disch. by 

G. O. June 7, 1865. 
John Hetrick, must, in Sept. 4, ISiU. 
Samuel Kissinger, must, in .Ian. 13, 1864 ; vet. 
ReinhardtKeiHer, nuist. in Feb. 28, 1864. 
William Knight, must, in July 13, 1863 ; drafted ; ab- 
sent, sick, at muster out. 
Daniel Kilpatrick, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif., d.ate unknown. 
William S. Keller, must, in Sept. 4, 1861; disch. on 

surg. certif, date unknown. 
John Kilbride, must, in April 15, ]8l)5; substitute. 
Peter S. Ketl'er, must, in Jan. 13, 1864 ; pri.soner from 

April 14 to Ai>ril 3<», 1865; must, out May 18, 

1865 ; vet. 
Thomas Kelly, must, in March 1 1, 1864 ; not on mus- 
ter-out roll. 
Daniel J. Levan, must, in Jan. 13, 1864 ; vet. 
Edward Lane, must, in Ajiril 18, 1864. 
Michael E. Lotz, must, in Aug., lS(n ; not on muster- 
out roll. 
Jacob Minnich, must, in Jan. 13, 1864; vet. 
Levi Miller, niu.st. in Jan. 13, 1864 ; vet. 
Franklin O. Maurer, must, in March 14, 1864. 
26 



Lucien Miller, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; wounded at 

Winchester, Va., May 25, 1862 ; disch. on surg. 

certif, date unknown. 
Richard B. Miller, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 18, 1864, expiration of term. 
John Moore, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; wounded at Ce- 
dar Mountain, Va., Aug. 9, 1862; died at Alex 

andria, Va. 
Emanuel Minnich, must, in Sept. 4, 1S61 ; must, out 

by S. O. July 16, 1865 ; vet. 
Henry F. Mullen, must, iu Sept. 4, 1861. 
John McCurdy, must, in Aug. 21, 1863 ; substitute. 
Philip McCall, must, in Aug. 21, 1863; substitute; 

must, out July 5, 1865. 
Joseph McKee, must, in April 13, 1863; sub.; disch. 

on surg. certif, date unknown. 
Samuel D. Neil, must, in July 13, 1863 ; drafted ; died 

at Nashville, Tcnn., May 18, 1864. 
Henry F. Onnor, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 18, 1864, expiration of term. 
Freeman Onnor, must, in Aug. 14, 1861 ; not must. 

into U. S. service. 
Henry Pafl", must, in Jan. 13, 1864; vet. 
.\lexander Price, must, iu March 14, 1865, one year. 
William Pyle, must, iu Sept. 4, 1861 ; mis. in action 

at Winchester, Va., May 25, 1862. 
Aaron Rightmyer, must, in Feb. 28, 1864 ; vet. 
Jacob A. Reigcl, must, in Feb. 28, 1864. 
Robert Root, must, in Jan. 26, 1865, one year. 
Henry Rice, must, in Jan. 30, 1865, one year. 
Dan. Rodcnbeigcr, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; wounded 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863; disch. on 

surg. certif, dale unknown. 
J. K. Richardson, must, in March 27, 1864; disch. on 

surg. certif, .Ian. 16, 1865. 
Hiram Raymond, must, in Aug. 31, 1863; sub.; 

wounded at Peach Tree Creek, Ga., July 20, 1864 ; 

disch. on surg. certif, June 21, 1865. 
Samuel E. Rigg, must, in April 3, 1862 ; disch. on 

surg. certif, date unknown. 
Wm. Roseiiberger, must, in July 14, 18()3; drafted; 

wounded in .action July 20, 1864; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps Dec. 12, 1864. 
Daniel Sweitzer, must, in Jan. 13, 1864; vet. 
Albert A. Simon, must, in Jan. 13, 1864 ; vet. 
George Setley, must, in Jan. 13, 1864 ; vet. 
Michael R. Schultz, must, in Jan 13, 1864; yet. 
Llewellyn J. Spohn, must, in Feb. 28, 1864. 
Edwin Simon, must, in Feb. 28, 1864. 
Ross Snyder, must, in February 6, 1865, one year ; 

substitute. 
William Spohn, must, in Feb. 28, 1864; absent, sick, 

at must. out. 
P^.manuel Soudcrs, must, iu Sept. 4, 18()1 ; disch. on 

surg. certif, date unknown. 
John Shatter, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch., d.ate un- 
known. 
Israel Smeck, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif., date unknown. 



i->C, 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, [^KNNSYLVAN'IA. 



William H. Setley, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; must, out 
Sept. 18, 1804, expiration of term. 

Albert Steward, must, in Feb. 22, 18()4; discb. by 
General Order June 15, I860. 

Elias Shaffer, mu.st. in Sept. 4, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. 
Res. Coqis, date unknown. 

Franklin Shultz, niu.st. in Sept. 4, 1861 ; trans, to Rat. 
F, 4th Regt. U. S. Artillery, date unknown. 

Nathaniel Sassman, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; died at 
Hagerstown, Md., date unknown. 

Damon Strubeng, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; killed acci- 
dentally, date unknown ; vet. 

Albert Seiders, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; died, May 16, 
1864, of wounds received at Resaca, Ga.; vet. 

John Tritt, must, in Jan. 13, 1864; vet. 

Jacob Tijipett, must, in Feb. 28, 1864. 

John Troxell, must, in March 18,1864; disch. on 
surg. certif , date unknown. 

Levi Weitzel, must, in Jan. 13, 1864; vet. 

Wm. M. Wells, must, in Feb. 6, 1864. 

W. Wannamacher, must, in Fell. 28, 1864. 

Harvey Wright, must, in July 21, 18(;3; drafted; ab- 
sent, sick, at must. out. 

Samuel B. Wynn, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certif., date unknown. 

Andrew Wilford, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; must, out 
Sept. 18, 1864, expiration of term. 

John Wilford, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 
18, 1864, expiration of term. 

Amos Wentzel, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; killed at Ce- 
dar Mountain, Va., Aug. 9, 1862. 

John J. Wisner, must, in .Jan. 13, 1864; must, out by 
Special Order July 16, 1865. 

Geo. M. D. Yeager, must in. Oct. 15, 1864, one year. 

Elias Yeager, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; trans, to Bat. F, 
4th Regt. U. S. Artillery, date unknowu. 

FORTY-EIGnTH REGIMENT. 

Company T> of this rc<;iiuent was recruited 
at Pottsville, in Scliiiylkill County, and must- 
ered out July 17, 18(j5, except wliere otherwi.se 
mentioned. Daniel Nagle was captain. The 
following men, however, were from Hamburg, 
in Berks County. The regiment was in the 
battles of Antietam and second Bull Run. It 
was prominent in the Petci'sburg campaign, 
having exploded the great mine : 

Henry E.Stichter, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 23, 1861; 

pro. from corp. to 2d licut. Sept. 1, 1863; to Ist 

lieut. Sept. 22, 1864; must, out Oct. 6, 1864, exp. 

of term. 
H. Ilothenberger, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 23, 1861; 

pro. to sergt ; to 1st lieut. June 16, 1864. 
H. G. Burkholder, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 23, 1861 ; 

pro. to sergt. ; to 2d lieut. May 22, 1865. 
George Bowman, sergt., must, in Sept. 23, 1861 ; pro. 

to sergt.; disch. on surg. certif. April 13, 1865. 



Franklin Dorward, sergt., must, in Sept. 23, 1861 ; 

pro. to Corp. ; to sergt. May 22, 1865 ; veteran. 
Walter P. Ames, corp., must, in Sept. 23, 1861 ; mis- 
sing in action near Cold Harbor, Va., June 6, 

1864 ; veteran. 
Henry D. Moyer, corj)., must, in Feb. 27, 1864 ; pro. 

to corp. April 1, 1865. 
.Tames L. Baum, corp., must, in Feb. 24, 1864 ; pro. 

to cori). May 22, I860. 

Pilrntes. 
Charles W. Baum, must, in Feb. 26, 1864. 
Orlando H. Baum, must, in Feb. 26, 1864. 
Jonathan Bower, must, in March 1, 1864. 
Albert Bean, must, in Feb. 6, 1865, one year. 
Jacob L. Casper, must, in Feb. 27, 1864; disch. on surg. 

certif., June 27, 1865. 
James .J. Dalious, must, in March 1, 1864; must, out 

by General (^)rder June 7, 1865. 
Henry Dorward, nuist. in Feb. 4, 1804; killed at 

Petersburg, Va., July 5, 1864. 
Horatio Grim, must, in Sept. 23, 1861 ; disch. July 

19, 1865; veteran. 
William Goodfleck, mu.st. in Feb. 13, 1865, one year. 
George Jacoby, must, in March 1, 1865, one year. 
Jos. Lindenmuth, must, in March 15, 1864; disch. on 

surg. certif. April 3, 1865. 
C. M. Lindenmuth, must, in Sept. 23, 1861. 
Jeremiah Meinder, nuist. in Sept. 23, 1861. 
Gustavus A. Miller, must, in Feb. 19, 1864 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Nov. 18, 18(54. 
Jonas Z. Raber, must, in March 9, 1864; died at 

Washington, D. C, July 1, 18(i4. 
Samuel Reeser, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 
Simon Ritter, must, in March 2, 1864; disch. by order 

of Sec. of War July 22, 1864. 
Charles SchoUenberger, must, in Feb. 6, 1865, one 

year. 
Addison S. Seamen, must, in Sept. 23, 1861. 
Alfred J. Stichter, must, in March 2, 1864. 
Samuel Stichter, must, in Sept. 23, 1861. 
Madison Smith, must, in Sept. 23, 18()1. 
Perry L. Strasser, must, in Feb. 3, 1864. 
Peter Trump, must, in March 1, 181)5, one year. 
Daniel Weldy, nmst. in Sept. 23, 1861. 
Henry Williams, must, in Jan. 25, 1865; substitute. 
William H. Williams, must, in Feb. 6, 1864; prisoner 

from Aug. 19, 1864, to Feb. 8, I860; disch, by 

G. O. June 21, I860. 

The following men from Hamburg were also 
in this regiment : 
Isaac Otto, i>rivate, Co. A, nnist. in Sept. 17, 1861 ; 

killed at Spottsylvania 0. H., Va., May 12, 

1864; buried on battle-field ; veteran 
Henry Casper, corp., Co. C, must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; 

pro. to corp. May 21, 1865 ; veteran. 
Jonas Geier, serg., Co. C, nuist. in Sept. 11, 1861 ; [)ro. 

to corj) ; to sergt. ; wounded at Wilderness May 

6, 1864; veteran. 



TIIK CrVIL WAR. 



Jacob Haines, private, Co. C, must, iu Sept. 11, 18G1 ; 

discli. on .siirg. certif. June 27, 1865; veteran. 
Charles Millet, private, Co. I. 

FIFTIETH REGIMENT. 

The Fiftietli Regiment incliided three ooni- 
jianies from Berks County, — B, E and H. It 
was organized at Hai'risburg on September 25, 
liStil. Captain Brenlioitz, of Company H, was 
seleeted as lieutenant-colonel. The regimen! 
jtroeeeded to Washington on October 2d, and on 
the 9th to Annapolis, where it was a.s.signed to 
Stevens' l)rigad(', which was then fitting out for an 
expe<lition to South Carolina. On October liJth 
the regiment embarked upon transports, Com- 
])anies B and E, with right wing, on the "Win- 
field Scott" and Company H, with left wing, on 
" Ocean Quc'en." On the night of November 
1st, a heavy gale was encountered off Capi^ Hat- 
teras, and the " Winfield Scott," an imseawortliy 
craft, was in imminent peril. Her masts were 
cut away, the freight and camp equipage were 
thrown overboard, a portion of her officei-s and 
crew deserted her and everything was given 
up for lost. She was finally saved through the 
superhifBaan efforts of the soldiers, who had 
been left to their fate without food or water. 
The regiment went into camp on the island at 
Hilton Head and wiis employed for a time in 
building fortifications. On December 6th it 
proceeded to Beauf()rt and there experienced its 
first skirmish with the enemy. It participated, 
in the battle of Coosaw on January 1, 18(j2. 
In General Hunter's demonstration against 
Charleston, I.,ieutenant-Colonel Brenholtz and 
six companies took a prominent part. They drove 
the enemy from a railroad bridge which spanned 
a stream near Poeotaligo. The planks on this 
l>ridge had been removed and a crossing could 
only be effected by running the gauntlet of the 
causeway and walking the stringers, which still 
remained. For some time firing was kept up 
from the opposite side of the stream, and it be- 
came evident that the enemy could onlv be di.s- 
lodgcd by crossing. At this j\nicture Captain 
Parker of Company H, volunteered to brave 
the danger of the causeway and lead his men over 
n|)on the stringers. The feat was accomplished 
and the bridge replanked. Bnt Captain Parker 
was killed. " His gallantry in crossing the 



frail bridge at Poeotaligo cost him his life. He 
was pierced by three rifle-balls, and fell while 
cheering his men on the perilous passage." 
This expedition was not successful. 

The regiment then remained near Beaufort 
till July 12th; then it proceeded to Fortress 
Monroe and became part of the Ninth Corps. 
This corps M'aii ordered to support Pope on the 
Rapidan. Subsequently it was engaged in the 
first and second days' fights at liull Run. Bren- 
lioitz commanded the regiment. He was one 
of the wounded in the second day's fight. On 
August 1st it participated in the battle of 
Chantilly, wliere its conduct was not excelled for 
gallantry ; and several \ve(!ks afterward also 
iu the battle of Antietam. In this latter en- 
gagement Major Overton fell severely woipided, 
and the command devolved up(in Captain Diehl, 
of Company E. 

The regiment witnessed the battle of Freder- 
icksburg on December 13th, but was not actively 
engaged. Subsequently it was moved to Ken- 
tucky and then participated in the siege of 
Vicksburg. In the great battle for the occu- 
pancy of that place, the regiment had been de- 
ployed as skirmishers in a very exposed position. 
There Brenlioitz, whilst gallantly leading his men 
before the enemy's works, w;is mortally wound- 
ed. His fall was greatly lamented. Much of 
the credit which the organization had acquired 
w;us due to his excellent qualities as a soldier. 
No braver man ever led in battle, and ujion his 
fall the service lost one of its most valued lead- 
ers. In August only eighty of the regiment 
were jiresent for duty, and nearly all of these 
had chills and fevei-. The other men of the 
regiment were in hospitals suffering from wounds 
or malaria. 

On October 10, 1863, it took part in an en- 
gagment at Blue Spi-ings, in East Tennessee, 
and in November at Lenoir Station, on Tennes- 
see Railroad, and at Knoxville, which was un- 
successfully besieged by Longstreet. Nearly the 
entire regiment re-enlisted on January 1, 1864. 
For several months previously the men endured 
intense suffering from cold and hunger without 
a murmur. On Christmas they had nothing to 
eat till evening and then only a part of a ration. 
During January they marched to Nicholasville, 



228 



HISTORY OF 1?EKK,S COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



a distance of two hundred miles, iu ten days. 
Many of the men were barefooted and walked 
thus througii the snow. In February they 
proceeded to Harrisbiu'g on a veteran furlough, 
and visited their homes. In March the regi- 
ment encumj)ed at Annapolis, and in May, (m 
the 6th, it was heavily engaged in the battle of 
the Wilderness. In moving from the field it 
was designated as the rear guard to the corps. 
On May 9th it was again engaged in battle near 
Spottsylvauia Court-House. The brigade car- 
ried the heights in its front. With fixed bayonets 
the regiment charged up the steep ascent and 
routed the enemy greatly superior iu number. 
But the cost M'as fearful. Among the kille<l was 
Captain Cleveland, of Company H. Three days 
afterwai'd the regiment had another desperate 
encounter, in which the men had a struggle 
hand to hand. Adjutant Kendall, three ser- 
geants and twenty-five privates were taken pri- 
soners. From the Ny river to the North Anna, 
and thence to Cold Harbor', the regiment was 
engaged almost daily. At ('old Harbor, on June 
2, 1804, it occupied the front line and suifcrcd 
severely. Shortly afterward it lay in line be- 
fore Petersburg. On June ISth, Captain Lantz 
of Company E, and several men were killed. 
It then performed picket duty during July and 
particiiiated in the siege and great explosion of 
the mine; and during August it was engaged 
in continuous fighting, with but little interrup- 
tion. It remained in the front during Sep- 
tember, October and November, when it went 
into winter-quarters immediately in front of 
Petersburg. 

The Union lines began to dose iu on the 
rebel works on April 1, 1865. The regiment 
was engaged during the operations of the 2d and 
3d, and it was among the first regiments to 
enter Petersburg upon its fall. It moved to 
City Point on April l.^th, and thence by boat 
to Washington, where it remained till June 
30th. By order of the Secretary of War, upon 
the recommendation of Lieutenaut-General 
Grant, this regiment was ordered to represent 
the infantry of the army upon the occasion of 
laying the corner-stone of the national monu- 
ment at Gettysburg o!i July 4, 1865. From 
Gettysburg it went into camp near Georgetown, 



where it was mustered out of service on July 
31st. 

Colonel Thomas BiiKNiioi/rz was tiie son 
of Isaac Brenholtz, a master-machinist of Read- 
ing. He was born in 1834. He taught school 
for some years at Reading very successfully, 
and then, studying law, was admitted to pi-ac- 
tice on September 20, 1860. When the Rebellion 
broke out he enlisted as a lieutenant in Com- 
pany H, Fifth Regiment, three months' service. 
This term expiring, he raised one of three com- 
panies in the three years' .service, which were re- 
cruited at Reading for the Fiftieth Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and upon its organi- 
zation was elected lieutenant-colonel. As such 
officer he served for nearly two years with great 
gallantry. His regiment participated in the 
first expedition against the coast of South Caro- 
lina, and subsequently iu a nunilxu' of engage- 
ments, prominent among which was the costly 
liattle of" Fredei'icksl)urg, in all of which he 
displayed the courage of a true soldier. .He 
had chief command of the regiment upon 
several occasions. He was wounded at Jack- 
son, Mi.ss., and, from the effects of the wounds, 
died at Evansville, Ind., on August 19th, 
1863, leaving to survive him a young widow 
and two small children. He wa.s a highly re- 
spected and promising young man, recognized 
for his exemplary life and marke<l ability. His 
remains were brought to Reading and interred 
in Charles Evans' cemetery. The funeral was 
largely attended. Major-Gen. Franz Sigel, his 
staff and other military officers were })resent 
upon that occasion. 

Company B. — This company was recruited 
at Reading, and was mustered out July 30, 
1865, except where otherwise mentioned. 

Hervey Herman, capt., must, in Sept. Ki, 18()] ; re- 
signed Aug. 1, 18(52. 
George A. Yeager, capt., must, in Sept. 10, LSdl ; pro. 

from 1st sergt. to 2d lieut. Feb. 12, 18(52; to capt. 

Dec. 17, 1862; disch. Feb. 20, 18(5.5. 
Frank H. Barnhart, capt., must, in Sept. 16, 1861; 

pro. from sergt.-ma.j. to 1st lieut. Nov. 26, 1864 ; 

to capt. Mar. 21, 1865 ; vet. 
Henry S. Rush, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 1(5, 18G1 ; 

died at Beaufort, S. C, May 31, 18(52, of wounds 

received accidentally. 
.Josepli S. Ingham, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. !>, 1861 ; 



TIfE CIVIL WAR. 



29 



pro. from 2d lieut. Co. K Aug. 1, 1862; re- 
signed Nov. 4, ] 862. 
H. A. Hyneman, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; 

pro. to 1st sergt. Feb. 15, 1862 ; to 1st lieut. Dec. 

17,1862; disch. for wounds, with loss of arm, 

rec'd. in action, Sept. 28, 1864. 
Alfred J. Stevens, 1st lieut., must in Sept. 16, 1861 ; 

pro. from sergt.-maj. to 1st lieut. Mar. 21, 1865; 

vet. 
Charles G. Gresh, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 16, ISCi] ; 

resigned Dec. 7, 1861. 
Daniel H. Snyder, 2d lieut., uuist. in Sept. 16, 1861 ; 

pro. from sergt. to 2d lieut. Dec. 17, 1862 ; dis- 
missed Sept. 27, 1864. 
Lucian H. Pluoker, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; 

pro. from priv. to sergt. Mar. 1, 1863 ; to 1st sergt.; 

to 2d lieut. Apr. 16, 1865 ; vet. 
Frederick R. Eidel, l.st sergt., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; 

pro. from priv. to sergt. ; to 1st Sergt. May 1, 

18G5; vet. 
William Weidner, 1st sergt., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; 

pro. from corp. to sergt. March 1,1863; to 1st 

sergt.; disch. Mar. 9, 1865, for wounds rec'd. in 

action ; vet. 
Robert Gerlach, sergt., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp. ; to sergt. May 1, 1865 ; vet. 
licnjamin Robinson, sergt., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; 

pro from corp. to sergt. Jan. 1, 1865 ; vet. 
William \y. Hart, sergt., must, in Sept. 16, 1861; pro. 

from priv. to sergt. ; vet. 
Thomas ,T. Hyneman, sergt., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; 

j)ro. to corp. ; to sergt. March 10, 1865 ; vet. 
Howard Potts, sergt., must, in Sept. 16, 1861; pro. 

from corp. to sergt. Mar. 1, 1863 ; disch. on surg. 

certif Jan. 22, 1865; vet. 
H. J. O'Connell, sergt., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; pro. 

from corp. to sergt. Mar. 1, 1863; died at City 

Point. Va., .Tune 27, 1864, of wds. rec'd in action ; 

vet. 
Henry A. Boyer, corp., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; pro. 

to corp. Jan. 1, 1865; vet. 
.lacob Eidel, corp., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; pro. to 

corp. Jan. 1, 1865 ; vet. 
Henry Eyler, corp., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; pro. to 

corp. Jan. 1, 1865 ; vet. 
Joseph White, corp., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; pro. to 

corp. ; vet. 
J.acob G. Endy, corp., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; pro. 

to corp. Mar. 10, 1865 ; vet. 
H. A. Bingamen, corp., must, in Sept. 16, 18(!1 ; pro. 

to corp. May 1, 1865; vet. 
Augustus Graber, corp., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; killed 

at Wilderness May 6, 1864 ; vet. 
Daniel B.atz, corp., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; pro. to 

corp. July 1, 1865; vet. 
Henry Plucker, corp., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; pro. 

to corp. Feb. 1, 1863 ; vet. 
Franklin Fabian, corp., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; 

disch. on surg. certif., Jan. 13, 1862. 



J. R. Hoffmaster, corp., must, in Sept. 16, 1861; 

disch. Dec. 10, 1862. 
Robert Smith, corp., must, in Sept. 16, 1S61 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Charles Barlet, corp., must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; vet. 
Robert Bingamen, musician, nuist. in Sept. 16, 1861 ; 

vet. 
Joel Coflman, musician, must, in Sept. 16, 1S6] ; vet. 
Samuel Shaffer, muscian, must, in Sept. 16, 1862; 

disch. May 20, 1862. 

Pi'ivates. 
.lames Allen, must, in Mar. 13, 1865, one year; sub. 
.1. 1). Anderson, must, in Feb. 10, 1864; disch. by G. 

(). June 17, 18fi5. 
Adam Augustine, must, in Sept. IC, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certif, date unknown. 

Samuel Albert, must, in Sept. 16, 18(;i ; not, on mus- 
ter-out roll, 

Franklin Boyer, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; absent, pris- 
oner, absent at must, out; vet. 

Albert Bartlett, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; vet. 

John Baker, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; vet. 

Samuel Becker, must, in Feb. 11, 1864. 

S. E. Benjamin, nuist. in Mar. 10, 1865, one year; sub. 

Geo. K. Beidleman, must, in Jlar. !), 1866, one year; 
substitute. 

Henry A. Borrell, must, in Sept. l(i, 18(il ; must, out 
Sept. 29, 1864, expiration of term. 

H. G. C. Bertolette, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; must, 
out Sept. 29, 1864; cxp. of term. 

Samuel Brown, must, in Sept. 20, 1864; drafted ; disch. 
by G. O. June 2, 1865. 

Cyrus Burket, must, in Sept. 16, ]S(;i ; murd. in Cin- 
cinnati, date unknown. 

Thomas B. Burcher, must, in Sept. 16, 18(il; disch. 
May 21, 1862. 

Jacob Bothner, must, in Sept 16, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 
E, 2d U. S. Art., Oct. 5, 1862. 

John B. Bard, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 
31, 1862. 

Josiah Bradford, must, in Sept. 16, 1861; absent 
sick, at must. out. 

Daniel Bixler, must, in Sept. 16, 1861. 

David Baker, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 
18, 1862. 

Joseph Cooper, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; vet. 

William Coleman, must, in Mar. 13, 1865; sub. 

Wm. J. Correll, must, in Mar. 9, 1865, one year; sub. 

Philip Cunrod, must, in Mar. 9, 1865, one year ; sub. 

James Calloway, must, in Mar. 13, 1865, one year; 
substitute. 

Thomas F. Christley, must, in Sept. 20, 1864, one 
year; drafted; disch. by G. O. .Tune 2, 1865. 

Glenn W. Christie, mu.st. in Sept. 20, 1864, one year; 
drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 21, 1865. 

Washington Campbell, must, in Sept. 20, 1864, one 
year ; drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 

Frederick Capper ; not must, into U. S. service. 



230 



IIISTdKV OK I'.KIiKS COUNTY, 1M';NNSYF>VAN[A. 



Martin Cordell, must, in iMarili i;i, lSi;">, one year; 

suIj., discli. l)y G. < ). June 27, 1865. 
Henry Deace, must, in Feb. 8, 1SG4 ; vet. 
Henry P. Douple, must, in Sept. 20, 18G4, one year; 

drafted ; discli. by Special Order, June 2, 1865. 
Daniel Eyler, must, in Oct. '.i, ISOl, nne ye.ar; not on 

muster-nut roll. 
Jacob Fair, must, in .Vpril G, 1SG4. 
Eurch, Plieg, must, in Sept. 16, ISGl ; vet. 
Jeremiah Focht, must, in Sept. 16, 18G1 ; vet. 
Orlando Fry, must, in Mar. ;'.0, 1SG4; absent, prisoner 

at must. out. 
James Fislicr, must, in Mar. 10, 1SG5; sub. 
Daniel Feterow, must, in Mar. 9, 1865, one year; sub. 
John Folk, must, in Sept. Ki, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 

29, 1864, e.\p. of tiMui. 
Samuel Firing, must, in Scjit. IG, ISGl ; killed at 

Wilderness May (i, 18(i4; vet. 
John Flickinger, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; ilied at An- 

dersonville, Ga., Aug. 12, 1864; grave 5586 ; vet. 
Peter Farren, must, in Sept. 16, 1S61 ; disch. Feb. 20 

1863. 
licvi Fritz, must, in Sept. 1(!, 18(il; died Sept. 26, 

1863, of wnds. rec. at Ohantilly, Va. ; bur. in Mil- 

Asyl. Cem., 1). C. 
Mathias Gahris, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 

2i), 1864; exp. of term. 
John Grossman, must, in Sept. 20, 1S(;4, one year. 

drafted ; disch. by (t. O. June 2, 1865. 
William Green, must, in .March 13, 1864; absent, 

sick, at must. out. 
I'ctcr H. GeitoM, must, in Marcli 10, |8(;r), one year; 



iMit, |iris- 
iMarch 20, 1865, one 
March Id, 1865, one 
nne vear • 



Conrad Huber, must, in Feb. 20, 18(i4. 
Cyrus HoHa, must, in March 29, 1864; ali 

oner, at must. out. 
James W. Hasting, must. 

year ; suli. 
Jasper HiiaiUry, Jr., must 

year ; sul). 
George Hagan, must, in March 10, ISii 

sub.; absent at must. out. 
Peter Herman, must, in Sept. 16, I'^Gl ; disch. Sept. 

29, 1864, e.\p. of term. 
Philip A. Huber, must, in Sept. 16, 186] ; disch. Sept. 

29, 1864, e.\p. of term. 
Franklin Hanford, must, in March 9, IS65, one year; 

■sub. ; disch. by G. O. June 29, 18G5. 
Lucien Heller, must, in Sept. 16, 1X61 ; disih. by G. 

O. June 6, 1865; veteran. 
Peter Hartz, must, in Se|)t. Ki, l.S()] ; disch. on surg. 

certif Jan. 15, 1863. 
John Hyneman, Sr.,must. in Sept. 10, 1861 ; wounded 

at Chantilly. Va., Sept. 1, 1862; noton must.-out 

roll. 
George Jackson, must, in Sejit. 20, 1861, one year; 

drafted ; discb. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
George Keiblr, miirt. in Sept. 16, 1861 ; vet. 
John Kerr, nuisl. in March 14, 1865, one vear; sub. 



John A. Ke])ncr, must, in March 19, 18i;5, one year ; 

sub. 
Frank W. Kepmer, must, in .March 19, 1865, one 

year ; sub. 
John Kreider, must, in Sc[>t. 16, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 29, 1864, exp. of terra. 
Harrison Leininger, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; vet. 
Henry Lebengood, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; vet. 
Benjamin Landis, must, in ;\[arcb 13, 1865, one year; 

sub. 
Charles Lyons, mu.st. in March 10, 1865, one year ; sub. 
John Lamont, must, in March 13, 1865, one year; sub. 
Henry Lichtly, must, in Sept. 16, 1861; disch. Nov. 

1, 1861. 
John Long, must, in Sept. 16, 186] ; not on must.-out 

roll. 
Patrick Morris, must, in Sept. 16, 1861; killed at 

Spottsylvania C. H. May 11, 1864; vet. 
Jeremiah Miller, must, in March 10, 1865, one year ; 

sub. 
Adam Machulder, must, in Sept. 16, 186] ; disch. on 

surg. certif. March 14, 1863. 
Daniel Madana, must, in Sept. 16, 18(;i ; left sick at 

Newport News, Va., March 21, 1863; not on 

must.-out roll. 
Jeremiah Moll, must, in March 7, 1864; not on must. 

out roll. 
Peter McLatferty, must, in July 16, 186:!; drafted. 
Wm. J. McKissick, must, in Sept. 20, 1864, one year; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
Thos. D. McFarland, must, in Sept. 20, 1864, one 

year; drafted ; disch. by G. 0. June 2, 1865. 
Andrew McMurray, must, in Sept. 20, 18()4, one year; 

drafted; discli. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
Samuel A. McKinucy, must, in Sept. Hi, 1861 ; not on 

nnist.-out roll. 
Henry Newman, must, in March 10, bsii,') ; sul>. 
C. Neatman, must, in March 14, 18(i5, one year; sub. 
John O'Bryan, must, in March 15, 1865, one year ; sub.; 

di.sch. by G. O. June 29, 1865. 
John Paul, must, in Sept. 16, ]8(il ; must, out Sept. 

28, 1864, exp. of term. 
John Patton, must, in Sept. 20, 1864; drafted ; ilisch. 

by S. O. June 2, 1865. 
Daniel Plucker, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; not on 

must.-out roll. 
John Phillips, must, in Sejit. 16, 1861 ; discli. March 

18, 1863. 
Horace Reber, must, in Feb. 11, 1864. 
George Reber, must, in Feb. 11, 1864. 
Henry Redmond, must, in Feb. 2, 1864. 
George Rowe, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; vet, 
John Rice, must, in March 16, 1865, one year; sub. 
Solomon Rhoads, must, in Sept. 16, 1861; disch. on 

surg. certif. Jan. 22, 1865 ; vet. 
Emanuel S. Riddle, must, in Sept. 20, 1864, one year; 

drafted; disch. by G. O. June 2, 1865. ■ 
John Robinson, must, in Sept. 16, 18iil ; killed at 

Spottsylvania C. H. May 11, 18(i4. 



THE OTVIL WAR. 



231 



John Reiger, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; left sick at 

ricasant Valley, Md., Oct. 15, 1862 ; not on must.- 

out roll. 
.Joseph Reinhart, must, in March 28, 1864 ; not on 

niust.-out roll. 
Isaac Steinrack, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; absent at 

must, out ; vet. 
Daniel Showers, must, in Feb. 29, 1864 ; absent, 

woiindetl, at must. out. 
Samuel Snavely, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 
George Seid, must, in March 8, 1865, one year ; sub. 
Daniel Shannon, must, in March 11, 1865, one year; 

sub. 
Gibson Steeter, must, in March 9, 1865, one year; sub. 
Joseph Stoke.s, must, in March 10, 1865, one year ; sub.; 

absent at must. out. 
John Siegfried, must, in Sept. 16, IS61 ; must, out 

Sept. 29, 1864, exp. of term. 
Samuel Snyder, must, in Sept. 16, I,S(iI ; must, out 

Sept. 29, 1864, exp. of term. 
Jlarks B. Scull, must, in Sept. 16, I8<;i ; must, out 

Sept. 29, 1864, exp. of term, 
.lames J. Sutton, must, in Sept. 20, 1864, one year; 

<l rafted ; disch. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
William P. Stewart, must, in Sept. 20, 1864, one 

year; drafted; disch. by G. O. June 2, 1866. 
Francis Strawick, must, in Sept. 20, 1864, one year ; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 
William Stevenson, must, in Sept. 20, 1864, one year ; 

drafted; died at City Point, Va., Dec. 24, 1864. 
Charles Smith, must, in Feb. 9, 1875, one year ; sub. 
Frederick Shilling; not must, into U.S. service. 
Sanuicl Sellers, must, in Sept. l(i, 1861 ; killed at 

Antietam Sept. 17, 1862. 
Theodore Taggart, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; mu.st. out 

Sept. 29, 1864, exp. of term. 
William Thompson, must, in Sept. 16, 1.S6I ; must. 

out Sept. 29, 1864, exp. of terra. 
William ITpdegrafl" nuist. in March S, 1S65, one 

year; .sub. 
Augustus Upham, must, in Sept. 16, KSlil ; must, out 

Sept. 29, 1864, exp. of term. 
Monroe linger, must, in Feb. 11, 1864; died at Alex- 
andria, Va., Oct. 31, 1864; grave 2882. 
John Vivian, must, in April 23, 1862. 
James Vincent, must, in March 9, 1865, one year ; sub. 
James Wise, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; vet. 
William Wummer, must, in Feb. 10, 1864. 
William Warnock, must, in March 15, 1865, one 

year ; sub. 
C. Wilkins, must, in March 14, 1865, one year; sub. 
Henry Wentzel, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; killed near 

Petersburg, Va., Aug. 17, 1864; vet. 
George Walker, must, in March 13, 1865, oue year; 

sub. 
Isaac Weaud, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; trans, to 2d U. 

S. Artillery Oct. 13, 1862. 
Reuben Yohc, must, in March 11, 1864. 
John Young, must, in March 14, 1865, one year ; sub. 



Company E. — This company was recruited 
at Reading, and was mustered out July 30, 
1865, e.Kcept where otherwise mentioned. 

William H. Diehl, capt., must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; re- 
signed Feb. 3, 1863. 

Henry A. Lantz, capt., must, in Sept. 30, 1861; pro. 
from sergt.-maj. to 1st lieut. Jan. 18, 1862; to 
capt. Feb. 4, 18(;3; killed at Petersburg, Va., 
Juue 18, 1S64. 

Richard Herbert, capt., nuisl. in Sept. 13, 1861 ; pro. 

from Istsergt. to 2d lieut. Dec. 17, 1862; to Ist 

lieut. Nov. 8, 1,><I!3; to capt. May 9, 1.S65; disch. 

Sept. 2, 1865. 
Peter A. Lantz, 1st lieut., uuist. in Sept. 13, 1861 ; re- 
signed Jan. 18, 1862. 
Nicholas H. Sell, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; 

pro. from private to sergt. ; to Ist sergt. ; to 1st 

lieut. April 15, 1865; com. capt. Aug. 1, 1865; 

not must. ; veteran. 
II. .\. Flickinger, 2d lieut., nuist. in Sept. 13,1861; 

resigned Jan. IS, l,S(i2. 
Frank H. Forbes, 2d lieut., must, in .Ian. 1, 1864; 

l)ro. from ipm. -sergt. May 10, 1865.; veterau. 
Abraham H. De Turk, 1st sergt., must, iu Sept. 13, 

1861 ; wounded at Chantilly, Va., Sept. 1, 1862 ; 

l)r(). from private to 1st sergt. April 1, 1865; com. 

1st lieut. Aug. 1, 1865; not must. ; veteran. 
George McConnell, 1st sergt., must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; 

captured at Spottsylvania C. H., May 12, 1864; 

died while prisoner, date unknown; veteran. 
Levi Garrett, sergt., must, in Sept. 13, 18(il ; wounded 

at Antietam, SejJi. 17, 1862; pro. from private to 

sergt. Ajiril 1, 1865; veteran. 
David R. Boughter, sergt., must, in Sept. 13, 1861; 

pro. from private to sergt. May 1, 1865; veteran. 
M. K. Thompson, sergt., must, iu Sept. 13, 1861 ; pro. 

from Corp. to sergt. May 1, 18()5; veteran. 
William B. Gambler, sergt., must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; 

pro. to Corp.; to sergt. May 1, 18t)5; veteran. 
SolAmon K. Grim, sergt., must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; pro. 

from corp. to sergt.; captured at Spottsylvania 

C. H., May 12, 1S64; .lied while ])risoner, date 

uuknown ; veteran. 
Augustus N. Rhoads, sergt., must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; 

pro. from corj). to sergt. ; trans, to Vet. Res. 

C( rp ; veteran. 
William P. Moyer, sergt, must, iu Sept. 13, 1861 ; 

disch. Nov. 21, 1862. 
John H. Rice, Corp., must, in Sept 13, 1863 ; veteran. 
George Rosebury, corp., must, iu Sept. 13, 1861 ; pro. 

to corp. ; veteran. 
John B. Kline, corp., must, iu .Sept. 13, 1861 ; jtro. to 

corp. May 1, 1865 ; veteran. 
John P. Yoder, corp., must, in Sept. 13, l.s<il ; pro. to 

corp. May 1, 1865 ; veteran. 
James Huy, corp., must, in Sept. 13, 186] ; pro. to 
Corp. May 1, 1865; veteran. 



232 



HISTORY OF BERKS COT'NTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



John W. Seiders, corp., must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp. May 1, 18fi5; veteran. 
Thomas C. Garrett, corp., must, in Feb. 18, 18(54; pro. 

to corp. May 1, 186.5. 
George Doran, corp., must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; pro. to 

coq). Slay 1, 1865; veteran. 
F. R. Hoflinan, corp., must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp.; killed at Spottsylvania C. H., May 12> 

1864; buried in Wilderness Burial-* irounds ; 

veteran. 
William P. Winters, corp., must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; 

pro. to corp. ; killed at Spottsylvania C. H., May 

12, 1864; buried in Wilderness Burial Grounds; 

veteran. 
David W. Boyer, corp., must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; pro. 

to cor]). ; wounded at Spottsylvania C. H., May 

12, 1864; died June 19, 1864; buried in National 

Cemetery, Arlington, Va. ; veteran. 
John Kelcher, corp., must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; pro. to 

Corp.; wounded at Wilderness, May 6, 1864; 

died at Washington, D. C, date unknown ; vet- 
eran. 
Frank R. Smith, corp., must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; must. 

out Sept. 28, 1864, e-^p. of term. 
William Taylor, musician, must, in Feb. 16, 1864 ; 

veteran. 
Walworth W. Wood, musician, must, in Feb. 23, 

1864 ; pro. to 2d lieut. 14th Regt. U. S. army, 

date unknown. 

Prirf(te>:. 
Aiithouy Adams, must, in Feb. 10, 1864. 
Wash. Armpricster, must, in Feb. 9, 1864. 
William F. Ash, must, in March 14, 1865, one 

year ; substitute. 
Joiuithan Allwine, must, in Feb. 25, 1864; killed at 

Petersburg, Va. ; buried on Mrs. V. Armstead's 

property, Virginia. 
William Adams, nuist. in March 10, 1864 ; substitute. 
George W. Boyer, must, in Feb. 22, 1864; died July 

18, 1865, of wounds received in riot at Balto. & 

Ohio R. R. Depot, Washington, D. C. 
James Butler, must, in March 7, 1864. ' 

Thomas Blackburn, must, in March 16, 186.5, one 

year ; substitute. 
Ednioiid Bean, nuisl. in March 11, 1865, one year; 

sulistitute. 
Richard IVrnell, nuist. in March 8, 1865, one year ; 

substitute. 
John Baldwin, uiu.st. in March ItJ, 1865, one year ; 

substitute; absent at must. out. 
Alfred 1). Burns, must in March 22, 1864; killed at 

Petersburg, Va., June 21, 1864; buried in 'Jth 

Ocnps ('emetery, Meade Station, Va. 
David Bierd, must, in March 2, 1864; captured at 

Spottsylvania C. H., May 12, 1864; died while 

prisoner, date unknown, 
.lacob Boyer, must, in Feb. 24, 1864; captured near 

Petersburg, Va. ; died while prisoner, date un- 
known ; veteran. 



Gabriel Boyer, must, in Feb. 25, 1864; captured at 

Spottsylvania C. H., May 12, 1864; died while 

prisoner, date unknown. 
David Biery, must, in Sept. 13, 18til ; must, out Sept. 

28, 1864, exp. of term. 
Tobias Boor, must, in Feb. 24, 1865, diie year ; drafted ; 

disch. by G. O. May 0, 1865. 
William Biery, must, in Sept. 13, 1S61 ; tran.s, to Co. 

I, date unknown. 
John H. Bord, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; wounded at 

Chantilly, Sept. 1, 1862 ; di.sch. Feb. 23, 1863. 
John H. Boughter, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; killed at 

Bull Run, August 30, 1862. 
Benjamin Boyer, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; wounded at 

Bull Run, Aug. 29, 1862; disch. Dec. 17, 1862. 
Philip Blatz, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 20, 

1862. 
Joshua W.Beale, must, in Feb. 9, 1864; not on must.- 

out roll. 
Aaron L. Car[)euter, must, in Feb. 27, 1864; veteran. 
George Coxe, must, in March 9, 1865, one year ; sub- 
stitute; absent, in hospital, at must. out. 
William Christy, must, in March 6, 1865 ; substitute ; 

absent at muster out. 
William J. Carpenter, must, in Feb. 24, 1865, 

one year; drafted ; disch. by G. O. May 9, 1865. 
Robert Carter, must, in March 10, 1865, one year. 
William Coni-ad, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; not on 

must-out roll. 
Charles Dieter, must, in March 27, 1864. 
William Deviese, must, in March 27, 18()4. 
Jeremiah Drayher, must, in Feb. 11, 18li4. 
Henry Drumbore, must, in March 14, 1865, one 

year ; substitute. 
William Drayher, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; killed at 

Petersburg, June 18, 1864; buried in 9th Corps 

Cemetery, Bleade Station, Va. veteran. 
Joseph C. Dermer, must, in March 13, 1865, one year ; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. May 9, 1865. 
William Derrick, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; disch. Feb. 

17, 1862. 
Benneville Dewalt, must, in July 27, 1864, one year; 

not on muster-out roll. 
Charles 1[. Eckenroth, must, in Sept. 9, 1861 ; must. 

outSei>t. 28, 1864, exp. of term. 
George D. Eiseuhower, must, in Sept. 9, 1.S61 ; must. 

out Se|>t. 28, 1864, exp. of term. 
Addi Ebliiig, must, in Sept. 9, 1861 ; di.seh. Sept. 20, 

1862. 
Franklin Fisher, must, in March 7, 18(!4. 
William Klammer, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; wounded 

at Antietam, Sept. 17, 18()2 ; veteran. 
Theodore G. Falier, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; veteran. 
Joseph Felding, must, in March 9, 1865, one year ; 

substitute. 
Edward Fox, must, in Feb. 22, 1S(;4; kilKd at Spt.lt- 

sylvania C. IL, May 12, 1864 ; buried In Wilder- 
ness Burial-tirounds. 
Adam Fisher, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; captured at 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



233 



Spottsylvania C. H., May 12, 1864; died while 
prisoner, date unknown ; veteran. 
Tliomas Fisher, must, in March 24. 1865, one year; 

drafted ; disch by G. O. May 9, 1866. 
Jeremiah Fees, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps, date unljnown ; veteran. 
J. Fenstemacher, must, in Sept. 18, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 

20, 1862. 
Daniel Finefrach, must, in Sept 13, 1861; discli. 

Nov. 24, 1862. 
Edward Fisher, must, in Sept. 13, 1S61 ; disch. Dec. 

6, 1862. 
Howard W. Gift, must, in Feb. 10, 1864. 
.lobn Granrath, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; veteran. 
•Jacob Good, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; veteran. 
Jolm Good, must, in Feb. 16, 1865, one year. 
I'crcival Gahrett, must, in Feb. 11, 1864. 
John Garber, must, in Feb. 24, 1865, one year ; 

drafted. 
•Justice Gerrett, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

I, date unlcnown. 
Alfred W. Gift, must, in Sept. 18, 1861 ; pro. to com. 

sergt. March 21, 1865; veteran. 
Henry H. Geiger, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; disch. 

Feb. 28, 1862. 
Aaron Goodman, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
William H. Good, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; disch. 

May 23, 1862. 
Samuel Gambler, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; veteran. 
William Haines, must, in March 11, 1864. 
Curtis S. Hissuer, must, in March 9, 1864. 
Jcilui Higgins, must, in March 20, 1864; absent, on 

detached duty, at muster out. 
John Hurst, must, in March 3, 1864; absentat muster 

out. 
Klias S. Hoffman, must, in Feb. 26, 1864. 
iMaac High, must, in Sept. 13, 1861; veteran. 
David Hunt, must, in Feb. 23, 1865, one year; 

drafted. 
James Haines, must, in March 11, 1864 ; wounded at 
Cold Harbor, June 3, 1864; died June 26, 1864; 
buried in National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. 
Frederick Harp, must, in March 18, 1864; captured 
near Petersburg, Va.; died at Salisbury, N. C, 
. Dec 9, 1864. 
George Heckman, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 28, 1864, exp. of term. 
Benneville S. Huy, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; must out 

Sept. 28, 1864, exp. of term. 
Edward Hiskey, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 28, 1864, exp. of term. 
William Herbst, must, in Feb. 11, 1864 ; disch. on 

surg. certif , date unknown. 
William Hannuing, must, in Feb. 24, 1865, one vear • 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. May 8, 1865. 
Frank H. Herbert, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; pro. to 
q.m. -sergt., date unknown ; veteran. 
27 



Thomas Hobbs, must, iu March 11, 1865, one year; 

substitute. 
Christ Hartman, must, in Sep \3, 1861; killed on 

picket at Beaufort, S. C, JuCf^^l, 1862. 
Frank Harvey, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Barney Hegan, must, in March 22. 1864; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Alexander Irieland, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; trans, to 

Co. I, date unknown. 
Emanuel Kauflinan, must, in Feb. 26, 1864. 
Daniel Kaurtiuan, must, in Feb. 26, 1864. 
Charles S. Kline, must, in Feb. 9, 1864. 
David Koch, must, in Feb. 9, 1864. 
Peter Kubb, must, iu Nov. 11, 1864, one year ; sub- 
stitute. 
Matthias Kcyser, must, in March 10, 1865, one year; 

substitute. 
J6hn Keller, must, in Feb. 12, 1864; died at Annap- 
olis, Md., Dec. 29, 1864. 
Charles Kendall, must, in Sept. 19, 1861 ; captured at 
Spottsylvania C. H. May 12, 1864; died at Flor- 
ence, S. C, Oct. 12, 1864; vet. 
John Kerney, must, in Sept. 19, 1861 ; captured at 
Spottsylvania C. H. May 12, 1861; died while 
prisoner, date unknown; vet. 
Benjamin Koch, must, in Sept. 19, 1861 ; captured at 
Spottsylvania C. H. May 12, 1864; died while 
prisoner, date unknown ; vet. 
Henry H.Kline, mustered in Sept. 19, 1861 ; wounded 
at South Mountain Sept. II, 1862; disch. Nov. 
22, 1862. 
Nathan Leininger, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; missing 

in action Sept. 30, 1864 ; vet. 
John W. Larrish, mu-t. in Sept. 13, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 

7, 1865, to date July 30, 1865 ; vet. 
Levi Lewis, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; killed at Peters- 
burg June 28, 1864; buried iu 9th Corps Ceni. 
Meade Sta., Va. ; vet. 
Samuel Moll, must, in Feb. 28, 1864. 
John H. Meser, must, in March 7, 1864. 
Jacob Menard, must, in Feb. 9, 1864. 
Charles Musig, must, in March 7, 1^64. 
Jeremiah Sliller, must, in Nov. 14, 1864, one year : 

drafted ; absent at muster out. 
Wm. H. Miller, must, in July 5, 1861 ; drafted ; ab- 
sent at muster out. 
Wm. Maxton, must, in Feb. 22, 1864; prisoner Mav 
12, 1864; died at Andersonville, Ga., Aug. 31, 
1864; grave 7407. 
George Meade, must, in March 11, 1865. 
Wm. Penu Mack, must, in Sept. 13, 1861; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Wm. McCray, must, in March 10, 1SG5, one year ; 

substitute. 
Casper McConnell, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; died at 

Philadelphia May 28, 1864; vet. 
Jeremiah Noll, must, in March 7, 1864. 
George Ncster, must, in March 9, 1 865, one year. 



234 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



John T. Nays, must, iu March 9, 1864 ; killed at Pe- 
tersburg, Va., June 27, 1SG4 ; bur. iu 9th Corps 
Cem., Meade Sta., Va. 

John Neyer, must, in March 21, 1864. 

George Prescott, must, iu March 1, 1865, one year; 
substitute. 

Samuel Peffer, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; accidentally 
killed at Beaufort, S. C, June 2, 1862. 

Alonzo H. Rapp, must, in Feb. 9, 1864. 

Samuel Rise, must, in March 24, 1864 ; wounded at 
Spottsylvaaia C. H. May 12, 1864; died at Alex- 
andria, Va., Juue 7, 1864. 

Lewis Rahn, must, in Feb. 10, 1864; trans, to Vet. 
Res. Corps, date unknown. 

Tobias Richards, must, in Sept. 13, 1861; not on 
muster-out roll. 

Nathan Say lor, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; vet. 

AVm. S. Smith, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; vet. 

Lucas Smith, must, in Feb. 25, 1864. 

Alfred Snyder, must, iu Feb. 9, 1864. 

John W. Stoudt, must, in Feb. 12, 1864 ; must, out by 
G. O. May 26, 1865. 

Reuben Snyder, must, in Sept. 13, 18(31 ; captured 
May 12, 1864; died while prisuuer, date un- 
known ; vet. 

Philip Sigel, must, in Feb. 10, 1864 ; not on muster- 
out roll. 

Solomon Stoudt, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; wounded at 
Wilderness May 6, 1864 ; died at Washington, 
D. C, July 25, 1864 ; bur. in Nat. Cem., Arling- 
ton ; vet. 

Thomas Saylor, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; wounded 
at Wilderness May 9, 1864; died, date un- 
known ; vet. 

Daniel K. Sell, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certif. ; vet. 

Wm. Smith, must, in Sept. 13,1861 ; disch., date un- 
known. 

John Scott, must, in March 16, 1865, one year ; sub- 
stitute. 

David Snyder, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; wounded at 
Chantilly Sept. 1, 1862; disch. Feb. 14, 1863. 

Nicholas Sassaman, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; died at 
Washington, D. C, Oct. 12, 1861 ; bur. in Mili- 
tary Asylum Cem. 

Mayberry Swoyer, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; wounded 
at Chantilly Sept. 1, 1861; disch. Feb. 14, 1863. 

Sam. B. Smith, must, in Feb. 25, 1864; not on mus- 
ter-out roll. 

Joseph Tobias, must, in Feb. 11, 1864; killed at Pe- 
tersburg June 24, 1864 ; bur. in 9th Corps Cem., 
Meade Sta., Va. 

George Turner, must, in Sept. 13,1861; disch. on 
surg. certif., date unknown ; vet. 

George Thompson, must, in March 18, 1865, one 
year ; substitute. 

Charles L. Ulrich, must, in Feb. 27, 1864; killed at 
Petersburg June 17, 1864. 



Levi Valentine, must, in Sept. 21, 1864, one year ; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. Aug. 16, 1865. 
Israel Walmer, must, in Sept. 13,1861; absent at 

muster-out; vet. 
Isaac R. Weisor, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; vet. 
John H, Whitman, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; vet. 
Dallas Weutzal, must, in Sept. 13. 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 28, 1864, expiration of term. 
Leonard Wynings, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; must. 

out Sept. 28, 1864, expiration of term. 
William Weiser, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 28, 1864, expiration of term. 
William Wertz, must in Feb. 23, 1865, one year ; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. May 9, 1865. 
Henry Williams, must, iu March 11, 1865, one year; 

substitute. 
Joseph Walmer, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; killed at 

Petersburg June 17, 1864; bur. in 9th Corps 

Cem., Meade Sta., Va. ; vet. 
M. Weidenhamer, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; discli. 

Jan. 7, 1863. 
John Wynings, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; died at New- 
port News, Va., Aug. 6, 1862. 

Captain Henry A. Lantz was a native 
of Reading, iiaving been born at tiiis place on 
May 26, 1825. He was a grandson of Peter 
Ain-and, sheritf of Berks County from 1815 to 
1817. He carried on a book-store at Reading 
for a number of years, and then became the pub- 
lisher of the Reading Tinvs, which he conduct- 
ed with great ability till the breaking out of the 
Civil War. Its successful establishment was at- 
tributable to his energy and good management. 
He then sold it to Whitman & Haas, and en- 
listed in the fall of 1861 as a private in Co. E, 
Fiftieth Regiment P. V., for three years' service. 
Shortly afterward he received the appointment 
of sergeant-major, and accompanied the first ex- 
pedition to South Carolina. There he displayed 
much bravery and was promoted in consequence 
to first lieutenant ; and uj)ou the resignation of 
Capt. William Diehl he was made captain, in 
February, 1863. He was shot before Petersburg 
on June 17, 1864, and instantly killed; and his 
body was decently interred under a large oak- 
tree near where he fell. He enjoyed the con- 
fidence of his entire company for his abilitv, 
bravery and exemplary life. 

CoiiPANY H. — This company was recruited 
at Reading, and was mustered out July 30, 1865, 
except where otherwise mentioned. 
Thomas S. Brenholtz, capt., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; 
pro. to lieut.-col. Sept. 30, 1861. 



THE CIVIL WAE. 



235 



Cuarles Parker, capt., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; pro. 

from 1st lieut. to capt. Oct. 21, 1861 ; killed in 

action at Pocotaligo, S. C, Aug. 1, 1862. 
John A. Kodgers, capt., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; re- 
signed Sept. 19, 1862. 
H. E. Cleveland, capt., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; pro. 

from 1st sergt. to Ist lieut. Oct. 21, 1861 ; to capt. 

Dec. 19, 1862; died May 20, 1864, of wounds 

received at Spottsylvania C. H., May 12, 1864. 
John A. Snyder, capt., must, in Sept. 10, 1861; pro. 

from sergt. to l.st sergt. ; to 1st lieut. Nov. 26, 

1864 ; to capt. April 17, 1865 ; vet. 
Henry T. Kendall, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 10, 1861; 

pro. from corp. to 1st lieut. ; to adjt. May 3, 1864; 

vet. 
Harrison S. Gechter, 1st lieut., mu.'-t. in Sept. 10, 1861 ; 

pro. from sergt. to 1st sergt. ; to 1st lieut. May 15, 

1864 ; resigned Oct. 27, 1864 ; vet. 
Joseph V. Kendall, Ist lieut., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; 

prisoner from May 12, 1864, to March 30, 1865; 

pro. from corp. to sergt. ; to 1st sergt. ; to 1st 

lieut. May 21, 1865 ; vet. 
Robert R. Taylor, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 10, 1861; 

resigned March 28, 1864. 
Henry S. Francis, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; 

wounded May 12, 1864 ; pro. to corp. ; to sergt. ; 

to 2d lieut. May 18, 1865; vet. 
Henry Carl, 1st sergt., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; pro. to 

corp. ; to sergt.; to 1st sergt. May 2, 1865 ; vet. 
John S.'llendricks, sergt., must, in Sept. 10, 1861; 

jiro. to Corp.; to sergt.; captured May 12, 1864 ; 

vet. 
Patrick Sullivan, sergt., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; pro. 

from private to sergt.; vet. 
Henry ,\nthony, sergt., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp.; to sergt. May 21, 1865 ; vet. 
Harrison Fry, sergt., must, in Sept. 18, 1861 ; pro. to 

c<)ri>-; to sergt. May 21, 1865 ; wounded and pris. 

May 12, 1864; vet. 
Franklin Stoneback, sergt., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; 

pro. from private to sergt.; killed at Spottsylvania 

C. H., May 12, 1864; vet. 
James M. Kissinger, sergt, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; 

disch. on surg. certif., date unknown. 
Julius Kurkowski, corp., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp.; mis. in action May 12, 1864; vet. 
George Miller, corp., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; pro. to 

Corp. April 1, 1865; vet. 
Harrison Briel, corp., must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; pro. to 

Corp.; vet. 
Harrison Neider, corp., must, in Sept. ^10, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp. April 1, 1865 ; vet. 
James Duncan, corp., must, in Feb. 12, 1864; pro. to 

corp. April 1, 1865 ; vet. 
Michael Neider, corp., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; pro. 

to corp. May 21, 1865 ; vet. 
John R. Davis, corp., must, in April 8, 18G4; pro. to 

corp. May 21, 1865 ; vet. 



Benjamin H. Frederick, corp., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; 

trans, to Vet. Res. Corps March 24, 1865 ; vet. 
David Burkett, corp., must, in Sspt. 10, 1861 ; died 

May 11, 1863. 
Moses Wadsworth, corp., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; 

disch. on surg. certif., date unknown. 
David D.impman, musician, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 
William Keller, nmsician, must, in Feb. 11, 1864. 
George Devinney, musician, must, in Sept. 30, 1861 ; 

died Jan. 24, 1864, of wounds received at Blue 

Springs, Ten n.; buried at Knoxville ; grave 100. 

Privates. 

Daniel Albert, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. 

Jacob Adder, must, in Sept. 19, 1864, one year; 
drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 2, 1865. 

W. P. Brownback, must, in Feb. 22, 1864. 

Morris Boyer, must, in March 10, 1865, one year; 
substitute. 

Albert Baker, must, in March 11, 1865, one year; 
substitute. 

Isaac Behney, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 
29, 1864, expiration of term. 

George Bogardus, must, in Sept. 30, 1861 ; must, out 
Sept. 29, 1864, expiration of term. 

Jacob Baker, must, in Sept. 21, 1864, one year; 
drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 

Michael Boyer, must, in Sept. 21, 1864, one year ; 
drafted; disch. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 

Nicholas Blichner, must, in Sept. 23, 1864, one year; 
drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 

Azariah Broadstone, must, in Sept. 10, 1861; died 
June 13, 1864, of wounds received at Spottsyl- 
vania C. H., May 12, 1864; buried in National 
Cemetery, Arlington, Va. ; veteran. 

William Barr, must, in Feb. 9, 1864 ; died at Wash- 
ington, D. C, June 26, 1864; buried at Alexan- 
dria, Va. ; grave 2253. 

F. George Batzel, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certif, date unknown. 

Benjamin Bolton, must, in Sejit. 10, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certif, date unknown. 

John Becker, mu^t. in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 
certif, date unknown. 

Isaac Briel, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; not on muster- 
out roll. 

Francis G. Boucher, must, in March 3, 1864; not on 
muster-out roll. 

John Cogswell, must, in March 13, 1865, one year; 
substitute. 

Ebenezer Cully, must, in March 11, 1865, one year ; 
substitute. 

George Cummings, must, in July 12, 1864; drafted : 
absent, sick, at muster out. 

Alban Clay, must, in Sept. 30, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 
29, 1864, exp. ofterm. 

Isaac Coates, must, in Sept. 20, 1864, one year; 
drafted ; disch. by G. 0. June 1, 1865. 



236 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXNSYLVANIA. 



Jacob Clark, must, in Sept. 21, 1864, oue year; 
drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 1, 186.5. 

Benjamin Couch, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; taken pris- 
oner Dec. 14, 1863; died at Anderaonville, Ga., 
July 11, 1864 ; grave 3430. 

Israel Cook, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch on surg. 
cerlif., date unknown. 

Amos Cole, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; not on muster- 
out roll. 

Lewis Crater, nuist. in Sept. 10, 1861 ; prS. to com.- 
sergt. May 1, 1862. 

James Connelly, must, in March 10, 1864; not on 
muster-out roll. 

John Donivan, must, in March 11, 1865 ; substitute ; 
disch. by G. O. Aug. 16, 1865. 

William Dun lap, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; veteran. 

John C. Dehart, must, in Sept. 30, 1861 ; must, out 
Sept. 29, 1864, exp. of term. 

John A. Dunmire, must, in Sept. 21, 1864, one year; 
drafted ; disch. by G. 0. June 1, 1865. 

Andrew Deibert, must, in Feb. 23, 1865, one year; 
drafted ; disch, by G. 0. May 11, 1865. 

Thomas S. Drake, must, in Sept. 21, 1864, one year; 
substitute; disch. by G. 0. June 1, 1865. 

William Deckert, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certif., date unknown. 

William Dreber, must, in Sept. 10, 1861; died Nov. 
4. 1862; buried in National Cemetery, Antietam, 
Md., sec. 26, lot D, grave 368. 

John Eagle, must, in March 7, 1865, one year ; sub- 
stitute. 

Julius Eiigleman, must, in Sept. 10, 1861; must, out 
Sept. 29, 1864, exp. of term. 

James Egau, must, in March 13, 1865, one year ; sub- 
stitute. 

William Ellis, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certif, date unknown. 

Joseph Everdale, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; not on 
muster-out roll. 

John Fritz, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; veteran. 

Daniel Fritz, must, in Sept. 10, 1865 ; veteran. 

Jacob Fry, must, in March 13, 1865, one year; sub- 
stitute. 

Peter Finkboon, must, in March 18, 1864; disch. by 
G. 0. May 24, 1865. 

Lewis Folk, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; killed at Bull 
Run Aug. 29, 1862. 

John F'rancis, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 
certif. ; date unknown. 

Franklin Gresley, must, in March 10, 1865, one year ; 
substitute; disch. by G. (). July 11, 1865. 

Jacob Gliniser, must, in iMarch 11, 1865, one year; 
substitute. 

Michael Grogan, must, in March 11, 1865 ; substitute ; 
absent, wounded, at muster out. 

Keith Gilmore, must, in April 2, 1864; killed in ac- 
tion at Norfolk Railroad June 18, 1864. 

George Gersteuinayer, must, in Sept. 10, 1851 ; disch. 
on surg. certif., date unknown. 



Isaac Gross, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif., date unknown. 
Peter Heller, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; veteran. 
George Heller, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; veteran. 
William Himmelreich, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; vet. 
John Haas, must, in March 7, 1865, one year ; sub- 
stitute. 
Robert Hayes, must, in March 11, 1865, one year ; 

substitute. 
John Hill, must, in March 13, 1865, one year; sub- 
stitute. 
John Hickman, must, in March 15, 1865, one year; 

substitute. 
George Homan, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 29, 1864, exp. of term. 
Jonathan Holmes, must, in Sept. 27, 1864, one year; 

substitute; disch. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
David Herring, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; killed at 

Chantilly, Va., Sept. 1, 1862. 
John Hartman, must, in March 26, 1862; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Henry J. Heinerts, must, in March 3, 1864; not on 

muster-out roll. 
William Ingram, must, in Sept. 27, 1864, one year ; 

substitute ; disch. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
Lewis Jacob, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; died Oct. 

15, 1862. 
Samuel Kissick, must, in Feb. 12, 1864. 
George Kunsman, must, in Feb. 29, 1864 ; absent, 

wounded, at muster out. 
Henry Kepple, must, in April 6, 1864. 
William Kesler, must, in March 11, 1865 ; substitute. 
John Keen, must, in Sept. 26, 1861 ; veteran. 
Gottleib Kugle, must, in March 13,1865, one year ; 

substitute. 
Patrick Kaden, must, in April 9, 1864; died at Phila- 
delphia, Pa., Aug. 29, 1864. 
Charles Keen, must, in Sept. 26, 1861 ; died Aug. 

17, 1862. 
Peter Katzmoyer, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; di.sch. on 

surg. certif., date unknown. 
James A. Lowry, must, in Sept. 21, 1884, one year; 

drafted; disch. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
James Lambert, mu>t. in March 13, 1865; substitute ; 

disch. by G. O. June 16, 1865. 
Michael Miller, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; veteran. 
John Meek, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; veteran. 
Christian Merkle, must, in March 15, 1865, one year; 

substitute ; absent, sick, at muster out. 
Benjamin F. Martin, must, in Sept. 28, 1864, one 

year; substitute ; disch. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
Samuel F. MiHbrd, must, in Sept. 28, 1864, one year; 

drafted ; disch. by G. 0. June 1, 1865. 
Jacob Miller, must, in Sept. 28, 1864, one year ; sub- 
stitute; disch. by G. O- June 1, 1865. 
Thomas S. Matson, must, in March 13, 1R65, one 

year ; substitute ; disch. by G. O. June 16, 1865. 
Jona-i Markley, must, in March 13, 1865, one year ; 

substitute ; disch. by G. O. June 24, 1865. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



Ferdinand Meinhart, must, in Sept. 10,1861; diseh. 

hy G. O. June 9, 1865; veteran. 
Moses Mattis, must, in Feb. 19, 18(54; jirisoner JIny 

12, 1864; died at Fortress Monroe, April 18, 
1865 ; buried at Hampton, Va. 

Charles Miller, must, in Feb. 9, 1864. 

,lohn H. Moyer, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; killed at 

Chantilly, Va., Sept. 1, 1862. 
Charles Moyer, must, in Sept. 18, 1861 ; died Dec. 

13, 1862. 

Christian Miller, must, in Se|)t. 10, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif., date unknown. 
John Mellon, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif.. date unknown. 
Joseph Miller, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif., date unknown. 
William F. M'Adams, must, in Feb. 2.'?, 1864. 
John McDonald, must, in JIarch 10, 1865 ; substitute ; 

absent, wounded, at muster out. 
John McNabb, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept 29, 1864, exp. of term. 
John Miller, must, in April 22, 1864; not on muster- 
out roll. 
Henry Nagle, must, in March 13, 1865, one year; 

substitute. 
M. Neidhammer, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; prisoner ; 

died at Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 30. 1864; veteran. 
Lafayette Neider, must, in March 25, 1862; prisoner 

bec,^4, 1863 ; died at Andersonville, Ga., July 

8, J 864; grave 3023. 
William Neibling, must, in March 10, 1865, one 

yenr ; substitute. 
John Nelf, must, in Sept. 10,1861; disch. on surg. 

certif., date unknown. 
William Neider, must, in Sept. 10,1861; disch. on 

surg. certif., date unknown. 
Frederick Patchen, must, in March 11, 1865, one 

year; substitute. 
Isaac Pyle, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; must, out Nov. 

17, 1804, to date Sept. 29, 1864, exp. of term. 
Jlichael Peternian, must, in Sept. 21, 1864, one year ; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
William G. Pierce, must, in Sept. 28, 1864, one year ; 

drafted ; disch. on surg. certif Dee. 29, 1864. 
C. Poffenberger, must, in March 7, 1865, one year ; 

substitute. 
D.avid Polm, must, in March 16, 1864. 
Fianklin Eeinart, must, in March 8, 1865, one year; 

substitute. 
Alexander Reinart, absent, sick, at muster out. 
John Eankin, must, in Sept. 21, 1864, one year; 

drafted ; disch. on surg. certif Dec. 29, 1864. 
John F. Roland, must, in Sept. 21, 1864, one year; 

drafted ; disch. by G. 0. June 1, 1865. 
James Rupert, must, in Sept. 21, 1864, one year; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
Mahlon Rhoads, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; trans, to 

Vet. Res. Corps March 3, 1865 ; veteran. 



H. Richardson, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; not on mus- 
ter-out roll. 
John Roorke, must, in April 12,1864 ; not on muster- 
out roll. 
Jacob Strunk, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; veteran. 
James Setzler, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; wounded at 
^ Spottsylvania C. H., May 9, 1864 ; veteran. 
J\\)el Searfress, must, in March 8, 1865, one year; 

substitute; absent, sick, at muster out. 
Rudcilph Solter, must, in March 13, 1865, one year; 

substitute. 
George Stark, must, in March 14, 1865, one year ; 

substitute. 
Samuel Souders, must, in Sept. 30, 1861, must, out 

Sept. 29, 1864, exp. of term. 
Daniel Sterner, must, in Sept. 30, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 29, 1864, exp. of term. 
Henry Schreffler, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Jan. 23, 1865; veteran. 
George Shaffer, must, in Sept. 21, 1864, one year; 

drafted; disch. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
Tatty Speer, must, in Sept. 20, 1864, one year ; drafted ; 

disch. by G. O. June 1, 1862. 
Hamilton Seitzingcr, must, in March 28, 1864 ; trans. 

to Vet. Res. Corps, May, 1865. 
David Schmale, nui.st. in Sept. 10, 1861 ; died July 17, 

1864, of wounds received at Petersburg ; veteran. 
John Slruhm, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; killed at 

Petersburg, June 28, 1864 ; buried in 9th Corps 

Cemetery, Meade Station, Va. ; veteran. 
Jacob Shager, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif, date unknown. 
Andrew Smouder, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
George Trumpe, must, in April 27, 1864; absent, 

wounded, at muster out. 
Andrew L. Turner, must, in Sept. 20, 1864, one year ; 

drafted, disch. by G. O. June 1, 1865. 
Charles Trexler, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif , date unknown. 
Dennis Toole, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; killed at 

Chantilly, Va., Sept. 1, 1862. 
Ezekiel Thomas, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg; certif, date unknown. 
William Wall, must, in April 22, 1865 ; not on muster- 
out roll. 
William Watkins, must, in March 13, 1865, one year ; 

substitute. 
John S. Wenner, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; prisoner 

from May 12, 1864, to April 30, 1865; di.,ch. by 

G. O. June 22, 1865 ; veteran. 
Jos. T. Watson, «iust. in Sept. 10, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif, date unknown. 
Thomas Williams, must, in April 22, 1864 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
William Yeager, must, in Feb. 8, 1864. 
John Youngblood, must, in Sept. 30, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif, Oct. 19, 1864. 



238 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



John Yerger, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 

29, 18(54. exp. of term. 
William Zumbrun, must, in March 13, 1865, one 

year; substitute. 

FIFTY-FIFTH EEGIMENT. 

The Fifty-fifth Regiment ^\-as recruited du- 
ring the summer and autumn of 1861, and in- 
cluded Co. B from Berks County. It was or- 
ganized at Harrisburg, and in November pro- 
ceeded to Fortress Monroe. There it was drilled 
and disciplined several weeks ; then moved to 
Port Royal. It experienced some service near 
Framptoii in October, 1862. For a year after- 
wr.rd it performed picket duty at Port Royal 
Ferry, ten miles from Beaufort. 

January 1, 1864, the major part of the men 
re-enlisted for a second term of three years, anil 
were given a furlough. In March the regi- 
ment returned to South Carolina, and in Ajiril 
it was stationed at Gloucester Point, o])j)osite 
Yorktown. Here it was assigned to the Third 
Brigade, Third Division in Tenth Corps, Ar- 
my of the James, and participated in the move- 
ments and engagements of this corps under the 
command of General Butler. It reached Rich- 
mond on April 25th, and encamped near by, 
performing fatigue and guard duty till the lat- 
ter part of July ; then it was stationed at differ- 
ent points surrounding Petersburg till it was 
mu.stered out of service on August 30, 1865. 

Company B. — This company was recruited 
at Robesonia, and was mustered out August 
30, 1865, except where otherwise mentioned : 

John C. Shearer, capt., must, in Oct. 17, 1861; must. 

out Nov. 7, 1864, exp. of term. 
Frank Z. Deppen, capt., must, in Sept. 17, 1861; pro- 

to Corp.; to sergt. April 4, 1864; to 1st sergt. ; to 

1st lieut. Apr. 14, 1835; to capt. June 9, 1865; vet. 
George M. Parsons, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 17, 1861; 

must, out Sept. 22, 1864, exp. of term. 
Elijah B.Smith, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 17, 1861; 

pro. to C(ir[). April 4, 1864; to sergt. July 1, 

1864; to 2d lieut. April 14, 1865; to 1st lieut. 

June 9, 1865. 
.\tlam M. Parsons, 2d lieut., must^in Sept. 17, 1861 

res. Feb. 7, 1862. 
Thomas G. Hughes, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 17, 1861; 

pro. from 1st sergt. Feb. 10, 1862; died at Hilton 

Head, S. C, Aug. 8, 1862. 
V. S. Bloomhall, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 17, 1861; 

pro. from sergt. Aug. 10, 1862 ; res. Sept. 22, 1864. 
John H. Kendall, 2d lieut., must, in Feb. 3, 1864; 



pro. to Corp. July 1, 1864; to 1st sergt. April 14, 

1864; to 2d lieut. July 10, 1865. 
James B. Ayres, 1st sergt., must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; 

killed at Petersburg, Va.. June 18, 1864; vet. 
Samuel Klahr, sergt., must, in Sept. 17, 1861; vet. 
George L. Burkbart, sergt., mu.st. in Sept. 17, 1861 ; 

com. 1st lieut. Sept. 24, 1864, and capt. Nov. 7, 

1864; not must.; vet. 
William Fessler, sergt., must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; pr •. 

to corp. April 4, 1864; to sergt. March 20, 1865 ; 

wounded April 6, 1865 ; abs. at must, out ; vet. 
William Reninger, sergt., must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp. ; to sergt. April 15, 1865 ; vet. 
George Shaffer, sergt., must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; pr". 

to corp. ; to sergt. ; disch. on surg. certif. Jan. 2.!, 

1865; vet. 
William H. Wenrich, si rgt., must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; 

died at Beaufort, S. C, July 5, 1863. 
William G. Smith, sergt., must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; 

died at Harrisburg, Pa., March 16, 1864. 
Ebf r Kt-llcy, corp., must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; vet. 
Franklin Berger, corp., must, in Sept. 17, 1861; pro. 

to corp. July 1, 1864; vet. 
Joshua Howe, corj)., must, in Sept. 17, 1861; pro. to 

corp. April 4, 1864; vet. 
George W. Miller, corp., must, in Sept. 17, 1861; pro. 

to corp. March 20, 1865 ; vet. 
M. M. Kalbach, corp., must, in Feb. 9, 1864; pro. to 

corp. April 15, 1865. 
George Farenbach, corp., must, in Feb. 2, 1864; pro. 

to corp. April 15, 1865. 
John Mohn, corp., mu^t. in Feb. 23, 1864; pro. to 

corp. July 23, 1865. 
Jacob Reif}' corp., must, in Oct. 5, 1863 ; drafted ; 

pro. to corp. July 23, 1865. 
Franklin Kern, corp.. must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. 

on surg. certif. Feb. 8, 1863. 
William D. Shearer, corp., must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; 

disch. on surg. certif. Feb. 27, 1865; vit. 
E. J. Froelich, corp., must, in Feb. 5, 18:54; captured; 

died at Salisbury, N. C, Nov. 25, 1864. 
Samuel Startzer, corp., must, in Sept. 17. 1861 ; died 

June 16, 1865; buried in Hollywood Cemetery, 

Richmond, Va. ; vet. 
John Garber, corp., must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; kil'e 1 at 

Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864; vet. 
Henry B. Dewald, mus., must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; vet. 
George W. Hackman, uuis., must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; vet. 

Privates. 

Reuben Althouse, must, in S. pt. 17, 1861 ; vet. 

Levi Artz, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 

.John Auraan, must, in Feb. 27, 1864; disch. on surg. 
certif. June 6, 1865. 

Jonathan Arnold, must, in Oct. 14, 1863; drafted; 
trans, to Co, C April 27, 1864. 

John A. Aulenbach, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; capt- 
ured ; died at Andersonville, Ga., July 24, 1864. 

James Artz, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



239 



Isaac Beckey, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 

Otto Berenes, mijst. in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 

Fidel Beirer, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 

Cyrus Binner, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 

John Bickliart, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 

Isaac Breniser, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 

Augustus Brady, must, in Feb. 24, 1804; disch. by G. 

O. July 20, 1805. 
Peter Burket, must, in Sept. 17, 18G1 ; killed at 

Drurv's BlufiMay 16, 1864; veteran. 
Benjamin Bechtel, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; drowned 

at West Point, Va., May 29, 1864. 
John Brown, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; died July 20, 

1864; burial record, July 17, 1864, at Hampton, 

Va. 
Daniel Bodicher, must, in Jan. 1, 1864; died at 

Hampton, Va., June 28, 1864, of wounds received 

in action ; veteran. 
Jeremiah Baker, must, in Sept. 17, 1801 ; died Aug. 7, 

1864; veteran. 
William Brady, must, in Oct. 2, 1863; drafted. 
Andrew Blacher, must, in March 2, 1864 ; prisoner 

from Sept. 29, 1864, to March 9, 1SG5 ; disch. by 

G. O. June 13, 1866. 
William Carr, must, in Feb. 15, 1864. 
Peter Oaten, must, in Oct. 7, 1863; drafted; trans, to 

Co. C April 27, 1864. 
John M. Clouse, must, in Feb. 9, 1864; killed at 

Druoj's Bluff, Va., May 16, 1864. . 
Charles Devil, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
Elijah Dewald, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 
.Tames Dillen, must, in Jan. 28, 1865, one year. 
Anthony Darnbach, must, in March 4, 1865, one 

year. 
George Daumiller, must, in July 26, 1864, one year; 

disch. by G. O. June 12, 1865. 
John Decrone, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. April 24, 1863. 
Thomas Davis, must, in Oct. 5, 1863 ; drafted ; died at 

Hampton, Va., Aug. 30, 1864. 
.James Ely, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. June 26, 1863. 
John Eick, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; trans, to 1st Regt. 

U. S. Art. May, 1863. 
William H. Fry, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
William R. Feather, must, in Feb. 2, 1864. 
William J. Foucht, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; absent, 

sick, at must, out ; veteran. 
John Fink, must, in Aug. 13, 1864, one year; disch. 

by G. O. June 12, 1865. 
Isaac S. Fry, must, in Feb. 27, 1864 ; disch. by G. O. 

June 12, 1865. 
William Fink, must, in Sept. 17, 1S61 ; veteran. 
Peter Grimes, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 
Thomas Gregg, must, in Feb. 9, 1864. 
Edward H. Granger, must, in July 20, 1S6H; drafted ; 

trans, to Co. C April 27, 1864. 
Cyrus W. Grime, must, in Feb. 2, 1864; disch. by G. 

O. May 24, 1865. 



John Grimes, must, in Feb. 4, 1864 ; died May 11, 

1864 ; burial record May 17, 1864, at Beaufort, 

S. C. 
Nathaniel Gay. 
Charles Grimm, must, in Jan. 19, 1865 ; disch. by G. 

O.May 3,1865. 
Adam Groff, must, in Feb. 12, 1864. 
J^;ob S. Hine, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
Willliam Hoffner, must, in Sept. 17, 1861; veteran. 
Patrick Hickey, must, in Oct. 2, 1863; drafted. 
Elias Howe, must, in Feb. 27, 1864. 
Abraham Hackman, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; kille<l at 

Cold Harbor, Va., June 4, 1864. . 
Samuel Heft, must, in Feb. 23, 1864; died June 11, 

1864, of wounds received at Cold Harbor, Va., 

June, 1864. 
William S. Hawk, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; died July 

26, 1864, of wounds received in action ; buried at 

Hampton, Va. 
Joseph W. Hughes, must, in April 15, 1862; pro. to 

hosp. atew. June 3, 1862. 
William Idle, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 
John J. Jones, must, in Sept 17, 1861 ; died at 

Beverly, N. J., Aug. 27, 1864. 
James Katen, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
Martin Kline, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 
John Kenney, must, in Feb. 22, 1864. 
William Kintzey, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 
Joseph Kissinger, must, in Feb. 4, 18G4. 
Frank Kenimerer, must, in Feb. 27, 1865, one year. 
John C. Keller, must, in Feb. 3, 1864. 
John Keiffly, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. June 6, 1865; veteran. 
Franklin Kern, must, in Feb. 24, 1864; disch. on 

surg. certif. March 24, 1865. 
George Katterman, must, in Sept. 5, 1864, one year ; 

disch. by G. O. June 12, 1865. 
Abraham F. Kline, must, in Feb. 15, 1864; disch. on 

surg. certif. July 21, 1865. 
Jacob Koons, must, in Feb. 13, 1864; died .Tune 12, 

1864, of wounds received at Cold Harbor, Va., 

June, 1864. 
Benjamin Katterman, must, in Sept. 17, 1861; killed 

at Petersburg July 27, 1864; veteran. 
Abraham Kinard, must, in July 21,1863; drafted; 

died at Philadelphia, Pa., July 21, 1864. 
Benneville Klopp, must, in Sept. 17, 1861; not on 

muster-out r<ill. 
Martin H. Lorah, mu.st. in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
John Layman, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
John Langton, must, in Oct. 2, 1863 ; drafted. 
.Tohn W. Legg, must, in Oct. 5, 1863 ; drafted ; trans. 

to Co. C April 27, 1864. 
Robert Leonard, must, in Oct. 7, 1863; drafted. 
William H. Madary, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
Barney Muck, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
William Manderbach, must, in Sept. 17, 1S61 ; 

veteran. 
John G. Moyer, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 



L'40 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PP]NNSYLVANIA. 



Kitbard Moliri, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 

John A. Mathew, must, in Feb. 12, 1864. 

( reorge N. Mover, must, in Feb. 5, 1864. . 

.Tdbii Moroney, must, in Oct. 29, 18G1 ; drafted ; trans, 
to Co. C April 27, 1864. 

L-jiuic Maclimcr, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; died June 11, 
1864, of wounds received at Bermuda Hundred, 
Va.; burial record, June 6, 1804; buried at 
Hampton, Va. ; veteran. 

Frunklin J. Miller, must, in Feb. 23, 1864; died June 
26, 1864, of wounds received at Cold Harbor, Va', 
June, 1864 ; buried in National Cemetery, Arl- 
ington, Va. 

Jacob Minder, must, in July 20, 1863; drafted; died 
June 10, 1864, of wounds received at Cold Har- 
bor, Va., June, 1864. 

Jlorris Menderbach, must, in Feb. 16, 1864; died at 
Point of Rocks, Va., Nov. 14, 1864. 

C'lrnclius Mabouay, must, in Oct. 7, 1863; drafted. 

AV.Uinm R. Miller, must, in Sept. 5,1864; pro. to 
principal musician Nov. 1. 1864. 

John K. Nicholas, must, in Sept. 17, 1861; died July 

11, 1864, of wounds received in action June 17, 
1864; buried at Hampton, Va. 

John Norris, must, in Sept. 17, 1861; accidentally 

killed at Edisto Island, S. C, June 21, 1862. 
Henry Uberdorf, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; killed at 

Cold Harbor June 3, 1864. 
Frederick Putt, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
Mo»es Price, mast, in Feb. 12, 1864. 
Franklin Putt, must, in Feb. 27, 1864; killed at Cold 

Harbor June 3, 1864. 
A. Pafl'enberger, must, in March .3, 1864; died Aug. 

31, 18(}4; bnried in Cypress Hill Cemetery, L. I. 
Josiah Rittenhouse, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
James Reifsnyder, must, in Feb. 12, 1864; absent, 

sick, at muster out. 
.lohn Ralhman, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 
I harles Rudy, must, in Feb. 19, 1864. 
Thci;dore Reisber, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. April 16, 1863. 
James Keifsnyder, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; discb. on 

^urg. certif. June 2, 1863. 
Clunles T. Reisber, must, in Sept. 20, 1864, one 

year; disch. by G. O. June 12, 186-5. 
Josejih Rambo, must, in Oct. 12, 1861; must, out Oct. 

6, 1864, e.xp. of term. 
George Ruby, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 

29, 1864, exp. of term. 
Daniel Rich, must, in Oct. 12,1861; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps July 1, 1863. 
James C. Robinson, must, in Sept. 29, 1863; drafted; 

trans, to Co. C April 27, 1864. 
'J'hiinias Ryan, must, in Oct. 2, 1863; drafted ; trans. 

to Co. C Apiil 27, 1864. 
S.imuel Reichert, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; died Sept. 

12, 1862; burial record, Sept. 23, 1862, at Beau- 
fort, S. C. 



Michael K. Ruth, must, in Feb. 12,1864; killed at 

Petersburg June 18, 1864. 
William Reifsnyder, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; died 

July 30, 1864, of wounds received in action ; 

veteran. 
Henry F. Rohrer, must, in Feb. 3, 1864; died near 

Richmond, Va., July 9, 1865. 
H. Rothenberger. 

John T. Stamm, must, in Sept. 17, 1861; veteran. 
George Strickler, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
John Swarlens, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
H. A. Showalter, must, in Feb. 20, 1864. 
Benjamin Stefi'ey, must, in Feb. 16, 1864. 
John Steffey, must, in Feb. 16, 1864. 
Henry Snyder, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
John Sheppard, must, in Dec. 14, 1864; one year. 
Joseph Smith, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Feb. 16, 1863. 
George Shearer, trans, to Co. — at Camp Curtin, Pa., 

Oct. 1, 1861. 
Francis Salada, must, in Feb. 3, 1864 ; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps, date unknown. 
Joseph Summers, must, in Oct. 2, 1863 ; drafted ; 

trans, to Co. C April 27, 1864. 
Moses Spicher, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; died at Beau- 
fort, S. C, July 22, 1863. 
Israel Strawbridge, must, in July 21, 1863 ; drafted ; 

died Dec. 18, 1863; burial record, March 22, 1864, 

at Beaufort, S. C. 
James A. Seidle, must, in Feb. 23, 1864; died at 

Beaufort, S. C, April 10, 1864. 
William Stutzman, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; killed at 

Petersburg June 18, 1864; veteran. 
Jacob Schoeneck, must, in Oct. 20, 1861 ; died July 

9, 1864, of wounds received in action ; buried in 

National Cemetery, Arlington, Va. 
Jacob A. Snyder, must, in Feb. 23, 1864; captured ; 

died at Salisbury, N. C, Feb. 5, 1865. 
Amos R. Stout, must, in Feb. 9, 1864; captured ; died 

at Salisbury, N. C, Feb. 22, 1865. 
Amos Steffy. 
Christian Stefty, must, in Aug. 6, 1864, one year; not 

on muster-out roll. 
Thomas Tyson, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
Philij) Tolc, must, in Feb. 23, 1864 ; disch. by G. O. 

June 25, 1865. 
William Tyson, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. June 2, 1863. 
James Tyson, must, in Jan. 25, 1864 ; captured ; died 

at Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 13, 1864. 
Cyrus Ulrich, muat. in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
George H. Valentine, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 
James Wiggins, must, in Jan. 23, 1865. 
Jonathan Wartman, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
Sylvester Wood, must, in Sept. 17, 1861; veteran. 
John Wilhelm, must, in Feb. 20, 1864 ; absent, sick, 

at muster-out. 
W. S. Williams, must, in Feb. 17, 1864. 
David S. Weiaut, must, in Feb. 25, 1S64. 



THE CIVIL* WAR, 



241 



John Weidner, must, in Feb. 23, 1864; wounded June 

19, 18t>4 ; absent at mmter out. 
Joseph Weike, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; veteran. 
William Williams, must, in Sept. 17, 1861; disch. on 

surg. certif. June 6, 1865 ; veteran. 
Frederick Walters, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Jan. 9, 1863. 
Peter Weinberger, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. April 7, 1863. 
Levi A. Weike, must, in March 1, 1864; disch. by G. 

O. June 23, 1865. 
Joseph White, must, in Sept. 17, 1861; disch. on 

surg. certif. June, 1864. 
Thomas Walton, must, in July 24, 1863; drafted; 

trans, to Uo. C April 27, 1864. 
George Wilson, must, in Oct. 3, 1863; drafted ; trans. 

to Co. April 27, 18o4. 
Adam Weike, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; killed at Cold 

Harb! r, Va,, June 3, 1864. 
.fames Weidner, must, in Sept. 17, 18(!1 ; died Sept. 3, 

1864, of wounds received in action ; buried at 

Hampton, Va. 
Peter Weiuhill, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Jacob S. Young, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 

FIFTY-NINTH HEtllMENT. 

The Fifty-ninth Regiment, or Second Caval- 
ry, incliiflcd some men who were recruited in 
]jerk.s County, and became part of Company 
K, under command of Captain Chauncey. It 
experienced much severe marching and partici- 
l)ated in a numher of battles, prominent among 
them being Bull Run, Chantilly, Gettysburg 
and the Wilderness campaign. It was present 
at the surrender at Appomattox and participated 
in the grand review at Washington on May 23, 
1865. It was mustered out of service at Cloud's 
Mill, Ya., on July 13, 1865. 

Company K. — The following men of the 
company were recruited at Reading: 

Stephen H. Edgett, capt., must, in Nov. 12, 1861; pro. 

to capt. March 17, 1865 ; disch. June 14, 1865. 
J. P. Heister Jones, lat lieut., must, in Nov. 12, 1861; 

resigned June 22, 1863. 
Wm. F. Dougherty, 1st lieut., must, in Nov. 30, 1861; 

captured at Charles City Cross-Roads, Va., Aug. 

16, 1864; disch. Dec. 16, 1864. 
William B. Graul. 1st lieut., must, in Nov. 30, 1861 ; 

pro. to 1st lieut. Sept. 7, 1864; disch. Nov. 25, 1864. 
Benneville Ehrgood, 2d lieut., must, in May 1, 1862; 

resigned Jan. 3, 1863. 
James M. Long, corp., must, in March 3, 1862; cap- 
tured; disch. by G. O. June 28, 1865. 



Private. 
Benjamin F. Buck, must, in Nov. 12, 1861; captured; 

died at Andersonville, Ga., Aug, 8, 1864; grave 

5082. 
William Butz, must, in Nov. 12, 1861; captured; 

died at Richmond, Va., Feb. 22, 1864. 
George W. Butz, must, in April 5, 1862 ; trans, to Co. 

K., 1st Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
John G. Butz, must, in April 5, 1862; trans, to Co. K, 

1st Pro. Cav,, June 17, 1865. 
William Cole, must, in Nov. 12, 1861 ; trans, to Co. K, 

1st Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
Frederick Coster, must, in Nov. 12, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

K, 1st Pro. Cav.. June 17, 1865. 
Henry H. Call, must, in Dec. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Co. M ; 

vet. 
James Calvert, must, in Dec. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Co. M ; 

vet. 
Dennis Dreskill, must, in Nov. 19, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

M ; vet. 
Henry GraeflT, must, in Nov. 26, 1861 ; captured; trans. 

to Co. K, 1st Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865; vet. 
John Heck, must, in Nov. 12, 1861 ; trans', to Co. M ; 

vet. 
Conrad Heisel, must, in Nov. 12, 1861; died at Din- 
widdle C. H., Va. 
Henry Hineman, must, in Nov. 26, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

K, l>t Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
James Kistler, must, in Nov. 12, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

K, 1st Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
Matthew Moyer, must, in March 7, 1864; trans, to 

Co. K, 1st Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
John Madara, must, in Nov. 12, 1861; must, out Dec. 

24, 1864, exp. of term. 
Lawrence Morden, must, in Dec. 7, 1861; must, out 

Dec. 24, 1864, exp. of term. 
John Murkett, must, in Dec. 17, 1861; must, out Dec. 

24, 1864, exp. of term. 
W. M. Miller, must, in March 12, 1861; must, out 

Dec. 24, 1864, exp. of term. 
Mahlon Nine, must, in Nov. 30, 1861 ; must, out Dec. 

24,1864, exp. of term. 
Adam Ripple, must, in Nov. 12, 1861; trans, to Co. 

K,, 1st Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
Jones Hash, must, in Nov. 25, 1861 ; trans, to Co. K, 

1st Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
Jacob Roland, must, in Nov. 30, 1861 ; trans to Co, 

K, 1st Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
Joseph Ruth, must, in Nov. 30, 1861; trans, to Co. K, 

1st Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
John K. Strickter, must, in Nov. 19, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

M. 
Charles H. Smeck, must, in Dec. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

M. 
Hemry Whitman, must, in Dec. 17, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

M. 

SEVENTIETH REGIMENT. 

The Seventieth Regiment, or Sixth Cavalry, 



HISTORY OF BERKS tTOUXTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



■\v:is composed almost entirelv of Philadelpbia 
men, excepting Company G, which was re- 
cruited at Reading, under command of Captain 
George E. Clymer. It participated in the 
Peninsula campaign, and in various engage- 
ments, the most prominent of which were 
Antietam and Gettj-sburg. Subsequently it took 
part in the Virginia campaign, and in the 
famous raid by General Sheridan. It was also 
present at the surrender at Appomattox, and 
]>articipated in the grand review at ^^'ashington. 
It was mustered out of service at liOuisville, 
Ky., August 7, I860. 

Company G. — This company was recruitetl 
at Heading. 

George E. Clymer, capt., must, in Aug. 8, ISCl ; pro. 

to maj. March 29, 1862. 
Henry P. iluirheid, capt., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; 

pro. from 1st lieut. Co. A March 29, 1862 ; disch. 

on surg. certif. .ipril 2, 1863. 
Henry Winsor, Jr., capt., must, in Oct. 14, 1861 ; pro. 

Irom fcmmissary Aug. 10, 1863 ; disch. July 28, 

1864. 
Edward "Whiteford, capt., must, in May 28, 1863 ; 

pro. from commissary Feb. 10, 1865 ; disch. June 

20, 1865. 
Augustus F. Bert'^lette, l.st licut.,niust. in Aug. 8,1861; 

disch. April 5, 1862. 
Emlen N. Carpenter, 1st lieut.. must, in Sept. 1.3, 1861 ; 

pro. from 2d lieut. Co. D to 1st lieut. April 1.5, 

1862; to capt. Co. E .\pril 16, 1863. 
Eugene P. Bertrand, 1st lieut., must, in Aug. 29, 1831 ; 

pro. from 2d lieut. Co. K March 1, 1863; must. 

out Oct. 31. 1864, e.xp. of term. 
Charles A. Vernon, 1st lieut., must, in Feb. 19, 1865; 

I TO. to 1st lieut. Feb. 19, I860 ; to capt. Co. D 

March 22, 1865. 
T. Campbell Oakinan, 1st lieut., must, in March 4, 

1865 ; pro. Irom 2d to 1st lieut. March 22, 1865 ; 

to capt. Co. A March 27, 1865. 
William B. Call, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; disch. 

Nov. 29, 1861. 
Osgood Welch, 2d lieut., must, in July 29, 1862; 

disch. Sept. 19, 1863. 
John Liiird, 2d lieut., must, in May 7, 1805; pro. to 

1st lieut. Co. D June 9, 1865. 
John D. Koch, 1st sergt., must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Henry Umpleby, q.ra. -sergt., must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Thomas Best, sergt., must, in Aug. 8. 1861. 
.John R. Smith, sergt., must, in Aug. 8, 1801 ; trans. 

to Co. M, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865 ; veteran. 
Christian Huber, sergt., must, in Aug. 8, 1801. 
William G. Gummcre, sergt., must, in Oct. 2, 1802; 

pro. tocorp. Jan. 1, 1805; to sergt. May 31, 1805; 

disch. by G. O. June 20, 1865. 



John A. Mover, sergt., must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; tr.ius. 

to Co. M, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865; veteran. 
John J. Huntzinger, sergt., must in Nov. 29, 1S61 ; 
must, out Dec. 17, 1864, exp of term. 
, Robert Henderson, sergt., must, in Aug. 6, 1862: pro. 
' to Corp. Dec 1, 1864 ; to sergt. Feb. 1, 18Jo ; 

I disch. by G. 0. June 20, 1865. 

] William Hobeson, corp., must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
j Thomas Walker. Corp., must, in Aug. 8. 1861. 
' James A. McMichael, corp , must in Aug. 8, 1861. 
' Martin S. Goodhart, Corp., must, in Aug 8, 1801. 
Michael Fritz, Corp., must, in Aug 8. 1861. 
Samuel Phillips, corp., must, in Aug. S. 1801. 
Mandon Rauch, Corp., must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Penrose W. Mengel, Corp., must, in Aug. 8, 18'>1. 
John B. Mover, corp., must, in .\ug. 8, 1801; must. 

out Dec. 13, 1864. exp. of term. 
E Ivv ird Keisler, corp., must, in Nov 5. 1804. two 
ye.irs; trans, to Co. G, 2d Pro. C.iv , June 17, 
1865. 
Edward F. Goheen, blacksmith, must, in Aug. 8, 

1861. 
Nicholas Burfchart, farrier, must, in .\ug. 8, 1801. 
Isaac Steffy, saddler, must, in .4ug. 8. 1861. 
John G. Reiser, bugler, must, in Aug. S, 1861. 

. Joseph Winters, bugler, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 

I 

Priva/e.t. 

Samuel Armpriestcr, must, in .Vug. 8, ISTl. 
Anthony Aberle, must, in Ojt. 9, 1801 ; mu^t. out 

Dec. 7, 1804, exp. of term. 
Lewis Bower, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Tellamac Burket, mut. in Aug. 8, 1861 : trans, to Co. 

G, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865 ; veteran. 
John Builer, must, in Aug. 8, 1801 ; died Dec. 9, 

1S63 ; buried in Military Asylum Cemetery, D. C. 
John K. Becker, must, in Aug. 8. 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

M, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1835; veteran. 
Benjamin F. Boyer, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Hiram Barder, must, in Aug. 8, 1861; trans, to Co M, 
I 2d Pro. Cav., June 27, 1805; veteran. 

j Cyrus Boone, must, in Aug. S, 18.il ; veter in. 

Emanuel Bechtel, must, in Aug. 8. 1801. 
: Aaron S. Boyer, must, in .\ug. 8, 1801. 

Joseph Bennett, must, in Jan. 5, 1834 ; disch. by G. O. 
j May 25, 1865. 

Jacob BuUinger, must, in ,T.in. 1,1814; trans ti Co. 

M. 2d Pro. Cav., June 17. 1805; veteran. 
James Barton, must, in Oct. 31, 1804, one year. 
Henry Blair, must, in .March 3. 1805. one year. 
John A. Dougherty, must, in .Aug. 8, 1801. 
Charles H. Dankle. must, in Aug. 8, 1801. 
H. R. Davidsheiser, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Franklin Dengler, must, in .\ug. 8, 1801. 
J. R. Dunklebcrger, must, in Aug. 8, 1831 ; trans, to 

Co. 51, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865; veteran. 
William H. Dean, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
John M. Knglehart, mu.st. in .\u;i;. 8. IS il ; tr.ms. to 

Co. M, 2J Pro. Cav., Juno 17, 1835; veteran. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



243 



Frederick Epler, muj^t. in Aug. 8, 1861. 

Joseph S Esttrly, niuat. in Aug. 8, 18G1. 

Peter Eckhart, must, in Nov. 9, 1864 ; disch. by G. O. 

May 31, 1865. 
Daniel H. Fasig, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Valentine W. Fisher, must, in Au?. 8, 1861. 
Henry Fireing, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
.John P. Felden, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Augustus Fall, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

M, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 186-'); veteran. 
James A. Fasig, must, in March 24, 18o.5, one year. 
IJenneville Goheen, must, in Aug. 8, 1861; trans, to 

Co. D, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865; veteran. 
John A. Gross, must, in Aug. 8, 18(31. 
John A. Griner, must, in March 30, 1864. 
Kobert Griffin, must, in Oct. 31, 1864, one year. 
-Varon P. Gring, must, in March 3, 1865, one year; 

trans, to Co. F, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
Hezekiah K. Gaul, must, in March 4, 1865, one year ; 

trans, to Co. F, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
Francis Harman, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Samuel Hover, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

M, 2J Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865 ; veteran. 
James R. Handwork, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Daniel Hoffman, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

H, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865 ; veteran. 
Harrison Howe, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; veteran. 
William Heckler, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

^, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865 ; veteran. 
William Harbeson, must, in Jan. 1, 1864; trans, to 

Co. L, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865 ; veteran. 
John H. Hamilton, must, in March 4, 1865, one year; 

tran.s. to Co. B, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
John Hoban, must, in March 9, 1865, one year ; 

trans, to Co. A, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
.John H. Johnson, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; trans, to 

Co. G, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865 ; veteran. 
John W. Kemp, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Jacob H. Kissinger, must, in March 3, 1865, one year; 

trans, to Co. F, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
Conrad Kilman, must, in Sept. 14, 1864, one year. 
Peter B. Lessig, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

M, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865 ; veteran. 
Evan Moyer, must in Aug. 8, 1861. 
.Joseph H. Marks, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; died Jan. 

9, 1863 ; buried in National Cemetery, Antietam, 

Md., section 26, lot E, grave 484. 
John Mell, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; trans, to Co. H, 2d 

Pro. Ca"., June 17, 1865 ; veteran. 
Charles F. Miller, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
William K. Masser, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Henry F. Miller, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Charles H. Miller, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; trans, to 

Co. M, 2d Pro. Cav., .tune 17, 1865; veteran. 
Joseph Morgan, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
G3^rge.^I)hr, must, in Feb. 4, 1835, one year. 
.John A. Mover, must, in Jan. 29, 1864. 
Williiim Mell, muit. in Feb. 25, 1864; died at Anna- 
polis, Md., Nov. 9, 1864. 



John Morrow, must, in March 9, 1865, one year ; 

trans, to Co. D, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1863. 
Samuel G. McNabb, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Daniel O'Brien, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
.John Pewterbaugh, must, in March 31. 1861; died 

March 16, 1865; buried iu National Cemetery, 

Winchester, Va:, lot 25. 
Martin V. Pabor, must, in Sept. 23, 1854, one year. 
Isaac K. Richards, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Samuel Rhoads, must, in Aug. 8, 1S61. 
William Reedy, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; veteran. 
William Reeser, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
John D. Roth, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Samuel Roth, must, in .Jan. 1, 1864; veteran. 
John B. Regan, mu.st. in .March 30, 1864. 
Lewis Richter, must, in Nov. 22, 1864; died, date 

unknown ; buried in National Cemetery, Win- 
chester, Va., lot 18. 
Isaac Steiff, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; trans, to Co. M, 

2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865; veteran. 
Andrew Simpson, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Peter R. Schlegel, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
William Sands, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; veteran. 
Daniel Strunk, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Henry Simmers, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Peter Stout, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G, 

2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865; veteran. 
John R. Stout, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; trans, to Co. G, 

2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865 ; veteran. 
William Sciders, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; veteran. 
Henry R. Sallada, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

G, 2d Pro. Cav., .June 17, 1865; veteran. 
John M. Setley, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

H, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865 ; veteran. 
Cornelius Strain, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Alexander L. Smith, must, in Aug. 8, 1831 ; veteran. 
John Schmale, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Mahlon Sands, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
William H. Schaffer, must, in Aug. 8, 1831 ; died at 

Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 16, l*Jl. 
Frederick Smith, ma-t. in Dec. 12, 1861; must, out 

Dec. 12, 1864, exp. of term. 
Edmund B. Stout, must, in Jan. 1, 1864; trans, to Co. 

G, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865; veteran. 
George H. Stout, must, in March 21, 1861 ; died at 

Lynchburg, Va., July 21, 1864. 
William Stout, must, in March 21, 1864. 
Charles H. Thompson, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one 

year; trans, to Co. I, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 186). 
Patrick Thomas, must, in March 9, 1865 ; trans, to 

Co. A, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865. 
Henry Ulrich, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Benjamin Weaver, must. Aug. 8, 1861. 
George Whitmoyer, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
John H. Weaver, must, in Aug. 8, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

G, 2d Pro. Cav., June 17, 1865 ; veteran. 
Henry S. Wright, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 
Samuel D. Warner, must, in Aug. 8, 1861. 



244 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTV, PENNSYLVANIA. 



SEVENTY FOURTH EEGIMEN'T. 

The Seventy-fourth Regiment included some 
men recruited in Berks County in Company G. 
Tiie regiment was mustered into service on Sep- 
tember 14, 1861. After breaking up winter- 
quarters at Hunter's Chapel', it particij)ated in 
the Peninsula campaign. Its first engagement 
was at Cross Keys, on June 8, 18G2 ; and the 
next near Groveton, on June 29-30. Subse- 
quently it participated in the battles of Chancel- 
lorsville and Gettysburg, and performed serv- 
ices in South Carolina, at Washington, and in 
West Virginia. The entire company is given — 
not being able to designate the men from Berks 
County. 

Company G. — This com])any was recruited 
in Adams and Berks Counties for one year, 
and was mustered out August 29, 1865, except 
where otherwise mentioned. 
William J. Bart, capt., must, in Feb. 6, 1865. 
Jacob Lolir, 1st lieut., must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 
Charles Helfrich, 2cl lieut., must, in Feb. 18, 1865; 

captured; disch. by G. O. May 15, 1865. 
James A. Werkert, 1st sergt., must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 
Franklin Beamer, sergt., must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 
Isaac W. Hankey, sergt., must, in Feb. 24, 1865. 
Theodore B. Horner, sergt., must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 
Edmund Lippy, sergt., must, in March 9, 1865. 
J. Stewart Walker, corp., must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 
I-a.ac Myers, corp., must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 
Uriah J. Baughman, corp., must, in Feb. 27, 1865. 
Henry K. Wentz, corp., must, in March 8, 1865. 
John W. Flaherty, corp., must, in Feb. 24, 1865. 
Amos Leister, corp., must, in Feb. 25, 1865 ; pro. to 

Corp. July 15, 1865. 
John Wagner, corp., must, in Feb. 17, 1865; pro. to 

Corp. July 24, 1SG5. 
Samuel A. Kindig, corp., must, in March 9, 1865. 
James S. Snyder, musician, must, in Feb. 21, 1865. 
Daniel E. Weiss, musician, must, in March 9, 1865. 

Priva/cs. 

Isadore Brechncr, must, in Feb. 21, 1865. 
Jacob Baughman, mustered in Feb. 28, 1865. 
Ezra N. Baughman, must, in March 4, 1865. 
John Berk, must, in February 22, 1865. 
John Betz, must, in Feb. 21, 1865. 
Samuel Breniser, must, in Feb. 27, 1865. 
Ephraim Bowers, must, in Feb. 22, 1865. 
Emanuel Bunty, must, in Feb. 17, 1865. 
Josiah Becker, must, in Feb. 21, 1865. 
Adam R. Bolinger, must, in March 13, 1865. 
David Conovcr, must, in Feb. 25, 1865. 
John Gulp, must, in March 1, 1865. 
John W. Cranmer, must, in March 8, 1865. 



Joel Ebaugh, must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 

John T. Feeser, must, in March 2, 1865. 

Samuel Fitz, must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 

James Felix, must, in Feb. 24, 1865. 

Anthony Fowler, must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 

Wm. N. Flaherty, must, in March 10, 1865. 

William Forney, must, in March 2, 1865 ; disch. by 
General Order May 31, 1865. 

Charles W. Gilbert, must, in Feb. 28, 1865. 

Oliver W. Garrett, must, in March 8, 1865. 

Jacob C. Geehr, must, in Feb. 21, 1865. 

Chas.M. Gallagher, must, in Feb. 16,1865. 

Edmund Garrett, must, in March 10, 1865. 

Titus E. Geehr, must, in Feb. 21, 1865. 

Peter Gouker, must, in March 4, 1865. 

Franklin Hartsock, must, in March 10, 1865. 

John W. Hofford, must, in March 3, 1865. 

.lames Helbert, must, in March 21, 1865. 

John Hart, must, in March 16, 1865. 

Adam Harget, must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 

Elijah Hofl'man, must, in March 13, 1865. 

John Irvin, must, in March 27, 1865. 

George Krug, must, in Feb. 6, 1865. 

William Krug, must, in Feb. 15. 1865. 

Levi King, nuist. in Feb. 16, 1865. 

Cornelius King, must, in March 10, 1865. 

Valentine J. Long, must, in Feb. 24, 1865. 

Daniel Lorash, must, in Feb. 21, 1865. 

Cornelius Mathias, must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 

Jacob Miller, must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 

William Mathias, must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 

Edward Markle, must, in March 8, 1865. 

Robert Newman, must, in Feb. 21, 1865. 

Lloyd Norris, must, in March 8, 1865; disch. by Gen- 
eral Order June 3, 1865. 

Francis Null, must, in Feb. 16, 1865; disch. by Gen- 
eral Order Aug. 1, 1865. 

Lewis Overdeer, must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 

William Ohlinger, must, in Feb. 16, 1865; disch. by 
General Order May 30, 1865. 

Chas. K. Overdorf, must, in Feb. 27, 1865. 

Andrew Rickrode, must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 

William B. Robert, must, in March 6, 1865. 

Samuel Rimert, must, in March 7, 1865. 

John B. Shafer, must, in Feb. 25, 1865. 

Michael Sanders, must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 

Ephraim Spangler, must, in March 8, 1865. 

Isaac Z. Shriver, must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 

Abra'm Sponseller, must, in March 6, 1865. 

John Sponseller, must, in Feb. 20, 1865. 

Jesse ITtz, must, in March 8, 1865. 

George Willet, must, in March 9, 1865. 

David Willet, must, in March 8, 1865. 

Cornelius S. Wink, must, in Feb. 21, 1865. 

Edward C. VVintrod, must, in March 7, 1865. 

Nathan Wink, must, in March 10, 1865. 

William Wisner, must, in March 6, 1865. 

Jacob Yingling, must, in March 9, 1865. 

John Zumbrum, must, in March 8, 1865. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



245 



Lafay'e Zetelmoyer, must, in Feb. 21, 1865. 
David Zumbrum, must, in March 8, 1865; died at 
Clarksburg, W. Va., Aug. 6, 1865. 

EIGHTIETH REGIMENT. 

The Eightieth Regiment, or Seventli Cavahy, 
inchided some men who were recruited in Berivs 
County, and mustered into service witli Company 
Jj. It participated in various engagements witli 
tlie Army of Tennes.see, where it had been 
ordered to .service. In March, 1865, it marched 
under Gen. Wilson across the Gulf" States, and 
in the beginning of April participated in the 
battles of Plantersville and Selnia, Ala. At the 
latter place the regiment led in the assault upon 
the work, and the conduct of the men was 
highly meritorious. Its la.st engagement was 
near Columbus, on April 16, 1865. It was 
then stationed at Macon, Ga., from April 20, 
to August l.'ith, when it was mustered out of ser- 
vice. Not being able to designate tiie men who 
were from Berks County, I publish the entire 
company. 

Company L. — This company was recruited 
in Berks and Northumberland Counties, and 
was ihustered out August 23, 1865, except 
where otherwise mentioned : 

Chas. C. JlcCormick, capt,, must, in Oct. 9, 1861 ; pro. 

from priv. Co. D. to capt. Nov. 18, 1861; to col. 

Jan. 10, 1865. 
William Wren, capt., must, in March 11, 1864; pro. 

from 1st lieut. Feb. 13, 1865. 
John Umpleby, 1st lieut., must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; re- 
signed Nov. 1862. 
Robert McCormick, 1st lieut., must, in Dec. 15, 1862 ; 

pro. to 1st lieut. Dec, 15, 1862 ; to capt. Co. G 

March 11, 1865. 
Otis G. Gerald, 1st lieut., must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; pro. 

from 1st sergt. Feb. 13, 1865; vet. 
Albert Bechtel, 2d lieut., must, in Dec. 18, 1861; 

accidentally wounded July, 1862; resigned Aug. 

18, 1862. 
Jas. H. B. Warfield, 2d lieut., must, in Dec. 26, 1862 ; 

dismissed June 1, 1863. 
Richard H. Fisk, 2d lieut., must, in March 11, 1864 ; 

com. capt. Co. F Oct. 15, 1864 ; nut must.; disch. 

July 25, 1865. 
Henry H. Snyder, 2d lieut., must, in Djc. 2, 1861 ; 

pro. from q.m. -sergt. May 1, 1865 ; vet. 
S.imuel Milm )re, 1st sergt., must, in Oot. 14, 1861 ; 

pro. from sergt. April 30, 1865 ; vet. 
H. H. Brown, 1st sergt.. must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; pro. 

from sergt. May 1, 1862; disch. on surg. certif. 

Aug. 18, 1862. 



George W. Smith, 1st sergt., must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; 

died at Munfordsville, Ky., March, 1862. 
Francis W. Reed, 1st sergt., must, in Dec. 5, 1861 ; 

pro. from sergt. Aug. 31, 1862 ; com. 2d lieut. 

June 28, 1863; not must.; killed at Shelby ville, 

Tenn., June 27, 1863. 
Isaac E. Robinson, q.m. -sergt., must, in Feb. 8, 1864 ; 

pro. from priv. April 30, 1865. 
Thomas H. Parker, com. -sergt., must, in Oct. 15, 1861; 

vet. 
Benjamin E. Rakea, sergt., must, in Oct. 15, 1861 ; 

vet. 
John Duffy, sergt., must, in Sept. 26, 1861 ; pro. from 

Corp. March 1, 1864; vet. 
John H. Miller, sergt., must, in Dec. 12, 1861; pro. 

from Corp. May 1, 1865; vet. 
John M. Berger, sergt., must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; pro. 

from Corp. May 1, 1865; vet. 
Chas. M. Ketner, sergt., must. In March 5, 1864; pro. 

from corp. May 1, 1865. 
James Rawley, sergt., must, in Sept. 26, 1861 ; pro. 

from Corp. March 1, 1864; trans, to Vet. Res. 

Corps 1865 ; vet. 
Chas. J. Loeser, sergt., must, in Dec. 18, 1861 ; pro. 

from priv. May 1, 1863; must, out Jan. 3, 1865, 

expiration of term. 
John Riley, sergt., must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; killed at 

Lebanon, Tenn., May 5, 1862. 
William D. Williams, corp., must, in Nov. ], 1861 ; 

vet. 
William Rader, corp., must, in Sept. 27, 1861 ; pro. 

to corp. April 30, 1864; vet. 
William D. Webster, corp., must, in March 8, 1861; 

pro. to corp. May 1, 1865. 
De Witt 0. Robinson, corp., must, in Feb. 29, 1864; 

pro. to corp. May 1 , 1865. 
John Stanley, Corp., must, in Feb. 8, 1864; pro. to 

corp. May 1, 1865. 
St. Clair Kyle, corp., must, in Jan. 22, 1863; pro. to 

corp. June 30, 1864. 
Franklin S. Ebling, corp., must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; trans. 

to Vet. Ret. Corps 1863. 
Washington Frizell, must, in Feb. 4. 1864. 
Adolph Frohn, Corp., must, in Aug. 20, 1862; pris. 

from Oct. 1, 1864, to April 21, 1865; disch! May 

31, to date May 18, 1865. 
John Lutz, Corp., must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; disch. by G. 

O. May 18, 1865. 
Seth Morgan, corp., must, in Nov. 14, 1862; pro. to 
corp. March 1, 1864; disch. by G. O. June 23, 

1865. 
James Seibert, corp.; died at Murfreesboro', Tcnii., 

1862 ; burial record, June 15, 1863 ; grave 341. 
Jacob Neargard, corp., must, in Dec. 18, 1861 ; pro. 
to corp. April 30, 1862 ; died at Nashville, Tenn., 
Aug. 30, 1863. 
Wiufield S. Carpenter, corp., must, in Dec. 7, 1861. 
John Slunv, Corp., must, in Dec. 7, 1861. 



uc, 



HISTORY OF BEEKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Lloyd B. Husted, corp., must, in Dec. 7, 18()1. 

Charles Gillams, bugler, must, in Feb. 8, 18(i4. 

Edwin S. St. Clair, bugler, must, in April 28, 1864 ; vet. 

Sebastian Dellscit, bugler, must, in Dec. 18, 1801. 

Jacob Uplingcr, saddler, must, in Dec. 18, ]8(>1. 

Jeremiah Keller, saddler, must, in Nov. 28, 1803. 

Elias Seller, farrier, must.in Dec. 28, ISOl ; di.sch. on 
surg. certir'. Aug., 1862. 

Miles G. Lee, blacksmith, must, in Nov. 20, 1861 ; ab- 
sent, siclc, at muster out; vet. 

Simon Greer, blacksmith, must, in Feb. 29, 1804. 

Pi-ivates. 
Wellington Adams, must, in Feb. 5, 1864. 
Henry Abson, must, in Dec. 8, 1863. 
Solomon Burklinrt, must, in Oct. 19, 1861 ; vet. 
Joseph Bowtrs, must.in Oct. 1, 1861 ; absent, sick, at 

muster out; vet. 
Pierce Bowsman, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 
Adam Bowers, must, in Feb. 19, 1864. 
Charier Bellman, must.in Feb. 5, 1864. 
Daniel Barnliart. mnst. in Feb. 5, 1864. 
John Betz, must, in March .S, 1864. 
David Buchter, must, in Feb. 5, 1804. 
Charles Bowsman, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 
John Brown, must, in Feb. 29, 1804. 
Francis Brown, must, in P'eb. 27, 1804. 
Abraham Bau«-r, must, in Dec. .5, 1801. 
David Bloch, must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. July, 1862. 
Harrison Bechtel, must, in Dec. 5, 1861 ; disch. by G. 

0. June 23,186,5. 
Wm. O. Bateman, must, in Feb. 27, 1804; pro. to 2d 

lieut. Co. K Dec. 17, 1864. 
James Bowman, mus*. in Dec. 7, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. July, 1862. 
Josiah Briner, must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; died at Bards- 
town, Ky., Feb., 1802. 
Jesse Bryant, must, in Feb. 29, 1804; died at Louis- 
ville, Ky., Feb. 24, 180.'); burial rec, Feb. 24, 
1864 ; sec. C, range 3, grave 10l». 
Charles Cooney, must, in Nov. 22, 1831 ; vet. 
Adam Coble, must, in Feb. 6, 1864. 
John Coble, mu.st. in Feb. 0, 1804. 
Joseph Coryell, must in Feb. 29, 1864; absent, sick, 

at muster out. 
Francis M. Co]ip, must, in Feb. 29, 1804. 
John Cator, must, in Fell. 29, 18(i4 
John J. Cohoon, must, in March 19,1804. 
Daniel Cook, must, in Dec. 7, 1801 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. April, 1802. 
Wm. A. Campbell, must.in Dec. 7, 1861; must, out 

Dec. 0, 1804, expiration of term. 
Paxton L. Clark, must, in Feb. 29, 1864; disch. on 

surg. certif. May 12, 1805. 
John Cluff, must, in Dec. 7, 1801 ; died at Murfrees- 
boro', July 27, of wounds received at Shelby ville, 
Tenn., June 27, 1803. 
Horace Dart, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 



Thomas Drew, must, in Dec. 7, 1861; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps, 1863. 
Eliphalet Decker, must, in Dec. 7, 1801 ; must, out 

Dec- 6, 1864, expiration of term. 
Isaiali Donaldson, must, in Feb. 23, 1864; pris. from 
Oct. 1, 1804, to April 21, 1865 ; disch. Jan. 10, to 
date May 19, 1865. 
George W. Dunlap, must, in Feb. 22, 1804; died at 
Stone River, Tenn., Oct. 29, 1804 ; buried in Nat. 
Ceni., sec. L, grave 370. 
Charles H. Ebbcri, must, in Feb. 4, 1804. 
Christian Erb, must, in Feb. 4, 1864. 
Christian Eberly, must, in Feb. 14, 1864. 
Henry Eberly, must, in Feb. 20, 1804. 
Charles Eben, must, in Oct. 7, 1804. 
Reuben Euglehart, must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; died at 

Murfreesboro', Tenn , April 18, 1862. 
Henry Emberger, must, in Feb. 29, 1804; died near 
Dallas, Ga., May 28, of wounds received May 27, 
1804. 
Jacob L. Ely, must, in Feb. 8, 1834 ; disch. Sept. 6, to 

date Au-. 23, 1865. 
Jacob Fastler, must, in Nov. 27, 1861 ; vet. 
Jacob Frick, must, in Feb. 24, 1854. 
William Formaii, must, in Feb. 21, 1864. 
A iron Gantz, must, in Feb. 4, 1804. 
John H. Gehret, mu-st. in Feb. 20, 1804. 
Samuel Gehret, must, in Feb. 10, 1864. 
Isaac Gill, must, in Feb. 22, 1804. 
William Glennou, must, in Feb. 17, 1864. 
Randolph Goodman, ujust. iu Feb. 17, 1864. 
James Gardner, must, in De.^-. 7, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif July, 18{i2. 
David Gardner, must, in Sept. 6, 1862; disjh by G. O. 

June 23, 1805. 
William F. Hoy, must, in Feb. 4, 1804. 
Abraham Hennes, must, in Sept. 28, 1801 ; vet. 
George F. Haines, must, in Dec. 5, 1801 ; vet. 
Stephen Hilliard, mus:. in Feb. 24, 1864. 
Sidney A. Hoagland, must, in Feb. 28, 1834. 
John Haas, must, in Feb. 10, 1864. 
Henry Hartland, must, in Feb. 15, 1864. 
William Hardnut, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 
B.D. Uellenthall, must, in Feb. 27, 1804. 
Thomas N. Herman, must, in April 2, 1804. 
Robert Huntzinger, must, in Dec. 18, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. 1803. 
Francis Hobson, must, in Dec. 5, 1801 ; disch. on surg. 

certif March 24, 1863. 
John Hutchings, must, in Dec. 7, 1801 ; must, out 

Dec. 6, 1864, expiration of term. 
Jacob Hartmau, must, iu Dec. 7, 1801 ; nm^t. out Dec. 

6, 1864, expiration of term. 
George W. Hulchens, nuist. in Sept. 14, 1802; disch. 

by G. O. June 23, 1865. 
Martin L. Havens, must, in Sept. 14, 1802 ; disch. by 

G. O. June 23, 1805. 
Wm. S. Hoagland, must, in Aug. 29, 1864, one year ; 
disch. by G.O. June 23, 1866. 



THE CmL WAR. 



247 



John T. Hazzard, must, in Dec. 18, 1831 ; captured at 
Stone River, Tenn., Jan. 1, 1883; died at Annap- 
olis, Md., February 10, 186.S. 

Jacob Hammer, must, in Dec. 7, 18(51. 

David S. Ireland, must, in Dec. 7, 18G1 ; must. out. 
Dec. 6, 1864, expiration of term. 

S.imuel Jobaon, must, in Feb. 2, 1864. 

David Jericbo, must, in March 16, 1864. 

Alonzo L. Johnson, must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certif. June, 1862. 

Jacob Kemp, must, in Feb. 15, 1864. 

Adolpli Krauskoplf, must, in Feb. 4, 1864. 

William Keener, must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certii". July, 1862. 

Samuel Katzmoyer, must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; died at 
Murfreesboro', Tenn., Aug. 18, 1862. 

Robert Keener, must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; died at Hards- 
town, Ky., Nov., 1862. 

Peter Koch, must, in March 3, 1864; died at Colum- 
bia, Tenn., Aug. 24, 1864 ; buried in Nat. Cem. 
Stone Kiver, sec. L, grave 379. 

Joshua Kayton, must, in Feb. 29, 1864 ; not on muster- 
out roll. 

Henry Lett, must, in Sept 23, 1861; vet. 

Heny J. Lavalliy, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 

Raymond B. Lewis, must, in Feb. 12, 1864. 

Andrew Long, must, in Feb. .5, 1864; absent, sick, at 
must. out. 

Jacob Lard, must, in Feb. 3, 1864. 

Edward Lee, must, in Dec. 8, 1863. 

Ephraim Mattern, must, in Feb. 3, 1864. 

Charles A. Marvin, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 

Isaac Marvin, must, in April 15, 18()4 ; absent, sick, at 
mu-iter out. 

Henry U. Marvin, mu.st. in Feb. 29, 1864; disch. July 
12, to date June 28, 1865. 

EiwarJ W. Maynard, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 

Henry Miller, must, in Feb. 4, 1864. 

David W. Morton, must, in Feb. 8, 1864. 

Daniel M. Morgan, must, in Nov. 14, 1862; disch. by 
G. O. June 23, 1865. 

Marion May, must, in Feb. 19, 1864; pris. from Oct. 
1, 1864, to April 21, 1865 ; disch. June 10, to date 
M^.y 19, 1865. 

Nathan Moyer, must, in Dec. 7, 1861. 

PatriL-k Murphy, must, in Dec. 7, 1861. 

Henry Marboil, must, in Dec. 18, 1861. 

George W. McMichael, must, in Feb. 11, 1864. 

John McQuiston, must, in Feb. 24, 1864. 

Lindsay Newcomer, must, in Dec. 7, 1861; must, out 
Dec. 6, 1864, expiration of term. 

Henry W. Noll, must, in Feb. 4, 1864 ; disch. Aug. 
23, 1865. 

Jesse O'Brigant, must, in Feb. 25, 18()4; not on mus- 
ter-out roll. 

Jacob Packer, must, in Feb. 8, 1864. 

Joel Packer, must, in Feb. 8, 1864; captured near 
Lovfjoy Station, Ga., Aug. 20, 1864. 



David Pittington, must, in Feb. 24, 1864. 

John Pay, must, in Feb. 26, 1864 ; absent at muster 

out. 
John Patchen, must, in Dec. 7, 1861. 
David D. Playford, must, in Feb. 16, 1864; not on 

muster-out roll. 
William F. Quigg, must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. July, 1862. 
Reuben Rabcr, must, in Feb. 5, 1864. 
Hillarus Roth, must, in Feb. 25, 1864. 
Warren RobiiiSon, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 
Geoige W. Raber, must, in March 2, 1864. 
John Rossey, must, in Dec. 18, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. April, 1862. 
Augustus Shott, must, in Oct. 14, 1861 ; vet. 
Thomas H. Sheridan, must, in March 8, 1864. 
Josejih L. Shull, must, in Feb. 24, 1864. 
Jacob H. Siegfried, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 
Albert Siegfried, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 
Samuel Schaeffer, must, in Jan. 19, 1864. 
Patrick Sullivan, must, in March 4, 1864. 
William Sell, must, in Dec. 18, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif April, 1862. 
Merrick C. Seely, must, in Dec. 7, 1864; disch. on 

surg. certif. March 8, 1863. 
John W. Smith, must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. April 27, 1863. 
Henry Siegfried, must, in Feb. 29, 1864; disch. on 

surg. cenif May 6, 18(55. 
Anthony Sheele, must, in Dec. 1, 1862; prisoner from 

Oct. 1, 1864, to April 21, 1865; disch. June 10, 

to date May 19. 1865. 
William J. Stephens, must, in Dec. 18, 1861 ; disch. 

on surg. certif. Aug., 1862. 
Henry W. Snyder, must, in Dec. 7, 1861 ; died at 

Nashville, Tenn., July 27, 1864. 
Brittian W. S^lerly, must, in Feb. 24, 1864; not on 

muster-out roll. 
William G. Thompson, must, in Feb. 22, 1864. 
Michael Troy, must, in March 5, 1864 ; absent, 

wounded, at muster out. 
James Teseter, must, in March 5, 1864. 
Isaac Trout, must, in April 5, 1864. 
Peter Timner, must, in Feb. 10, 1864; not on muster- 
out roll. 
John Taylor, must, in Feb. 4, 1864; not on muster- 
out roll. 
Richard C. Videan, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 
Barnet Vankirk, must, in Feb. 17, 1864. 
William Wain, must, in Nov. 19, 1861; vet. 
Samuel B. Wolfkill, must, in March 3, 1864. 
Philip A. Wertz, must, in Feb. 8, 1864. 
James Walker, must, in Feb. 29, 1864; captured at 

Lovejoy Station, Ga., Aug. 20, 1864. 
W. H. Weidenhammer, must, in March 3, 1864 ; absent, 

sick, at muster out. 
Samuel Weaver, must, in Feb. 16, 1864; absent, sick, 

at muster out. 



248 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Samuel Wagoner, must, in Feb. 4, 1864. 

Albert Wheat, ili?ch. on surg. certif. March 4, 1863. 

Juliui Wrinkle, must, in Dec. 7, 1861; must, out 
Dec. 6, 1864, expiration of term. 

Henry AVrighter, captured at Daihis, Ga., May 27, 
1864; died at Aiidersonville, Aug. 16, 1864. 

Nicholas A. Wyiikoop, must, in Oct. 15, 1861 ; pro. 
to battalion adjt. Jan. 1, 186.3. 

Isaac B. Walker, must, in Feb. 13, 1864; not on mus- 
ter-out roll. 

W. H. H. Yonman, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 

Henry Yoh, must, in March .3, 1864. 

EKiHTY-THIRD HEGIMEXT. 

The Eighty-third Regiment was composerl of 
men mo.stiy from western countie.s in the State. 
Company I of the regiment inckuled .some men 
who were recruited at Reading. It was mus- 
tered into service near Erie, on Septemljer 8, 
1861. After tiiorough preparation it partici- 
pated in the Peninsula campaign and its several 
battles, and afterward was engaged at Gettys- 
burg, in the Wilderne.ss, and in the several bat- 
tles preceding the surrender at A))pomattox. 
It was mustered out of service at Washington 
June 28, 1865. The regiment was engaged in 
twenty-five battles, two more than any other 
regiment of Pennsylvania Infantry. Not be- 
ing able to designate the men from Reading, I 
present the entire company. 

CoMi'AXY I. — This company was recruited at 
Harrisburg and Reading for one year, and was 
mustered out .June 28, 1865, except where other- 
wise mentioned. 

Kobert W. McCartney, capt., must, in March 1, 186.5. 
Lewis F. Mason, 1st. lieut., must, in Dec. 22, 1861, 

three years. 
Abraham Frauenthal, 2d lieut., must, in March 1, 

186.5. 
John S. Cam[)bell, 1st sergt., must, in Feb. 23, 1865. 
William H. McConnell, sergt., must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 
Alex. Backenstoss, sergt., must, in March 1, 1865. 
Philip P. De Haven, sergt., must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 
Benjamin K. Taylor, sergt., must, in Feb. 28, 1865. 
Wm. H. Saultsman, corp., must, in March 1, 1865. 
Wm. H. Pritchard, corp., must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 
Chauncey M. ShuU, corp., must, in March 1, 1865. 
John A. Mattis, corp., must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 
George W. Burd, Corp., must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 
David D. Burross, corp., must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 
John Stoomer, Corp., must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 
Francis Alexander, corp., must, in March 1, 1865. 

Privates. 
John Anderson, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 
Hiram Ahvin, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 



Samuel Boyer, must, in Feb. 8, 1 865. 

Fidel Book, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

John Brandon, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

John Bechtol, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

Levi Berger, must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 

James Brown, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

James Black, must, in Feb. 8, 1865; not accounted for. 

Henry Campbell, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

Wm. VV. Conover, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

John Callahan, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

Benjamin Demar, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

Richard Densmore, must, iu Feb. 25, 1865 ; not ac- 
counted for. 

William A. Evans, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

Joseph Echilberger, must, in Feb. 23, 1865. 

Barger Freeburn, must, in March 1, 1865. 

John Fink, must, in Feb. 15, 1865; discli. by G. O. 
May 30, 1865. 

John C. Gantt, must, in Feb. 23, 1865. 

John C. Gelts, must in Feb. 8, 1865. 

Charles Gibson, nuist. in Feb. 16, 1865. 

James F. Gardner, must, in March 1, 1865. 

Andrew Graft, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

Abraham Huss, must, in JIarch 1, 1865. 
John Holtry, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

William Herring, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

Solomon Hilbert, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

Charles Hasson, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

Thomas C. Hay, must, in Feb. 23, 186.5 ; dish, by G.O. 

June 2, 1865. 
Henry Hantz, must, in Feb. 10, 1865; not accounted 

for. 
Hetherington, must, in Feb. 8, 1865; not ac- 
counted for. 
John Harvey, must, in Feb. 10, 1865; not'ajcounteJ 

for. 
Jesse Irvine, must, in Feb. 8, l.%5. 
Michael Knapp, must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 
Charles Kain, must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 
Charles Kroninger, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 
Harrison Lorah, must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 
Alexander Lorah, must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 
Alonzo Myers, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 
Oliver D. Marks, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 
Henry Marks, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 
James K. P. Martin, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 
William McCarty, must, in Feb. 22, 1865. 
John McCurdy, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 
Amos Nigh, must, in Feb. 16, 1865. 
William D. Neff, nuist. in Feb. 8, 1865. 
William Philli|)s, must, in Feb. 8, 186-5. 
Anthony Ruelius, must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 
John Richards, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 
Daniel Smaltz, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 
Henry Shell, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 
Jacob Seidell, nm<t. in March 1, 1865. 
George S. Saylcr, must, in Feb. !), 1865. 
George W. Stahl, must, in March 1, 1865. 
Reuben Shade, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



249 



N. Swartzwt'lder, must, in Feb. Ul, \Kttf> ; disch. by 
G. O. June 3, ISiio. 

Taylor Slaughter, must, in Feb. 8, 1800 ; died at Alex- 
andria, Va., May liO, ISCH ; gi-ave 3185. 

David SLoop, mu.st. in Fcl). L'3, I8li5; not accounted 
for. 

Edward Town, mu.st in Feb. <S, ISil/); not accounted 
Ibr. 

John W. Twerd, nmst. in Feb. 8, 18G5. 

Samuel Woods, must, in Feb. 23, 1865. 

John Woods, must, in Feb. 23, lS(i5. 

Michael Weirich, must, in Feb. 23, 18t)5. 

Lewis Wysard, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

Thomas Witman, must, in Feb. 15, 181)5. 

Anthony Wertz, must, in Feb. 8, 1865. 

Gilbert Youngblood, must, in Feb. 15, 1865. 

William Ziemer, must, in P^eb. 8, 1865. 

EKJHTY-EKillTH KEUIMENT. 

The Eighty-eighth Regiment inciiuled tiiivc 
companies — A, B and H — from Heriv.s County. 
It was organized about October 1, 1861, at 
Wissahickon, near Philadelphia. Then it was 
ordered to Washington, where it remained till 
October 12th, when it was a.ssigned to guard 
duty at Alexandria. It was continued on guard 
duty at diiferent places thereabout till the 2oth 
of May following. Then it marched to Front 
Royal, and thence by rail to Manassas, War- 
renton and Culpepper. On the 9th of Augtist 
it was marched hurriedly towards Cedar Moun- 
tain. There it was in Tower's brigade iind occu- 
pied the extreme right of Banks' corps, placed 
in this position to relieve troops which had been 
actively engaged during the afternoon of that 
day. Whilst moving into position it was under 
two fires, one from Second Maine Battery and 
the other from the enemy's artillery. The 
enemy's guns were silenced in a short time. 
The regiment then marched to Pony Mountain 
and Warrenton. On the 27tli of August a 
forced march was made and a portion of the 
division (Ricket's) encountered the en(!my at 
Thoroughfare Gap, where a fierce fight was 
conducted. This brigade was not engaged in it. 
The regiment formed into line and was ordered 
to advance, but finding the enemy too numer- 
ous, withdrew with the whole corj)s to a posi- 
tion near Gainesville. Thence it moved to 
Mana.ssas Junction and Bull Run. At the lat- 
ter place, on the 3()th of August, it was engaged 
in battle. Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph A. Mc- 



liCan was left (ui the lidd and never recovered. 
The brave conduct of the brigade was compli- 
mented by General Pope. Thence the regiment 
proceeded through Fairtiix, Washington and 
Frederick City to Antietam Creek, where, on 
September 17tii, it engaged in a hot and fierce 
engagement with the t'liemy. Sub-secpiently it 
crossed the Potomac andeiigtigiHl inaeonfiictnear 
Bowling Green road un the l.'ith day of December. 
At this point the Fighfy-eighlh kept in position, 
though the other j)art (if the brigade had gone 
to the rear. Soon aflerwaixl it went into winter- 
quarters at a point near Fletcher's Chapel. 
During the middle of January, IS(j,3, it partici- 
pated in the f;unous"Mud March." On the 
2(Sth of April it participated in an engagement 
on the Rappahamiock, below Fredericksburg, 
and on the 29th a ftirced march was made from 
the extreme left to the extreme right of the line 
at Chancel lorsvi lie, a distaiic-e of thirty miles. 
During May it was encamped at A^'hite Oak 
Church. On the 12th of June it started for 
the Gettysburg campaign reaching the field 
after forced marches, on July 1st, and partici- 
pated in this memorable battle. It was in 
Reynolds' corps. On the 6th of July the 
regiment joined in the pursuit of the enemy. 
After marching to and thrdiigh various places, 
it went into winter-quarters at the (dwu of Cul- 
peper in the beginning of December. Whilst 
there a large proportion of the regin)ent re-enlist- 
ed. It remained at C'ulpejier till May 3, 
1864. On the 8th of May it participated in 
an engagement near Spottsylvania Court-House, 
and also on the 12th at the same place. On the 
2od it cros.sed the North Anna and took part in 
a .severe engagement, anil in a slight engage- 
ment at Bethesda Church on the 26th. Thence 
it co-operated in the movements of the army 
towards the James River. On the 12th of June 
it stood an artillery fire at White Oak Swainp. 
On the 16th it crossed the James River and 
halted in front of Petersburg. On the 1 8th it 
drove the enemy's skirmishers into their main 
line of works, and, with the corps, charged upon 
tiie entrenchments. The regiment was in ad- 
vance, and, after getting within sixty yards of 
the enemy's first line, was compelled to lie flat 
upon the ground, a terrific fire of artillery 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXNSYLVAXIA. 



being centred upon that portion of the line. It 
was so far in advance of the rest of tiie division 
tliat it could not be witiidrawn or re-enforced. 
During tlie night entrencliments were thrown 
lip and tlie next afternoon the regiment was re- 
lii'ved. <_)n its way to tiie left of the brigade it 
was exjxiscil to the sjiarpshooters of the 
enemy. Siiortly aft(rw;iiil it was again engaged 
in this section liefore I'etersljurg. The next 
serious fight was near Danby's Mill, on Feb- 
ruary (i, ISlj.o, where it was repulsed, and on the 
next day, at Hatcher's Run ; near that point it 
went into ciimp and remained till the 29th of 
JVfarcli. Then it participated in active o])era- 
tions and hot engagements till Lee surrendered, 
on the 9th of A]iril. Tlie homeward march 
was then made to Washington, where it was 
mnsteretl out of service on June 30, 1865. 




LiErTEXAXT-CoLOXEi. Josr.i'ii A. McLe.vx 
was born at Philadelphia in 1823, and there 
learned the trade of a machinist. In 1848 he 
removed to Heading, found employment with 
the Philadeli)hia and Reading Railroad Com- 
pany, and continued in its employ till 18(51. 
In this time he took an active interest in the 
local affairs of Reading. He represented the 
Spruce Ward in Common Council for one year, 
1855-56, having been selected as its presiding 
officer ; and he was also a member of the 
sc^hool board for a time. 

At the breaking out of the Rebellion he was 
prompt in recruiting troops, and was commis- 
sioned adjutant of the Fourteenth Pennsylvania 
Regiment, in the three months' service under 
General Patterson. At the expiration of this 
term of service, with his brother, George B. 
McLean, he began actively recruiting for the 



Eighty-eighth Penu.sylvania(Three Years') Reg- 
iment, of which he was commissioned lieutenant- 
colonel August 9, 1861. AVitii his regiment 
he participated in the battles of Cedar Mountain, 
Rappahannock Station, Thoroughfare Gap, 
Freeman's Ford, Gaines' Mill and second battle 
of Bull Run. In this latter disastrous engage- 
ment he was cudcicd with his regiment to sup- 
port a battery which held the enemy in check 
whilst the army was retired. Three times he 
charged with his command under a fierce fire, 
and in a fourth charge was mortally wounded 
and left iipiiii the (icjd, while he died and was 
buried. 

Reci.mkntai, Band. — Tiie regimental band 
was the famous "Ringgold Band" from Read- 
ing. It was discharged from service by Gen- 
eral Order dispensing with bands, issued on 
June 21, 1862. 

I'^. Ermentrout, Iciidfr. iiiiist. in Auj;. '■'>(.). ISCil. 

Musicians. 
Blasiiis Byeily, luiist. in Aug. 30, ISlil. 
John Breedy, must, iu Aug. 30, LSlil. 
Joseiili J. Clay, must, in Aug. .'lO, ISlJl. 
William C. Eben, must, in Aug. 30, I81II. 
Augustus Geliiut, must, in Aug. 30, ISlU. 
James Y. Hill, must, in Sept. 20, ISIil. 
Albert Hock, must, in Aug. 30, 18lil. 
Thomas Hock, must, in Aug. 30, ISOl. 
Ciispcr Krugg, must, in Aug. 30, ISiil. 
Christian Miller, must, in Aug. .30, IStil. 
Julius Moses, must, in Aug. 30, 181)1. 
Joseph B. Rinehart, must; in Sept. 20, 1801. 
.Joseph R. Robertson, must, in .\ug. 30, IStil. 
John R.Snyder, must, in Aug. 30, 1801. 
James D. Sandei's, must, in Aug. 30, 1861. 
Stephen Sehl, must, iu Aug. 30, 1861. 
Samuel W. Turner, must, in Aug. 30, 1861. 
John S. Warner, must, in Aug. 30, 1861, 
C. B. Windbigler, must, in Aug. 30, 1861. 

Company A. — This company was recruited 
in Berks County, and was mu.stered out June 
30, 1865, except where otherwise mentioned. 

George W. Knabb, capt., must, in Aug. 23, ISOI ; re- 
signed July 28, 1862. 

Benezet F. Foust, capt., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; |iro. 
from adjt. Nov. 28, 1862; to maj. Dec. 31, 1862. 

Henry Whiteside, capt, must, in Aug. 23, 1861 ; jiro. 
from private to sergt.; to l.st sergt.; to 1st licut. 
Nov. 23, 1862; to capt. July 1, 1863; wounded 
at .\ntietani Sejit. 17, ls62; mustered out Sept. 
1, 1864, e.tiiiration of term. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



251 



Thos. J. Koch, capt., must, in Aug. 23, 1861 ; pro. 

from sergt. to 1st lieut. Nov. 24, 1864; to capt. 

Jan. 6, 186.'); killed at Five Forks, Va., April ], 

1865; veteran. 
Frederick R. Fritz, 1st lieut., must, in Aug. 23, 1861 ; 

resigned Nov. 23, 1862. 
Jacob Ninesteel, 1st lieut., must, in Aug. 23, 1861 ; 

].ro. from sergt. Co. E to 2d lieut. Dec. 22, 1862; 

to 1st lieut. March 16, 1863; com. capt. Oct. 4, 

1864 ; not. must. ; must, out Dec. 3, 1864, expira- 
tion of term. 

Daniel W. Ney, 1st lieut, must, in Aug. 23, 1861 ; 
wounded at Chancellorsville May 4, 1863; at 
Getty.sburg, Pa., July 4, 1863, and at Five Forks, 
Va., April 1, 1865 ; pro. from private to Lst sergt.; 
to 1st lieut. March 17, 18l!5 ; coin. ca[>t. .lune 14, 

1865 ; not must.; vet. 

Albert H. Seyfert, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. 23, 18(;i ; 

disch. Oct. 9, 1862. 
Jacob S. Kram, 2d lieut., must, in .Vug. 23, 1S61 ; pro. 

from c.om.-sergt. Jan. 1, 1863, com. 1st lieut. Oct. 

4,1864; not must.; must, out Nov. 22, 1864, ex- 
piration of term, 
(ieiirge H. Reifl', 1st sergt., must, in Sept. 18,1861; 

pro. from private locorp.; to sergt. June 1, 1865; 

to 1st sergt. ; com. 1st licnt. June 14,1865; not 

must.; absent, with leave, at muster out; veteran. 
George Shirey, 1st sergt, must, in Aug. 23, 1861; must. 

out Aug. 23, 1864, expiration of term. 
Jacob P. Recker, 1st sergt., must in Aug. 23, 1861 ; 

prisoner from May 24 to Nov. 24, 1864 ; pro. to 

1st sergt May 1, 18(;5; disch. by G. O. June 12, 

1865 ; veteran. 
Joseph H. Kline, sergt., must in Aug. 23, 1861 ; jiro. 

from private to corp.; to sergt. .Tune 1. 1865; 

com. 2d lieut. June 14, 1865; not must.; absent, 

with leave, at muster out; veteran. 
A. J. Schreffler, sergt, must, in Aug. 23, 1.8(;i; pro. 

from private to corp.; to sergt June 4, 1865.; vet. 
George Beaumont, sergt., must in Aug. 23, 1861 ; 

^wounded at Fredericksburg, V:i.. Dec. 13, 18(i2; 

pro. frimi private to corp.; to sergt. June 1, 

1865.; vet. 
John L. Kennedy, sergt., must, in Aug. 23, 1861 ; pro. 

from private ; disch. on surg. certif May 10, 

1862. 
Thomas Kinsley, sergt , must, iji ,\ug. 23, 1861 ; pro. 

from private ; disch. on surg. certif. July 16, 1862. 
Gabriel Hill, sergt, nui.st in Aug. 23, 1861; must 

out Aug. 23, 1864, expiration of term. 
Jose)>h Hock, sergt, must in Se])t 10, 1861 ; prisoner 

from ,4ug. 19 to Dec. 3, 1864 ; pro. to corp. Jan. 

1, 1864; to sergt M.ay 1, 1865; disch. by G. O. 

June 12, 1865; veteran. 
Conrad Strahle, sergt, must, in Aug. 23, 1861; 

wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept 17, 1862; trans. 

to Vet Reserve Corps Nov. 15, 1863. 
David Whitaker, sergt, must, in Aug. 23, 18(il ; died 



April 20, 1865, of wounds received at Five Forks, 

Va. ; buried in Nat. Gem., Arlington ; vet. 
John Whitaker, corp., must, in August 23, 1861 ; pro. 

to corp. ; vet. 
Franklin Estes, corp., must, in March 25, 1865, one 

year; substitute; pro. to corp. June 15, 1865. 
Chauncey Davis, corp., must, in March 4, 1865, one 

. year; drafted; pro. to corp. June 15, 1865. 
Henry Drum, corp., must, in Feb. 22, lSli4; i)ro. to 

corp. June 15, 1865. 
Samuel Griffith, corp., must, in March 11, 1865, one 

year; drafted; pro. to corp. June 15, 1865. 
William Heller, corp., must, in .'\ug. 23, 1861; pro. 

to corp. June 15, 1865. 
Charles Matthews, corp., must, in Feb. 24, 1K(;4; pro. 

to corp. June 15, 1865. 
William Clark, corp., must in April 4, 1865, one 

year; substitute; pro. to corp. .lune 15, 1865; ab- 
sent at muster out. 
Russell Miller, corp., must, in .Vug. 23, 1X61; pro. 

from priv.; disch. on surg. certif June 21, 1864. 
Kmerson Kline, corp., must, in Aug. 23, 1861; pro. 

from priv.; disch. on surg. certif June 9, 1803. 
David Davis, corp., must, in Aug. 23, 18(;i ; pro. from 

priv. Dec. 1, 1861; disch. bvG, (). June 10,1.865; 

vet. 
\V^ J. Hutchinson, corp., must, in 8cpt. 24. l'<64, one 

year; drafted; pro. to corp. May 1, 1S65; disch. 

by G. O. June 10, 1865. 
Lewis Briggs, corp., must, in Sept. 25, 1864, one year; 

substitute; i)ro. to corp. May 1, 1865; disch. by 

G. O. June 10, 1865. 
John Harris, corj)., must, in Sept. 25, 1863, one year; 

substitute; pro. to corp. May 1, 1S(!4; disch. by 

G. O. .Tune 10, 1865. 
VVilliam 1'. Fisher, corp., must, in Aug. 23, l.SC] ; 

prisoner Irom .Vug. 19 to Dec. 17, 1.S64; pro. 

from priv. .lune I, 1865; disch. by G. O. June 12, 

lH(i5; vet 
Isaac Madison, corp., must, in Feb. 28, \Hi'A- pri.soner 

from May 24 to Nov. 20, 1864; pro. to corp. May 

20, 1865 ; disch. by G. O. June 12, 1865. 
Jeremiah Boyer, corp., niu.st. in Aug. 23, 1861; died 

Sept 14th, of wounds received at Bull Run, Va., 

Aug. 28, 1802; buried in Mil. Asy. Cem., D. C. 
.fohn W. Hoflinan, corp., must in Aug. 23, 1861; 

killed accidentally at Weldon Railroad, Va., Aug. 

24, 1864; vet. 
William L. Hawk, musician, must, in .Aug. 23, 1861 ; 

wounded June 27, 1864; vet. 
John F. Nagle, musician, must, in Aug. 22, LSill ; 

disch. on surg. certif July 1, 1S62. 
Manoah Metz, nmsician, must in Oct. 4, LSdl ; wound- 
ed at Antietam, Md., Sept 17, 1862; disdi. on 

surg. certif May 28, 1865; vet 

Pn,-a/t'.'<. 

John H. Albright, must, in JIanh 29, 1865, one year ; 
sub. 



252 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLA'ANIA. 



one year ; 
Va., Feb. 



Chauncy Ackeman, must, in March 29, 18(!5, one year ; 

sub. 
Henry Arnold, must, in Aug. 23, ISfil ; pris. fioni Aug. 

19, 1804,10 March 1, 18«o ; disch. by G. O. June 

21, 18(J5 ; vet. 
Spearing R. Altimon, must, in Sept. 25, ]8()4, one 

year; sub.; disch. by G„ O. June 10, 18G5. 
Frank Arrington, must, in Aug. 2.'?, ISGl. 
George Adams, must, in Aug. 23, 1801. 
William E. Beatty, must, in March 23, 18C5, one year ; 

sub. 
Abraham B. Barnet, must, in April 5, ISliri, one year; 

drafted. 
Josiah L. Barkley, must, in March 29, ISOr), one year ; 

sub.; disch. by G. O. Aug. 7, ISO"). 
Alexander Bell, must, in Sept. 25, 1804, 

drafted; wounded at Hatclier's Run, 

0, ISOf) ; disch. by G. O. June 10, 1805. 
Franklin Buckley, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; disch. on 

writ of liahais corptiK Sept. 5, 1801. 
Henry Bishop, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; disch. April 1, 

1803, for wounds received at Fredericksburg, Va., 

Dec. 13, :8(;2. 
Aaron Bechtel, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; must, out 

Aug. 23, 18li4, expiration of term. 
Elida Boston, must, in Sept. 25, 1805, one year; sub.; 

di.sch. by G. O. June 3, 1805. 
Joseph Berkleypile, must, in March 11, 1805, one 

year ; drafted ; disch. by G. O. July 1, 1805. 
William Beaumont, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; killed at 

Gettysburg July 1, 18C3 ; buried in Nat. Cera., 

sec. B, grave 73. 
John Beaumont, must, in Aug. 23, 180] ; killed at 

Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1804 ; vet. 
Charles Becker, must, in Aug. 23, 1801. 
Peter Coleman, must, in March 27, 1865, one year; 

sul). 
Isaac P. Cresswell, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; disch. on 

surg. certif Dec. 31, 1801. 
George W. Clingnuin, mu.st. in IMarcli 4, 1804 ; disch., 

date unknown, for wounds received in action. 
Daniel Clouser, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; must, out 

Aug. 23, 1804, expiration of term. 
Daniel F. Callahan, must, in Aug, 23, 1801 ; trans, to 

Co. K Nov. 1,1801. 
Andrew J. Carter, must, in Aug. 23, ISOl ; trans, to Co. 

G April 2, 1802. 
Patrick Clickett, must, in Aug. 23. ISOl ; trans, to Co. 

K Nov. 1, 1801. 
Samuel Dempsey, must, in March 11, 1805, one year; 

sub. 
George Dyer, must, in Sept. 25, 1,804, one year; snli.; 

disch. by G. O. June 10, 1805. 
Alfred Dautrich, must, in Aug. 23, Isoi ; trans, to Co, 

H Feb. 0,1804; vet. 
Mayb'y Dautrich. must, in Aug, 23. 1801 ; trans, to 

Co. H Feb. 0,1804; vet. 
Reuben Drexel, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; trans, to Co. 

H Feb. (!, 1804; vet. 



Martin Dt'rr, must, in Vug. 23, 1801. 

George Eshelman, must, in Feb. 25, 1805, one year ; 

drafted ; disch. by S. O., date unknown. 
John Eppinger, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; died at Alex- 
andria. Va., Nov. 17, 1802. 
Isaac Eyrich, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; cai)ture(l ; died 

at Salisbury, N. C, Feb. 8, 1805 ; vet. 
John Freeh, must, in March 30, 1805, one year ; sub. 
Abraham Fredline, must, in March 29, 1.805. one year; 

sub.; disch. by G. O. June 23, 1805. 
James Fagan, must, in Aug. 23, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 

23, 1804, expiration of term. 
Amos Fisher, must, in Feb. 22, 1804; killed at Laurel 

Hill, Va.. May 9, 1804. 
George Fullmer, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 
Harrison T. Fox, must, in Aug. 23, 1801. 
Hern Frantz, must, in March 9, 1864 ; not on muster- 
out roll. 
Hiram Gardner, must, in March 11, ]8()5, one year; 

drafted. 
John A. Grim, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Dec. 27, 1862. 
Joseph Grant, must, in Sept. 24, 1864, one year ; 

sub.; disch. by G. O. June 14, 1865. 
John Green, must, in Sept. 24, 1864, one year; trans. 

to 107th Regt. P. V. Dec. 1, 1804. 
Ross Hoflman, must, in Feb. 24, 1804; wounded at 

Laurel Hill, Va., May 8, 1804; absent, in hos- 
pital, at muster out. 
David Howard, mu.st. in Aug. 23, 1801 ; absent, sick, 

at muster out; vet. 
Barnet Hagen, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; must, out 

Aug. 23, 1804, expiration of term. 
Wm. Haberacker, must, in Aug. 23, 18()1 ; disch. on 

surg. certif date unknown. 
Henry Haywood, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; nmst. out 

Aug. 23, 1804, expiration of term. 
H. Himmelright, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; must, out 

Aug. 23, 1804, expiration of term. 
Daniel Hagan, must, in Sept. 3, 1801 ; must, out Aug. 

23, 18(!4, expiration of term. 
Geo. W. Hotlman, must, in Aug. 23, IsOl ; must, out 

Aug. 23, 18(;4, expiration of term. 
Meltzer Hughston, must, in Aug. 27, l.'^Ol ; must, out 

Nov. 21, 181)4, expiration of term. 
Obediali Hillard, must, in Sept. 5, l.S(;4. one year; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 10, 1805, 
Isaiah Hilliard, must, in Sept, 5, ISiU, one year; sub,; 

disch, by G. ( ). June 10, |.si;5, 
Jerome Hatlon, must, in Sept, 5, I.S(;4, one year ; snli.; 

disch, by G, O. June 10, 180.5. 
.lames P. Harp, must, in Sejjt. 24, IJ<04, one year; 

sub.; disch. by G, (). .lune 5, ISO."), 
John J, Hughes, must, in Fell, 24, IsOl ; disch, by G, 

(), June 14, 1.S05, 
John O, Haidon. must, in Aug. 23, ISOl ; trans, to 

Co. K. Nov. 1, Isoi. 
Wm. H. Hoffman, must, in Sept. 24, 1804, one year; 

sub. ; trans, to 107th Regt. P. V. Dec. 1, 1864. 



THE CIVIL WAK. 



253 



Joliii Hummiiiger, must, iu Aug. 23, ISIil ; kilk'd at 

Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, ]«(;2. 
\Vm. G. Hofi'man, must, in Aug. 23, ]Si;i ; killed al 

Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862. 
Albert Hawk, must, in Aug. 23, ISfil ; capturi'd ; diod 

at Salisbury, N. C; burial record, died at Kich- 

mond, Va., March 23, ]8tj4. 
Ebcnezer HaUer, must, in Sept. 9, 18(il ; captured; 

died at Andersonville, Ga.; burial record, died at 

Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 20, 18(J4; vet. 
Joseph Hetrick, must, in Sept. 3, 18(il. 
Wm. J. Hotiman, must, in Sept. it, 1801. 
I'eter Johnson, must, in March 28, ISdr), one year; 

sub. 
Wm. M. Johnson, must, in Aug. 23, 18r)l ; mu.st. out 

Aug. 23, 1804, expiration of terra. 
Joseph Jesse, mu.st. in Sept. 24, 1804, one year; 

drafted; di.sch. by G. O. June 10, lSi!r>. 
William Kline, must, in March 30, l.S(i.'), one year; 

sub. 
Charles Kay lor, must, in March 30, ISIifi, one year; 

sub. 
Albert Keen, must, in Aug. 27, IStil ; disch. by G. O. 

June 21, 1865; vet. 
John Kelley, must, in Aug. 23, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif Feb. 27, 1863. 
Isaac C. Kelchner, must, in Aug. 23, 1861 ; must, out 

Aug. 23, 1864; expiration of term. 
Valentine Kietl'er, must, in Marcli 11, 1865; drafted; 

died at Alexander, Va., June 2, 1865; grave, 

.■{,lill, 
/ach. T. Lolir, must, in Jlarch 30, ISO."), one year; 

sub. 
Jeremiah Lohr, must, in March 11, 1865, one year; 

drafted ; absent, in hospital, at muster out. 
\V. L. Livingston, must, in March 11,1805, one year; 

drafted. 
Austin Lantz, must, in March 27, 1865, one year ; 

sub. 
Jonathan Lake, must, in March 27, 1865; one year; 

sub. 
Jacob Leaves, must, in Sept. 24, ]8()4, one year ; sub.; 

disch. by G. O. June 10, 1865. 
Wm. Morrow, must, in Feb. 24, 1864. 
Daniel 1?. Miller, must, in March 11, I.S05, one year ; 

drafted. 
Jacob Mangus, must, in March 11, 18(;5, one year; 

drafted ; absent, in hospital, at mustei- out. 
Levi Miller, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; must, out 

Aug. 23, 1864; expiration of term. 
Edward Miller, must, in Aug. 23, 1861 ; wounded at 

Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862, must, out 

Aug. 23, 1864; expiration of term. 
Win. Miller, must, in Aug. 23, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 

23, 1864, expiration of term. 
Wm. Martin, must, in Sept. 24, 1804, one year ; drafted ; 

disch. by G. O. June 20, 1865. 
Robert Martin, must, in Sept. 24, 1864, one year; 

drafted; disch. by G. O. June 10, 18(;3. 



Samuel Miles, must, in Aug. 23, 1S61 ; trans, to Co. K. 

Nov. 1, 18t;i. 
Daniel Mohr, must, in Aug. 23, 1861 ; wounded at 

Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862; trans, to 2d U. S. 

Artillery, date unknown. 
Charles MillhoH', mu.st. in Aug. 23, 1801 ; killed at 

Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862; buried in Nat. 

Cem., section 26, lot A, grave 74. 
Valentine Miller, must, in Aug. 31, 1801. 
John McAvoy, must, in Aug. 23, 1861. 
Michael Naugle, must, in Aug. 23, 1861. 
Peter Omstead, must, in March 11, 1865, one j'ear; 

drafted. 
Joseph Oliphant, must, in Aug. 23, 1861 ; trans, to 

15th Regt. U. S. Infantry, date unknown. 
Franklin Platz, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; wounded at 

Laurel Hill, Va., May 8, 1804; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps; disch. by G. O. July 27, 1865; vet. 
Thomas Pryor, must, in Sept. 24, 1864, one year. 

drafted; disch. by G. O. June 10, 1865. 
John Pope, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; trans, to Co. K 

Nov. 1, 1861. 
Levi J. Peifler, must, in Aug. 31, IsOl ; died at Phila- 
delphia, Pa., Dec. 10,1803; burial record, Dec. 

10, 1865. 
William Pugh, must, in Aug. 23, 18(il; died at City 

Point, Va., August 1, 1864; burial record, July 

25, 1804 ; vet. 
James Phillips, must, in Sept. 24, 1864, one year; 

drafted; killed at Hatcher's Run, Va., Feb 7, 

1805. 
Samuel T. RiHle, must, in March 11, 181)5, one year; 

drafted. 
Josiah RitHe, must, in Maich 11, 1805, one yefi- ; 

drafted. 
George Raymon, must, in March 11, 1805, one year; 

drafted. 
John J. Rhodes, must, in March 31, 1805, one year ; 

sub. 
Isaac Rock, must, iu March 30, 1805, one year; sub. 
Jacob Roddy, must, in March 11, 1865, one year; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 23, 1865. 
Giles Ro.ss, must, in Se])t. 24, 1864, one year; sub.; 

disch. by G. O. June 10, 1805. 
Lucien Roland, must, in Aug. 23, l.HO] ; must, out 

Aug. 23, 1864, exp. of term. 
Charles A. Roland, must, in Aug. 23, ISOl ; must, out 

Aug. 23, 1804, exp. of term. 
William Reedy, must, in Aug. 23, ISlil; discli. on 

surg. certif May 3, 18(55; vet. 
Henry Reilley, must, in Aug. 31, ISlil ; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps., date unknown. 
Henry Roland, mu.st. in Aug. 23, 1861. 
John Reed, must, in Aug. 27, 1861. 
William F. Shaum, must, in March 28, 1865, one 

year ; sub. 
William H. Swank, must, in March 11, 1805, one 

year ; sub. 



254 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



Peter Spicher, must, in March II, lSii.5, ono year; 

drafted ; discharged hy G. (). Aug. 2, 18()5. 
.Jerciiiiah Stahl, must, in Marcli 11, 186r) ; one year; 

drafted. 
Emanuel Seece, must, in Mardi 1 1, ISi;.""), one year ; 

drafted. 
Sevveli Swoyer, must, in Marcli 27, IS(jr), one year; 

sub. 
Charle.s Sanders, must, in Aug. 23, lS(il ; captured at 

Rappahannock Station, Va., July lil, ISO:! 
William Snyder, nuist. in Aug. 23, ISCil ; disch. on 

surg. ccrtif. Oct. 9, 1802. 
Cyrus Strohecker, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; must, out 

Aug. 23, 1804, exfj. of term. 
John Sullivan, mu.st. in Sept. 24, 1804, one year; 

sub. ; disch. by G. O. June 10, 180.''). 
IlcMJamin Stevenson, must, in Sept. 24, 1804, one 

year ; drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 13, 1805. 
Benjamin Stuff, must, in March 11, 1805, one year; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 15, 1805. 
Lewis Swoyer, must, in Aug. 23, 1801; trans, to 2d 

LT. S. Artillery, date unknown. 
George Smith, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; died at Alex- 
andria, Va., Dec. 12, 1862; burial record, grave 

141. 
Henry Smith, nuist. in Aug. 23, 1801; ilied at City 

Point, Va., June 18, 1804; burial record, July 3, 

1S04; vet. 
Henry M. Schaetler, must, in Aug. 23, 1S04. 
Henry ShetTer, must, in Aug. 23, ]8()4 ; not on nuist.- 

out roll ; vet. 
Peter K. Thomas, must, in l\Iarcb 11, 18(i5, one year; 

drafted. 
D^iel Trout, must, in Feb. 22, 1804 ; disch. by G. O. 

May 13, 1805. 
Samuel Varuer, must, in March 28, lS(;.'i, one year; 

sub. 
Albert G. Wise, nuist. in Sept. 10, 1801. 
Charles Wynn, must, in Aug. 23, 1801; wounded al 

AnlietJim, Md., Sept. 17, 1802. 
Peter H. Walters, must, in March 10, 1805, one year; 

sub. 
William Wringlc, must, in Manb 2'.i, 1805, one year; 

sub. 
.Tacob Witt, must, in March II, 18(;5; oni' year; 

drafted. 
.Tacob Walters, must, in March II, 18(;5, one year; 

disch. by G. O. June 2. IS05. 
Henry Wilson, must, in Sept. 27, 1.S04, one year; 

sub. ; aliscnt, in hospital, at must. out. 
James W'harlcui, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; caplurcd at 

(icttysburg July 1, 1803; disch. by O. ( ». Feb. 4. 

1805. 
.lohu Wooten, must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; must, out 

Sept. 27, 1804, exp. of term. 
Christian Wagner, must, in Feb. 25, lSt)5, one year; 

<lrafted ; disch. by G. 0. ; date unknown. 
Joliii Waid, must, in Se|it. 24, 1804, one year; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 13, 1805. 



John M.Wallace, must, in Aug. 23, 1861 ; trans, to 

Co. G, Feb. 0, 18(!4 ; vet. 
Henry Whitaker, must, in Aug. 31, 1801. 
Frederick Young, must, in March 11, 1805; drafted. 
Evan S. Yarger, must, in Aug. 23, 18(;i ; trans, to Co. 

(J Feb. 0, 1804. 
.lefferson Yoder, must, in .\ug. 23, 1801 ; died at 

Alexandria, Va.. Dec. 12, ]8C)2. 
Edward Young, must, in Aug. 24. 1801 ; died at Cul- 

peper, Va., May 8, 1.S04; liurial record, at 

Alexandria; grave 1357. 
.bdin Zeiber, must, in Sept. 3, IsOl ; wounded at An- 

tietam, Md., Sei)t. 17, 18(12; must, out Nov. 30, 

1804, exji. of term. 

CoMi>.\NY 1j. — This company was recruited 
in Berks County, and was mustered out June 
30, 18(j5, except where othorwise mentioned : 

Henry A. Myers, cap!., nuist. in Sept. 18, 1801 ; res. 

Nov. 1, 1802. 
Edmund A. Mass, capt., must, in Sejit. 13, 1801 ; cap- 
tured at Gettysburg July 1, 1803; pris. nine 

months; pro. from 1st licut. .fan. 7, 1803; to 

lieut.-col. June 10, 18(;5. 
George B. Rhoads, 1st licut., must, in Sept. 18, 1801 ; 

pro. from 2d lieut. Nov. I, I8i;2; to ca]it. ('o. F 

April 10, 1803. 
I George W. Grant, 1st licut., must, in Sept. 12, 1801 ; 
I pro. from private to sergt; to 2d lieutenant Nov. 

1, 1862; to 1st lieut. April 10, 1803; captured at 

Gettysburg July, 1803; disch. April 25, 1865. 
Albert Nagle, 1st lieut., must, in Sejit. J 2, 1801 ; pro. 

to 1st sergt; to 1st lieut. .Tune 17, 1805; com. 

ca|)t. March 3, 18(i5 ; not must. ; vet. 
Samuel G. I$oone, 2d lieut, must, in Sejit. 12, 1801 ; 

pro. from sergt.-maj. .\))ril 10, 1803; captured at 

Gettysburg July, 1803 ; disch. May 17, 1805. 
.\aroii H. Moycr, 1st sergt., must, in Sept. 12, ISOl ; 

]iro. from private; com. 1st lieut. March 3, 1805 ; 

not must. ; vet. 
Lafayette Iv. Mohu, sergt., must, in Sept. 12, 1801 ; 

wounded; |iro. from private Jan. 27, 1804; com. 

2d lieut. March 3, 1865; not must, 
llichard Bell, sergt., must, in Sept. 0, 1861 ; pro. from 

private; vet. 
.loseph Nagle, sergt., must, iu Aug. 3, 1804; sub.; 

pro. to corp. .\pril 1, 1805; to sergt. .Tune II, 

1805. 
William (iilmore, sergt., must, in March 10, 1805 ; 

pro. to corp. April I, 1805 ; to sergt. June 18th. 
I'ercival T. Rhodes, sergt., must, in Sept. 12, 1801 ; 

disch. on surg. certif. Dec. 1, \si\-2. 
Zacharias Shravely, sergt. must, in Sept. 12, 1801 ; 

wounded at Antietam, Md., Sejit. 17, lS(i2; must. 

out Sept. 12, 1804, expiration of term. 
.Tacob Sinister, sergt., must, in Oct. I, 1801 ; wounded 

at Hatcher's Run, Va., March .■',!, 1S05; <lisch. 

by G. O. June 13, 1805 ; vet. 



I IK CIVTL WAR. 



Aaron Bright, Jr., sergt., must, in Sept. 13, ISGl ; pro. 

from private ; trans, to Co. G Feb. 1(5, ISM. 
Etx'nezer Lee, .sergt., must, in Sept. 13, 18<)1 ; died at 

Annapolis, Md., April (i, 181;'). 
Henry Evans, sergt., must, in Sept. 12, ]8(il ; Icilledat 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 18(i8 ; buried in Nat. 

Cem., section F, grave (il. 
William D. Clemens, sergt., must, in Sopl. \)i, 18in ; 

captured ; died at Salisbury, N. C, March 2-'), 

18(;4; burial record, .Tan. S\, 1SC5 ; vet. 
Henry Moore, Corp., must, iu Sept. 9, ISGl ; vet. 
William Kenny, corp., must, in Oct. .'J, 18l)4, one 

year ; sub. ; pro. to corp. April 1, 18()r). 
.laiiiis Young, Corp., must, in Oct. 1, 18t>4, one year; 

sub. ; pro. to Corp. April 1, ISf;."). 
William Chambers, corp., must, in .Tan. lit, IStir), oiif 

year; pro. to corp. April 1, bsti;"). 
.lohn Friesleben, Corp., must, in Nov. II, l.siiH; |ii«). 

to Corp. May 1, 18ti.'). 
.Iiilin E. Apjilebaugh, corp., njiist. in .March 2lt, 18().'), 

one year; sub.; pro. t(i ci)r|i. .Iiinc 17, 18()">. 
Barney Halland, corp., must, in March 25, 18t).'), one 

year; sub. ; pro. to corp. May 1, lSti5. 
John H. Harris, Corp., must in March 20, 18t!.'), one 

year; sub; pro- to corp. June 14, 18().'>. 
Charles S. Butter, corp. must, in Sejit. 12, isill ; nm.st. 

out Sept. 22, 18t)4, exp. of term. 
Isaac I. Brown, Corp., must, in Sept. 2, 18t;i ; mii.st. 

out Sept. 6, 18(54, exp. of term. 
Aaron (iuenther, corp., must, in Sept. 2, 18(il ; must. 

out Sei)t. 2, 1864, e.xp. of term. 
George W. Gaylord, corp., must, in Aug. ;iO, 18()1, 

one year; sub. ; discli. by (4. O. June 10, 18t!r). 
John R. Locks, corp., must, in Sept. 12, 18(11 ; disch. 

on surg. certif. Feb. 14, 1863. 
Lewis W. Bonnin, corp., must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; 

trans, to Vet. Res. Corps, date unknown. 
John Eagle, corp., must, in Sept. 11, isiil ; died at 

Alexandria, Va., Sept. 16, 1862. 
Picrson (_). Miller, corp., must, in (Jet. 'i, 1861 ; died 

at Petersburg, Va., June 28, 1864 ; buried at City 

Point ; vet. 
Reuben Wider, corp., must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; cap- 
tured ; died at Salisbury, N. C, Dec. 28, 1864. 
Charles Geiger, corp., must, in Sept. 2.S, 1861 ; missing 

in action at Weldon Railroad, Va., ,\ng. 1864; 

veteran. 
George W. Leader, musician, must, in Sept. I'J, ISiil ; 

veteran. 
Edwin Ball, musician, must, in Sept. 12, 1861; must. 

out Sept. 12, 18(54, exp. of term. 
William Sands, musician, must, in Sept. 12, 1861; 

|in). to prin. musician Feb. 6, 1864; veteran. 

Prirafr^. 

Jcdiii Anderson, must, in March 17, I8(;,5, one vear; 

drafted. 
Thomas J. Albright, must, in !\Iareh 20, 1865, one 

year; substitute. 



John G. Anderson, must, iu Sept. 6, 1861 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Peter Blezer, must, in .Vpril .'i, 1865, one year ; sub- 
stitute. 
Francis Bo(|uel, must, iu March .'iO, 1865, one year ; 

substitute. 
Win. Brubaker, must, in March SI, 1865, one year ; 

substitute. 
Samuel Burkhart, must, in Sept. 2, 18(;i ; wounded 

Sept. 17, 1862, and June 25, 1864; disch. on surg. 

certif Nov. :{, 18(i4. 
David Brakeman, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; discli. on 

surg. certif July 4, 1862. 
George Browning, must, in Sept. 1(>, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif June I, 1862. 
Daniel Biedler, must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 

12, 1864, expiration of term. 
Jacob Behm, must, in Sejit. 12, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 12, 

1864, expiration of term, 
(leorge W. Boger, must, in Sept. 18,1861; disch. 

Sept. 18, 1864, ex|)iration of term. 
Jesse K. Behm, must, in March 30, 1864; disch. on 

surg. certif Jan. 17, 1865. 
Thomas Bush, must, in Sept. 28, 1864, one year; sub- 
stitute ; disch. by G. O. June 10, 18(55. 
liurkley P. Blervitt, must, in Sept. 9, 1861 ; trans, to 

Vet. Res. Corps March 15, 1864. 
(Jeorge Bowman, mu.st. in Oct. 4, 1861; wounded at 

Fredericksburg, Va., Dee. 13, 1862 ; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps Nov. 15, 18(i3. 
Augustus Burger, must, in March 29, 18()5, one year; 

substitute. 
Wash. B. Coder, must, in I\farcli 29, 1865, one year ; 

substitute. 
Joseph C. Clement, must, in Sept. 9, 1861 ; must. (JUt 

Oct. 18, 1864, expiration of term. 
David Cravner, must, in Sept. 30, 1864, one year ; 

substitute ; disch. by G. O. June 10, 1865. 
Charles Colton, must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps JIarcli 15, 1864. 
Michael Colton, must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps March 15, 1864. 
Joseph Carpenter, must, iu Sept. 16, 1861 ; died at 

Falls Church, Va., Aug. 18, 1862. 
Francis Conway, must, in Sei)t. 18, 1861 ; died at 

Alexandria, Va., July 12, 1862; grave 8.'!. 
Wm. Caruey, must, in March 31, 1865, one year ; sub- 
stitute. 
Joseph M. Cavender, must, in Sejit. 16, 1861 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Anilrew Dever, must, in April 3, 18(55, one year ; 

drafted. 
Jacob Drexel, must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; prisoner from 

Aug. 17, 1864, to March 13, 1865; disch. by G. 

O. May 2, 1 865. 
Henry Drexel, must, in Sept. 20, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif June 4, 18(52. 
Tobias Deemer, must, in Sept. 21, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 21, 1864, ex2)iratiou of term. 



25fi 



HISTOUY OF BERKS fOUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Adam Dietlcii bach, imist. in Sept. 12, 1861; died at 

Alexandria, Va., Dec. 23d, of wounds received at 

Frederic]jsl)urg Dec. 13, 1862. 
.Jacob Esterline, must, in March 2',), 1865, one year ; 

sulj.stitute ; absent, siclc, at muster out. 
.Mfred Ermentrout,inust. in Sept. 12, 1861 ; di.sch. on 

surj;. certif. Aug. 20, 1X62. 
Edward G. Ebliiig, mu.st. in Sept. 12, ISdl ; diseh. on 

surg. certiC. Feb. 26, 1863. 
Wm. S. Eagle, nuist. in Sept. 11, 18til ; trans, to Co. 

G Feb. 6, 18114; vet. 
Henry H. Fry, must, in Sejit. 12, 1861 ; discli. on 

surg. certif. Feb. 'J, 18(i2. 
Francis F. Fritz, must, in Sept. 21, 18i>4, one year ; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. .June 10, 1865. 
Henry Fagler, trans, to 102d Regl. P. V. May 15, 

1864. 
William Gates, must, in March 16, 1S65, one year ; 

drafted. 
Theodore German, must, in March 11, 1865, one year; 

substitute. 
Godfried Gonflow, must, in March 20, 1865, one year; 

substitute. 
Samuel B. Gardner, must, in Sept. 11, 1863; must. 

out Sept. 4, 1864, expiration of term. 
Henry Grimes, must, in Sept. 20, 1861 ; niu.st. oul 

Sept. 20, 1864, expiration of term. 
Michael (hirtland, must, iu Sept. 27, 1861, one year; 

substitute ; disch. by G. O. June 10, 1865. 
Henry Gross, trans, to 91st Regt. P. V. May 15, 

1864. 
Thomas Higgins, must, in March 29, 1865, one year; 

substitute. 
George Hoffman, must, in March 16, 1865, one year; 

drafted. 
Sylvester Hickel, must, in March 23, 1865, one year ; 

substitute. 
Joshua B. Hawkins, must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; absent, 

in hospital, at muster out ; vet. 
Joseph Hickel, nui.st. in Sept. 12, 1861 ; wounded at 

Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862 ; must, out 

Sept. 12, 1864, expiration of term. 
Henry Hunterson, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; trans, to 

Vet. Res. Corps March 16, 1864. 
Jacob Hell, must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; trans, to 16th 

Regt. U. S. Infantry, date uuknowu. 
Peter Huttenstine, must iu Sejjt. 22, 1864, one year; 

substitute ; died at Washington, D. C, Dec. 17, 

1864; buried in Nat. Cem., Arlington, Va. 
Samuel Haggmire, must, in Sept. 11, 1S61 ; died at 

Bull Run, Va., Aug. 31, 1862. 
Wm. High, must, in Sept. 12,1S61 ; vet. 
Josejih llinman, must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; not on mus- 
ter-out roll. 
George W. Jacoby, must, in Sept. 2, 1S61 ; discli. on 

surg. certif. May 27, 1S|)5; vet. 
William Jack.sou, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; trans, to 

Co. E Dec. 2, 1861. 



Joseph Jones, must, in Sept. 16, 1861 ; not on mus- 
ter-out roll ; vet. 

Conrad Kent/., nutst. in Sept. 26, 1864. one year; 
drafted. 

Ernest Kerzcr, must, in March 23, 1865, one year ; 
substitute. 

William Kamcr, must, in March IX, l.S(i5, one year; 
substitute. 

John Kelly, nuist. in Scjit. 16, l.stil ; absent, wounded, 
at muster out. 

Adam Keller, must, in .\pril 12, I.S(;4; absent, 
w<uinded, at muster oul. 

Henry Kauhii, must, iu Sept. 26, 1861 ; di.sch. on 
surg. certif Aug. 18, 1S(12. 

George King, must, in Sejit. 21, 1864, one year ; 
drafted; disch. by G. O. June 10, 1865. 

Lewis Leibecke, must, in March 2!>, 1865, one year; 
substitute. 

Samuel Levis, must, in Oct. 4, I.S(14, one year ; sub- 
stitute. 

John Lindermouth, must, in April 12, 1X62 ; trans, 
to Vet. Res. Corps, Nov. 15, 1863. 

Samuel D. Longmire, must, in Sept. 11, 1861; not on 
muster-out roll. 

John Marr, mu.st. in March IX, 1865, one year; sub- 
stitute. 

William Mafflt, must, iu March 29, 1865, one year ; 
substitute ; absent, .sick, at muster out. 

Christopher Miller, must, in JMarch 16, 1865, one 
year; drafted. 

Nathan Miller, mu.st. in March 27, 1865, one year ; 
substitute. 

Andrew .1. Miller, must, in March 20, 1865, one year ; 
substitute. 

George Mingel, must, in March 16, 1865, one year ; 
drafted. 

Nicholas Morris, must, in March 25, 1865, one year ; 
substitute. 

Samuel Morris, must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; absent, in 
hospital, at muster out ; vet. 

Emerson Maynard, must, in Sept. 6, 1864, two years ; 
substitute; disch. by G. O. July 19, 1865. 

John Monyer, Jr., must, in Sept. 9, 1861 ; trans, to 
Co. E Dec. 2, 1861. 

Joseph Malison, mu.st, in Sept. 19, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 
E Dec. 2. 1861. 

Albert Magcl, must, in Oct. 4, 1864, one year ; mis- 
sing Dec. 13, 18(!4. 

Samuel Morrison, must, in Sept. 16, ixni ; not on 
muster-out roll. 

John IMcCullough, nui.st. in Sept. 2, 186] ; absent at 
muster out. 

William McCmnb, must, in Sept. 2, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certif Aug. 11, 1X62. 

.lohn McGean, must, in Sept. 27, 1X64, one year; sub- 
stitute ; disch. by G. O. June 10, 1865. 

Watson McNelly, must, iu Aug. 27, 1X64, one year ; 
substitute; disch. by G. O. June 10, 1865. 



THE CTVTl. WAR. 



257 



Hugh McMullen, must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; trans, to 

Co. K Feb. (5, 1S(!4; vet. 
Cornelius jAlcNiilty, niu.it. in Sept. 18, 18(jl ; killed al 

Dabney's :\tili, Va., Feb. 7, 1S6/J ; vet. 
Charles McGregor, must, in Sept. Ifi, 18(51 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Henry Owen, must, in March 25, 18()5, one year; sub- 
stitute. 
William Obrien, must, in Sejit 14, lS(il ; not on mus- 
ter-out roll, 
(ieorge Petermaii, must, in Sejit. 20, IXiil ; iliscli. on 

surg. certif. Feb. 24, 1862. 
William Powers, must, in Sept. 28, 1864, one year ; 

substitute ; diseh. by G. O. .Tune 10, 1865. 
Henry Pretlove, must, in March 22, 1865, one year; 

substitute. 
Nathaniel I'orter, must, in Sept. U;, lS(il. 
Albert H. liepjiert, must, in Xov. 14, 1S(JI ; vet. 
Robert Rosebaugh, must, in March 16, 1865, one 

year; drafted. 
Christian Risestetler, nuist. in JIarch 16, 18(i5, one 

year; substitute. 
Laird Ross, must- in .March 16, l.St)5, one year; 

drafted. 
Balduzer Roger, must, in .\|iiil 1, 1865, one year; 

substitute. 
Patriclc Roach, must, in March 2'.), 1865, one year; 

substitute. 
Henry ]!cc(l, must, in Sept. 2, )S6I ; wounded at 

(Jettysburg duly o, 186.'?; absent at muster out. 
.loel Reifsneider, must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; wounded at 

Antietam, Md., Se])!. 17, 1862; must, out Sept. 

12, I8()4, expiration of term. 
WilliiiMi Rcif, must, in Sept. 12, 1861; must, out 

Sept. 12, 1864, e.xpiration of terra. 
ll.iny 1). Roif, must, in Sept. 12, 1861; must, out 

Sept. 12, 1864, expiration of term. 
William Ramich, mu.st. in Sept. 12, 1861 ; trans, to 

Co. G Feb. 6, 1864; vet. 
Daniel Smith, must, in Sept. 20, lS(;i ; vet. 
William H. Smith, nnist. in March 2o, 1865, one 

year ; substitute. 
Samuel Sharosky, nuist. in Marcli 8, 1865, one year ; 

substitute. 
John Storks, must, in March 22, lSli5, one year; 

substitute. 
Adam Sohns, must, in March 2'.(, l.$65, one year; sub- 
stitute. 
Christian Stauflei-, must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; absent at 

muster out ; vet. 
Jacob Snyder, must, in Feb. 2y, 1864 ; disch. by G. O. 

June 5, 1865. 
Peter D. Shearer, must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 12, 1864, expiration of term. 
Jesse Shelly, must in Sept. 12, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Nov. 22, 1862. 
Richard W. Sidel, must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; discli. on 

surg. certif. Feb. 22, 1863. 
30 



Joseph Sterney, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. April 6, 1863. 
.lames Seyferd, must, in Sept. 12, 1861; disch. on 

surg. certif. Dec. 9, 1864; vet. 
Frederick Sohns, must, in Sept. 8, 1.864, one year; 

substitute; disch. by G. O. June 10, 18(>5. 
Adam Sowers, must, in Sept. 12, 1864, one year ; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 13, 1865. 
David Sneal, must, in Sept. 20, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. June 21, 1862. 
Anthony Smith, must, in March 29, 1.865, one year; 

substitute ; disch. by G. O. June 13, 1.S65. 
John Slionour, must, iu Sept. 12, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps Nov. 30, 1864. 
Samuel Shuster, must, in Sept. 17, 1861 ; died at 

Fairfax Seminary, Va., Aug. 22, 1862 ; burial 

record, at Alexandria, March 11), 1864 ; grave 

15,50. 
John Seery, must, in Sept. 5, 1,864, one year; died at 

Point Lookout, Md., March 18, 1,865. 
George W. See, must, in July 12, 1.862. 
Michael Steiger. 

E. Fenton Shin, must, in Sept. l.'l, 1861 ; not on mus- 
ter-out roll. 
Charles H. Turner, nuist. in Sept. 12, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 12, 1.864, expiration of term. 
George Teed, must, in Sept. 12, 1861; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps Sept. 30, 1863. 
Samuel Vankirk, must, in Sept. 14, 18t)l ; disch. on 

.surg. certif. March 2, l.Sti3. 
William H. Vaukirk, must, iu Sept. 14, 1S61 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Francis Walter, must, in March 29, 1865, one year ; 

substitute, 
(ieorge Wartz, must, in March 30, 1865, one year ; 

substitute. 
John Wagenhaght, must, in .\i>ril 3, 1.S65, one year : 

drafted. 
Jonathan Wentzel, must, in Sept. 18,1861; must, out 

Sept. 18, l.'<64, expiration of term. 
William Weidiner, must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certify Feb. 5, 1863. 
.Samuel Wesley, must, in Sept. 18, 1861 ; mus'.. out 

Sept. 18, 1864, e.xpiration of term. 
Noble Waterson, must, in Sept. 21, 1S(;4, one year ; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. June 10, 18(!5. 
I'dward Whitehead, must, in Sept. 14, 1861 ; trans. 

to Vet. Res. Cor|is March 15, 1.863. 
George Whiteman, must, in Sept. 23, 1861 ; trans, to 

Co. E. 
James W. Warren, must, in Sept. 2, 18(51 ; trans, to 

Co. D Feb. 6, 1864 ; vet. 
John AVaterman, must, in Sept. 13, 1861; captured; 

died at Andersonville, Ga., Aug. 8, 1864 ; burial 

record, grave 128. 
licwis Waterman, must, in July 30,1863; died at 

Salisbury, N. C, Feb. 7, 1865. 
William H. Whitehead, must, in Sept. 14, 1861 ; not 

on muster-out roll. 



25S 



HISTORY OF BP]RKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



DiUiirl Vdiiiit, iMiist. Ill Oct. 5, lS(i4, one year ; disch. 

by G. O. June 2:i, 1SG5. 
Geiirgc W. Vockey, must, in Sept. 'V), IStU, one year; 

di.sch. l)y (i. O. June 10, 18ti.'). 
Frederick Voekey, must, in Sept. 30, 1S(J4, one year; 

disci), by G. O. June Id, 1S(;5. 
James Yoder, must, in Marcli :iO, l.Sii4 ; killed at 

Dabiiey's Mills, Va., Feb. 7, \S6r>. 
Gadlip Zeller, must, in March 1^3, ISlio, one year ; 

suiistitute. 
Emanuel Zacarius, must, in Aug. 24, lxti4, one year; 

substitute; disch. by G. O. June IT), 18(15. 
George Zeigler, must, in Feb. 20, 18ti4; disch. by G. 

O. June 13, 1S65. 

Cattain Ge<)K(jf, B. Rhoads \va.s tlie son 
of Henry Ehoads, Esq., an attorney and for a 
time associate judge of Berks Connty. He was 
a native of Reading, born in 1840, and reeeived 
liis education in tlie city scliools. He left the 
High Sciiool to join the array, bnt was rejected, 
being under size. Through the intercession of 
Colonel Charles MeKnight, however, he was 
accepted as a private, and made a corporal at 
Washington, having enlisted in April, 1861, as 
a private in the Ringgold Light Artillery for 
three mouth.s. Afterward he entered the three 
years' service in the Pjighty-eighth Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was commis- 
sioned second lieutenant in Company B. For 
uniform good conduct and intrepidity in the 
field, he was appointed ca])tain of Company F, 
in the same regiment. NA'hiJst skirmishing at 
White Oak, in command of his regiuient, he 
was shot and killed on June lo, 1864, aged 
only twentv-four years. 

Company H. — This company was recruited 
in Berks Comity, and was uuistered out June 
30, 1865, except whereotherwi.se mentioned : 

David A. Griffith, capt., nuist. in Sept. 14, 1861 ; pro. 

to maj. Sept. 1, 18(i2. 
F. B. Shakers, Jr., capt., must, in Sept. 14, ISdl ; pro. 

from 2d to 1st lieut. May 7, lS(i-_'; to capt. Sept. 

1, 1862; wounded at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 

13, 1862; resigned April 10, 1863. 
Jacob Houder, capt., must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; pro. 

from i)riv. to sergt.; to 1st .sergt.; to 2d lieut. 

Dee. 31, 1862; to capt. Feb. 17, 1864; killed at 

Weldon Eailroad, Va., Aug. lit, 1864. 
Jos. H. Lawrence, capt., must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; pro. 

from priv. to sergt.; to 1st lieut. April 0, 1864; to 

capt. Oct. 17, 1864 ; absent at must, out ; vet. 
George W. Rapp, l.st lieut., nuist. in Sept. 14, 1861 ; 

resigned May 7, 1862. 



Henry E. Quiinby, 1st lieut., must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; 
]iro. from j)riv. to sergt.; to 1st lieut. Sept. 1, 
1802; wounded at Antietam, Md. Sept. 17, 1862; 
resigned Oct. 20, 1803. 

James McCallicher, 1st lieut., must, in Sejit. 10, 
1861 ; pro. from priv. to sergt.; to Isl lieut. Jan. 
1,1865; wounded at Five Forks, Va., April 1, 
1865 ; disch. by G. O. May 15, 1805. 

James C. Pettit, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; 
l>ro. from priv. to sergt.; to 2d lieut. May 7, 1862 ; 
resigned Dec. 31, 1862. 

Jefiersim Good, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; pro. 
from priv. to sergt.; to 1st sergt.; to 2d lieut. June 
7, 1864; com. 1st lieut. May 16, 18()5 ; not nuist.; 
vet. 

John Wilmoycr, Isl sergt., nuist. in Sept. 10, 1861 ; 
pro. from priv. to sergt.; to 1st sergt. June 15, 
18()5; com. 2<1 lieut. Jlay Ki, 1865; not must.; 
wounded at Hull Run, Va., Aug. 30th, and Antie- 
tam, Md. .Sept. J7, 1862; vet. 

tleorge W. Hiiin, sergt., must, in .\ug. 30, 1801 ; pro. 
to sergt. May 1, 1805 ; vet. 

John K. Wesner, sergt., must, in .\ug. 30, 18(il ; pro. to 
sergt. May 1,1865 ; vet. 

Reuben Drexel, sergt., must, in Aug. 23, 1801 ; pro. 
to Corp.; to sergt. June 15, 1805; vet. 

Henry ,T. Rutz, sergt., must, in .\ug. 30, 1861 ; jiro. 
from priv.; wounded at Laurel Hill, Va., Jlay 8, 
1804 ; absent, in hospital, at must, out ; vet. 

Benner Hummel, sergt., must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; \>tv. 
from priv.; wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 
1862; disch., date unknown. 

Samuel Husk, sergt., must, in Aug. 20, 18<)1 ; pro. 
from priv.; disch., date unknown. 

William M. Krick, sergt., must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; pro. 
to Corp.; to sergt.; wounded at .\ntietara, Md., 
Sept. 17, 1862 ; disch., date unknown. 

Jonathan Flag, sergt., must, in Sept. 27.1861; trans. 

to Vet. Res. Corps Nov. 15, 1863. 
rhos. R. Hartman, sergt., must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; pro. 
from priv.; died June 6, 1865, of wounds received 
in action ; buried in National Cemetery, Arling- 
ton, Va.; vet. 

Jas. J\L Thompson, sergt., nuist. in Sept. 11,1801; 
pro. from priv.; died Nov. 10th, of wounds receiv- 
ed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1802. 

Isaac Fields, corp., must, in .Vug. 30, 1801 ; pro. to 
corj). May 1, 1805 ; vet. 

John P. Clury, Corp., must, in Aug. 12,1804; sub.; 
pro. to Corp. May 1, 1865. 

James F. Sprang, corp., must, in Oct. 5, 1864 ; one 
year ; sub.; pro. to corp. May 1, 1865. 

.Fames H. Thompson, corp., must, in Feb. 25, 1865, 

one year; drafted ; \no. to corp. May 1, 1865. 
Peter Heck, corp., must, iu Feb. 25, 1865, one year ; 

drafted ; pro. to ccup. .Tune 15, 1865. 
Lewis H. Ingram, Corp.. must, in Feb. 25, 1805, one 
year; drafted; pro. to corp. May 1, 1865. 



THE CIVIL WAK. 



259 



Joseph E. Smith, corp., must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp. May 1, l<S6r); vet. 
John R. Lord, Corp., imist. in Feb. 25, ISGrt, one year ; 

drafted ; pro. to cor|i. May 1, 1865. 
George Lape, corp., must, in Sept. 24, 1864, one 

year ; sub.; disch. by G. O. June 10, 1865. 
Elias D. Kerst, corp., must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; pro. to 

q.m.-sergt. Feb. 28, 1865 ; vet. 
Joel E. Krick, corp., must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; trans, to 

Co. F, date unknown ; vet. 
Mayberry Dautricli, musician, must, in .\ug. 23, 

1861; vet. 
Daniel Kissinger, musician, must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; 

wounded at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 18(>2 ; vet. 
Llewellyn J. Spohn, musician, disch., date unknown. 
John Bell, musician, must, in Oct. 2, 1861 ; disch., 

date unknown. 

J'rira/es. 
Jacob Adams, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one year; 

drafted. 
Benne'le Angstadt, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one year; 

drafted. 
George Arnold, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one year; 

drafted. 
Emanuel Abel, must, in Sept. 17, 18(il ; must, out 

Sept. 17, 1864, expiration of term. 
John Albright, must, in Sept. K», 1861; nuist. out 

Sept. 10, 18('4, expiration of term. 
Henry Arnold, must, in March 12, 1862; trans, to 

64th Eegt. I'. V. March 19, 1862. 
Daniel Bellman, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one year; 

drafted. 
Henry S. Berger, must, in March 20, 18(')5, one year; 

sub. 
Henry Bridgeham, must, in Feb. 25, 1865; one year; 

drafted. 
Daniel G. Brouse, must, in March 31, 1865, one year; 

sub. 
John A. Bechtel, must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; wounded 

at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862; absent at must. 

out. 
Joseph Brightbill, must, out Feb. 24,1865, one ye;ir; 

drafte<l; ilisch. by G. O. July 8, 1865. 
Jacob G. Hord, must, in Aug. 31,lS(il ; ilisch. on surg. 

certif., date unknown. 
Eobert Bland, must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Jan. 20, 1862. 
Daniel Bridgeman, must, in Aug. 30, 1861; disch. 

May 14, 1865, for wounds received in action ; 

vet. 
William Bixstine, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 10, 1864, expiration of term 
George Bosler, must, in Feb. 26,1864; disch. by G. O. 

June 14, 1865. 
Aaron S. Boyer, must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; <lisch. on 

surg. certif. March 4, 1863. 
Henry Bosler, must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; must, out Aug 

30, 1864, expiration of term. 



Cyrus Burkhart, must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; trans, to 

Eegt., date unknown. 
John H. Brittain, must, in Oct. 3, 1861 ; killed at 

Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Joseph Becker, must, in March 1,1864; died June 

15, 1864, of wounds received in action ; buried in 

burial-grounds. Wilderness, Va. 
Daniel Boyl, must, in Aug. 30, 1861. 
Wm. S. Ball, must, in Sept. 13, 1861. 
Geo. A. Bordy, must, in Aug. 27, 1861. 
.Vdam Clowser, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one year ; 

drafted; absent, sick, at must. out. 
John Carl, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one year ; drafted. 
David Christraan, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one year ; 

drafted. 
Vbraham Cox, must, in Feb. 24, 18(15, one year; 

drafted. 
Allen Corzel, nmst. in March 30, 1865, one year; 

sub. 
Wm. Carey, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; prisoner from 

Aug. 19, 1864, to Feb. 24, 1865; disch. by G. O. 

May 15, 1865. 
Henry W. Call, mu.st. in Sept. 13, 18(')1 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Aug. 30, 1862. 
Dennis Dor.sey, must, in April 23, 1864. 
Chas. F. Dehm, nmst. in Aug. 30, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Feb. 27, 1863. 
.Vltred Dautrich, nuist. in Aug. 23, 1861 ; disch. May 

14, 1865, for wounds received in action ; vet. 
James Debord, must, in Aug. 30, 1861. 
Daniel Eckert, must, in Sept. 13, 1861. 
Harrison Eddinger, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 14, 1864, expiration of term. 
David E. Ely, must, in Sept. 13, 1861 ; not on muster- 
out roll, 
.lames Foust, must, in Feb. 24, 

drafted. 
Eli Fisher, must, in Feb. 25, 

drafted. 
George Fleming, must, in March 29, lS6i 

sub. 
Jacob Fabian, must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; disch., date 

unknown. 
Henry Frill, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif., date unknown. 
.\lbert H. Flanders, must, in Oct. 5, 1864, one year; 

drafted; captured March 31, 1865; disch. by G. 

O. May 27, 1865. 
Frederick Ferner, must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; killed at 

Bull Eun, Va., Aug. 30, 18(i2. 
Johnson Flack, must, in Aug. 25, 1861 ; not on must. 

out roll. 
Daniel Good, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one year; 

drafted. 
Gottleib Gloak, must, in Aug. 15, 1864; sub. 
Wm. Green, disch. on surg. certif. May 4, 1863. 
Joel Goodheart, must, in Sept. 26, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Sept. 29, 1862. 



186; 



1865, 



one year ; 



one year ; 



year 



260 



HLSTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, I'KNNSYJ.VAXIA. 



Reuben (xoodheart, must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; cUsch. on 

surg. certif. Sept. 26, 1861. 
Israel K. Gorman, must, in Sept. 1.3, 1861 ; must, out 

Sept. 13, 1864, expiration of term. 
Celestine Good, must, in Sept. 4, 1861; must, out Sept. 

4, 1864, expiration of term. 
Henry Goberl, must, in Aug. 30, 1861. 
Samuel Houck. must, in Feb. 25, 186.''), one year; 

drafted. 
William Hoyer, must, in Feb. 25,186.5, one year; 

drafted. 
David D. Hunter, must, in Feb. 25, 1,865; one year; 

drafted ; disch. by (4. O. Aug. 2, 1865. 
John H. llolfman, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one year ; 

drafted. 
Samuel Hoflinan, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one year; 

drafted. 
J. R. Hottenstein, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one year; 

drafted. 
Orlando HoHman, must, in March 28, 1865, one 

year; sub. 
Thomas B. Heiser, nnist. in March 30, 1865, one 

year; sub. 
William Hutchinson, must, in Sept. 10, 18(!1 ; prisoner 

from Aug. 19, 1864, to Feb. 22, 1865 ; diseli. by 

G. O. March 31, 1865. 
William Hafer, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 

13, 1862, for wounds received in action. 
Edward Holt, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. M.iy 16, 1.862. 
Franklin Heller, must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; nuist, oul 

Sept. 10, 1864, expiration of term. 
William Hartman, must, in Sept. 26, 1864, one year; 

sub.; disch. by G. O. June 7, 1865. 
Joseph Hockrine, must, in Sept. 27, 1864, one year; 

sub.; disch. by G. O. June 10, 1865. 
Carl Hcnrich, must, in Sept. 27, 1864, one year; sub.; 

disch. by G. O. June 10, 1865. 
James A. High, must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; trans, to 

Regular Army, date unknown. 
Henry A. Harbold, must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; wounded 

at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862 ; trans, to 

Vet. Res. Corps Sept., 1863. 
John F. Harmon, must, in Sept. 12, 1.S61 ; trans, to 

Vet. Res. Corps, date unknown. 
Charles Hawk, must, in Aug. 30, 18t;i ; died Feb. 27, 

1862. 
.Tas. Henner.shitz, must, in Sept. 5,1861; killi'<l at 

Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Lewis Humma, must, in Sept. 12, 18(il; died at 

Alexandria, Va., Jan. 20, 1 863, of wounds received 

in action ; grave 69('>. 
John Hefner, must, in March 22, 1864; died .Tune 

17, 1864. 
Henry R. Hepp, must, in Nov. 23, 1861. 
.lulius Hotlnian, must, in Dec. 7, 1861. 
We.slcy Hoffman, must, in Sept. 11, 1861; not on 

muster-out roll. 



Davis K. Irey, must, in Feb. 27, 1865, one year ; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. Aug. 7, 1865. 
Carl Kuhu, must, in Oct. 25, 1864, one year; sub. 
William Keller, must, in Feb. 24, 1865, one year; 

drafted. 
Henry Kerjjer, must, in Feb. 24, 1865, one year; 

drafted. 
John L. Kupp, must, in Feb. 25, 1865; one year; 

drafted. 
Orlando Kooch, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps Sei>t. 17, 1863. 
William Lawrence, must, in Sept. 11, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif May l'.», 1862. 
Henry Lingg, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one year 
James Malony, must, in Oct. 6, 1864, one year ; sub. 
Jacob Miller, must, in March 24, 1865, one year; sub. 
Amos Moore, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, oue year; 

drafted. 
Edward Moore, must, in Fcl). 25, 1.8i;5, oneyear; drafted. 
Frederick Master, must, in March 27, 1865, one year; 

sub. 
Joseph Myers, must, in Sept. 3, 1861 ; wounded at 

Antietam, Sept. 17, 1862; killed at Spott.sylvania 

C. H.,Va., May 10, 1864; vet. 
Jacob G. Moore, nuisl. in Aug. 30, 1S(;1 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
David Miller, must in Sept. 10, 18()1 ; not on muster- 
out roll. 
Thomas McCombs, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif ]\Iay 16, 1,862. 
.Mexander McClellan, must, in Sept. 4, lSi;i ; disch. 

by G. O. .June 14, 1865; vet. 
David McCallicher, must, in Dec. 0, 1861 ; disjh. on 

surg. certif. Nov. 19, 1862. 
James McClellan, must, in March 1. 18(14; trans, to 

Vet. Ties'. Cor[is, date unknown. 
Hugh McMullin, must, in Sept. 12, 1S(;]. 
IVter Nelson, must, in .Vng. '■'<*), ]8(;i, 
Benjamin Neniond, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one 

year. 
Charles B. Oney, must, in Sept. 22, 1864 ; one year ; 

sub.; disch. by G. O. June 10, 1865. 
Rest Parker, must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; vet. 
F. E. Potter, must, in March 25, 1865, one year ; sub. 
Abraham Peter, mn.st. in Feb. 25, 1865, one year; 

drafted. 
Thompson Piper, must, in July 11, 1864; drafted; 

absent at muster out. 
James Peoples, must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif Sept. 21, 1864. 
John Rankin, must, in April 4, 1865, oneyear; sub. 
Nathan Reimert, nnist. in Fell. 25, ]St)'i, one year; 

drafted. 
Moses Rose, must, in March 29, 1865, one year; sub. 
William Roberts, must, in Oct. 6, 18154, one year; 

drafted; disch. on surg. certif. IVIay 12, 1865. 
James Rudy, must, in Oct. 3, 1864. one year; sub.; 

disch. by G. O. May 26, 1865. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



261 



Lewis Reigle, must, in Aug. 30, 18t>l ; Jiscli. May 20, 

18(J3, for wds. rec. in action. 
.Tolin Rule, must, in Sept. \\ ISGl ; trans, to Vet. Res. 

Corps March 1(5, 18<!4. 
Mark Riiiglcr, must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; killed at Bull 

Run, Va., Aug. 30, 1862. 
Jonathan Reigle, must, in Aug. 30, 18()1 ; died June 

26, 1864, of wds. rec. in action; bur. in Xat. Cem., 

Arlington, Va. 
Henry Roth, must, in Aug. 24, 1861 ; killed at Peters- 
burg, Va., June 18, 1864; vet. 
William Rightmoyer, must, in Sept. 4, 1861. 
.lolin D. Richter, must, in Feb. 28, 1865, one year. 
Henry Rlioads, must, in Aug. .30, 1861 ; not on mus- 
ter-out roll. 
Henry Steinbach, must, in Oct. ">, 1864, one year ; stib. 
William H. Sclilii)i>, must, in Feb. 2.'>, 186r), one year; 

drafted. 
Samuel Stanley, must, in Feb. 2.5, 1805, one year; 

drafted. 
George W. Schull, must, in Fel). 28, 18().''), one year; sub. 
Aleah Sjiencer, must, in March 22, ISdo, oncyear; sub. 
Frederick Soulliard, must, in Mardi 29, 186.'), one 

year; sub. 
John Stern, must, in March 29, 186ri, one year; sub. 
Timothy Sourlbus, must, in March 27, ISliri, one 

year; sub. 
Matthias Swavely, ninst. in Feb. 2"), 1864; disch. liy 

G. O. July S, 1865. 
John Schartf, must, in Aug. 30, 1864, one year ; sub. ; 

disch. by G. (). June 10, 1865. 
Andrew Shule, must, in Aug. 30, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. May 6, 18(>2. ■ 
John Staunton, must, in Sept. 4, 18()1 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. May 16, 1862. 
Joseph Sailor, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Dec. 2, 1862. 
William W. Seider, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Jan. 20, 18i>:!. 
John Stine, must, in Aug. .30, 1S61 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Jan. 20, 1863. 
William Spicker, must, in Sept. 4, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 

4, 1864, exp. of term. 
Joseph Springer, must, in Oct. I, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. 

Res. Corps Sept. 29, 1863. 
Robert Simons, must, in Aug. 30, 1S61 ; killed at 

Gettysburg July 1, 1863. 
Frank Swavely, must, in Sept. 13, IStil ; captured; 

killed at Salisbury, N. C, Jan. 12, 18li5; vet. 
Enoch Shaw, must, in Sept. 10, 1861; captured ; died 

at Salisbury, N. C, Feb. 8, 1865 ; vet. 
William Timothy, must, in Oct. 1, 1861; disch. on 

surg. certif. Oct. 14, 1862. 
James Toole, must, in Sept. 4, 1861. 
John Ulrich (1st), must, in Feb. 25, 18()5, one year; 

drafted. 
John Ulrich {2d), must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one year; 

drafted ; disch. by G. O. July 5, 1865. 



Benhart Umbacher, must, in Sept. 25, 1864, one year; 

sub. ; disch. by G. O. June 10, 1865. 
Michael Volkir, must, in Sept. 9, 1864, one year ; 

sub. ; died Feb. 6, 1865, of wds. rec. in action. 
George W. Wireman, must, in Feb. 27, 1865, one 

year; drafted. 
Augustus Weikel, must, in March 30, 1865, one year; 

sub. 
Christian Wonderlick, must, in Sept. 30, 1864, one 

year ; sub. ; disch. by G. O. June 10, 18(>5. 
Gottleib Wise, must, in Sept. 30, 18(54, one year ; 

sub. ; disch. by G. O. June 10, 1865. 
Andrew Wilson, must, in Sept. 17, 1861; disch. on 

writ of habeas corpus Oct. 5, 18t)l. 
William A. Wise, must, in March 16, 1864; trans, to 

Vet. Res. Corps Oct. 17, 1864. 
Adam B. Whitman, must, in Sept. 10, 1861 ; died Dec. 

18 of wds. rec. at Fredericksburg, Va., Dec. 13, 1862- 
.Fonuthan Wiser, must, in Aug. 27, 18(>1 ; died May 

12, 1864, of wds. rec. in action ; bur. in burial 

grounds. Wilderness, Va. ; vet. 
Peter Wolf, must, in Aug. 27, 18()1 ; died June 20, 

1864, of wds. rec. in action ; bur. record, June 30, 

1864, at City Point, Va. 
George Wonder, must, in Aug. 30, 18|>1. 
Benjamin Youse, must, in Feb. 25, 1865, one year; 

drafted. 
George I). Youse, must, in Aug. 30, 1861. 

NINETY-THIRD REGIMENT. 

The Niuety-tliird Rogiment wa.s organized in 
October, 18(il, at the Fair-Groiuid.si near 
Lebanon, Pa. It inc^luded two oonipanies, B and 
(t, and part of Company K from Berks County. 
In November it proc'ee<led to Wa.ihington, and 
afterward into A^irginia. On the 5th of May, 
1862, it participated in tiie battle of Williams- 
burg. Colonel McCarter, of this regiment, said 
in hi.s official report among otiier things, — 

"For three hoHr.s the answering fire of the 
regiment was incessant, commanding from its 
position the openings of two roads, on either 
side of which were felled trees and bushes. At 
the end of this time the right and centre had 
expended forty-five rounds and were out of 
ammunition. The two companies on the left — 
Company B, Captain Arthur, and Company G, 
Captain Maitland — had been posted by me in 
the rear of the Fifty-fifth, when the enemy made 
three attempts to flank them, but was as often 
driven back. The firing of the enemy on this 
flank having ceased, and these companies hav- 
ing still thirty rounds of unexpended ammimi- 
tion to the man, I conducted them to a position 



HISTORY OF BKRKS COUNTY, PENNSYLYANIA. 



on our extreme rijrlit, 111)01) wliieli the fire of the 
enemy was still hotly kept up. Here our silence 
for some minutes luid inilueed the helief that we 
liad retreated, and these two conij)anies iiad 
scarcely been ]>osted wiien the enemy was seen 
chartiing up tlie road at the distance of ahoul 
one hundred yards. ( )ne volley from Company 
G, deliberately delivered and aimed low, checked 
his advance, but he continued to fire rapidly 
and with fearful elfcct. At the cud of thirty 
minutes he had been repulsed Ihtc and along 
the whole front." 

The regiment was engaged in the battle ol 
Fair Oaks on the ."JOtli of May following, and 
displayed "sterling soldierly ([ualities on thi^ 
sanguinary field." Captain ]\Iaitland, of Com- 
pany G, was mortally wonnded. At the baltk 
of Malvern Hill, on July 1st. it occupied the 
extreme right of the line. It was in no engage- 
ment till the following spring, when it partici- 
pated in the liattle of Chancellorsville, and two 
months afterward in the memorable battle of 
Gettysburg. Then it moved southward with 
the army and went into winter-quarters at Har- 
per's Flurry. In Fcbruai-y, 18()4, three-fourths 
of the regiment re-enlisted, and it was given a 
veteran furlough. Returning, it entered upon 
the Wilderness campaign on May 4th. The 
first engagement was on the Gordonsville and 
Fredericksburg Plaidc-Road, which continued 
for two days, and shortly afterward (on 12th) 
at the right of the famous "Angle," advancing 
within fifty yards of the rebel works, and en- 
during a destructive fire. In the progress of 
the army In the James River, the regiment par- 
ticipated in fierce fighting, losing men almost 
daily. From May 4th to June 12th it marched 
three hundred and fifty miles, twenty-six 
marches being in tiic uiglit, and fought in eight 
distinct battles. It readied the front of Peters- 
burg on June loth. In July it was tal<en to 
Washington to dctend tlie capitol, and it 
arrived just in time to drive back Early's skir- 
mishers. ( )ii July 17th it was engaged in a sharp 
battle; then it pursued the enemy into Virginia, 
and had an engagement on Septeml)er 13th, 
near Opecpian (!reek, and on September 19th, 
at Winchester. By October, Comi)any G had 
become so much reduced that a new company 



had to be formed with recruits, and placed un- 
der command of Captain Kuhn. On October 
19th it was engaged in battle at Cedar Creek, 
when the Union army was driven back four 
miles. Put (General Sheridan rallied the troops 
and routed the enemy. On October 2Sth most 
of the men re-enlisted. In November, for a 
time, it performed duty at Philadel])liia, aud in 
December it returned to the front of Petersburg, 
where it went into winter-quarters. On ]\Iarch 
25, 18C5, the brigade advanced, but finding the 
enemy too strong, withdrew, after enduring a 
severe fire. Early on April 2d the regiment 
charged the enemy's works and carried them af- 
ter an obstinate struggle, planting its colors first 
on the ramparts. On April 6th it partici])ated 
in the battle of Sailor's Creek. After the sur- 
render of Lee, on the 9th, it marched to Dan- 
ville to co-operate with Sherman for the defeat 
of Johnston. It remained in camp at this place 
for sevei'al wi'eks, and then proceeded to \\'ash- 
ington rid Richmond, where it was mustered out 
of service on June 27, I8(!o. 

CoLOXEi, D.wii) C. Kei,I-EK is the grand- 
son of Conrad Keller, who was an early resident 
of Perks ('ounty. Among the children of Con- 
rad Keller was .lohn Keller, born in the coun- 
ty named and by occupation a tailor, serving 
also at times as school- teacher and musician. 
He married Esther Clouser, daughter of Wil- 
liam Clouser, of the same county, and left the 
following surviving children: William C, Sa- 
rah (Mrs. M'illiam Yous), Daniel C., Caroline 
(Mrs. Alfred Prombach), David C, Samuel ('., 
Jeremiah C. and Jacob C. 

David C. Keller was born on July 25, 18."{9, 
in Rockland township. Perks County, aud re- 
mained during his boyhood on the fiirm of his 
father, meanwhile pursuing his studies at the 
public school. At the age of seventeen yeai"s 
he removed to Danville, Montour County, Pa., 
for the purpose of learning the miller's trade, 
tie spent two years at this l)usiuess and then re- 
turned to Berks County, locating at Friedeus- 
l)urg, Oley township, as a clerk and remaining 
thus employed for three years. The firing upon 
Fort Sumter by the rebels aroused his patriotic 
zeal, and he then enlisted in Com])any C, Seventh 
Regiment Pennsylvania X'olnnteers. He was 



Till'] ('T^■|T, WAi;. 



263 



luustered into service April 22, ISfjl, fur tiiree 
inontlis and served for the entire period. He 
re-enlisted on October 21, 1861, as first lieuten- 
ant of Company K, Xincty-tliird Regiment, 
and on Novendjcr 8, liS()2, was ])romoted to 
captain. November 23, 1864, he was commis- 
sioned as major. Pie was brevetted lieutenant- 
colonel August 1, 1864, for distinguished ser- 
vices in the ciimpaign before Richmond, V:i., 
reccivinir his commission from the CJovernor of 



September 1, 1862; Antietam, September 17, 
1862, where his regiment was transferred to the 
Third Brigade, Tiiird Division, Sixth Corps ; 
Fredericksburg, A'^a., Ik'cember 11 to \h, 
1862; Marve's Heights, May .'!, 186;); Salem 
Heights, May 4, 18();3; (Gettysburg, Pa., July 
2, 186."), wliere lie was wounded. Here-enlisted 
February 7, 1864, and his regiment was trans- 
ferred to the Second Division, Sixth Corps, 
where he was cnu:ai;cd in the battle of the Wil- 




'y^-^^^X^JU^ 



Pennsylvania on December ISth following. 
He was brevetted colonel on April 2, 1865, 
for gallant and meritorious service in the jissault 
lieforc Petersburg. He was assigned to the 
Second Brigade, Sewnd Division, Fourth Corps 
Army of the Potomac, Peninsular campaign. 
He participated in the following engagements : 
Siege of Yorktown, April 15 to May 4, 1862; 
Williamsburg, Va., May 5, 1862; Chickahom- 
iny River, Bottoms Bridge, May 20 to 23, 
1862; battle of P'air Oaks, May 31, 1862, 
where he was twice wounded; Chancellorsville, 



derncss, Va., May ."> to 7, 18(54; Spottsylvania 
Court-House, May 8 to 12, 1864, where he 
was twice wounded; ()])ec[uan, September 19, 
1864; Fisher's Hill, Septcnd)er 22, 1864; 
Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864, where he was 
again wounded ; Hatcher's Run, February 5 to 
7, 1865; Fort Fisher, March 25, 1865, where 
he received another \\'ound and was subsequently 
transferred to the command of the Ninety- 
eighth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers at 
Danville, A'n. He particijiated in the grand 
review at Washington, D. C, June, 1865, and 



2G4 



III.STOHY OF BERKS COI'NTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



was mustered out Jnne 27, 1865. Colonel Kel- 
ler then I'etiirned to Reading, where he has since 
resided. 

He is in politics an active Republican. He 
was for four years a nienihcr of the Common 
Council of Reading and is now serving his 
second term as county commissioner. He was 
appointed by (Jovernor Hartranft inspector- 
general, with the rank of lieutenant colonel, on 
the statt" of jMajor-Gencral William J. Bolton, 
Second Divisi(jn National (xuards Pennsylvania. 
He is a director of several building associations 
and member of the Grand Army of the Re- 
public, having formerly been commander of 
General Keim Post, No. TO. He is a member 
of Teutonia Lodge, F. and A. ^L, No. StilS, of 
Excelsior Chapter, No. "i.'JT, and of the Reading 
Commandery. Colonel Keller was married to 
Rosa, daughter of Conrad Krebs, of Reading, 
oil June '21, 18(55. They had six children, only 
one sou surviving, — Daniel Franklin, born May 
5, 1872, in Reading. 

Company B. — This company was recruited 
in Berks County, and was mustered out June 
27, 1S(J5, except wiiere otherwi.se mentioned. 

John E. Artluu-, capt., must, in Oct. 12, Isdl ; 

pro. to lieut-col. Sept. 1, 1862. 
John Fritz, capt., must, in Sept. IS, 1801 ; i^ro. from 

sergt. to capt. July 8, 1862; disch. on surg. 

certif. Marcli 3, 18G3 ; re-must, as cajit. Sept. 4, 

18(i3; wounded and captured at Fair Oaks, Va., 

M.ay 31, 1862; wounded at Wilderness, May .5 

and 9, 1864; and atSpottsylvania, May 12, 1864; 

pro. to raaj. Jan. 23, 1865. 
Levi Weise, capt., must, in Sei>t. 18, 186] ; pro. to 

Corp. Sept. 22, 1861 ; to sergt. June 15, 1862; to 

1st sergt. .Inly 1, 1862; to sergt-maj. July 1,1864; 

to 1st lieut. Oct. 22, 1864; to capt. Jan. 23, 

1865. 
Gideon S. Kinsey, 1st lieut., must, in Oct. 12, 1861; 

resigned .luly 1, 1862. 
Harrison J. Penrose, 1st lieut., must, in Oct. 12, 1861; 

pro. to 1st lieut. July 1, 1862; resigned Sept. 23, 

1865. 
Daniel 11. I'ylc, Is! lie ul., niu.st. in Oct. 12, 1861 ; pro. 

from corji. to sergt. .luly 1, 1862; to 1st sergt. 

July 1, 1864; to 1st lieut. Feb. 3, 1865; veteran. 
Darius G. Rhodes, 2d lieut., nuist. in Oct. 12, 1861 ; 

disch. July 8, lS(i2. 
Wi'liam H. Riland, 2d lieut. must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; 

pro. to sergt. Sept. 13, 1861 ; to 2d lieut. Jan. U), 

1862; wounded and prisoner at t'harlestown, V:i., 

Aug. 21, 1864; disch. May 13, 1865. 



Nathaniel Shirey, 1st sergt., must, in Oct. 12, 1861; 

pro. to Corp. Oct. 18, 1862 ; to .sergt. April 6, 

1864; 1st sergt. Feb. 3, 1865; wounded at Chari- 

cellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863; veteran. 
Peter Cullen, sergt., must- in Oct. 12, 1861; jiro. to 

Corp. April (i, 1864; to sergt. Oct. 27, 18(;4; 

veteran. 
Ezra J. Boughter, sergt.. must, in Oct. 12, 18()1 ; 

wounded at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31,18()2; pro. 

to Corp. Aug. 31, 1864; to .sergt. Oct. 27, 1864. 
Harrison Weand, sergt., must, in Oct. 12, 1861; pro. 

to corp. Sept. 1, 1864; to sergt. Jan. 1, 1865; 

veteran. 
.\ugustus Solomon, sergt., must, in .Ian. 1, 1864; 

pro. to corp. Oct. 27, 18ti4; to sergl. Feb. 3, 1.S65; 

veteran. 
George W. Bard, sergt., must, in Oi't. 12. I-Si'il ; 

must, out Oct. 27, 1864, expiration oltejni. 
Allen Gilbert, sergt., must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; wciiiiided 

at Opequan, Va., Se[it. l'.», 1^64; must, out Oct. 

27, 1864, expiration of Icnii. 
lohu W. Rhodes, sergt., must. In Oct. 13, 1861; ili.scli- 

on surg. certif., date unknown. 
Charles W. Fotheroh, sergt., must, in Dut. 12, 1861 ; 

died May Olh of wounds received at Chaiiceliors- 

ville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Charles Hoppo, sergt., must, in Nov. 4, 1.^61 ; dieil 

Dec. 1st of wounds received at Charlestown, Va., 

Aug. 21, 1864; veteran. 
William Honuis, corp., must, in starch .'!, 1864 ; pro. to 

corp. Oct. 27, 1864; veteran. 
Henry Kline, corp., must, in Jan. 1, ls(;i; wminded 

at Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864; pro. to corp. 

Nov. 1, 1864; veteran, 
.lohn B. Reigner, Corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861; pro. 

to corp. Nov. 1, 18(54 ; veteran. 
John W. Smith, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; pro. to 

Corp. Nov. 1, 1864; veteran. 
William H. Weise, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1S61 ; 

wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864; pro. to 

corp. Nov. 15, 1864; veteran. 
Joliu Stoner, corp., must, in Jan. 1, 1864; jmo. to 

corp. Jan. 1, 1865.; veteran. 
.\arou Weand, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; wounded 

at Chaneellorsville, May 3, ls6;i. ami at Wilder- 
ness, Va.,May 5, 1864 ; pro. to corp. Jan. 23, 1865 ; 

veteran. 
Charles Baker, corp., must, in Jan. 1, 1864; pro. to 

corp. Feb. 3, 1865 ; veteran, 
Matthew Crillman, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861; 

wounded at F'air Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862; disch. 

on surg. certif. Dec. 14, 1863. 
Henry A. Hauck, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. 

on surg. certif. June 16, 1862. 
Henry D. Markley, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; 

disch. on surg. certif. Sept. 25, 1862. 
John W. Seiders, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; discb. 

on surg. certif. Nov. 12, 1862. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



265 



Simon H. Foreman, uorp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; 

must, out Oct. 27, 1864, expiration of term. 
John H. Kintser, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; must. 

out Oct. 27, 1864, expiration of term. 
Mab'y E. Willman, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861; 

must, out Oct. 27, 1864, exijiration of term. 
Malilon E. Weiduer, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; 

wiiiuulcd at Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864; disch. 

on surg. certif. .Ian. 27, 186.'); veteran. 
.John W. Corkery, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; died 

June 22, 1862. 
Henry A. Lotz, corp., must. Iti Oct. 12, 1861 ; died 

Aug. 16th of wounds received at Fair Oalcs, Va., 

May .31, 1862. 
.fumes Bell, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; killed at 

Chanccllorsvillc, Va., May 3, 1863. 
CliarU's Horal)erger, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861; 

killed at SpuUsylvania C. H. May 12, 1864; 

veteran. 
William Vogt, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; killed at 

Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864 ; veteran. 
William H. Clouse, musician, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; 

must, out Oct. 27, 1864, expiration of term. 
William H. Raser, musician, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; 

disch. on surg. certif. Aug. 27, 1862. 

Privates. 

William A.\c, must, in Feb. IS, 18(i4. 

Fra's R. Alexander, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. 

on surg. certif , date unknown. 
Isaac Albright, must, in Oct. 12, 1861; died Aug. 4, 

1862; buried at Cypress Hill Cemetery, L. 1. 
Cyrus Burkhart, must, in Oct. 12. 1861; wounded at 

Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864; veteran. 
Nathan Burkholder, must, in March 4, 1864 ; wounded 

at Petersburg, Va., June 19, 1864. 
David Bennethum, must, in Fob. 27, 1864; w-ouuded 

at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 
.John A. Baldwin, must, in Nov. .30, 1864, one year; 

substitute; disch. by G. O. July 10, 1865. 
George S. Baldwin, must, in Nov. 12, 1861, one year ; 

drafted ; wounded at Petersburg, Va., March 25, 

1865. 
Henry A. Babb, must, in Nov. 4, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. June 20, 1862. 
.losejib .\. Boggs, must, in Oct. 12, 1861; disch. on 

surg. certif Dec. 31, 1863. 
.Jacob Beck, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; killed at Fair 

Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 
Henry Boyer, must, in Feb. 18, 1864; died of wound 

received at Charlestown, Va., Aug. 21, 1864. 
John Curren, must, in Dee. 3, 1864, one year; sub- 
stitute ; absent, sick at muster out. 
George W. Daniels, must, in March 10, 1864. 
Levi Dehart, must, in Oct. 12, 1861. 
Nathan Deirolf, must, in Oct. 12, lS(il ; wounded at 

Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862, and at Wilderness, Va., 

May 5, 1864; veteran. 
31 



Thomas J. Deirolf, must, in Dec. 12, 1861 ; wounded 

at Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862, and at Petersburg, 

Va., April 2, 1865; veteran. 
Reuben Dyre, must, in Oct. 12, 18()1 ; veteran. 
Joseph F. Dunn, must, in Nov. 12, 1S61 ; disch. 8ept. 

6, 1862. 
Levi Dehart, must, in Oct. 12, 18(!1 ; disch., date un- 
known. 
Davilla S. Daniels, must, in Nov. 12, 1861 ; trans, to 

Western gun-boat service Feb. 17, 1862. 
S. Dunkelberger, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; died Nov. 7, 

1861. 
Cyrus Ebbling, must, in March 7, 1864; wounded at 

Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864. 
John Ellwanger, must, in Feb. 17, 1864; wounded at 

Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864. 
John Ellwanger, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; wounded at 

Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862; disch. by G. O. 

July 29, 18(i2. 
Cliristian Ellwanger, must, in Feb. 15, 1864. 
Jacob Fox, must, iu Oct. 12, 1861 ; veteran. 
Henry R. Fisher, must, in Oct. 18, 1861 ; veteran. 
Samuel R. Fisher, must, in Nov. 4, 1861 ; wounded 

at Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864; vet. 
Charles Foreman, must, in Jan. 1, 1864; wounded 

at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864; 

veteran. 
Benjamin F. Filbert, must, in March 10, 1864; 

wounded at Wilderness May 5th, at Cedar Creek, 

Va., Oct. 19, 1864. 
Tobias Fritz, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; discli. on surg. 

certif July 20, 1862. 
Mahlon A. Francis, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; must, out 

Oct. 27, 1864, expiration of term. 
Benjamin F. Filbert, must, in Oct. 30, 1861 ; disch., 

date unknown. 
Jacob Gilbert, must, in March 7, 1864. 
Jacob Green, must, in Oct. 3, 1864, one year; drafted. 
John Gage, must, in Dec. 3, 1864; substitute; disch. 

by G. O. July 11, 1865. 
WinfieldS. Grove, must, in Feb. 19, 1864; wouuded 

at Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864; disch. on surg. 

certif June 15, 1865. 
William Guss, must, in Jan. 1, 1864 ; killed in action 

Aug. 12, 1864; vet. 
A. Himmelberger, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; wounded 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863 ; vet. 
.\lbin Hawk, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; wounded at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1 863 ; vet. 
Samuel Hetrick, must, in Feb. 26, 1864. 
Charles Harman, must, in Jan. 1, 1864; vet. 
William Harb.ach, must, in March 8, 1864; vet. 
Isaac Hornberger, must, in Feb. 16, 1864; wounded 

at Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864. 
.fohn Hartman, must., in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif Aug. 6, 1862. 
Joseph Haider, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 

27, 1864, expiration of term. 



266 



HISTORY OF BERKS COTTXTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Maximillian Hartman, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. 

by G. O. Nov. o, 1802. 
John H. Hariier, niu.st. in Oct. 27, IStj] ; died June 

8th of wounds received at Fair Oaks., Va., May 

31,1862. 
Francis R. Heller, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; died June 

8th of wound.s received at Fair Oaks, Va., May 

31, 1862. 
John Irvin, must, in Dec. 6, 1864, one year; substi- 
tute. 
Charles W. Ives, must, in Nov. 12, 1864, one year, 

drafted; disch. by G. O. June 16, 186'). 
Samuel Johnston, must, in Aug. 6, 1864; substitute. 
Eliiis Klinger, must, in Feb. 6, 1865, one year. 
Effinger Kern, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 6, 

1862. 
Peter Knecht, must, in Oct. 12, IStil ; disch. by S. O. 

Nov. 10, 1862. 
Harrison Kline, must, in Oct. 12, 18H1 ; disch. Feb. 

20, lS(i3. 
Henry Karsnitz, must, in Oct. 26, 1861; wounded at 

Wilderness May 5, 1864, and at Petersburg, Va., 

March 25, 1865; disch. June 24, 1865; vet. 
Manden L. Kline, must, in Feb. 22, 1864 ; died Sept. 

18, 1864. 
Jonathan T. Knoll, must, in Feb. 26, 1864 ; died of 

wounds received at Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864. 
Daniel Leinieger, must, in Feb. 22, 1864 ; wounded at 

Petersburg, Va., June 18, 1864. 
James Lessig, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. by G. O. 

Nov. 5, 1862. 
William H. H. Lacey, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. 

on surg. certif. June 13, 1862. 
John L. Leininger, must, in Feb. 24, 1864 ; wounded 

at Charlestown, Va., Aug. 21, 1864 ; disch. May 

1, 186.3. 
Washington Lcftan, must, in Feb. 19, 1864; missing 

in action at Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864. 
Joseph H. Miller, must, in March 14, 1864; vet. 
Elias Minnich, must, in Feb. 6, 1865, one year. 
Charles H. Markley, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. 

Nov. 19, 1861. 
Samuel R. Markley, must, in Oct. 12, 1861; disch. 

Sept. 15, 1862. 
Solomon Mathcw, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; trans, to 

Co. A Jan. 1, 18(i4; vet. 
James Morris, must, in Dec. 2, 1863 ; disch. by G. O. 

July 11,].S(;5. 
William Murray, must, in Oct, 9, 1864, one year ; not 

accounted lor. 
John Milton, must, in Oct. 12, 18(51 ; killed at Charles- 
town, Va., ,\ug. 21, 1864; vet. 
Samuel McMachin, must, in Dec. 1, 18()4; substitute. 
James McCall, must, in Dec. 2; 1864, one year ; sub- 
stitute. 
Jacob Near, must, in Feb. 26, 1864 ; wounded at Wil- 
derness, Va., May 5, 1864 ; vet. 



William Obyle, must, in Oct, 12, 1861 ; killed at Wil- 
derness, Va., May 5, 1864; liuried in Wilderness 

burial-grounds ; vet. 
John Painter, must, in Oct. 12, 1861. 
John Pifer, must, in Jan. 1, 1864; in hospital at mus- 
ter out ; vet. 
Henry Presser, must, in Feb. 24, 18(i4 ; disch. by G. O. 

June 27, 1S()5. 
Samuel tjuimby, must, in Jan. 1, 1864. 
Kitson Robinson, must, in Nov. 29, 1864, one year ; 

substitute. 
Abraham Ritter, must, in Oct. IX, 1861 ; must, out 

Oct. 27, 1864, expiration of term. 
Anthony Rhoads, must, in Oct. 27, 1861 ; disch. by 

G. O. Nov. 5, 1862. 
Frank Rissmiller, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. by 

G.O. Nov. 5, 1862. 
Bennevillc P. Ruth, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; killed at 

Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 
John S. Redcay, must, in Nov. 12, 1861; killed at 

Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 
John G. Rhoads, must, in Oct. 12, 1864 ; died Aug. 

5th, of wounds received at Fair Oaks, Va., May 

31, 1862. 
James Swayer, must, in March 7, 1864. 
Adam Snyder, must, in Jan. 1, 1864; wounded at Wil- 
derness, Va., May 5, 1864. 
James Strickler, must, in March 7, 1864 ; wounded at 

Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864. 
Richard Stoudt, must, in Feb. 2(), 1864. 
William Shirey, must, in Feb. 15, 1864. 
John F. Stump, must, in March 3, 1864; vet. 
Joseph Sattlezame, must, in Sept. 26, 1864 ; wounded 

at Cedar Creek Oct. 19, 1864, and at Petersburg, 

Va., April 2, 1865. 
James M. Stomm, must, in Feb. 9, 1865, one year. 
George W. Shirey, must, in Feb. 22, 1864 ; wounded 

at Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864. 
John W. Smith, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. March 10, 1862. 
George Shartle, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; wounded at 

Fair Oaks May 31, 1862 ; disch. on surg. certif 

Aug. 6, 1862. 
E. M. Snodgrass, iiuist in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 

16, 1862. 
John S. Schroeder, uuist. in Oct. 12,1861; disch. Sept. 

29, 1862. 
Mahlon Shaaber, nuist. in Oct, 27, 1861 ; wounded at 

Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862; disch. Sept. 30, 

1862. 
John W. Sallada, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; disch. by 

S. O. Nov. 10, 1X62. 
Isaac M. Schade, must, in Oct. 12,1X61; disch. by 

S. O. Feb. 12, 1X64. 
Henry Swayer, must, in Feb. 19, 1864 ; wounded at 

Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864 ; disch. by S. O. Oct. 

25, 1864. 
Anthony Seiders, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; must, out 

Oct. 27, 1864, expiration of term. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



267 



Jacob Swayer, must, in March 7, 1864 ; disch. May 

31, 1865. 
E. W. S. Stambach, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; wounded 

at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862; pro. to sergt.- 

maj. Jan. 1, 1863. 
Henry Seachrist, must, in Oct. 27, 18(il ; trans, to Co. 

A Jan. 1, 1864. 
Peter Strohm, must, in Oct. 12, 1861; died June 10, 

1862; buried in National Ceuutery, Seven Pines, 

Va., section D, lot 170. 
Gardiner Sheldon, must, in Dec. 3, 1864, one year; 

substitute; died April 21, 1865; buried at City 

Point, Va. 
Benjamin Strouse, must, in Jan. 1, 1864 ; died of 

wounds received at Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864; 

vet. 
.lolin Sellers, must, in March 7, lS(i4; missing in ac- 
tion at Wilderness May 5, 1864. 
John Sullivan, must, in Oct. 10, 1864, one year; not 

accounted for. 
William G. Trexler, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; wounded 

at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862; disch. on surg. 

certif. July 5, 1862. 
James E. Teed, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; trans, to II61I1 

P. V. Regt., date unknown. 
Augustus Uhlman, must, in Oct. 27, lSt>2; woutulcd 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 18ti3 ; trans, to 

Vet. Res. Corps Nov. 1, 1863; disch. by G. O. 

Sept. 4, 1865. 
Thomas II. West, must, in Feb. 26, 1864. 
Aaron Webster, must, in Nov. 12, 1864, one year; 

drafted. 
Frank B. Wilson, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; must, out 

Oct. 27, 1864, expiration of term. 
Franklin Weand, must, in Oct. 12, 1861 ; wouuded 

at Wilderness May 5, 1864 ; disch. Feb. 27, 1805; 

vet. 
William H. Worley, must, in Nov. 0, 1861 ; disch. by 

G. O. Nov. 5, 1862. 
Hiram Yocum, must, in Oct. 12, 18(il ; wounded al 

Fisher's Hill, Va., Sept. 22, 1864; vet. 
Heisinger Yocum, must, in Feb. 13, 1864. 
Henry Yontz, must, in Feb. 9, 1865, one year. 
W. D. Yocum, must, in March 7, 1864 ; died at An- 

dersonville, Ga., July 22, 1864; grave No. 3799. 
David Ziramerly, must, in March 12, 1864. 
John Zimmerman, must, in Oct. 12, 18(il ; killed al 

Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 
J. P. Zechman, must, iu Oct. 12, 1861 ; missing at 

Wilderness, Va., May 6, 1864 ; vet. 

Colonel John E. Akthui:. — John Arthur, 
the father of Colonel John ¥1. Arthur, was of 
worthy Scotch-Irish ancestry. He emigrated 
from county of Tyrone, North Ireland, to 
America in 1810, and engaged iu the profes- 
sion of teaching in Chester County, Pa. He 
was married, iu 18];3, to Rebecca Parker, who 



was of English descent. They soon after 
moved to Lycoming County, Pa., and he there 
continued his chosen occupation until his death, 
in 1830. Mrs. Arthur survived her husband 
forty-eight years, aud died in 1878, at the ad- 
vanced age of ninety-two years. The subject 
of this sketch was born in Miuicy Creek town- 
sliip* Lycoming County, April 25, 1826 ; at- 
tended the public schools, and then was 
apprenticed to learn the blacksmith's trade. He 
came to Reading when nineteen years old and 
secured employment as an apprentice at black- 
smithing in the Reading Railroad .shops. When 
the war began between United States and Mex- 
ico, he enlisted iu Captain Thomas Leoser's 
company, at Reading ; went with it to Phila- 
delphia ; wa,s transferred by railway to Cham- 
bersburg; marched from then(;e to Pittsburgh, 
the place of rendezvous, where they were as- 
signed to the Second Regiment of Pcmi.sylvania 
\'o]initcers, and were taken down the Ohio aud 
Mississi|)[)i Rivers on steamboats. This regi- 
ment joined (ieneral Scott's army at his place 
of rendezvous, on the Island of Lobos, in 
the (lulf of Mexico. With his regiment, he 
participated in the siege of Vera Cruz, and 
after its surrender joined the triumphant marcli 
of General Scott's army to the city of Mexico; 
on the way he took part in the battle at 
the mountain pass of Cerro Gordo, and was 
garrisoned for a time at the city of Jalapa, 
to keep the road open to furnish supjJies for 
tlic army above. He joined the army again 
at the city of Pueblo; assisted in storming 
the fortress of Chapultepec, two miles from 
the city of Mexico, and at the I5cleu Gate, one 
of the entrance-ways to the city, he was 
wounded in three places by pieces of a rifle, 
shattered by a cannon-ball. There were five 
men near him killed at the same instant. 
After the capture of the city he remained tliere 
six months in the ho.spitaI, during which time 
his wounds were dressed by a IMexican surgeon. 
He returned to Reading with his companv 
after an absence of one and a half years. Of 
this company, twenty of its members are living 
iu 1886. In 1854 he became assistant foreman 
of the blacksmith department of the Philadel- 
phia and Reading Railroad Coujpany's shops. 



268 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



At the outbreak of the Civil War, in 1861, 
he recruited Company B, of the Ninety-tliird 
Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, which 
was assigned to the Army of the Potomac, and 
he participated with it in the siege of York- 
town, battle.s of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks, 
and in the terrible fighting for seven days before 
Kiclimond. All of these were memorable en- 
gagements in the Peninsula campaign of 1862. 

At the battle of Fair Oaks he was com- 



He then returned liome, recuperated his 
health, and in 1863 became foreman of tlie 
blacksmitli department of the railroad shops at 
Reading. During the .second Confederate in- 
vasion of Pennsylvania he recruited a company 
for the emergency, composed of prominent 
business men of Reading, ^i^his company was 
assigned to the Forty-second Regiment of Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers, of which he was chosen 
lieuteuant-colonel. After a term of about three 




JJ^S.A^ 



mended for ids coolness and bravery by liis 
brigade commander, General Peck, after which 
event for several months he had command of 
the regiment, and in July, 1862, was pi-omoted 
to lieutenant-colonel. Later in the year 1862 
he was engaged in the battle of Chantilly and 
was present at the battle of Antietam. After 
about two years' service, owing to pliysical de- 
bility, cau.sed from a chronic disease, contracted 
in ISlexico, he was discharged from the service 
on a sury;eon's certificate. 



months' service, he again resumed Ills duties at 
the railroad shops, in which position lie ren- 
dered very efficient service for sevei'al yeai's. 

In 1870 Colonel Artluu'was chosen city treas- 
urer for the term of two years. xVt tlie ue.xt I'lec- 
tiou he received the unanimous nomination of 
both political parties, and owing to fidelity of 
purpose and integrity (if management of tlie 
finances of the city, was i-e-elected six success- 
ive times, serving in all fourteen con.secutive 
years. He retired from that positiou in 1 885. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



269 



On May 3, 1851, Colonel Arthur was mar- 
ried to Rebecca P. Moyer, daughter of Amos 
Mover, of Reading. Tlieir children are Mary, 
married to John H. Keppelnian, of Reading ; 
Franiv M., draughtsman for the Lehjgh A'alley 
Railroad Company, at Easton ; Amos A., a 
Methodist clergyman, stationed at Port Clin- 
ton, Schuylkill County ; John E., a practical 
machinist ; and Emily. 

Company G. — This <'ompany was recruited 
at Reading : 

Alex. C. Maitlaiul, capt.. must in Oct. 20, 1861 ; died 
of wounds rereived at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 
18(52. 

Marshall M.Carter, capt., must, in Oct. 2(), 18(51. 

Charles Sipple, capt., nnist. in Oct. 2(>, 18(51 ; wound- 
ed .'it Wihierness, Va., May 5, 18(>4. 

John R. Kuhn, capt., must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one 
year; wounded at Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865. 

A. F. Kuhn, 1st lieut. 

Wm. A. Kuddack, 1st lieut., uuist. in Oct. 2i5, ISiJl. 
P. I. Woomer, 1st lieut., must, in Oct. 2G, 18G1; 

wounded at Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864. 
Wm. Oldlield, 2d lieut., must, in Oct. 26, 1861; 

wounded at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 
Wm. K.ale, 2d lieut., must, in Oct. 12, 1861. 

B. D. Zimmerman, 2d lieut., wounded at Petersburg, 

Va., March 25, 1865. 
Geo. Leedom, 1st sergt., must, in Oct. 26, 1861 ; 

missing in action at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 

1862. 
Peter Eu.sk, sergt., must, in Oct. 26, 1861; wounded 

at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 18<)2. 
Michael Hawk, sergt., must, in Nov. 24, 1861. 
Geo. Keehn, sergt., must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 
John M. Norgan, sergt., must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 
Albert Woltinger, corp., must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 
John Milton, corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861; wounded 

at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 
Wm. Vogt, Corp., must, in Oct. 12, 1861. 
Isaac Blasnet, corp., nuist. in Sept. 17,1864, one year. 
Peter Ankney, corp., must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one 

year; died May 26, 18(55; buried in Nat. Cem., 

Loudon Park, Baltimore, Md. 
William Davis, mus., must, in Oct. 26, 1S61. 

Privatcit. 

James Adams, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 
George Ankney, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 
Samuel Baldwin, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 
Noah Barnett, Jr., must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 
Hiram J. Boytz, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 
Charles Becker, must, in Oct. 26, 1861 ; wounded at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
August Bertbold, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 
Edward Boyles, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 



William Booth, must, in Oct. 26, 1861 ; wounded at 
Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 

Thomas Boone, nuist. in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Henry Beard, must, in Oct. 2(>, 1861. 

Michael Blaugh, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

James H. Baush, must, in Sept. 17, 18()4, one year. 

Josiah Barnedt, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Jacob J. Bowman, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Aaron Bames, nuist. in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Cornelius Buckley, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Hezekiah Buckley, nuist. in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

John F. Bender, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year; 
wounded at I'etersburg, Va., March 25, 1865. 

George Boltzer, mu.st. in Sept. 10, 18()4, one year. 

Harrison Bender, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

Hiram Baker, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

John Barnet, must, in Sept. 19, 18(54, one year. 

Perry Barnt, must, in Sept. 19, 1864, one year. 

Samuel Barnet, must, in Sept. 19, 1864, one year. 

David Crichfield, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

Jonas Custer, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

Joseph Chalt'ant, must, in Oct. 12, 1861. 

Daniel Connor, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Levi Coleman, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year; 
killed at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 18(i4. 

William Casbeer, must, in Sept. 17, 18(>4, one year. 

Martin Crandall, must, in Oct. 2(i, 1861 ; wounded at 
Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 

Wellington Dunlap, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

William Delaney, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

William Daly, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Jonathan Dormayer, must, in Sept. 17, 18(54. one 
year; wounded at Cedar (Ircik, \'a., Oct. 19, 
1864. 

Jacob Douges, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year ; 
wounded at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 18(54. 

Peter Embich, must, in Oct. 26, 1861 ; wounded at 
Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Benjamin Enos, must, in Sept. 17, 18(54, one year. 

Charles Foreman, must, in Oct. 12, 18(51 ; mis. in ac- 
tion at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Daniel Fox, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Solomon Fox, must, in October 26, 18(il ; died July 
24, 1862; buried at Fort Monroe, Va. 

James Fryer, must, in October 26, 1864; mis. in ac- 
tion at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 

John Fleck, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

Wm. Ferner, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

George A. Garrow, must, in Oct. 12, ISUI. 

William Gass, must, in Nov. 13, 1861. 

Thomas Gash, must, in Oct. 30, 1861. 

Lawrence Goodman, must, in Oct. 26, 18(51. 

William Goheen, must, in October 12, 1861. 

Henry W. Good, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Benjamin Gardner, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Thomas Hoover, must, in Aug. 5, 1864, one year. 

Charles Harman, must, in Nov. 24, 18(il. 

Frederick Holler, must, in Oct. 26, 1861 ; wounded at 
Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 



270 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



James Hoffman, must, in Nov. 19, 1861. 

Henry Hilchert, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Joseph Harper, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Isaac Hornberger, must, in Feb. 27, 1864. 

Augustus Haftiey, must, in Sept. 10, 1864; wounded 
at Petersburg, Va., Marcli 25, 1865. 

M'illiam C. Horner, must, in Sept. 10, lS64,one year. 

Henry Iserman, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Henry Inglebach, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Tliomas .Johnston, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

William Jones, must, in Oct. 26, 186J. 

George Johnson, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

Josiah Johnson, nuist. in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

William Johnson, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

George W. Johnston, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one 
year. 

William Karsnitz, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Henry Kline, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Christopher Kreppanak, must, in Oct. 26, 1861 ; 
wounded at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 

Oliver Kei^er, must, in October 2(!, 1861. 

John Kester, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Frederick Katzmer, nuist. in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Henry Koutz, must, in Sept. 10, 18()4, one year; 
wounded at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. ii), I864! 

Henry Leliman, must, in Oct. 26, 1861 ; mis. inaction 
at C;hancellorsville, Va., lHay 3, 1863. 

Franklin Lebo, must, in Oct. 12, 1861. 

William Long, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Philip Lape, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Joseph Lohr, must, in Sept. 17, ]8()4, one year. 

Joseph Lape, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

John Lohr, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year ; wound- 
ed at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864. 

Henry W. Maurer, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

John Meredith, must, in Nov. 24, 1861. 

Jonathan Meyers, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Jacob Morton, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Daniel Meonan, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Jeremiah Moll, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Samuels. Miller, must, in Sejit. 17, 1864, one year. 

Adam J. Miller, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year ; 
wounded at Cedar Creek, Va., Oct. 19, 1864. 

Noah J. Miller, must, in Sept. 2(!, 1864, one year. 

William H. Miller, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

William Mowry, must, in Sept. 17, 18()4, one year; 
dietl Oct. 19,1864; buried at Nat. Cem., Win- 
chester, Va., lot 9. 

George O. Mong, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

Warren I. Mcllwaine, must, in March 7, 1864; 
wounded at Spottsylvania Court-House, Va., 
May 12, 1864. 

John McQuade, must, in Sept. 1, 1862. 

John McColIy, must, in Oct. 26, lS(;i. 

Franklin JlcOuade, must, in Oct. 26, 1801. 

Jacob Nair, must, in Oct. 26, 1861 ; wounded at Fair 
Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 

William Obyle, must, in Oct. 12, 1861. 



Dennis Oakes, must, in Oct. 12, 1861. 

Eli Oglevie, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

William Ober, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

John Piper, must, in Oct. 12, 1861. 

Jonathan Piper, must, in Oct. 2t>, 18(>1 ; wounded at 
Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 18(>3. 

Charles Parker, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Martin Penrod, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Nosmin B. Penrod, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

George Peterson, must, in Sept. 19, 1864, one year. 

Ambrose D. Ryan, mu.st. in Sept. 1, 1862. 

William R. Richburger, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one 
year. 

Daniel Ringler, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Laufer Rudolph, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Josiah Risheberger, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Jno. H. Risheberger, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Jacob J. Repplogle, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Jonathan Rhodes, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Alexander Rayman, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

Augustus Solomon, must, in Oct. 12, ]8(!1; missed in 
action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Benjamin Strause, must, in Oct. 12, 1861. 

Adam Snyder, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Lemuel Stultz, must, in Oct. 26, 18(il ; wounded at 
Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

John Stouer, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

John Smithenger, must, in Oct. 26, lS(il ; wounded at 
Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 18(;2. 

Moses Stevenson, must, in Oct. 12, 1861. 

Solomon Straway, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Daniel Shay, must, in Oct. 26, 1861 ; died Jan. 15, 
1862, buried in Military Asylum Cemetery, Wash- 
ington, D. C. 

William Savage, must, in Oct. 26. 1S61. 

John Souder, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

John Shaeffer, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

William Surch, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

John Smith, must, in Oct. 2<), 1S61. 

Daniel Shauabrook, must, in Oct. 2(>, 1.S61. 

Herman Stahl, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

George Spangler, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Christian Spangler, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

Aaron Shaffer, must, in Sept. 17, 1.S64, one year. 

William Stahl, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year; 
died Oct. 2(), 18()4; buried in National Ceme- 
tery, Loudon Park, Baltimore, Md. 

Joseph Stahl, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

David Smith, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one year. 

Lewis Stinebaugh, must, in Se])t. 10, 18()4, one year; 
died in Philadelphia, Pa., Jan. 13, 1S65. 

W. B. Schmucker, must, in Sept. 10, 18()4, one year. 

Levi F. Shaffer, must, in Sept. 19, 1864, one year. 

Charles Thomas, must, in Oct. 26, 18(il. 

Pemb'e Thompson, must, in Sept. 17, lSti4, one year. 

John Vause, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

Jacob Wecbcr, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 

William P. Weeks, must, in Nov. 15, 1861. 

Alfred Witman, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



271 



Frederick Weller, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 
George Walker, must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year; 

wounded at Cedar Creek, Oct. 19, 1864, and at 

Petersburg, Va., March 25, 186"). 
Josiah Waters, must, in Sept. 10, 18(i4, one year. 
Henry Young, must, in Oct. 26, 18G1 ; wounded at 

Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 
John A. Young, must, in Sept. 10, 1S64, one year. 
Eneas Zerby, must, in Oct. 26, 1861. 
J. H. Zimmerman, nuist. in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 
J. J. Zimmerman, must, in Sept. 17, l.S()4, one year. 
Samuel Zimmerman, must, in So])t. 10, 1S(!4, one 

year. 
Jonathan Zimmerman, must, in Sept. 10, 1864, one 

year. 
D. F. Zimmerman, must, in Sept. 10, 1S64, one year. 
J. Zimmerman, Jr., must, in Sept. 17, 1864, one year. 

C.vPTAiN' Alexander C. Maitlani) — Wat^ 
born in Reading about the year 1832. He re- 
moved to Ohio wiien a young man. Whilst 
tiiercheenli.sted in tiie three months' service, and 
j)articipated in the Virginia oampaign under 
General McClellan. Upon receiving his dis- 
charge, he returned to Reading and recruited a 
company for the three years' service, which he 
called the " Coleman Rifles," after Dawson 
Coleman, who had generously a.^isisted him in 
equipping the company. It was accepted by 
the government, and a-ssigned to the Ninety-third 
Regiment as Company G. He was in the battles 
of Williamsburg and Fair Oaks, having been 
wounded in the latter. He was removed to St. 
Joseph's Hospital, Philadelphia, where he died 
on Jiuie 10, 1862, aged thirty years. His re- 
mains were brought to Reading and burled in 
( 'iiarles Evans' Cemetery. 

Company K. — The following enlistments 
were from Rerks County. This company was 
mustered out June 27, 18(55, except where 
otherwise mentioned. 

David C. Keller, capt.must. in Oct. 21, 1861 ; wound- 
ed at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862 ; at Gettys- 
burg, Pa., July 2, 1863 ; and at Spottsylvania 
C. H.,May 12, 1864; pro. from 1st lieut. to capt. 
Nov. 8, 1862; to maj. Nov. 23, 1864. 

Solomon Yeakel, 1st lieut., must, in Oct. 21,1861; 
]>ro. from 2d lieiit. Nov. 8, 1862; resigned April 
23, 1864. 

William Van Buskirk, 2d lieut., must, in Oct. 24, 
1861 ; pro. fromsergt. to 2d lieut. Jan. 1, 1865; vet. 

.lohn L. Endy, sergt., must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; pro. 
from priv. Nov. 8, 1862 ; vet. 

Charles Herbst, sergt., Oct. 21, 1861 ; pro. to sergt. 



Jan. 1, 1864; wounded at Opequan, Va., Sept. 

19, 1864; vet. 
.Jonas F. Hassler, sergt., nuist. in Oct. 21, 1861 ; disch. 

on surg. certif , 1862. 
Charles Rothermel, sergt., must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; pro. 

to sergt. Nov. 8, 1863; killed at Wilderness, Va., 

May 5, 1864 ; vet. 
Aaron K. Cleaver, sergt., must, in Oct. 24, 1861; pro. 

to sergt. May 18,1864; killed at Charlestown, 

Va., Aug. 21, 1864 ; vet. 
.lames Briel, corp., must, in Get. 21, 1861 ; vet. 
Frederick Miller, corp., nuist. in Oct. 21, 18(>1 ; vet. 
Augustus Snyder, corp., must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; w'nded 

at Opequan, Va., Sept. 19, 1864 ; vet. 
Moses Snyder, corp., must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; vet. 
Benjamin B. Laucks, corp., must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; 

wounded at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863 ; 

disch. on surg. certif. Sept. 6, 1863. 
.\mos M. Yergey, corp. must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; died 

at Washington, D. C, Oct. 12, 1862. 
Roland Lang, nuisician, must, in Feb. 18, 1864; vet. 
Gideon Guinther, musician, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 

Privates. 

David Angstadt, must in Feb. 29, 1864. 

.lohn Bartolet, must, in March 7, 1864; woiuidcd at 

Wilderness, May 5, and at Fisher's Hill, Va., 

Sept. 22, 1864. 
Levi Breidegam, must, in Feb. 17, 1864; wounded at 

Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865; disch. June 30, 

18t>5. 
.\braham Briel, must, in Oct. 21, 18(il ; disch. on 

surg. certif Feb. 11, 18()3. 
Jacob Brown, must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; wounded at Sa- 
lem Heights, Va., May 3,1863; must, out Oct. 

27, 1864, expiration of term. 
Daniel Bartolet, must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif., 1862. 
Daniel Breidegam, must, in Feb. 17, 1864; wounded 

at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862; disch. on snrg. 

certif, date unknown. 
Isaac Dreibelbies, must, in Feb. 25, 1864. 
Martin Dumback, must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; wounded at 

Opcijuan, Va., Sept. 19, 1864; vet. 
Rufus K. Dieter, must, in Aug. 2, 1862; wounded at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863; disch. by G. 

O. June 20, 1865. 
Jacob Drexel, must, in Feb. 10, 1864; wounded at 

Wilderness May 5, 1864; died at Philadelphia, 

Pa., July 9, 1864. 
Charles Derol[)li, uuist. in Oct. 21, 1S61 ; died ,lune 

14, of wounds received in action June 7, 1864. 
Joseph Eberhart, must, in Feb. 25, 1864. 
Daniel Edinger, must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. April 7, 1863. 
.Tames Edinger, must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 

27, 1864, expiration of term. 
Alfred Fegley, must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; wounded at 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENXSYLVAXIA. 



Spottsylvania Court-House, Va., May 12,1864; 

vet. 
Nathan Folk, must, in Feb. 24, lS(i4; woiimled at 

Fisher's Hill, Va., 8ept. 22, 1S(;4. 
.John Filman, must, in Oct. 21, IStil ; killed at Fair 

Oaks, Va., May SI, 1862. 
George W. Feierstein, must, in ( )(t. 21, ISfil ; died 

June 4, of wounds received at Fair Oaks, Va., 

May .SI, 1S62. 
.John (rcisler, must, in Feb. 24, 1864; wounded at 

Wilderness, Va., May D, 1864. 
Levi ( ierhart, must, in Oct. 21,1861; wounded at 

Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864; killed at Cold 

Harbor June ■'>, 1864 ; buried in Nat. Cem., Ar- 

linjrton. Va.; vet. 
Franklin Hain, must, in Feb. 2.T, 1864. 
t-Samuel Hell'ner, must, in Feb. 2''<, l>!i;4. 
Patrick Hooscy, must, in March 10, 1864; wounded 

at Spottsylvania Court-House, Va., May 12,1864. 
Ellas Harding, must, in March 1, 1864; wounded at 

Winchester, Va., Sept. 19, 18ii4. 
Abraham Heck, must, in Aug. 21, 1864; wouuded at 

Petersburg, Va., March 2.'), 1865; disch. by G. 

O. June 20, 186.5. 
Jeti'erson Hunter, mu.st. in Oct. 21, 1861 ; wounded at 

Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862; disch. ou surg. 

certif., date unknown. 
Augustus Herman, must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certit'., date unknown. 
,Iohn Heck, must, in Aug. (i, 1m;4; died Ajiril 8, 

1865; buried in Nat. Cem., Arlington, Va. 
John K Keller, must, in Feb. 15, 1864 ; wounded at 

Spottsylvania Court-House, Va., May 12,1864; 

disch. by G. O. June 19, 1865. 
Charles H. Keller, must, in Oct. 21, 1861. 
Isaac Koch, must, in Feb. 25, 1864. 
.lohn Kreider, must, in Feb. 15, 1864; notacc'ted for. 
James Loucks, must, in Feb. 10, 1864. 
Alahlon Lees, must, in Feb. 10,1864; wounded at 

Wilderness, Va, May 5, 1864; and at Ojiequan, 

Va., Se|)L 19, 1864; vet. 
John Lease, must, in Oct. 21, ISlil ; disch. on surg. 

certif. June 11, 18(;2. 
Tyler Leiubach, must, in Oct. 21,1861; disch. on 

surg. certif., date unknown. 
Matthias Minker, must, in Oct. 21, 18(il ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Ajiril 7, 1863. 
Nathaniel Mathias, must, in Oct. 21, 18()1 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. March 29, 1862. 
John Neting, must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; wounded at Fair 

Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862; disch. on surg. certif., 

1862. 
Abraham Keidenour, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 
Frederick Ranch, must, in Oct. 21, 18()1; wounded at 

Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862 ; disch. on surg. 

certif., date unknown. 
Henry Rothermel, must, in March 9, 1864. 
Oaniel M. Seyler, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 
Henry Sholter, must, in Feb. 29, 1864. 



Josiah Shultz, must, in Oct. 24, 1861. 

John Stofflet, must, in Feb. 16, 18ll4; wounded at 
Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1S(!4. 

William Snyder, must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certif. Nov. 11, 1862. 

Augustus Seyler, must, in Oct. 21, 1861; wounde<l at 
Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862; killed at Wilder- 
ness, Va., May 5, 1864. 

Henry Seiger, must, in Feb. 19, 1864; killed at Win- 
chester, Va., Sept. 19, 1864. 

Henry Shearer, must, in Oct. 21, 1861; died July 10, 
of wounds received at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 
1862; buried in Mil. Asy. Cem., 1). C. 

Isaac Vansickle, must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certif. March 14, 18(i5. 

Maberry Weidner, must, in Oct. 21, 1861; disch. on 
surg. certif Dec. 3, 1862. 

Harrison K. Wheat, must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; wounded 
at Wilderness, Va., May 5, 1864 ; disch. Oct. 21, 
1864, expiration of term. 

H. Werkmeister, must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; prisoner from 
May 3 to 11, 1863 ; wounded at Wilderness, \'a., 
May 5, 1864; died April 1, 1865; buried in Nat. 
Cem., Arlington, Va. ; vet. 

Eugene H. Yoder, must, in Feb. 22, 1864 ; wounded 
at Opequan, Va., Sept. 19, 1864, and at Peters- 
burg, April 2, 1865. 

James Youse, must, in Oct. 21, 18()1 ; wounded at 
Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, lSli2; vet. 

Jonathan Zluhan, must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; wounded 
at Fair Oaks, Va., Jlay 31, 1862; disch. on surg. 
certif., date unknown. 

NINETY-SIXTH RECilMKXT. 

The Ninety-sixth Ile^iinciit \va.^ rwuTiited 
tnostly ill Schuylkill County. Some men from 
Hamhurg and Berk.s County were iueluded in 
Company G. It wa.s mustered into service on 
September 2;:5, 1861, at Pottsville, and partici- 
pated in various engagements in tiie Peninsida, 
at Gettysburg and tiien in the Wilderness cam- 
paign. It was also engaged in the Shenandoah 
Valley. It was mustered out of service in 
VVe.st Philadelphia ou October 21, 1864. 

CoMi'ANY G. — This company was reci-iiited 
at Pottsville, in Schuylkill County. The fol- 
lowing men were from Hamburg, in Berks 
County : 

Arthur's. Fessig, Ist lieut., nutst. in Sept. 23,1861; 

pro. from 2d lieut. March 5, 1862; disch. Oct. 

15, 1864. 
John Williams, l.st sergt., must, in Oct. .'{, ISiil ; pro. 

from sergt. Nov. 18, 1863; trans, to Co. G, 95th 

Regt. P. v., Oct. 18, 1864; veteran. 
Jonathan C. Bear, sergt., must, in Oct. ICt, 1S(!1 ; pro. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



273 



t'l scrgt. ; trans, to Co. G, 9.')th Regt. P. V., Oct. 

18, 1864; veteran. 
Lafayette Billig, sergt., must, in Oct. 7, 1862 ; pro. to 

sergt.; trans, to Co. G, 95th Regt. P. V., Oct. 18, 

1864 ; veteran. 
William H. Fesig, sergt., must, in Oct. 3, 1861 ; trans. 

to Vet. Res. Corps Oct. 1, 1863. 
Benjamin B. Wagner, sergt., must, in Oct. 3, 1861 ; 

killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 12, 1864; 

veteran. 
Lewis C. Romicb, corp., must, in Oct. 22, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp.; trans, to Co. G, 95th Regt. P. V., 

Oct. 18,1864; veteran. 
Evan M. Gery, corp., must, in Oct. 22, 1861 ; capt. at 

Wilderness, Va., May 7, 1864; trans, to Co. 

G, 95th Regt. P. V., Oct. 18, 1864. 
.lames J. Miller, corp., must, in Nov. 4, 1861 ; pro. to 

corp. ; wounded at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 

12, 1864; trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Oct. 17, 1864; 

veteran. 

Priraies. 

John P.card, must, in Oct. 3, 1861 ; wounded at Spott- 

sylvania C. H., Va , May 10, 1864; trans, lo 

Co. G, 95th Regt. P. V., Oct. 18, 1864 ; veteran. 
Gideon Beard, must, in Oct. 3, 1861 ; trans, to Co. 

G, 95th Regt. P. v., Oct. 18, 1864; veteran. 
Charles Beard, must, in April 4.1864; trans, to Co. 

G, 95th Regt. P. V., Oct. 18, 1864. 
Daniel Betz, must, in Oct. 21, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Dec. 29, 1862 ; re-enlisted March 2,1864; 

killed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 10, 1864. 
.lames Betz, must, in Oct. 7, 1861 ; killed at Spottsyl- 
vania C. H., Va., May 10, 1864; veteran. 
William Betz, must, in March 5, 1864; trans, to Co. 

G, 95th Regt. P. v., Oct. 18, 1864. 
Isaac Betz, must, in March 5, 1864; trans, to Co. 

G, 95th Regt. P. V., Oct. 18, 1864. 
Charles H. Cook, must, in Nov. 4, 1861 ; died at 

Poltsville, Pa., Jan. 17, 1864. 
James Hill, must, in Oct. 15, 1861 ; died at David's 

Island, N. Y., July 24, 1864; buried in Cypress 

Hill Cemetery, L. I. 
Mark Killean, must, in Oct. 3, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Jan. 29, 1862. 
Charles Rothenberger, must, in Oct. 23, 1861 ; trans. 

to Vet. Res. Corps Sept. 23, 1863. 
Edgar Stambach, must, in Oct. 23, 1861 ; trans, to 

Co. G, 95th Regt. P. V., Oct. 18, 1864. 
Albert Sunday, must, in Oct. 23, 1861 ; prisoner from 

Nov. 19, 1863, to Oct. 1, 1864; disch., exp. of 

term. 
William Strasser, must, in Oct. 22, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Nov. 28, 1862. 
Simon Strasser, must, in Oct. 14, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Jan. 29, 1862. 
.Joshua Strasser, must, in Oct. 14, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Dec. 15, 1862. 
Ellas Strasser, must, in Oct. 14, 1861 ; died May 9, 

1862. 
32 



Israel Strasser, must, in Oct. 22, 1861 ; wounded at 
Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 10, 1864 ; trans, to 
Co. G, 95th Regt. P. V., Oct. 18, 1864; vet- 
eran. 

John Schollenberger, must, in Oct. 23, 1861 ; wound- 
ed at Spottsylvania C. H., Va., May 10, 1864; 
trans, to Co. G, 95th Regt. P. V., Oct. 18, 
1864; veteran. 

Abr. Schollenberger, must, in Oct. 23, 1861 ; 
trans, to Co. G, 95th Regt. P. V., Oct. 18, 
1864 ; veteran. 

David Williams, must, in Sept. 23, 1861 ; trans, to 
Co. 6, 95th Regt. P. V., Oct. 18, 1864; vet- 
eran. 

Samuel Williams, mu^t. in Ot-t. 29, 1S61 ; died at 
Harrisburg, Pa., Dec. 17, 1S62. 

OXE HUNPRED AND FOURTH HEUIJIEXT. 

The greater part of Company H in this reg- 
iment wa.s composed of men from Berks Coun- 
ty ; and among the field officers was John M. 
Gries, from Reading, chosen as major. Du- 
ring 1862 the regiment participated in the 
siege of Yorktown, and in tlie battles of Savage 
Station and Fair Oaks, in the Peninsula cam- 
paign. In the beginning of 1863 it was or- 
dered to South Carolina, and there took part in 
the siege of Charleston and the capture of Fort 
Wagner. During August, 1864, it was sta- 
tioned in Florida, guarding a line of railroad 
from Jack.sonville to JJaklwin. Thence it pro- 
ceeded north to Alexandria, where it performed 
duty in the fortifications on the southern side of 
the Potomac River, till its term of service ex- 
pired. It was mustered ont of service at Phil- 
adelphia on September 30, 1864. Some of the 
men from Berks County re-enlisted in this reg- 
iment. There were veterans and recruits suf- 
ficient to form a battalion of five companies. 
Its principal service afterward was in the siege 
of Petersburg, partici])ating in the assault on 
the city, April 3 and 4, 1865. It was must- 
ered out of service at Portsmouth on August 
25, 1865. 

Mx\jOR John M. Gries was the son of Dr. 
William Gries, for .seventeen years a successful 
physician at Reading. He was born at AVom- 
elsdorf, about 1827, and accompanied his father 
to Reading when a boy. After having been 
educated here he adopted the business of an 
architect, and then traveled in Europe for the 
purpose of perfecting his knowledge of archi- 



274 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



tecture. Upon returning, he located at Phila- 
delphia, and pursued his vocation for some years 
Avith distinguished success. He designed the 
chapel of Cliarles Evans' Cemetery. In the 
fall of 1862 he entered the United States ser- 
vice as a volunteer for three years, and was 
chosen major of the Ringgold Eegiment, after- 
ward the One Hundred and Fourth, which 
was recruited in Berks, Bucks and Montgomery 
Counties. He served gallantly with the Army 
of the Potomac. He received a fatal wound at 
Fair Oaks, on May 31, 1862, Mdiile rescuing 
the colors of his regiment, which had been inad- 
vertently left upon the field of battle unguarded. 
He was removed to Phiiadelpiiia, where he died 
on June l.Stli following, aged thirty-five years. 
His remains were brought to Reading, and 
buried in Charles Evans' Cemetery. 

Company H. — The following enlistments 
were from Reading and Berks County. When 
not otherwise mentioned, the date of muster out 
was August 25, 1865. 

Jacob W. Glase, capt., must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; pro. 

from 1st lieut. to capt. Dec. 17, 1864 ; captured at 

Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 
Wm. F. Walter, capt., must, in Jan. 1, 1862; wounded 

at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 18G2 ; disch. on surg. 

ccrtif. Nov. 4, 1862. 
Diller B. Groff, capt., must, in Sept. 22, 18G1 ; wound- 
ed at Seven Pines, Va., May 24, 1862; discli. Oct. 

28, 1864. 
Cliarles A. Bitting, capt., must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; pro. 

to capt. Dec. 11, 1864. 
G. W. Ashenfelter, 1st lieut., must, in Jan. 1, 1862; 

wounded at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862 ; discli. 

May 21, 1863. 
Charles A. Heckler, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; 

pro. to 2d lieut. March 6, 1864; disch. Sept. 30, 

1864; e.xp. of term. 
Joel Setley, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; pro. to 

2d lieut. Dec. 16, 1864; vet. 
Henry G. Houck, 1st sergt., must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; 

vet. 
Charles A. Spaugler, sergt., must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; 

disch. Sept. 30, 1864 ; exp. of term. 
George M. Groff, sergt., must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. 

Sept. 30, 1S64-; exp. of term. 
William Strawbridge, sergt., must, in Sept. 22, 1861; 

captured ; disch. Sept. 30, 1864, exp. of term ; 

vet. 
Clinton Seyfert, corp., must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; vet. 
George Host, Corp., must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; vet. 
Charles Getz, corp., must, in July 16, 1862; disch. by 

G. O. June 16, 1865. 



Theodore A. Ker, corp., must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; 

disch. Sept. 30, 1864; exp. of term. 
John Sheetz, Corp., mu.st. in Sept. 22, 1861; disch. 

Sept. 30, 1864 , exp. of term. 
John P. Housum, corp., must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; 

wounded; disch. Sept. 30, 1864; exp. of term. 
James A. Quimby, corp., must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; died 

at Washington, D. C, Sept. 2.5, 1864, of wounds 

received in action. 
Augustus Heckler, corp., must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; 

disch. Sept. 30, 1864; exp. of term. 
Joseph Shirey, corp., must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disdi. 

Sept. 30, 1864; exp. of term. 
George Hertig, musician, must, in Sept. 24. 1861 ; vet. 
William A. Nagle, musician, must, iu Feb. 11, 186.''); 

trans, from Co. B. 
James J. Fisher, musician, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; 

disch. Sept. 30, 1864; exp. of term. 
Joseph Housum, musician, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; 

disch. Sept. 30, 1864; exp. of term. 

Priralen. 
John W. Allhouse, must, in Sept. 12, 1862; wounded 

at Fort Wagner, S. C. ; disch. by G. O. June 16, 
186.-1. 
David Aker, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; not accounted 

for. 
Daniel Bower, must, in Mjirch 7, 1865, one year. 
Thomiis Bovver, must, in March 7, 1864, one year. 
Daniel F. Brobst, must, iu Sept. 22, 1861; disch. 

Sept. 30, 1864; exp. of term. 
Daniel M. Bower, must, in Sept. 22, 1S6I ; disch. 

Sept. 30, 1864; exp. of term. 
Henry Bower, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 

30, 1804 ; exp. of term. 
Reuben Becker, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; not account- 
ed for. 
James S. Br.aley, must, in Sept. 22,1861; disch. on 

surg. certif. Sept. 10, 1862. 
Samuel Buderwack, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Nov. 1, 1862. 
Thomas Bower, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Feb. 16, 1863. 
Elhanan Bechtel, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; trans, to 

battal. Sept. 24, 1864. 
Anthony Bower, must, ia Sept. 22, 1861 ; died at 

Yorktown, Va., Sept. 28, 1862; buried in Nat. 

Cem., Sec. D, grave 293. 
Daniel Brinzinger, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; died at 

Fortress Monroe, Va., June 7, of wounds received 

at Fair Oaks, May 31, 1862. 
Lewis Correll, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. Sei>t. 

30^ 1864; exp. of term. 
Joseph Correll, must, in Sept. 22, 1861; disch. Sept. 

30,1864; exp. of term. 
Jonas Correll, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 30, 

1864; exp. of term. 
William Dilcanip, must, in Sept. 12, 1862; dis h. by 

G. O. June 16, 1865. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



275 



Xath-iniel Dipoe-y, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. 

Sept. 30, 1864 ; exp. of term. 
James Dean, must, in Jan. 8, 18')2 ; wounded at Fair 

Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862 ; diseh. by G. 0. Dec. 13, 

1862. 
Charles Enix, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; wounded at 

Morris Island, S. C, Sept. 1. 1863. 
Henry Fisher, must, in Sept. 24, 1863 ; diseh. Sept. 

30, 1861; exp. of term. 
Henry J. Fisher, must, in Sept. 12, 1862; disch. by 

G. O. June 16, 1865. 
Levi B. Fox, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 30, 

1864; exp. of term. 
Charles Forbian, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. on 

writ o( habeas corpusSept. 27, 1862. 
Albert dicker, must, in Sept. 22, 1861. 
James Gallighan. must, in Sept. 22, 1831 ; died in 

Baltimore, Md., May 30, 1862. 
Nathaniel Gay, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; trans, to gun- 
boat service ; killed on gun-boat " Mound City " 

June 8, 1862. 
William Hughes, must, in Sept. 22, 1801 ; disch. Sept 

30, 1864; exp. of term. 
John Hinman, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; discdi. on 

surg. certif. Oct. 29, 1862. 
Aaron Helms, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. June 2, 1863. 
Henry Hartz, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; trans, to Vet. 

Res. C.)rps. Aug. 13, 1863. 
John Harner, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; died at Balti- 
more, Md., Nov. 6, 1862. 
James Kissinger, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 

30,1864; exp. of term. 
Peter Leiby, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 30, 

1864; exp. of term. 
George A. Leinbach, must, in Seiit. 12, 1862; pro. to 

sergt. -major, date unknown. 
Henry Lutz, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; killed at Fair 

Oaks, Va., May 31,1862. 
Edward Maicks, must, in Sept. 22, 18lil ; disch. on 

surg. certif July 21, 1862. 
Charles Mirom, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. July 21, 1862. 
George Mover, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 3 

for wounds received at Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 

1862. 
Benjamin Miller, must, in Sept. 22, 1861; wounded; 

trans, to Vet. Res. Corps Nov. 2?, 1863. 
Charles Nagle, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; killed at Fair 

Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 
Aaron Potts, must, in Dec. 30,1861; disch. on surg. 

certif. July 31, 1862. 
Charles RiefF, must, in Sept. 12, 1862 ; disch. In' G, 0. 

June 16, 1865. 
David E. Rhoads, must, in Sept. 12, 1862; disch. by 

G. O. June 17, 1865. 
Levi Rathraan, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; wounded at 

Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 18 J2; disch. S.-pt. 30, 

1864; exp. of term. 



Thomas Ruth, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 
30, 1864; exp. of term. 

Joseph Z. Row, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 
30, 1864; exp. of term. 

H. Renneberger, must, in Sept. 22, 1861; disch. on 
surg. certif March 28, 1862. 

William Rolland, must, in Sept. 22, 1861; died .it 
Reading, Pa., Sept. 21, 1862. 

William Richards, must, in Sept. 22, lS(n ; killed at 
Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 

William D. Rhode, must, in Sept. 22, 18(il ; died at 
Annapolis, Md., June 25, of wounds received at 
Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862; buried in U. S. 
Gen. Hosp. Cem. 

Lawrence Schlegel, must, in Sept. 27, 18(52; disch. by 
G. O. June 22, 1865. 

Samuel Shoppell, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; diach. Sept. 
30, 1864 ; exp. of term. 

Charles Shafter, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. Sept. 
30, 1864; exp. of term. 

George F. Saylor, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certif Sept. 4, 1862. 

Charles Schlegel, must, in Sept. 12, 1861 ; disch. on 
surg. certif. Sept. 12, 1S62. 

Solomon Seidere, must, in Sept. 22, 1S()1 ; killed at 
Fair Oaks, Va., May 31, 1862. 

Christian Stcfly, must, in Sept. 22, 1861 ; not account- 
ed for. 

Elisha Strauser, must, in Sept. 22, 18()1 ; not account- 
ed for. 

James Toole, must, in Sept. 22, 1S()] ; vet. 

Henry Witman, must, in Feb. 11, 18()5, one year; 
trans, from Co. B. 

Elias Wolf, must, in Se|)t. 22. 1861 ; died at York- 
town, Va., May 6, l.si>2 ; buried in Nat. Ccm., Sec. 
B, grave 251. 

Alfred Young, must, in Feb. 11, 1865, one year; 
trans, from Co. B. 

Durell's Independent Aktielerv, Bat- 
tery D. — TliLs battery wa.s recruitetl iu Berk.-^ 
and Bucks Counties. It was organized at 
Doylestown on September 24, 1861. On No- 
vember 6th it proceeded to Washington and 
there received four ten-pound Parrott guns and 
horses and equipments for a six-gun battery. 
It was encamped east of the Capitol. On Dc- 
cemberlSth it moved to Munson's Hill, where it 
was assigned to McDowell's division and two 
additional pieces were provided. It was in the 
march upon Manas.«as on March I'O, 1862, witli 
the leading column ; and upon its return en- 
camped between Alexandria and Bailey Cross- 
Roads. Thence it moved to Falmouth, opposite 
Fredericksburg, on April 18th. Wlien Jack- 
son raided Shenandoah Valley this battery made 



270 



ni.'^TORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXNSYLYANIA. 



a forced march with the corps to Thoroughfare 
Gap to intercept him on his retreat, but arrived 
too late and so returned to Fahuouth, where it 
continued two months. On August 12th it was 
assigned to the Second Division of the Ninth 
Corps, and marched to the assistance of Pope. 
It was brought into action for the first time, at 
Kelly's Ford on August 21st. The left section 
became first engaged and exchanged rapid shots 
with the rebel guns for half an liour. The 
wiiole battery went into action (flanked by a 
regiment of Buford's cavalry) and drove tJie 
enemy from his position after delivering about 
iorty rounds. It crossed the river at night and 
moved towards VVarrenton next morning, the 
centre section supporting Buford's cavalry for 
a day and night. On the 27th it was assigned 
to Hooker's division. At Bristoe Station, aided 
by a Rhode Island battery, it drove the enemy 
from three successive positiiMis. One horse was 
killed here. On the morning of the 2(Sth it 
moved to Manassas Junction and at night to 
Centreville. ( )m tiie 29th it advanced across 
Bull liun, and, when the battle began to rage 
with great violence, it went into position a half- 
mile to the right and front of the Stone Hos- 
j)ital. It remained in this jiosition until near 
night of the 30th, when the left of the line was 
forced back and the enemy's shots began to tell 
U]ion its lett flank. One gun was dismounted, 
two Imr^es killed and one man woundrd. It 
was ordered to retire upon learning that the 
ground was untenable. A new position was 
taken a faw hundred yards to the rear and fire 
opened at long range, but at the end of twenty 
minutes it was again ordered back and it retired 
to Centreville. During the 31st it remained in 
the fortifications and on the evening of the next 
day it ])articipated in the short but bloody 
battle of Chantilly, in which it was one of only 
two batteries engaged. 

On September 2d it proceeded to Washington 
Arsenal and was refitted and fully equipped ; 
and shortly afterward it moved on the Marv- 
land campaign. It went into position near the 
top of South Mountain at three r.u. on the 
13th. It was successful in this engagement, 
having fired from the six guns about two hun- 
dred and fifty rounds. The next day it moved 



after the enemy toward Antietam. On the 17th 
it was shelled out of camp at daylight, and go- 
ing into position opened fire in reply. At nine 
A.jr. it was ordered to the rear of Stone Bridge 
No. 3, nearly opposite Sharpsburg, and just be- 
fore General Hartranft took the bridge its 
centre section moved near the bridge and 
crossed it clo.sely after his infantry. This sec- 
tion was joined by the remainder of the battery 
soon afterward and the whole battery went into 
position about nine hundred yards from the 
opposing rebel guns. These guns were engaged 
at short intervals for two hours whenever they 
opened, and the battery only retired after the 
projectiles were spent. This was the most des- 
perate engagement and at shortest range in 
which the battery participated. Two men were 
dangerously wounded and several horses 
dropped in their harness from exhaustion, which 
had to be left on the field. 

When the army returned to Virginia the 
battery was engaged at Sulphur Springs on 
November loth. For more than an hour it 
answered a lurt fire of the enemy, expending 
over three hundred rounds. Lieutenant Mcll- 
vaine was mortally wounded anil one man se- 
verely. Ill December the Ijattery par- 
ticipated in the battle of Fredericksburg at long 
range and sustained no loss. 

Near the close of March, 1863, the battery 
accompanied the Ninth Corps West and was 
stationed for some time at Paris, Mount Sterl- 
ing and Crab Orchard, Ky. On June 6th it 
embarked at Lexington for Vicksburg to sup- 
port Grant's array, and then took a position 
twelve miles in the rear of Vicksburg, facing 
Jackson, to intercept the enemy if any attempt 
should be made at raising the siege. 

Immediately after the fall of Vicksburg the 
battery moved towards Jackson, arriving before 
the town on July 10th. The battery took a 
position there, and kept up a steady fire upon 
tlie place for several days, sending a shell every 
ten minutes. Johnston retired, and the battery 
returned to camp upon the Yazoo. When the 
battery left for Vicksburg it was in a fine con- 
dition, numbering one hundred and twenty 
strong, and having arms, accoutrements and 
hor.ses well supplied, — all in the highest state 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



277 



of efficiency. Upon its return, after an absence 
of a little more than two months, ten men had 
(lied, forty were sick in the hospital, and only 
twenty or thirty of those in camp were fit for 
duty. About half of the horses had died, and 
only a small number of those that remained 
were serviceable. 

The battery remained at Covington till the 
spring of 1864. It was sent to Johnson's 
Island, in Lake Erie, to prevent a threatened 
rescue of prisoners there, and in April it went 
to Washington to be refitted. Recruits were 
received to give the battery its original strength, 
and an entire new battery of ten Parrott guns. 
It marched with the Fourth Division of the 
Ninth Corps, and covered the wagon-train 
during the Wilderness campaign. It arrived 
before Petersburg about the middle of June, 
1864, and was at once put upon the front. It 
was posted at Fort Morton, and kept up a 
ceaseless fire when the mine was exploded on 
July 30th. A month later it was engaged at 
Pegram's Farm, and during the subsequent 
operations occupied various works before the 
lii^leaguered city. In September, 1864, Captain 
Durell was honorably discharged, and Lieuten- 
ant Rhodes succeeded him. When the final 
attack was made on the defenses of Petersburg, 
on April 2, 1865, l)y Hartranft's command, 
the entire battery of six guns was brought to 
bear npon the rebel works, and when these 
\vere carried, detachments from the battery 
turned the captured guns upon the flying 
enemy. After the evacuation of the city, it 
moved along the South Side Railroad as far as 
Wilson's Station, and upon Lee's surrender 
]>roceeded to Alexandria, via City Point. It 
was mustered out of service, at Philadel]>hia, 
on June 13, 1865, except where otherwise men- 
tioned. 

George W. Durell, capt., must, in Sept. 24, 18fU ; discli. 
Sept. 23, 186-i, exp. of term. 

Samuel H. Rhodes, capt., must, in Sept. 24, 18()1 ; 
pro. from sergt. to 2d lieut. Aug. 19, 18G4 ; to capt. 
Oct. 3, 1864 ; vet. 

Lemuel Gries, 1st lieut, must, in Sept. 24, 18G1 ; re- 
signed June 19, 1863. 

Howard McUvaine, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; 
died Nov. 15, 1863, of wounds received at White 
Sulphur Springs, Va. 



Henry Sailor, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; pro. 

from sergt. to 2d lieut. Aug. 12, 1864 ; to 1st lieut. 

Oct. 17, 1864 ; vet. 
Adley B. Lawrence, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; 

pro. to corp. April 22, 1863 ; to sergt. May 1, 1864; 

to 1st sergt. Oct. 8, 1864; to 1st lieut. Nov. 24, 

186.4; vet. 
George W. Silvis, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; 

com. 1st lieut. Nov. KJ, 1862; not must.; discli. 

Oct. 8, 1864, expiration of term. , 
Christopher Leoser, 2d lieut., must, in May 12, 1862; 

resigned Oct. 12, 18(i4. 
Charles A. CufiFel, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; 

pro. to Corp. May 1, 1864 ; to sergt. Sept. 24, 1864 ; 

to 2d lieut. Nov. 24,1864; vet. 
James L Mast, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; pro. 

to Corp. Oct. 1, 1863 ; to sergt. May 1, 1864; to 2d 

lieut. Nov. 24, 1864; vet. 
VV^illiam S. McNair, 1st sergt., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; 

pro. to q.m. -sergt. Oct. 8, 1864; to 1st sergt. Nov. 

24, 1864 ; vet. 
Samuel K. Whilncr, q.m. -sergt., must, in Sept. 24, 

1861 ; pro. from sergt. Nov. 24, 1864; vet. 
Azariah L. llatz, (|.m. -sergt., must, in Sept. 24, 1861; 

disch., expiration of term. 
John L. Lewis, sergt., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; pro. to 

sergt. Sept. 24, 1864; vet. 
Henry Dense, sergt., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; pro. to 

eorp. Sept. 24, 1864; to sergt. Nov. 24, 1864; vet. 
Stewart McAleese, sergt., must, in Sejit. 24, 1861 ; pro, 

to sergt. Sept. 24, 1864; vet. 
John Hennershotz, sergt., must, in Sept. 24, 18()1 ; pro. 

to sergt. Nov. 24, 1864 ; vet. 
Jacob Bauer, sergt., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; pro. to 

Corp. Sept. 24, 1864 ; to sergt. Oct. 8, 1864; vet. 
John B. Jones, sergt., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; pro. to 

Corp. Sept. 24,1864; to sergt. Nov. 24,1864; vet. 
B. Frank Bender, sergt., must, in Sept 24, 1861 ; disch. 

expiration of term. 
John A Burdan, sergt., must, in Sept 24, 1861 ; disch., 

expiration of term. 
James Q Irwin, sergt , must in Sept. 24, 1861 ; died 

at Evansville, Ind., Aug. 16, 1863. 
George A Everhart, sergt., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; 

died at Mound City, 111., Sept 17, 1863 
.lohn W. MorrLs, Corp., must in Sept. 24, 1861 ; pro. 

to corp. Sept. 24, 1864; vet. 
John S. Schroeder, corp., must, in Feb. 3, 18()4; pro. 

to corp. April 6, 1865; vet. 
Aaron Martin, corp., must, in Sept. 24, 1861; pro. to 

Corp. Sept 24,1864; vet. 
Lewis Bollman, corp, must in Feb. 1, 1864; pro. to 

corp. Nov. 14, 1864; vet. 
Charles C, Berg, cor])., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; pro to 

corp. Nov. 24, 1864 ; vet, 
A J. Schvveimber, corp., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; pro, 

to corp May 1, 1864; vet. 
Jacob L. Beam, corp , must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; pro. to 

corp. May 1, 1864 ; vet. 



278 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Abm. D. Blundin, corp , must, 'in Sept. 24, 18<)1 ; 

vet. 
Joseph E. Kaucher, corp., must, in March r!, 1864 ; pro. 

to corp. May 1, 1865 ; vet. 
Elias K. Cooper, corp., must, in Sept. 24, 18(!1 ; pro. to 

corp. Sept. 24, 1864 ; vet. 
W. H. Quaintance, corp.. must, in Jan. 30, 1864 ; pro. 

to corp.Sept. 24, 1864. 
Amos Bechtol, Corp., must, iu Sept. 24, 1861; disch., 

expiration of term. 
Mahlon B. Buckman, corp., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; 

disch , expiration of term. 
I. Carey Carver, corp., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., 

expiration of term. 
George Carver, corp., must, in Sept. 24, 18(!1 ; disch., 

expiration of term. 
Robert Conrad, corp., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; discli., 

expiration of term. 
Oliver D. Giffens, corp., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., 

expiration of term. 
Bertolett Y. Yoder, corp., must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; 

disch., expiration of term. 
William W. Drayer, corp., must, in May 1, 1862 ; 

disch., expiration of term. 
William G. Mack, corp., must, in Sept. 24 , 1861 ; died 

at Covington, Ky., Sept. 23, 1863. 
August K. Musser, artificer, must, in Feb. 1,1864; 

pro. to artificer Sept. 24, 1864. 
John H. Thompson, artificer, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; 

])ro. to artificer Sept. 24, 1864; veteran. 
Charles H. McCorckle, artificer, must, in Sept. 24, 

1861 ; disch., exp. of term. 
John R. Rice, artificer, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; 

disch., exp. of term. 
George Graetf, bugler, must, in Jan. 29, 1864; pro. to 

bugler Oct. 8, 1864; veteran. 
J. A. Montgomery, bugler, must, in Feb. 1, 1864 ; pro. 

to bugler Oct. 8, 1864. 

Privates. 
Anthony Arley, must, in Sept. 23, 1864 ; substitute. 
William Arnold, must, in Aug. 23, 1864. 
William P. Andrews, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
Benjamin Albright, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
Daniel D. Altl\ouse, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
Milton H. AKbouse, must, in Dec. 18, 1861; disch., 

exp. of term. 
William J. Althouse, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch. 

on surg. certif March 9, 1864. 
Amos Antrim, must, in Sept. 24, LSiil; disch., exp, of 

term. 
Samuel O. Allen, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Jacob J. Amidon, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Daniel D. Armel, must, in March 6,1864; died at 



City Point, Va., June 29, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived at Petersburg. 
Samuel J. Armstrong, must, in Sept. 24. 1861. 
Charles Andrews, must, in .Tan. 7, 1864 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Edward H. Barker, must, in Feb. 1, 1864. 
Jacol) Boas, must, in Jan. 29, 1864. 
Daniel F. Bressler, must, in Feb. 1, 1864. 
Leonard Bollman, must, in March 5, 1864; veteran. 
Louis P. Bogid, must, in March 8, 1864. 
William W. Bowers, must, in Feb. 2, 1864. 
Wellington Bertolet, must, in JIarch 3, 1864. 
Benneville Bertolet, must, in Feb. 2, 1864. 
Anthony B. Bitting, must, in Feb. 1, 1864; veteran. 
Horace D. Boone, must, in Feb. 3, 1864. 
William F. Bracefield, must, in Sept. 5, 1864. 
William R. Bayne, must, in Sept. 5, 1864. 
Nathan Barlot, must, in Aug. 16, 1864. 
John Byle, must, in Aug. 16, 1864. 
Henry Barst, must, in Sept. 9, 1864. 
Alexander Bauer, must, in Sept. 21, 1864 ; substitute. 
Edward Boyle, must, in March 21, 1864. 
Harrison G. Bouse, must, in Se|)t. 24, 1861 : veteran. 
Frederick W. Berg, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; veteran. 
Stephen D. Bechert, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
Valentine G. Bissey, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
Valentine Bloomer, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
Thomas L. Breese, mu.st. in Sept. 24, IS61 ; disch., 

exp of term. 
James Bissey, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. of 

term. 
Henry L. Buck, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Har. Breidigham. must, iu .Tan. 29, 1864 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. May 19, 186'). 
George Barton, mus*^. in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif Aj ril 3, 1862. 
William Beck, must, in April 22, 1861 ; disch., exp. of 

term. 
Israel 0. Beagle, must, in April 22, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Onatus D. Bump, must, in April 19, 1861 ; disch., exj). 

of term. 
William H. Brown, must, in April 22, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
James Buchanan, must, in Oct. 18, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
George Bluch, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; died at Fred- 
ericksburg, Va., July 9, 1862. 
Samuel O. Burdan, must in Sept. 24, 1815! ; died at 

Memphis, Tenn., Aug. 19, 1863. 
James H. Burnett. 
George Barhide, must, in Jan. 29, 18G4 ; not on 

muster-out roll. 
Wei. F. Clouser, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; wounded at 

Petersburg, Va., July 00, 1864; veteran. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



2V9 



Joseph M. CufTel, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; veteran. 

William A. Closson, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; veteran. 

.Tohn Cuffel, Jr., must, in Feb. 16, 1864. 

Stephen A. Craig, must, in Aug. 24, 1864. 

William H. Cloak, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Asa W. Clark, must, in Feb. 20, 1864. 

AVilliam K. Cleaver, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; tlisch., 

exp. of term. 
Henrj' C. Clymer, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Robert Crighton, must, in Sept. 24, 1861; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Mark M. Caffery, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. June 3, 1862. 
Edward Colby, must, in Feb. 20, 1864; trans, to 

Naval Academy, date unknown. 
Nicholas Creamer, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Dec. 15, 1862. 
Thomas Cumrais, must, in Sept. 9, 1864 ; died at City 

Point, Va., Dec. 17, 1864. 
William Clouser, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; died at 

Pleasant Valley. Md., Oct. 12, 1862. 
John Cooney, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; died at Sny- 
der's Bluff, Miss., Aug. 10, 1863. 
,Toseph Derflinger, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; veteran. 
William Drexler. must, in Jan. 30, 1864. 
Hugh Duffy, must, in Sept. 19, 1864. 
James Dishong, must, in Sept. 18, 1864; drafted. 
Thomas Donelly, must, in Aug. 80, 1864; substitute. 
Solomon Dunkelberger, must, in Feb. 1, 1864; 

veteran. 
Aaron Dease, must, in Jan. 29, 1864. 
William H. Derr, must, in Feb. 1, 1864. 
Cyrus Davidheyser, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
George Douglass, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
William Dunlap, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Henry Drostine, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch. on 

writ of habeas corpus Oct. 24, 1861. 
Robert Doak, must, in Sept. 24, 1861. 
Peter Eyler, musi. in Feb. 1, 1864. 
Oliver L. Edes, must, in March 22, 1864; veteran. 
Adam Eistlick, must, in Sept. 5, 1865. 
Urias Engle, must, in Sept. 5, 1864; disch., exp. of 

term. 
Benjamin F. Edwards, must, in May 16, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
John L. Everett, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; died at 

Germantown, Pa., May 8, 1865 ; veteran. 
Christian Eyler, must, in Sept. 24, 1861; died at 

Washington, D. C, Dec. 11, 1861. 
Levi Eisenhoar, must, in Sept. 24, 1861. 
Adam Eichly, must, in Sept. 2, 1864; not on muster- 
out roll. 
William Fleming, must, in Jan. 30, 1864. 
William Fries, must, in Sept. 10, 1862. 



Adam S. Fisher, must, in Feb. 2, 1864. 

Charles E. Frill, must, in Jan. 29, 1864. 

William Fink, must, in Sept. 9, 1864. 

John Foreman, must, in July 15, 1864 ; drafted. 

Gottlieb Fageley, must, in Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Jacob S. Foster, must, in Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch. , exp. 

of term. 
Jesse D. Foulke, must, in Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Jacob Franks, must, in Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch., exp. of 

term. 
Michael Fry, must, in Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch., exp. of 

term. 
Amos Fies, must, in Dec. 18, 1861 ; disch., exp. of 

term. 
Charles A. Faglely, must, in Sept. 24, 1861; died 

Aug. 19, 1863. 
John P'ocht, must, in Jan. 30,1864; disch. at City 

Point, Va., Sept. 17, 1864. 
William H. Frankem, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; 

veteran. 
John Ferguson, mu.st. in March 26, 1864 ; not on mus- 
ter-out roll. 
John GunneTs, mu.st. in Sept. 19, 1864; drafted. 
Franklin Gable, must, in Feb. 24, 1864 ; veteran. 
Johnson Grandle, must, in Jan. 29, 1864 ; veteran. 
James D. Gabriel, must, in Jan. 30, 1864. 
William Graul, must, in Sept. 10, 1862. 
George Graul, must, in Feb. 1,-1864. 
Henry Graul, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; veteran. 
Richard L. Garber, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
Isaac R. Good, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. of 

term. 
Hiram G. Grove, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
William G. Ganster, must, in Dec. IS, 1861 ; disch. 

Jan. 6, 1865, exp. of term. 
Mahlon G. Hill, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; veteran. 
Joseph D. Hughes, must, in Scjit. 24, 1861 ; veteran. 
George W. Hagerman, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; 

veteran. 
Edward Hinkle, must, in March 21, 1864. 
Henry A. Heichler, must, in Feb. 3, 1864. 
James Hafer, must, in Jan. 30, 1864. 
Daniel D. Hart, must, in March 17, 1864; veteran. 
Reuben G. Herbine, must, in Sept. 24, 1861. 
Henry Hayrane, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Henry B. Herring, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
William E.Hill, must, in Sept. 24. 1861 ; disch. on 

writ of habeas corpus Aug. 10, 1863. 
Alfred B. Hicks, must, in May 16, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
John Hanning, must, in Sept. 24, 1861. 
Robert Irwin, must, in Jan. 29, 1864 ; veteran. 



280 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Henry B. Ives, must, in May 115, 18G1 ; disfh. Feb. 19, 

1863, for wounds received at White Sulphur 

Springs, Va., Nov. 18, 1862. 
Monroe Jenl^ins, must, in Sept. 24, 18()1 ; diseh., exp. 

of term. 
Samuel Johnston, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
John B. Jones, must, in Sept. 26, 1861 ; trans., date 

and organization unknown. 
Charles Jones, must, in Sej)t. 24, 1861 ; died at Cov- 
ington, Ky., Sept. 12, 1863. 
Peter Koch, must, in Jan. 30, 1864. 
George E. Koch, must, in Sept. 12, 1864. 
Levi H. Knabb, must, in Sept. 3, 1864. 
Charles Kennedy, must, in March 23, 1864. 
Milton Knapp, must, in Aug. 26, 1864. 
Jacob Knlb, must, in Aug. 26, 1864. 
William Knight, must, in Sept. 24, 1864; substitute. 
Robert A. Kerns, must, in Sept. 19, 1864; drafted. 
Anton Kerfuss, must, in Sept. 21, 1864; substitute. 
Amos Knabb, must, in Sept. 21, 1861 ; disch., exp. of 

term. 
Isaac S. Knowles, must, in Sept. 24, ISGl ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
George L. Knopp, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. May 20, 1863. 
Samuel C. Knox, must, in May 16, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
George F. Ludwig, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; vet. 
Henry Leidig, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; vet. 
John H, Lorah, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; vet. 
Oliver C. Leidy, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Joseph Lear, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. of 

term. 
Richard L. Lewis, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., eyp. 

of term. 
Henry Lenhart, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Lewis N. B. Layton, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch. 

Oct. 26, 1861. 
Henry C. Leigh, must, in April IS, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
John E. Livengood, must, in June 21, 1864; not on 

must. -out roll. 
John B. Moser, must, in Feb. 3, 1864; vet. 
Peter Manger, must, in Jan. 21, 1864. 
Jjnas Millard, must, in Jan. 22, 1864. 
J)hn Mullcr, must, in March 28, 1864. 
Joseph Moftat, must, in Aug. 26, 1864. 
Robert Murray, must, in Aug. 26, 1864. 
Andrew Maloney, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Frederick K. Miller, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; vet. 
Henry Miller, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; di.scli., exp. 

of term. 
George W. Mover, must, in Sept. 24,1861; disch., 

exp. of term. 
Charles N. Mance, mu>t. in May 16, 1861; ditch., 

exp. of term. 



Michael Messner, must, in Jan. 29, 1864; not on 

must. -out roll. 
George D. Morris, must, in Jan. 29, 1864; not on 

must. -out roll. 
Robert McKiuley, must, in Aug. 26, 1864. 
Richard McConnell, must, in Aug. 30, 1864. 
Alexander McKee, must, in Aug. 26, 1864. 
Charles H. McCoy, must, in Feb. 23, 1864. 
Ezra McKinstry, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
John McChessney, must, in April 23, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
Charles W. McCreary, must, in Sept. 29, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
John S. McConnell, must, in Jan. .30, 1864 ; died July 

21, 1864. 
John P. McQuiston, must, in Feb. 20, 1864; not on 

must. -out roll ; vet. 
George R. W. Neiman, must, in Jan. It, 18fi4. 
Daniel D. Noll, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Joseph H. Ncy, must, in Sept. 24, 18G1 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Ferdinand Pre-ser, must, in Feb. 1, 1864. 
Robert J. Pollard, 'must, in March 8, 1864. 
Henry Parton, must, in Sept. 5, 1864. 
J. Beatty Price, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; died at 

Mound City, III., Aug. 19, 1865. 
William J. Parke, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch. by 

G. O. July 25, 1865 ; vet. 
John Peck, must, in Sept. 19, 1864; drafted; disch. 

by G. O. July 13, 1865. 
Samuel F. Quinter, must, in Sept. 12, 1862. 
W. H. Quaintance, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch. on 

surg. certif Oct. 26, 1862. 
John W. Ringler, must, in Feb. 1, 1864. 
Henry S. Rogers, must, in Jan. 29, 1864; wounded 

at Petersburg, Va., June 25, 1864; vet. 
Henry Rambo, must, in Feb. 1, 1864, 
Nicholas Ribb, must, in Feb. 20, 1,S64. 
John F. Ruth, must, in Jan. 29, 1864. 
James Reid, must, in Aug. 26, 1864. 
John Robinson, must, in Sept. 27, 1864; sub. 
Amandus Rhoads, must, in Sept. 19, 1864. 
Harrison K. Rhoads, must, in Sept. 24. 1861 ; vet. 
Henry Y. Rauh, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; vet. 
John M. Rich, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. March 7, 1863. 
James S. Rich, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., cx]i. 

of term. 
Charles Reighling, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; died at 

Meniiihis, Tcnn., Aug. 15, 1863. 
John Reightmoycr, niu^t. in Sept. 24, 1861 ; died at 

Annapolis, Md., April 10, 1864. 
Albert Reider, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; died at Mem- 
phis, Tenn., Aug. 16, 1863. 
Ludwig Bollhausen, must, in March 26, 1864; not on 

muster-out roll. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



281 



William Eyan, must, in March 7, 1864; not on must.- 

out roll. 
Isaac C. Stenner, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; vet. 
Henry C. Stahk-r, must, in Sept. 24, 1861; vet. 
Joseph Shunk, must, in Feb. 1, 1864. 
Henry N. Schwartz, must, in Jan. 29, 1864. 
Thomas Shipley, must, in March 8, 1864. 
J. Davis Sisler, must, in Sept. 13, 1864. 
Joseph D. Shadt, must, in Aug. 20, 1864. 
Henry Slicliter, must, in Sept. 24, 1861; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Isaiah Sellei'.s, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of terra. 
Martin H. Smith, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Henry Seagrist, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Patrick Scanlan, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
John C. Schmidt, must in Sept. 24, 1861; disch. May 

1, 1862. 
John C. Sherwood, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; died Aug. 

20, 1863, from wounds received at Antietam, Md., 

Sept. 17, 1862. 
John L. Smith, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; died Oct. 26, 

1862. 
Jacob H. Schaeffer, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; died at 

Washington, D. C, Dec. 8, 1861. 
George H. Schwenk, must, in Jan. 25, 1864 ; died at 

Peeble's Farm, Va., Oct. 18, 1864. 
John Smith, must, in March 26, 1864; not on must. - 

out roll. 
Samuel A. Tobias, must, in Sept, 1, 1864. 
Levi Thcjmas, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; vet. 
James Thompson, must, in Sept. 27, 1864; sub. 
Nathan Thomas, must, in May 16, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Taylor, William, must, in March 7, 1864; not on 

must.-out roll. 
Jacob Ulmer, must, in Aug. 23, 1864. 
Silas C. Van Patten, must, in March 23, 1864; trans. 

to 134th Eegt. N. Y. Vols., date unknown. 
Charles P. Weisig, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; vet. 
Henry Wensel, must, in Feb. 1, 1864. 
James Warr, must, in Feb. 1, 1864. 
Dillman Worley, must, in Feb. 1, 1864. 
David Walters, must, in Feb. 1, 1864. 
John Wolf, must, in Feb. 1, 1864; vet. 
Henry Waltman, must, in Sept. 19, 1864; drafted. 
George Williams, must, in Aug. 25, 1864. 
George Weaver, must, in Sept. 5, 1864. 
Charles Weaver, must, in Sept. 5', 1864. 
Emanuel Wolf, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., exp. 

of term. 
Edward H. White, must, in Sept. 24, 1861 ; disch., 

exp. of term. 
William J. Wealthy, must, in Sept. 24, 1861; disch., 

exp. of term. 



James Wright, must, in June 13, 1864; not on must.- 
out roll. 

Eli Yeager, must, in Aug. 2.'), 1864. 

Francis R. Yocum, must, in Feb. 1, 1864. 

Edmund S. Yoder, must, in May 1, 1862 ; disch., exp. 
of term. 

John S. Zellers, must, in Feb. 1, 1S64. 

Franklin A. Zellers, must, in Jan. 16, 1864 ; died at 
Wernersville, Pa., March 12, 1865. 

Captain CJeouge W. Duiiell was born at 
Wilmington, DeL, on November 25, 1816. 
He learned his trade of painter at Philadel- 
phia, and then removed to Reading, finding 
employment with the Philadelphia and Read- 
ing Railroad Company. After .serving for 
.several years, he was elevated to be foreman 
painter, and continued in this position till he 
enlisted in the Civil War. 

In April, 1861, he was mustered into ser- 
vice with the Ringgold Light Artillery as first 
sergeant, for three months. Afterward he 
rai.sed an independent battery of artillery, 
which was mustered into service September 
21,1861, as Durell's Independent Battery D. 
He was commissioned cai)tain, and continued 
in active service till September 23, 1864, when 
he was obliged to resign his commission on 
account of sickness. U))on his return home, 
he was appointed provost-marshal of this dis- 
trict, and .served this office till it was discon- 
tinued. He then resumed painting in the em- 
ploy of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad 
Company, as foreman. He died November 9, 
1883. He was an ardent Republican in poli- 
tics, and in religious belief a devoted Baptist. 
He took an active interest in the Odd-Fellows 
and Masons. He possessed a fine musical edu- 
cation, having been a superior tenor singer. 
In his associations he was very highly esteemed. 

NINE months' .service. 

The following volunteer com]ianies from 
Berks County were enlisted in the nine 
months' service : 

Company A, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth 
Regiment, Captain L. Heber Smith. 

Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth 
Regiment, Captain William McNall. 

Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth 
Regiment, Captain William H. Andrews. 



282 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLYANIA. 



Company H, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth 
Regiment, Captain John Kennedy. 

Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-eighth 
Regiment, Captain Richard H. Jones. 

Company K, One Hundred and Twenty-eiglith 
Resiment, Captain George Newlcirk. 

Company E, One Hundred and Fifty-first Regi- 
ment, Captain Jacob S. Graeff. 

Company G, One Hundred and Fifty-fir.st Regi- 
ment, Captain Levi M. Gerliart. 

Company H, One Hundred and Fifty-first Regi- 
ment, Captain William K. Boltz. 

Company I, One Hundred and Fifty-first Regi- 
ment, Captain William L. Gray. 

Company K, One Hundred and Fifty first Regi- 
ment, Captain James W. Weida. 

ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-EIGHTH REGIJIENT. 

This regiment vva.s recruited in resjionse to 
the proclamation of the Governor calling for 
troops to serve for nine months, issued July 
■21, 1862. Companies A, B, E, H, I and K 
Avere recruited in Berks County. The regiment 
rendezvoused at Camp Cnrtin, and was there 
mustered into the service of the ITnited States 
from the loth to the loth of August. The 
majority of the regimental officers were selected 
from the companies named. On the 16th of 
August it was ordered to Washington, moving 
under the command of Captain William H. 
Andrews, of Company E, because no officers had 
been as yet commissioned. Soon after its arrival 
at the capital it crossed the Potomac, ard was 
encamped on Arlington Heights for a week. On 
the 21st it moved to Fairfax Seminary, and on 
the 29th to Fort Woodbury, where for a week — 
during the fierce fighting at Bull Run and 
Chantilly — it was incessantly engaged in felling 
timber and erecting fortifications. In this time 
Captain Samuel Croasdale, of Bucks County, 
had been appointed colonel and the staff .selected. 

On September 6th the regiment, in light 
marching order, recrossed the Potomac; and 
entered upon the Maryland campaign. At 
Frederick City, on the 14th, it was assigiied to 
Crawford's brigade, of Williams' division, Mans- 
field's corps. The command, moving forward 
rapidly, arrived in front of South Mountain by 
evening, where it was held in position during 
the night in expectation of a renewal of the 
battle. But the enemy retired, and late in the 
evening of the 16th it arrived at Antietam 



Creek. At eleven p.m. of same evening it was 
led across the stream to the support of Hooker's 
troops, and at two A.M. on the 17th it bivouacked 
in a ploughed field close to the hostile lines. 
At earlj^ dawn the battle opened, and the brigade 
was immediately advanced in close colimin. At 
half-past six A.M. the regiment was ordered into 
the fight, and it made a most gallant charge 
through the wood and into the memorable corn- 
field where the enemy lay concealed. Unfor- 
tunately the charge was made by the flank, and 
before the regiment could be formed into line 
the fire of the enemy had become very hot. 
Colonel Croasdale was instantly killed while in 
the act of giving orders and bringing his com- 
mand into position ; and soon afterward Lieut- 
enant-Colonel Hamersley was severely wounded 
and borne from the field. This caused the men 
to fall into confusion for a time, but being soon 
restored to order, the command then held the 
ground where the struggle had been most des- 
perate, and where the regiment had lost some 
of its bravest and best men, and was afterwai-d 
relieved, when it rested on the field until night- 
fall. The loss was thirty-four killed and eighty- 
five wounded, of whom six died subsequently of 
their wounds. Cajitain William H. Andrews 
was among the killed, he having in the fight 
exhibited the most daring courage. After the 
battle the regiment was encamped at Sandv 
Hook, and afterward on Maryland Heights, 
being employed at the latter place in construct- 
ing fortifications. Much needed clothing was 
obtained here, and Major Wanner resigned to 
resume the duties of his office as mayor of 
Reading, he having left to assist in recruiting 
this regiment. ]\Iajor Matthews was com- 
missioned as colonel and Captain Dyer as major. 
The regiment Mas then thoroughly drilled. On 
December 16th it arrived at Neabseo River, 
where it halted, and on the 17th it turned back 
to Fairfax Station. With the exception of some 
toilsome marching after Stuart's cavalry on the 
28th, it remained in camp until January lv<, 
1863, when it proceeded to Stafford Court- 
House, and went into winter-quarters, doing 
guard and picket duty till the opening of the 
spring campaign, under Hooker. Captain Jj. 
Heber Smith was here commissioned to succeed 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



283 



Haniersley as lieutenant-colonel, on account of 
Haniersley's permanent disability from wounds 
received at Autietam. On ]\Iay 1st the brigade 
was ordered to intrench on the j)lank-road 
leading through the Wilderness, and later in 
(lav the regiment was moved out to the United 
States Ford to open the way over the Rappahan- 
nock, but returned to the intrenchmentsat even- 
ing. During the night it was ordered out to 
the fort. There it remained until morning, and 
during the day participated in the fighting upon 
the left centre. At evening the enemy .succeeded 
in breaking the right wing of the army, and, 
coming in upon the flank, occupied the Union 
works. The night was very dark, and in re- 
tiring to its original line the regiment suddenly 
found itself surrounded by the enemy. Colonel 
]\Iatthews, Lieutenant-Colonel Smith, C'aptains 
McNall, Newkirk, Jones, Yeager and Huber, 
Lieutenants Obold and Anthony, and two hun- 
dred and twenty-five non-commissioned officers 
and men were taken prisoners and man^hed to 
Richmond. The remainder of the regiment, 
under the command of Captain Kennedy, suc- 
ceeded in reaching its position in the line which 
it held with the utmost tenacity, in spite of the 
battle raging on this part of the field with great 
violence. It lost Captain Richards and a nun.- 
ber of men wounded. On the afternoon of May 
.'id the brigade was ordered to the rear as a 
guard to prisoners, on account of having suffered 
.severely during the preceding two days, and 
cro.s.sed the Rappahannock at United States Ford, 
but in a few hours afterwards was ordered to 
return and again summoned to the front. At 
the clo.se of the battle the regiment, reduced to 
one hundred and seventy-two men, returned to 
Stafford Court-House. Its term of service having 
expired, it was relieved from duty on May 12th, 
when it proceeded to Harrisburg, and there it 
was mustered out of service on May 19th. Tiie 
officers and men who had. been taken prisoners 
were held in captivity only a short time. They 
returned in time to be mustered out of service 
with the regiment. L^pon its return to Reading 
it was honorably received by the authorities 
and citizens, and then it disbanded. 

Field and Staff Officers. 
Samuel Croasdale, col., must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; pro. 



from capt. Co. C Aug. 25, 1862 ; killed at Antie- 

tam, Md., Sept. 17, 1S62. 
Joseph A. Maihews, col., must, in Sept. 27, 1861; 

pro. froramaj. 46th Regt. P. V. Nov. 1,1862; 

captured at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863; 

disch. May 25, to date May 19, 1863. 
W. W. Hamersley, liout.-col., must, in Aug. 14, 1862; 

pro. from capt. Co. G Aug. 25, 1862 ; wounded 

at Antietam, Md. Sept. 17, 1862; disch. on surg. 

certif. Jan. 31, 1863. 
L. Heber Smith, lieut.-col., must, in Aug. 16,1862; 

pro. from capt. Co. A Sept. I, 1863; captured 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863; disch., to 

date May 19, 1863. 
Joel B. Wanner, maj., nlu^t. in Aug. 25, 1862; re- 
signed Nov. 29, 1862. 
Cephas W. Dyer, maj., must, in Aug, 15, 1862; pro. 

from capt. Co. C Doc. 1, 1862; must, out with 

regiment May 19, 1863- 
James H. Gentzler, adj., nunt. in Aug. 16, 1862; pro. 

from 2d lieut. Co. E Aug. 25, 1862 ; nuist. out 

with regiment May 19, 1863. 
Abel Mishler, q.m., must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; pro. from 

2d lieut. Co. H Sept. 6, 1862; must, out with 

regiment May 19, 1863. 
A. W. Mathews, surg., must, in Nov. 6, 1862 ; must. 

out with regiment May 19, 1863. 
Theo. A. Helnig, asst. surg., must, in Aug. 19, 1862 ; 

must, out with regiment May 19, 1863. 
John B. Potteiger, asst. surg., must, in Aug. 30, 1862; 

resigned Jan. 6, 1863. 
J. H. Kauffman, asst. surg., must, in March 20, 1863 ; 

must, out with regiment May 19, 1863. 
.1. Frederick Whitman, sergt.-maj., must, in Aug. 14, 

1862; pro. from 1st sergt. Co. B Jan. 1, 1863; 

must, out with regiment May 19, 1868. 
.Tames M. Anthony, sergt.-maj., must, in Aug. 15, 

1862 ; pro. from sergt. Co. I Aug. 25, 1862 ; to 2J 

lieut. Co. K Jan. 1, 1863. 
George B. Kerper, q.m.-sergt., must, in Aug. 10, 1862 ; 

pro. from priv. Co. A Aug. 25, 1802; must, out 

with regiment May 19, 1863. 
John A. Buch, com. -sergt., must, in Aug. 14, 1862; 

pro. from priv. Co. E Sept. 1, 1862; must, out 

with regiment May 19, 1863. 
M. E. Hornbeck, hos. St., must, in Sept. 4, 1862; 

must, out with regiment May 10, 1863. 
Company A. — This company was recruited 
in Berks County, and unless otherwise stated, 
the men were mustered out May 19, 1863. 
L. Heber Smith, capt., must, in Aug. 16, 1862 ; pro. 

to lieut.-col. Feb. 1, 1803. 
F. R. Schmucker, capt., must, in Aug. 16, 1862; pro. 

from 1st lieut. Feb. 1, 1863. 
Jos. H. McKnight, 1st lieut., must, in Aug. 16, 1862; 

pro. from 2d lieut. Feb. 1, 1863. 
George Vandersyde, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. 10, 

1862 ; pro. from 1st sergt. Feb. 1, 1863. 



284 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Frank B. Kern, 1st sergt., must, in Aug. 10, 1862 ; 

pro. from sergt. Feb. 1, 1863. 
Oliver P. Hause, sergt., must, in Aug. 10, 1802. 
Allen Kutz, sergt., must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
M. E. Morris, sergt., must, in Aug. 10, 1862 ; pro. 

from Corp. Feb. 1, 1863. 
Henry C. Beard, sergt., must, in Aug. 10. 1862. 
John M. Barclay, corp., must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
William M. Rogers, Corp., must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
Joseph M. JacksiQ, corp., must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
Milton J. Schaeffer, corp., must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
J. Henry Wells, Corp., must, in Aug. 10, 1862 ; pro. 

to corp. Nov. 1, 1862. 
F. Marion Jones, corp., must, in Aug. 10, 1S()2; pro. 

to corp. Nov. 1, 1862. 
Augustus Snyder, corp., must, in Aug. 10, 1862 ; pro. 

to corp. Nov. 1, 1862. 
Jacob L. Repplier, corp., must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
Joseph Gabriel, corp., must, in Aug. 10, 1862 ; disch. 

on surg. certif. Jan. 14, 1863. 
John F. Siegel, musician, must, in Aug. 10, lS(i2. 
George W. Potter, musician, must, in Aug. 10, 1862; 

killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Prh-ates- 

George Aunian, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Amos Boyer, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

George H. Brinley, mu>t. in Aug. 10, 1862; 

Daniel Brumbach, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Peter Bin.<star, must, in Aug. 10, 1^!62. 

Charles L. Buck, must, in Aug. 10, 1K62. 

James M. Burger, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

William Cadwalader, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Franklin Cleaver, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

George Clingman, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

E. W. Dehaven, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Charles Dehart, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

George M. Detterlin, must, in Aug. 10, 1S62 ; missing 

in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1803. 
William Dicely, must, in Aug. 10, 1862; missing in 

action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
James M. Ellis, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
Samuel Englehart, must, in Aug. 10, ]8(i2. 
■William Epler, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
Henry A. Firing, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
James Fleming, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
Frederick G. Fregh, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
Jacob B. Fretz, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
Edward B. Grass, must, in Aug. 10, 1862; nii.«sing in 

action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Jacob L. Griffith, must, in Aug. 10, 1862 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Feb. 4, 1863. 
Samuel N. Hartranft, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
George E. Haak, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
John Hall, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
David Herbien, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
Daniel Hertzog, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 
John Hofl'man, must, in Aug. 10, 1802. 
Franklin Hole, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 



Elam D. Hook, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Mahlon Houck, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Henry Hole, must, in Aug. 10, 1862; died at Phila- 
delphia, Pa., Feb. 8, 1863. 

David K. Irey, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

James B. A. Irwin, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Lewis H. Ingram, must, in Aug. 10, 1862 ; disch. on 
surg. certif. Nov. 18, 1862. 

James Johnston, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Luther B. Kline, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Thomas Kurtz, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Geoige Kerper, must, in Aug. 10, 1862; pro. to ij.m.- 
sergt. Aug. 25, 1862. 

Edwin Kennedy, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

William Kline, must, in Aug. 10, 1862; killed at An- 
tietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Peter L. Leas, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

William Levan, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

John H. Lorah, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Frauklin Ludwig, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Jerome Ludwig. must, in Aug. 10, 1862; missing in 
action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Levi Marks, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

William Mattus, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Benjamin Millard, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Isaac N. Millard, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Levi Moyer, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Frederick Mostler, must, in Aug. 10, 1862 ; died at 
Douglassville, Pa., May 1, 1863. 

Benjamin F. Neimau, must, in Aug. 10, 1802. 

William R. Nine, must, in Aug. 10, 1802. 

Clemson Phillips, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Levi B. Pott, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Jeremiah H. Pile, must, in Aug. 10, 1862 ; killed at 
Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 

Charles Rochtackle, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

William C. Reinstine, must, in Aug. 10, 18i)2. 

Joseph W. Richards, must, in Aug. 10, 1802. 

Samuel H. Ronig, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

George Vi. Rot, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Tliomas Sands, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Jacob Schover, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

John B. Searles, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Irenaus Shalter, must, in Aug. 10, 1802. 

George Shingle, must, in Aug. 10, 1802. 

Jacob Spotts, must, in Aug. 10, 1802; wounded at 
Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1802; absent, in hos- 
pital, at muster out. 

William H. Stonemetz, must, in Aug. 10, 1802 ; died 
at Stafford Court-House, Va., March 3, 1863. 

James Thomson, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

John White, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Benjamin F. Whitman, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

David H. Wise, must, in Aug. 10, 1802. 

William H. Wise, must, in Aug. 10, 1S02; absent, sick, 
at muster out. 

Evan E. Woodward, must, in Aug, 10, 1802. 

John H. Yorgy, must, in Aug. 10, 1862. 

Samuel Z.uharins, must, in Aug, 10, 1862. 



THE CIVIL AVAR. 



285 



Amos K. Zeller, must, iu Aug. 10, 1862. 

Company B. — TliLs comiiany was recruited 
:it Reading, and mustered out May 19, 18(33, 
unle.ss otherwise stated. 

AVilliam McNall, capt., must, in Aug. 17, l.S()2 ; cap- 
turefl at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1803.- 

W. M. Eisenhauer, 1st lieut., must, in Aug. 17, 1862. 

Michael Hasson, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. 17, 1862. 

Thomas Reilley, 1st sergt., must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; 
])ro. from sergt. Jan. 1, 1862. 

.lames Eisenhauer, sergt., must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 

Augustus Graf, sergt., must, in Aug. 14, 1862; cap- 
tured at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Samuel K. Clark, sergt., must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; pro. 
from Corp. Feb. 4, 1863. 

Jacob Finkbone, sergt., must, in Aug. 14, 1862; pro. 
from Corp. Feb. 1, 1863; captured at Chancellors- 
ville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Samuel Parvin, sergt., must, in Aug. 14, 1S62; disch. 
on surg. certif Feb. 4, 1863. 

J. Frederick Whiteman, sergt., must, in Aug. 14, 
1862; pro. to .sergt.-maj. Jan. 16, 1862. 

Charles E. Fichthorn, eorp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 

G.'orge W. McMichael, Corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 

I.-irael B. Sillaman, Corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 

J'lhn A. Kissinger, corp., must, in Aug. 14, 18()2. 

Henry C. Diehl, corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; pro. 
to Corp. Jan. 1, 1863. 

•Icjliii Haberacker, corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862; 
l)ro. to corp. Jan. 10, 1863. 

Harrison Lewis, corp,, must, in Aug. 14,1862; pro. 
to corp. Feb. 4, 1863. 

Henry E. Reinhart, Corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862; 
))ro. to corp. Feb. 4, 1863. 

Richard Warner, corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. 
Feb. 4, 1863, for wounds received in action. 

George McKinney, corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. 
Nov. 29, 1862, for wounds received in action. 

Peter Benson, mus., must in Aug. 16, 1862. 

George VV. Young, mus., must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 

Privates. 

Anthony Bitting, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 

Daniel Birch, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Edward Bearsler, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; captured 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Clicster K. Belding, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
John Bowers, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. April 28, 

1863, for wounds received in action. 
George Coxell, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
J.ames Coxell, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
John L. Callaghan, must, in Aug. 14, 1S(!2 ; captured 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Jacob Dunkle, must, in Aug. 16, 1862. 
William Eyier, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Oliver L. Edes, must, iu Aug. 14, 1862. 



Charles Eisenhaur, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Feb. 12, 1863. 
Henry J. Fink, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Daniel Finkbone, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. April 24, 1S63. 
Joseph P. Green, must, in Aug. 14, 181)2 ; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
George Gans, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Michael A. Hasson, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; captured 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
H. Hennershitzs, must in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Wesley Horning, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Samuel Hauck, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Robert Harris, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; died Oct. 12, 

of wounds received at Antietam, Md , Sept. 17, 

1862 ; buried in National Cemetery, section 26, 

lot C, grave 240. 
Franklin Harbach, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
William F. Hain, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
David Heifer, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Henry Hossler, mu-^t. in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Samuel Hanley, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va.. May 3, 1863. 
George Hassinger, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; captured 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
George H Homan, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
H. C. Haberacker, must, in Aug, 14, 1862; killed at 

Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Jeremiah Jacoby, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
John N. Kline, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
William Lacy, must, iu Aug. 14, 1862 ; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Ezra S. Leinbach, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; captured 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Milton Mengle, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
John Michael, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
George Marks, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Lawrence Miller, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
George McFarlen, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Bar'y McConlough, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; captured 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Balser F. Nagle, must, iu Aug. 14, 1862. 
Daniel Owens, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
John Parvin, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; ca])lured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, "1863. 
Thomas H. Polglase, must, in Aug. 14, 18(i2. 
Tohn M. Roney, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Jacob Ringler, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Benton C. Reamer, must, in Aug. 14, 1S62. 
Franklin Rhoads, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Henry Rowe, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Luther Reedy, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch, on surg. 

certif. Dec. 10, 1862. 
John Seiders, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Henry Seiders, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
George S. Saylor, must, in Aug. 14,1862; captured 

at Chancellorsville, Va,, May 3, 1863. 



286 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Henry Shilt, must, in Aug. 14, 1802. 

John M. Seltzer, must, in Aug. 14, 18(52; cai)tured at 

Chancellorsvillc, Va., May 3, 18(>3. 
John S. Schaffer, mu.st. in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Jeremiah Smith, mu.st. in Aug. 14, 1862; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Henry Schmeck, must, in Aug. 14, 180?. 
George Sassaman, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
John Suhlosser, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
William Tarbit, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Augustus Trexler, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Lyman H-. Wilson, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
George Weber, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
John Weidner, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Samuel Weidner, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
John Wesley, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Lemon Young, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Daniel Yohn, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Isaac L. Yohn, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Mark Yager, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Edward Yoe, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 

Company E. — This company was recruited 
at Reading. Unless otherwise stated, the men 
were mustered out May 19, 1863. 

William H. Andrews, capt., must, in Aug. 16, 1862; 

killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Thomas M. Richards, capt., must, in Aug. 14, 1862; 

pro. from 1st lieut. Sept. 18, 1862 ; wounded at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Charles Rick, Jr., 1st lieut., must, in Aug. 14. 1862; 

pro. from 1st sergt. to 2d lieut. Aug. 25, 1862 ; to 

1st lieut. Sept. 18, 1862. 
James H. Gentzler, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. 14. 18()2; 

pro. to adjt. Aug. 25, 1862. 
Thomas T. Eyrich, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; 

pro. from sergt. Sept. 18, 1862. 
John L. Snelljlst sergt, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; pro. 

from sergt. Sept. 18, 1862. 
William C. Eben, 1st sergt., must, in Aug. 14, 1.S62 ; 

died Sept. 20 of wounds received at Antietam, 

Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Wilson Sterling, sergt., must, in Aug. 14, 1862; pro. 

from Corp. Aug. 25, 1862. 
Reuben Burkert, sergt., must, in Aug. 14,1862; pro. 

to Corp. Aug. 25, 1862 ; to sergt. March 1, 1863. 
Henry Siegfried, sergt., must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; pro. 

i'rom Corp. Sept. 14, 1862. 
Aaron Arnold, sergt., must, in Aug. 14, 1862; disch. 

on surg. certif Feb. 13, 1863. 
William H. Koch, sergt., must, in Aug. 14, 18()2; 

disch. on surg. certif. April 13, 1863. 
Henry Clemens, corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Samuel Faff, corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862; pro. to 

corp. Sept. 18, 1862 ; missing in action at Chan- 
cellorsville, Va.. May 2, 1863. 
E. G. Gattschall, corp., must, in Aug. 14, lS(i2 ; pro. 

to corp. Sept. 18, 1862. 



Joseph Becker, corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; pro. to 

corp. Sept. 18, 1862. 
Alfred Franks, corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1S62 ; pro. to 

corp. Sept. 18, 1862. 
Henry Dease, corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; pro. to 

corp. Jan. 1, 1863. 
D. Brooke Roberts, corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; pro. 

to corp. Jan. 1, 1863. 
Thomas M. O'Brien, Jr., corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862; 

pro. to corp. March 1, 1863. 
William Bunchat, corp., must, in Aug. 14,18(52; disch. 

on .surg. certif Dec. 31, 1862. 
Isaac Leeds, Corp., must, in Aug. 14, 1862; died at 

Harrisburg, Pa., Oct. 30, 1862. 
Francis C. Rhode, musician, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Edward C. Eben, musician, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 

Pnr.i/es. 
Joseph L. Ayres, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Samuel Adams, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; died at 

Reading, Pa., Oct. 22, 1862. 
James R. Boyer, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Lemon Buch, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Frederick Brown, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Van R. Barnhart, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
James A. Benade, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. by 

Special Order Oct. 'J, 1862." 
Nicholas L. Becker, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. 

on surg. certif Dec. 3, 1862. 
Daniel Beyler, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. on surg. 

certif March 25, 1863. 
John A. Buch, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; pro. to com. 

sergt. Sept. 1, 1862. 
Thomas E. Boone, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; died at 

Harper's Ferry, Va., Oct. 22, 1862. 
Frank Cannon, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Henry C. Care, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
George W. Clark, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Amos Dease, must, in Aug. 14, 18:!2. 
William Diefenbach, nui-t. in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Lewis Diefenbach, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; killed at 

Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Matthias Dunkle, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; died at 

Stafford C. IL, Va., April l,l8(J3. 
George B. De Hart, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
S. C. Ermentrout, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Jacob Ely, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
David Fleck, must, in Aug. 14, 1852. 
John Faber, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Frank Gable, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Clinton M. Graul, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Lewis Gable, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Peter Geiger, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
A. H. Goodenough, must, in Aug. 14, 1862- 
George Graeff, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Joseph Gable,' must, in .Vug. 14, 1862 ; disch. on surg. 

certif March 25, 18153. 
James L. llcss, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Hiram llafer, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



287 



John Hess, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 

Jacob Hull, must, in Aug. 14, 18(52. 

Henry C. Homan, must, in Aug. 14, 1862 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. April 25, 1863. 
George Jacobs, Jr., must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Joseph E. Kancher, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Jacob Kline, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; wounded at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863; absent, in 

hospital, at muster out. 
Reuben Koch, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
William H. Longacre, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Reuben Lingle, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
John Lutz, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
AV'illiam Liber, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Edmund Leaf, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
James E. Moore, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
George A. Masseno, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
George Merget, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
William Mason, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Bently H. Miller, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Henry Maderia, must, in Aug. 14, 11^62. 
Jacob A. Miller, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Daniel F. Moore, must, in Aug. 14, 1S62. 
John D. Miller, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; missing in 

action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Benjamin S. Oster, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Frederick Peck, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Harrison Peck, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
William Printz, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
AVilliam M. Reiff, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
M. J. B. Ruth, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Wm. K. Reifsnyder, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; died 

Sept. 28, of woundj received at Antietara, Md., 

Sept. 17, 1862. 
Rufus Spohn, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Thomas Sas^iman, roust, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
William Seigfried, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
John D. Stieff, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Nicholas Seitzinger, mu<t. in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Henry C. Smith, must, in Aug. 14, 1S62. 
Monroe M. Stephen, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Henry Schmeck, must, in Aug. 14, 1S62 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Jan. 6, 1863. 
Jacob Tippett, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; missing in 

action at Chancellorsville, Va., Slay 2, 1863. 
Franklin Thomas, must, in Aug. 14, 1862; disch. on 

surg. certif. Dec. 31, 1862. 
William Ulrich, mus^ in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Morgan O. Witman, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
James D. Whitman, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 
Frank Yeager, must, in Aug. 14, 1862. 

Captain William H. Andrews was born 
at Reading on March 27, 18."?5. He received 
his education at home and tlicn entered the 
freight depot, in the employ of the Pliila- 
delphia and Reading Railroad Company, 
where he continued for a niimljcr of vears. 



When the call for troops was made in 1862, in 
anticipation of a raid by the rebels into Penn- 
.sylvania, he raised a company of volunteers 
and was appointed captain, It was attached to 
the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regi- 
ment, as Company E. His company, with the 
regiment, participated in the battle of Antie- 
tam. He was killed in this engagement, on 
September 17, 1862, at the age of twenty-seven 
years. He was a very genial man, highly es- 
teemed for his superior qualities. 

Company H. — This company was recruited 
at Reading. Unless otherwise stated, the men 
were mustered out May 19, 1863. 

.John Kennedy, capt., must, in Aug. 1.5, 1862. 
Michael P. Boyer, 1st lieut., must, in Aug. 1^, 1862. 
Abel Mishler, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. 15, 1862; pro. 

to q.m. Sept. 6, 1862. 
Richard F. Kerr, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. 15, 1862; 

pro. from sergt. Sept. 6, 1862; res. Feb. 21, 1863. 
Peter A. Lantz, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. 15, 1862; pro. 

from 1st sergt. Feb. 21, 1863. 
Henry R. Laucks, 1st sergt., must, in Aug. 15, 1862; 

pro. from sergt. March 1, 1863. 
William Morrison, sergt., must, in Aug. 15, 1862; pro. 

from Corp. Sept. 6, 1862; missing in action at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Peter Betz, sergt., must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; pro. from 

corp. Jan. 17, 1863. 
Michael Kelly, sergt., must, in Aug. 13, 1862; pro. 

from corp. March 1, 1863. 
John Logan, sergt., mu.st. in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Albert Myers, sergt., must, in Aug. 15, 1862; disch. 

on surg. certif. Jan. 8, 1863. 
David H. Long, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Wm. F. Burkhart, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1.862. 
George W. Miller, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Daniel K. Heck, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Isaac Lawrence, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862; pro. to 

corp. Sept. 6, 1862. 
Madison K. Smith, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; pro. 

to corp. Sept. 6, 1862. 
.John Hardy, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862;j)ro. to 

corp. Jan. 17, 1863. 
Wm. M. Harbach, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; pro. 

to corp. March 1, 1863; missing in action at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Wm. W. Hearing, musician, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
George M. Ciraul, musician, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 

Prirafes. 

John H. Boyer, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 

James L. Baum, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; mis. in action 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Alfred Billniau, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; wounded at 



238 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863; absent, in 

hospital, at muster out. 
r.iul Baker, ninst. in Aug. 15, 1802. 
Samuel H. Boyer, must, in Aug. 15. 1862; disch. on 

surg. certif. Jan. 15, 1863. 
Daniel Brown, must, in Aug? 15, 1862; disch. on 

surg. certif. March 19, 1863. 
Isaac P. Creswell, must, in Aug. 15, 1SG2; disch. ou 

surg. certif. Nov. 30, 1862. 
John Connolly, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; disch. on 

surg. certif. Feb. 19, 1863. 
D. M. Dickinson, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Joseph De Temjile, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
John Deal, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Samuel P. Deininger, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Joseph Feather, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; mis. in action 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
John Fair, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; mis. in action at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
George Getz, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Christian Geissler, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; absent, 

sick, at muster out. 
Charles Gries, mast, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Joseph Good, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; disch. on surg. 

certif Nov. 30, 1862. 
Jared H. Hover, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Alfred Heffelfinger, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; disch. on 

surg. certif. Feb. 17, 1863. 
Abram Keyser, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; disch. on 

surg. certif Jan. 15, 1863. 
Thomas P. Knauss, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
William D. Lutz, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
John Lindsey, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
John K. Miller, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Elijah B. Miller, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; mis. in ac- 
tion at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Michael Mulvaney, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; mis. in 

action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Joseph Moycr, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
David Medlar, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; disch. on surg. 

certif. Jan. 16, 1863. 
J. Ross Miller, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; disch. on 

surg. cerlif. Feb. 16, 1863. 
John Miller, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Edward McDent, must, in Oct. 1, 1862. 
Peter Noll, must, in Aug. 15, 18C)2. 
Zacharias Oswald, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Theodore Parker, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Jas. K. Richardson, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Ernst Reiche, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; mis. in action 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 
Chas. H. Richards, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
John F. Stump, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Wm. A. Slenker, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; mi^. in ac- 
tion at Chancellorsville, Va , May 3, 1863. 
George A. Strubing, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
John Struhm, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Wm. H. Savage, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 



William A. Smith, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 

Adam Schwoalf, must, in Aug.' 15, 1862. 

Peter Schaner, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; disch. on surg. 
certif. Jan. 10, 1863. 

Lewis G. Scharman, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; disch. 
on surg. certif. March 13, 1863. 

W. M. Umbenhower, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 

S. S. Wohensraith, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 

Otto Wohlwend, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; mis. in ac- 
tion at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

John Wagner, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 

John Homan Wolf, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; disch. on 
surg. certif. March 16, 1863. 

John H. Yeager, must, in Aug. 15, 1862, 

Seneca Yoder, must, in Aug:. 15, 1862; mis. in action 
at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Charles Zeigler, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 

Company I. — This company was recruited 

at Reading, and, unless otherwise stated, tlie 

men were mustered in August, 18G2, and mus- 
tered out May 19, 1863: 

Richard H. Jones, capt., nuist. in Aug. 17, 1862; cap- 
tured at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

J. Brooke Harper, 1st li(Ut., must, in Aug. 17, 1862. 

James H. Texler, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. 17, 1862. 

Francis Barrer, 1st sergt.; missing in action at Chan- 
cellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Daniel B. Fry, sergt., must, in Aug. 15, 1862, 

Augustus Long, sergt. ; missing in action at Chan- 
cellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863 

Jesse Shire, sergt. ; jn-o. frcm private to Jan. 1, 1863 ; 
missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 
3, 1863. 

Joshua D. High, sergt. ; pro. from corp. March 1, 
1863. 

Peter McManns, sergt. ; disch. on surg. certif Jan. 24, 
1863. 

James M. Anthony, sergt. ; pro. sergt.-major, Aug. 
25, 1862. 

Wm. H. i'oder, corp. ; niisssing in action at Chan- 
cellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Isaac Pott, corp. ; missing in action at Chancellors- 
ville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Alfred Stewart, corp. 

Amos B. Fichthorn, corp. 

Aaron S. Wright, corp. 

William H. Paiker, corp. ; pro. to corp. Jan. 1, ]8(',3; 
missing in action at ('liancellorsville, Va., iMay 
3, 1863. 

Samuel W. Zieber, corp.; pro. to corp. Feb. 1, 18C8. 

W. H. H. Anthony, corp.; pro. to corp. Feb. 20, 1863 ; 
missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., May 3, 
1863. 

Joseph H. Tobias, corp. ; disch. on surg. certif Nov. 
30, 1862. 

Jackson Guldin, corp. ; killed at Antietam, Md.. 
Sept. 17, 1862. 

Samuel Schaeffer, musician. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



289 



rrivatea. 

George Angstadt. 

Charles Bechtol. 

Henry Bnyer. 

Kenjamin Boyer. 

Joseph Bowman. 

Henry Brouch, missing in action at Chancellorsville, 
Va., May 3, 18iJ3. 

Henry G. Baetzel, killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 
18(32. 

John H. Colter, missing in action at Chancellorsville, 
Va., May 3, 1863. 

John Crawshaw. 

Joel F. Darrah. 

John De Turk, disch. on surg. certif. March 24, 1SG3. 

Peter Eyrich. 

Daniel Faust, mis.^ing in action at Chancellorsville, 
Va., May 3, 1863. 

Orlando Fry. 

Michael Frees. 

Harrison Fegeley, mi.ssing in action at Chancellors- 
ville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

John C. Frees, disch. on surg. certif. March 21, 1863. 

Daniel Fisher, disch. on aurg. certif. April 20, 1863. 

Samuel Finkboue, killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 
1862. 

Urias Ganiber, missing in action at Chancellorsville, 
Va., May 3, 1863. 

Benneville Gruber. 

Augustus Garber, missing in action at Chancellors- 
ville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Henry Goodhart. 

(ieorge H. Garrett, missing in action at Chancellors- 
ville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Hugh W. Garman. 

Valentine Geist, disch. on surg. certif. April 2(1, 1863. 

William Garm.an, died at Maryland Heights, Md., 
Nov. 25, 1862. 

Charles Geist, died at Stafford C. H., Va., April 7, 
1863. 

John Hetrich, missing in action at Chancellorsville, 
Va., May 3, 1863. 

.Toel Hinkle. 

Gideon D. High, missing in action at Chancellors- 
ville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Peter Heck. 

William Hollenbach, missing in action at Chancel- 
lorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Simon Hains, missing in action at Chancellorsville, 
Va., May 3, 18(53. 

A. S. Hollenback. 

Alfred S. Haas, missing in action at Chancellorsville, 
Va., May 3, 1863. 

Washington H. Hoch, missing in action at Chancel- 
lorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Daniel Herbst. 

Samuel Hoffmaster, missing in action at Chancellors- 
ville. Va., May 3, 1863. 



Robert Irwine, missing in action at Chancellorsville, 
Va., May 3, 1863. 

Franklin Kline. 

Joseph Klauss. 

Frederick Kern. , 

Frederick Knabb, disch. on surg. certif. Nov. 30, 
1862. 

Jonathan G. Leinbach, missing in action at Chan- 
cellorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

John S. Leader, died at Maryland Heights, Md., Oct. 
25, 1862. 

William Morrow. 

Sebastian Markel, missing in action at Chancellors- 
ville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

William Moyer, missing in action at Chancellorsville, 
Va., May 3, 1863. 

John Ott, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., 
May 3, 1863. 

Alfred Oswald. 

Thomas J. Oswald, missing in action at Chancellors- 
ville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

James L. Printz, missing in action at Chancellors- 
ville, May 3, 18(53. 

Levi Price, missing in action at Chancellorsville, Va., 
May 3, 1863. 

Cyrus Palm, missing in action at Chancellorsville, 
Va., May 3, 1863. 

John Reichard. 

Aaron J. Roland. 

Richard S. Ruth. 

Henry Reider, missing inaction at Chancellorsville, 
Va., May 3, 1863. 

Wm. Rice, disch. on surg. certif. Feb. 20, 1863. 

Daniel F. Shearer, missing in action at Chancellors- 
ville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Benjamin Shoemaker, missing in action at Chancel- 
lorsville, Va., May 3, 1863. 

Wm. Shoemaker. 

Adam Trivits. 

Adam W. Tobia.s, killed at Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 
1862. 

John Wanisher, missing in action at Chancellorsville, 
Va., May 3, 1863. 

John H. Wise, missing in action at Chancellorsville, 
Va., May 3, 1863. 

John Zigler. 

Company K. — This company was recrnitecl 
at Reaciing, and unle.s.s otherwise stated the ineu 
were mustered out May 20, 1863 : 

Geo. Newkirk, capt., must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; captur- 
ed at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Frederick M. Yeager, 1st lieut., must, in Aug. 15, 
1862 ; pro. to capt. Co. C Jan., 1863. 

John Obold, 1st lieut. must, in Aug. 15, 1802; pro. 
from 2d. lieut., Jan. 1, 1863 ; captured at Chan- 
cellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

J.imcs M. Anthony, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. 15, 1862; 



290 



IIISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



pro. from sergt.-m;ijor Jan. 1, 1863; captured at 
Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

John B. Fair, 1st sergt., must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; 
cai^tured at Cliancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Peter Phillippi, sgrgt., must. ii^Aug. 15, 1862. 

Thomas Roy, sergt., must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; absent, 
wiih leave, at muster out. 

Geo. J. Obenhouser, sergt., must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 

Henry Gassier, sergt., must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; cap- 
tured at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Henry A. Goodhart, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 

John Baker, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; captured 
at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Henry Breslin, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; captur- 
ed at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Chas. Lewars, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 

Leonard Getz, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; captur- 
ed at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Wm. B. Yerger, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; cap- 
tured at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Jacob Deppen, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862; pro. to 
Corp. Feb. 25, 1863; captured at Chancellorsville, 
Va., Jlay 2, 1863 ; absent at muster out. 

David Lingel, corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; pro. to 
Corp. Nov. 25, 1862 ; captured at Chancellors- 
ville, Va., May 2, 1863. 

Daniel Leed, Corp., must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; disch. on 
surg. certif. Jan. 31, 1863. 

John H. Kendall, musician, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 

Joiin W. Koy, musician, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 

Privates. 
James Angstadt, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; captured 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Daniel IJriner, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Lewis D. Beiber, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Thomas Bower, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Isaac Bobst, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va.,May 2, 1863. 
Oliver D. Beiber, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Frederick A. Britton, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; captur- 
ed at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Wm. Britton, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Leonard Bollman, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Martin Barr, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; accidentally 

killed at Fort Woodbury, Va., Sept. 3, 1862. 
Lewis R. Briner, must, in Aug. 15,1862; killed at 

Antietara, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
James Dougherty, must, in Aug. 15, 1863. 
Adam Delcamp, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Solomon Degler, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Francis J. Dunlap, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; disch. 

Nov. 30, 1862. 
Heimiin Evans, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 



John Enz, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; disch. Nov. 30, 

1862. 
James H. Fisher, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Enoch Fry, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Adam Fronfelder, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
John Fisher, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; absent, sick, at 

muster out. 
Daniel Fick, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; killed at Antie- 
tara, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. 
Lewis Goodman, must, in Aug. 15, 18()2. 
Johnson Grandall, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Frank J. Goldman, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; captured 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Augustus Geiger, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Jacob Goodhart, Jr., uuist. in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Nathaniel Goodhart, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Edward Gensler, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; disch. Nov. 

30, 1863. 
Reuben Homan, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Gideon Hepler, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Rudolph Henry, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Allen J. Hertzel, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Charles Hill, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Emanuel W. Harker, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
H. G. Henninger, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; disch. on 

surg. certif. Feb. 16, 1863. 
Horatio Henninger, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; disch. 

Nov. 30,1862. 
John Kraft, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
William W. Kraft, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Jacob R. H. Kalb, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; raptured 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Amos E. Lamon, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Joseph Lybrook, miist. in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Dallas Leimbach, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; disch. on 

surg. certif Dec. 4, 1862. 
Henry Mell, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
William J. Mercer, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
John E. Mathew, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Daniel Marks, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
James Millard, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; died at Wash- 
ington, D. C, April 2, 1863 ; buried in Harmony 

Burial-Grounds. 
Joseph Oldes, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
James Onedill, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Daniel Owens, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863 ; absent, at 

muster out. 
Henry S. Roger, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Henry F. Rohrer, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Milton Roy, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Daniel Reed, must, iu Aug. 15, 1862. 
William Rhode, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



291 



Aaron Riglitrayer, iiuist. in Aug. 15, 1862 ; captured 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 18G3. 
Reuben Racier, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; captured at 

Chancellorsville. Va., May 2, 1863. 
John W. Rambo, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Hildeburtus Road, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; died at 

Stafford C. H., Va., March 5, 1863. 
Samuel Scull, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
John Shellhorn. must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Irwin G. Seyfert, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; captured at 

Chancelloi-sville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
Benjamin Stehman, must, in Aug. 15, 1862 ; captured 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
John C. Smith, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
A. Steawhecker, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 
Samuel Wolf, must, in Aug. 15, 1862; captured at 

Chancellorsville, Va., May 2, 1863. 
George L. Yost, must, in Aug. 15, 1862. 

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY-FIRST REGIMENT. 

Companies E, G, H, K and part of I 
were reoruited in Berks County, tlio re- 
maining part of Company I in Scluiyliiiil 
County. Tiiey rendezvoused at Camp Curtin 
(luring September, where a regimental organi- 
zation was effected. 

On November 26th tlie regiment moved f >r 
Washington, and, upon its arrival, proceeded 
to Arlington Heights. Rations in haversack 
had become exhausted, and the commissary 
train iiad failed to come up. In this extremity 
the men of the Twenty-fifth Maine (encamj)ed 
near by) proffered a share of their own rations 
to the famishing troops, early affording a le.sson 
of generosity which the One Hundred and 
Fifty-first was not slow to improve on subse- 
quent occasions. On the following day the 
train arrived, bringing abundant rations and 
one hundred rounds of ammunition to the man, 
filling cartridge-boxes and loading down knap- 
sacks. On December 3d the regiment mai'ched, 
in conjunction with the brigade of Colonel F. 
G. D'Utassay, to Alexandria, and thence pro- 
ceeded by rail to Union Mills, twenty -two 
miles out, were it was placed on duty, relieving 
a Vermont brigade. It was here in an enemy's 
country, infested by Mosby's guerrilla.s, where 
every inhabitant was an informer and every 
visitant a spy. Unceasing vigilance and un- 
questioning obedience to orders were exacted, 
and the lessons there learned served it in many 
a trying hour. Colonel D'Utassay, who bad 



been a Hungarian officer, and General Alexan- 
der Hayes, who succeeded him, were both strict 
disciplinarians, and were untiring in their ef- 
forts to have the command well instructed and 
drilled. 

About the middle of February the regiment 
was transferred to Belle Plain, where it formed 
part of the First Brigade of the Third Division 
of the First Corps, General Doubleday com- 
manding the division and General Reynolds 
the corps. Arriving at night, without tents or 
rations, the men were obliged to lie down hun- 
gry upon the cold ground, without protection 
from the cold weather. During the night sev- 
eral inches of snow fell, and soon afterwards a 
cold rain set in, during which a part of the 
regiment was ordered out upon the picket line. 
Privation and exposure induced sickness, from 
which some died and many were sent to the 
hospital. Caleb C. Parvin, second lieutenant 
of Company E, was among the victims that died 
of diseases contracted while in the line of duty. 
Just previous to the opening of the Chancel- 
lorsville campaign the Third Division was sent 
to Port Conway, on the Lower Rappahannock, 
for a diversion in favor of the operations soon 
to commence. The movement was successful, 
inducing Stonewall Jackson to move, with his 
whole corps and train, to a point on the oppo- 
site bank. The division was out forty-six 
hours, during thirty-six of which rain fell 
inces.santly. This made marching difficult. 
Upon its return to camp General Doubleday 
sent a communication to Colonel Allen, through 
his adjutant-general, in these words : " The 
general commanding the division desired me to 
express his appreciation to Colonel Allen, of the 
good order and compactness which marked the 
march of the One Hundred and Fifty-first, 
both in going to and returning from Port Con- 
way. He desires me to say that the same cir- 
cumstances attracted the attention and commen- 
dation of Major-General Reynolds and staff, 
who wished this compliment tendered." 

Before marching to the battle-field at Chancel- 
lorsville the First Corps moved down to Frank- 
lin's Crossing, where it was t\\ice subjected to a 
vigorous shelling from the enemy posted on the 
1 opposite shore. On May 2d the corj)s made a 



292 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



forced march to United States Ford, and, liav- 
ing crossed, was about to encamp, when it was 
summoned to the front to occupy the line on 
the right of the army, from wiiich the Elev- 
enth Corps had been driven. During Sunday, 
the 3d, and Monday, the 4th, the regiment oc- 
cupied a position on the picket line, between 
the Ely's and Germania Ford roads, where it 
confronted the enemy, who sought every favor- 
able opportunity to dispute the ground. On 
Wednesday the army withdrew, and the regi- 
ment went into camp near AVhite Oak Church. 
Considerable sickness prevailed here, the morn- 
ing report at one time showing one hundred 
and sixty on the sick list. 

The march to Gettysburg commenced on the 
12th of June. The right wing of the army 
(composed of the First and Eleventh Corps, 
under General Reynolds) made a forced march 
of one hundred and five miles in three days, 
throwing itself suddenly between Lee's army 
(which was moving down the Shenandoah Val- 
ley) and Washington. At Broad Run they 
halted for the enemy to develop his plans. His 
cavalry having been defeated at Aldie and 
Upperville, and he having crossed the Potomac 
above, Reynolds hastened forward to Middle- 
burg, where he again interposed between the 
enemy and the cities of Baltimore and Wash- 
ington. As the enemy pushed on into Penn- 
sylvania, Reynolds followed, and on the 1st of 
July his cavalry, under Buford, met the head 
of the enemy's columns, and immediately com- 
menced the battle. The brigades of Cutler and 
Meredith came up soon afterward and continued 
the fight. The First Brigade (now commanded 
by Colonel Chapman Biddle) arrived upon the 
field at half-past ten a.m., and took a position 
on the extreme left flank of the corps, the One 
Hundred and Fifty-first, under command of 
Lieutenant-Colonel McFarland, in the absence 
of Colonel Allen, holding the left of the brigade 
line. As it moved into position it was saluted 
by the booming of cannon and the rattle of 
musketry. 

Without delay it was pushed forward, by 
order of General Rowley (now in command of 
the division. General Reynolds having fallen in 
battle), the men unslingiug knapsacks as they 



went, and advancing obliquely to the west ot 
the Theological Seminary, on a ridge, where it 
remained some time. All firing ceased then 
for nearly an hour. The enemy was driven 
back, and General Archer was captured with 
.some eight hundred of his men. About noon 
the enemy opened again on both front and right. 
The brigade having been exposed to a flank fire, 
it was ordered back into the hollow, where, sup- 
porting Cooper's battery and being subjected 
to a constant fire of shot and shell, it maintained 
its position for two hours and a half, only vary- 
ing its line to avoid the destructive cross-fire oi 
the enemy. At half-past two the One Hun- 
dred and Fifty-first was detached from the 
brigade by General Rowley, to be held as a re- 
serve, and was posted behind a fence along the 
south end of Seminary Grove, facing north. A 
few moments later it changed front forward on 
the left company, and occupied a temporary 
breast-work erected by the Second (Robinson's) 
Division earlier in the day, just in rear of the 
Seminary, facing west. By this time the enemy 
had concentrated in large force and began to 
close in. With only this single regiment in re- 
serve, and with but a single line, Doubleday 
was opposing thrice his numbers, coming on 
three lines deep, and reaching out far beyond 
him on either flank. This pressure soon began 
to tell upon the Union line. A gap, occasioned 
by severe losses, was soon manifest between the 
brigades of Biddle and Meredith, and this was 
threatening to prove fatal to the entire left wing. 
Into this gap, by order of General Rowley, the 
One Hundred and Fifty-first was thrown, to 
stay the tide which was fast sweeping on, — the 
last reserve thrown into action. In perfect 
order it moved forward, and closed up the 
broken line. Company D standing directly in 
front of, and about twenty-five yards distant 
from, the point of woods where General Rey- 
nolds was killed. Men began to fall before it 
had gained its position, and fire was not re- 
turned until the word was given, and then only 
deliberately, not l)y Ijattalion, but as each could 
deliver an effective shot. The fighting was now 
terrific, and the losses of the enemy in front ot 
the position where the regiment stood were 
most grievous. "I know not," says Colonel 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



293 



McFarland, in his official report, " iiow meu 
could have fought more desperately, exhibited 
more coolness or contested the field with more 
determined courage." But the contest was too 
unequal to eontimie long. Tfie one attenuated 
line, with the last reserve thrown in, became 
shattered. The Iron Brigade, having borne the 
brunt of the battle for five hours, was finally 
witiulrawn, thus exposing the right of the One 
Hundred and Fifty-first. The regiments on its 
left were, likewise, overborne, and one after an- 
other was forced back, until this regiment was 
left alone to resist the enemy's front and flank 
fire. Finally, when more than half its number 
bad fallen, and seeing that it was being flanked 
by powerful masses, and that it would certainly 
be engulfed if it stood longer, the order was 
given to retire. Deliberately the order was 
obeyed, and the enemy followed with caution. 
At the barricade of rails in the edge of the grove 
back of the Seminary it again took position, 
where fragments of other regiments had as- 
sembled, and as the enemy's lines came on in 
front, a deadly fire was delivered upon them, 
which again checked their mad advance. But 
liere a new danger threatened. Finding that 
he could not walk over even the remnants of 
tiie First Corps by direct advance, the wily 
rebel leader had sent a heavy force to the Union 
left, by a stealthy movement upon that flank. 
Before a warning of its presence had been given, 
the regiment received a heavy enfilading volley, 
by which Lieutenant-Colonel McFarland was 
shot down, receiving severe w^ounds in both 
legs, and large numbers of the men were dis- 
abled. The moment had come when it could 
no longer stand, and, with remnants of other 
commands, it retreated rapidly towards the town. 
General Early (who had closed in on the ex- 
treme Union right) was already in the streets, 
having flanked the Eleventh Corps, and here, 
the way being impeded by trains and retreating 
troops, a number of the regiment fell into the 
enemy's hands. 

Upon its arrival on Cemetery Hill it mus- 
tered but ninety-two men. This number was 
increased, by the arrival of men who had been 
cut off from the column in passing through the 
town, to one hundred and thirteen. Captain 



Owens assumed command, and took position in 
support of a battery in rear of the Cemetery, 
where it remained until five o'clock of the even- 
ing of the 2d. It was then moved at double- 
quick to the support of the troops of Sickles, 
on the extreme right of the line. In marching 
down the Taneytowu Road, and when it a))- 
proached Round Top, the line of the brigade 
was broken by troops moving in a diagonal 
direction across its path, and the One Hundred 
and Fifty-first, with the Twentieth New York 
State Militia, became separated from the rest of 
the brigade, and, amidst the confusion conse- 
quent, failed to regain its position. Finding 
themselves thus separated. Colonel Gates and 
Captain Owens decided to act as an independent 
command, and moved up upon the front line, 
taking position on the left of the Second Corps, 
where it remained during the night. When tiie 
enemy made his grand charge on the afternoon 
of the 3d, these two regiments hastened to the 
right to support the troops at the menaced front, 
loading and firing as they went. Reaching a 
knoll where a battery of the Second Corps was 
posted, and in front of which the enemy was 
advancing, they made a stand, and for a short 
time maintained a sharp fire, driving the enemy 
from a slashing in which he had taken refuge 
from a flank attack of Stannard's (Vermont) 
brigade. The enemy was finally driven at ail 
}K)ints, many throwing down their arms and 
surrendering, and the dear-bought victory was 
won. At this point Adjutant Samuel T. Allen 
was severely wounded. Alter the fighting was 
over, these regiments moved back near General 
Meade's headquarters, and on the morning of 
the 4th rejoined the brigade. 

The heroi.'^m displayed by the One Hundred 
and Fifty-first in this battle is unsurpassed. 
It went into the fight with twenty-one officers 
and four hundred and sixty-six men. Of these, 
two officers and sixty-six men were killed, 
twelve officers and one hundred and eighty- 
seven men were wounded, and one hundred 
were missing, an aggregate loss of three hun- 
dred and sixty-seven — upwards of seventy-five 
per cent. " At Gettysburg," says General 
Doubleday, who commanded the First Corps, 
" they won, under the brave McFarland, an im- 



>94 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



perishable fame. They defended the left front 
of the First Corps agaiu.st vastl}' snperior num- 
bers; covered its retreat against the overwhelm- 
ing ma.sses of the enemy at the Seminary, west 
of the town, and enabled me, by their deter- 
mined resistance, to withdraw the corp.s in com- 
parative safety. This was on the first day. In 
the crowning charge of the third day of the 
battle the shattered remnants of the One Hun- 
dred and Fifty-first Pennsylvania, with the 
Twentieth New York State Militia, flung them- 
selves upon the front of the rebel column, and 
drove it from the shelter of a .slashing in which 
it had taken shelter from a flank attack of the 
Vermont troops. I can never forget the ser- 
vices rendered me by this regiment, directed by 
the gallantry and genius of McFarland. I 
believe they saved the First Corps, and were 
among the chief instruments to save the Army 
of the Potomac and thecountry from unimagin- 
able disaster." The encomium here awarded 
by General Doubleday (a general who never 
.shunned hard fighting) was won at a fearful 
cost, and it was by the stubborn fighting of this 
regiment, and other fighting like it, that the 
great battle was finally won. Lieutenants 
Aaron S. Seaman and George A. Trexler were 
of the killed, and Lieutenaut-Colonel McFar- 
land, Adjutant Samuel T. Allen, Captains 
George L. Stone and James W. Weida, and 
Lieutenants Benjamin F. Oliver, Thomas L. 
Moyer, Henry H. Merkle, AVilliam O. Blod- 
get and Albert Yost were of the wounded, and 
Captains William K. Boltz and William L. 
Gray, and Lieutenants James L. Reber and 
Charles P. Potts were taken prisoners. Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel McFarland submitted to the 
amputation of one leg on the field, and for want 
of suitable medical attention, the operation had 
to be repeated, and the other leg was left ter- 
ribly mangled. For many weeks his life was 
despaired of, but he finally recovered. The 
captured officers and meu suffered all the hor- 
rors of long imprisonment. 

Colonel Allen, who had been granted a fur- 
lough, as soon as he learned that a liattle was 
imminent, hastened to the front, arriving on the 
'Pid, and resumed command. At six o'clock on 
the morning of the 6th the regiment moved 



with the army in pursuit of Lee, coming up 
with his rear-guard at Funk.stown on the 12th, 
and his main body near William.«port on the 
14th. That ni^ht the enemy escaped. Its 
term of service had now nearly expired. It 
was, accordingly, relieved from duty on the 
19th, and returned to Harrisburg, where, on 
the 27th, it was mustered out. 

Company E. — This company was recruited 
in Berks County, and was mustered in October 
28, 1802, and mustered out July 30, 1863, unless 
otherwise mentioned. 

Jacob S. Graeff, capt., must, in Oct. 29, 1862. 
Aaron S. Seaman, Ist lieiit., must, in Oct. 29, 1862 ; 

killed at Gettysburg, Pa., .July 1, 1863. 
Caleb C. Parvin, 2d lieut., must, in Oct. 29, 1862; 

resigned March 23, 1863; died April 7, 1863. 
Thomas L. Moyer, 2d lieut., pro. from Istsergt. April 1, 

1863; wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Azariah P. Brady, 1st sergt. ; pro. from sergt. April 

30, 1863 ; absent, sick, at muster out. 
Franklin Parvin, sergt. 
John Schwambach, sergt., pro. from private April 1, 

1863; wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; 

absent, in hospital, at muster out. 
James Dulson, sergt., pro. from |)rivate April 30, 

1863; wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Elias K. Wagner, sergt., pro. to com.-sergt. Nov. 8, 

1862. 
William F. Seaman, corp., killed at Gettysburg, Pa., 

July 1, 1863. 
Benjamin F. Egolf, corp., wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., 

July 1, 1863. 
Edmund Kauffman, cor))., wounded at Gettysburg, 

Pa., July 1, 1863. 
William Heckman, corp., wounded at Gettysburg, 

Pa., July 1, 1863. 
William F. Harvey, corp. 
John Hinkle, corp. 
Henry M. Miller, Corp., killed at Gettysburg, Pa., 

July 1, 1863. 
Michael Lienk, musician, wounded at Gettysburg, 

Pa., July 1, 18<;3; absent, in hospital, at niusttr 

out. 
Timothy Leavy, musician. 

Privates. 
Michael Adam. 
Amasa G. Adams, wounded at Gettysburg July 1, 

1863. 
William Bower. 
Cornelius Beechert, wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 

1, 1863. 
Reuben Beechert, killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 

1863. 
Daniel Blatt. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



295 



Nelson P. Brady, wouuded at Gett_vsburg, Pa., July 

1,1863. 
Henry Bucher, died at Frederick, Md., July 19,1SG3; 

buried in Nat. Cem., Antietam, sec. 26, div. E, 

grave 508. 
William H. Butler, killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 

1863. 
William C. Dehart. 
0. Dreibelbies. 
Jona. Dreibelbies, wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 

1, 1863; absent, in hospital, at muster out. 
Joel Dreibelbies. 
Edward Donegan. 
Adam M. Epler. 
Chas. Eisenhower, wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 

1, 1863 ; absent, in hospital, at muster out. 
Isaac Edinger, absent, sick, at muster out. 
Charles Ellis. 
David Foose. 
George Fredolt. 
Adam Grimes, missing in action at Gettysburg, Pa., 

July 1, 1863. 
Isaac Grommis. 
Lewis Gambler. 
John Gohlman. 
Charles Godroe. 
Acron D. Haines. 
Gideon Hill. 
H. Y. Helfenstine, wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., 

July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hospital, at muster out. 
Daniel Harner. 
Isaac Hinckley. 

Moritz Hoops, diseh. on surg. certif. March 16, 1863. 
Solomon Huy, killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 

1803. 
Benneville Harner, killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 

1863. 
Joseph Hitrick. 
William H. M. Kutz, killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 

1, 1863. 
Reuben Long, 
Thomas P. Lee. 
Joseph Lamey. 
C. Lichtenberger. 
Alfred W. Miller. 
Levi Miller. 
Israel Marks. 
George Mankert. 

Allen Miller, killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
H. Nunemacher. 
Ephraim Ney, wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 

186.3. 

Frank Noaker, must, in Nov. 8, 1862 ; absent, sick, at 

muster out. 
Benjamin F. Pearson, wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., 

July 1, 1863. 
John H. Philip, must, in Nov. 8, 1862; wounded at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 



L. W. Rentschler, wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 

1, 1863. 
Jacob M. Eeber. 
Lewis Rommel. 
Lenhert Ran, wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 

1863 ; absent, in hospital, at muster out. 
Henry Ringler, died at Windmill Point, Ya., June 8, 

1863. 
Andrew Ruff. 
Samuel Schlear, wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 

1, 1863 ; absent, in hospital, at muster out. 
Ferd. K. Strouse. 
Adam Snyder. 
Samuel S. Strouse. 
M. Seigenthaler. 

Percival Snyder, wounded, with loss of leg, at Gettys- 
burg, July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hospital, at muster 

out. 
Augustus Schmacl, trans, to 11th Mass. Batt. Dec. 

26, 1862. 
Aaron Sands, killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
George Snyder, died at Windmill Point, Ya., Jan. 18, 

1863. 
Gabriel Shearer, died near Union Mills, Va., Jan. I'J, 

1863. 
Albert Walton. 
Andrew B. Wagner, wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., 

July 1, 1863. 
John A. Wentzel, wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 

1, 1863. 
Joseph Wertz, absent, sick, at muster out. 
Albert Williams. 
Samuel Wann. 
John B. Williams, captured at Gettysburg, Pa., Julv 

1, 1863. 
Isaac Weaver, must, in Nov. 8, 1862; wounded at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 18(;3. 
August Weiner. 
Joseph York. 

Company G. — Tlii.s company was recruited 
in Berks County, and, unless othervvi.se stated, 
the men were mustered out July 28, 1863: 

Levi M. Gerhart,* capt., must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Jonathan Witman,* 1st lieut., must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

John H. Missemer,* 2d lieut., must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Pearson E. Reed, 1st sergt., must, in Nov. 1, 1862; 
captured at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Mandon Haag,* sergt., must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Jonathan L. B. Reber, sergt., must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Washington K. Hiester,* sergt., must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

John W. Yeagcr,* sergt., must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; 
wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Charles F. Speiger, corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Lewis P. Kershner, corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862; cap- 
tured at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Adam Williams,* corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Franklin Davis, corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 



296 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Jonathan M. Spatz,* corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Henry D. Bentz, corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; abs., in hosp., 

at muster out. 
H. B. Nunemacher,* corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862; 

captured at Gettysburg, Pa., July I, 1863. 
Christian R. Koenig, corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; 

wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; abs., 

in hosp., at muster out. 
Cyrus Hefl'elfinger, mus., must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
William E. Witman, mus., must, in Nov. 1, 1862; 

died near Fairfax Station, Va., Dec. 20, 1862. 

Privates. 

Girard Berger, must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; captured at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Levi S. Bartram, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

John R. Berger, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Jonathan Christ, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; abs., in hosp., at 
mu.ster out. 

Jar. Dunkleberger, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded 
at Getty.sburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; abs., in hosp., 
at muster out. 

Lewis Diltzer, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; died at Broad 
Run, Va., June 22, 186,3. 

Jonathan S. Ebling, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

George Falirenbach, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Thomas B. Faber, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; missing in 
action at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

John Fryberger, must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; disch. on 
surg. certif. April 27, 1863. 

Enwmus H. Gruber, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded, 
with loss of arm, at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Benneville Greim, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Joseph Grass, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Adam Greira, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; died at Wind- 
mill Point, Va., June 11, 1863. 

Jacob Gehret, must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; killed at Get- 
tysburg, Pa., July 1, 18:)3. 

John E. Geiss, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; killed at Get- 
tysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Jared Heck,* must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at Get- 
tysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; abs., iu hosp., at 
muster out. 

Jonathan C. Heck, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Levi Heck, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at Get- 
tysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Joseph Hartlein, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

[srael D. Heflher, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

John D. Hefifner, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Adam W. Hetrick, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

John K. HoUenbach, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Frederick Holden, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded 
at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; abs., in hosp., 
at must. out. 

Joel D. Hefifner, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; disch. on 
surg. certif. March 14, 1863. 



J. Himmelberger, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; killed at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Jonathan S. Kreitz, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; abs., in hosp., 

at muster out. 
Benjamin F. Ketterer,* must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Jacob F. Ketterer, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Isaac A. Kalbach, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Harrison H. Kreitz, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
H. W. Kaufman, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
James N. Kaufman, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; abs., in hosp., 

at muster out. 
Henry S. Kintzle, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1,1863; abs., in hosp., at 

muster out. 
Benjamin F. Kreamer, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Levi Kline, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at Get- 
tysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; ab.s., in hosp., at 

muster out. 
A. L. Kleinginnea,* must, in Nov. 1, 1862; killed at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Christian Lees, must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; captured at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Daniel Livers, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; abs., in hos}i., at 

muster out. 
Paul Lengel, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Joseph H. Long, mu.st. in Nov. 1, 1862; died near 

White Oak Church, Va., May 17, 1863. 
Edwin F. Mogle, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Lewis S. Porr,* must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Solomon Peifi'er, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; captured at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Valentine Painter, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
John Rentz, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at Get- 
tysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; abs., in hosp., at muster 

out. 
Levi S. Speiger, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
William B. Stamm, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; captured 

at Chancellorsville, Va., May, 1863; abs., at 

Camp Parole, at muster out. 
William R. Stamm, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
William S. Stamm, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded, 

with loss of leg, at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1S63; 

abs., in hosp., at muster out. 
Aaron B. Snyder, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Joel S. Stump, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; abs., in hosp., at 

muster out. 
Adam G. Strause, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; abs., in hosp., at 

muster out. 
William W. Strause, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Alfred D. Staudt, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; abs., in hosp., at 

muster out. 



THE CIVIL WAK. 



297 



Willoughby Shearer, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1S63. • 
John Speiger, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Abraham Speiger, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Theodore Weiderhold,* mu.st. in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Frederick H. Werner, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Henry F. Yeager,* must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
William Zechman, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; abs., sick, 

at muster out. 
William Zerby, must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; captured at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Daniel Zechman, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Note. — The fifteen men marked * were from the borough 
of Bcrnville. On October 1, 1862, the borough Council 
appropriated eight hundred dollars to encourage enlist- 
ments, ofl'ering a bounty of fifty dollars to each volunteer, 
so as to avoid the draft. Sixteen men volunteered, — the 
fifteen marked, and Harry K. Weand, who is not in the 
roster. 

Company H. — This company was recruited 
in Berks County, and, unless otherwise stated, 
the men were mustered out July 27, 1863. 

William K. Boltz, eapt., must, in Nov. 1, 1862; cap- 
tured at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; disch. 

March 12, 1865. 
James L. Reber, 1st lieut, must, in Nov. 1,1S62; cap- 
tured at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Albert Yost, 2d lieut., must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; wounded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
George W. Heil g, 1st sergt., must, in Nov. 1, 1862; 

wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Percival G. Reber, sergt., must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Peter Sando, sergt., must, in Nov. 1, 1862; absent, 

sick, at must. out. 
William M. Miller, sergt., must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; 

wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Franklin R. Boliz, sergt., must, in Nov. 1, 1862; 

wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Adam K. Derr, corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862; pro. from 

Corp. May 20, 1863. 
Isaac K. Derr, Corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; missing 

since June 25, 1863. 
Levi Manbeck, corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862; absent, 

on detached service, at must. out. 
Joel S. Strause, corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Joseph Y. Moyer, corp., must', in Nov. 1, 1862; 

wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Jonathan G. Haag, corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862; 

wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Perc'I R. Goodman, corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Emanuel S. Strause, corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; 

disch. on surg. certif. April 20, 1863. 
John H. Sheaffer, corp., must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; died 

July 3, of wounds received at Gettysburg, Pa., 

Jtily 1, 1863. 
John Daniels, musici:in, must, in Nov. 1^ 1862. 
William li. Miller, musician, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 



Privates. 

Dan. L. Badgen.«tos, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

David Bechtel, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Albert L. Bickle, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Joseph S. Boltz, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Elias M. Boltz, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

John Bender, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; killed at Gettys- 
burg, Pa., July l,^^63. 

Andrew Degler, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Daniel Emrich, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; absent, in 
hospital, at must. out. 

John Fesler, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at Get- 
tysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

William R. Feather, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Jacob F. Flocken, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Joseph M. Goodman, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; absent, 
in hospital, at must. out. 

Adam L. Gottshall, must, in Nov. 1, 1S02; wounded 
at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Isaac Hay, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; absent, in hospital, 
at must. out. 

John L. Henne, must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; died June 21, 
1863 ; buried in Mil. Asy. Gem., D. C. 

Wm. Hollenbach, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hospi- 
tal, at must. out. 

Joseph Hix, must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; absent, in hospi- 
tal, at must. out. 

Aug. H. Kantner, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Jacob B. Klahr, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Edward S. Kline, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Wm. H. H. Knoll, must in Nov. 1, 1862. 

David K. Knoll, must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Adam K. Knoll, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

George K. Knoll, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

William K. Knoll, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Levi B. Koble, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

John Lengel, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at Get- 
tysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hospital, at 
must. out. 

Jacob Loeb, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; missing in action 
at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Samuel B. Loeb, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Benjamin Logan, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Isaac Long, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Henry Lutz, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

George Livengood, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; died July 
8, of wounds received at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 
1863. 

William B. Loeb, must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; died at Fair- 
fa.x Sem., Va., June 27, 1863. 

Mandan W. Leis, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; died at Belle 
Plain, Va., April 18, 1863. 

Mon. K. Manbeck, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

John S. Miller, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Andrew Miller, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 



298 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Benj. B. Mogle, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Alfred Moll, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

John Norton, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Joseph Z. Ney, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Moses \y. Ney, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Jere'h M. Richard, must, in Nov. 1, 1812. 

John W. Rothermel, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

George W. Reber, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

Joseph Sattanzahn, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 

William S. Strause, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1. 1863. 
John T. Strause, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Solomon Strause, must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; wounded at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Wm. T. Strause, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; died, date unk'n ; 

buried in Nat. Cem., sec. C, grave 87. 
Wash. W. Stoutrer, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Ezra Stupp, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; mis. since June 

25, 1863. 
Joseph Sausser, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Jonathan Sausser, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Wm. H. Sheafl'er, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; wounded at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
George K. Spengler, must, in Nov. 1, 1862, wounded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Adam Seigf'ried, must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; died July 3, 

of wounds received at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 

1863. 
Jona'n S. Wciirieh, must, in Nov. 1, 1862 ; wounded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Henry S. Wenrich, mu.st. in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Harrison Wagner, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; absent, on 

detached service, at must. out. 
Henry Wolf, must, in Nov. 1, 1862. 
Henry M. Weaber, must, in Nov. 1, 1862; died July 

6, of wounds received at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 

1863. 
Williams. Went?,, must, in Nov. 1,1862; killed at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Company I. — This company was recruited 
in Berks and Schuylkill Counties, and, unless 
otherwise stated, the men w-ere mustered out 
July 27, 1863. 

William L. Gray, capt., must, in Nov. 7, 1862 ; cap- 
tured at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; disch. 

March 12, 1865. 
Henry H. Merkle, 1st lieut., must, in Nov. 10,1862; 

wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Charles P. Potts, 2d lieut., must, in Nov. 7,1862; 

captured at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; disch. 

March 12, 1865. 
J. Peter Koch, 1st sergt.,must. in Nov. 4, 1862; w"nded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
John Cohoon, sergt., must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; captured 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 



Charles Bartolett, sergt., must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; w'uded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Joseph Kantner, sergt., must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; w'nded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hos- 
pital, at must. out. 
Thomas Morgan, sergt., must, in Nov. 3, 1862; died 

subsequently. 
Jacob R. Haertter, corp., must, in Nov. 3, 1862; mis. 

in action at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Elias Bartolett, corp., must, in Nov. 3, 1862; w'uded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Samuel B. Snell, corp., must, in Nov. 3, 1862; w'nded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
John Buchanan, corp., must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; capfd 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

E. M. Sehollenberger, corp., must, in Nov. 4, 1862. 

F. W. Berkheiser, corp., must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 
John Hendricks, corp., must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

John F. Harri-son, Corp., must, in Nov. 3, 1862; died 
at Frederick, Jld., June 28, 1863; buried in Mt. 
Olivet Cem. 

Lewis Lebengood, musician, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Peter R. Wanner, musician, must, in Nov. 4, 1862 ; 
disch. on surg. certif. July 11, 1863. 
Privates. 

Jona. Auchenbach, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; wounded 
at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; absent, in hos- 
pital, at must. out. 

Simon Arnold, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; captured at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Clark B. Allen, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; died at Wash- 
ington, D. C, July 10, 1863 ; buried in Mil. Asy. 
Cem. 

Daniel Bressler, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Patrick Brennan, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; wounded 
and mis. at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Albert Bacon, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1,1863; absent, in hospi- 
tal, at muster out. 

Wm. Borrell, must, out Nov. 4, 1862 ; wounded and 
mis. at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

George W. Brown, must, in Nov. 4, 1862. 

Isaac Clark, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Joseph Cougleton, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; absent 
sick, at muster out. 

Henry B. Clink, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

George Coover, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; absent, sick, at 
muster out. 

Daniel Dillman, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; absent, sick, 
at muster out. 

Benjamin Dillman, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

William Delp, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; absent, in hospital, 
at muster out. 

John C. Duncan, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Elias Delcamp, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hospi- 
tal, at muster out. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



299 



John Deitrieh, must, in Nov. 3, 18G2 ; captured at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Chester F. Drake, must, in Nov. 8, 1862. 
Benjamin S. Drake, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 
Willoughby Dum, must, in Nov. 4, 1862. 
Jacob Diamond, must, in Nov. 3, 1863 ; died at Belle 

Plain, Va., March 8, 1863. 
Franklin Ehly, must, in Nov. 8, 1862. 
Adam Eichley, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 
Archibald Finley, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; absent, 

sick, at muster out. 
Daniel Fessler, must, in Nov. 3, 18(52; wounded at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Michael Fessler, must, in Nov. 8, 1862; wounded at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Jacob Fisher, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 
Henry Felton, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; wounded and 

missing at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Schuyler Gregory, mu.st. in Nov. 3, 1862. 
William Gray, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; absent, sick, at 

muster out. 
Henry W. Hoffman, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; absent, 

sick, at muster out. 
Henry G. Heffner, must, in Nov. 4, 1862. 
Com. Hendricks, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; captured at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Samuel Hower, must, in Nov. 25, 1862; captured at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Jacob Honecker, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 
Anthony Hummell, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 
Daniel Hilbert, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 
Benjamin Hilbert, must, in Nov. 4, 1862 ; absent, 

sick, at muster out. 
Truman Hurlbert, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; wounded at 

Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Chas. F. Henrich, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 
Henry Hilbert, must, in Nov. 4, 1862 ; died at Union 

Mills, Va., Jan. 12, 1863. 
Isaac Jones, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 
William W. Jenks, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; wounded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Moses Keller, must, in Nov. 4, 1862; wounded at 

(lettysburg. Pa., July 1, 1863; absent, in hospi- 
tal, at muster out. 
James Keller, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 
Edwin Kelchner, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 
William Kendricks, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; wounded 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
Nathan Kline, must, in Nov. 4, 1862 ; disoh. on surg. 

certif. Feb. 11, 1863. 
Levi Knabb, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; disch. on surg. 

certif. Feb. 17, 1863. 
Jacob Louby, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; absent, sick, at 

muster out. 
John \V. Lease, must, in Nov. 4, 1862. 
William Manning, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; wounded 

and missing at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
John Maclure. must, in Nov. 3, 1862; mis. in action 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 



William Moyer, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, iu hospi- 
tal, at muster out. 

Anson C. Miller, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; died of wds. 
received at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Harvey McCarty, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; absent, sick, 
at muster out. 

William McCloughan, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; cap- 
tured at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Charles Ottinger, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Stephen Palesgrove, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

John Preston, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; absent, sick, at 
muster out. 

John W. Runkles, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Jeremiah Eee.d, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; absent, iu hospi- 
tal, at muster out. 

Jacob Ranch, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; absent, sick, at 
muster out. 

Elias Ramer, must, in Nov. 4, 1862. 

Levin Steinberger, must, in Nov. 4, 1862. 

Michael Simon, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Samuel Schwenk, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Jeremiah Starr, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hospi- 
tal, at muster out. 

Oliver Schwartz, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; captured at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Peter Schnerring, must, in Nov. 8, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Benjamin Scheitz, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Moses Taylor, must, in Nov. 8, 1862. 

Abraham Transue, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; disch. on 
surg. certif. Jan. 6, 1863. 

Isaac R. Wanner, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

William Wesner, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Patrick Walsh, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Daniel Yeik, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

John Zimmerman, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Benjamin Zimmerman, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

George Zechman, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hospi- 
tal, at muster out. 

Jacob Zimmerman, must, in Nov. 4, 1862 ; died July 
14, of wounds received at Gettysburg, Pa., July 
1, 1863 ; buried in Nat. Cam., section E, grave 14. 

Company K. — This company was recruited 
in Berks County, and unless otherwise stated, 
the men were mustered out July 30, 1863. 

James W. Weida, capt., must, in Nov. 13, 1862 ; 

wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; disch., 

to date July 30, 1863. 
Jacob J. Hessler, 1st lieut., must, in Nov. 13, 1862. 
Chas. A. Tre.xler, 2d lieut., must, in Nov. 13, 1862; 

killed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 3, 1863. 
James B. Brown, 1st. sergt., must, in Nov. 5, 1862 ; 



300 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



pro. from sergt. April 24, 1863 ; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; absent, iii hospi- 
tal, at muster out. 

Martin Reifiiiger, sergt,, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; ab- 
sent, sick, at muster out. 

Adam Heilman, sergt., must, in Nov. 5. 1862; 
wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; ab- 
sent, in hospital, at muster out. 

John Y. Seiders, must, in Nov. 5, 1862 ; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; pro. from eorp. July 
24, 1863 ; absent, in hospital, at muster out. 

Simon J. Arnold, sergt., must, iu Nov. 5, 1862 ; pro. 
to sergt. -maj. April 24, 1863. 

Alexr. Seiders, sergt., must, in Nov. 5, 1S62; killed at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Philip Yearling, Corp., must, iu Nov. 3, 1862. 

Amos Fisher, corp., must, in Nov. 5, 1862; wounded 
at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hospi- 
tal, at muster out. 

Wni. Lindecukle, corp., must, in Nov. 5, 1862. 

Frank Rowe, corp., must, in Nov. 5, 1862 ; wounded 
at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hos- 
pital, at muster out. 

David Mabry, corp., must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; pro. to 
corp. Jan. 24, 1863. 

Elias Titlow, corp., must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; pro. to 
Corp. March 21, 1863. 

George G. Weidner, corp., must, in Nov. 3, 1862; 
wounded at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1. 1863 ; pro. 
to corp. April 24, 1863 ; absent, in hospital, at 
muster out. 

Aaron S. Holl, Corp., must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; disch. on 
surg. certif. Dec. 4, 1862. 

Francis S. Mellen, corp., must, in Nov. o, 1862; 
disch. on surg. certif. March 21, 1863. 

Cyrus Lutz, corp., must, in Nov. 5, 1862: died July 
8, of wounds received at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 
1863. 

Daniel Weiser, corp., must, in Nov. 3, 1862; died at 
Union Mills, Va., Jan. 24, 1863. 

Wm. B. Weiser, mus., must. .in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Roland Lang, mus., must, in Nov. 5, 1862. 
I'rirates. 

JIatthias Armel, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Charles Ammarrell, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Geo. Ambriester, must, in Nov. 5, 1862 ; disch. on 
surg. certif. March 21, 1863. 

Augustus Berger, must, in Nov. 5, 1862. 

Ephraim Bingamin. must, in Nov. 3, 1862; wounded 
at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, iu hos- 
pital, at muster out. 

Adam Bear, must, in Nov. 5, 1862. 

William Bellis, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Lovelin Brensigger. must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Armandis Buck, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Levi B. Belles, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Lewis B. Bluck, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; absent, in liosjii- 
tal, at muster out. 



John Borrell, must, in Nov. 5, 1862; wounded at 
Getty.sburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hospital, 
at muster out. 

David Campman, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Samuel Doneberger, must, in Nov. 5, 1862. 

Reuben Dt-isher, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Peter Drumheller, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; killed at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Jefferson Eppler, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Jonathan Eagua, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; killed at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Philip Emrich, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Marcus Fegeley, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; wd., with 
loss of arm, at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; 
absent, in hospital, at muster out. 

William S. Fisher, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

William Fisher, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Joseph H. Feiner, must, in Nov. f), 1862. 

William Fiirman, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

John Gross, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; wounded at Get- 
tysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; absent, in hospital, at 
muster out. 

Samuel Griscom, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

William Ginder, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Franklin Giger, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hospi- 
tal, at muster out. 

Henry Geist, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Robert Gift, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Cyrus Gehr, must, in Nov. 3, 1 862. 

Nicholas Ginder, mu.st, in Nov. 3, 1862; killed at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

James B. Hayman, must, in Nov. 3, 18()2; wounded 
at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hos- 
pital, at muster out. 

William Hoss, must, in Nov. 5, 1862. 

Daniel Hollenbush, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; absent, 
sick, at muster out. 

Peter K. Herbach, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Charles Humbert, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hosjiital, 
at muster out. 

John H. Herb, must, in Nov. 5, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; absent, in hos- 
pital, at muster out. 

Benjamin Heffner, must, in Nov. 5, 1862. 

Peter R. Heck, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; disth. on surg. 
certif. March 21, 1863. 

John A. Hinnershitz, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; died at 
Belle Plain, Va., March 7, 1863. 

James B. Kercher, must, in Nov. 5, 1862 ; wounded 
at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hos- 
pital, at muster out. 

Charles H. Kercher, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Augustus Kline, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; absent, sick, 
at muster out. 

Henry Kline, must, in Nov. 5, 1862 ; wounded at Get- 
tysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hospital, at 
muster out. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



301 



William Klein, must, iu Nov. 5, 1862. 

Adam D. Kocher, must, in Nov. 5, 1862. 

Adam Keennor, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; killed at Get- 
tysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Abraham Levan, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Malilon Lease, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; absent, in hospital, 
at muster out. 

n. S. Lindecukle, must, in Nov. 5, 1862. 

William Maurer, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Lewis Meckley, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 

Reuben H. Moyer, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; absent, 
sick, at muster out. 

Ilonjamin F. Moyer, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Franklin Minker, must, in Nov. 5, 1862. 

John Moyer, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Matthew Poh, must, in Nov. 5, 1862. 

Franklin Phillips, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Hillorous Roth, must, in Nov. 3, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hos- 
pital, at muster out. 

George W. Rapp, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Jonas Reraich, must, in Nov. 3, 1862, 

Jacob Ruppert, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Samel Rhoad, must, in Nov. 5, 1862. 

Charles Smeck, must, in Nov. 3,1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hospital, 
at muster out. 

Aaron Smith, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; wounded at Get- 
tysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; absent, in hosi)ital, at 
muster out. 

Christian Schillbach, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

John Sicher, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

Henry A. Sterner, must, in Nov. 5, 1862; absent, 
sick, at muster out. 

David Scheimer, must, in November 3, 1862; wound- 
ed at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; died at 
Philadelphia July 26, 1863. 

.Jonathan Strauser, must, in Nov. 5, 1862; absent, 
sick, at muster out. 

.Inhn O. Shell, must, in Nov. 5, 1862 ; died .at Union 
Mills, Va., June 10, 1863. 

.Jonas Trexler, must, in Nov. 5, 1862 ; absent, sick, at 
muster out. 

Frank P. Weudling, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; wounded 
at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863 ; died at Phila- 
delphia July 17, 1863. 

John J. Wisner, must, in Nov. 3, 1862. 

John Weyandt, must, in Nov. 5, 1862; wounded at 
Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863; absent, in hos- 
pital, at muster out. 

Frank B. Weaber, must, in Nov. 3, 1862 ; died July 
27, of wounds received at Gettysburg, Pa., July 
1, 1863. 

Henry Yorgey, must, in Nov. 2, 1862. 

Marcus Youse, must, in Nov. 5, 1862 ; disch. on surg. 
certif. Dec. 18, 1863. 



VOLUNTEER MILITIA OF 18G2. 

When the rebel army achieved its triumphs 
in the second battle of Bull Run, it hastened 
northward and conamenced crossing the Poto- 
mac. The southern border of Pennsylvania 
lay unprotected in close proximity, and its rich 
harvests invited invasion. The Reserve Corps, 
which was originally organized for the State de- 
fense, had been called away to the succor of the 
hard-]iressed army of McClellau upon the 
Peninsula, and was now upon the weary marcli, 
with ranks sadly thinned in the hard-fought 
battles of Mechanicsville, Gaines' Mill, Charles 
City Cross-Roads and the second Bull Run, to 
again meet the foe, but powerless to avert the 
threatened danger. The result of the .struggle 
on the plains of Manassas was no sooner known 
than the helpless condition of tlie State, wliich 
had been apparent from the first, became a sul;- 
jcct of alarm. On September 4tli, Governor 
Curtin issued a proclamation, calling on the 
people to arm and prepare for defense. He 
recommended the immediate formation of com- 
panies and regiments throughout the common- 
wealth, and, for the purpose of drill and 
instruction, that after three P. M. of each day all 
business houses be closed. On the 10th, the 
danger having become imminent, and the 
enemy being already iu Maryland, he issued a 
general order, calling on all able-bodied men to 
enroll immediately for the defense of the Stiite, 
and to hold themselves in readiness to march 
upon an hour's notice, to select oiiicers, and to 
provide themselves with such arms as could be 
obtained, with sixty rounds of ammunition to 
the man. He tendered arms to such as had 
none, and promised that they should be held for 
service for such time only as the pressing 
exigency for State defense should continue. On 
the following day, acting under authority of the 
President of the United States, the Governor 
called for fifty thousand men, directing them to 
report by telegraph for orders to move, and add- 
ing that further calls would be made as the 
exigencies should require. The peojile every- 
where flew to arms, and moved promptly to the 
State capital. One regiment and eight companies 
were sent forward during the night of the 12th, 



302 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



antl others followed as fast as they could be or- 
ganized. On the 14th the head of the Army of 
the Potomac met tiie enemy at South Mountain, 
and hurled him back through its passes, and on 
the evening of the l(3tli and on the 17th a fierce 
battle was fought at Antietam. In the mean 
time the militia had rapidly concentrated at 
Hagerstown and Chambersburg, and General 
John F. Reynolds, who was at the time com- 
manding a corps in the Army of the Potomac, 
had assumed command. Fifteen thousand men 
■were pushed forward to Hagerstown and Boons- 
boro', and a portion of them stood in line of 
battle in close proximity to the field, in readiness 
to advance, while the fierce fighting was in pro- 
gress. Ten tliousand more were posted in the 
vicinity of Greencastle and Chambersburg, and 
about twenty-five thousand were either at 
Harrisburg, on their way to Harrisburg, or in 
readiness and waiting for transportation to pro- 
ceed thither. The Twenty-fiftli Regiment, 
under command of Colonel Decliert, at the re- 
quest of General Hallcck, was sent to the State 
of Delaware, to guard the Dupont Powder-]Milis, 
whence tlie national armies were principally 
supplied. But the enemy was defeated at 
Antietam, and retreated in confusion across the 
I'otomac. The emergency having passed, the 
militia regiments were ordered to return to 
Harrisburg, and in accordance with the condi- 
tions on which they had been called into service, 
they were on the 24th mustered out and dis- 
banded. The train on which the TwentietJi 
Regiment was returning over the Cumberland 
Valley Railroad collided, upon nearing Harris- 
burg, with a train passing in the opposite 
direction, by which four men were killed and 
thirty injured. 

In a letter addressed to Governor Curtin Iiy 
General !Mc('lelIan, thanking him for his 
energetic action in calling out the militia, and 
placing them in the field, the general adds, — 

" Fortunately, circumstances rendered it impossible 
for the enemy to set foot upon the soil of Pennsylva- 
nia, but the moral support rendered to my army by 
your action wiis none the less mighty. In the name of 
my army, and for myself, I again tender to you our 
acknowledgments for your patriotic course. The 
manner in which the people of Pennsylvania re- 
sponded to your call, and hastened to the defense of 



their frontier, no doubt exercised a great influence 
upon the enemy." 

In an order issued by Governor Bradford, of 
Maryland, soon after the battle, he says, — 

"To Governor Curtin, of Pennsylvania, and the 
militia of his State, who rallied with such alacrity at 
the tirst symptoms of an invasion, our warmest thanks 
are also due. The readiness with which they crossed 
the border, and took their stand beside the Maryland 
brigade, shows that the border is, in all respects, but 
"an ideal line, and that in such a cause as now unites 
us, Pennsylvania and Maryland are but one." 

The following seven companies of voinnteers 
were enlisted from Berks County in this 
service : 

Co. G, 2d Regt., Captain Franklin S. Bicklcy. 

Co. E, 11th Regt., Captain Charles H. Hunter. 

Co. I, 11th Regt., Captain Nathan M. Eisenhower. 

Co. G, 20th Regt., Captain William Geiger. 

Co. H, 20th Regt., Captain Samuel Harner. 

Co. I, 20th Regt., Captain Frederick S. Boas. 

Berks County Cavalry, Independent, Captain 
Samuel L. Young. 

COMPANY G, or 2d regiment IX MILITIA OF l.'«l2. 

(Regiment organized Sept. 6-13, 18G2 ; discharged 
Sept. 2.3-25, 1862.) 

Frank S. Bickley, captain. 

Lewis H. Wunder, fir.st lieutenant. 

Charles H. Richards, second litutenant. 

John G. Seltzer, first sergeant. 

Sergeants: William H.Strickland, Lewis Briner. 

Corporals: Henry R. Hertzel, Bodo Otto, John 

W. Burkhart, Levi Malzburger, John Phil- 

lipson, Albert G. Green, Jacob K. Sterrett, 

Franklin V. Shoener, William Potteiger, 

Amos B. Yeager. 

Privates. — Rufus H. Addams, Samuel Bell, Henry 

Bennethum, Jr., Daniel H. Beideman, Harvey 

Birch, Robert Bland, Lewis Bohlcr, Gorge W. 

Boyer, Michael Bright, Edward Burkliolder, Ephraim 

Dautrich, William P. Dickinson, George W. Eckert, 

Daniel Ermentrout, Philip M. Ermentrout, Jacob H. 

Forney, Daniel Gaukcr, Thomas W. Hain, Hervey 

Herman, Amos B. Hofl', Alexander Howell, John R. 

Kaucher, Warren B. Kelley, James Koch, John 

Lash, William S. Madeira, James Madeira, Abraham 

Mengel, George K. Miller, H. H. Muhlenberg, James 

S. Norris, Gustavus Opitz, Henry M. Otto, William 

Prison, George W. Rank, Samuel Rapp, James 

Reber, Emanuel Reider, William E. Reifsnyder, 

George W. Rabold, Lewis L. Richards, Ferdinand 

S. Ritter, Madisou Sallade, Jacob M. Sallade, Charks 

W. G. Schlenim, John D. Schoener, William D. 

Souders, John Scheetz. Owen .1. Thomas. Jacob Van 

Reed, Henry Van Reed, Jacob Wanner, Daniel S. 

Zacharias, John Zieber. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



303 



COMPANIES E AND I OF THE llTH REGIMENT, IN 
MILITIA OF 1862. 

(Regiment organized Sept. 12, 1862; discharged Sept. 
24-25, 1862. Charles A. Knoderer was colonel of 
this regiment.) 

COMPANY E. 

Charles H. Hunter, captain. 

Harrison Mattzberger, first lieutenant. 

J. S. Allgaier, second lieutenant. 

Philip Benson, first sergeant. 

Bergeants: Charles F. Hass, E. F. Smith, Frank- 
lin Bitting, John N. Fisher. 

Corporals: Gustavus A. Nicolls, Charles Boyer, 
Henry Kessler, R. B. Fichthorn, Bertolette 
Connard, F. S. Allgaier, William D. Reeser. 

Musicians: Thomas Humphreys, William Lerch, 
G. E. Reeser. 
Privates.— J . Allison, Francis M. Banks, Highland 
H. Banks, John A. Banks, W. P. Bard, James Bastler, 
Albert Boyer, William A. Bayne, E. Bishoff, H. 
Boyer, H. R. Boyer, J. N. Boyer, Y. Yardley Brown, 
Frank R. Butz, John Christman, Hiester Clymer, J. 
De Puy Davis, W. R. Davis, D. Dehart, Albert R. 
Durham, A. S. Esterly, B. S. Fix, Franklin Fricker, 
Geo. M. (Jraeff, Jacob H. Graeft', Edward Cireath, D. 
P. Greath, W. Hartman, Peier Y. Heckman, Reuben 
V. R. High, G. W. High, Jacob Hole, Samuel M. 
HoUenbach, Daniel S. Hunter, J. Timothy Jackson, 
J. Jennings, Richmond L. Jones, H. C. Jones, Elijah 
F. Keever, Samuel Kerns, Franklin Keffer, W. F. 
Kerper, J. H. Kershner, J. A. Kutz, George B. Kupp, 
Richard Leaf, A. L. Leopold, Charles A. Leopold, 
Daniel D. Lerch, Charles C. Malsberger, Samuel C. 
Mayer, Daniel ilaurer, Geo. W. Morgan, William 
Myers, Ezra Miller, Samuel McNeal, H. Neihart, 
James Nicholson, John Printz, John Ralston, J. A. 
Rankin, A. F. Reeser, A. W. Rhoads, John Rhoads, 
John Rick, Albert Ritter, Charles Ritter, John R. 
Ritter, J. P. Ritter, Edward Samuel, J. R. Schmucker, 
John R. Strecker, D. E. Schroeder, W. M. Bwartz, W. 
C. Swartz, C. A. Smith, Charles L. Still, B. F. Stim- 
mel, Herman Strecker, J. S. Strohecker, Henry A. 
Upson, H. Witman, Levi Wunder, James Yeager, F. 
Yocum, J. Yolin. 

COMPANY r. 

Nathan M. Eisenhower, captain. 
William J. Clouse, first lieutenant. 
James L. Douglass, second lieutenant. 
Abraham H. Phillippi, first sergeant. 
Sergeants: Lewis G. Swain, Jacob H. Boyer, 

John F. Clouse, John Flink, 
Corporals: Samuel Blackman, Ephraim Moser, 
. Jesse Mercer, John S. McConnel, Samuel 

Fink, John Miltimore, Samuel Stackhouse, 

Peter Eiler. 
Musicians: John Ringler, Winfield Anthony. 
Privates. — Charles B. Ansart, Conrad Anthony, 



Benjamin R. Bratt, David Benson, Joseph Bridegam, 
Lee C. Bricker, John L. Borrell, Henry Connard, 
Jeremiah O. Coller, Henry H. Grouse, Benneville 
Dewalt, Sampson Dane, William H. Dickenson, James 
Earl, John Evans, Fiedele Einzig, Elias H. Eyrich, 
Charles Focht, Andrew J. Fink, Reuben Fink, Jere- 
miah Fehr, Otto Flatt, John F. Fox, Rudolph F. 
Fleer, Henry Griscom, Samuel Griscom, Abraham 
W. Hain, James Hahs, Henry A. Hoff, Joseph 
Hauckenbach, Daniel Hausum, Jr., John Horn, 
Jeremiah Hopp, Jacob Kauffman, John Kaul, 
Frederick A. M. Keller, Peter Keffer, Henry M. 
Keim, Charles A. Knoderer (promoted to colonel, 
Sept. 15, 1862), Thomas P. Kinsey, Peter R. Lntz, 
Andrew Lutz, Otto Mellert, Edwin L. Mull, Augustus 
Moser, Charles Miller, David McKnight, Peter McCord, 
John McKnight, Spencer C. Neal, Samuel Newkirk, 
Samuel Rochstull, Andrew S. Rhoads, James Ruth, 
Joseph Ritner, Charles Ruth, Joseph Saxe, Frederick 
L. Smith, Alfred Spearce, Henry H. Sharman, Henry 
Spohn, Israel Sallada, Jr., Michael J. Selling, Wil- 
Ham A. Schall, Thomas Schofield, William Treat, 
Charles 0. Whiteman, Adam E. Weise, Wesley H. 
Wells, Charles Wannamacher, Franklin Warren, 
Charles F. Witman, Frederick Wittich, Charles A. 
Wick, Gustavus A. Worth (promoted to adjutant 
Sept. 15, 1862), William R. Yeich, William S. Yocum. 

COMPANIES G, H and I OF 20rH REGIMENT, MILI- 
TIA OF 1862. 

(Regiment organized Sept. 18, 1862; discharged Sept. 
26-30, 1862.) 

COMPANY G. 

William Geiger, captain. 

Lewis Hagenman, first lieutenant. 

Amos H. Deysher, second lieutenant. 

William A. Coxel, first sergeant. 

Sergeants: Lewis Shaneman, Jacob Spatz, Amos 
W. Boyer, Henry W. Corbit. 

Corporals: John Weitzel, Wiliam Quimby, Au- 
gustus Strohecker, Solomon Holston, Thomas 
Lincoln, Michael McCuUough, Hiram Hol- 
ston, Joseph V. Diehl 

Musicians : Mahlon Houck, Amos AV. Graul. 
Prioates. — Charles H. Barrett, Thomas Burker, 
Theodore H. Deysher, Franklin Doutrich, Joseph 
Deysher, Martin Eisenhower, William H. Engle, 
Theodore Foreman, Thomas Fehr, Reuben Gruff, 
George E. Goodhart, David Gross, Francis Y. Hyne- 
man, Edward A. Howell, Jeremiah N. Hagenman, 
James Holston, John Hungerford, Thomas Hunger- 
ford, Jacob L. Keller, Daniel Kepple, Chas. Keeler, 
Samuel K. Kraemer, David N. Keenan, Hezekiah J. 
Knauer, Reuben C. L. Kissinger, Reuben C. Kis- 
singer, Daniel Kilpatrick, Henry Krook, Daniel Lein- 
back, Albert Leinback, Benneville Ludwig, Clayton 
Lawrence, John B. Maxton, Jediah Miller, Sebastian 
Mohring, Nelson Moore, Morris P. Miller, Levi Rel- 
ler, Joseph Reese, Lyman Ruth, John Steffenberg, 



304 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Isaac Sheetz, Henry J. Siiiilli, John Stubblebine, 
(Jeorge Sheetz, Joseph Stefl'enberg, William Shoeffer, 
Uriah T. Trait, William H. Thomas, Cornelius Van- 
hauimersfeld, Thomas Yeager, James Yeager. 

COMPANY H. 

Samuel Harner, captain. 

Franklin Till, first lieutenant. 

Alouzo B. Turner, second lieutenant. 

Anthony Bickel, first sergeant. 

Sergeants: Henry Rorke, Harrison Fix, Mahlon 

Fox. 
Corporals: William Harbster, Daviil MuUin, 
diaries Davis, Charles A. Ringle, Henry 
Wundor, Henry Eeeser. 
Musicians: Howard P. McCord, Robert Binga- 
miu. 
Privatefi. — William K. Arnold, Lewis Arsell, I-aac 
Bird, Peter Brisse, Henry Cole, William \V. Collers, 
Patrick Diamond, Franklin K. Davis, William Fox, 
Israel Goodman, George Girvan, Aaron Haupt, Isaac 
■ Harvey, Dominick Kramp, William C. Kutz. Dickin- 
son Kutz, Cyrus J. McCord, John H. Nagle, Timothy 
0"Bryan, Andrew Paulhamus, William Ruth, John 
Ruth, Thomas K. Richards, David Ringler, Jeremiah 
Shirey, Jacob Shaffer, John Sweetwood, Abraham 
Trate, Daniel Ubil, James M. AVitman. 

Captaix Samuel Harxer gave .seven j'eai-s 
of his life to the service of his country. He 
was five years in tiie regular army, having in 
this time passed through the Mexican War ; 
and at the outbreak of the Rebellion he enlisted 
as a volunteer and served one year in Ken- 
tucky. He commanded Company H in the 
Twentieth Regiment of the State Militia from 
Reading, during the rebel invasion of 1862, 
and Company B, Forty-second Regiment, dur- 
ing the invasion (>f 186-3. He died at h's resi- 
dence in Reading on February 11, 1865, aged 
thirty-seven j-eurs. He was a native of Read- 
ing and a highly-respected, exemplaiy man. 

COMPANY I. 

Frederick S. Boas, captain. 

Samuel Robinson, first lieutenant. 

Henry Schroeder, second lieutenant. 

Samuel Hamilton, first sergeant. 

Sergeants: Henry Fleck (accidentally killed, Sept. 

26, 18()2), George S. Rowbotham, Daniel M. 

Weidner, Frank Dundore. 
Corporals: John R. Christ, Zeno Hoffm.aster, 

Gottlieb Heller, Isaac Hale, Henry Seider.s, 

Alexander Werner, William R. Williams, 

Nelson Bell. 
Musicians: Henry Redmond, .Tacob Hamilton. 
PricatfS. — Philip Arnold, Daniel Aldendorfer, Geo. 1 
W. Armbruster, William Brown, David Bridegam, 



Elias Bitter, David Bechtol, Albert D. Boas, Henry 
Becker, Adam Busell, Henry Bowman, John Boycr, 
Linderman Britton, Isaac Barton, Jacob Crow, Geo. 
Davis, Adam Deem, Lewis Eisenhower, Laiah Espen- 
shade, William Eisenbise, William Ehrgood, Peter 
Eagle, Richard Eagie, Henry Fix, Charles Frill, 
Henry Goodman, George Hoft'man, Jacob Herst, 
Charles Huyett, James Haf'er, John Hcrm, RuCus 
Hunberger, William Harbold, Charles Johnson, Evan 
James, Augustus Keller (accidentally killed, Sept. 
2(5, 1802), William Keller, John Killian, Peter Koch, 
William H.Lewis, Daniel Lauseh, William E. Lewis, 
George Livingood, Isaac Moore, Daniel Moore, Wm. 
Moore, John L. Morris, John E. McGrew, Redman 
McManus, George Nortlihammer, William S. Neu- 
gent, Lewis Newdorfer, Bernard O'Macht, James 
O'Neill, Mark O'Neill, William Printz, George W. 
Roland, Henry Rambo, Daniel Seiders (accidentally 
killed, Sept. 2G, 18(52), Samuel Snell, Jacob Snell, 
Peter Snell, Isaac Snell, Francis Y. Sal lade, Benjamin 
Sterling, Peter Smith, William S^huler, Wm. Statt, 
Joseph Seyfert, Michael .'^mith, .Albert B. Werner (ac- 
cidentally killed, Sept. 2(i, l.«62), Henry Wollskill, 
Eli Williams, David Zimmerly. 

Captain Frederick S. Boas is of German 
extraction. He is the great-grandson of Rev. 
William Boas, who emigrated from Wiirtem- 
berg, Germany, and settled at Reading, where 
he became one of the first pastors of the German 
Reformed Church. He continued to officiate 
as a pastor until old age compelled his retire- 
ment from active service. He was married to 
Barbara Epler, of Bern township, Berks Coun- 
ty, and had eight children — John, Jacob, Fred- 
erick, William, Daniel, Barbara (intermarried 
with Jacob Levan), Catherine (intermarried 
with Abraham AVauner) and Elizabeth (inter- 
married with Frederick Rapp). He died No- 
vember 28, 1814, aged seven ty-fiVe years. His 
sou John was born March 17, 1774, at Reading, 
and died August 8, 1860, having followed dur- 
ing his early life the trade of a hatter. He was 
married to Susanna Hcrbiue, of Bern townshij), 
whose children were Joiin, Daniel H. and Catii- 

erine (intermarried witii Sallada). Daniel 

H., the father of Captain Boas, was born Septem- 
ber 28, 1800, at Reading, in the dwelling now oc- 
cupied as a residence by his son, where he died 
October 6, 1852. He was married to Elizabeth, 
daughter of Jacob Shearer, of Reading, born 
January 1.3, 1800, and died December 30, 1858. 
Their childi-en are Mary Ann, born in 1824 
(wife of George W. Goodrich) ; Catherine, in 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



305 



1828 (now deceased); Eliza E., in 1827, who 
was intermarried with Daniel B. Kerper, de- 
ceaswl ; Susan A., in 182S, deceased; Freflerick 
S.; Albert I)., in 1838; and Clara E., in 1840, 

int«rniarried with Austin. 

Frederick S. Boas was born Novemljer 10, 
l.s.'54, at the homestead in Reading. He re- 
ceived a thorough rudimentary education. In 
18.')0 his fhtlior abandoned his trade a.s a manu- 
factiu-er of hats, and then eml)arked in tiic iimi- 



ret Cressmao, of Reading ; Mary M., and Cad- 
die S. John K. Boiis is actively engaged in the 
lumber business in Reading. 

Mr. Boas was formerly nuich interestwl in 
the State militia, having in 1855 become captain 
of the" Reading Rifles." This company, by its 
perfect ef^uipmi^it and excellent discipline, ac- 
quired a high reputation as a military organiza- 
tion. During the Civil War, he organized a com- 
pany of voluntf'cr militia, numbering one hun- 





hcr business. His son, upon finishing his stu- 
dies, became associated with him in this busi- 
ness, and in 1852 succeeded him as the sole 
proprietor. Although interested at various 
times in other enterprises, he has since 1848 
been thoroughly identified with the lumber 
trade in Berks County, and the various building 
operations incident to that business. On the 
30th of November, 1858, he was married to 
Rosa, daughter of Joshua Keeley, of Reading. 
Their cliildi'en are John K., married to Marga- 
34 



dred and ten men. It was Company I, in the 
Twentieth Regiment, mastered into service 
September, 1862. Military service was per- 
formed nearly two weeks. The regiment was 
discharge<l in the latter part of September, when 
the company returnerl to Reading. 

The Boas family have for many years advo- 
cated the principles of the Democratic party. 
Captain Boas represented the Southwest Ward 
in the select branch of City Council from 1858 
to 1861, having been president during the last 



306 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUiXTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



year. He was for a time secretary, and one of 
the building couimittec, uf the South Heading 
Market-House Company, and also secretary of 
the West Reading Railroad Company until it 
became merged into the Philadelphia and Read- 
ing Railroad Company. In June, 1856, he be- 
came a member of Lodge No. 62, of l^^ree and 
Accepted Masons, and afterward filled various 
official positions. He aided in organizing St. 
John's Lodge, No. 435, in which he filled the 
office of first Worshipful Master. He is a 
member of Reading Chapter, No. 152, and also 
of Reading Commandery, No. 42, being now 
Past High Priest iu the former. He is the pres- 
ent representative of St. John's Lodge, and one 
of the managers of the Home for Free and Ac- 
cepted Masons of Pennsylvania. 

The father of Captain Boas was one of the 
organizers of the Universalist Church of Read- 
ing, and the captain himself has been a member 
of the church since 1851. He has filled the 
office of secretary of the church vestry since 
1854. He has taken an active and prominent 
part in the Sunday-school since his boyhood. 
xVs a delegate and representative from the church, 
he attended many of the conventions held by the 
Universalist denouiiuation. 

INDEPENDENT CAVALRY COMPANY. 

(Commanded by Captain Samuel L. YdUiig ; organ- 
ized September 17, 18(J2 ; discharged September 
27, 1862.) 
Captain, Samuel L. Young. 
First Lieutenant, John D. Stitzel. 
Second Lieutenant, John M. KaiitTman. 
First Sergeant, Edwin M. Shalter. 
Quartermaster, Towusend W. Evans. 
Sergeants : Richard N. Shalter, Robert Pierson, 

Calvin K. Whitner, George Weiser. 
Corporals : Sadosa S. Stevens, Henry W. Hertzel, 
Jeremiah S. Parvin, William H. Parvin, 
William H. Spang, Lewis Evans, Frederick 
B. Border, Walton K. Hagy. 
Farriers : William Yohn, Sanuiel Dewoes. 
Pricatfs. — Edwin Brobst, Samuel K. Boyer, Marcus 
Behm, John B. Bowman, William Brendel, Franklin 
Clark, Anson Dehart, Luther T. Eggers, Daniel B. 
Edelman, Charles Ernst, Harrison K. Epler, Henry 
A. Flickinger, Frank D. Faber, Joseph N. Good, An- 
drew Gehret, John A. Groff, Jonas Y. Gretli, Adam 
Gehret, Jesse G. Hawley, John D. Hiester, William 
A. Hotfa, Cyrus .1. Hunter, Alvin W. Hornung, 
Daniel Y. Jones, Jacob Kemp, Charles R. Koenig. 
Albert K. Knabb, Henry S. Knipe, William T.Lyon, 



Richard Lechner, William H. Livingood, Gernant S. 
Maurer, William Moyer, Charles Murphy, Jacob J. 
Moore, James H. Parker, Levi B. Rogers, Levi B. 
Renninger, Alexander Roycr, Cyrus W. Rothenberger, 
John Richards, John S. Rothermel, William Seit- 
zinger, William D. Seltzer, Jeremiah B. Wentzel, 
Charley ^Vright, John Wiley, Jloses Wolf. 

DRAFTED MILITIA OF 1862. 

During the year 1862 the militaiy operations 
were conducted with such energy, and so many 
men were required, that volunteer companies 
were not sufficiently numerous to supply the in- 
creasing demands for troops. The government 
was therefore driven to the extreme measure of 
imjjrcssing men into service by drafting them 
for that purpose. This was repugnant to the 
people; but the imperiled situation of the coun- 
try justified the proceeding, and it was there- 
fore borne with submission. The following com- 
panies were composed of drafted men from Berks 
County, who were mustered into service for 
nine months: 

Capt. Jonathan See. 
Capt. Charles Melcher. 
Capt. Peter Y. Edelman. 
Capt. Samuel A. Haines. 
Capt. Hiram H. Miller. 
Capt. Josiah Groh. 
Capt. William A. Schall. 
Capt. Abr'ni H.SchaeflTcr. 
Capt. Jonas M. ShoUen- 



Company A, 
Company B, 
Company C, 
Company D, 
Company E, 
Company F, 
Company G, 
Company H, 
CJorapany I, 
berger. 
Company K, 
Company I, 
Comjiauy K, 



lt37th Regt., 
lG7th Regt., 
lG7th Regt., 
167th Regt., 
167th Regt., 
167th Regt., 
167th Regt., 
167th Regt., 
167th Regt., 

167th Regt., 
179th Regt., 
179th Regt., 



Capt. Edward F. Reed. 
Capt. Amos Drenkel. 
Capt. John B. Wagoner. 



ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY-SEVENTH KEGIJIENT. 

This regiment was exclusively from Berks 
county, and was organized with the following 
field officers : Charles A. Knoderer, colonel ; 
De I'uy Davis, lieutenant-colonel ; Gustavus 
A. Worth, major. Colonel Knoderer wiis a 
graduate of the Polytechnic School of Carls- 
ruhe, and had served as captain in a regiment 
of the patriot Landwehr in the Baden struggle 
of 1849. He also served on the staff of (Jen- 
eral Sigel, in Fremont's campaign in Missouri, 
and was a learned and accomplished officer. 
Soon afler its organization the regiment was or- 
dered to Suffolk, A^irginia, iu the Department 
of the James, under command of General Dix. 
The forces at Suffolk and vicinity were com- 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



307 



manded by General John J. Peck, who was 
charged with holding the line south of the 
James, to cover the approaches to Portsmouth 
and Norfolk. In this service the regiment was 
actively engaged, being employed in fatigue du- 
ty upon the fortifications (in the planning of 
which Colonel Knoderer was an adept), in rec- 
onnoitring and out-post duty, and in drill, pre- 
paratory to active campaigning. Late on the 
evening of January 29, 1863, General Corcoran, 
who commanded a division under General Peck, 
moved with his column towards the Blackwater, 
and at Deserted Farm, seven miles out, encoun- 
tered a strong force of the enemy, under Gen- 
eral Roger A. Pryor. Corcoran immediately 
made an attack, and a fierce night engagement 
ensued. The fighting was principally with ar- 
tillery and the One Hundrctl and Sixty-seventh 
was fearfuly exposed to the enemy's fire. At the 
opening of the battle Colonel Knoderer ordered 
his men to lie down, and fortunately few were 
injured ; but the horses of the officers, with the 
exception of that of the adjutant, were all killed, 
and the colonel himself received a mortal 
wound. The enemy was finally driven, and 
the command returned again to camp. Lieut.- 
Col. Davis succeeded to the command of the 
regiment, and was subsequently commission(;d 
colonel. It participated in the desultory op- 
erations, whicli were kept up until the begin- 
ning of April, when the right wing of the reb- 
el army, under General Longstreet, numbering 
some forty thousiuid men, advanced upon the 
place, and attacked, but failed to carry it. 
He then laid siege to it, and constructed 
elaborate works for its reduction. For nearly 
a month these operations were vigorously 
pushed, and for many days the bombardment 
of the fortifications was almost incessant. But 
so skillfully had they been planned, and so well 
constructed, that General Peck, with a force of 
only about a third of the number of the invading 
army, successfully repelled every attack, and fi- 
nally compelled Longstreet to raise the siege. The 
One Hundred and Sixty-seventh was actively 
employed in the defense throughout tlie entire 
siege, and rendered efficient service. Towards 
the close of June, and during the time of Lee's 
invasion of Pennsylvania, the regiment formed 



part of the command which was sent to demon- 
strate in the direction of Richmond, and upon 
its return was ordered to join the Army of the 
Potomac, then in pursuit of Lee's army in 
Maryland. It formed junction on the 15th 
of July, the day after the escape of the en- 
emy across the Potomac, and was assigned to 
the First Brigade, First Division, of the First 
Corps. With that cor})s, it participated in the 
pursuit of Lee to beyond the Rappahannock, 
when, its term of service being about to expire, 
it was relieved at the front, and ordered to 
Reading, where, on the 12tli of August, it was 
musteretl out. The conduct of the regiment du- 
ring its short service iu the Potomac army is 
shown by the following note addressed to Colo- 
nel Davis by General Cutler, division com- 
mander : " As you ai'e about leaving the ser- 
vice with your command, I desire to express to 
you, and through you to your command, my 
entire approval of the manner in which they 
l)ave discharged their duty as soldiers since they 
joined this division. The regiment has been 
a pattern of order and promptness on the fa- 
tiguing marches of the last month." 

Colonel Charles A. Knodereii was a 
native of the Grand Duchy of Baden, and ed- 
ucated in the Polytechnic School there for the 
profession of a civil engineer. After gradua- 
ting he served the government as a civil engi- 
neer, and then as a lieutenant in the army. 
When the Revolution broke out in Germany 
in 1848, he resigned his commission and united 
with Sigel and other patriots in a struggle for 
constitutional liberty. But this eifort proving 
a failure, he and many others fled to America. 
He came to Reading iu 1849, and in 1850 en- 
tered the service of the Schuylkill Navigation 
Company, remaining in its employ till 18G1, 
when he was appointed chief of engineers on 
the staflF of Genei'al Franz Sigel, and participa- 
ted in the Missouri campaign under General 
Fremont. He then returned to Reading, and 
after a short employment with the Navigation 
Comjjauy re-entered the military service. In 
September, 1861, during the rebel raid into 
Pennsylvania, he served as colonel of the 
Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Militia, hav- 
ing gone from Reading as a ])rivate and elected 



308 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



colonel at Harrisbiirg. Aud shortly afterward 
he was elected colonel of the One Hundred and 
Sixty-seventh Regiment of drafted men from 
Berks County. He was wounded at the battle 
of Black water, on January 30, 1862, and died 
on February 15, 1863, aged thirty-six years. 
His remains were brought to Reading and bu- 
ried in Charles Evans' Cemetery. 

FIELD AND .STAFF OFFICERS. 

Charles A. Knoderer, col., must, in Dec. (!, 1802 ; died, 

Feb. 15, of wounds received at Deserted House, 

Va.; Jan. 30, 1863. 
Joseph De Puy Davis, col., must, in Dec. 0, 18(J2 ; pro. 

from lieut.-col. March 19, 18(i3 ; must, out with 

regt. Aug. 12, 18(i3. 
Gustavus A. Worth, lieut.-col., must, in Dec. 6, 1862; 

pro. from maj. March 19,1863; must, out with 

regt. Aug. 12, 1863. 
Jonathan See, maj., must, in Nov. 10, 1862; pro. from 

capt. Co. A March 19, 1863 ; must, out with regt. 

Aug. 12, 1863. 
Adolph Kiefer, adjt., must, in Dec. 8, 1862 ; must, out 

with regt. Aug. 12, 1863. 
Morgan Kupp, q.m., must, in Dec. 3, 1862 ; captured 

at Gettysburg, Pa., July 1, 1863. 
David M. Marshall, surgeon, must, in Aug. 6, 1862; 

pro. from asst. surg. 103d Regt. P. V. Jan. 28, 

1863 ; must, out with regt. Aug. 12, 1863. 
John B. Stearley, asst. surg., must, in Oct. 29, 1862; 

resigned Feb. 28, 1863. 
William R. Henderson, asst. surg., must, in Nov. 1, 

1862 ; resigned April 9, 1863. 
Daniel T. Batdorf, asst. surg., must, in May 14, 1863 ; 

must, out with regt. Aug. 12, 1863. 
Robert G. Tatem, sergt.-raaj., must, in Nov. 10, 1862; 

pro. from corp. Co. A ; must, out with regt. Aug. 

12, 1863. 
Henry B. Bechtel, q.m.-sergt., must, in Nov. 12, 

1862; pro. from private Co. B; must, out with 

regt. Aug. 12, 1863. 
John R. Hottenstein, com.-sergt., must, in Nov. 12, 

1862; must, out with regt. Aug. 12, 1SG3. 
Augustus W. Smith, hospital steward, must, in Nov. 

12, 1862 ; must, out with regt. Aug 12, 1863. 

COMPANY A. 

(Mustered in November 10, 18(i2 ; and mustered out 
August 12, 1863). 

Captains: Jonathan See, William H. Kintzel. 

Adam Stump, first lieutenant. 

Timothy Crowley, second lieutenant. 

John S. Gery, first sergeant. 

Sergeants: James Moyer,Johu Brightbill, Hejiry 
Werner, Nathaniel Moyer. 

Corporals : William L. Strouse, William S. 
Bennetluim, Elias Gerhard, Frederick Plo- 
thow, Isaac B. Stoudt, Nathan Fromm, Wil- 



liam E. Dundore, Augustus Eshlenuin, Rob- 
ert G. Tatem. 
Musicians : Peter Grimes, Elijah Dewalt. 
PntHtten. — Richard Adams, Henry Ahrens, William 
Adams, Benjamin Brigle, Harrison H. Beecher, Ben- 
jamin Bickel, Jeremiah Bennethuni, Jacob Betchel, 
Isaac Bickel, Wilhelm Ballouse, .Tared Bickel, David 
Cronis, D. Dunkleberger, Samuel S. Dundore, 
Cyrus Ebling, Joshua Ernst, Emanuel Ernst, Elias 
Eyrich, Augustus Felring, Reuben Field, Sam- 
uel Fisher, Peter B. Fisher, Henry G. Fislier, 
John K. Fidler, John Feiandt, John Folk, 
William Fromm, William Gerhart, Philip Guitler- 
man, William Good, John Greath, William Gibson, 
Israel Greuber, Charles Hearing, Josiah Heister, 
Benjamin Hossler, Levi Hettinger, .John Jennings, 
George K. Knall, George Kintzer, William Keller, 
George Kunkleman, Reuben Klopj), John Kissling, 
Benjamin F. Kutz, John C. Kellogg, Peter B. Kersh- 
ner, Joseph Lengle, John Lengle, Jonathan Leise, 
William B. Levau, Daniel J. Lane, Benneville 
Moyer, F. K. Machemer, John D. Mitchell, Henry 
Murray, John Moyer, Alfred McAlister, Darius Rol- 
man, Daniel Rine, Jacob Rine, Adam Ruth, Henry 
Speicher, Samuel Si)eicher, Adam Speicher, William 
Shell, D.aniel M. Strunk, Adam K. Stout, Samuel 
Stout, Elijah Steily, William H. Seitzinger, Reuben 
Shell, Jared Strouse, James Stout, Benjamin Sheaffer, 
Gustavc Snyder, Paul Schwartz, Thomas Shell, 
Reuben Texter, Joel K. Trivitz, Jared linger, John 
Undercofter, Jacob Wengert, Alfred Werner, Obedah 
Weikel, Israel Wcnrich, F. J. Wenrich, Isaac Whit- 
moyer, Lewis Weidner, Lewis Yeager, William 
Zerby, Franklin X. Zellers, J.ared Zerby, Elias 
Zeigler. 

COMPANY B. 

(Mustered in November 1 2, 1S62 ; mustered out .Vugust 
12, ]8(;.3.) 
Charles Melcher, captain (must, in Dec. 11, 

1862). 
Michael J. Selling, lirst lieutenant (must, in Dec. 

11, 1862). 
Obadiah B. Coller, second lieutenant (must, in 

Dec. 11, 1862). 
First Sergeants: William Eisenbisc, Henry W. 

Albright. 
Sergeants: William Denhard, Andrew L. Helms, 

William Hell, John L. Morris. 
Corporals : Daniel R. Totheroth, Henry H. Lewis, 
Reuben C. Kissinger, John McKinney, Sam- 
uel Snell, Henry Van Reed, James H. Hor- 
ner, Lyman Shirey, Julius Weaver, John 
Ferguson. 
Musicians: Henry S. Wolfskill, Thomas C. 
Wright. 
Privates. — Enos Alderman, John Arnold, Franz 
Apply, Blasius BehrU', Lewis Bohler, George W. N. 
Bitting, Annapolis N. Bitting, George Barger, Henry 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



309 



B. Bechtel, Jacob Crow, Harry C. Clay, Henry 
Christ, Frederick Chevreuc, Aaron Doebler, John L. 
Diehl, Martin Danger, George Doll, Henry East, 
Philip Eisenberger, Daniel Ehrgood, Benjamin Endy, 
Martin Eagen, Ezekiel Fritz, John Fox, Levi Fitter- 
ling, John Glenn, Nathaniel Gery, Samuel Gross, 
Albert Geiger, Franz Grosh, Isaac M. Gift, John S. 
Gempp, Peter H. Hummel, Charles A. Homan, Reu- 
ben Hoyer, Ephraim Hartz, Joshua Hollenbaeh, 
Henry Haws, Jacob Hineman, Richard Herbst, 
Henry Krider, Levi Klaengine, Charles L. Klinei 
Joseph Kacliel, Tobias Kalberer, John Killin, 
Tobias Lasch, John Lanfersweiler, Henry A. 
Minner, Ellas Moore, Jacob G. Moyer, Samuel 
Meek, John G. Moyer, Jr., Henry Markwood, 
George Mainzer, James McAllister, Patrick O'Neill, 
John Rollman, John Row, Daniel Ruth, Charles 
Robinson, Patrick Ryan, Israel Spayd, Levi R. Shadell, 
Daniel Shultz, Henry A. Shultz, Cyr. Shollenberger, 
George Schellkopp, Edward Souders, Andrew Schna- 
bel, Daniel Steff'e, Christopher Schutter, Joseph 
Steffey, Jacob Schilb, Jacob Savary, John Stone, 
John Schmidt, Samuel Shilling, Jacob Wacker, Henry 
Windhorn, Gustave Winch, William Weise, Thomas 
Yeager, William Yeager. 

COMPANY c. 
(Mustered in November 4, 1862 ; mustered out 
August 11, 1863.) 
Peter Y. Edleman, eapt., must in Dec. 11, 1862. 
Levi B. Clauser, 1st lieut., must, in Dec. 11, 1862. 
William Fulmer, 2d lieut., must, in Dec. 11, 1862 
William C. Bahr, first sergeant. 
Sergeants : George Freyberger, Jacob Link, Jere- 
miah Wentzel, Joel Spohn. 
Corporals : Milton Shitler, James Endy, Henry 
Briel, Peter S. Yoder, John S. Leeds, Albert 
Snyder, Isaac Bower, Peter Glass, Frederick 
Swartz. 
Musicians : Arthur Wells, George Holder. 
Privates. — David D. Augstat, Jeremiah Boyer 
George Bechtel, Samuel Becker, Thomas Broardan, 
John G. Cleaver, Daniel Clouser, Silas Culp, Isaac 
Cleaver, Samuel Cobb, Samuel Dearoulpli, Abraham 
Dry, Franklin Diehl, Daniel Diehl, Jacob Diliplain, 
David G. Deysher, John G. Deysher, John Eberhart 
Samuel R. Endy, Reuben H. Endy, George Fether, 
Henry Fry, David Folk, Joseph Flicker, Caleb 
Gallager, Henry Gardy, Ephraim Glase, Samuel Got- 
shall, Henry Ganger, Jeremiah Glass, William Grubb, 
Daniel V. R. Hunter, Samuel H. High, James Hart- 
line, Ezra L. Hartline, Daniel H. Hoffman, Augustus 
Hefl'uer, Henry Harner, Elias Hole, Beneville Her- 
bine, Charles Hartner, Solomon Hartline, Charles 
Kerst, Charles Kisel, Augustus Kissle, Jacob Leim- 
bach, John Lichty, Joseph Lewis, Edward Luf't, 
Daniel Leimbach, Ephraim Miller, Lewis Minniuger, 
Thomas Maun, Daniel Noll, Jacob Oxenford, Charles 
Reifl', Jacob Reidenhour, Emanuel Rambo, Daniel M. 



Rhodes, Amos W. Schearer, Mahlon Snavely, Finley 
Stitzer, Henry Spohn, Elias Schmeal, Frederick 
Schaffer, John Smith, Isaac W. Snavely, John Scyler, 
Daniel Snavely, John Snavely, Mahlon Schaffer, 
William Strock, John Scbaner, Aaron Trout, Abner 
Trayer, Richard Trummel, Reuben Uptegroff, Jacob 
Weaver, Augustus Weidner, Henry Wickline, Peter 
E. Yoder, William E. Yoder, Josiah Yerger. 

COMPANY D. 

(Mustered in November 12, 1862; mustered out 

August 12, 1862.) 

Captains, Samuel A. Haines, James M.Meredith. 

Samuel Penrose, first lieutenant. 

Robert Pearson, second lieutenant. 

Charles Wright, first sergeant. 

Sergeants : Jacob Rubrecht, Thomas Ballock, 
Henry Fleisher, Joseph R. Koenig, Daniel 
Coleman, James F. Adams. 

Corporals: Samuel Reifsnyder, J. Dunkelbarger, 
John J. R. Smith, Henry Haas, William J. 
Leslie, Adam Ranentzahn, Jacob W. Shu- 
man. 

John Trainer, musician. 
Privates. — David Adam, Emnuuuiel Albright, Wil- 
liam A. Agnee, William Arnold, Samuel Barlot, 
Daniel H. Baruet, Louis Bailer, William Bean, 
Joseph Becker, John Bingaman, Henry Bobn, Isaac 
B. Borkey, John Borkey, Henry Burket, Jonathan S. 
Berg, Beneville B. Boyer, Peter Brouchter, George 
Bower, Wilson Critz, John Cooper, Jacob Delp, 
Augustus Eshelmau, Samuel K. Freeman, Peter 
Faust, David Grett, William Hofer, John Hinkle, 
Jonas Hieter, Stephen Harrison, Jacob Hill, Har- 
rison Hauck, John High, Edwin Jones, Charles 
Jones, Samuel Klein, Samuel Q. Kochel, Henry 
Koch, Martin Kohler, Henry Kohler, John Keim, 
Stephen Keim, Perry Keiser, Isaac S. Kemmerer, 
James Marks, Samuel Michael, Frederick Miller, Peter 
L. Miller, Henry Moatz, David W. Mokle, William 
Mokle, Gideon Moyer, John Moyer, Carlo jNIoiite, 
Robert Miller, Jacob Morgan, John McKutch, Reuben 
Naufzinger, David Osenwald, Benjamin, Ogle, John 
Ortlip, William Oxley, Jesse Penrose, Amos Ranent- 
zahn, Alfred Reber, Salomon Reinhart, John Rich- 
ards, Daniel Rieser, William Riegle, Riley Ringler, 
Tobias Ritz, William Ritz, Moses Rubrecht, John 
Renninger, CezarreRicci, Sigmund Sclimeuder, John 
Schniale, Daniel Shearer, Henry Shuger, James 
Snyder, William M. Stamm, Nathaniel Strouse, Joel 
Strasser, Frederick Strickler, Jesse Stanner, Joseph 
Souder, John Sullivan, William Streeter, Jonathan 
Tobias, James Tobias, Amos Wohl, James Wohl, 
Benneville Weiand, Henry Weiand, Nathan Weitzel, 
George Weivel. 

COMPANY E. 

(Mustered in November 12, 1862 ; mustered out Au- 
gust 12, 1863.) 
Hiram H. Miller, captain. 



310 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Lewis M. Evans, first lieutenant. 
Thomas G. Miller, second lieutenant. 
Daniel N. Peiffer, first sergeant. 
Sergeants : Adam Behm, James A. Norris, Rich- 
ard B. Krick, Cyrus A. Ruth. 
Corporals : Jonathan Kissinger, Charles S. Hill, 
Rufus Whiskeymau, Daniel Luft, Emanuel 
Rigle, Rufus Lambert. 
Musicians : John M. Miller, Solomon iJunkle- 
berger. 
Pmates.- — Frederick Albright, Daniel H. Adams, 
Matthias Andy, William Arndt, Jacob Arnold, Lewis 
Bollman, Isaac T. Beidler, Henry Body, E. Brown- 
miller, David Brobst, John Clouser, Emanuel Eberly, 
Josiah Ebling, John Eckenroth. David Fair, John B. 
Fisher, Daniel H. Fisher, William Fleckenstine, H. 

A. Flickinger, William Gelsinger, George Gaul, 
John Greincr, Jacob Grum, Charles H. Gring, Fred- 
erick Goodhart, John (leringer, William Hornberger, 
Barney Hartz, Moses Hinkle, Urias Hornberger, Josiah 
Hinnershitz, Richard Heberling, ,Iohn Hultry, John 
Hort'man, Peter S. Hill, Benjamin Houck, Alexander 
Johnson, John Kendt, George Kerchner, Henry 

B. Krick, Peter Krick, George S. Krick, Jacob 
Kissinger, Philip S. Kistler, William S. Kistler, 
James Keller, H. Kemmerling, Enoch R. Leinback, 
Willoughby Long. John Leininger, Benjamin Luft, 
William G. Lash, Jonathan Miller, Ephraim Miller, 
Samuel K. Miller, Jonathan Mover, Isaac Marshall, 
Charles M. Mee, Simon Moyer, Henry Muma, Henry 
B. Matz, Elijah B. Matz, Samuel Matz, George Marks, 
Henry Ortz, George Poft', William Potts, Simpson 
Ruth, Gideon Ruppert, Samuel Ruth, Samuel Schon- 
ower, Lazarus Sterling, Isaac Schart'er, John Slegel, 
Franklin Stetler, Martin Strunk, Henry Trout, Isaac 
Weitzel, John Wagner, Moses White, John A. Whit- 
knecht, Daniel W. Wesley, Jlatthias Wesley, Chris- 
topher Wolf, Isaac Young. 

COMPANY F. 

(Mustered in Nov. 12, 181)2; mustered out Aug. 12, 

iS(;.s). 

Josiah (iroh, captain. 

Prosper Shubert, first lieutenant. 

Reuben Potteiger, second lieutenant. 

Jacob Wagner, first sergeant. 

Sergeants: Reuben Reed, Thomas Carver, Eph- 

ram G. Gerheart, Jacob Straub. 
Corporals: William Berger, Thomas Hunker, 
Elias Noll, Josiah Leitner, John Eckler, 
Adam Fidler, William McAllister, John 
Souder, Daniel Straus. 
Musicians: Edward Kantuer, Jesse Daniel, 
Privates. — William Anspach, Francis Aman, Beune- 
ville Althous, Cyrus Anspach, John Bower, Orlando 
Burkhart, Jonathan Bower, Franklin Boyer, Daniel 
Berger, John Batts, Benjamin Behney, Samuel 
Becker, John Brendle, Joseph Cleraence, William 
Christ Abraham Eisenhaur, David Eisenhaur, Isaac 



Eirich, John Fidler, Joseph F. Faust, Israel Fogle- 
man, George Gundrum, George Gasser, Daniel 
Greachbaum, John Gruber, Franklin Hafter, David 
Heffner, Benjamin Heffelfinger, John Hettinger, 
John Hay, Jonathan Heverling, James Howard, 
Michael Hendrix, Joseph S. Heckman, Daniel S. 
Klahr, Daniel Keeny, Jeremiah Knoll, Josiah Klapp, 
Jacob Klapp, Jlichael Long, Michael Lengel, Wil- 
liam Leiby, William Leininger, John Livengood, 
Henry Merkel, Jacob Manbeck, Adam Moyer, Harri- 
son Miller, John Miller, Benjamin Moore, John 
Nischwenter, Peter Oxenrighter, Joseph Phillips, 
William Reichart, Jonathan Ranch, Isaac Rauch, 
Elijah Resch, William Raber, Peter Reppert, Isaac 
Reimer, Charles Reppert, Charles Reinhart, Solomon 
Reinhart, William Stump, Adam Schwenk, Justin 
Schncll, Alvin Standt, Jared Schacfler, John Steely. 
Adam Schaetler, Jacob Schleasmar, Isaac Shits, 
Henry Stine, Jacob Trautmau, Israel Trautman, 
Henry Wagner, Philip Whitman, Jonathan Wagner, 
Charles Whitehorse, Daniel S. Whitman and Pliili]> 
Ziegler. 

COMPAXY (i. 

(Mustered in November 12, lS('i2; mustere<l out 
August 12, lSi;3). 
William A. Schall, captain. 
Jacob H. Boyer, first lieutenant. 
Franklin N. Gehry, second lieutenant. 
James S. Algaier, second lieutenant. 
James W. Shearer, firet sergeant. 
Sergeants: Daniel S. Clay, George B. Snyder, 
Aaron Eshbach, Adam W. Young, William 
Blank. 
Corporals : Charles F. Huber, William IMelchoir, 
James M. Christman, Joseph Rohrbach, 
,Iohn Richards, Joseph R. Moyer, Gef)rge 
Walter, Henry Repert, Peter Strunk, Jla- 
noah Mester, Michael Gehry. 
Musicians : Winfield S. Williams, Jacob Schanly. 
rrivafes. — Slatthias Adam, George Adam, E(hvard 
Anthony, Manassas Bixler, Jacob Boyer, David 
Bower, Maurice Buser, William Bragley, Jacob M. 
Batz, William Blankeubiller, .loshua Bahr, David 
Benfield. David Clemmer, Hilary Clay, Joel Deisher, 
Enos Druckemiller, Henry Durr, Jacob Essig, Levi 
Eschbach, Frederick Ettinger, Magus Eltz, Jeremiah 
Foley, Peter Foreman, Samuel Fox, George Gear- 
hart, William Gregory, Henry Greiss, Frederick 
Glase, Reuben Glase. George Greenawalt, Benjamin 
Gring, Matthias Grill, Samuel Gable, Jacob George. 
Abraham Harting, Charles Henry, Daniel Heydt, 
Ross Hoffman, David Hoch, Levi Hoffman, Daniel 
Hunsperger, John G. Heydt, Isaac Jacobs, Henry 
Kehl, George Kraff, Jacob Koenig, John S. Kehl, 
William Krick, George Kline, Ferdinand Klung, 
David Lebo, John Lesbold. Benjamin D. Long, Ma- 
nassas Long, John Mengle, Frederick Moyer, Abra- 
ham Mest, Jacob Mensh, John Miller, George Mut- 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



311 



ter, David Maurer, Keubeti Keitenaur, William Rcite- 
iK'iir, David Keuiiiger, George Reiter, John Ruth, 
William Rush, John Rohrbach, Benjamin Reinhart, 
William Richards, Samuel Sehanly, I'etcr Hehell, 
Thomas Schell, Daniel B. Sehleuker, Evan Snyder, 
Henry Steinbeyer, Augustus Saohse, Jacob Suable, 
Joseph Suable, Charles Schmoyer, Amos Schott, Wil- 
liam Schoch, Henry Thomjjson, Henry Walker, Wil- 
liam Wiguer, Edward Wingert, Peter Weller, David 
Zigenfoos, Benjamin Zigler, Benjamin Zellner, Elias 
Zeigler. 



COMPANY H. 



mustered out 



(Mustered in November 5, 18K2 
August V2, 18(53.) 

Abraham H. Sehatl'er, capt., must, in Nov. 15, 
1S62. 

Samuel Bans, 1st lieut., must, in Nov. 15, 1862. 

Jeremiah R. Guldin, 2d lieut., must, in Nov. 
15, 1S<)2. 

Jacob H. Schafter, first sergeant. 

Sergeants : Joel R. Houseman, Jacob B. StoulFer, 
Elias Angstadt, Frank Reidnauer. 

Corporals : Samuel Herbst, William Sterner, 
David H. Boyer, Peter Eck, Hiram Royer, 
Augustus Stringer, Abraham Reinard, Sam- 
uel E. Bower. 

Musician, Lewis Heydt, Samuel E. Reperd. 

Privates. — Enoch Adam, Benneville Ahrens, Charles 
Boyer, Chas. M. Boyer, Samuel Bowman, Willoughby 
liilgerd. Christian Borneaman, Daniel Bingaman, 
( lecnge Bechtel, Charles Bahm, Nathan Coulard, 
Chas. Connard, Augustus Carl, Willoughby Conner, 
Thomas Conuard, William Delleeker, Adam Deaner, 
I'hilip Dotterer, Jacob Engel, Henry Eschbach, Ezra 
Micker, John Frederick, Edward Frederick, David 
Frohnheiser, Charles Frahm, Moses Gruber, Emanuel 
Hertzoeh, Philip Hertzoch, Daniel Heydt, Henry B. 
Heydt, William R. Hertzoch, John Heydt, George 
Hess, Abraham Hillberd, Jonathan Houck, John 
lloffmastcr, Daniel Herbst, Adam Herb, Samuel Hort- 
inaster, David Johnson, Thomas Kemp, Wm. D. Kehl, 
Christian Lindauer, Henry H. Lorah, Joel Moyer, 
Henry Moyer, John M. Moyer, John Mest, Ammon 
Maurer, Daniel Moyer, William Moyer, Philip D. 
^Marshall, Samuel Noll, Jacob Noll, George Netz, 
.Vlbert Pannebecker, Jacob Rhoads, Hiram W.Rhoads, 
Aaron Richard, Samuel Reifsnyder, John Richard, 
Abraham Reninger, Joseph Reidenaur, Henry R. 
Reinard, Charles E,eidenaur, Herodes Reinard, Wil- 
liam Reperd, Levi Reidenaur, William Reifsnyder, 
Elam C. Rhoads, Samuel Reperd, Lewis Stauffer, 
Philip Seidle, Frederick Seidle, James Schoeffer, A. 
R. Schwavely, Lewis Schwavely, Daniel Salser, Wil- 
liam Trump, John Trevil, Valentine Trehn, Ishmael 
Weller, John F. Weller, Adam Weller, William Was- 
ner, Jacob Weller, James Wentzel. 



COMPANY I. 

(Mustered in November 12, 1862; mustered out 
August 12, 186;j). 

J. M. Shollenberger, caiJtain. 

Henry C. Croll, first lieutenant. 

Charles Hummel, second lieutenant. 

David K. Humbert, first sergeant. 

Sergeants, Jacob H. Wink, James P. Behler, Hen- 
ry Frey, Joseph Jacoby, Isaac Heck. 

Corporals, Lewis Richard, .John J. Correll, Benja- 
min F. Humbert, Henry Berns, Daniel 
Young, William Guldin, Samuel Burket, 
Joshua Roath. 

Musicians, Charles A. K. Grim, Reuben Delb. 
Privates. — Jonas K. Acker, Lewis Adams, Josiah 
Arndt, John Beck, Reuben B. Brown, John R. Bus- 
hey, John Beal, Joel IJenecolT, Henry Bower, John 
Berg, Isaac Betz, Jeremiah Bailey, Sebastian Ca.sper, 
Charles H. Christman, Mathus'h Conrad, James Dutt, 
John Dries, Jonathan Drey, Manassas Dietrich, Elias 
Fisher, David L. Fegley, Benneville Frey, Jacob 
Geret, John Garber, Conrad Hill, Jonathan Herring, 
James Hazzard, William Hebner, Peter D. Heckman, 
John Harbster, Matthias Helm, Nathan Heiser, 
James Harman, Samuel Hefl'ner, Solomon Kel- 
ler, Hiram Kenner, Simon Kline, John Krick 
Benjamin Keller, John Lease, George W. Levan, 
Isaac Lesher, William Lesher, George Lesher, Harri- 
son S. B. Mohr, William Martin, Edwin L. Merkel, 
George Mell, Christian Miller, Samuel Nersweiiter, 
.\brahani Ohlinger, Henry Oswald, l^aniel Pcifer, 
Rudolph Price, William Rebbert, David Rise, Wil- 
liam Ramer, Jacob Reimert, Cornelius Reidenovver, 
John Roadarmel, Isaac Roads, Joshua Reber, Jacob 
Roadarmel, William Strohm, Hezekiah Stufttet, 
Tilghman Shafter, Henry Shick, Samuel Sny<ler, Jacob 
Snyder, John Seager, John Shopi)ell, Elias Smith, 
William Slonecker, John Star, David Saul, Conrad 
Shontz, Isaac Trout, J. Weidenhammer, John Wolf, 
John Wessner, Jacob Wessner, Alfred Warner, Wil- 
liam Wagner, Leopold Wernhager, William Wess- 
ner, Jonathan Yenser, Levi Yenser, Jacob 8. Yoder, 
Daniel Yoe, Joseph Zuber, Alfred Zettlemoyer, 
Henry Zuber. 

Captain Jonas M. SiioLLENnEROER is de- 
cended from German ancestors. Hi.s grand- 
father was Lawroucc Siiollenherger, a farmer, 
residing in Greenwich township, Berks County, 
who married Mary Correll, of the .same town- 
ship, and had two sons, John and Jacob, and 
four daughter.s. John Shollenberger, the older 
son, was born iu Greenwich township and after 
his marriage removed to Albany township, in 
the .same county. He learned the trade of 
blacksmith, but iu this township he became and 
followed the pursuit of a farmer. He married 



312 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel Merkle, of Rich- 
mond township, who was descended from an 
old and established family in this section of the 
county, and had twelve children, — Sarah, Dan- 
iel, Catherine, John, Lacy, Nathan, Jonas 
M., Elizabeth, Edwin, Malinda, I^ydia and 
Fianna. 

Jonas M. Shollenberger, the subject of this 
biographical sketch, was born in Albany town- 
ship on February 27, 1831. In the year 1847 



D., Clara (wife of Dr. Eugene H. Moore), El- 
raira (married to George M. Markle) and Mary 
Alice. After his marriage he removed to his 
father's farm and continued to cultivate it until 
three years after the death of the latter, when 
a portion of the property came to him by in- 
heritiince and the remainder was purchased by 
him. In the fall of 1862 he enlisted in the 
One Hundred and Sixty-seventh Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was in active 





he accompanied his parents tu Richmond town- 
ship. His earliest advantages of education were 
received at the schools in Albany township. 
Afterward he attended the Amityville Board- 
ing School, and then for two winters engaged in 
teaching. 

He married Mary, daughter of David Dry, 
of Rockland township, Berks County, on Oc- 
tober 23, 1853. The children of the marriage 
are Catherine (deceased), Calvin D., Milton 



service for nine months, commanding Company 
I of this regiment, and participating in various 
engagements. After his discharge, on August 
12, 1863, he resumed farming. He still resides 
on and conducts the same farm. He is in poli- 
tics an active Democrat, and in 1881 he was 
elected to the office of county register and clerk 
of the Orphans' Court for one term of three 
years, serving from 1882 to 1884, Inclusive. 
He is a member of Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, 



THE nVTL WAK. 



313 



of F. and A. M., of Kutztown, also of Read- i 
ing Commandery, No. 42, and of Excelsior ! 
Chapter, No. .'5.37. He is a member of the Re- 
formed ("hurcii of Fleetwood, in which he lias 
filled the offices of deacon and trustee. 

COMPANY K. ! 

(Musterod in November 12, 1862 ; mustered out Au- 
gust 12, 1863.) I 

Captain, Edward F. Reed. 

First Lieutenant, Amos E. Seyler. 

Second Lieutenant, Jonathan T. Landes. 

First Sergeant, August Wampold. ! 

Sergeants : W. H. Brintzighoff, .James Delong, ' 
Jacob Herbst, Samuel T. Landes. 

Corporals: David Bortz, Joel Haas, Charles 
Yous, Franklin Kern, Charles Rohrbach, 
Jonas Becker, Franklin Schmehl, Levi Schle- 
gel, Elijah Brown. 

Musician, James H. Wray. 
Privates. — Amos Ang.stadt, Enoch Angstadt, Wil- 
liam Angstadt, David M. Angstadt, William H. Ang- 
stadt, David Angstadt, Amos Berto, Levi Breidegham, 
John Botz, Abraham Beidler, William Becker, Abra- 
ham Babb, Reuben Beiber, Jonathan Bast, Joseph 
Bachman, Israel Cronrath, .Joshua Delong, .John K. 
Dry, John Eckert, Benjamin Folk (1st), James Fred- 
erick, Benjamin Folk (2d), Peter Fritz. Valentine 
George Fry, Reuben Frederick, George M. Frederick, 
Jacob Grim, John Grabenneck, Daniel Ga-ss, William 
Gantz, Daniel Grim, Franklin Gehret, Amos Good, 
Reuben Herbein, .\aron Heist, Rudolph Hill, Benja- 
min Hill, John Hilbert, Jacob Hinkel, .Jonathan 
Heffner, Franklin Hill, Jacob Hill, David Haas, Au- 
gustus Hill, Peter Kemmerer, Jeremiah Keller, John 
Kelchner, John K. Klein, Augustus Klein, Joel Lan- 
des, James Landes, Christian Lantensbagcr, Edwin 
Miller, Joel Miller, Nathan Miller, John Moser, 
.Jacob Manmiller, .Jacob Moyer, John B. Manmiller, 
Daniel Noll, Jonas Noll, James Oswald, Benneville 
Ohlinger, Daniel Otto, Anthony Price, John Parker, 
Daniel Pauly, Amos Reiter, Israel Ranenzahn, Jacob 
Reiter, Daniel Ritz, Henry Rissmiller, Aaron Rein- 
art, William Rissmiller, Samuel Reifsnyder, Samuel 
Ramich, Edward Rohrbach, Benjamin Rubrecht, 
John Scheadler, .Jacob Smith, Manassas Sassaman, 
Alexander Schlottman, Jacob Stufflid, David Schead- 
ler, Jeremiah Schlegel, Henry Wanshap, John Weil. 

ONE HUNDEED AND SEVENTY-NINTH REGIMENT. 

This regiment included two companies — I 
nnd K — from the county of Berks. It was 
organized in companies at periods ranging from 
the 2.3d of October to the 6th of December, 
1<S()2, and on the 8th of December a regimental 
organization was effected. Soon after its organ- 
ization it proceeded to Fortress Monroe and 
36 



thence to Yorktown, where it formed part of 
the garrison at the fort, and was encamped 
within its walls. Upon assuming command, 
Colonel Blair commenced a thorough discipline 
of his men, with the most flattering results. 
It did little else than garrison duty until the 
last of Jidy, when it was called out to join in 
the movement made by (leneral Dix up the 
Peninsula. " Wiien the movement upon Rich- 
mond was made," says Colonel West, in the 
document above quoted, " by General Dix, in 
the summer of this year, I was in command of 
the ' Advanced Brigade ' of the forces that 
moved up the Peninsula. It became necessary 
to .strengthen my brigade with an additional 
regiment, anil the commanding general author- 
ized me to designate any one I chose. 1 im- 
mediately named the One Hundred and 
Seventy- ninth, and, accordingly, Colonel Blair 
reported to me with his regiment and became a 
part of my command. During the march to 
White House and thence to Baltimore Cross- 
Roads, where my brigade was engaged upon two 
occasions, Colonel Blair's regiment was prompt 
and ready, and always well in hand. A pecu- 
liarity about his command was that it never had 
a straggler. During the return march — the 
mo.st severe, on accoinit of a drenching storm, 
of any I ever performed — the One Hundred 
and Stventy-uinth crowned its reputation as a 
first-class organization by being always clo.sed 
and promptly in its place, w-hilst other regi- 
ments were scattered for miles along the road." 
Upon its return to camp it was a.scertained 
that Lee had invaded Pennsylvania, and 
though its term of service was about to expire, 
l)3-the unanimous vote of the men, by compa- 
nies, their further services were tendered to 
Governor Curtin as long as he should need them 
for the defense of the State. This offer was 
accepted ; but by the time the regiment had 
reached Washington, en route to the front, the 
rebel army had retreated to Virginia. It was, 
accordingly, ordered to Harrisburg, where, on 
the 27th of July, it was mustered out of ser- 
vice. 

COMPANY I. 

(Mustered in Oct. 23, 1862; mustered out July 27, 
1863.) 
Amos Drenkel, captain. 



314 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Horatio Leader, first lieutenant. 

Zachariah H. Maurer, second lieutenant. 

Adam Faust, first sergeant. 

Sergeants: David F. Bechtel, D. S. Ilimmil- 
reieh, Hiram Schitler, Perry K. Reif'suvder. 

Corporals : Reuben Malsberger, Adam Bower, 
Wile Bright, Henry Regeuf'use, Abraham 
G. Hill, .John H. Snyder, Daniel Borkert, 
John Malsberger. 

IMusifians: Winfield Anthony, ,T:nncs K. Tyson. 
Prirates. — William Y. Antrim, William Adam, 
John O. Bowman, David Bingaman, Victor Bower, 
Harrison Breidigham, Egidius Bauch, Charles Beyerle, 
Cyrus G. Butler, Jacob Z. Brobst, Andrew S. Boyer, 
Henry Bicker, Frederick Baw, Henry Beidler, Jacob 
Drexel, Samuel Davis, Benjamin Eirich, John Etten- 
houae, Theodore Fox, Henry Gobert, George Grimes, 
William Herbine, Charles K. Hummel, Conrad Hu- 
ber, GottVied Hentz, Daniel W. HellVich. Peter Hum- 
bele, Herman Hutl'man, Reuben V. R. High, Jloses 
Hertz, Israel Haeft'er, Daniel Hartman, David Hutz- 
ler, Peter S. Heckman, Bernhart Impick, William F. 
Kutz, John George Keiser. Washington L. Kaub, 
Daniel B. Keehn, John Keiser, Orlando Keehn, 
Joseph L. Kronig, James Katzenmoyer, Samuel 
Leibig, Daniel Leitzcl, Perry S. Ludwig, Sebastian 
llohringer, Charles Miron, Philip Matsinger, Eber- 
hart Miller, William Miller, Aaron Merkel, Albion 
Morrow, Gottleib Miller, Charles McDonough, 
Henry Nicolia, John O'Brien, Samuel Reif'snyder, 
Lincoln S. Romig, Edwin Rahn, F. Rothenberger, 
Solomon Reinhart, Isaac Richardson, Edward 
Schaetier, William L. Swoyer, Charles L. Sellers, 
Thomas Smith, Daniel Saul, Samuel Steffy, Thomas 
Troop, Lawrence Ulrich, Joseph Weise, Frank. H. 
Wagner, George Weber, Jenet Wagner, John F. 
Walter, Adam Wolf, Lewis Weidner, Richard M. 
Wenrick, Adam K. Wagner, James Ziegler. 

COMPANY K. 

(Mustered in October 2;i, ISliii; mustered out July 
l!7, 18(;;!). 
Captain, John B. Wagoner, 
First Lieutenant, Alexander Young. 
Second Lieutenant, Amos H. Engle. 
First Sergeant, William F. Riegel. 
Sergeants : James Zettlemoyer, Amos Boone, 

Jacob Firing, Lindernum Brittin. 
Corporals: Jacob HoUoway, Harman R. Bunn, 
David Hinterlcter, Charles E. Willnuin, John 
R. Wagoner, Jacob Swavely, Joel Fox, 
William A. Potteiger. 
Musicians : Daniel Rohrbach, Amerson Smeck. 
Privates. — John .Vrnold, Linu;eus Annlt, John 
Breneiser, .Jonathan Bast, James Boyer, Daniel Biehl, 
John H. Boyer. Henry Bush, Jeremiah Baker, Abra- 
ham Bechtel, William Bailey, William Betz, Joshua 
Bailey, Jacob S. Bausher, Jacob Danner, Daniel De- 
hart, David G. Dehart, Ephraim Dietrich, Bennev'e 



Dietrich, Peter Dietrich, Alvin Derr, Anthony Emes, 
Daniel Eschbach, Benjamin Endy, Daniel M. Eagle, 
Peter Eagle, Amos Emore, Isaae Faber, D. C. Frank- 
hauser, Jacob Fox, Elias S. Frey, Henry Greenawalt, 
D. M. Greenawalt, Samuel L. Gehret, William Gross, 
Joshua Greenawalt, Rudolph Hefflegar, David Hart- 
man, Albert S. Hawk, Bennev'e Hofiman, Harrison 
Houck, Peter Kroninger, Jacob H. Kline, Michael 
Kunkle, John Lenbart, John E. Livingood, Henry 
Lewars, William Miller, David R. N. Mauger, Jacob 
S. Mauger, John Meek, Hiram Miller, Levi Miller, 
Jacob Morgan, John Moser, John Ortlii>, Augustus 
B. Pott, Charles M. Pott, Richard Roether, Samuel 
Reiner, Jacob Rupp, Daniel Roth, David F. Roth, 
Per'y Reichelderfer, Willong'y Rahnier, J. Franklin 
Strunk, Samuel Schealer, Daniel Schum, John H. 
Shirey, Franklin H. Shirey, John B. Seip, Valentine 
Sarg, Jacob M. Sassanian, Samuel Shuman, William 
Jt. Sevier, Nathan Trexler, Philip Wentzel. 

KMKKCEMV inooPS OF LSti;!. 

Tlic triiiinpli ut' the rL'l)el army at Frctlerick.s- 
burg in Deceiiihw, 1 802, and its success at C'han- 
cellorsvillt' in ^Fay, LS63, embolrlened its leader 
to again plan an invasion of the North. As a 
precautionary measure, two new military dejiart- 
ments were established by order of the War De- 
partment on June 9, 18(5^5 — the one called Mo- 
nongahela, comprising the western part of Penn- 
sylvania and parts of Virginia and Ohio, with 
headquarters at Pittsburgh ; and the other called 
Suscjuehanna, coin])rising the remaining portion 
of Pennsylvania, with hcadijuarters at Harris- 
burg. And to aid in this work, Governor Cur- 
tin issued a proclamation on June 12, 18(j.'5, in- 
viting the attention of the people to this matter, 
and urging upon them the importance of rtiising 
a sufficient force to defend the State. It becom- 
ing daily more evident that the enemy intended 
to cross the Potomac in force, the President on 
June 15th called for one hundred thousand men 
from Penn.sylvania, Ohio, Maryland and West 
Virginia, to serve for a period of six months, 
unless sooner discharged; and of this number 
Pennsylvania was to furnish fifty thou.sand. 
Governor Curtin then issued a proclamation 
calling upon all men capable of bearing arms to 
enroll themselves in military organizations and 
to encourage all, others to afford assistance to- 
wards protecting the State. In pursuance of 
this call many tro()j)s were raised throughout 
the State. The citizens of Berks Countv re- 



TllK CIVIL WAR. 



:^15 



jspondetl promptly aud raised fifteen companies 
of men — ten of which were formed into one regi- 
ment, called the Forty-second. ^ They were mns- 
tered into service and moved to the front. But so 
rapid were the movements of the armies, and 
the decisive battle of (tettysburg was fought so 
soon after thecall fortlie militia, that the men had 
scarcely arrived in camp and been organized be- 
fore the danger was over. The rebel army made 
its escape on the 13th aud 14th of July, and 
then the campaign was ended. But the militia 
was, however, held for some time after this, 
having been employed on various duty. 

With the close of this raid the rebel invasion 
of 18(j;5 ended. Further service was no longer 
reipiircd of the militia, and during the months 
of August and September the majority of the 
men were mustered out. With few exceptions, 
they were not brought to mortal conflict. But 
they, nevertheless, rendered most important ser- 
vice. They came forward at a moment when 
there was pressing need. Their presence gave 
great moral support to the I'nion army. 

The following volunteer companies from 
Berks County were in the emergency service of 
the State during the summer of ISt).'}. The 
entire Forty-second Regiment was composed of 
companies from the county : 

Co. H, 31st Regt., Capt. Davi.l A. (irillitli. 
Co. A, 42d Regt., Capt. William F. WhIi.t. 
Co. B, 42d Regt., Capt. Sauiiiel Hariier. 
Co. C, 42d Regt., Capt. John E. Arlliur. 
Co. D, 42dRegt., Capt. William D. Smitli. 
Co. E, 42d Regt., Capt. John McKuight. 
Co. F, 42d Regt., Capt. Bently H. Smith. 
Co. G, 42d Regt., Capt. Samuel A. Haines. 
Co. H, 42d Regt , Capt. John Ohold. 
Co. I, 42d Regt., Capt. Edwaitl Bailey. 
Co. K, 42d Regt., Capt. Jacob Deppen. 
Co. G, 48th Regt., Capt. Joseph G. Holmes. 
Co. A, 53d Regt., Capt. Richmond L. Jones. 
Co. B, 53d Regt., Capt. Jacob Lehman. 
Ringgold Light Artillery (Ind.), Capt. William C. 
Ermentrout. 

COMI'ANV H OF THIRTY-FIltST KHGIMENT. 

(Regiment organized .luly 17-30, 1863; discharged 
August 8, 18fi3.) 
Captains, David A. Grithth, Wm. A C. Oaks. 
First Lieutenant, Philip K. Blacker. 



' Other regiments were also organizeil at Reading at this 
time. viz. : Tliii ty-ciglitlj, Thirty-uinlh, Forty-first, Forty- 
third, Forty-eighth and Fifly third. 



Second Lieutenant, Richard Lechner. 
Privnfes. — George H. Boyer, William H. Brindle, 
Wellington Bestoletle, William Bollman, Horace D. 
Boone, Volney Bell, Daniel Brovvnwcll, Zachary T. 
Bitting, Charles Kulp, Israel Cook, Jlanbliii Carver, 
Franklin Diehl, Daniel Decliart, Calvin Eccles, 
Charles Fisher, Emanuel J. Froelich, Charles Flick- 
inger, James Fi.x, Lewis Foust, William Gruber, Peter 
L. Gerhart, David Gross, Daniel M. Garret, William 
H. Hostetter, Julius A. Hawk, John Hagan .John 
H. Howard, Frank A. Heilman, John Ibacli, .Jona- 
than T. Knoll, James K. Kurtz, .lose[)h W. Kissin- 
ger, Isiiac N. Leeds, .John Lindermuth, Isaac J. Labe, 
George Larch, James Morgan, Thomas i\(eiser, John 
P. Moore, .lohn Milisacb, John Phillips, .lohn P. 
Parsons, Abraham R. Royer, Franklin Reed, Morris 
Reed, David Ritter, Henry C. Shirk, Hiram P. Sai- 
bert, Wayne .T. Stump, John Sahutz, Romanus Sjjang- 
ler, Jacob Schmidt, Charles Strong, Livingston Say- 
lor, Daniel Shaffer. Daniel Trout, Horace Weeks, 
Adam Wise, Henry Ziller. 

l'( I KT Y-Si;CON 1) REGI M ENi'. 

(Mustered in .luly Ij, 18G3; discharged .August 11-12, 
18153.) 

FIi:l.l) AND STAFF. 

Colonel, Charles H. Hunter. 
Lieutenant-Colonel, .John E. Arthur. 
.Major, Bentley H. Smith. 
.Vdjutant, Francis R. S(dimucker. 
tiiiartermaster, Edward Bailey. 
Surgeon, William Thompson. 
Assistant Surgeons: William Hargreaves, Har- 
rison T. Whitman. 
Sergeant-Major, Alexander Wenier. 
Quartermaster-Sergeant, Frederick S. Hunter. 
(Jomniissary-Sergeant, Richard T. Leaf. 
Hospital Steward, .James B. Conroy. 

COiMFANY A. 

Captains, Willam F. Walter. 
First Lieutenant, Amos H. Deysher. 
Second Lieutenant, Percival Y. Rhoads. 
First Sergeant, Michael McCullogh. 
Sergeants: .John R. Laucks, Jacob Riegle, Wil- 
liam Totherroh, Benneville S. Ludwig. 
Corporals : .Jacob N. Boyer, John Weitzel, Joseph 
Steffenberge, John Hungerford, William 
Gerling, Isaac Lawrence, Richard V. B. 
Haws, Anthony Bitting. 
Musicians : Isaac Hinckley, John H. Wolf. 
Prirates. — James C. Auman, Wellington Addams, 
John Bans, Daniel Bans, Samuel Breneizer, Daniel 
Briner, William Bitting, Albert Bechtel, Isaac Bird, 
Augustus Burket, Samuel Cross, Mahlon Dutrich, 
Solomon Doepler, Peter L. Eiler, Jacob Evans, Wil- 
liam Ehrgood, William Eyrich, John K. Eyrich, John 
F. Fox, Samuel Fix, Benjamin Fehr, Samuel 
Fleischer, Jeremiah Fair, V^alentine W. Fisher, Amos 



31G 



HISTORY OF BKRKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVAXIA. 



K. Gowl, David Good, George E. Goodhait, Johu 
Grippabacher, David Gerhard, James Garis, Daniel 
Hughs, Henry W. Horn, William Heifer, Martin 
Heister, Jacob Hull, Ooplin Hain, Barnet Hagan, 
Edward A. Howell, Henry A. Hecbler, Levi K. 
Kaufman, Sanuiel Keiter, Charles W. Keyser, Johu 
F. Kepner, Edward Kerlitig, Jackson La Flour, 
Reuben D. Lingle, Albert Laman, Harrison Lud- 
wig, Thomas Lincoln, Morgan Miller, Wellington 
Markley, Henry Miller, Augustus Marquet, George 
Mull, Peter Mini, Joseph G. Moers, William Maeck, 
William R. Noll, Philip Presser, Isaac R. Palm, Ed- 
ward Rogers, Cyrus H. Richards, (Jeorge Ribble, 
William Shunk, (ieorge Shitz, Joseph Shunk, Isaac 
Strunk, William JI. Savage, Jesse Shelly, Samuel 
Shultz, Augustus W. Straub, William Treat, William 
E. Ubill, Charles Williams, Josiph Wilson, Charles 
Wannamacher, Henry Wisler, Isaac Winters, David 
B. Wann, Jonathan Woomer. 

COMPANY B. 

Captain, Samuel Harner. 

First Lieutenant, Franklin Till. 

Second Lieutenant, George S. Rowbotham. 

First Sergeant, Henry Corbit. 

Sergeants: Peter Shearer, Eli J. Boughter, George 
W. Angstall, Leonard Getz. 

Corporals : Adam Truckenmiller, John Keiser, 
John Lord, William Arnold, Daniel Graef}', 
(1st), Henry Lutz, Lewis J. White, Theodore 
Parker. 

Musicians : William Till, Jacob Snyder. 
Fr'watea. — John C. Angstatt, Albert Angstatt, Philip 
Arnold, Henry Bechtel, Lafiiyette Bright, Alexander 
Bridegam, Samuel Bore, Henry Brouch, Jonathan W. 
Butz, Charles J. Bops, Nathan Bitting, Rudolph 
Bentz, Philip L. De Haven, Daniel J. Dellet, William 
Drexler, Benjamin Dume, David J... Evans, John Ege, 
Whitaker Eachus, Henry C. Eagleman, James A. 
Pager, John A. Fahrbach, Joseph Freese, Daniel 
Graeff, (2d), Lsrael Goodman, John Gruse, Albert 
Gross, Isaac Harvey, Samuel Houck, .lohn Hunter, 
Thomas Humphreys, Julius A. Hawk, John C. Hott- 
man, Henry Humma, William Hill, Enos Hoffman, 
Barnheart Harpst, Henry Jones, Charles Kulp, Wil- 
liam Kuser, John Keller, Reuben Keller, John Kep- 
hart, Frederick N. Krebs, Harrison Khole, Edward 
J. Leedoni, Walter Levan, Aaron Leas, William 
Miltimore, John H. Metzger, Joseph Miller, Peter 
Price, Levi H. Printz, Peter C^uaring, John Ray, John 
Rhoads, Nathan D. Rohrbach, Levi B. Rodgers, Si- 
mon H. Stout, Adam J. Shaaber (1st), George Stout)»j 
Francis Schadell, Adam Shaaber (2d), Jacob Sehlos- 
ser, Jonathan Shearer, Peter Stout, Peter Suell, John 
Vanleer, John Wamsher, Thomas Woodward, George 
Weidner, Christian Winter, Charles Younger. 
COMr.iNY c. 

Captains: .lohn E, Arthur (pro. to licut.-eol. 
July 6, 1803), Darius G. Rhoads. 



First Lieutenants: Francis R. Schmucker (pro. to 
adjt. July 6, 1863), Allen Kutz. 

Secoud Lieutenant, George J. Eckert. 

Fir.st Sergeant, Jacob K. Sterrett. 

Sergeants: Edward Scull, .lohn Reck, Henry Van 
Reed, John R. Kaucher. 

Corporals : Joseph W. Richards, George E. Hoak, 
Hiester H. Muhlenberg, Joseph T. Valen- 
tine, Thomas C. Zimmerman, Mahlon Shaab- 
er, .lacob Knabb, Samuel S. Adler. 

Musicians : William H. Raser, Elhannen 
Schmucker. 
Prioates. — John W. .Vuchenbauch, Wellington 
Adams, Charles B. Ansert, Francis M. Banks, Adani 
Bard, John L. Barnes, William H. Bartlett, Jerome 
L. Boyer, Edward Brobst, John E. Bubp, T. Y'ardly 
Brown, Franklin C. Butz, Thomas Deem, William P. 
Dickinson, Albert R. Durham, C. Wheeler Durham, 
Henry S. Eckert, Harrison R. Epier, Samuel C. 
Ermentrout, Charles H. Fehr, John Foos, Frederick 
A. Fox, William J. Frame, William H. German, 
Henry A. Gertz, William E. Good, Enoch E. Greas- 
simer, Samuel A. Groff, James P. Hale, John 
Hartsler, Francis A. Harner, Henry Hartman, Oliver 
P. Hause, John S. Hiester, George Holenbach, Geo. 
W. Hughes, Frederick S. Hunter (pro. to q.m.-sergt. 
July U, 18G3), Henry C. Jones, D. Y'oung Jones, J. E. 
Jones, Jona. Jones, Elijah F.Keever, Amos K. Kline, 
Michael Kegrize, Theodore A. Lambert, Charles A. 
Leopold, William S. Maderra, .John A.Marquett, Levi 
Maltzberger, James P. Mathews, Samuel C. Mayei-, 
John Miltimore, John McGee, Franklin D. Nagle, 
James Nicholson, Benjamin T. Owen, Charles Palm, 
George Rank, John H. Rankin, George E. Reeser, Wil- 
liam D. Reeser, Lewis Richards, Charles A. Ringle, 
Henry Rorick, Charles H. Scheafl'er, Isaac Shreader, 
John S. Shreoder, William Shreoder, Andrew 
Shaaber, Edwin Shalter, Henry W. Shingle, Llewel- 
lyn Spohn, William H. Spang, Abner K. StautTer, 
Jones 0. Thomas, J. Warren Tryon, Julius A. Von 
Bon Horst, George F. Wells, William M. Wells, Ed- 
ward Wilkinson, Howard Witman, Charles H. Zeiber, 
George P. Zeiber. 

COMI'.\XY D. 

Captain, William D. Smith. 

First Lieutenant, Harrison Maltzberger. 

Second Lieutenant, Jesse Orr. 

First Sergeant, Samuel Parvin. 

Sergeants: William H. Parker, James Reck, 

Jacob H. Apgar, Jacob L. Fritz. 
Corporals : Washington Root, ^\'illiam Templin, 
George W. Armstrong, Henry E. Lewis, 
Daniel Bitler, Simon W. Moyer, William 
Rylands, Simon S. Sands. 
Musician, Daniel McLane. 
Privates. — .Tohn Albright, Elijah Bull, Howard 
Beard, Jacob Blankenbeiler, Webster B. Bnimbaeh, 
William H. Bitler, Aaron Burns, Michael J. Bitler 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



317 



Thumas Brown, Reuben Brady, Valentine Burns, 
Franklin C. Brendlinger, George Cox, Theodore 
Deysher, Thomas Espensliade, John Ellwauger, 
Christian KUwanger, Thomas W. Frescolni, Charles 
R. Gilmore, Nathan Gross, Matthias Geist, Benjamin 
Hargreaves, Isaac Havvn, Elhannan Havvu, John 
Hass, Abraham Homan James R. Homau, John G. 
Houck, John Hartz, William K. Kepner, Harman 
Keely, Samuel H. Keich, Abraham B. Latshaw, Jacob 
Leh, Abiah S. Mohr, Isaac S. Mover, John B. 
Maxson, John Miller, George S. March, Ir- 
win L. Miller, Jacob H. Major, Nathan 
Michner, Henry C. Meredith, Jacob Miesee, 
John O. Myce, James Oneil, Mahlon B. Pott, John 
Peace, Abraham Quigg, Jacob E. Rehrer, Henry 
Rehrer, Franklin Royer, William W. Rhoads, Jacob 
S. Reifsnyder, Lyman Ruth, Daniel C. Roth, Samuel 
Rapp, Lewis W. Reigner, Oliver N. Shingle, John H. 
Spittler, Samuel Sponagle, William Switzer, Charles 
Switzer, Hugh Swift, Zenas M. Savage, Eli Scarlet, 
Henry Slichter, David Slichter, Edward Samuel, 
James E. Templin, Charles Turner, Aaron R. Viven, 
John A. S. Worman, William H. Weidner, George 
Waiiger, Henry W. Westley, John Wallace, Freder- 
ick Wittich. 

COMPANY E. 

Captain, John McKnight. 

First Lieutenant, Henry D. Markley. 

Second Lieutenant, Edwin L. Mull. 

First Sergeant, William T. Hain. 

Sergeants : Samuel R. Markley, Abraham U. 
Hain, Francis M. Jones, Thomas (4. Hill. 

Corporals: Albert Ritter, Augustus Garber, Ed- 
ward C. Eben, George R. Maltzberger, Au- 
gustus Moser, William S. Yocum, Samuel R. 
Depplen, Samuel Stackhouse. 

Musicians : George W. Young, Daniel A. Boas. 
Privates. — Henry W. Adams, Charles C. Briner, 
Cyrus Bitner, William A. Borrell, Alfred F. Bertram, 
Daniel F. Bressler, Henry F. Beckley, John B. Bau- 
man, George H. Bucher, Joseph Blankhorn, Rogers 
Clark, David Dehart, John Dunn, James W. Earl, 
James A. Fegely, Adam L. Fisher, Samuel M. Gring, 
Isaac S. Gerhart, Hezekiah K. Gaul, Peter R. Grimes, 
Alfred Glaze, Thomas Geiger, Francis H. Hinner- 
shotz, John H. Hemmig, Alexander L. Hiester, Chas. 
A. Hildebrand, George M. Hain, Charles H. Heila- 
man, Peter Y. Heckman, Leo J. Hess, Anthony W. 
Heller, Cyrus Hughes, Morris Helmes, Horace Longe- 
necker, William D. Lambert, Daniel Lerch, Gustavus 
Lundt, John Leese, Benneville H. Miller, Albert J.^ 
Mason, John H. Machmer, Adam S. Miller, Franklin 
Menkhous, Charles Newkirk, Francis Ott, Moses M. 
Price, John A. Rush, Cyrus H. Rothenberger, Lewis 
Ruth, Lawrence Ressler, James A. Renfrew, William 
R. Sallade, Daniel Shaefter, Henry H. Sharman, Jef- 
ferson B. Sherk, Theodore R. Stackhous, James H. 
Summons, David G. Steinruck, William Umbenhauer, 



Daniel R. Van Reed, Anthony Wagner, Alexander 
Werner (pro to sergt.-maj. July fi, lSfi.3), Lawrence 
Wetman, Jared G. Yernall, John S. Zeller. 

COMPANY K. 

Captains: Bently H. Smith (pro. to maj. July 6, 
18G3), John M. Barclay. 

First Lieutenant, J. Henry Well.s. 

Second Lieutenant, Mordecai E. Morris. 

First Sergeant, George M. Shingle. 

Sergeants : Edward W. De Haven, Thomas Kurtz, 
Joseph M. Jackson, Jonathan Gray. 

Corporals : Benjamin Witmau, Joseph F. Moore, 
Joseph J. Rogers, David J. Bruner, George 
H. Brinley, Smith A. McCord, Ephraim E. 
James, Henry H. Dengler. 

Musician, Howard McCord. 
Privates. — Henry Ames, David R. Byler, Lewis 
Boyd, Jacob Bender, Jacob Benner, George S. Broad- 
bent, George Clingaman, Samuel T. Cochel, William 
Derr, George Deichly, David Davis, Sampson Dain, 
William Everhart, John Goodman, James Gillespie, 
William (iillespic, George Geiger, Benjamin Griffith, 
Leonard Garman, Milton Z. Geiger, Jacob S. Hughes, 
James Henry, Clark Heatherly, Lemon Hamilton, 
George Haas, Edward Hawk, (Jeorge Hart, Edward 
Hadley, J. Allen James, John Long, .lohn Morris, 
Robert L. Morgan, William H. Marsh, Conrad 
Marks, William Mattus, Washington Myers, Daniel 
Piersol, Josejih Parker, George Plank, Peter E. 
Plank, Samuel Plank, Jacob B. Retten, William W. 
Ridgway, Elijah B. Retten, William Simmers, John 
Spencer, Robert G. Smith, Frank Shingle, David 
Sands, John Sheeler, Smith Talbot, Peter Triretts, 
Bentley West. .\mos Witman, George A. Wolf, Sam- 
uel Walley, Westley Wilson, Isaac Westley, Isaiah 
Westley, Thomas Witman, Slater Yocum. 

COMPANY G. 
Captain, Samuel A. Haines. 
First Lieutenant, William S. Hollenbach. 
Second Lieutenant, John A. Moyer. 
First Sergeant, George H. Gerrett. 
Sergeants: Samuel W. Zeiber, Adam S. Hol- 
lenbach, Cyrus J. Hunter, Samuel A. Len- 
hart. 
Corporals: Penrose W. Mengle, Llewellyn 
Kaufman, Alfred F. Haas, Tillman Keinard, 
Franklin Ludwig, Joseph H. Tobias, Charles 
Murphy, Mahlon Baker. 
Musicians: Samuel I. Kaufman, Franklin Saul. 
Privates. — John W. Anderson, Jonathan Anderson, 
Daniel B. Altenderfer, Samuel Bell, .\aroii S. Boyer, 
Cyrus Butler, William Boar<ls, James Butler, Volney 
Bell, James Baum, George N. Bucks, Franklin Clark, 
Jacob Clay, Gabriel Ege, George Gernaut, James 
Gambler, John H. Gehret, Alexander Glassmyer, 
Howard Gift, Randolf Goodman, Aaron R. Hahn, 
William A. Himelrich, Jacob R. Hill, William 



318 



IILSTORV OF BEIIK.S COUNTV, PEXNSYLVAXIA. 



Herbst, John K. Howden, John S. HoUenbach, Jacob 
Hill, Simon Haines, John Johenning, Leonard 
Koucher, Josiah Kerns, Charles M. Ketner, James 
Koeh, Charles Kerns, Amos Kaufman, Samuel Kauf- 
man, Jacob Kemp, Thomas R. Keim, William Leib, 
Jacoli Minard, Jeremiah Meiigle, Joseph Martz, John 
Moll, Charles S. Mohr, Jacob J. Jlohr, Isaac Markes, 
George Medler, Wilson R. Merkle, Jeremiah S. Pas- 
sin, Jacob Phillips, William F. Rode, Augustus 
Rickenbach, James Rickenbaeli, Reuben Ricken- 
baeh, Jacob Reel, Jacob JI. Rahn, William Rahn, 
Lewis Rahn, Frederick Road, Thomas J. Rapp, 
Monroe Reber, John S. Rothermel, George S. Reber, 
Chas. S. Reber, Levi Snyder, William H. Staudtler, 
James Shell, Josiah Stock, Lewis Smith, Daniel B. 
Stoudt, John H. Wise, Franklin Williams, George R. 
Wiley, David Warer, David Wliiskeymen, Jacob S. 
Yoder, Henry Zweyer, Allen Zeiber. 

COMPANY H. 

Captain, John Obold. 

First Lieutenant, James H. Trexler. 

Second Lieutenant, D. Horace Schall. 

First Sergeant, John B. Fair. 

Sergeants: George J. Obenhauser, David Lingle, 
Aaron S. Wright, Daniel D. Lerch. 

Corporals: Peter Betz, Hiram Evans, Jacob S. 
Mover, Alfred Stewart, Milton Roy, Richard 
W. Watkinson, James O'Neill, Irvin G. Sey- 
fert. 

Musicians: John W. Roy, Thomas Wall. 
FrinifeK. — Conrad Anthony, Frederick Aeichler, 
Lewis Arsell, James H. Bender, Charles Bronschat, 
Joseph Briner, John D. Bans, Alfred D. Boas, Wm. 
B. Bechtol, James Dunkin, Charles Derr. William 
Edinger, Peter Edinger, .Tacob Everhardinger, Frank- 
lin Eisenhart, William Evans, Philip Egle, George 
Eisenbeis, Jacob Fry, Henry Fry, Bently Fry, Lewis 
Fry, Jacob Fehr, Jared Hover, Lewis Haberacker, 
A loam Heifer, Frederick Heifer, John Huber, Sam- 
ncl r>. Jones, Evan James, Edward Kleh, Darlington 
Kulp, .fohn Keller, Reuben Kissinger, Augustus Kis- 
singer, Lewis H. Kaufman, Samuel Kissig, Jacob H. 
Kunsman, Joseph Leilrook, Joseph Moyer, John 
Medlar, William Jlohr, Michael Mutter, Peter Null, 
Hiram Nachbrieb, Zacharias Oswald, Peter F. Phil 
lippi, Henry Row, Charles Ruth, Daniel Reed, Jacob 
S. Rahn, Aaron Randall, Henry W. Rhodes, John 
Staab, John Sweimler, Alfred Spears, John C. Smith, 
Henry T. Stauft'er, William Spohn, Samuel Shelwer- 
dine, Cornelius Trollinger, Harrison Thomas, Nathan 
Whitney, Edward B. Willeston, Samuel W. Wise, 
Henry W. Wentzel, Nehemiah Willits, Walter Waid, 
John Westly, William Weiler, James Yergey, Geo. 
Yeager. 

COMPANY I. 

Captains: Edward Bailey (pro. to Q. M., July 6-, 

1863), Franklin B. Kern. 
First Lieutenant: Jared Schwanger. 



Second Lieutenant: John White. 

First Sergeant: George Rotz. 

Sergeants: James Thompson, Davis K. Irey, 
William Seidel, Charles Miller. 

Corporals : George B. Kupp, Thomas E. Conner, 
Thomas Surlcs, Frederick R. Lindecukle, 
John .\lderman, Charles Rattew, John Sea- 
boldt, Jr., James M. Ellis. 

Musician: W'illiam Nagle. 
Privates. — Michael Albright, Ammon Albright, 
Henry A. Beitencup, Levi Bush, David Boyer, Chas. 
Bland, Jas. Bridegam, Zachary Bishop, Geo. Bower, 
Samuel Bower, Thomas Carlin, Thomas Care, Levi 
Cramp, Henry Care, William Cadwalader, Albert 
Deeds, Jos. Dilcamp, Samuel Fair, Harrison Firing, 
Charles Glass, Allen Grnbb, Lewis Grant, George W. 
Gilbert, Emanuel Grnbb, Henry Honck, William 
Herner, William Hawkins, Franklin Hole, Henry 
Heims, Henry Hook, Samuel Harrison, Price Hort- 
man, Elam D. Hook, Henry Hahn, Jas. B. A. Irwin, 
George Irey, Lewis H. Ingram, Francis B. Jones, 
Perry Jones, Henry Kline, Samuel Kring, David 
Kline, Benjamin F. Kupp, John Keinard, Wm. Kern, 
Joseph R. Kerst, Harrison Lichlley, John Lacey, 
Samuel Leighton, Richard T. Leaf (pro. to com.-sergt. 
July 0, 1SG3), Isaac Moore, George Moore, Samuel 
.Moore, Raymon Moore, William Morris, James Mc- 
MuUin, Peler McMuUin, Samuel McCallicher, James 
Paice, John Rodgers, Henry Poe, Caleb K. Rhoads, 
Peter Root, George Shirey, (ieorge Spotts, William 
Shirey, George Stonemetz, Jacob Z. Stametz, Samuel 
Turner, William B. Trace, Ch:irles Vanderslice, Jas. 
Wert, James Voder, .luhri Veager. 

CU.MPANY K. 

Captain: John Deppen. 

First Lieutenant: (Jeorge M. Moyer. 

Second Lientenant: John A. Fidler. 

Fir.st Sergeant : John L. Seibert. 

Sergeants : James E. Moore, William Hunious, 

John L. Sharpp, Franklin Fidler. 
Corporals : Franklin Shartle, Jno. Sallada, Adam 
Deppen, John Kendall, John Filbert, Ste- 
phen Barge, George Yost, George Taylor. 
Musicians: John F. Petree, George Valentine. 
Prieutes. — Peter .-Vlthouse, James Anderson, H. 
William Anderson, John Arnold, Nathan Berkbokler, 
.lohn Bennethun, John Clouse, Jos. Depi)en, Frank- 
lin Filbert, Michael Filbert, Richard Fisher, John 
Grimes, Levi Heddinger, Jacob Hosier, John Jen- 
nings, Mathias Kalbach, David Kiebach, Charles 
.Kintzer, James Krick, Monroe Kintzer, Isaac Kling- 
ler, Henry Kerns, Josiah Leininger, John N. Levy, 
George F. Jliller, John A. Mathew, Henry Mathias, 
John Mathias, Joseph H. Miller, Jacob McCormick, 
Lucius Potteiger, Abraham Patfenberger, George 
Reinoehl, Cyrus Raber, Charles Smith, Adam K. 
Strunk, Amos Stoudt, Daniel B. Sohl, Albert Seig- 
fried, Gotleib Schwartz, Charles Schaem, William 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



319 



Scharff, Richard Sohl, Henry Taylor, Simon Voneida, 
Charles Weigaman, Elias Yonson. 

COMPANY G, OF FORTY-EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

(Regiment organized July 2-8, 1863; discharged 
August 26, 1863.) 

Joseph G. Holmes, captain. 

Edward F. Smith, first lieutenant. 

Wm. R. Smith, second lieutenant. 

Joseph 1j. Hay ward, first sergeant. 

Sergeants : Nathan Bear, George R. Hamilton, 
Henry F. Isett, Madison K. Smith. 

Corporals: Anthony Biekle, Franklin Dorward, 
Reuben S. Hcekman, Jert\miah Cronan, Ja- 
cob R. Epler, John Hardy, Wallace R. Shol- 
lenberger, Charles Smith. 

Musicians: Daniel Saul, Thomas C. B. Diehl, 
Jeremiah Meinder. 
Prina/ey.—Wm. H. Bierman, Wm. Bright, Chas. W. 
Baum, Amos Billman, Allied Billman, William Ber- 
ger, Samuel Buttorweck, P:itrick Baney, Gideon 
Bower, Daniel B. Bechtel, William Hoards, Jacob L. 
Casper, Isaac P. Cresswell, Edward E. Derr, William 
Derrick, Samuel K. Epler, Nathan K. Epler, Henry 
N. Epler, Samuel Esterline, Peter Eighe, John L. 
Espenshade, James W. Francis, Samuel J. Fry, Ben- 
jamin Fink, James A. Fasig, George Graul, Warren 
C. Guldin, Joseph D. Good, John Q. Geiger, Benja- 
min Garets, Daniel Greenawald, George Garvin. 
Henry Gensemcr, Lewis Gardner, John D. Hiller, 
Samuel Hill, George Hinkel, William Haas, Joseph 
F. Isett, Leonard Kochel, Lewis Kertz, William 
Kline, Martin Killian, John Kline, Jacob Long, Elias 
Lins, Joel Lins, Peter A. Lautz, James J. Leibensper- 
ger, Henry D. Moyer, John D. Moyer, Geo. Messer- 
smith, Gustavus A. Miller, Isaac Mengel, Levi W. 
Neischwender, Simon Ritter, Samuel Rowland, Wil. 
liam Ree.se, John Reed, Wm. H. Shirey, James G. 
Smith, Charles Shollenberger, John M. ShoUeuberger, 
Henry W. Shollenberger, Perry E. Strasser, Henry 
A. Schmeck, Henry A. Swoyer, William Scheiver, 
Henry Schoch, Franklin Teed, John J. Ulmer, Wil- 
liam H. Williams, Franklin E. Willman, John Wil- 
liams, Har. Wannamacher, Jacob Wertly. 

COMPANIES A ANIl I! OF FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 

(Regiment organized July 2-13, 1863; discharged 
August 18-20, 1863). 

COMPANY A. 

Richmond L. Jones, captain. 

Henry M. Keim, first lieutenant. 

Henry R. Adams, second lieutenant. 

Coleman Wynn, first sergeant. 

Sergeants: Van Ransler Barnliart, Matthias Mc- 
Elwee, James Hughes, John McGowan. 

Corporals : John Maurer, Isaac Hosier, Francis 
Ray, Thomas Fi.x, James Hampshire, Wil- 
liam Zeller, Marquis D. L. Adams, William 
Good. 

Musicians: Robert Miller, George Neidly. 



Privates. — Isaac Albright, James Amnions, Eli 
Becker, Hiram F. Bickel, Theodore Breedy, John 
Breedy, Samuel Bechtel, Rastnius Behrle, Henry 
Care, Jacob Dampman, James Dampman, .John W. 
Divers, Cornelius Egge, John H. Eiricli, Samuel En- 
glehart, Nathan Evans, George W. Evans, Herman 
Eberhart, Peter Fry, John Griffith, Jacob Hughes, 
.foseph Hughes, William W. Helfiich, Thomas Ja- 
cobs, Charles H. Jackson, Amos S. Keller, Isaac 
Krick, George Krick, William Knauer, Henry Long, 
Elijah Miller, William Moyer, Levi Miller, Charles 
Nagle, Charles Nell, Samuel O'Boyle, James Parla- 
man, George F. Roethcr, Isaac F. Ruth, Oliver Rich- 
ards, Henry Redman, Charles Rothenberger, .\dam 
Sutzinger, James Sanders, Henry Smith, Daniel 
Swartz, John Solladi, Samuel Stoneback, Juliu 
Schnable, Henry Stoudt, John Sponagle, EliScIuialile, 
Jidui S. Ulrich, .\llred B. Werner, Levi S. Whitman, 
William Wolf, Levi Werner, William Werner, Reu- 
ben Werner, Samuel C. Wagner, Isaac Wann, Henry 
1). Welsh, George Wittich, Charles Windbidler, .Ja- 
cob Zellor, Henry Zellor.Samuel Zimmerman, Charles 
/.immerinan. 

COMPANY B. 

.Jacob Lehman, captain. 

Richard Warner, first lii utenant. 

Walton K. Ilagey, second lieutenant. 

.James E. Teed, first sergeant. 

Sergeants: Frank Goble, Jacob Holl, William 
H. Worley, Thomas A, Dunkle. 

Corporals : Franklin V. Schoener, Aaron S. 
Yoder, Isaac B. Yeakle, Samuel K. Boyer, 
Charles A. Golden, Vincent Jetikins, Calvin 
Whitner, Daniel Hertzog. 

Musicians : Edward T. Durell, Samuel Lotz. 
l'rimilr.1. — Henry A. S. Althouse, Thomas Algaier, 
Cyrus H. Ahrens, Marcus Boyer, Robert L. Bland, 
William Bowman, G. Benton Beaver (in-o. to hos. 
steward July G. 1863), Ezra B. Bertolette, James M. 
Bertolette, Peter Brenner, Samuel Bridegam, William 
R. Boyer, Samuel B. Becker, Obadiah F. Clouser, 
Hiram K. Cleaver, Samuel K. Cleaver, William H. 
Derr, Jacob G. Ehrst, Henry P. Ebliug, Aaron M. 
Francis, Isaac B. Fretz, Joseph Gorgas, William B. 
Gorgas, Daniel D. Guildin, Daniel Herbst, Franklin 
Houck, Hamilton Houck, Henry G. llertzog, Adolph 
Krauskopf, George H. Kunsman, Jerome J. Kline, 
David R. Kline, William Lutz, Darius F. Ludwig, 
James Laucks, Henry G. Landis, John A. Musser, 
Jefferson H. Muthard, Philip Miller, Thomas M. 
O'Brien, Jr. (pro- to com.-sergt. July 6, 1863), Thomas 
Poft'man, George Pollhamus, James Rodman, Dallas 
J. Shoener, Thomas A. Spittler, Henry Schartz, Ja- 
(•ob D. Schollenberger, Joel R. Sayers, Madison 
Salladi, Alexander H. Siegel, Frederick Sager, James 
A. Schofield, Oilman Worley, Samuel Weaver, Henrv 
Z. Yerger, Francis Zeiber, David Zimmerly. 



320 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



INDEPENDENT ARTILLERY. 

(Mustered in July 3, 1803; rlischarged August 26, 
1S(;3). 

William C. Ermeiitrout, captaia. 

First Lieutenants, Daniel Kreisher, Jeremiah 
Seider. 

Second Lieutenants, Levi .(. Homan, C. Oscar 
Wagner. 

First Sergeant, Edward H. Shearer. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant, William Rapp. 

Sergeants, Francis Rambo, Henry A. Hinner- 
shitz, William W. Bowers, Frederick H. 
Phillippi, Jacob Womert, Joseph C. Ermen- 
trout. 

Corporals, Henry Opperman, William Harman, 
William Deas, Nicholas Lott, Joseph Rorke, 
Otto Mellert, Aaron Deem, William H. 
Thomas, William Logwood, Benneville Ear- 
good, Aaron Roland, Eli W. Jones. 

Buglers, Stephen Sehl, Henry High. 

Artificers, John 0. Brown, John Gchring, Charles 
Nemis, Detrich Wittich.John Winters. 

Farrier, Albert G. Miller. 
Privates. — Washington Ambriester, Philip Burkert. 
William J. Bobst, Henry Bowman, Joel K. Babb, 
Richard Burkert, Michael Bright, Jacob Blind, John 
Bechtel, Henry Call, John F. Coller, Lewis Clouser, 
Cornelius De Hart, Kilyeon G. Dunkle, Jeffer.son 
Dengler, Aaron H. Donkle, Aaron Dease, William H, 
Engle, Charles H. Ebbert, Peter Eyler, Nicholas Ear- 
good, Mahlon R. Fox, Joseph W. Fair. William Flem- 
ing, Jacob Freymoyer, Joshua Faust, Aaron CJrautz, 
(,'harles W. Gebhard, Augustus Gechter, Reuben Gruff, 
John Gilbert, .\mos Graul, Peter K. Good, Albert H. 
Goodcnough, Johnson Grandle, Jacob (Jnau, John 
Hell, George D. Hofl'master, Charles Herbein, Samuel 
Hott'master, Nathan Hawk, James Hafer, Franklin 
Hartman, John Homan, Jacob F. Hunter, Peter W. 
Helfrich, Daniel Hartman, Francis Habrich, Jarius 
Herlig, Rudolph High. Henry Jennings, 'William H. 
.lennings, Peter Koch, Lewis Kellner, James Kutz, 
John Kepley,|Chas. H. Keeler, Benj. F. Kalbach, Fred. 
Kern, Daniel Levan(lst), Daniel Levan (2d), Thomas 
P. Lee, (xeorge A. Levan, Wm. D. Liveugood, Dallas 
Jjeinbach, Godfrey Lutz, Jonas Lessig, Jediah Miller, 
George A. Massano, Christian Miller, John Mitchell, 
William Mell, William Miller, Lewis Moore, Jacob A. 
Miller, Geo. Neihart, Geo. Neff, Henry W. Newcomet, 
Isaac W. Newcomet, Fred. Printz, James.Printz, Nich. 
Frank. Phillipson, Rhoads, Geo. Roland, H. Roland, 
J. Ruth, Isaac Rohrbach, J. Reichart, Hiram Ritcr, 
David Rhein, John H. Rusk, David Seider, Benjamin 
Sterling, William Schaffer, George W. Shar|)less, 
Enoch Sailor, Peter A. Shitlor, Joseph B. Stauffcr, 
Henry Spohn, Theodore F. H. Sey fert, H. B. Schmeck, 
Franklin Schaffer, Jacob Sanders, William Toole, 
John Taylor, George Weber, Jacob F. Weinhard. 
Daniel H. Weutzel, Jeremiah H. Wentzel, Henry 



Wunder, Daniel W. Weida, Simon Yerger, Francis 
Yocum, Henry Yeager, John F. Zeigle, Samuel 
Zacharias. 

ONK HrNDREO DAY.s' SERVICE. 

The following four companies from Berks 
Coiintv were in tiie one hundred diys' service, 
having been enlisted in July, 18(i4 : 

Company I, 194th Regt., Capt. Henry E. Quimby. 

Company A, l!).5th Regt., Capt. Henry D. Markley. 

Company B, 195th Regt., Capt. Harrison Maltz- 
berger. 

Company I, IWJth Regt., Capt. George O. Row- 
botham. 

ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-FOURTH REGIMENT. 

This regiment was recruited in ten counties 
of the State — Company I having been from 
Berks County. It was organized at Camp 
Cartin on July 22, 1864, with the following 
field officers : James Nagle, colonel ; Richards 
M'Michael, lieutenant colonel ; O.scar D. Jen- 
kins, major. On the day of its organization it 
moved for Baltimore, and upon its arrival there 
it went into camp in Mankin's Woods. About 
the 1st of September the I'cginient moved to Camp 
Carroll, a mile .southwest of the city, on the line 
of the Baltimore and ( )hio Railroad. Company I 
and five other companies of the regiment were 
stationed at various points in the city for pro- 
vost duty. Details from the remaining com- 
panies, to serve as escorts and guards to rebel 
prisoners on their way through the city to 
places of confinement, and for recruits destined 
for the front, were being constantly made as 
long as the regiment remained in service. At 
the expiration of its term the scattered detach- 
ments were called in, and it proceeded to Har- 
risburg, where, on the 6th of November, it was 
mustered out. 

Col. RicHAhMis McMi(H.\Ei, is of Scotch- 
Irish ancestry. His gnindfather emigrated from 
Ireland and .settled in Berks County over one 
hundred years ago. His father, John Mc- 
ATichael, was born in this county August 27, 
177"), and in 17!lt) married to Ann Mat^kin.sou, 
who was born November 12, 1779. They had 
issue, — James, born 1800; Naomi, 1801 ; Isaac, 
180:5; Alfred, 1805 ; An.lrew, 1810; Richards, 
February 21, 1816 ; and Obed, 1818. 

Richards McMiciiMci is a native of Robeson 
township, Berks County. He j)a.sscd his youtii 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



321 



at home till liis lif'toeiitli year, goiug to school 
and assisting occasionally at farming, and then 
entered the carpenter-shop appurtenant to Jo- 
anna Furnace, in the township named, as an ap- 
prentice. After continuing there for some years 
he removed to I^iancaster County, and at the 
Counovvingo Furnace carried on his trade for 
several years. lu 1837, and for a short time 
afterwards, he was employed at the Scluiylkill 
Furnace, near Hamburg, and tlien at the Jo- 



burgh, as Conipany A, Second Regiment Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers. On January 7th he was 
ajipointed sergeant-major, and in September fol- 
lowing he was promoted to second lieutenant. 
He participated with his company in every en- 
gagement from the surrender of Vera Cruz to 
the taking of the (nite of Belen, when the vic- 
torious army entered the famous capital of 
Mexico, having distinguished himself upon 
several occasions by remarkable courage in fierce 




,::^^k^eW^ ^/:fM^.cJ^X£^ 



anna Furnace. In LSo!) he settled at IJeading, 
and here he has resided since. His first em- 
ployment was with Dotterer & Darling, found- 
ers, etc., as a pattern-ma kez', and afterwards with 
Adam Johnson, in the same vocation, till 1846. 
The Mexican War having then been begun, and lie 
having becMi a member of the Reading Artiller- 
ists, commanded by Capttiin Thomas Leoser, a 
company which had offered its services to the 
national government, he enlisted and went with 
his company to Mexico. The company was 
mustered into service January 5, 1847, at Pitts- 



aud dcstrut'tivc hand-to-hand conflicts with the 
enemy.' Alter the severe engagement which 
occurred just before the capture of the city of 
Mexico many of his comrades lay sick and 
woinided in a hospital. He was a daily visitor, 
carrying fruit to them and ministering in various 
ways to relieve their wants and make them 
comfortable. In this he showed the true nobil- 
ity of a brave heart. And his kindness was 
highly appreciated, for the members of the 



'See chapter on Mexican War. 



HISTORY OF BERKS COTTNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



company presented him with a sword as a tes- 
timonial of their regard. On November 5th 
he was elected major of iiis regiment by a very 
complimentary vote, but owing to misrepresent- 
ations he was never commissioned. He was 
mustered out of service Mith his company at 
Pittsburgh, on July 5, 1848, and returned with 
it to Reading. 

Upon his rcturu humc he was employed at 
Jolinston's foundry till 1851, and then in the 
Philadelpiiia and Reading Railroad Co.'s j)at- 
tern-shop till 18C1. Siiortly after iiis return he 
was elected brigade inspector of militia, and 
filled this office very creditably for nine years. 
When the ( 'ivil AVnr began he at first assisted 
generally in organizing volunteer companies at 
Reading, and then proceeiled to Harrisburg 
with the Ringgold Light Artillery, his duty 
as brigade ins[)ector requiring him to see that 
all tlie companies in his brigade were at the place 
of rendezvous, wiiere he was placed in com- 
mand of the arsenal asdiiefof ordnance. He 
held this position until the latter part of April, 
when the first quota of Pennsylvania (fifteen 
regiments) was filled, and in the organization of 
the Fourteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers he was elected lieutenant-colonel. He 
served with the regiment three mouths. At the 
close of this service he was api)ointed lieutenant- 
colonel by Governor Curtiu for the three years' 
service and mustered in with the Fifty-third 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and he 
continued with this regiment for nearly three 
years, when, owing to sickness, he was obliged to 
resign his commission, and he was honorably 
discharged upon a surgeon's certificate May I'J, 
1864. Whilst with this regiment its officers 
presented to him a fine sword and sash as a 
mark of their esteem for his kindly, courteous 
disposition, and for his ability and bravery in 
the performance of his duties. Shortly after- 
ward, July 24, 1864, upon regaining his health, 
he joined the One Hundred and Ninety-fourth 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers in the one 
hundred days' service and was elected lieutenant- 
colonel. His superior officer was Colonel James 
Nagle, who had been in the Mexican War as 
captain of Company A, First Regiment Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers. After the expiration of 



this term he was mustered out, and upon his re- 
turn to Reading appointed deputy provost-mar- 
shal of this district. He served this position 
till tlie close of the war and then resumed his 
trade as a ])attern-raaker in the employ of the 
Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company. 
He has continued in this vocation till now, 
having held the position of foreman since. 

In [jolitics Colonel IMcMichael was formerly 
a Whig. He became a Republican upon the 
inception of the Republican party, and he has 
continued his identity with this party ever since. 
In 1878 and agnin in 1880 he received the 
nomination of his party for the Assembly from 
the district of Reading. He is a member of the 
McLean Post, No. 16, G. A. R. By nature he 
is mode.st and retiring. He has been a resident 
of Reading for nearly fifty years, and iiis up- 
right deportment throughout this period lias 
won the high respect of his fellow-citizens. 

He was married, November 11, 1849, to 
Martha Reppard, with the following i.ssue : 
Winfield Scott, Alfred Henry and Naomi, the 
latter being now deceased. 

Company I. — This company was recruited 
at Reading, and unless otlierwise .stated, the 
men were mustered out November 5, 1864. 

Henry E. Quimby, capt., must, in .luly 21, l.%4 ; ab- 
sent at muster out. 
John H. AVilliams, 1st lieut., must, in July 21, ISiU. 
David B. Armstrong, 2d lieut., must, in July 21, 1S04. 
.John B. Tobias, 1st sergt., must, in July 21, 18(34. 
Thomas J. Espenshade, sergt., must, in July 21, IWi-i. 
Heury W. Corbitt, sergt., must, in July 21, 1804. 
Jacob T. Kettering, sergt., must, in July 21, 1SH4. 
Edward S. Ashcom, sergt., must, in July 21, lS(i4; 

pro. from corp. Sept. 6, 1864. 
Charles A. Fagan, sergt., must, in July 21,18(14; 

trans, to 97th Regt. P. V. Sept. (i, lS(i4. 
M. D. Barndollar, corp., must, in July 21, 18(14. . 
J. A. Eichelberger, corp., must, in July 21, 18(34. 
George H. Corbin, corp., must, in July 21, 18(34. 
James R. Homan, corp., must, in July 21, 18(54. 
Samuel D. Williams, corp., must, in July 21, lSi)4. 
Daniel Kilpatrick, corp., nuist. in .Inly 21, lS(i4; i)ro. 

to corp. Sept. il, 18(14. 
Samuel D. Trembath, corp., must, in .luly 21, 18(14; 

pro. to. corp. Sept. (i, 18(34. 
Cyrus Riffle, corp., must, in July 21, 1S(14 ; pro. to 

corp. Sept. (3, 18(>4. 
Thomas P. Lee, Corp., must, in July 21, 18(14; trans. 

to 'J7th Regt. P. V. Sept. (1, lS(i4. 



THE CIVIL WAK. 



328 



John B. Penrod, Corp., must, in July 21, 1864; trans. 

to 97th Regt. P. V. Sept. 6, 1864. 
William Snyder, musician, must, in July 21, 1S64. 
Frank McCoy, musician, must, in .July 21, lS(i4. 

PrlnileK 
Frank M. Amos, must, in .July 21, 1864. 
Joseph JI. Armstrong, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Allison Abbott, must, in July 21, 1S64. 
Jacob Auman, must, in .Tuly 21, 1864. 
.John S. Bechtol, nuist. in July 21, 1864. 
Amos H. Beard, must, in July 21, 1864. 
William G. BarndoUar, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Joseph Bayer, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Jacob S. Biddle, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Jacob S. Baker, must, in .July 21, 1864. 
Harmond Clouse, must, in ,Iuly 21, 1864. 
Per. Chamberlain, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Irvin B. Cleaver, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Fr. W. Cleaveland, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Jacob H. Castner, must, in July 21, 1864 ; trans. Sept. 

6, 1864, organization unknown. 
William Cramer, must, in July 21, 18(i4; trans, to 

il7th Regt. P. V. Sept. 6, 1864. 
Alexander Clark, must, in July 21, 18(;4; trans, to 

97th Regt. P. V. Sept. 6, 1864. 
Benjamin Donaldson, must, in July 21, 1864; trans. 

Sept. 6, 18()4, organization unknown; disch. liy 

G. O. July 22, 1865. 
William Fulton, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Benjamin H. Grove, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Levi M. Gockley, xnust. in July 21, 1864. 
Erastus J. Gump, mu.st. in July 21, 1864. 
Andrew B. Garner, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Thomas G. Garner, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Levi P. Garrett, must, in July 21, 1864; trans, to 

97th Regt. P. V. Sept. 6, 18(i4. 
Washington Hall, must, in .Fuly 21, 1864. 
Samuel G. Hetrick, must, in July 21, 1864. 
William Henershitz, nnist. in July 21, 1864. 
John C. Hamer, must, in July 21, 1864; trans. Sept. 

6, 1864, organization unknown. 
James M. Isett, muat. in July 21, 1864. 
James A. Ib.acli, must, m July 21, 18«;4; trans, to 

97th Regt. P. V. Sept. 6, 1864. 
Thomas Jacobs, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Joseph Jessner, must, in July 21, 18(14; trans, to 

97th Regt. P. V. Sept. 6, 1864. 
F.lijah Kettering, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Samuel B. Kauftman, mu.st. in July 21, 1864; trans. 

to 97th Regt. P. V. Sept. 6, 1864. 
William Leonard, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Joshua T. Lucas, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Daniel Liuderman, must, in July 21, 1864. 
William P. Long, must, in July 21, 1864; trans, to 

97th Regt. P. V. Sept. 6, 1864. 
Frank M. Masters, must, in July 21, 1864. 
William J. Masters, must, in July 21, 1864. 
John Morris, must, in July 21, 1864. 



Henry Myers, must, in July 21, 1864. 

Nelson Moore, must, in July 21, 1864. 

William McMahan, must, in July 21, 1864. 

L. H. Peck, must, in July 21, 1864. 

Henry C. Penrod, must, in July 21, 18(i4; trans, to 

97th Regt. P. V. Sept. 6, 1864. 
William B. Reed, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Simon L. Repogle, must, in .Tuly 21, 1864 
Jacob M. Rahn, must, in July 21, 1864. 
John B. Richards, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Adam S. Ritchey, must, in July 21, 1864; trans, to 

97th Regt. P. V. Sept. (i, 1864. 
John C. Sparks, must, in July 21, 18t)4. 
John Sparks, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Henry Swarts, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Calvin L. Snare, must, in July 21, 1864. 
.John W. Swarts, must, in July 21, 18t)4 ; trans, to 

97th Regt. P. V. Sept. 6, 1864. 
Jacob E. Steeley, must, in July 21, 18(J4 ; trans, to 

97th Regt. P. V. Sept. 6, 1864. 
Augustus Skijjper, must, in July 21, 1SG4. 
Thomas Werts, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Benjamin F. Whitman, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Charles R. Whitehead, must, in July 21, 1864. 
Richard Williams, must, in July 21, 1864. 

ONE Ht'XDREn AND NINETY-FIFTH KEIilMENT. 

Tiiis regiment wa.s principally recruited in 
Lancaster County in July, 1864, to serve for a 
period of one hundred days. It included two 
companies, A and B, from Berks County. It was 
organized at Camp Curtiu, on the 24th of July. 
Oliver C. James, of Company B, was elected 
major. On the day of its organization it pro- 
ceeded to Baltimore. After a halt of three days 
there it moved on to Moiiocacy Junction, where, 
for a period of two months, it was engaged in 
guarding the bridge which spanned the creek, 
and the lines of railway ; and it was thoroughly 
drilled and instructed — for many of the officers 
and men had no previous military training. On 
the 1st of October it proceeded to Berkley- 
County, Went Virginia, and was posted along 
the line of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, 
with headtpiarters at North Mountain Station, 
where it remained till the expiration of its term 
of service. Three hundi'ed of the men re- 
enlisted to serve for one year, who were con.soli- 
date<l in three companies and remained on duty 
under the command of Captain Henry D. 
Mark ley, of Company A ; suhse<juently seven 
other companies were recruited, and they together 
were re-organized as the One Hundred and 
Ninety-fifth Regiment, with Ca|)taiu Marklev 



324 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENXSYLYANIA. 



as major. It performed guard duty at Kable- 
towD, Berryville and Staunton. At the latter 
place tl)e three veteran companies were mustennl 
out in the middle of June, 1865. 

Company A. — This company was recruited 
at Reading, and, unless otherwise stated, the 
men were mustered in July 16, 1864, and mus- 
tered out November 4, 1 864. Those marked with 
a star (*) were transferred to Company A, One 
Hundred and Niuty-fifth (one year) Regiment, 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, November, 1864. 
Captain, Henry D. Markley.* 
First Lieutenant, William H. Krick. 
Second Lieutenant, Samuel Parvin.* 
Fir.st Sergeant, John Moore. 
Sergeants: John Phillips, Martin Wagner,* 

James L. Hess,* Samuel A. GrofT.-' 
Corporals : William Wanner, Gideon F. Egner, 
George Miller, George M. Hain, William 
H. German, Samuel Addison, Thomas Hart,* 
Theodore Dysher.* 
Musicians : Daniel Boas,* Zaehary T. Bittings.* 
Privates. — Conrad Anthony, William A. Archer," 
Henry W. Adams,* William Biehle, Mahlon Boyer, 
Alfred Berkheimer, John L. Bard,* John Bower, 
Amos M. Bonsell, Daniel (Jolc, Daniel L. Carey,* 
Frank Carlton, Edward T. Durell, Benjamin Dunn," 
James B. Davis,* Edward D. Drury, .Tames Darling, 
Lewis Estline, Charles F. Edinger,* (Uiarles Fisher, 
Andrew Fegley, John Fields,* Benjamin Graham, 
John Gretzinger, Joseph Gray, William Good, Wil- 
liam Gottsall, Charles Gallagher,* Jackson Gritner,* 
Henry Hayden, Martin Hiester, Henry J. Horn, 
(ahsent, sick, at muster • out), Amos F. D. 
Hook,* George Harner,* Emanuel Irwin,* Lewis 
I). .lohnson,* Bentley Kutz,* Morgan Miller,* 
Albert J. Mason,* George McCorkhill, Dan- 
iel J. McLean, Levi Nevvphey, George H. Pent, Hi- 
ram Parker, H. M. M. Richards, Daniel Ringler, 
David L. Rittew, Tlioraas Rogers, John Ruth, Thomas 
Richards,"' John Rodgers,* Jasjter H. Rockey (died 
at Relay House, Md., Septendjer 11, 1S()4), Peter 
Smith, Theodore Stackhouse, Joseph H. Seiverd,* 
John Seidle,* Edward Sallada,* Francis Schwinger,* 
Chas. W. Talbot, Franklin Teed, Aaron R. Viven, 
Thonuxs T. Viven, Horace M. Weeks, Frederick Wag- 
ner,* Perry ,1. Waleslagle,* Paul Witmer,* Emanuel 
Weirich. 

Co>rPANY B. — This company was recruited 
at Reading, and, unless otherwise stated, the 
men were mustered in July 16, 1864, and 
mustered out November 4,1864. Those marked 
with a star (*) were transferred to Company A 
One Hundred and Ninety-fifth (one year) Regi- 
ment Pennsylvania Volunteers, November 1864. 



Captain, Harr'n Maltzberger. 

First Lieutenant, James B. Harpser. ' 

Second Lieutenant, Oliver C. James, jiro. to maj. 
July 24, 18G4. 

First Sergeant, John A. Buch, commissioned 2d 
lieut. July 24, 1864 ; not must. 

Sergeants : Jesse Shirey, Peter McManus, Simon 
Buch (pro. to q.m.-sergt. July 24, 1864) Wil- 
liam Ulrich.* 

Corporals : John Wamsher, Chester K. Belding, 
William H. Thomas, John Ziegler, Alex. S. 
Hiester, W. R. Shollenberger, Isaac D. Sher- 
er, Amos R. Davis.* 

Musician, Thomas Wright. 
Privates. — Charles Bobst, William Bickel, Anthony 
Blecher, Samuel P. Borkey, Emanuel Beicher,* Geo. 
Call, Charles Coleman, Frederick Crook, Wheeler 
C. Durham, Harrison Dickinson,* John Eder, Heniy 
J. Fink. Franklin Frey, ,Tohn Fernsler,* D. S. Green- 
await, John R. Gift, William Grant, John 1). Grim,* 
William Gable,* Joseph Gable,* Robert Gift, Albert 
S. Haak, L.ausiscus Hill, Aaron H. Hetrich, Solo- 
mon Houder, Joseph F. Isett, Wm. H. Jennings, Fred- 
crick M. Krebs, .Tereniiah Kline,* Isaac M. Leeds, 
Albert A. Leaman, Daniel Levan, Milton Ludwig, 
William Lindeman, Wm. T. Jlercer, Jeremiah S. 
.Mengle, Henry Miller, David Jlock, Jacob Miller, 
William Maguire, Howard McCord, Wm. McDcrmott, 
.John O. Nyce, (ico. W. Newkirk, George Rank, Wm. 
H. Raser, Davis B. Ream, Henry Ribble, George 
Ribble, Lewis Rentschler, Ernest Reiche,* William 
F. Rlioades,* Adam Rice,* Emanuel Richards, David 
(1. Steinruck, James E. Stafford, Andrew Shaaber, 
Benjamin F. Seidle, Dieter Shalter, William Sallade, 
John H. Spittler,* Jacob Schlussor,* George F. 
Strouse,* George Spotts,* John H. Thomas, Franklin 
Williams, Nehemiah Willitts, Henry Whitman, Is- 
rael Weatzel, Aaron Wright, Samuel Y. Weaver, 
.loiia. Y. Weaver, Joseph Walter, Henry Weatzel, 
Daniel Weiland,* James Yergy. 

ONK HrM>REI) AND NIXKTV-SIXTII liECIMK.VT. 

This regiment was recruited under the aus- 
[lices of the Union League, at Philadelphia, to 
serve for one hundred days, and it was known 
as the Fifth Union League Regiment. It in- 
cluded Company I, of Berks County. It was 
organized at Camp Cadwalader on Jidy 20, 
1864, and a week later proceeded to Camj) 
Bradford, near Baltimore. About the middle 
of Augu.st it moved by rail to Chicago, 111., 
where it performed guard duty at C'amp Doug- 
lass, a large number of prisoners of war having 
been confined there. Early in Novendjer it 
returned to Philadelphia, and was thence ordered 
to duty at Fort Delaware. It was mustered out 



THE CIVIL WAS. 



325 



of service at Philadelphia on November 17, 
1864. 

COMPANY I. 

(Recruited at Reading; mustered in July 13, 18G4; 
mustered out November 17, 1804.) 

Captiiin, G. S. Rowbotliain. 

First Lieutenant, Mahlon Slia.abor. 

Second Lieutenant, John Wesley. 

First Sergeant, Edward S. Earley. 

Sergeants: Nicholas Seitzinger, Adam Trivitts, 
Francis Hyneman, David Bingeman. 

Corporals : Charles A. Kcevor, Adam Shaaber, 
Lewis Kocli, Hiram Nachtriet, Harrison 
Peck, George Ritner, William A. Boyer, 
Hiram Fritch. 

Musicians : John Seyfert, Arthur Wells. 
I'rlvafe.i. — Samuel Adams, Nicholas Burkhart, George 
M. Boyer, Edward Brady, Robert Bell, James G. Bobst, 
Martin Brouch, Charles Colp, John Cronan, William 
Calvert, Joseph Condon (pro. to q.m.-sergt. July 22, 
1864), Frederick Couturer, Charles Deiniuger, John (J. 
Durand, Elwood Dickinson, .las. A. Eisenbise, (ieorge 
Eisenbise, George Engle, Howard Fisher, Tlioma.s 
Fair, Charles A. Grant, Reuben Grull', Mahlon (Jood, 
George P. Groves, Edward F. (ientner, Francis lloyer, 
Jacob A. Hamilton, Daniel Haine, .Vlbert Herzog, 
Christian Haddock, Henry C. Jones, .Tames Jones, 
Edward Jacoby, Theodore Keen, Samuel Kutz, .Tames 
Kilpatrick, ,Tohn Kissinger, Patrick Kelly (trans, to 
Co. I), Aug. 1, 1864), William I>ewis, .lames Long- 
acre, William Longlott, Z. Taylor T^acy, Henry C. 
Ludwick, George Mason, James Moore, Winfield S. 
Miller, Marehall Miller, Peter McNoon, William 
Mcjyaughlin, Adam McCove, George Nagle, William 
H. Nail, Zacharias Oswald, James O'Neil, Edward 
Pettit, .ioseph Purchase, Alexander Price, Peter 
Price, Tliomas Quinn, Fr.ancis Ray, Lawrence Resler, 
Henry Row, Charles Rogers, Franklin Roberts, James 
O. Rooke, William Soudera, Albert Stroud, John 
Seitzinger, Thomas Staflbrd, John Steely, Lawrence 
W'biteman, John AVells, Thomas R. Werner, Henry 
L. Wolfskin, Jacob Wolf'skill, Samuel White, Fran- 
cis Young. 

ONE year's service. 

The following six volunteer companies were 
from Berks County in tlie one year's service, 
liaviiig lieen enlisted in August, 1864: 

Co. B, 20.'5th Regt., Capt. Joseph G. Holmes. 

Co. E, 205th Regt., Capt. William F. Walter. 

Co. H, 205th Regt., Capt. Franklin Schmehl. 

C!o. D, 19Sth Regt., Capt. Isaac Schroeder. 

Co. G, 198th Regt, Capt. William L. Guinther. 

Co. F, ly2d Regt., Capt. John Teed. 

TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTH REGIMENT. 

Companies B, E and H of tliis regiment were 
recruited in Berks County. They rendezvoused 



at Camp Curtin, where, on September 2, 1864, 
field officers were selected, including William 
r. Walter, captain of Company E, as lieutenant- 
colonel. Lieuteuant-Coloncl Walter iuid served 
in the One Hundred and Fourth Regiment. 
On the 5th the regiment left Harrisburg, pro- 
ceeded to Washington, crossed the Potomac, 
and went into camp at Fort Corcoran. At the 
end of a week it moved to Camp Distribution, 
and taking in charge thirteen hundred recruits 
and drafted men there, proireded with them by 
transports to City Poinl. It was engaged in 
picketing from the left of (he army line to the 
James, and in building forts and earth-works 
for the defense of City Point, nearly the entire 
regiment being called to duty daily. On Octo- 
ber {)th it was ordered to the Army of the 
James, and ;it the end of twenty day.s, during 
which it was cmployi'd (Ui picket duty, it re- 
ttirned and ])roceeded to join the Army of the 
Potomac. _With five other new Penn.sylvania 
regiments, it formed a pi'ovisional brigade, com- 
manded by General Hartranft, and was attached 
to the Ninth Corps. Early in December this 
brigade moved to the relief of the Second and 
Fifth Corps, which were threatened with an 
attack l)y the enemy, while out upon a demon- 
stration on the left. On December 15th the 
si.\ regiments comimsing this brigade were 
organized into a division, which, became the 
Tliinl of the Ninth Corj)s, composed of two 
brigades. The Two Hundred and Fifth was 
in the Second Brigade. General Hartranft 
commanded the division, and General Parke 
the corps. With the e.xception of oc«isional 
marches to the left, in support of aggressive 
movements, the regiment remained in c<imp, 
near Fort Prescott, on the Army JAne Railroad 
during the winter, where it was engaged in 
drill and fatigue duty. 

Before daylight, on the morm'iig of ]\lareh 
25, 1865, the regiment was summoned to arms, 
and ordered to stand in readine-ss to move upon 
the first signal, the enemy having broken 
through the line on Wil(«x's front, and cap- 
tured Fort Steadman. General Hartranft was 
quickly upon the ground where further disaster 
threatened, and gathering in the regiments of 
his division, attacked and checked the victori- 



326 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUxNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ous onset of the enenij'. The Two Hundred 
and Fifth was ordered to move down a ravine 
which ran in the rear of the captured line, and 
opposite Fort Haskell, halted under cover, 
holding in supjiort the rest of the line, which 
was hotly engaged. For nearly an hour it was 
forced to stand in waiting. Finally, when all 
his plans for a combined assault had been per- 
fected, General Hartranft gave the signal to 
charge, and with a united front, and with the 
greatest determination and daring, the lines 
moved on, sweeping everything before them, 
and regaining all that was lost. The Two 
Hundred and Fifth moved at once to the sup- 
port of tlie charging column, and held a large 
number of prisoners, small arms and one battle- 
flag. The loss, fortunately, was but slight, 
being but ten wounded. 

Of the part taken by the Two Hundred and 
Fifth, in the final assault upon the works before 
Petersburg, on the mt)rning of the 3<1 of April, 
an idea will be best gained by the following ex- 
tract from Captain Holmes' official report: "On 
the night of the 1st instant, at eleven o'clock, 
the regiment was ordered to form on the color 
line in frout of the camp. Major Morrow in 
command. At one o'clock A.M., of the 2d the 
regiment was moved towards, and on the Plaid? 
Road in roar of Fort Sedgwick, halted some 
time, and then advance<l by the right of the fort 
in the covered way and formed in line of battle, 
with the Two Hundred and Seventh in front, 
directly iu rear of our picket line. The order 
was given to charge the enemy's works at day- 
light, which was gallantly accomplished. The 
regiment captured Battery 30, with a number 
of prisoners. A battle-flag was also captured by 
Private John Lilly, of Company F, who acted 
very gallantly througliout the engagement. This 
flag was forwarded to General Hartranft's head- 
(juarters with a statement of its capture. Our col- 
ors were planted on the works, and remained there 
until the regiment was relieved. At this time 
Major Morrow received a severe wound in the 
foot, and was taken oif the field. I then as- 
sumed conmiand, and remained with the regi- 
ment in the works, repulsing several charges 
made by the enemy during the day, and at night 
a.ssisted in jdacing the abatis in frout of our 



works, under a severe enfilading fire_ from the 
enemy, remaining upon the line until two o'clock 
on the following morning, when I was ordered 
to move with the regiment to the rear of our 
picket line." In the advance upon tiie hostile 
works, and in driving out the enemy and hold- 
ing the line when captured, the regiment was 
exposed to a fearful fire of infantry and artil- 
lery, from the efi*ect of which it sufferetl heavv 
losses. Two officers. Lieutenants Henry A. 
Lower and David B. Roberts, and twenty-two 
enlisted men were killed, six officers and ninety- 
one eulisted men were wounded, one officer. 
Lieutenant Samuel L. Hughes, of Company E, 
mortally, and five men were missing, — au aggre- 
gate loss of one hundred and twenty-six. 

At daylight the regiment was ordered to ad- 
vance towards Petersburg, but everywhere the 
evidences of a general evacuation were observ- 
able, and, on arriving within the city, it was 
found that the enemy had fired it in several 
places. By the aid of the fire companies the 
flames were subdued and the bridges crossing 
the Appomattox were saved. At noon the 
regiment returned to its former camp, and, 
striking tents, started with thedivisiou to follow 
up the advantage. The progress to Burkesville 
Junction was slow, the command being charged 
with the repair of the South Side Railroad as 
it went, and with keeping open this line of 
communication with the main body of the army. 
The regiment remained at Burkesville until 
after the surrender of the rebel armies iu the 
east and hostile operations were at an end. It 
then proceeded via City Point to Alcxandri;!, 
and encamped at Seminary Hill, where it was 
mustered out of service on June "id. 

Company B. — -This company was mustered 
out June 2, 1865, except where otherwise noted. 

Joseph G. Holmes, capt., nuwt. in Aug. 31, lsi!4. 
Samuel L. Hughes, 1st licut., must, in Aug. ;U, 18114; 

died at Washington, D. C, Ajiril 28th, of wounds 

received at Petersburg, Va., April 2, I8ti5; 

buried in National Cemetery, Arlington. 
Peter A. Lantz, 2d lieut., must, in Aug. .'il, 1864; 

disch. by S. O. May 15, 1SG5. 
James E. Teed, 1st sergt., must, in Aug. 15, 1864. 
John B. Fair, sergt., must, in Aug. Ki, 1864. 
Ale.xander R. Lace, sergt., must, in Aug. 17, 1864. 
Henry A. \Vi.\, sergt., must, in Aug. 17, 1864. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



327 



James Long, sergt., must, in Aug. 18, 1864. 
Henry Wann, corp., must, in Aug. IS, 1864. 
.Joel Hinkle, Corp., must, in Aug. 19, lS(i4. 
George H. Price, corp., must, in Aug. 17, 18(i4. 
Thomas Lincoln, Corp., must, in -Vug. 1"J, 1864. 
Charles Richards, corp., must, in Aug. 19, 1864. 
George E. Morris, corp., must, in Aug. 17, 1864. 
Cyrus Baker, corp., must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 
T. H. Rotlicnbcrger, corp., must, in Aug. 18, 1864; 

wounded at Fort Steadman, Va., March 25, 1865 ; 

absent, in hospital, at muster out. 
Adam K. Hess, musician, must, in Sept. 17, 1864. 
Albert Hoberocker, musician, must, in Aug. 17,1864. 

I'liratcn. 

John E. Augstadt, mu.st. in Aug. 17, 1864. 

Albert Augstadt, must, in Aug. 20, 1864. 

William Augstadt, must, in Aug. 28, 1864. 

Henry R. Adams, must, in Aug. 24, 1864. 

James B. Adams, must, in Aug. 22, 1864 ; absent, 
sick, at muster out. 

\\'illiam Adams, nuist. in Aug. 16, 1S64. 

John Agen, must, in Aug. 16, 18ti4. 

Wellington Boyer, must, in Aug. \W, 1864. 

David Borrell, must, in Aug. 20, 1864. 

Frederick Bard, must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 

Mark Boyer, must, in Aug. 23, 1864. 

Adam C. Bentz, must, in Aug. 24, 1864. 

Samuel Bernhart, must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 

James R. Boyer, must, in Aug. 24, 1864; pro. to 
com. -sergt. Sei)t. 2, 1864. 

John Cullen, must, in Aug. 17, 1864. 

William Deckert, must, in Aug. 16, 1864. 

Levi A. Davis, must, in Aug. 20, 18(14. 

.Tames B. Eckert, must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 

John Endy, must, in Aug. 23, 1864. 

D. F. Espenshade, must, in Aug. 16, 1,S64. 

Hiram Evans, must, in Aug. 18, 1864. 

James Eidlc, must, in Aug. 22,1864; killed at Peters- 
burg, Va., April 2, 1865 ; buried in Poplar Grove 
Nat. Cem., sec. D, div. C, grave 86. 

Harrison Foreman, must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 

Benjamin Fehr, must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 

Shaw Frew, must, in Aug. 28, 1864. 

John Fair, must, in Aug. .30, 1864. 

John G. Gohr, must, in Aug. Id, 1864. 

Urias Gambber, must, in Aug. 22, 1S64. 

Jonathan Groft', must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 

Nathan Gross, must, in Aug. lit, 1864. 

Mahlon Houck, must, in Aug. 19, 1864. 

George Haines, must, in Aug. 20, 1864. 

Charles Hynernuin, must, in Aug. 16, 1864. 

Peter Hecknum, must, in Aug. 23, 1S64. 

Winfield Holmes, must, iu Aug. 23, 1S64. 

Adam Hepp, must, in Aug. 28, 1864. 

Henry Howard, must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 

Joseph Hays, must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 

John Karcy, must, in Aug. 23, 1864: not on muster- 
out roll. 



William C. Kline, must, in Aug. 17, 1864 ; absent, on 

furlough, at muster out. 
Samuel Kirby, must, in Aug. 23, 1864. 
Daniel Kaufman, must, in Aug. 15, 1864; wounded 

at Petersburg, Va., Ajiril 2, 1864. 
John Kane, must, iu Aug. 18, 1864. 
Daniel Killeon, nuist. in Aug. 23, 1864. 
Aaron Leas, must, iu Aug. 23, 1864. 
.fohn S. Ludwig, uuist. in Aug. 22, 1864. 
Josej)!! Lacy, must, in Aug. 19, 18()4. 
(Jeorgc Moore, must, in Aug. 25, 1864. 
Simon Miller, nuist. in Aug. 16, 1864. 
David Moyer, must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 
Samuel B. Moore, must, in Aug. 24, 1864. 
Jesse R. Miller, must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 
Robert L. Morgan, must, in Aug. 17, 1864 ; wounded 

at Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865. 
Jolin Moore, must, in Aug. 24, 1864. 
.lames Miller, must, in .\ug. 18, 1864. 
Jacob McDonough, must, in Aug. 28, 1864. 
Thomas McComb, must, in Aug. 19, 1864; disib. on 

surg. certif. March 18, 1865. 
James McLain, not on muster-out roll. 
William R. Nein, must, in Aug. 20, 1864. 
Daniel R. Nein, must, iu Aug. 20, 1864. 
John Ncstell, must, in Aug. 15, 1864. 
Charles W. Phleger, must, iu Aug. 22, 1S64. 
Isaac H. Riehwine, must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 
Joel Reiter, must, in .\ug. 20, 1864. 
Daniel Richard, must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 
Frank R. Rhoades, must, iu Aug. 22, 1864. 
Eli'euger N. Rhoades, must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 
George S. Reigle, must, in Aug. 19, 1864. 
John A. Ruth, must, in Aug. 18, 1864. 
.John Rainard, must, iu Aug. 18, 1864. 
F. E. Reifsynder, must, in Aug. 23, 1864. 
Joseph C. Rambo, must, in June 21, 1861 ; trans, to 

Co. F, 51st Regt. P. V., date unknown. 
Henry Rutter, must, in Aug. 20, 1864. 
Lemon Sellers, must, iu Aug. 23, 1864. 
William Shctly, must, in Aug. 23, 1864. 
Samuel K. Scull, must, iu Aug. 22, 1864. 
John Smith, must, in Aug. 18, 1864. 
William Syfert, must, in Aug. 24, 1864. 
Frank Simon, must, in Aug. 20, 1864; died near 

Hancock Station, Va., Dec. 17, 1864. 
George Thomas, must, in Aug. 18, 1864. 
Edward B. Willestou, must, in Aug. 18, 1864 ; absent, 

on furlough, at muslcr out. 
Aiulrew S. Werner, must, in Aug. IS, 1864. 
Jonathan K. Woomcr, must, in Aug. 22, 1864. 
Lewis Weidner, must, in ,\ng. 24, 1864. 
Hiram P. Yeager, must, in Aug. 24, 1864. 
Daniel Yeager, must, in Aug 23, 1864. 

COMPANY E. 
(Mustered in April 26, 1864, and mustered out .June 
2, 1865.) 

William F. Walter, captain, jiro. to lieut.-col. 
Sept. 2, 1864. 



328 



HISTORY OF BKRKS COtuXTY, PEXXSYLVANIA. 



Richard Boone, captain, pro. from Ist lieut. 

Sc(jt. 2, IXlM; brev. capt. April l', 1.%,"). 
George L. Kiio]ip, 1st lieiitciiaiil. pm. from '2d 

lieut. Sf))t. 2, ISiil. 
William J. Smith, 2d lieutenant; pro. from 1st 

sergt. Sept. 2, 18ii4. 
Richard B. Hause, 1st sergeant; piro. from sergt. 

Se|)t. 2, lS(i4; wounded at Petersburg, Va., 

April 2, ISijo; absent, sick, atmuster out. 
Sergeants: John K. Miller, John A. McConnell, 

Daniel 15riner, Jacob Henning. 
Corporals: Wellington Markley, Thomas Sassa- 

man, Samuel Trayn, Nicholas Cramer, Lewis 

Wingert, Benjamin Lash, Henry Schmeck, 

.L I). Liebensperger. 
3Iusicians : .Vlbert Bechtel, (leorge W. Young. 
PiiimteK. — .John Rarr, Frederick Barbelein, Henry 
1). Boger, Ijouis Bower, Daniel Bridegam, Lafayette 
|}right, Jacob Blum, Henry Brouch, Theodore Burk- 
ert, John Busser, Jonathan \\ . Butz, Simon C Beii- 
ner,' Terrence Callaghan, William Callbach, Peter 
Carl, Henry Christian, William Cook, Henry Eb- 
ling, Levi Endy, Charles Engle, Philip Engstetler, 
.lolm Ettingehause, Jeremiah Fair, John Fisher, 
Joseph Foreman, Isaac Francis, Michael Fries, John 
M. (rift, Robert M. Gift, Henry (irotf, John Hart- 
man, ('harles Heilman, John Hiller, John Homan, 
Charles Huhn,- Johu Johnson, Alexander Johu.sou,'- 
John Kramer, John Kropi>enbachor, Henry Kepner, 
Edmund Leaf,' .lohn Machmer, Conrad Mathias, 
Sebastian Markart, Valentine Miller, Robert Mills. 
Hugh Murray, Charles Miller,' Michael Murray,' 
John Maier,' Christian Miller,'' William Printz, 
Thomas Reber, Henry Regenfuse, Oliver Richards, 
Conrad Reinhart, F. Kodenberger, Henry Roland, 
Christian Ruoss, John F. Rheiner, Thomas Reese,' 
Thomas Rheily," Jacob Siebenheifer, Joseph Shaw, 
Peter Shild, Henry Smith, Henry B. Smith, Daniel 
B. Snytler, George Sterr, JNIayberry Svvoyer, Jacob 
Sanders, Enoch Saylor, Uriah Sleclitor, Samuel 
Treiscli,, Tliomas Troop, Adam Usner, Abraham 
Wahl, Peter R. Walter, Henry Wesner, Francis 
Wiest," Reuben Wous, Bernard Wittich, John Wil- 
liams, Franklin Veager, Franklin Yates, James 
Young, John Zimmerman. 

('iiMPANV H. — -Tlii.s ("om[)any \va;s mu.stercil 
out Jiiiio 2, LSI)."), except wliero it iis otiUTwise 
.stated. 



' .Mustered in 
' .Mustered iu 
' Mustered in 
.Mustered in 
> Mustered in 
' Mustered in 
' Mustered iu 
' Mustered in 
' Mustered in 



Sept. 2, 1SG4. 
Aug. 15, 1804. 
Sept. 5, 1804. 
Aug. 12, 1804. 
Aug. 19, 1804. 
Aug. 28, 1804. 
Aug. 16, 1804. 
Aug. 20, 1804. 
Au". 29, 1864. 



Franklin Sehmehl, capt., must, in Sept. 3, 1864. 
David B. Roberts, 1st lieut., must, iu Sept. 3, 1864; 

killed at Petersburg, Ya., April 2, ISOo. 
George W. White, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 3, 1864; 

wounded at Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865. 
[rwin S. Philijis, 2d lieut., must, iu Sept. 2, 1864; pro. 

from 1st sergt. May 11, 1865. 
.Jose])h Olds, 1st sergt., must, iu Sept. 2, 1S64. 
Peter Hami)ele, sergt., must, iu Sept. 2, 1864. 
.Joseph R. Koenig, sergt., must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
.Vugust L. Yeager, sergt., must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Johu M. Kleeman, sergt., must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Josiah H. K. Miller, corp., must, iu Sept. 2, 1864. 
Obadiah Clouser, corp., must, iu Sept. 2, 1864. 
Daniel R. Totheruh, corji., must, iu Sept. 2, 1864. 
William L. Heater, corp., niust. in Sejit. 2, 1864. 
Peter Iv. Harbach, corp., must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Daniel Sanders, corp., must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
George Harman, corp., must, in Sept. 1, 1864. 
William Herline, corp., must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Ephraim Iv. Brosey, corp., must, in Sept. 2,1864; 

killed at Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865. 
•Samuel Wentzel, musician, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Johu Row, musician, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

I'rinih-S. 

Thomas S. Allgaier, must, in Sept. 2, 1X64. 

Isaac Albright, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Robert Andrews, nuist. in Se|)t. 1, 18l)4; not account- 
ed for. 

.John Ashton. must, in Aug. 30, 1864; not accounted 
for. 

lleuben Brady, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

I ieoige B. Britton, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Richard H. 15ohn, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Lieorge W. Bowers, must, in Se[)t. 2, 1864. 

(icorge Boyer, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Henry Bowers, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

John B. Becker, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Henry Bitner, must, in Sept. 6, 1864 ; disch. by G. O. 
May 30, 1865. 

Henry Briney, must, in Aug. 31, 1864. 

Thos. G. Barnes, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Charles Bechiel, nuist. in Sept. 2, 1864. 

.J. O. Bartholomew, must, in Aug. 2!*, 1864; not ac- 
counted for. 

Thomas Brady, must, in Aug. 27, 1864; not a<'connted 
for. 

Franklin Callman, must, in .\ug. 2',', 1864; not ac- 
tor. 

.lacob Conrad, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

James l'"'. Coxell, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Wellington Diehl, must, in Sei)t. 2, 1864. 

.Janies Dreibelbeis, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

David L. Evans, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

lOdward B. Fry, must, iu Sept. 2, 1864 ; wounded at 
Petersburg, Va., April 2, lS(i5; disch. by G. O. 
May 2(i, 1865. 

I'bilip Freese, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



329 



Charles Fry, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Jacob Fritz, must, in Aug. 29, 1864; not accounted 

for. 
Charles Faron, must, in Sept. 2, 1864; not accounted 

for. 
Simon P. Fink, must, in Sept. 2, 1864 ; not accounted 

for. 
Jesse S. Gross, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Isaac Graeff, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Lewis Godfrey, must, in Sept. 2, 1864; disch. by G. 

O. May 22, 1865. 
Daniel Garver, must, in Sept. 1. 1864; wounded at 

Petersburg, Va., April 2, I860. 
Augustus Grote, must, in Sept. 2, 1864; not accounted 

for. 
Henry H.nas, must, in Sept. 2. 1864. 
John Haas, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
William H. H.ains, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Reuben Hole, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Charles Harper, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Thomas HoUin, must, in Aug. 31, 1864; wounded at 

Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865. 
Ellas D. Hoch, must, iu Sept. 2, 1864; killed at Pe- 
tersburg, Va., April 2, 1865. 
William Harvey, must, in Sept- 2, 1864; not account- 
ed for. 
Francis Huber, must, in Aug. 27, 1864; not accounted 

for. 
Reuben Keller, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Jacob Klink, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Charles R. Koenig, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Edward Kelly, must, in Aug. 29, 1864; not accounted 

for. 
.John Kochler, must, in Aug. 29, 1864; not accounted 

for. 
John Kelly, must, in Aug. 29, 1864; not accounted 

for. 
Henry Koeing, mu.st. in Aug. 24, 1864; notaccounted 

for. 
John J. Levi, must, in Sept. 2, 1864; wounded at Pe- 
tersburg, Va., April 2, 1865; died, date unknown. 
John Lynch, must, in Aug. 29, 1864; notaccounted 

for. 
John Lloyd, must, iu Aug. 27, 1864 ; not accounted 

for. 
John D. Metier, must, in Sept. 2, 1864; wounded at 

Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865 ; disch. by G. O. 

June 24, 1865. 
Andrew Marr, must, in Sept. 2, 1864 ; not accounted 

for. 
George Machamer, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Jacob Markley, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Isaac Moore, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
John Murray, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Amos Myers, must, in Sept. 1, 1864. 
Amos Machamer, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
Charles McCormick, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
James McGinley, must, in Aug. 27, 1864. 
Cornelius McMakin, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 
37 



John H. Neff, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Cornelius S. Ox, must in Sept. 2, 1864. 

William O'Boyle, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

William Palm, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

William Plunkett, must, in Aug. 27, 1864. 

Abra'm Pilkington, must, in Aug. 24, 1864 ; trans, to 
Co. F, 51st Regt. P. V., May 28, 1865. 

John B. Quimby, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

John Reedy, must, iu Sept. 2, 1S64. 

Henry Reider, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

John H. Roth, must, in Sept. 2, 1864; wounded at 
Petersburg, Va., April 2, 1865 ; absent, in hos- 
pital, at muster out. 

Levi Rothenberger, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

William Ray, must, in Sept. 27, 1864. 

Cornelius B. Stamm, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Benjamin Sweezey, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Lewis Smith, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

John Savage, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Franklin Seiders, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

John Seidel, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Herman Summers, must, in Aug. 30, 1864. 

Valentine Steltz, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Charles Smith, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

P. S. Trunibower, must, in Sept. 2, 1864; wounded at 
Pe^ersourg, Va., April 2, 1865; absent, sick, at 
muster out. 

Wm. O. Whitman, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Jacob Wertz, must, in Sept. 2. 1864. 

James G. Weidner, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

John Wilson, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

Jared G. Yarnell, must, in Sept. 2, 1864. 

ONE HUNDEED AND NINETY-EIGHTH REGIMENT. 

This regiraeut was recruited at Philadelpliia 
daring the suninier of 1864 uuder auspices of 
the Union League to enter service for one year. 
It inchided Companies D and G from Berks 
County. It was organized September 9, 180"4, 
and September 19th following it proceeded to 
join the Army of the Potomac in front ot 
Petersburg. Upon its arrival it was assigned to 
the First Brigade, First Division of the Fifth 
Corps. 

The battle of Peeble's Farm opened on the 
30th, and here the regiment had its first baptism 
of fire. It had .scarcely got into position, when 
incessant volleys of musketry and artillery 
opened upon it from a wood in front, where the 
enemy was po.sted. Advancing at once to the 
attack, the regiment opened fire, and, though 
little accustomed to the terrible ordeal to which 
it was subjected, succeeded, by hard fighting, in 
driving the enemy from the first line of works, 
infiicting a severe loss upon him. Breast-works 



330 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



were immediately thrown up, and the regiment 
continued heavily engaged until October 2d, 
when it moved up near the enemy's works. Here 
for five hours it held its ground under a severe 
fire. It was then withdrawn a short distance, 
and again threw up works, and on the follow- 
ing day went into camp half a mile to tiie rear. 
On the 27th it moved with the corps for a 
demonstration upon the South Side Railroad. 
With four days' rations and forty rounds of 
ammunition to the man, it moved at daylight, 
and after five hours' toilsome marching, through 
dense timber, arrived in front of the enemy's 
formidable works, where it was exposed to a 
severe artillery fire. At sunset a strong picket 
line was thrown out and engaged nearly the en- 
tire night. Until noon of the following day 
the pickets were kept busy ; then the entire 
regiment was withdrawn two miles to the rear. 
Here comfortable quarters were erected. On 
December 6th it marched with the corps for the 
destruction of the Weldon Railroad. IJjitil the 
evening of the 9th the work of destruction was 
vigorously pushed, the ties being burned and 
the rails twisted for a considerable distance 
beyond Bellefield. Upon the return march 
there was much suffering, the weather having 
been intensely cold. Winter-quarters were 
again erected. 

On February 5, 18G5, the Fifth Corps, in 
light marching order, moved for an assault 
upon the enemy's works, and came upon thtm 
near Hatcher's Run. At three in the afternoon 
the advance of the column encountered, and 
after a desperate struggle, carried a portion of 
his fortifications. Soon afterwards the First 
Division, commanded by General Griffin, was 
sent for a diversion towards Dinwiddle Court- 
House. This feint was a complete success. A 
large force of the enemy followed it, thus 
weakening the lines in front of the main body 
of the corps, which assaulted when this force 
was well away, and carried his works. Upon 
the return of the division, it was placed in the 
captured works, and a heavy skirmish line was 
thrown out. At three on the afternoon of the 
6th it was attacked by a heavy force of the 
enemy and driven in, a general engagement en- 
suing. General Sickel, seeing that the Secoud 



Brigade was hard pressed, led his command to 
its supiport. The One Hundred and Ninety- 
eighth moved at double quick, tlirough mud 
and water, and wheeling sharply to the right 
into an open field, charged with shouts upon 
Mahoue's rebel forces. Sickel, with sword in 
hand, led the charge, and with desperate valor 
his men fell upon the foe. After a sanguinary 
struggle, in which General Sickel received from 
a rifle-shot a painful flesh wound in the left 
thigh, the brigade succeeded in driving him 
from the field and re-establishing its lines. 
Determined to regain his lost ground, the 
enemy attacked in the darkness with overpower- 
ing force. For a time he gained possession of 
a part of the Union works. At the first signal 
of alarm the One Hundred and Ninety-eighth 
rushed to arms, and delivering a volley, sprang 
upon the foe with the bayonet. The struggle 
for a time was hand-to-hand, muskets being 
clubbed, and bayonets freely used. He was 
finally beaten back, and amidst the fiery flashes 
of the musketry and of bursting shells, the 
works were regained and made secure. Strong 
lines of works were erected in the rear, on the 
opposite side of Hatcher's Run, for the more 
ample protection of the position, and on the 
14th, when the defenses were completed, the 
regiment moved half a mile to the rear, and for 
the third time built winter-quarters and a 
chapel. 

On the 2oth of March, the enemy having 
pierced the Ninth Corps' lines at Fort Steadinan, 
the regiment was early put in motion, and dur- 
ing nearly the entire day was kept upon the 
march for the support of portions of the line 
where active operations were in progress. Late 
on the evening of the 28th it was ordered to 
strike tents and rest upon its arms in readiness 
for an early march, the whole army awaiting 
the signal to deliver a decisive blow. At three 
o'clock on the morning of the 2i)th the One 
Hundred and Ninety-eighth marched at double 
quick, leading the corps in a southerly direction, 
and crossing Rouanty Creek below the junction 
of Gravelly and Hatcher's Runs, pursued the 
road to Dinwiddle Court-House as far as the 
Quaker road, into which it turned, and again 
crossing Gravelly Run, encountered the enemy 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



331 



near the Old Saw-Mill, where he was strongly 
posted behind earth-works. A cleared field 
stretched out in front of his fortifications, which 
were flanked on either side by heavy timber, in 
which his sharpshooters were posted. Across 
this space of a thousand yards the regiment, in 
conjunction with the One Hundretl and P^ighty- 
fifth New York, and led by Sickel, dashed with 
determined bravery, and though receiving mur- 
derous volleys from front and flanks, reserved 
its fire until near the works, when, pouring in a 
well-directed shot, it rushed upon the foe with 
the bayonet. The struggle for a few moments 
was at close quarters and desperate ; but the 
firm bearing of the men of this brigade was 
triumphant. On reaching the Boydton Plank- 
Road, unable to withstand the steady pressure 
brought to bear upon him, he broke and fled in 
confusion. In this action, known as the battle 
of Lewis' Farm, the regiment sustained grievous 
losses. Jeremiah C. Keller was among the 
wounded. The entire loss was three hundred 
and eleven, of whom twenty-eight were killed 
and one hundred and seventeen wounded. 

The regiment bivouacked upon the field, 
wliere it remained for thirty-six hours, exposed 
during a part of the time to a driving storm. 
On the morning of the 31st it again moved off, 
leading the column, and came upon the enemy 
at White Oak Swamp. Quickly forming, it was 
led to the attack, and after a spirited action 
drove him from the field. The loss was six 
killed and forty-six wounded. Captain Lsaac 
Sfhroeder was mortally wounded.- Soon after 
the conclusion of the battle the regiment moved 
forward towards Five Forks, and bivouacked 
for the night. On the following day it greeted 
with hearty cheers Sheridan's cavalry, and 
when he had passed, joined in the movement, 
plunging into a dense thicket of pine which lay 
before it. 

Scarcely an hour had elapsed, when the still- 
ness of the forest was broken by the sharp fire 
of the skirmishers, followed by heavy volleys. 
Hastening forward, the regiment soon reached 
the scene of conflict, encountering the enemy's 
skirmishers, and driving them in upon his 
heavy defensive works. As the Union line 
emerged from the timber, an assault was or- 



dered and gallantly made, but failed to dislodge 
the enemy. As the troops were falling back. 
General Chamberlain, who was in ct^mmand of 
the division, dashed up to Major Glenn, quietly 
awaiting orders, and exclaimed, " Major ! can 
you take those works, and holil them ? " Turn- 
ing to his men, the major asked, " Boys, will 
you follow me?" With a wild cheer they 
answered, and pressing with their, standard 
close upon the footsteps of their brave leader, 
dashed forward in the face of a terrific fire of 
musketry. Thrice was the standard beaten 
down, but it was caught up and borne bravely 
forward, until finally, blood-stained and torn, it 
floated in triumph over the works. The enemy 
was driven and his ground held. Filled with 
a soldier's pride. General Chamberlain, who 
had witnessed this gallant and triumphant 
ciiarge, rode forward to congratulate the leader, 
and order his promotion on the field. But, 
alas ! at the moment when the triumph was 
assured, and Major Glenn had seized one of 
the enemy's colors from the hands of a rebel 
standard-bearer, he was pierced by a bidlet, 
which inflicted a mortal wound. The evidences 
of rout and confusion were visible on every 
hand, and prisoners, guns and battle-flags fell 
into the hands of the conquerors. The loss in 
the One Hundred and Ninety-eighth was one 
killed and fifteen wounded. That night the 
regiment slept upon the field and at eleven on 
the following morning moved on one of the 
most tiresome marches of its entire service, ex- 
tending far into the night, being resumed 
at the light of the following day. On the otli 
the joyful tidings was received that Richmond 
had fallen, and that Lee was retreating with his 
whole army. Late on the evening of the 8th, 
overcome with exhaustion, the troops threw 
themselves upon tiie ground and slept soundly. 
On the morrow they were early on the march, 
and passing through a narrow curtain of wood, 
suddenly came upon a grand spectacle. There, 
on the wide fields stretching far away, and sur- 
rounded by heavy timber, completely hemmed 
in by the Union forces, was Lee's entire army. 
The skirmishers advanced, and the enemy with- 
drew to his main line ; but soon a white flag 
was displayed, and the news of the surrender 



332 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXNSYLA^ANIA. 



quickly spread from rank to rank through the 
Union army. On the 11th the enemy stacked 
arras and furled flags, and on the loth the 
regiment commenced the homeward march. 
At Arlington Heights it went into camp and 
was there mustered out of service, on June 3, 
1865. 

Company D. — This company was recruited 
at Reading, and, unless otherwise stated, the 
men were mustered out June 4, 1865. 

Isaac Schroeder, capt., must, in Sept. 17, 1864 ; died 

April 2 of wounds received at White Oak Road, 

Va., March 31, 1865. 
Adam Faust, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 17, 1864; com. 

capt. April 2, 1865 ; not must. 
Joseph H. Lutz, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 17, 1864; 

wounded at Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1885 ; com. 

1st lieut. April 2, 1865 ; not must- 
Charles Weber, 1st sergt., must, in Sept. 5, 1864 ; pro. 

to 1st sergt. April 1, 1865 ; com. 2d lieut. April 

2, 1865 ; not must. 
Lewis Keshner, 1st sergt., must, in Sept. 6, 1864; 

killed at White Oak Road, Va., March 31, 1865. 
Cyrus J. Butler, sergt., must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Daniel H. Wentzel, sergt., must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Israel Hafer, sergt., must, in Sept. 6, 1864 ; pro. to 

sergt. April 1, 1865. 
Levi J. Homan, sergt., must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
John S. Wanner, corp., must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
John R. Laucks, corp., must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
James Spangler, corp., must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
F. B. Himraelrieh, corp., must, in Sept. 6, 1864; pro. 

to Corp. April 1, 1865. 
William Griesemer, corp., must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
William H. Yoder, corp., must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
George W. Boyer, corp., must, in Sept. 6, 1864; 

wounded at Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865 ; 

disch. by G. O. May 31, 1865. 
Andrew Lotz, corp., must, in Sept. 6, 1864; wounded 

at White Oak Road, Va., March 31, 1865 ; disch. 

by G. O. June 21, 1865. 
Jacob Link, corp., must, in Sept. 6, 1864; killed at 

Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865. 
William H. Griesemer, musician, must, in Aug. 24, 

1864. 
Henry Cady, musician, must, in Sept. 8, 1864; died 

near Petersburg, Va., March 3, 1865 ; bur. in 

Poplar Grove National Cemetery, div. C, sec. H, 

grave 14. 

Privates. 

Enoch Adam, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 

Jacob G. Angstadt, nuist. in Sept. 6, 1884. 

Charles Butz, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 

Matthias Bechtel, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 

Charles Bachman, must, in Sept. 6, 1864 ; wounded 



at Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865 ; absent, in 

hospital, at muster out. 
William H. Brown, must, in Sept. 13, 1864 ; missing 

Dec. 8, 1864. 
James A. Craig, must, in Sept. 13, 1864 ; wounded at 

Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865 ; absent, in 

hospital, at muster out. 
Daniel Collins, must, in Sept. 13, 1864. 
Aaron Deem, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Daniel Dautrich, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Ezra D.iutrich, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
James W. Davis, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
John Dalton, mustered in Sept. 13, 1864. 
George W. Evans, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Samuel Epler, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
John East, must, in Sept. 6, 1864 ; died at Washing- 
ton, D. C, March 20, 1865. 
Abraham B. Fretz, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
John Fies, must, in Sept. 6, 1864 ; wounded at White 

Oak Road, Va., March 31, 1865 ; discharged by 

General Order June 22, 1865. 
Joshua Faust, must, in Sept. 15, 1864; discharged by 

General Order June 2. 1865. 
Henry Grainger, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Henry K. Greising, mustered Sept. 7, 1864. 
Simon Gleim, mustered in Sept. 7, 1864. 
Henry W. GraefF, must, in Feb. 2, 1865 ; absent, on 

furlough, at muster out. 
Jacob Ginter, mustered in Sept. 13, 1864. 
Henry Haywood, mustered in Sept. 15, 1864. 
John Heine, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Charles E. Hafer, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Daniel H. Hartman, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Joseph Hufiert, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
John Hotem, mustered in Sept. 15, 1864. 
James Hanagan, mustered in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Amos F. Hasler, must, in Sept. 6, 1864 ; absent, sick, 

at muster out. 
Simon Hill, must in Sept. 6, 1864 ; wounded at White 

Oak Road, Va., March 31, 1865 ; absent, in hos- 
pital, at muster out. 
John H. Hartman, must, in Sept. 6, 1864 ; died 

April 1st of wounds received at White Oak Road, 

Va., March 31, 1865. 
Henry S. Keifer, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
John W. KaufFman, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Darius Kline, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Adam D. Kocher, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
William Kauftman, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
H. S. Lindecukle, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Amos Lorah, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Daniel Long, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
John D. Leininger, must, in Sept. 6,1864; absent, 

on furlough, at muster out. 
Franklin O. Maurer, must, in Sept. 6, 1864; absent, 

on detached service, at muster out. 
Nathan Mull, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Fidel Meyer, mu.stered in Sept. 15, 1864. 
William H. Miller, must. in. August 27, 1864. 



THE CIVIL WAK. 



333 



William R.Miller, must, in August 29, 1864. 
Hugh Murphy, mustered in Sept. 13, 1864. 
Lewis Neimau, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Biiruey O'Brian, must, in Sept. 13, 1864. 
John O'Harra, must, in Feb. 10, 1865 ; not on mus- 
ter-out roll. 
Jared Price, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
John Pipher, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
James Parleraan, must, in Feb. 10, 1865 ; disch. by 

G. O. May 30, 1865. 
John Powers, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Peter Quering, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Joseph Rader, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
William H. Riugler, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Jncob F. Reich, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Jacob Rahnenzahn, must, in Sept. 6, 1864; wounded 

at Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29,1865; disch. by 

G. 0. May 30, 1865. 
George W. Sharpless, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
John M. Seyler, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Herman Selig, must, in Sept. 6, 1864; wounded at 

Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865; absent, in 

hospital, at muster out. 
Jacob B. Shmehl, must, in Sept. 6, 1864; wounded at 

Lewis' Farm, Va., March 2!>, 1865 ; disch. by G. 

O. June 2, 1865. 
Jacob C. Snyder, must, in Sept. 6, 1864 ; wounded at 

Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865 ; disch. by G. 

O. June 2, 1865. 
William Scragg, must, in Sept. 13, 1864; wounded at 

Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865 ; disch. by G. 

O. June 8, 1865. 
Mahlon H. Schmehl, must, in Sept. 6, 1864 ; died 

April 25th, of wounds received at White 

Oak Road, Va., March 31, 1865 ; bur. in Nat. 

Cem., Arlington. 
Adam Schmauch, must, in Sept. 7, 1864 ; trans, to Co. 

H October 19, 1864. 
Hiram Trumpf, mustered in Sept. 6, 1864. 
John G. Ulrich, must, in Sept. 15, 1864. 
^\^ W. Umbenhauer, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Jeremiah Wentzel, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Benjamin Weiss, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Franklin C. Wentzel, must, in Aug. 29, 1864; wound- 
ed at White Oak Road, Va., March 31, 1865. 
Charles Witherow, must, in Sept. 13, 1864. 
George Witman, must, in Sept. 6, 1864; killed at 

Peeble's Farm. Va., Sept. 30, 1864. 
Augustus Zieber, must, in Sept. 6, 1864 ; absent, on 

furlough, at muster out. 

Captain Isaac Schroeder. — When the 
call for troops was made in 1801, Captain 
Isaac Schroeder responded promptly. He 
raised a company of men at Friedensburg, 
which was known as the " Washington Grays," 
and mustered into the three months' service as 
Company C, in the Seventh Regiment Penn- 



sylvania Volunteers, under General Patterson. 
He also served as a private during the rebel 
invasion of 1863; and in September, 1864, 
he raised a company for one year. It was 
mustered into service as Company D, of the 
One Hundred and Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania 
Volunteers. He participated in engagements 
at Hatcher's Run and before Petersburg, and 
whilst in battle on the Weldon Railroad, on 
March 31, 1864, he was wounded in the abdo- 
men, from the effects of which he died on April 
2d following, in City Point Hospital, aged 
forty-five years. He had been, previous to the 
war, prominently identified with the militia 
affairs of the county for many year.s, having 
commanded for a time a battalion composed of 
companies in Oley and E.\eter townships. His 
remains were buried in the Freidensburg Ceme- 
tery, in this county. 

Company G. — Unless otherwise stated, the 
men of this company were mustered out .June 
4, 1865. 

William L. Guiuther, capt., must, in Sept. 17, 1864 ; 

brev. major April 1, 1865. 
John B. Sauermilch, 1st lieut., must, in Sept. 16, 1864. 
Jeremiah C. Keller, 2d lieut., must, in Sept. 16, 1864; 

wounded at Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865; 

disch. May 29, 1865. 
Jouas Eckert, 1st sergt, must, in Sept. 10, 1864; 

wounded at White Oak Road, Va., March 31, 

1865; disch., date unknown. 
Isaac Eckert, sergt., must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Jeremiah O. Keller, sergt, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
John M. Weil, sergt., must, in Sept. 10, 1864; pro. to 

sergt. March 30, 1865. 
Franklin Kern, sergt., musi;. in Sept. 10, 1864 ; woun- 
ded at Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865 ; disch. 

by G. O. June 6, 1865. 
Henry Smith, sergt., must, in Sept. 10, 1864; killed 

at Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865. 
Isaac W. Brown, corp., must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Cornelius Heist, corp., must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
W^illiam Angstadt, corp., must, in Sept. 10, 1864 ; 

wounded at Peeble's Farm, Va., Sept. 30, 1864. 
James Deverau, corp., must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Edward Lorish, corp., must, in Sept. 10, 1864; pro. to 

corp. Dec. 10, 1864. 
Frank Reifsnyder, coqi., must, in Sept. 10, 1864; pro. 

to corp. March 30, 1865. 
Aaron Detweiler, corp., must, in Sept. 10, 1864 ; 

wounded at Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865 ; 

disch., date unknown. 
Abraham Babb, corp., must, in Sept. 10,1864; died 



334 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of wounds received at Lewis' Farm, Va., March 
29, 1865. 
William B. Weiser, mus., must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Priraies. 

Peter Ang-stadt, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Solomon Angstadt, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

David Allbright, must, in Aug. 29, 1864. 

William Alexander, must, in Sejrt. 10, 1864 ; wounded 

at Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865; disch., 

date unknown. 
Jacob Ackerly, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Levi Boyer, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
William Batz, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
John Barrett, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
William Butterweck, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
David Bernhardt, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Henry Babb, must, in Sept. 10, 1864 ; wounded at 

Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865; disch., date 

unknown. 
F. C. Brenthingcr, must, in Sept. 10,1864; disch., 

date unknown. 
Thomas Christman, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Charles Dillinger, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Lewis Deroner, must, in Aug. 29, 1864. 
Joseph Dethamble, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Nicholas Dry, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Abraham Dull, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Lewis Dry, must, in Sept. 10, 1864; wounded at 

Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865; disch. by G. 

O. July 16, 1865. 
Reuben Eck, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
John Ely, must, in Sept. 10, 1864; wounded at Lewis' 

Farm, Va., March 29, 1865 ; disch. by G. O. Sept. 

11, 1865. 
James Fegley, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Jacob Fenstermaker, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Benjamin Fahringer, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Abraham Frederick, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Tilghn. S. Frederick, must, in Sept. 5, 1864. 
John Fossler, must, in Sept. 6, 1864. 
Adolph Fuchs, must, in Nov. 12, 1864; disch. by G. 

O. June 9, 1865. 
David Good, must, in Aug. 29, 1864. 
John Graw, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Laphner Guinther, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Charles Greaff, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
Frederick Gintzley, must, in Sept. 10, 1864; wounded 

at Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865; disch. by 

G. O. June 20, 1865. 
Michael Gerlach, must, in Sept. 7, 1864; died at New 

York Nov. 13, 1864; buried in Cypress Hill 

Cemetery, L. I. 
David D. Gtith, must, in Aug. 29, 1864; not on mus- 
ter-out roll. 
Levi Gresle, must, in Aug. 29, 1864; not on muster- 
out roll. 
John Heist, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 
D.ivid Heist, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 



Samuel Heist, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Elias Hopper, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Philiji Hertzog, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

James G. Heilman, must, in Aug. 29, 1864; disch. by 
G. O. Juue 14, 1865. 

William Hirst, must, in Sept. 10, 1864; killed at 
Lewis' Farm. Va., March 29, 1365. 

James Higgins, must, in Aug. 30, 1864; not account- 
ed for. 

John Hart, must, in Aug. 30, 1864; not accounted 
for. 

Franklin Jacoby, must, in Aug. 29, 1864. 

William J. Jefferson, must, in Aug. 19, 1864; not ac- 
counted for. 

Levi Kressler, must, in Aug. 29, 1864. 

Levi Klopp, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Morris Kissinger, must, in Sept. 10, 1864; wounded 
at Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865 ; disch. by 
G. O. June 15, 1865. 

William Koch, must, in Sept. 10, 1864; died at Wash- 
ington, D. C, Dec. 5, 1864. 

John Long, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Jonathan Landes, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Abraham Levan, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Charles Laderer, must, in Sept. 10, 1864 ; died at City 
Point, Va., Jan. 23, 1865. 

George Miller, must, in Sept. 10, 1864; wounded at 
White Oak Road, Va., March 31, 1865. 

Edwin L. Miller, must, in Aug. 29, 1864. 

Michael Mills, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Reuben Moyer, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Henry Mertz, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Francis Muman, must, in Sept. 7, 1864. 

Wellington Miller, must, in Sept. 10, 1864 ; wounded 
at Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865; disch. by 
G. O. June 5, 1865. 

Henry P. Michael, must, in Aug. 29, 1864; wounded 
at Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865; disch. by 
G. O. May 31, 1865. 

Amos McCarty, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Jacob Noll, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

William H. Potter, must, in Sept. 12, 1864; not ac- 
counted for. 

Philip Rapp, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Reuben Reifsnyder, must, in Sept. 10, 1864; wounded 
at Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 18()5 ; disch., dale 
unknown. 

Samuel Reifsnyder, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Alfred Seiple, must, in Aug. 29, 1864. 

Jacob Smith, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Augustus Shupurt, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Levi Schlegel, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Annes Sicher, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Thomas Strach, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

Peter Shunk, must, in Sept. 10, 1864; wounded at 
Lewis' Farm, Va., March 29, 1865; disch. by G. 
O. May 16, 1865. 

David Smith, must, in Sept. 10, 1864; killed at Lewis' 
Farm, Va., March 29, 1865; buried in Poplar 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



335 



Grove National Cemetery, Petersburg, div. D, 
sec. A, grave 45. 

Gideon D. Staudt, must, in Sept. 10, 1864 ; killed at 
Five Forks, Va., April 1, 1865 ; buried in Poplar 
Grove National Cemetery, Petersburg, div. A, 
sec. B, grave 15. 

Aaron Troxel, must, in Aug. 29, 1864. 

John Weind, must, in Sept. 10, 1864. 

George Williams, must.in Oct. 6, 1864; not on muster- 
out roll. 

ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-SECOND REGIMENT. 

In July, 1864, a regiment was recruited in 
Philadelphia, for a service of one hundred 
days, and mustered in as the One Hundred and 
Ninety-second. It was mustered out of service 
in November following. One of the com- 
panies re-enlisted for one year, and in February, 
1865, nine new companies united with it, which, 
together, were mustered in as a second regiment 
of the same number (One Hundred and Ninety- 
second). One of the nine companies was Com- 
pany F, recruited at Reading. The regiment 
was organized at Harper's Ferry, and when the 
spring campaign opened, it moved up the val- 
ley to Staunton and Lexington. But few of 
the enemy were met, for the fighting there was 
substantially at an end. It was retained in the 
department and engaged in various duties till 
August 24th, when it was mustered out of ser- 
vice. 

Company F. — This company was recruited 
at Reading and, unless otherwise stated, the 
men were mustered out of service August 24, 
1865. 

John Teed, capt., must, in March 3, 1865. 

Samuel Snyder, 1st lieut., must, in March 3, 1865 ; 

disch. June 5, 1865. 
James W. Hill, 1st lieut., must, in Feb. 17, 1865 ; pro. 

to 2d lieut. March 3, 1866 ; to 1st lieut. Aug. 6, 

1865. 
Philip Carling, 1st sergt., must, in Feb. 14, 1865 ; 

pro. to 1st sergt. March 1, 1865; com. 2d lieut. 

June 6, 1865; not mustered. 
Charles Shanberger, sergt., must, in Feb. 14, 1865 ; 

pro. to sergt. March 1, 1865. 
Franklin Teed, sergt., must, in Feb. 14, 1865 ; pro. 

from corp. March 1, 1865. 
William Kutz, sergt., must, in Feb. 10, 1865 ; pro. 

from Corp. March 1, 1865. 
A. Weidenhamer, sergt, must, in Feb. 14, 1865; pro. 

from Corp. March 1, 1865. 
Wm. Wanner, corp., must, in Feb. 14, 1865; pro. to 

corp. March 5, 1865. 



William Eyrich, corp., must.in Feb. 10, 1865 ; pro. 

to corp. March 15, 1865. 
Henry B. Baker, cnrp., must, in Feb. 14, 1865 ; pro. 

to corp. March 1, 1865. 
Sebastian Muringer, corp., must, in Feb. 14, 1805 ; 

pro. to Corp. March 1, 18i)5. 
Henry Horn, corp., must, in Feb. 10, 1865; pro. to 

corp. Aug. 7, 1865. 
Benneville Weidner, corp., must, in Feb. 10, 1865; 

pro. to Corp. Aug. 7, 1865. 
Solomon Kuth, corp., must, in Feb. 18, 1865; pro. to 

corp. Aug. 7, 1865. 
George Shoemaker, corp., must, in Feb. 22, 1865 ; 

pro. to corp. Aug. IS, 1865. 
John Bouse, corp., must, in Feb. 10, 1865 ; pro. to 

corp. May 5, 1865. 
George Clay, corp., must, in Feb. 10, 1865; pro. to 

corp. May 5, 1865. 
George Gatz, corp., must, in Feb. 14, 1865 ; pro. to 

corp. May 5, 1865. 
Charles E. Williams, corp., must, in Feb. 22, 1865. 
Fredk. A. Clouse, mus., must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
Oliver R. Hoover, mus., must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 

Privates. 
Jacob Andy, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Henry Adams, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
George Alspach, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Victor Bower, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
Henry Benade, must, in Feb. 10. 1805. 
Jacob Bord, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Conrad Bower, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Daniel Brown, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
Abraham Bridigham, must, in Feb. 10,1865. 
Henry Casper, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Henry Cole, must, in Feb. 10, 1805. 
Elwood Dickinson, must, in Feb. 10, 1865; disch. 

by G. O. Aug. 28, 1865. 
Thomas O. Doyle, must, in Feb. 22, 1865 ; died at 

Harper's Ferry, Va., June 10, 1865 ; buried in 

Nat. Cem., Winchester, lot 25. 
Frederick Dorey, must, in March 1, 1865. 
Joel Deisher, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Mahlon Doutrick, must, in Feb. 22, 1865. 
Samuel Derr, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
Henry Esser, must, in Feb. 22, 1865. 
Joseph Foreman, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Andrew J. Fisher, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
William Foreman, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
William H. Fassig, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Daniel Finkbone, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Charles Gear, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
Reuben Y. Gruff, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
James Gambler, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
Joseph Gambler, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
Isaac Grett, must, in Feb. 14,1865. 
Isaac Good, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
Benjamin Hilbert, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
Daniel S. Herbine, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 



336 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Daniel F. Heister, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 

Daniel Hain, must, in March 4, 1865. 

Wm. Hinnershitz, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 

Daniel C. Hughes, must, iu Feb. 14, 1865 ; disch. by 

G. O. June 13, 186.5. 
Charles Heller, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
David Hinkle, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
Jonas Hoch, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
James Howard, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Samuel Haffer, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Bernard Inspink, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Thomas King, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
William Kline, must, in Feb. 14, 1865 ; disch. by 

G. O. Aug. 1, 1865. 
Reuben Kline, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
John Keptner, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
Thomas Kocher, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Francis Kocher, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
John Lash, must, in Feb. 25, 1865. 
Valen'e Muringer, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Christian Miller, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Henry Moyer, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Jacob Mink, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
B. Franklin McCoy, must, in March 4, 1865. 
Henry Phillips, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Samuel Phillips, must, in March 1, 1865. 
Samuel Rollman, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
William B. Reeser, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
James Regiel, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Henry S. Reber, must, in March 4, 1865. 
Jacob Sweetzer, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Joseph Sweezy, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
William Scbuck, must, in Feb. 10, 1865 ; absent, sick, 

at muster out. 
Adam Speicker, must, in March 14, 1865. 
Levi Stutzman, must, in March 14, 1865. 
George D. Smith, must, in March 25, 1865. 
John Trupp, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
Redam Trump, must, in Feb. 10, 1S65. 
Samuel Weidner, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
John Wells, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
William H. Wall, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
William Weiler, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
David Weiler, must, in Feb. 10, 1865. 
Wm. Whitmoyer, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
William Youse, must, in Feb. 14, 1865. 
Henry D. Young, must, in March 7, 1 865. 
MISCEI-LANEOUS EXLI.STMEJJTS FROM BERKS 
COUNTY. 

Numerous men from Berks County were en- 
listed in the Civil War, for which the county 
received no credit. The following statement 
contains the names of those that I could ascer- 
tain. It is not complete. 

PORT CLINTON ARTILLERY. 

The following volunteers from Berks Countv 



were enlisted and mustered in with the company 
of "Port Clinton Artillery," commanded by 
Captain D. B. Kaufman, in May, 1861, ac- 
credited to Schuylkill County : 

Joseph Maurer,* Joseph Bridegam,* Henry Hyne- 
man,* Samuel S. Moyer, Nathaniel Confer, Aaron 
Boyer, Thomas P. Smith, John A. Moyer, Levi 
Strunk,* George Kemp,* Thomas W. Combs,* Frank- 
lin Fabian,* Henry Hyneman, Jr.,* Daniel Fox, 
M. P. Thompson, Justice Garrett, John Seaman. 
William Deem, Henry Snyder, W. S. Hertlinc, 
T. P. S. Roby,* Moses Nolan, Richard Lenhart, 
Frank Nolan, George Lindsay. 

Note. — Those marked with a star were from Reading. 
The greater part of the others were from Lee^po.'t. 

BEEXVILLE BAND. 

Henry S. Grime, James McGuigan, John A. Weber, 
William H. Kerschuer, James Snyder, Adam P. 
Wenrich, Lewis Frantz, Robert H. Scott, George 
Dewald, Cyrus HefFelfinger, John Gery, Charles A. 
Andrews, Levi Kaufman. 

This band was mustered into service at 
Bladensburg, Md., on the IGth of September, 
1861, as a regimental band, with Twenty-sixth 
Regiment of Penn.sylvauia Volunteers (three 
years' service), and attached to Hooker's First 
Brigade. It remained at Bladensburg about 
two months in camp ; then it moved to Budd's 
Ferry, in Lower Potomac, on Maryland Shore, 
and continued there all winter in camp. During 
the latter part of April it joined McClellan's 
army at Fortress Monroe, and was engaged in 
Peninsula campaign, commencing at Yorktown 
and ending at Harrison's Landing. It was mus- 
tered out of service at Harrison's Landing, on 
August 8, 1862, by reason of an act of Congress 
passed to dispense with regimental bands. The 
men returned to Philadelphia, where they were 
paid off and sent home. 

TWENTIETH CAVALRY. 

The following veterans were enlisted for three 
years in Company H of the Twentieth Cavalry, 
One Hundred and Eighty-first Regiment Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers. They had been enlisted 
in the nine months' service, and upon the ex- 
piration of their term of service re-enlisted, and 
were assigned to the company named. This 
was in January, 1864. The company had been 
enliisted in the six months' service, and also re- 
enlisted upon the expiration of its term. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



337 



Tliey were in the Shenandoah Valley cam- 
paign, under Generals Sigel, Hunter and Sheri- 
dan, and participated in numerous battles, includ- 
ing New Market, Piedmont, Quaker's Church, 
Liberty, Salem, Snicker's Gap and Gordonville, 
and they were also in various battles during the 
concluding campaign before Petersburg — the 
regiment occupying the extreme left. It was 
mustered out of service in July 13, 1865. (See 
5 Bates' "Peuna. Vols.," 65-66.) 

Francis C. Khode, sergeant. 

Edward C. Eben, first corporal. 

Thomas G. Hill, commissary-sergeant. 
Privates. — Emanuel Hoffman, George W. Johns, 
Samuel Karnes, George Paulhamus, John Hill, 
Henry A. Phillippi, Livingston Saylor, Samuel 
yhaeffer, Archibald Suavely, Joseph F. Watson, 
Alfred Wentzel, Daniel Yohn. 

COMPANY B, FIFTY-THIRD REGIMENT. 

The following men from Birdsboro' were en- 
listed in Company B, Fifty-third Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers : 

Lewis R. Bland, second lieutenant. 

William W. Millard, sergeant. 

Corporals : Samuel Lacy, Henry Haliu, Albert 
Hoffman, Samuel W. Kerst, Augustus Wert. 

Musician, Caleb H. Bland. 
- Privates. — Edward Bland, Levi Britton, Jacob 
Bower, John Davis, George Davis, Enoch Hoffman, 
Henry Henry, George B. Kupp, Charles Lacy, Cyrus 
Rhoads, Augustus Shirey, George Siegfried, Joseph S. 
Wickline, Jacob Yerger, George Wanger. 

And the following men from Boyertown were 
in Company A of this regiment : 

Corporals : Cornelius Uxley, Richard Gobel, 
Isaac Spotts, Levi Walleigh. 

Captain J. Bowman Bell was the son of 
Hon. Samuel Bell, and born at Reading Jan- 
uary 20, 1825, where he was educated. After 
remaining at home till about 1860, he removed to 
Philadelphia. When the Rebellion broke out 
he was commissioned a captain in the Fifteenth 
Regiment of Regular Infantry, and spent the sum- 
mer of 1 861 at Erie and Philadelphia as a recruit- 
ing and mustering officer. In October following 
he was transferred to the Western army, under 
General Buell, and participated in the battle of 
Pittsburgh Landing. Whilst gallantly leading 
his company against the enemy's works, in the 
battle of Murfreesboro', on Dec. 31, 1862, he | 



was struck in the head by a musket-bullet and 
instantly killed. His remains were brought to 
Reading and interred in Charles Evans' Ceme- 
tery. 

UNCLASSIFIED. 

Isaac Addis, sergt., Co. F, 3d Pa. Art. 

Wm. Aikens, priv., Co. C, 8th Ind. 

Theodore Aker, corp., Co. H, 104th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Sept. 22, 1861. must, out Sept. 30, 1864. 
Anthony Aman, priv., Co. A, 25th Regt. P. V., must. 

in April 18, 1861. 
John M. Amweg, capt, Co. I, 122d Regt. P. V., must. 

in Aug. 11, 1862 ; resigned Oct. 11, 1862. 
Joseph F. Angstadt, priv., 3d Regt. Art. 
Solomon Ash, priv., Co. C, 25th Regt. P. V., must, in 

April 18, 1861. 
Joseph Aulinbach, priv., Co. E, 182d Regt. P. V., 

must, in Feb. 16, 1864 ; wounded at Boydton 

Plank-Road, Va., Oct. 27, 1864. 
Dr. Jonathan Bertolette, surg. U. S. frig. "Lancaster." 
John D. Bertolette, adjt., 6th Regt. P. V.; also of 48th 

Regt.; pro. to capt. and A. A G. Sept. 25, 1862. 
Benneville Barnhart, com. -sergt., Co. H. 5th Pa. Cav., 

must, in Aug. 10, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 7, 1865. 
Joseph A. Barford, Corp., Co. D, 2d Pa. Res., must. 

in May 25, 1861 ; disch. on surg. certif. Nov. 1862. 
Charles Bellman, priv., Co. L, 7th Pa. Cav., must, in 

Feb. 5, 1864; must, out Aug. 23, 1865. 
Israel H. C. Becker, sergt., Co. E, 23d Regt. P. V., 

must, in July 17, 1861 ; pro. to sergt. -maj. 
Henry W. Bland, 1st sergt., Co. H, 82d Regt. P. V., 

nmst. in Aug. 31, 1861 ; must, out Dec. 27, 1862. 
H. Beckhardt, sergt., Co. M, 5th U. S. Art. 
George Beyerle, corp., Co. E, 80th Ohio Inf 
Henry Bower, priv., Co. H, 104th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Sept. 22, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 30, 1864. 
Geo. S. Bickley, priv., Ringgold Art. 
Franklin S. Bickley, q.m., 32d Regt., P. V., must, in 

June 7, 1861 ; disch . on surg. certif Nov. 13, 

1861. 
Jeremiah Boone, priv., Co. D, 2d Pa. Res., must, in 

June 7, 1861 ; must, out June 17, 1864. 
Joseph Bowers, priv., Co. L, 7th Pa. Cav., must, in 

Oct. 1, 1861; must, out Aug. 23, 1865 ; vet. 
Conrad Bower, priv. Co. F, 192d Regt. P. V., must, in 

Feb. 10, 1865 ; must, out Aug. 24, 1865. 
Jer. Bowman, priv., Co. L, 7th Pa. Cav. 
A. C. Buckwalter, marine, enlisted in naval service, 

1863, for two years on flag ship "Louisville," in 

Mississippi Squadron, and afterward on ram 

"Sampson." 
Samuel Breneiser, priv., Co. G, 174th P. V. 
Henry A. Brown, priv., Co. D, 192d Regt. P. V., must. 

in July 14, 1864 ; must, out Nov. 11, 1864. 
G. W. H. Berbeck, priv., Co. B, 1st. Mass. Inf. 
Lewis Brownbach, priv., Co. F. lt)7th Regt. P. V., 

must, in July 18, 1864; must out Nov. 11, 1864. 



338 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENXSYLVANIA. 



A. W. Burkert, priv., Co. B, 62d Regt.; killed at 

Memphis. 
Lemon Biich, 1st lieut. Co. D, 213th Regt. P. V. mu.st. 

in March 4, 1865; resigned May 2G, 1,«65. 
Uriah R. Burkert, Co. A, 6th Regt. Res. Vol.; must. 

in service July 27, 1861 ; pro. 1st lieut., and then 

to capt. of Co. H, 191.?t Regt. commanded Regt. 

on June 16, 17, 1864, in front of Petersburg ; 

taken prisoner Aug. 19, 1864 ; paroled Feb. 22, 

1865 ; must, out June 28, 1865. 
Effinger Cake, sergt., Co. C, 122d Regt. P. V., must. 

in Aug. 11, 1862; must, out with Co. May 15, 

1863. 
John Care, priv., Co. B, 11th Pa. Cav., must, in Aug. 

19, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 18, 1864. 
Frederick A. Clouse, musician, Co. F, 93d Regt. P. 

v., must, in Oct. 28, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 28, 

1864. 
John H. Cline, sergt., Co. I, 29th Conn. Vols. 
Daniel F. Coller, sergt., Co. F, 15th U. S. Inf. 
Frank M. Cooley, capt., 11th Regt. Reg. Inf. 
George H. Corbit, priv., Co. B, 33d Regt. P. V., must. 

in May 25, 1861 ; must, out with Co. June 17, 

1864. 
Lewis Crater, 1st lieut., Co. F, 50th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Sept. 10, 1861 ; pro. from com. -sergt. to 1st 

lieut. Dec. 5, 1864; to adjt. April 16, 1865; vet.; 

must. out. with Regt. July 30, 1865. 
Frank Coleman, priv., Co. G, 114tb Regt. P. V., must. 

in Aug. 29, 1862 ; must, out May 29, 1865. 
Adam Dehart, priv., Co. H., 5th Pa. Cav., must, in 

Jan. 26, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 7, 1865. 
Wm. Dehart, priv., Co. D, 15th U. S. Inf. 
Hiram Dickinson, priv., Co. A, 195th Regt. P. V., 

must, in July 16, 1864; must, out with Co. June 

21, 186.5. 
Fred. Dehart, corp., Ind. Batt. B, must, in Oct. 11, 

1861 ; must, out, expiration of term. 
John F. Donahower, priv., Co. D, 47th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Jan. 2, 1864; must, out with company 

Dec. 25, 1865 ; vet. 
John F. Doremus, priv. Co. I, .56ih X. Y. Vols. 
Wm. F.Dougherty, 1st. lieut., Co. K, 59tli Regt. 2d Pa. 

Cav., must, in Nov. 30, 1861 ; disch. Dec. 16, 

1864. 
Martin P. Doyle, 1st lieut., Co. I, 21st Pa. Cav. 

must, in July 11, 1803; wounded at Cold 

Harbor; resigned Jan. 11, 1865. 
Henry W. Drake, priv., Co. C, 12th N. H. Vols. 
Rufus K. Dieter, priv., Co. K, 93d Regt. P. V., must. 

in Aug. 2, 1862 ; wounded at Chancellorsville, 

Va., May 3, 1863 ; disch. May 20, 1865. 
Thomas Deem, marine, enlisted in naval service 

1861; served during war, mostly on "Tallapoosa." 
Charles H. Ebbert, priv., Co. L, 7th Pa. Cav., must. 

in Feb. 4, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 23, 1865. 
Hiester Ebbert, corp., Co. G, 1st Battal. 19th U. S. 

Inf. 



Josiab Ebbert, priv., Co. G, 1st Battal. 19th U. S. 

Inf. 
Lewis Eltz, priv., Co. B, 98th Regt. P. V. 
Daniel Epstein, sergt., Co. A, 34th N. J. Vols. 
Jervis W. Edes, priv., Co. C, 91st P. V., must, in Aug. 

30, 1861 ; wounded May 14, 1864; must, out July 

10, 1865. 
William Edwards, priv., Co. A, 96th P. V., must, in 

Sept. 23, 1861 ; must, out Oct. 21, 1864. 
John A. Fehr, priv., Co. K, 77th Regt. P. V., must, in 

Jan. 16, 1865; disch. by G. O. Aug. 19, 1865. 
Samuel J. Fields, landsman, U. S. Navy. 
Nicholas Fogel, priv., Co. I, 115th Regt. P. V., mu.st. 

in Feb. 17, 18()2; wounded at Chancellorsville, 

Va., May 8, 1863. 
John Fries, Jr., priv., Co. A, 25th P. V. 
Abraham Fry, priv., Batt. I, 3d Pa. Art., must, in 

March 7, 1864 ; must, out with battery Nov. 9, 

1865. 
Isaac L. Fritz, sergt., Co. B, 48th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Sept. 19, 1861 ; pro. to corp. ; to sergt., Feb. 15, 

1865 ; must, out with company July 17, 1865 ; 

vet. 
David Farling, priv., Batt. M, 3d Pa. Art., must, in 

Feb. 23, 1864; must, out with battery Nov. 9, 

1865. 
John R. Faust, capt., Co. F, 173d Regt. P. D. M., 

must, in Nov. 1, 1862; must, out with company 

Aug. 16, 1863. 
Frederick M. Geiger, priv., Co. D, 46th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Jan. 13, 1864; must, out July 16, 1865; 

vet. 
John M. Geiger, telegraph operator, Co. G, 153d 

N. Y. V. 
Joseph Geiger, priv., Co. D, 46th Regt. P. V., must, in 

Sept. 2, 1861 ; died July 31, 1864, of wounds re- 
ceived at Peach Tree Creek, Ga., on July 20, 

1864; buried at Chattanooga, Tenn., grave 247. 
Charles Gerlach, priv., Co. B, 98th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Sept. 25, 1861 ; wounded at Petersburg, Va., 

June 18, 1864. 
Charies A. Golding, priv., Co. B, 1st P. V. 
Isaac Good, priv., Co. D, P. V. Art. 
Charles Gillman, bugler, Co. L, 7th Pa. Cav., must, in 

Feb. 8, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 23, 1865. 
George E. Goodhart, priv., Co. B, 152d P. V. 
David Gilmore, corp., Co. I, 88th Regt. P. V., mu.*t. 

in Sei)t. 24, 1861; disch. on surg. certif. March 7, 

1864. 
W. F. Gorrell, priv., Co. K, 11th Md. V. 
George W. Green, 1st lieut., 7th Regt.. Res. Inf. 
Daniel S. Graeff, priv., Co. E, 14th U. S. F. 
John Grogg, engineer, enlisted in naval service in 

1861 ; served throughout war, and continued in 

this service of government till his decease, in 

1885. 
Andrew Grant, priv., Co. K, 16th Regt. P. V. Militia. 
William B. Graul, 1st lieut., Co. K, 2d Pa. Cav., 

must, in Nov. 30, 1861 ; disch. Nov. 2.5, 1864. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



339 



Charles Glaze, sergt., Co. C, 62d Regt. P. V., must, in 

July 25, 1861; wounded in action July 2, 1863. 
Owen Hamilton, priv., Co. B, 11th Pa. Cav., must, in 

Aug. 19, 1861 ; disch. Aug. 18, 1864. 
Robert Hamilton, priv., Co. K, 136th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Aug. 27, 1862; must, out with company 

May 29, 1863. 
Thomas Haines, fireman, U. S. Navy. 
Frank K. Hain, asst. eng. U. S. sloop of war 

" Iroquois." 
Thomas Hammer, priv., Co. B, 2.5th Regt. P. V., must. 

in April 18, 1861 ; must, out July 26, 1861. 
Julius A. Hawk, musician, Co. G, 88th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Feb. 19, 1864; must, out June 30, 

1865. 
Owen Hamilton, priv., Co. B, 11th Pa. Cav. 
Wellington Harbach, priv., Co. B, 3d Batt, 15th U. 

S. Inf. 
C. W. Harrington, sergt., Co. F, 15th U. S. Inf. 
Israel Hartman, priv., Co. M, 5th U. S. Art. 
Joseph B. Haslett, priv., Co. D, 40th Regt. P. V. 
Samuel Heckman, priv., Co. B, 48th Regt. P. V., 

must, in March 31, 1864 (3 years); died June 12, 

1864, of wounds received in action ; buried in 

Nat. Cem. at Arlington. 
Frederick Heifer, priv., Co. B, 3d Batt. 15th U. S. Inf. 
C. M. Heilman, corp., Co. G, 50th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Feb. 24, 1864 ; must, out with company July 

30, 1865. 
Daniel M. Heller, priv., Co., B, 105th Regt. P. V., 

must, in March 2, 1866; must, out July 11, 

1865. 
David Henry, priv., Co. F, 7th Pa. Cav., must, in Feb. 

22, 1864; must, out Aug. 23, 1865. 
John Hill, priv., Co. H, 20th Pa. Cav. 
Thomas G. Hill, sergt., Co. H, 20th Pa. Cav. 
Henry G. Hunter, sergt., Co. L, 162d Regt. P. "V., 

must, in Sept. 17, 1862 ; disch. on surg. certif. 

Oct. 1, 1864. 
Benjamin B. Hollenbach, priv., Co. A, 7th Pa. Cav.. 

must, in Feb. 10, 1865 ; must, out Aug. 23, 1865. 
Fritz Hinterkirch, priv., Co. E, 75th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Aug. 28, 1861 ; disch. on surg. certif. 

Feb. 27, 1863. 
John Hunter, priv., Co. H, 1st Md. Militia. 
William H. Houck, priv., Co. G, 124th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Aug. 12, 1862 ; must, out with company 

May 16, 1863. 
F. M.arion Jones, priv., Batt. B, 4th Mass. Art. 
JohnH. Johnson, sergt., Co. G, 2d Pa. Cav., must, in 

Oct. 25, 1861; captured; died at Andersonville, 

Ga., April 15, 1864; grave 565. 
George W. Johns, priv., Co. H, 181st Regt. P. V., 

must, in June 25, 1863; must, out with company 

Jan 6, 1864.. 
Jeremiah Kachel, corp., Co. G, 19th U. S. Inf. 
James Kerper, sergt., Co. G. 1st Battal. 19th U. S. Inf 
Jonah Keim, priv., Co. A, 53d Regt. P. V , must, in 

Sept. 18, 1861 ; must, out June 30, 1865. 



Levi Keller, priv., Co. D, 3d Prov. Pa. Cav. 

Michael Kelly, priv., Co. E, 28th 111. Inf. 

Wm. Klineyoung, musician, Co. D, 30th Regt. P. V., 

must, in June 8, 1861 ; must, out with company 

June 13, 1864. 
Heniy A. Kinch, priv., Co. E, 135th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Aug. 18, 1862; captured at Chancellors- 

viile.Va., May 6, 1863. 
Adam Knauer, corp., Co. H, 31st Pa. Cav. 
James H. Knerr, priv., Co. G, 47th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Sept. 18, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 18, 1864, ex- 
piration of term. 
James Koch, priv., Co. L, Ist Pa. Cav. 
James Koch, priv., Co. B, 98th Regt. P. V. 
Daniel Koller, priv., Co. F, 2d Battal. 15lh U. S. Inf. 
George H. Koons, priv., Co. A,* 200th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Aug. 29, 1864; wounded at Fort Stead- 
man, Va., March 25, 1865. 
Jacob Kunsman, priv., Co. H, 1st Battal. 18th U. S. 

Inf. 
Jacob H. Kunsman, priv., Co. H, 21st Pa. Cav. 
Louis Lichstern, 2d lieut., Co. F, 98th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Aug. 22. 1861; wounded at Salem 

Heights, Va., May 3, 1863. 
William Laning, priv., Co. I, 8th Pa. Cav. ; must, in 

Aug. 1, 1861. 
Henry Lott, priv., Co. L, 7th Pa. Cav., must, in Sept. 

23, 1861; must, out Aug. 23, 1865. 
Isaac W. Lewis, priv., Co. G, 82d Regt. P. V., must. 

in Dec. 20, 1863; must, out July 13, 1865; vet. 
Joseph H. Lutz, 2d lieut., Co. D, 198th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Sept. 17, 1864. 
Gaben Lees, priv., Co. G, 19th U. S. Inf. 
James Lees, priv., Co. G, 19th U. S. Inf. 
Augustus Lessig, priv., Co. A, 3d Battal. 15th U. S. 

Inf. 
Valentine H. Lieb, priv., Co. E, l.st Battal. 18th U. S. 

Inf. 
Elias Lins, priv., Co. A, 48th Regt. P. V., must, in 

Jan. 12, 1864; must, out July 17, 1865. 
Franklin S. Lins, priv., Co. A, 48th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Feb. 6, 1865 ; must, out July 17, 1865. 
George A. Leinbach, sergt.-maj., 104tli Regt. P. V., 

must, in Sept. 12, 1862 ; disch. by G. O. June 16, 

1865. 
Joel Lins, priv., Co. A, 48th Regt. P. V., must, in Jan. 

16, 1864 ; must, out July 17, 1865. 
Nathan Lins, priv., Co. A, 48th Regt. P. V., must, in 

Feb. 6, 1865 ; must, out July 17, 1865. 
Michael E. Lutz, priv., Co. H, 5th P. V., must, in 

April 20, 1861 ; must, out July 24, 1861. 
John Lyons, priv., Co. B, 2d Battal. 18th U. S. Inf. 
Benjamin Markley, priv., Co. E, 88th Regt. P. V., 

must, in March 6, 1862 ; must, out March 5, 1865. 
Anthony Matter, sergt., Co. C, 116th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Aug. 11, 1862; wounded at Fredericks- 
burg Dec. 13, 1S62 ; must, out with company June 

3, 1865. 
Levi McChalicher, 1st lieut., Co. H, 88th P. V., must. 



3i0 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



in Sept. 10, 1861 ; wounded at Five Forks, Va., 

April 1, 1SG5 ; disch. by G. O. May 15, 1865. 
Richards McMichael, lieut.-col., 53d Regt. P.V.; also 

lieut.-col., 194tli Regt. P. V., must, in July 24, 

1864 ; must, out with regiment Nov. 6, 1864. 
James McGuigan, band, 26th Pa. Regt. 
Wm. S. McManus, capt., 15th Regt.U. S. Reg. Array. 
Peter McKenney, priv.. Bat. A, 1st Pa. Art., must, in 

Feb. 2, 1864; must, out with battery July 25, 

1865. 
Edwin Miller, priv., Co. A, 7th Pa. Cav., must, in Feb. 

2.3, 1864; must, out Aug. 23, 1865. 
James McKinney, priv., Co. E,31st Regt. P. V., must. 

in May 27, 1861 ; wounded at Charles City Cross- 

Roada June 30, 1862 ; must, out with company 

June 16, 1864. 
Samuel Millmore, sergt., Co. L, 7th Pa. Cav., must, in 

Oct. 14, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 23, 1865. 
D. F. McLean, priv., Anderson Troop. 
Robert Martin, priv., Co. I, 51st Regt. P. V., must, in 

Feb. 26, 1S65 (one year) ; must, out with company 

July 27, 1865. 
Augustus Millard, priv., Co. A. 6th Regt. Pa. Res. Vol. 
Henry Miller, corp., Co. K, 55th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Jan. 29, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 30, 1865. 
Franklin Minkhouse, priv., Co. E, 1st Battal. 18th U. 

S. Inf. ; also Co. E, 42d Regt. P. V. 
Andrew Mitthower, priv., Co. G., 49th Ohio Inf. 
James McKnight, capt., 5th Regt. Reg. Art. 
Wm. Monyer, 1st lieut., Anderson Troop. 
Ohas. P. Muhlenberg, 1st lieut., 5th Regt. Reg. Art. 
Daniel Moore, priv., Co. G, 19th U. S. Inf. 
John M. Moyer, priv., Bat. D. 3d Pa. Art., must, in 

Feb. 28, 1S64; must, out with battery Nov. 9, 

1865. 
Frank P. Muhlenberg, 3st lieut., 13th Regt. Reg. Inf. 
Peter Noll, priv., Co. A, 3d Battal. 15th U. S. Inf. 
Wm. Parleman, priv., Co. H, 99th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Feb. 25, 1864 ; must, out July 1, 1865. 

C. C. Pike, priv., Co. H, 1st Conn. Art. 

William Plucker, priv., Co. G, 1st Battal. 19th U. S. 

Inf. 
George C. D. Powell, sergt., Co. I, 4th N. J. Vols. 
B. G. Prutzman, priv., Co. F, 65th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Feb. 3, 1864; must, out with Co. Aug. 7, 1865. 
George H. ReifT, 1st sergt., Co. A, 88th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Sept. 18, 1861; pro. to sergt. June 1, 

1865 ; must, out with Co. June 30, 1865. 

D. B. Reifsnyder, priv., Co. G, 2d Pa. Prov. Cav. 
Allen J. Reigcl, priv., Co. E, 46th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Feb. 28, 1864; must, out with Co. July 16, 

1865. 
Albert Reinhard, priv., Co. I, 48th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Feb. 23, 1864, three years; must, out with Co. 

July 17, 186.5. 
AVilliam Rhine, priv., Co. B, 2d Battal, 18th U.S. Inf. 
Henry J. Richards, mus., Co. A, 3d Pa. Pes., must, in 

June 7, 1861 ; must, out June 17, 18G4. 



Henry M. M. Richards, priv., Co. A, 26th Regt. P. V. 

Militia. 
Samuel Richards, priv., Co. E, 1st Battal., 18th U. S. 

Inf 
N. P. Rodney, priv., Co. E, 15l8t Pa. Vols. 
George W. Roland, priv.. Bat. B, 1st Pa. Art., must. 

in Feb. 3, 1864; must, out with battery June 9, 

1865. 
Henry Romig, priv., Co. G. 1st Battal., 19th U. S. 

Jnf. 
Charles Rothenberger, mus., Begt. Band 23d Regt. 

P. V. 
David Rohrbach, priv., Co. C. 116ih Regt. P. V., must. 

in Aug. 16, 1862; killed at Fredericksburg Dec. 

1.3, 1862. 
George Reber, 1st lieut., Co. F, 116th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Feb. 19, 1864; wounded at Wilderness, 

Va., May 8, 1864; must, out July 14, 1865. 
Dr. R. B. Rhoads, surg., com. Oct., 1862, at Camp 

Howe, at Pittsburgh, and then with 169th Begt. 

Pa. Drafted Militia, as ass't surg., having- com- 
plete charge of entire regiment; disch. with regt. 

July, 1863. 
John D. Sauerbier, priv., 1st. Regt. N. Y. Inf 
Augustus Shott, priv., Co. L, 7th Pa. Cav., must, in 

Oct. 14, 1861 ; must, out Aug. 23, 1865. 
John W. Schall, col., 87th. Regt. P. V. 

William A. Schall, priv., Co. . 

James G. Seagreaves, priv., Co. H, 11th Pa. Cav. 
Luther Seiders, priv.. Bat. D, 1st Pa. Res. Art. 
Michael Shade, priv.. Bat. B, 5th RcL't. U. S. Art. 
Jacob Simpson, priv., Co. G, 19th U. S. Inf 
.lohn Sipple, corp., Co. B, 32d U. S. Colored Troops. 
Edmund L. Smith, capt., 19th Regt. Reg. Inf 
James H. Spohn, priv., Co. G, 19th U. S. Inf 
Jacob Stahlneckcr, priv.. Co. G, 19th U. S. Inf 
Jacob Swoyer, priv., Co. G, 19th U. S. Inf 
William Still, ord.-sergt., 11th U. S. Heavy Art. 
Henry Stine, priv., Co. D, Ind. Pa. Regt. 
Peter Strasser, priv., Co. A, 6th Reut. Pa. Res. Vols. 
Henry J. Souders, priv., Co. E, 178th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Nov. 8, 1862; must, out with Co. July 

27, 1863. 
Albert Thalheimer, priv., Co. B, 23d Regt., must, in 

Aug. 2, 1861 ; prisoner irom June 1, 1864, to 

March 27, 1865 ; disch. June 10, 1.865. 
W. A. Thompson, corp., Co. I, 8th Ohio Vols. 
Ira U. Travis, priv., Co. C, 11th N. Y. Vols. 
James P. Turner, sailor, V. S. Navy. 
John Teed, capt., Co. C, 116th Regt. P. V., must, in 

Aug. 26, 1862; captured at Gettysburg July 2, 

1863 ; disch. Nov. 28, 1864. 
Edward F. Tracy, priv.. Bat. I, 2d Pa. Art., must, in 

Feb. 28, 1862 ; disch. Feb. 28, 1865. 
James Trumbore, priv., Co. C, 174th Regt. P. V., must 

in Oct 31. 1862; must, out with Co. 
William Van Reed, 2d lieut., 5th Regt. Reg. Art. 
Thomas Watt, priv., Co. D, 67th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Dec. 6, 1861 ; must, out Dec. 31, 1864. 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



341 



John Wadsworth, priv., Co. B, 48th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Sept. 19, 1861 ; must, out Sept. 30, 1864, ex- 
piration of term. 
Henry S. Wagner, priv., Co. B, 98th Regt. P. V. 
Adam F. Waid, corp., Co. D, 3d Pa. Res., must, in 

July 13, 1801 ; trans, to 54th Regt. P. V. July 4, 

1864. 
Wm. Walkner, corp., Co. E, 3d Pa. Res. 
Dilman Warley, priv., Co. D, Pa. Vol. Art. 
Adam Waltman, priv., Co. G, 1st Battal. 19th U. S. 

Inf. 
Samuel Weiler, priv., Co. D, 59th Regt. P. V., must. 

in March 1, 1864 ; must, in Prov. Cav. June 17, 

1865. 
B. B. Weidner, priv., Co. F, 192d Regt. P. V. 
Benneville Weidner, corp , Co. F, 192d Regt. P. V., 

must, in Feb. 10, 1865; must, out Aug. 24. 1865. 
John Wells, priv., Co. F, 192d Regt. P. V., must, in 

Feb. 10, 1865 ; must, out Aug. 24, 1865. 
H. W. Wentzel, priv.. Co. B, 195th Pa. Tnf. 
Israel H. Wentzel, priv., Co. B, 195th Pa. Vols. 
Thomas E. Weber, 2d lieut., Co. A, 97th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Aug. 22, 1861 ; wounded at James Is- 
land, S. C. 
W. H. Weidenhamraer, priv., Co. L, 7th Pa. Cav., 

must, in March 3, 1864 ; must, out Aug. 23, 1865. 
Thomas H. West, priv., Co. B, 93d Pa. Inf., must, in 

Feb. 26, 1864 ; must, out June 27, 1865. 
George Wineland, priv., Co. B, 2d Battal., 18th U. S. 

Inf. 
Geo. W. 'Wirtz, corp., Co. A, 46th Regt. P. V., must. 

in Sept. 2, 1861 ; must, out July 16, 1865. 
Wm. J, Woodland, priv., Co. G, 30(h Regt. P. V., 

must, in June 6, 1861 ; disch. on surg. certif. Dec. 

22, 1862. 
Henry Wahl, priv., Co. F, 6th Pa. Cav., nuust. in 

Sept. 19, 1861 ; disch. on surg. certif. March, 

1862. 
Henry Yeager, sergt., Co. G, 1st Battal., 19th U. S. Inf. 
F. R. Yoeum, priv., Co. D, Pa. Vol. Art. 
David Young, priv., Co.G, 1st Battal., 19th U. S. Inf. 
Alfred G. Yeager, priv., Co. B, 129th Regt. P. V., 

must, in Aug. 10, 1862 ; must, out with Co. Mav 

18, 1863. 

SOLDIERS BURIED IN BERKS COUNTY. 

The followiug lists contain the names of the 
.soldiers who have been buried in the county 
of Berks, so far as they could be a.scertained, 
and the locality where buried. The several 
cemeteries are arranged in two classes — city and 
county — for facility of reference. 

CITY CEMETEEIES. 

Aulenbach. 

Cyrus D. Anthony, . 

Obadiah Ack, Co. D, 3d Pa. Res. 

Charles Auchenbach, Co. C, 48th Pa. Regt. 



Enoch Adams, Co. C, 7th Pa. Inf. 
George Armpriester, Co. K, 151at Pa. Inf. 
Sergt. Amos Arnold, Co. A, 14th Pa. Inf. 
William Arnol, Durell's Bat. 
John Arnold, Co. B, 35th Pa. Inf. 
Jacob Bobst, Co. E, 213th Pa. Regt. 

Charles Bobst, , 195th Pa. Regt. 

John W. Burkhart, Co. K, 128th Pa. Regt. 

Philip A. Burkhardt, . 

John H. Brunner, Co. D, 213th Pa. Regt. 

Henry Bright, . 

David Bechtel, Co. I, 20th Pa. Militia. 
Lewis B. Bachmiin, Co. M, .5th U. S. .\rt. 
George W. N. Bitting, Co. B, 167th Pa. Inf. 
Egidius Bach, Co. I, 179th Pa. Inf. 
William Boas, Sr., Co. E, 8Sth Pa. Inf. 
Sergt. John Bechtel, Co. K, 46th Pa. Inf 
Charles Bechtel, Co. I, 128th Pa. Inf 
Corp. Joseph Becker, Co. E, 128th Pa. Inf. 
Henry Becker, Co. I, 179th Pa. Inf. 
William Burns, Co. L, 1st Pa. Cav. 

Jacob Christman, . 

John Christ, . 

Abraham Clemens, , 1812. 

William J. Carmon, Co. F, 7th U. S. Inf. 
Henry Coleman, Co. A, 25th Pa. Inf. 
Sergt. Henry W. Corbit, Co. I, 194th Pa. Inf. 
Francis Hartman, Co. G, 6th Pa. Cav. 

Adim Deem, . 

Jefferson Dengler, . 

George Drenkle, 1812. 
Peter De Hart, Co. D, 32d Pa. Inf. 
William Eck, Co. H, 5th Pa. Cav. 
Christian Eyler, Durell's Bat. 
Daniel Eckert, Co. H, 88th Pa. Inf. 
John F. Fox, Co. H, 21st Pa. Cav. 
Corp. Frank Fabian, Co. B, .50th Pa. Inf. 
Howard Fisher, Co. I, 196th Pa. Inf. 

Colonel Fox, . 

James K. Fisher, . 

David Frankenhauser, . 

John Gruse, Co. F, 34th N. J. Inf 

Corp. Jackson Guilden, Co. I, 128th Pa. Regt. 

John Groetzinger, Co. A, 195th Pa. Regt. 

Corp. Emanuel G. Gottshall, Co. E, 128th Pa. 

Inf 
Corp, Enos B. Heckman, Co. I, 91st Pa. Inf 
Mark B. Heckman, Co. K, 115th Pa. Inf. 
Hiram Hafer, Co. E, 128th Pa. Inf. 
Gideon Hepler, Co. E, 46th Pa. Inf. 
William Hill, Co. G, 28th Pa. Inf. 
Corp. Daniel E. Hafer, Co. M, 6th Pa. Cav. 
Sergt. Levi Hoffmaster, Co. F, 32d Pa. Inf 
Henry A. Harbold, Co. H, 88th Pa. Regt. 
Valentine Himmelreich, Co. B, 6th Pa. Cav. 
Amos Hafer, Co. L, l.st Pa. Cav. 
John Harner, Co. H, 104th Pa. Inf. 
Lieut. Levi J. Homan, Ringgold Art. 
Timothy Heineman, Co. K, 3d Pa. Art. 



342 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Francis Hartnian, Co. G, 6th Pa. Cav. 
Amos F. D. Hook, Co. A, 195th Pa. Inf. 

James H. Harner, . 

Joshua Hiller, . 

William B. Hofl'master, Co. E, 46th Pa. Regt. 

Lewis Hotlraaster, . 

Zeno Hoffmaster, Co. I, 20th Pa. Regt. 
Frederick A. Heller, Mexican War. 
Nathan Hantsch, Co. E, 46th Pa. Regt. 
Nathan Herring, — — — . 

Henry Herden, . 

Cyrus Hare, . 

Jacob Hawk, . 



Benjamin Kutz, . 

Sergt. James Monroe Kissinger, Co. H, 50th Pa. 

Inf. 
Lieut. John H. Kendall, Co. B, 55th Pa. Inf. 
G-iorge Kistler, Co. H, 184th Pa. Inf. 

John Lotz, -. 

John Lautensweiler, . 

W. A. Lewis, . 

Jackson Levan, . 

A. F. Lewis, Marine. 

Jacob Leeds. Ringgold Art. 

Corp. Charles Matthews, Co. A, SSth Pa. Jnf 

Franklin Maurer, Co. K, 128th Pa. Inf. 

Franklin Maurer, Co. E, SSth Pa. Inf. 

John McKnabb, Co. H, 50th Pa. Inf. 

Sergt. John L. Morris, Co. B, 167th Pa. Inf. 

Isaac D. Morris, Co. H, 5th Pa. Inf. 

John Slaurer, Co. G, 93d Pa. Inf. 

George Mason. 

John Madeira, Sr. 

Isaiah Miller. 

Corp. George Miller, Co. A, 196th Pa. Regt. 

John Madeira, Jr., Co. K, 2d Pa. Cav. 

John Marquet, . 

Daniel Meek, . 

Jeremiah Miller. 

George Mills, Mexican War. 

Samuel McKnabb, . 

John S. Nagel, Co. H, 20th Militia. 
Corp. Harrison Neider, Co. H, 50th Pa. Inf. 
William Henry Philips, Co. H, 5th Pa. Inf. 
Harrison Reed, Co. S, 213th Pa. Regt. 

Daniel Ramsey, . 

Joseph B. Reeser, Co. L, 1st Pa. Cav. 

Samuel P. Reed, . 

John Ruth. 

Abraham Rinehart, . 

David Renno, 1812, . 

Uriah Ramsey, Co. I, 1st Pa. Art. 
Samuel Roland, Co. G, 48th Pa. Inf. 
Corp. Franklin Rowe, Co. K, 157th Pa. Inf. 
Lieut. George W. Rapp, Co. H, SSth Pa. Inf. 
John Roy, Co. K, 128th Pa. Inf. 
William Roland, Co. H, 104th Pa. Inf. 
William J. Scliohter, Co. M, 19Sth Pa. Inf. 
Franklin Smeck, Go. 8, 82d Pa. Inf. 



John O. Schoener, . 

Capt. F. R. Straub, Co. D, 3d Pa. Res. 

Isaac M. Sched, . 

Washington Smith, Co. A, 28th Pa. Regt. 
George W. Saylor, Co. H, 104th Pa. Regt 
John Troxel, Co. E, 46th Pa. Regt. 

Seigreavcs, , 128th Pa. Regt. 

William B. Schmale, 5th U. S. Art. 

Corp. George F. Strouse, Co. A, 195ih Pa. Inf 

John B. Snyder, Co. B, 41st Pa. Inf. 

John Shelhorn, Co. F, 1st Pa. Art. 

Damon Struting, Co. E, 46th Pa. Inf. 

Corp. Adam Shaaber, Co. H, 21st Pa. Cav. 

Moses Snyder, Co. K, 93d Pa. Inf. 

David R. Shadell, Co. G, 1st Ind. Art. 

David Smeck, Co. M, 5th U. S. Art. 

John Swavely, Ce. H, 8th U. S. Inf. 

Matthias Stumpt, Co. C, 6Sth N. Y. Inf. 

Zacharias Snyder, Co. F, 50th Pa. Inf. 

Levi Swavely, Co. C, 173d Pa. Inf 

John W. Seitzinger, Co. I, 196th Pa. Inf. 

John Vickers, marine. 

John H. Weaver, Co. G, 6th Pa. Cav. 

Henry Wunder, Ermentrout's Ind. Bat. 

H. Michael Winter, Co. B, 5th Pa. Inf 

James Walter, Ringgold Bat. 

James W. Weidner, . 

Daniel C. Weinland, Co. B, 195th Pa. Regt. 

John Wunder, , War of 1S12. 

Richard Yeager, Co. A, 3d Pa. Res. 

CathfAk. 
Aloysius Araberton, Co. I, 7th Pa. Res. 

John W. Anthony, . 

Benjamin Boulton, Co. H, 50th Pa. Inf. 
Joseph Bettiuger, Co. C, 4th N. J. Inf. 
Sergt. Patrick Bloom field, Co. G, 1st Pa. Inf. 
James Boyland, Co. D, 33d U. S. Inf 
Joseph Bolster, Co. 8, 2d Pa. Cav. 
John S. Brown, Co. E, 46th Regt. Pa. 

Henry Burkitt, . 

JohnCallahan, Co. B, 12Sth Pa. Inf 

John Deal, . 

Matthias Deysher, Co. H, 61st Pa. Inf 
Jeft'erson Erlacher, Mexican War. 
James E. Eckcnroth, Co. A, 2d Pa. Inf 
John Eckenroth, Co. E, 176th Pa. Inf. 
Ignatius Fleig, Co. B, 50th Pa. Inf. 
Lewis Gross, Co. A, 73d, Pa. Inf 

Michael Gavin, . 

Edward Greth, 25th Pa. Regt. 
Jacob Gansler, 3d Pa. Regt. 
John A. Hock, 25th Pa. Regt. 

John Heiser, . 

John Hagan, Co. A, 184th Pa. Inf 
Sergt. George Kemp, Co. D, 1st Pa. Cav. 

Martin Leader, -. 

Corp. David Lingle, Co. K, 128th Pa. Inf. 
Redmond McManus, . 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



343 



Karl F. Miller, Co. G, 6th Pa. Cav. 
Michael Mulramy, 128th Pa. Regt. 
George P. J. McKinny, 128th Pa. Regt. 

Patrick McGivin, War of 1812. 

John McManus, . 

William Mc-Manu.s, . 

Maximilliaii Marquart, Co. C, 200th Pa. Inf. 

Albert A. Nagle, Nat. Guards, Pa. 

Sergt. Thomas Riley, Co. B, 128th Pa. Regt. 
Corp. John A. Reichard, Co. H, 21st Pa. Cav. 

Daniel Reichard, . 

John Rituer, . 

Dick Riley, . 

Thomas Richards, Co. A, 19.5th Pa. Inf. 
Zach. E. Snyder, Co. B, 118th Pa. Inf. 

Richard Sauter, . 

Sebastian Vinegar, Co. C, 3d N. J. Cav. 
John Weaver, Co. G, 19th U. S. Inf. 
Nicholas Wingert, Co. F, 1st Pa. Art. 
John Warren, . 

Charles Evans. 

Capt. W. H. Andrews, Co. E, 128th Regt. 

Paul Aramon, . 

J. C. Auman, . 

John Armstrong, Co. G, 5th Pa. Cav. 

John Althouse, . 

Daniel Auchenbach, Co. H, 68th Pa. Inf. 
Conrad Anthony, Co. A, 195th Pa. Regt. 

George S. Ammons, . 

James Boyer, Co. E, 128th Regt. 

Charles Briner, Co. E, 1st Pa. Art. 

William Baehr, Co. H, 50th Pa. Regt. 

Lieut.-Col. Thomas E. Brenholtz, 50th Pa. Regt. 

Capt. Sidney Banks, 3d U. S. Cav. 

John Brittian, Co. H, 88th Regt. 

Lieut. Michael P. Boyer, Co. H, L28th Regt. 

Charles Briner, 46th Regt. 

Lewis K. Briner, . 

John Banks, . 



Franklin S. Bickley, . 

William S. Ball, 118th Regt. 

Robert Bell, . 

Harrison G. Baus, Ringgold Bat. 
J. Bowman Bell, U. S. Art. 

James Boyer, . 

Hiland H. Banks, . 

Thomas. E. Boone, Co. E, 128th Regt. 

Alexander Bridegam, Co. F, 34th N. J. Regt. 

B. R. Bratt, militia. 

Henry Beyerle, Co. C, 194th Pa. Inf. 

Volney Bell, Co. C, 50th Pa. Inf. 

Corp. "Wm. B. Bright, Co. A, 33d U. S. Inf. 

Corp. George Bost, Co. H, 104th Pa. Inf. 

Henry Barr, Co. D, 32d Pa. Inf. 

Henry C. G. Bertolette, Co. B, 50th Pa. Inf 

Elhanan S. Bechtel,Co. H, 104th Pa. Inf. 

Augustus Berger, Ringgold Art. 

Philip Bitting, Co. D, 32d Pa. Inf. 



George R. Coxel, Co. B, 128th Pa. Regt. 

Peter Cline, . 

Capt. H. E. Cleveland, Co. H, 50th Regt. 
Lieut. Philip Curling, Co. F, 192d Regt. 

Daniel Clouser, . 

Jacob Crow, Co. J, 42d Pa. Regt. 
Jeremiah Clous, Co. A, 32d Pa. Inf. 
William Coxell, Co. G, Ist Pa. Inf. 
George R. Coxell, Co. B, 138th Pa. Inf. 
Corp.^Isaac Cox, Co. H, 79th Pa. Inf. 
J. H. Caswell, 1st City Troop. 
John K. Dunkleberger, Co. G, 6th Pa. Cav. 

William W. Drayer, 

Adam Diefenbach, . 

Jacob Donahower, . 

Ch;irles Diehm, Co. H, 88th Regt. 

John F. Danfield, . 

Robert M. Divine, Co. L, 1st Pa. Cav. 
Lewis Diefenbach, Co. E, 128th Pa. Regt. 
George Dobbins, U. S. Navy. 
W. W. Douglas, Co. K, 95th Pa. Regt. 
John N. Downs, Co. A, 145th Regt. 

Reuben Ditzler, . 

Jacob Drexel, Co. K, 93d Pa. Inf. 
W. L. Dellet, Co. B, 30th Pa. Inf. 
Capt. W. W. Diehl, Co. E, 5th Pa. Inf 
William Dunlap, Co. H, 50th Pa. Inf 
Lieut. W. G. De Turk, Co. B, 129th Pa. Inf. 
William Deem, Co. B, 3d Pa. Art. 

Nathan Eisenhower, . 

Lieut. Thomas F. Eyrich, Co. E, 128th Regt. 
Benjamin Ermentrout, Ringgold Bat. 
John East, Co. D, 198th Regt. 
Alfred Ermentrout, Co. B, 86th Regt. 

Emanuel Eck, . 

J. L. Espenshade, Co. E, 46th Pa. Inf 

Sergt. Thomas T. Elliott, Co. H, 6th U. S. Cav. 

David Fox, Co. K, 2d Regt. 

Reese Frescoln, . 

Capt. Adam Faust, Co. D, 198th Regt. 

William Frill, . 

Rudolph Fueller, U. S. Navy. 
James A. Fox, Ringgold Bat. 

John Faber, . 

Col. John Fritz, 93d Pa. Regt. 
Henry Fleck, Ringgold Bat. 
Corp. John Henry Fix, 142d Regt. 

George S. Fox, . 

Jacob Frill, . 

Musician Oscar T. Flemming, 93d Pa. Inf 
Franklin Fenstermacher, Co. C, 50th Pa. Inf 
Sergt. Charles F. Fredericks, Co. A, 32d Pa. Inf 
Reuben Frees, Co. M, 5th U. S. Art. 
Daniel H. Fasig, Co. G, 6th Pa. Cav. 
Corp. Gabriel Faust, Co. C, 1st N. Y. Engineers. 
Edward Gentzler, Co. K, 128th Pa. Inf 
Henry Grainer, Co. D, 198th Pa. Inf. 
Corp. H. A. Goodhart, Co. K, 128th Pa. Inf 
George W. Gentzler, Co.. E, 52d Pa. Inf 



344 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



William H. Green, Co. E, 128th Ohio Inf. 

Adam Goodhart, Co. A, 48th Pa. Inf. 

Henry Gossler, Co. F. Ist Pa. Art. 

Sergt. Albert H. Goodenough, Co. F, 88th Pa. 

Inf. 
Lewis Gable, Co. E, ll'Sth Pa. Inf. 
Samuel Gross, Co. E, 4(jth Pa. Inf. 

A. C. Greth, . 

James D. Gabriel, Durell's Bat. 

George Getz, , 

Lieut. Lemuel Gries, Durell's Bat. 

George Goodman, Revolution. 

Allen Gilbert, 93d Pa. Regt. 

Martin g. Goodhart, Co. G, lUh Pa. Cav. 

Major John M. Gries, . 

Capt. George W. Green, 17th U. S. 

Charles Green, . 

Adjt. James Gentzler, 128th Regt. 

William Gass, 88th Pa. Regt. 

Aaron Goodman, Co. E, 50th Pa. Regt. 

Thomas Gabriel, . 

Chaplain William R. Gries, . 

Nathaniel Green, U. S. Navy. 
George Getz, 1812. 
Garrett H. High, Co. F, 197th Regt. 
John Henry Harncr, Co. B, 93d Regt. 

Amos B. Hoff, . 

Lieut. Levi J. Hildebrant, Co. E, 40th Pa. Regt. 
James L. Hobson, Co. D, 32d Pa. Regt. 
Samuel L. Hughes, Co. B, 205th Regt. 
Francis Kern Hesler, Co. B, 93d Pa. Regt. 
Corp. Charles S. Hornberger, Co. B, 93d Regt. 

Capt. Jacob Houder. 88th Pa. Regt. 

Sergt. Frank Hrester, U. S. A. 

Frederick Hunter, . 

Capt. Samuel Harner, — . 

Henry Homan, Co. E, 12.'^th Regt. 
John Haller, 1812. 

William Himmelrcich, — . 

Col. Charles H. Hunter, . 

Corp. Henry C. Housum, Co. 1, 30th Regt. 
Sergt. W. W. Hart, Co. B. 50th Regt. 

Aaron B. Hetrich, — — . 

Henry Haberackcr, 12Sth Regt. 
George S. Hause, Co. D, 11th U. S. Inf 
Jacob A. Hamilton, Co. D, 213th Regt. 

John Harbster, . 

Paul Hungerford, . 



Wellington Hawkins, - 

Winfield Holmes, 

Peter Henley, 



John H. Henninger,Co. A, 88th Regt. 
Joseph Heister, Rev. War. 

Abraham V. R. Hill, . 

Adam J. Heilman, color-bearer, Co. K, 151st 

Regt. 
Francis L. Hobson, Co. L, 7th Pa. Cav. 
Henry A. Hinnershitz, 128th Regt. 
James M. Hoffman,. . 



Sergt. Jonathan Holt, Co. G, 79th Pa. Inf. 
Henry B. Hartz, Co. H, 104th Pa. Inf. 
Corp. John Henry, Co. I, 83d Pa. Inf 
Drum-Major Augustus W. Homan, 93d Pa. Inf 
Henry G. Heuninger, Co. K, 128th Pa. Inf 
John S. Hinman, Co. H, 104th Pa. Inf. 
Franklin Harbach, Co. B, 12Sth Pa. Inf. 
S. Hamilton, Ringgold Art, 
David Heifer, Co. B, 12Sth Pa. Inf. 
Melzer Hughston, Co. A, 88th Pa. Inf 

William James, . 

Adjt. Albert Jamison, 3Gth Pa. Regt. 
John D. De B. Koch, Oth Pa. Cav. 
Thomas Kepple, Revolutionary War. 

John H. Kershner, . 

Maj. William H. Keim, Army of Potomac. 

Allen Kutz, . 

Capt. Daniel DeB, Keim, . 

F. A. M. Keller. . 



Lieut. William Krick, . 

Levi P. Knerr, Mexican War. 

Capt. Anthony Kanalassy, Hungarian army. 

Col. Charles A. Knodercct, 107th Regt. 

Sergt. Thomas Keely, 142d Regt. 

Sergt. Daniel Kreishner, Ringgold Bat. 

William Kreishner, . 

Charles A. Keiter, . 

John Keifly, Co. B, 55th Pa. Inf. 
Wm. W. Kraft, Co. K, 128. h Pa. Inf. 
William Kalbach, Co. E, 205lh Pa. Inf. 
Lewis Krausher, Co. L, 1st Pa. Cav. 
William Lorentz, Co. I, 25th N. Y. Cav. 
Lieut. W. A. H. Lewis, 93d Pa. Inf 
Corp. Isaac S. Leeds, Co. E, 128th Pa. Inf 
Corp. Cyrus Lotz, Co. K, 151st Pa. Inf 
Sergt. John Leininger, Co. B, 50th N. Y. Engs. 
William Lindecnkle, Co. K, 151st Pa. Inf 
Joseph Lacy, Co. B, 205:h Pa. Regt. 
Corp. John F. Linderman, Co. G, 1st Pa. Vol. 

Benneville Lindemuth, . 

Henry A. Lotz, Co. A, 93d Pa. Regt. 

W. Lawrence, Co. H, 88th Regt. 

Capt. Henry A. Lantz, Co. E, 50lh Regt. 

Horace Longenecker, . 

Thomas S. Loesser, Mexican War. 
George F. Linderman, Mexican War. 
Michael Lotz, Co. E, 46th Regt. 
Jeremiah Lotz, Co. E, 46th Regt. 

George Lauman, . 

Nicholas Lotz, . 

George M. Lauman, . 

Capt. Jacob Lenhart, Co. A, 3d Pa. Res. 
Charles E.Mason, Co. H, 55th Mass. Inf 

George M. Blorgan, . 

Peter Maurer, Co. C, 7th Regt. 

Capt. Alex. C. Maitland, Co. G, 93d Regt. 

George W. McMichael, Co. L, 7th Pa. Cav. 

Joseph Maurer, 5th tJ. S. Art. 

Henry Martz, Co. G, 198th Pa. luf 



THE CIVIL WAR. 



345 



William Mohr, Co. F, Ist Pa. Art. 
Maj. Peter Muhlenberg, 31st U. S. Tiif. 
Lieut. Howard Mcllvain, Bat. A, 104th Regt. 

Jeremiah Mengel, . 

Samuel K. Markley, 

James Miller, N. Y. Cav. 

William Moore, . 

James McElroy, . 

.Jacob 8. Miller, Revolutionary War. 

Charles Melcher, . 

Charles W. Xewkirk, . 



William S. Noll, Co. F, 33d U. S. Inf. 
Lieut. Henry Nagle. Ringgold Bat. 
George Newkirk, Co. K, 128th Regt. 

James Nickolson, . 

Augustus Noecker, 1st Pa. Cav. 
Henry F. Orner, Co. E, 46th Pa. Inf. 

William Otto, . 

Jesse Orner, . 

Peter Phillippi, . 

Lieut. Jacob Parvin, . 

John Paulus, . 

Johii Patterson, . 

James Peterson, . 

Henry Pott, — . 

Lieut. William Priestly, Co. D, D. Cr. Regt. 

Henry A. Phillippi, . 

Ferdinand Presser, Durell's Bat. 

Sergt. James M. Phillips, Co. F, 32d Pa. Inf. 

Corp. Henry A. Plucker, Co. B, 50th Pa. Inf. 

Albert Price, 5th U. S.Art. 

Lieut. Jas. C. Petit, Co. H, 88th Pa. Inf. 

Chas. J. Petit, navy. 

Corp. Jas. A. Quimby, Co. H, 104th Pa. Inf. 

Caplaiu John Quimby, 93d Pa. Inf 

Reuben Ringler, . 

Wm. K. Reifsuyder, Co. E, 128th Regt. 
Josiah Reber, Co. E, 1st Art. Regt. 
Daniel Richards, Co. B, 205th Regt. 

John Ritter, . 

George B. Rhoads, 88th Regt. 

Capt. Washington Richards, Co. F, 32d Regt. 

Henry R. Reinhart, Co. B, 108th Regt. 

Lieut. Charles H. Richards, Co. G, 2d Pa.' Mil. 

Francis C. Rhode, Co. E, 128th Regt. 

John S. Reeser, 11th Pa. Cav. 

Joseph R. Robinson, 88th Pa. Inf. 

Henry Rorke, Co. C, 42d Pa. Inf. 

Aaron Rightmyer, Co. E, 4<;th Pa. Inf 

Corp. Cyrus M. Ruth, Co. B, Pa. Militia. 

Chas. F. Rigle, Co. M, 5th U. S. Art. 

Lieut. Cyrus R. Soder, Co. G, 88th Pa. Inf. 

John O. Schoener, paymaster. 

William G. Seyfert, Co. B, 205th Pa. Inf 

Nicolas Seyfert, Co. L, 1st Pa. Cav. 

Wm. Seiders, Co. G, 6th Pa. Cav. 

Jas. Seifert, Co. B, 88th Pa. Inf 

Corp. John S. Schroeder, Co. B, Durell's Bat. 

W. W. Strouse, Co. G, 151st Pa. Inf. 



Sergt. John H. Snyder, Co. H, 21st Pa. Cav. 
Jacob Snell, Co. K, 213th Pa. Inf. 
Irvine J. Seifert, Co. K, 128th Pa. Inf 
John S. Seiders, Co. B, 128th Pa. Inf 
Wm. J. Schroeder, Co. H, 2d Pa. Cav. 
Elias Schaeffer, Co. E, 46th Pa. Inf. 

John Stout, . 

John H. Spitter, Co. A, 195th Pa. Regt. 
George W. Setley, Co. D, 32d Pa. Regt. 
Jacob Sweitzer, Co. F, 192d Pa. Regt. 

A. Schemmelpfenning, . 

Edward F. Sallada, . 

Peter Stitchter, . 

J. H. Shultz, . 

Peter Shitler, . 

Henry N. Shingel, . 

Corp. Ephraim Strohecker, Co. D, 32d Regt. 

Albert Stoutler, . 

George Schultz, . 

Daniel Seiders, . 

Capt. Andrew J. Stetson, Co. D, 32d Regt. 

Nathan Sassaman, . 

Albert S. Sheradin, Co. G, 72d Regt. 

Theodore Seyfert, • 

Andrew F. Sigman, . 

William D. Shearer, . 

George M. Taylor, . 

Lieut. Jas. N. Trexler, Co. I, 128th Regt. 

Sergt. Chas. W. Tothero, Co. B, 93d Regt. 

Sergt. Thomas Roberts, 18th U. S. Inf. 

Wm. G. Tre-xler, Co. B, 93d Pa. Inf 

Milton Trace, Co. A, 20th Pa. Cav. 

Major J. Teed, 116th Pa. Inf. 

Urias Trate, Co. G, 52d Pa. Inf 

Geo. Thompsou, Co. E, 54th Mass. Inf (colored). 

William E. Ubil, . 

.James Van Home, . 

William A. Williams, . 

Peter Wanner, Co. C, 7th Pa. Inf. 

James M. Wanner, — . 

Corp. Cyrus W. White, Co. E, 79th Regt. 

Albert B. Werner, . 

Henry A. Whitman, . 

Capt. Cornelius Wise, 



Sergt. Albert D. Wolfinger, Co. 9, 93d Regt. 
Lieut. Wm. Wunder, Co. A, Mexican, 2d Cav 

Lieut. Martin Wagner, . 

Lieut. Charles Oscar Wagner, . 

Henry Wobensmith, — -. 

Tliomas Wright, . 

Lieut. Michael Walter, Co. A, 32d Regt. 

George Wunder, 1812. 

William Wanner, Co. A, 32d Regt. 

Miij. J. B. Wanner, , 128th Cav. 

Jacob Wolfskin, Co. I, 196th Pa. Inf. 
Wm. H. Williams, Co. H, 197th Pa. Regt. 
Fred. Wagner, Co. A, 195th Pa. Inf 
Henry Washington, landsman. 
George Wunder, marine. 



HISTORY OF BP:RKS COUNTY, PEXXSYLYAXIA. 



George Winnour, Co. E, 1st Pa. Ees. 


Philip Rush, fifer in Co. of Capt. Geo. Marx 


in 


Sergt. Chas. F. Ware, Co. I, 141st N. Y. Inf. 


War of 1812-15. 




Corp. Aaron Wcaud, Co. B, 9:i<l Inf. 


1>; Vt.i^rl IJ.clrr^^t, 




ivi(.n<irci ivoti^croj 




Andrew S. Werner, Co. B. 20.5th Pa. Inf. 


Adam Ripi)le,Co. K, 2d Pa. Cav. 




Evan S. Yeager, Co. A, S8tb Pa. Inf. 


Franklin Ritner, 1st Iowa Art. 




Heisinger Yocum, Co. B, 93d Pa. Inf. 


Jacob Snyder, Co. E, 88th Pa. Inf. 




T„l,,, TT \^^U^ 


Charles Sehaar, Co. G, 5th Pa. Cav. 
William H.Smith, Co. H, 23d Pa. Inf. 




«ionu Hj. X onn^ . 
Edward Young, SStli Pa. Regt. 




Fred. Y' eager, Revolution. 


James Snyder, Co. I, 28th Pa. Regt. 




r* K V • 


Philip Schneider, . 




Vjieorgo A. icagei, 




Peter Y'eager, . 


Franz Seiman, . 




John Wade, Co. E, 2d I'a. Cav. 


Philip Sigle, . 




Joel Eeifsnyder, Co. B, 88th Pa. Cav. 


Daniel Setley, . 




George Y'oung, Mexican War. 


George Setley, Co. Y., 4(ith Pa. Regt. 




Ltd lie ran. 


Augustus Trexler, Co. B, 128th Pa. Inf. 
Geo. Adam Wolf, Co. I, 179th Pa. Inf 




Adam Augustine, Co. B, 50th Pa. Inf. 


Wm. H. Worley, Co. B, 93d Regt. 




John Bowers, Co. B, 128th Pa. Inf. 


George Whitman, Co. D, 198th Regt. 




Joseph Bowman, Co. B, 46th Pa. Inf. 


George Ziegler, Co. B, 88th Pa. Inf. 




Thomas Boon, Co. G, 93d Pa. Inf. 


Wtmhinr/toii Street Church. 




John M. Bissihumer, Co. B, 5th Pa. Cav. 






John Y. Baker, Co. E, 4(ith Pa. Regt. 


George Lewis, Co. C, Conn. Inf 




John Clouser, , Pa. Res. 


(pUXTY CE.METERIES. 




Charles H. Coleman, Co. B, 195th Pa. Regt. 


Albany — H/ue Mountain Church. 




Samuel S. Carrigan, Co. E, 79tli Pa., vet. 


George Robinson, Co. H, 55th Pa. Inf 




Jacob Drexel, Co. B, 8Sth Regt. 


Andrew Miller, Co H, 151st Pa. Inf. 




John Drill, Co. H, 128th Pa. Inf 


Alsace — Alsace Church. 




Sergt. Wni. C. Eben, Co E, 128th Pa. Inf. 


Mark Bechtel, Co. (J, 7th Pa. Inf 




Charles Eben, Co. L, 7th Pa. Cav. 


Aaron Bechtel, Co. A, 88th Pa. Inf 




Julius A. Engelnian, . 


Joseph Briner, Co. G, 93d Pa. Inf. 




Corp. John Eisenbeis, Co. K, 3d Pa. Art. 


Fred. Dehart, Co. M,.5th U. S. Art. 




James Ettinger, . 


T? Ill T?' \ 




ivucioipn x isuer, . 




Nathaniel Faust, Co. M, 5th U. S. Art. 


Samuel Gehret, Co. L, 7th Pa. Cav. 




John F. Goodhart, Co. F, 88th Pa. Inf. 


George Gantz, Co. B. 128th Pa. Inf. 




4 1 r^ 


Henry Gehris, Co. H, 68th Pa. Inf. 




Andrew LToriiitinj . 




Henry Geiger, Itith Regt. U. S. Inf. 


Sergt. George W. Hain, Co. H, 88th Pa. Inf. 




Robert Griffith, . 






jiiiiicS xi. xiiiJUersriiLZ, 




Joseph Gable, Co. A, 195th Pa. Regt. 


George Jacob.s, Co. E, 12Sth Pa. Inf 




John Good, Co. E, 50th Pa. Regt. 


Reuben Keller, Co. H, 205th Pa. Inf 




John Gehring, Co. I", 1st Pa. Art. 


Allen Koch, . 




Julm D. Herzog, Co. A, 3d Pa. Res. 


T^l.„ T.'',.lt.^« 




uonn iveiier, 




Fred. Hendley, Co. D, 3d Pa. Res. 


William Koch, . 




Bernard Herbst, Co. G, 19th U. S. 


Augustus Keller, . 




Henry A. Heinamcn, Co. B, 5tith Pa. Regt. 






jonn c j_>eiQer, 




JohnG. Hall, . 


Franklin W. Long, Co. I, 188th Pa. Iiil. 




Aug. Haverstitch, 32d Pa. Res. 


Corp. Conrad Marks, Co. M, 198th Pa. Inf. 




Corp. Henry A. Hauck, Co. B, 93d Pa. Inf. 


Daniel Madeira, Co. B, 50th Pa. Inf 




Bugler Jacob Kline, Co. F,Gth Pa. Cav. 


Aaron Martin, Ringgold Bat. 




Charles Meiran, Co. H, 104th Pa. Inf. 


William Neider, Co. H, 50th Pa. Regt. 




Albion Morrow, Co. I, 179th Pa. Regt. 


Henry Rothenberger, . 




Wm. Morrow, Co. 1, 128th Pa. Regt. 






X nomas rvoLntnot igt.r. 




William Meek, ,7th Cav. 


Franklin Rothenberger, Co. E, 205tli Pa. Inf. 




Joseph Maurer, , U. S. Art. 


Peter Stoudt, Co. K, 4Sth Pa. Inf 




Peter Maurer, Co. H, 7th Pa. 


Peter Scbildt, Co. E, 205th Pa. Inf 




John L. Neff, Co. H, 50th Pa. 


Sergt. John R. Smith, Co. G, 6th Pa. Cav. 




Joseph Nagle, . 


Daniel Smaltz, Co. I, 83d Pa. Inf 




George W. Potf.Co. B,4th Del. Inf. 


Lazarus Storel. 




Fred W. Quigg, 


John Jacob I'lmer. 




Wm. H. Rank, Co. D, 3d Pa. Res. 


Henry R. Van Reed. 





THE CIVIL WAR. 



347 



AUace — Spiece's Church. 
Jacob Feise, Co. G, 19th U. S. Inf. 
Daniel Rothenberger, Co. E, 4Gtli Pa. Iiif. 

Amity — .1 mity vil/e. 
Hiram Yocuin, Co. B, 93d Pa. Inf. 
William Gross, Co. K, 179th Regt. 

A inily — Douglussville. 
George D. Leaf, Ringgold Art. 
Sergt. C. B. Miller, Co. M, 1st Pa. Cav. 

Bernville. 
J. L. Weber, Co. F, 5th Pa. Inf. 
Bern — Bern Cliurfh. 
W. A. Hettrich, Co. G, 213th Pa. Inf. 

Bern — Epler's Church. 
John H. Roth, 20oth Regt. 

Bern, Upper — iSharllci rille. 
Marcus Siegenthaler, Co. E, lOlst Pa. Inf. 
S. S. Strause, Co. E, ISlst Pa. Inf. 
Samuel Wann, Co. E, 151st Pa.. Inf. 
Henry F. Burkhardt, Co. K, 5th U. S. Art. 

Bethel. 
Jere Dor.^icy, Co. I, 24th U. S. C. Inf. 
Reuben Thompson. 

Birihboro'. 
Levi Baum, Co. C, 51st Pa. Inf. 
William Stubblebine, Co. D, 213th Pa. Inf. 
George W. Shirey, Co. E, Knapp's Bat. 
Andrew M. Shule, Co. H, 88th Pa. Regt. 

Caernarvon — Rock Baptist Church. 
Corp. Cornelius IJxley, Co. A, 53d Pa. Inf. 
William Shenemoii, Co. K, 13th Pa. Inf. 

Ciimru — .Mlrglieiii/ ( 'hiircli. 
William Gelsinger, Co. E, lG7th Pa. Cav. 

Cumru — AlmxhouKe. 
Sergt. David Brown, Co. H, 54th Mass. Col'd Inf. 
James H. Gay, 32d U. S. Col'd Inf. 

Joseph H. Nevins, . 

Gottlieb Ganse, . 

Aaron Deobler, Co. E, 88th Regt. 

E.reter — Schioartzwnld Church. 
Corporals: Thomas Lincoln, C'o. B, 2 loth Pa. 
Inf. Augustus Wert, Co. B, 53d Pa. Inf. 

Fleetwood. 
William Delp, Co. I, lC7th Regt. 

Abram Franklin Klein, 

Isaac Heck, Co. I, l(i7th Regt. 
Daniel Noll, Co. K, l(57th Regt. 
Henry Roller, Co. D, 167th Reg. 
Harry Weyant, Co. D, l«7th Regt. 
Franklin Minker, Co. K, 151st Regt. 
Benneville Ganger, Co. H, 25th Cav. 



Peter R. Wanner, Co. I, 151st Regt. 
Leonard Sweitzer, Co. D, 7th Regt. Pa. 
David Reis, Co. I, l(;7th Regt. 
William Strohm, Co. I, l(i7th Regt. 
Samuel Schlegel, War of 1812. 
Augustus Harlot, Co. E, 97th Regt. 
Benjamin Wolff, Co, H, 147th Regt. 
John Rothermel, War of 1812. 
Isaac Wanner, Co. K, 151st Regt. 
Jacob Row, War of 1812. 
Abraham Frederick, Co. G, 198th Regt. 

William M. Myers, . 

Oreenirich — (irimsriUc ( 'hiirc/i. 
W. 11. Derr, Co. G, 5()tli Pa. Inf. 

Hamhur;/. 
Lieut. A. S. Fasig, Co. G, 9(ith Pa. Inf. 
R. W. Seidel, Co. B, 88th Pa. Inf. 
Peter Bowman, Co. 0, 48th Pa. Inf. 
Samuel Bilman, Co. L, 1st Pa. Cav. 
Solomon Stoudt, Co. E, 50th Pa. Inf. 
Jonathan Bower, Co. D, 48th Pa. Inf. 
George Zirn, Co. E, 10th V. R. C. 
J. A. Moyer, Co. H, 55th Pa. Inf. 
Jeremiah Gramlich, Co. L, 1st Pa. Cav. 
Jeremiah Meinder, Co. D, 48th Pa. Inf. 
J. A. Silberman, Co. F, 3d Pa. Res. 
Daniel Gares, Co. H, 21st Pa. Cav. 
J. N. Kemp, band, 90th Inf. 
Lieut. Alfred Billig, Co. H, 47th Pa. Inf. 
William Berger, Co. G, 9Sth Pa. Inf. 
Elias Strausser, Co. G. 96th Pa. Inf. 
D. F. Ketterer, Co. B, 198th Pa. Inf. 

Heidelberg — Corner Church. 
Sergt. Henry II. Wilkinson, Co. E, 51st P 

Heidellierij — Haines Church. 
Levi Reather, Co. L, 1st Pa. Cav. 
John nirich.Co. H, 88th Pa. Inf. 
Henry Mattis, Co. H, 21st Pa. Cav. 
Joshua Faust, Co. D, 198th Regt. 

John Moyer, . 

Peter 8. Miller, Cu. D, 167th Regt. 

Hereford — Huffs Church . 

Josiah Jacobs, . 

Henry Wagner, •. 

Kutztou'u. 
George W. Heist, Co. K, 88th Regt. 

Marion — Slouchsburg. 
Sergt. J. L. Moore, Co, F, 4th Pa. Cav. 
C. W. Snyder, Co. B, 45th Pa. Inf. 
Morris Reed, Co. H, 186th Pa. Inf. 

Oley — Frieden's Church. 
William A. Fisher, Co. I, 7th Pa. Cav. 
Mahlon Lease, Co K, 93d Pa. Inf. 
Amos W. Shearer, Co. C, 167th Pa. Cav. 



348 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Oley — Oley Church. 
Mus., George F. Haldis, Co. C, 167th Pa. Inf. 

Ontelaunee — Gernanfs Church. 
Peter R. Heck, Co. K, l')lst Pa. Inf. 
J. W. Kemp, Co. G, 6tli Pa. Cav. 
Jesse Shelly, Co. B, S8th Pa. Inf. 

Ontelaii nee — Leesport. 
George Turner, Co. E., 50th Pa. Inf. 
Morris Weidenhaniraer, Co. E, 50th Regt. 

Perry — Shoemaker-i mile. 
Corp. William Guldin, Co. I, 167th Pa. Inf. 
John Zluhan, Co. K, 93d Pa. Inf. 

Richmond — Blandon Church. 
Lieut. Caleb Parvin, Co. E, 157th Pa. Inf. 
Sergt. Charles Wright, Co. D, 167th Pa. Inf. 

Robeson — Geigertown. 
James H. Johnston, Co. A, 128th Pa. Inf. 
Henry Geiger, Co. E, 50th Pa. Regt. 

David Care, . 

John Wolf, . 

Robeson — St. John's CInirch. 
George Boyer, Co. H, 205th Pa. Inf. 
Ezelviel B. Ruth, Co. M, 5th U. S. Art. 
Isaac Good, Co. E, 46th Pa. Inf. 
John K. Bechtel, Co. K, 50th Pa. Regt. 
Sergt. Slabrechter, Co. G, 19th U. S. Inf. 
Allison Hotliuan, Co. D, 213th Pa. Regt. 
John Good, Co. D, 213th Pa. Regt. 
Harmon Hoftman, Co. I, 1 79th Pa. Regt. 
Henry Swoyer, . 

Siirini/ — Sinking Spring Church. 
D. B. Bechtel, Co. H. 21st Pa. Cav. 
Corp. Aaron Hull, Co. K,-15l3t Pa. Regt. 
Emanuel W. Harker, Co. K, 128th Regt. 

Topion. 
Lewis Long, Co. K, 47th Regt. 

TulpehocJcen, Upper — Siruii.'<st<ncii. 
Sergt. Percival G. Reber, Co. H, 151st Pa. Inf. 

Wmhington — Catholic Church. 
Sergt. A. P. Matter, Co. C, 116th Pa. Inf. 

Womehdorf. 
James Reifsnyder, Co. B, 55th Pa. Inf. 
Wm. Williams, Co. B, 55th Pa. Inf. 
John A. Fidler, musician, 90th Pa. Inf. 

John Krumbine, . 

James Jennings, . 

John L. Limmy, Co. B, 93d Pa. Regt. 

Society of ex-Prisoxer.s of War.— 
Certain enlisted men from Berks Ci)unty, who 
were prisoners in Confederate military prisons 
during the Civil War, formed an association 



for mutual protection and social intercourse, at 
Reading, and became an incorporated body on 
July 10, 1884. They have had an active or- 
ganization since. The following roll of mem- 
bers includes most of the men in service from 
Berks County who were prisoners of war. The 
members, including the officers of the society, 
are — 

Robert Gerlach, i>resident ; U. R. Burkert, secre- 
tary; C. A. Ziegler, treasurer; H. R. Anthony (past 
president), J. S. Hendricks, Samuel G. Boone, J. V. 
Kendall, Thomas Watt, R. B. Jones, J. P. Becker, 
William H. Sands, H. A. Bingaman, H. R. Anthony, 
George Diefenderfer, B. F. Markley, Frank Breneiser, 
Ira U. TraVi's, Joseph R. Waid, William F. Dough- 
erty, F. L. De Gour, Daniel Moore, Phaon Kern, H. 
A. Mendenhall, John O'Neil, John Kraft, Adam 
Grim, William E. Ackey, Oliver C. Hatch, John 
Wilfort, Andrew Wilfort, John Obold, Henry F. 
Yeager, D. A. Geiger, William H. Shick, Albert Thal- 
heimer, George H. Garrett. 

grand army post.s. 
The McLeax Post, No. 10, (irand Army 
OF THE Kepubeic, was organized at Heading, 
and chartered December 12, 18(3(3, having 
been named after Lieutenant-Colonel Joseph 
A. McLean, of the Eighty-eighth Regiment of 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. It lias been 
maintained since, with a gradually increasing 
membership. In 1885 the roll included three 
hundred and fort -two members. Forty mem- 
bers have died since its organization. 

Past Post Cominanders. — Lorenzo D. Wilson, Mich- 
ael Walters, George W. Grant, Henry Beckhardt (two 
terms), John Teed, Henry D. Markley, George W. 
Durell, Henry C. Housum, B. Frank McCoy, J. Fred- 
erick Goodhart, Joel H. Schmehl, Horace D. Boone, 
J. Hiester McKnight, Daniel J. McLean, William M. 
Wells, Robert Gerlach (two years), Lewis Crater, 
Mahlon Shaaber, Jonathan S. Ebling, Edward C. 
Eben, Andrew Mittower. 

Officers for 1880. — Commander, William T. Gorrell ; 
Senior Vice-Commander, Henry J. Richards ; Junior 
Vice-Commander, Owen Hamilton ; Adjutant, Wil- 
liam H. German ; Quartermaster, H. M. M. Richards ; 
Surgeon, Dr. Charles T. Reber; Chaplain, Edward C. 
Eben ; Officer of the Day, William Still ; Officer of 
the Guard, Augu-^tus Lessig ; Quartermaster-Sergeant, 
Henry Beckhardt ; Ordnance-Sergeant, Calvin B. 
Reedy; Sergeant-Major, Mahlon Shaaber ; Trustees, 
Jonathan S. Ebling, John Scheifley, Oliver L. Edes ; 
Auditing Committee, J. Hiester McKnight, Henry 
Beckhardt, Mahlon Shaalier; Delegates to Depart- 
ment Encampment, William H. German, Thomas 



MILITIA. 



349 



Hammer, John Schuyler, Thomas Watt, Jervice W. 
Edcs, William H. Riland ; Alternates, Frank M. 
Coleman, H. M. M. Richards, Jonas Montgomery, 
Isaac W. Lewis, John H. Rice, Hiram Dickinson ; 
Librarian, F. Marion Jones. 

Gexer.\l Willi.vm H. Kkim Post, No. 
70, G. A. E., was chartered Fehriiary 22, 
1878, with twenty-nine meraber.s. It was 
named after General Keim of Reading. Tu 
January, 1886, its membership was one Imndred. 
Died since organization, five. 

Officers for 1886. — Commander, Dr. S. C. Ermen- 
trout ; Senior Vice-Commander, Abram Briel ; Junior 
Vice-Commander, Isaac W. Bowers ; Quartermaster, 
H.J. Fink; Surgeon, Dr. H. M. Nagle; Chaplain, 
William Strawbridge ; Officer of the Day, H. 1). 
Boone; Officer of the Guard, R. H. Savage ; Adjutant, 
George W. Heilig; Trustees, R. H. Savage, P. M. 
Zeigler and Abram Briel. 

Gener.^i, George G. Me.\de C.\mi>, No. 
16, Sons OF Veterans, was instituted October 
;'.(), 1881, and chartered November 11, 1881, 
with twenty -.seven charter members. It is a 
branch- of the Sons of Veterans, an organiza- 
tion which has its headquarters at Pliiladclpliia. 
It is under the pommand of Goh)nel H. II. 
Hammer. The object of this association is to 
keep active the memory of tiie sacrifices of tlicir 
fathers in tlie battles of the Civil War. 

The roll of the camp numbers two hundred 
and seventy-seven members. This is a large 
increase since its organization. The present of- 
ficers of the camp are, — 

Captain, C. E. Deifeuderfer ; First Lieutenant, L. 
S. Ramsey ; Second Lieutenant, Samuel Bechtel ; 
Chaplain, G. W. ^ugee; Orderly-Sergeant, E. G. 
Cake ; Quartermaster, Robert McLean ; Sergeant of 
Guard, J. McK. Durell ; Color-Sergeant, N. Rothen- 
berger ; Corporal, E. L. RilTert ; Picket -Sentinel, J. 
G. Watt ; and Camp-Guard, U. Waid ; Camp Coun- 
cil, James McK. Durell, W. J. Scheifly and J. Bachs. 

Reading Loyal Ladies' League, No. 6. 
— Tiiis organization is an auxiliary of the 
" ( < rand Army of the Republic." It is founded 
on and governed by the same principles of " fra- 
ternity, charity and loyalty," and has gained 
the kindly sympathy and aifection of every 
soldier through the country. Only mothers, 
wives, daughters and sisters of honorably dis- 
charged soldiers or .sailors of the Civil War are 
admitted into membership. 



This league was instituted April 17, 1884, by 
Mrs. Laura McNeir, department president and 
Mrs. Annie E. Grubb, department secretary of 
William B. Hatch League, No. 2, of Camden, 
N. J. There were twenty-one charter mem- 
bers. It has now fifty active members. 

Officers. — President, Anna M. Waid ; Senior Vice- 
President, Lizzie Hammer; Junior V^ice-President, 
Rebecca Reber; Secretary, Mary A. Shaaber ; Treas- 
urer, Ellen Golding; Chaplain, Lucretia Root ; Con- 
ductor, Clara Hecker ; Guard, Mary Lott. 

McLean Women's Relief Corps, No. 10, 
was chartered October 1, 1884, witli one him- 
dred and thirty-one members, as an auxiliary 
to ]\IcLcan Post, No. 16, G. A. R. The ob- 
ject of the organization is to establish a perma- 
nent association for aiding and assisting Post 
No. 16. 

Charter Officers: — President, Emma Moore ; Senior 
Vice-President, Sarah Millet; Junior Vice-President, 
Susan Dougherty; Secretary, Emma G. Wineland ; 
Treasurer, Emma Richards; Conductor, Lizzie Les- 
sig ; Chaplain, Adaline Fry ; Guard, Malinda Sands. 

Since being chartered this relief corps has 
held several fairs, bazars and camp-fires for 
the benefit of Mcl^can Post, rendering thereby 
valuable pecuniary assistance to the post. Since 
its organization it has turned over to Mcljcan 
Post over four hundred dollars to be added to 
the Post Memorial Fund. 

Membership in January, 1886, was one hun- 
dred and sixty. 



CHAPTER XIII 



MILITIA. 



Legislative Provision — County Battalions of 1783 — County 
Militia proffer Services to President Adams in 17!)8 — 
County Military Division— Encampment at Reading in 
1842— Battalion Day of 1843— County Militia Companies 
in 1856— Stiite National Guard — Reading Artillerists — 
Military Cadets. 

The Revolution closed successfully, but the 
military .spirit of the people continued to pre- 
vail. It was encouraged by the State govern- 
ment. Legislation required it to be exercised 
for the purpose of maintaining familiarity with 
its affairs. This was not only sensible, but also 



350 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PKNXSYLYANIA. 



prudent. Companies, regiments and brigades 
were organized and drilled at certain fixed 
times and places within tiie county. The 
meeting was commonly called " Battalion Day." 
It preserved a strong general interest in public 
aftairs, especially in public defense. This in- 
terest enabled the several organizations to 
respond promptly to calls for their services. 
Their promptness was a distinguishing char- 
acteristic. And it has ever been .so. Fortunately 
for them and especially for the country, their 
services were not needed fre<(uent!y. Not to 
mention the " ^Yhisi■;ey Insurrection " and 
" Northampton Affair " as of any military 
consequence, there were but two occasions 
for a period covering over sixty yeare in which 
their services were required, one having been 
the English War of 18I2-lo, and the other the 
" Mexican War" of 184()-4S, each, by a strange 
coincidence, successively ajiart about thirty 
years. These militaiy exerci.ses \\ere continued 
till the beginning of the Rebellion, when they 
were put to practical account; but this outbreak 
of the southern section of the country against 
the northern was of such a .serious, long-con- 
tinued and costly nature, in respect to loss of 
property and life, that the spirit for a return to 
military exercise had come to be entirely ex- 
hausted. But, a.s an in.stitutit)n during the 
history I'f the county previous to 1(S60, it is 
worthy of special mention. It was a conspicu- 
ous feature from 1783 till that time — a period 
covering nearly eighty years. It certainly 
relieved the monotony of political, commercial 
and social life, and afforded the citizens much 
merriment, if not much practical benefit. 

Le(;islative Pkovisiox. — The Convention 
of 1776, in. framing the first Constitution of the 
State, made provision for the establishment of 
a military system. The Constitution provided 
as follows : " The freemen of this common- 
wealth and their sons shall be trained and 
ai-med for its defense under such regulations, re- 
strictions and exceptions as the (icneral Assembly 
shall by law direct, preserving always to the 
people the right of choosing their colonels and 
all conmiissioned otticers under that rank." The 
Revolution was then raging ; and a State sys- 
tem was not necessary, owing t.) the general sys- 



tem provided by tiie government of the United 
States. Without any training in the " military 
art," the freemen were at once thrown into actual 
practice, in which they met an enemy face to 
face. Their encounters were not "sham bat- 
tles," and they afforded no " fun and frolic." 
In this i)ractice many paid tiie price of life for 
liberty. After the close of the Revolution, the 
State adopted a system in order to kee|> the free- 
men trained, the Constitution of 1790 having 
made the following provision : " The free- 
men of this commonwealth shall be armed and 
disciplined for its defen.se. Those who con- 
scientiously scruple to bear arms shall not be 
compelled to do so, but shall pay an equivalent 
for personal service." 

This system was modified by repeated legis- 
lation, and its provisions were carried out year 
after year till tlie Rebellion, vhich, owing to 
its serious character, suspended their operation 
during its continuance. By it, the State was 
divided into sixteen military divisions. Each 
division comprised two brigades, and eac;h bri- 
gade as many regiments as could be arranged 
within the bounds of the division. 

Cot'XTY BA'rr.\i.i(>NS. — Immediately after 
the conclusion of the Revolution, the sy.stem of 
militia through<)ut the State was thoroughly or- 
ganizcil. It was active and successful in Berks 
County. It embraced si.x battalions, the officers 
and location of which were as .set forth in the 
following statement. The regimental officers 
were appointed on April 19, 178.3, excepting 
Jacob Bower, major of First Battalion, who was 
appointed on January 3, 1784, and also tlic olli- 
cers of the Fourth Battalion, who were uncom- 
missioned in September, 1784 : 

FIRST BATTALIOX. 

Nicholas Lutz, lieutenant-colonel. 
Jacob Bower, major. 

HeiJrlberg, Com/vini/ 1. — Adam Hain, captaiti ; Pe- 
ter Kole, lieutenant ; .tolm Itain, ensign. Number of 
men, 115. 

Beading, Company 2. — Peter Nagel, captain ; Cliris- 
tian Madcry, lieutenant ; Ernst Gross, ensign. Num- 
ber of men, • . 

C'untru, Company S. — John Weidner, captain ; Chris- 
tian Bechtel, lieutenant; David Punzius, ensign. 
Number of men, 106. 

Reading, Company i. — Conrad Geist, captain; Henry 



^ITTJTTA. 



351 



Brown, lieutenant; Jacob Leitheuser, ensign. Num- 
ber of men, 101. 

Heidelberg, Companij 5. — Sebastian Miller, captain; 
Adam Ruth, lieutenant ; John Oernanrl, ensign. Num- 
ber of men, 81. 

Almce, Companij (1. — Henry Wax, cai)tain ; John 
Keen, lieutenant ; Lmhvig liauslcr, ensign. Number 
of men, 12!*. 

Ciimru and Brechmick, Oimjxini/ 7. — Peter Gower, 
captain; Adam t^poon, lieutenant ; Daniel Panne- 
becker, ensign. Number of men, 102. 

Heading^ Company 8. — John Stroheckcr, captain ; 
John Kendall, lieutenant ; Harlman Leitheuser, en- 
sign. Number of men, 103. 

SECOND BATTAI.IOX. 

Baltzer Gehr, lieutenant-colonel. 
Martin Kaercher, major. 

Brunswi;/, Companij 1. — Conrad Jlinnieh, captain; 
Nicholas Haller, lieutenant ; Martin Dreibelbis, en- 
sign. Number of men, . 

Bern, Companij 2. — .Jacob Shartle, captain ; George 
Albrecht, lieutenant; Christian Allireclil, ensign. 
Num))cr of men, . 

Windsor, Conipani/ .'!. — (Todlrcy Seidic, captain ; Si- 
mon Kreusher, lieutenant; Anthony Biliich, ensign. 
Number of men, . 

Bern, Company 4. — Francis llnibeliacker, captain ; 
Jacob Runkel, lieutenant ; Jacob Heck, ensign. Num- 
ber of men, . 

Windsor, Coni/Hiny 5. — Jacol> .•^bappcll, cajitain ; 
George Reber, lieutenant; Andrew Sniitli, ensign. 
Number of men, . 

Brunswig, Cumpaiii/ 6. — .Tacol) Wetslone, captain; 
Michael Moser, lieutenant; George Orwig, ensign. 
Number of men, . 

Albany, Company 7. — Michael Brobst, captain; 
George Poh, lieutenant ; Philip Glick, ensign. Num- 
ber of men, . 

Bern, Company 8. — Jacob Eppler, Jr., captain; Val- 
entine Moser, lieutenant ; Nicholas Lieb, erjsign. 
Number of men, . 

THIItl) n.^TTAI.IOX. 

Samuel Ely, lieutenant-colonel. 
Stephen Baldy, major. 

Longxiramp, Company 1. — Charles Krause, captain; 
Jacob Miller, lieutenant; John Fenstermacher, en- 
sign. Number of men, . 

Longsieamp, Company 2. — Valentine Haupt, cap- 
tain; Peter Klein, lieutenant ; Henry Christ, ensign. 
Number of men, . 

Maxatairiiy, Cmipany 'A. — Michael Hinterleiter, 
captain ; Jacob Siegfried, Jr., lieulenant ; , en- 
sign. Number of men, . 

Richmond, Company 4. — Christian Merkle, captain ; 
Philip Klein, lieutenant; Conrad Stenger, ensign. 
Number of men, . 

Maxaiaieny, Company 5. — .Jacob Sweyer, captain ; 



Henry Sweyer, lieutenant ; Jacob Christ, ensign. 
Number of men, . 

Greeniric/i, Company (i. — Peter Smith, captain ; Jost 
Soder, lieutenant ; Henry Fisher, ensign. Number of 
men, . 

Bichmond, Company 7. — .Jacob Baldy, captain ; Jidin 
King, lieutenant; Leonard Snyder, ensign. Number 
of men, . 

lyaideii Creek, Company 8. — George Weidenhara- 
mer, captain ; , lieutenant; , ensign. Num- 
ber of men, . 

FOlTRTll BATTALION'. 

George Ax, lieutenant-cidonel. 
Benjamin Talbcrt, major. 

Caernarvon, Company 1. — John Robeson, captain ; 
Aaron Rettew, Jr., lieutenant; John Harjicr, ensign. 
Number of men, . 

Robeson, Company 2. — Matthias Kalcr, captain ; 
Joshua Stephenson, lieutenant ; Peter Moyer, ensign. 
Number of men, . 

Robeson, CiimjiiiuyS. — .\dani Beard, captain; Elias 
Hedge, lieutenant; Christopher Kinsman, ensign. 
Nuinl)cr of men, . 

Exeter, Cirmpany -i. — John Ludwig, captain ; Abra- 
ham GrifRtb, lieutenant; Conrad Teedcr, eusign. 
Number of men, . 

Douglass, Company 5. — Samuel Sands, captain ; Sam- 
uel Avenshine, lieutenant; Henry Maiiger, eusign. 
Nnndier of men, . 

Ami/y, Company 6. — David Wcidner, captain; Adam 
Betn, lieutenant ; Matthias Kcyler, ensign. Number 
of men, . 

Exeter, Company 7. — John Snyder, captain ; John 
Hider, lieutenant; Daniel Schneider, ensign. Num- 
Ijer of men, . 

Union, Company 8 (late Colonel Ax's company). — 
, captain; , lieuteuant; , ensign. Num- 
ber of men, . 

Firm liATTAIJO.V. 

Henry Spyker, lieutenant-colonel. 
Christian Ijower, Jr., major. 

lietliet. Company I. — Michael Wolf, cai)tain ; Fred. 
Seybcrt, lieutenant ; Christian Walborn, Jr., ensign. 
NumbeFoT^men, . 

Tulpe/iocken, Company 2. — John Anspach, captain ; 
Nicholas Seybert, lieutenant; John Leslier, Jr., en- 
signTlJunrber of men, 107. 

Ifeidelberg, Company 3. — Pliilij) Filbert, captain ; 
George Ivnojip, lieutenant; J(din Klingler, ensign. 
Number of men, 70. 

Jfeidelberg, Company 4. — Daniel GraeH', captain ; 
Joseph Deppen, lieutenant; Jonas F^ckertT, ensign. 
Number of men, . 

Tulpehocten, Company 5. — John Riegel, captain ; 

Christopher , lieutenant ; John Walter, ensign. 

Number of men, 127. 

Pine Grove, Company ti. — Philip Hedrich, captain ; 



852 



Hli^TOEY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Peter Bressler, lieutenant ; Jacob Stein, ensign. Num- 
ber of men, . 

Ttdpehockeii, Cniapanij 7. — Henry Spanp;, captain ; 
Jacob Smith, lieutenant ; Jacob Shaffer, ensign. 
Number of men, . 

Jiel/ie/, Company?!. — John Folnier, captain; Daniel 
Kramer, lieutenant ; Andrew Daniel, ensign. Num- 
ber of men, 93. 

SIXTH BATTALION. 

John Cuunius, lieutenant-colonel. 
Nicholas Hunter, major. 

Oleij, Compaiiij 1. — Daniel Leinbacli, captain; John 
Kerlin, lieutenant; John Hunter, ensign. Number 
of men, 70. 

Biiscomb-manor, Company '2. — .Tacob Rodarmel, cap- 
tain ; Jacob Price, lieutenant; Frederick Bingeraan, 
ensign. Number of men, 44. 

Eocklnitd, Company 3. — George Bieber, captain ; 
Adam Zwoyer, lieutenant ; Jacob Seybert, ensign. 
Number of men, 103. - 

Colebrookdale, Company 4. — Adam Rhoads, captain ; 
George Gilbert, lieutenant; (ieorge Fronheiser, ensign. 
Number of men, 92. 

Karl, Company 5. — David Schall, captain ; Jacob 
Keen, lieutenant ; Balser Behm, ensign. Number of 
men, 51. 

Oley, Company (5. — Jacob Hill, captain ; John 
Lesher, lieutenant; Abraham Lesher, ensign. Num- 
ber of men, 70. 

Hereford, Company 7. — John Miller, captain ; John 
Goodman, lieutenant ; Henry Gibson, ensign. Num- 
ber of men, 109. 

East District, Company >^. — Peter Kietl'er, captain; 
Christopher Frey, lieutenant ; Matthias Reichert, en- 
sign. Number of men, 104. 

Total number of men in Sixth Battalion, 643. 

County Militia Phokfer Services to 
President Adams. — The militia of tlie county 
were always feady to otfer its services to the 
/lational governmeut for the purposes of main- 
taining its dignity and enforcing its authority. 
In 1798 a misunderstanding aro-se between our 
government and the French govennnent. The 
repre.sentatives of the latter, whilst at Philadel- 
phia, were arrogant and insulting in their de- 
portment, and a blow was given to our com- 
ojerce on the sea by seizing and detaining many 
of our vessels (said to have been nearly a thou- 
sand) for examination to ascertain whetlier or 
not we, as a neutral government, were carrying 
any English commodities. 8uch vessels were 
regarded as good prize, and all French ports 
were ordered to be closed against all neutral 
vessels which had touched ports under the Eng- 



lish flag. President Adams appointed three 
envoys to visit France and adjust the difficulties; 
but, instead of being properly received, they 
were unofficially met by three agents, who as- 
sured them that they would not be received 
uutil they had offered suitiible bribes to the of- 
ficers of the governmeut. They rejected the 
humiliating propo.-^al, and were ordered to leave 
the country. Upon their return they ])resented 
their report, which was published in this coun- 
try and republished in England and France. 
This treatment of our envoys aroused the coun- 
try to indignation, and Congress orderetl an en- 
largement of the standing army by twelve regi- 
ments. Some conflicts arose on the sea, but 
Napoleon, upon taking control of the French 
government, soon established a cordial under- 
standing betAveen the two countries, American 
vessels w-ere no longer molested, and two years 
afterwards Louisiana was ceded to the United 
States. During this excitement the officers of 
the Berks County Brigade met at tlie court- 
house in Reading on June 30, 1798, and ad- 
dressed a patriotic letter to President Adams, 
oft'ering their .services to assist in resenting the 
insult of the French to our government. The 
President gave them the following reply : 
" To the General of the Division composed of the 
Berks and Dauphin County Brigades of Pennsyl- 
vania Militia, and the officers of the Berks County 
Brigade. 
''(iinflrinen : 

"This vigorous address from a long list of respecta- 
ble Officers is the natural Consequence of your ab- 
horrence of French Princi]iles and indignation at the 
infamous Conduct of the French Republick towards 
this Country. 

"I thank you fur your assurance that you will be 
incessant in your endeavors to i)Ut the Berks County 
Brigade of the Militia of Pennsylvania in such a Sit- 
uation as will enable it to turn out with Promptitude 
and Effect, and for your engagement that you will 
march with alacrity iigainst either Foreign or Domes- 
tick enemies whenever called upon, and defend your 
Constitution and Independence or perish in the At- 
tem])t; The Solemnity with w-hieh you promise this 
will admit no doubt of your Sincerity — your Enemies 
will do well to consider it. 

"I return with (iratitude your Sincere wishes for 
my temporal and eternal Welfare. 

"Joux Adams. 

"Philadelphia, July 13th, 179S." 

County Military Division — In 1807 Berks 



MILITIA. 



353 



and Dauphin Counties comprised the Sixth Div- 
ision. In 1814 two new counties, Schuylkill 
and Lebanon, were added to this division, Dau- 
]ihin and Lebanon forming the First Brigade, 
and Berks and Schuylkill the Second ; and in 
1849, Dauphin, Lebanon and Berks comprised 
the Fifth Division. The last act before the 
Rebellion was passed in ISoS, by which Berks 
was still a part of the same division. 

Every free, able-bodied, white male citizen 
wlio was a resident in the State for six months 
)irevious to the time of his enrollment, of the age 
of eighteen years and under the age of forty-five 
years, was required to be enrolled in the militia — 
certain official and other persons excepted. 

The militiamen were paraded and trained 
in May of every year, first in companies, 
on the first Monday, and then in battal- 
ions, on the second Monday. These services 
and parades were very useful. But beyond 
their utility, they provided great amusement for 
the people. Many persons set apart this day as 
a " holiday," if they did not set apart any oth- 
er in the entire year. This day was held at the 
several boroughs, even at certain prominent 
towns in the county, but especially at Reading. 

Encampment at Reading. — A large and 
successful encampment of militia was held at 
Reading during May, 1842. It was arranged 
along the base of Penn's Mount, and continued 
from May 18th for one week. 

The following officers and troops attended : 

Officers. — Commander-in-Chief, Miijor-General John 
Davis, Bucks County; Aid, Colonel David Marple; 
(Jommauder Berks County Brigade, Brigadier-General 
Wm. High, Berks County ; Brigade-Major, Colonel J. 
K. Murphy, Philadelphia; Brigade-Adjutant, Colo- 
nel C. F. Jackson, Reading; Brigade-Quartermaster, 
Ijieutenant .Joel Bitter, Reading; Assistants, Colonel 
\V. M. Huddy, Phila. ; Lieutenant \V. F. Small 
Phila. ; Brigade-Surgeon, Dr. John G. Marshall, Read- 
ing; Assistant, Dr. Eichholtz ; Commander Reading 
Battalion, Major W. H. Keim; Commander Ham- 
burg Battalion, Major J. A. Beitenuian ; visitor, Gen- 
eral Gratz, of Lancaster. 

Troops. — Reading Troop, Captain J. W. Burkhart, 
;;0 men ; National Troop, Oley, Captain Henry Shaf- 
fer, 45 men; Schuylkill County Cavalry, Pottsville, 
Captain George C. Wyncoop, 28 men; Hamburg 
Troop, Captain Wm. Miller, 30 men ; Reading Artiller- 
ists, Captain Thomas Leoser, 52 men ; Hamburg Ar- 
tillerists, Captain Reeser, 52 men ; Washingtoa Le- 
39 



giim, Womelsdorf, Capt. Brownewell, 46 men ; Wash- 
ington Grays, Reading, Lieut. David McKnight, 40 
men ; National Light Infantry, Pottsville, Captain 
Dean, 44 men ; National Grays, Orwigsburg, Captain 
John Bickel, 40 men ; Harrison Guards, AUentown, 
Captain Jacob D. Boas, 34 men ; National Grays, 
Reading, Captain A. C. Hoff, 35 men; Berks County 
Rifle Rangers, Captain Heinly, 54 men ; Bernville 
Rifle Grays, Captain Renno, ()5 men. 
Instructor. — Captain Alden Partridge. 

On Thursday night. May IDtli, a heavy 
shower of rain fell upon the encampment, ac- 
companied by storm. Several tents were blown 
down. 

The daily duty at the encampment was simi- 
lar to army regulation during actual war. It 
was as follows : 

Morning'gun at daybreak. Grand parade, 10 a.m. 
Reveille. Dinner, 12 m. 

Roll-call. Regular parade, 4 p.m. 

Morning parade. Evening gun, 6 p. m. 

Breakfast. Tattoo and countersign, 10 

Detail of guards. p.m. 

Inspection. Light extinguished 11 p.m. 

And from 11 P M. to daylight '• the sentry walked his 
lonely round." 

A review of the troops was held on Satur- 
day, May 21st. The day was fine, and thou- 
sands of per.sons were in attendance. 

General Winfield Scott, accompanied by his 
aids, arrived at Reading on the day of the re- 
view. He was met at the "depot" (Seventh 
and Chestnut Streets) by a detachment of mili- 
tary and escorted to Herr's Hotel (United 
States, north side of Penn, between Fourth and 
Fifth), followed by many citizens. He spent 
Sunday at Reading. On Monday, 23d, he i-e- 
viewed the troops at the encampment. During 
this day the medals were shot for. The " In- 
fantry Medal " was won by William Yerger, of 
the " Reading Washington Grays;" the "Rifle 
Medal, " by a member of the " Harrison Guards," 
from AUentown; and the "Cavalry Medal," 
by William Glassmyer, of the "Pottsville 
Troop. " General Scott expressed himself as 
highly pleased with the di-scipline and appear- 
ance of the encampment. He paid a special 
compliment to the "Reading Artillerists." He 
left Reading on Tuesday to review an encamp- 
ment at Danville, Pa. Whilst here he very 
kindly presented each of the Revolutionary 



354 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



survivors with a twenty-dollar gold-piece. Thi.s 
generous act made a deep impression upon the 
community. 

Battalfox D.A.Y OP 18 43. — "The Battalion 
Day " of May, 1843, received the following ex- 
pressive notice : ' 

"This glorious as.semblage of heroes marie their 
annual appearance yesterday at Reading. There was 
lots of fun, beauty and broomsticks, rum, flying- 
horses, fights with the guards, fancy military move- 
ments, flsticufls, dances, dice and pitching of pennies, 
and ail the elegant amusements peculiar to the bill 
and day. The oflicers appeared to particular ad- 
vantage and gave the words of command with remark- 
able emphasis and cadence. The movements of the 
troops, were, we are compelled to say, not quite so 
elaborate as we had anticipated from the known abili- 
ties of the commanders." 

CauNTY MrLTTiA. Companies in 1856. — 
In 1856 there were twenty-four companies of 
militia in Berks County. These were arranged 
in si.K battalions, and compri-sed the First Bri- 
gade of the Fifth Division of Pennsylvania 
Volunteers. The ofBoers, companies and force 
were as follows : 

FIFTH DIVISION PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS. 

Ma,jor-General, William H. Keim, Reading ; Aid- 
de-Camp, Major S. L. Yeung, Reading; Aid-de-Canip, 
Major A. Jordan Schwartz, Reading ; Division Sur- 
geon, Major John H. Seltzer, Reading; Division 
Engineer, Major William A. Sands, Reading. 

The division comprised three brigades — 1, 
Berks County ; 2, Lebanon County ; 3, Dau- 
phin County. 

Officers of First Brir/ade. — Brigadier-General, Chas. 
H. Hunter; Brigade Inspector, Major Richards 
McMichael; Brigade Major, Charles B. McKnight; 
Aid-de-Camp, Henry R. Hawaian ; Quartermaster, 
William A. Sands. 

Offirers of First Battalion, Reading Volunteers. — 
Major, W. H. Keim ; Adjutant, S. L. Young ; Quar- 
termaster, William Graft"; Surgeon, Dr. .1. Livingood ; 
Sergeant-Major, William B. Piper; Quartermaster- 
Sergeant, Reuben Leightheiser. 

FIRST BEltUDE {six bnttalinnn). 

First Battalion, Reading, W. H. Keim, Major. 

Tone. 

1. Reading Dragoons, Lieut. W. A. Sands 49 

2. Keystone Lancers, Captain Tobias Barto ,38 

3. Ringgold Artillery, Captain James McKnight.. 239 



'Berks and Suliuylkill Journal, May 20, 1843. 



4. Reading Artillery, Captain W. L Clous 64 

5. Reading Rifles, Captain F. S. Boas 104 

G. American Rifles, Captain William Rollman... 4.5 

539 
Second Battalion, Hamburg, J. A. Beitennian, Major. 

7. Windsor Cavalry, Captain William Shomo.... 54 

8. Hamburg Artillery, Captain J. A. Beitenman.. 55 

9. Pleasant Valley Artillery, Captain Jonathan 

S. Herbein,...". 40 

10. Berks County Rifle Rangers, Captain George 

Heinly 57 

206. 
Third Battalion, Maiden-creek, D. B. Kiiufnian, Major. 

Force. 

11. Berks County National Dragoons, Captain 

David Levan 34 

12. Monroe Troop, Captain Stanley Kirby 38 

13. Richmond Artillery, Captain Christ. Sehnay- 

berger 01 

133 

Fourth Battalion, Taylor, Isaac Schroeder, Major. 

Force. 

14. National Troop, Captain Henry Schaeffer 64 

15. Washington Artillery, Capt. Isaac Schroeder. 57 

16. Pennsylvania Artillery, Captain Amos Maul. 68 

17. National Artillery, Captain Jer. Weaver 67 

18. Washington Rifle Blues, Capt. John Gechter. 55 

311 

Fij'th Battalion, Union, William J. Schoener, Major. 

Force. 

19. Wa.shington Troop, Captain William N. Bot- 

teiger 36 

20. Jackson Artillery, Captain Wm. J. Schoener.. 61 

21. Keystone Rifles, Captain Levi M. Gerhart... 38 

135 
Si.rth Battalion, Marion, John Bechtold, Major. 

Force. 

22. Washington Guards, Captain Josiah Groh... 34 

23. Washington Legion, Captain Jer. Clous 38 

24. Ringgold Light Infantrj', Captain .John Bech- 

told 37 

139 
The total force of troops then in the countv 
was 6644; reported in companies, 1463. The 
grade of the companies was as follows : 

First Grade. — Ringgold Light Artillery. 

Third Grade (cavalry). — Reading Dragoons, Na- 
tional Troop, Washington Guards, Monroe Troop, 
Washington Troop, Windsor Cavalry, Keystone 
Lancers, Berks County National Dragoons. 

Fourth Grade (heavy artillery). — Reading Artil- 



MILITIA. 



355 



lerv, Hamburg Artillerv, National Artillery, Pleasant 
Valley Artillery, Pennsylvania Artillery, Washington 
Artillery, Jackson Artillery, Richmond Artillery. 

Fifih Grade (light infantry). — Washington Legion, 
Kinggold Light Infantry. 

Seventh Grade (riflemen). — Berks Rifle Rangers, 
Washington Rifle Blues, Reading Rifle Company, 
Keystone Rifles. 

The.se compauies were in active existence at 
the breaking out of the Rebellion, in 18(30-61. 

State National Guard. — In 1864 a new 
system wa"? provided. " The active militia shall 
be composed of volunteers ; and, in case of war, 
invasion, the suppression of riots, etc. . . .shall 
first be ordered into service." The assessors 
are required to enroll " every able-bodied male 
citizen resident within the State of the age of 
twenty-one years and under the age of forty- 
five years" excepting certain persons specified ; 
and this roll of persons is placed on record in 
the office of the county commissioners ; and the 
whole number of persons liable to military duty 
is reported by the commissioners to the adju- 
tant-general of the state. The enrolled militia 
shall be subject to no active duty except in case 
of war, invasion, riot, etc. The commander-in- 
chief may order the militia to be drafted from 
the persons liable to duty or accept as many 
volunteers as may be required. The organiza- 
tiiin is similar to the previous systems, but the 
State is divided into twenty divisions, each 
county to form a separate brigade. Berks, 
Lebanon and Dauphin Counties comprise the 
Fifth Division. Subsequent modifications have 
been made. The active militia is styled the 
" National Guard of Pennsylvania.'' In time 
of peace it shall cotn prise an aggregate not to 
exceed ten thousand officers and men and " con- 
sist of two hundred coiupanies, fully armed, uni- 
formed and equipped, to be distributed among 
the several military divisions of the State accord- 
ing to the number of its taxable population." And 
provision is made for drilling, inspections and en- 
campments. This system is carried on success- 
fully but without causing any public excitement, 
excepting during the time and in the vicinity 
of any encampment. 

E-EADiXd Artillerists. — A company of 
volunteers was organized at Heading, and 
named the " Reading Artillerists " — reviving 



the name of a military organization which had 
first been organized at Reading in 1794, and 
continued in active existence till the Civil War, 
in which it was enlisted in the three months' 
.service in 1861, as Company G, First Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers; most of the men re- 
enlisted in different companie.s and served till 
the clo.se of the year. 

This company was reorganized and mustered 
in on May 2, 188), as Company G, Fourth 
Regiment of National Guard of Pennsylvania, 
with Robert H. Savage, as captain, Wm. H. 
Senders as first lieutenant, and Abel H. Beyer 
as second lieutenant ; and it numbered fifty- 
six men. Its organization is still maintained, 
numbering fifty-five men, with Henry J. 
Christoph as captain, Elmer A. German, 
first lieutenant, and William O. Scull, 
second lieutenant. 

./ Captain D.vsiel de B. Keim, the oldest 
son of John Keim, a prominent merchant at 
Reading, was born on September 8, 1772, and 
educated in the place named. He became in- 
terested in military affairs at an early age. 
When twenty -two years old he raised a comjiany 
of infantry, called the " Reading Union Vol- 
unteers," and as captain marched with them 
under General Henry Lee to assi.st in quelling 
the "Whiskey Insurrection" that had ari.sen 
in the we.stern part of Penn.sylvania. This 
company was detailed at Carlisle as the body- 
guard of President Washington, and continued 
to perform that duty as long as the President 
remained with the array. In 1814 he com- 
lyanded a company of volunteers, called the 
" Reading Washington Guards," which was 
stationed for a time near Baltimore during the 
English War in this country. He organized 
the "Reading Artillerists" in 1794, and suc- 
ceeded in obtaining for their u.se from the 
national government a battery of five field- 
pieces which had been captured at Yorktown. 
The name of this company has been trans- 
mitted by various military organizations till 
the present time. It participated, under the 
command of Captain Keim, in the grand re- 
ception given to General Lafayette at Phila- 
delphia in 1824. \ 

Captain Keim manifested an earnest interest 



356 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



in our loral history. In 1833 he contributed 
a valuable article to the " Ladies' Garland," 
relating to tlie early settlement of Reading, and 
including other matters of historical interest. 
It was the first description of our immediate 
locality which was published in a printed form. 
He died in 1833. 

General George de Benneviij.e Keim,' 
second son of John Keim, a successful merchant 
at Reading, and Susan de Benncville (the daugh- 
ter of Dr. George de Benneville), his wife, was 
born at Reading, December 16, 1778, and edu- 
cated in the old " Friends' Meeting-house." He 
was then sent by his father to Pliiladelphia, 
where he remained for some years in the large 
and well-known hardware store of the Messrs 
Chancellors, to acquire a knowledge of that 
Ijusiness. In his twentieth year, upon his re- 
turn to Reading, he was taken into partnership 
by his father, who was conducting the same 
business which had been established in the 
property generally known as the "old white store." 
This building was the first business pla(« at Read- 
ing, and was conducted by Conrad Weiser for 
some years, and came to be owned by Nicholas 
Keim (the grandfather of the subject of this 
sketch) in 1769. Here Mr. Keim carried on 
business for many years. He also engaged in 
the manufacture of iron, having interests in the 
Reading Furnace and various forges. When 
the difficulties occurred in 1794 known as the 
" Whiskey Insurrection," he volunteered and 
served in the I'orces which were collected to sus- 
tain the government. From 1809 to 1814 he 
carried on business in Philadelphia, in connec- 
tion with the export of bread-stuffs. He was 
largely engaged in the development of our 
county and county-seat. He was one of the 
first to give attention to the cultivation of the 
grape and the manufacture of wine ; and he 
contributed his means and efforts to improve the 
character of the live-stock of the county. At 
that period Mr. Keim was largely interested in 
the cultivation of the soil, and was owner 
of a number of farms in E.xeter township and 
that locality. He took an active interest in 
the erection of bridges, as demanded by the re- 

' See portrait in Cliapter X., War of 1812-15, p. 179. 



quirements of the county, and promoted by his 
efforts the Perkiomen turnpike and that of the 
Reading and Sinibuiy, which were the earliest 
public improvements in this section, in both of 
which companies Mr. Keim was a manager for 
many years. Mr. Keim was greatly interested 
in promoting the cause of education and took 
an earnest interest in the establishment of the 
" Reading Academy " and the " Reading Fe- 
male Seminary," each of which institutions was 
of great service in educating the young people 
of the community. 

Military afiairs received his attention from 
an early period, and in 1821 the appointment' rj 
of aid on the staff of Governor Hfflster, with ^-^ 
the rank of colonel, was conferred upon him. 
In 1830 he was elected major-general of the 
Sixth Division of Pennsylvania Militia, suc- 
ceeding his brother-in-law, the Hon. Samuel 
J. Franks, and upon his retirement, after hold- 
ing this position for five years, he was succeeded 
by his son, George M. Keim, who, in turn, was 
succeeded by General William H. Keim, cousin 
of the latter. 

Mr. Keim also, among other positions, filled 
that of president of the Branch Bank of Penn- 
sylvania for uj)wards of thirty years; was the 
chief burgess of Reading and president of the 
Town Council for many years ; and was one of the 
promoters of the Reading Water Comjiauv and 
its first president, occupying the latter position 
for a long period of time. 

In all benevolent institutions and objects Mr. 
Keim took a prominent part. He was actively 
engaged in the building of Christ Church, the 
lot upon which the same was erected having 
been donated by a member of the Price family 
for that purpose, who was a relation of his wife. 
On Februaiy 4, 1799, Mr. Keim was married 
to Miss Mary May, one of the daughters of 
James May, a well-known citizen of Reading, 
and who, in the act of 1783, incorporating 
Reading into a borough, was named, together 
with Mr. Keim's father, John Keim, as one of 
the assistant burgesses. 

James May was born March 2, 1 749, ot 
Quaker origin, his grandfather, Robert May, 
having come to the province before the year 
1700, and intermarried with a daughterof Joiin 



\ 



RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. 



357 



Brooke, who, comiug from England, located at 
u very early day in the neighborhood of Lim- 
erick, where he had a large body of land. Mr. 
May married Bridget Douglass, a daughter of 
George Douglass, who was the son of Andrew 
Douglass from Scotland, and settled at the 
place now called Douglassville, where his 
mansion still remains and is in the ownership 
of one of his descendants in the female line. 
George Douglass was an Episcopalian and ac- 
tively interested in the Molatton Church, being 
one of the vestry for a period long prior to the 
Revolutionary struggle, and his daughter, who 
.married James May, having been reared in 
tiie faith of that church, led Mr. Keim to take 
a warm interest in tlie erection of Christ 
Church. Mr. James May, who had a birth- 
right in the Society of Friends, lost the same 
by his marriage outside of his sect to Miss 
Douglass, who, as heretofore said, was an 
Episcopalian 

Three brothers, Archibald, James and An- 
drew Douglass, settled in 1718 in the " back 
])arts" of the province, the portion of Chester 
County which subsequently was cut oif to form 
the county of Lancaster, near the fertile valley 
of Pequea. They left Scotland, having been 
engaged in the rebellion of 1715 in favor of 
the Pretender, and for that cause were obliged 
to retire. They were of good family, and 
George Douglass, the son of Andrew and the 
grandfather of Miss Mary May, wife of Mr. 
Keim, removed from Pequea to what is now 
Douglassville when a very young man, having 
lost by death both of his parents. Shortly after 
the arrival of the Douglasses they donated the 
land upon which the Episcopal Chun^h at 
Pequea, " St. John's," one of the early churches, 
was erected — their plantations adjoining the 
same. 

General Keim had seven children : three sons 
— John M., George M. and Daniel M. — and 
four daughters, — Ann, Susan, Catharine and 
Rebecca, the latter of whom alone is living, 
being the widow of the eminent civil engineer 
Mr. Wirt Robinson, of Richmond, Va. Mr. 
Keim died August 20, 1852. 

Military Cadets. — The following persons 
were admitted to the United States Military 



Academy at West Point, N. Y., from Berks 
County, Pa., the li.st having been supplied for 
this history by li. C. Drum, adjutant general, 
Washington, D. C. : 





Residences. 


Date of 


Names. 


Admission 


Graduation 
& Proinotuin 


.T6hn H. Ilobart 

Hcnij- A. 51. Filbert 

Juhti K. Liudenium 


Reailiiig 

Pnllglas\ 


iu'e 


July 1, 1829 
.July J, 1»:)U 
July 1, 1841 





Wi 



1 51 V 



.lohn F. Ritter 

Clmrles McK. Leoser .... 

Charles Keller 

.Satiiuel R. Kerper 

Cliiw. Ailuui Hoke McCaulay 

A1I.1I1 lI.Havvinan 

W.ill.T li. Ciui- 



..Iilill 



Shulle 



Birdilioro' , 
Hunilmre . 
Iieinbach^s . 
Barto . . . 



Sept. 1 . vm 

.luly 1, 1.-<I4 July 1,1848 

July 1, 1848 .luly 1, ltir,2 

Julv 1, 18.12 July 1, 18.% 

July 1, 18,-.6|5Iay 0, ISli' 

July 1. 18m Juue23, ISU.'i 

July 1, ISlal 

July 1, 18ii(i|Junel5, 187li 

July 1, 1871 

July 1, 1873 

July 1, lS7.i.Inne 12,1870 

July 1, 187Si|June 12, 1883 

July 1, 1883 

Sept. 1, 1883 



CHAPTER XIV. 

RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. 

Lutherans — Reformed — Friends — Baptists — Dunkards — 
Moravians — Roman Catholics — Amish — Other Denomi- 
nations — Religious Excitement, Heidelberg and Exeler 
Meetings — Sund.ay Mails — County Bible Society. 

The territory which is included in the county 
of Berks was a conspicuous portion of the pro- 
vince of Pennsylvania to emigrants who were 
encouraged to leave their homes and settle in a 
country where they could enjoy and develop 
religious freedom. This sentiment being the 
prominent consideration which moved them in 
their travels and euterpri.se towards the .selec- 
tion of a new country, it is natural to find it in 
continued prominence after they had fixed their 
habitations. The several nationalities showed 
the same zeal in this respect. The first settlers, 
the Swedes, would seem to have been slow in 
establishing a church for themselves convenient 
to their settlements, for they came here perman- 
ently in 1701, but did not erect a church till 
about 1720. In this time, however, they were 
connected with the church at Wiccacoe (now in 
Philadelphia, at a place near the Navy Yard), 
whither they went occasionally to carry on re- 
ligious worship. 

The Huguenots were not any more energetic 
in Oley, for the first of them arrived from 1712 



358 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



to 1720, but they did not cause a church to be 
erected in their midst till ]73o, and these, it is 
said, proceeded to the Trappe for attending 
church services till they came to possess a 
church of their own. The Friends, however, 
were more energetic — a decade not having 
elapsed before they established a meeting-house 
for themselves. This was the situation to the 
east of the Schuylkill. To the west of the 
Schuylkill, the German settlers — Huguenots as 
they are generally called — erected a church 
within several years after their permanent set- 
tlement on and in the vicinity of the Tulpe- 
hocken Creek. 

A number of churches were erected in diifer- 
ent sections of the county before 1752, not 
only in the southern or more populous parts, 
but in the northern near the Blue Mountain. 
This public or general action on the part of the 
settlers displays their affection for their religion. 
Their religious feelings were convictions which 
tliey obtained through experienre abroad or 
tlirough inheritance and education here, and 
these were enduring. 

LuTHERASs.' — The Lutheran religion was 
predominant in the county, both with the 
Swedes and Germans to the cast of the Schuyl- 
kill and with the Germans to the west. Some 
of the Germans were adherents of the Reformed 
religion. The churches built by these denom- 
inations were mostly " union " churches. In 
nearly every instance the members of the two 
denominations united in bearing the cost 
jointly — they having appointed separate com- 
mittees to co-operate in conducting the building 

' Immediately after Penn had arrived in Pennsylvania a 
number of Germans emigrattd to the province. Among 
these there were Lutherans. But the tide of their im- 
migratiun began in earnest in 1710. Then about three 
tliousiind, chiefly Lutherans, settled in New York, having 
Deen encouraged to do so by Qoeen Anne, after leaving the 
Pahuiuale on account of religious intolerance there, and 
arriving in England. In 1713 one hundred and fifty 
families settled in Schoharie, in New York, some of which 
ten years afterward came to Tulpehocken, Pennsylv.ania. 
In 1727 a large number of them came into Pennsylvania 
from various parts of Germany, chiefly from the Palatinate, 
Wiirletnberg and Darmstadt ; and it is believed that many 
of these settled in this section of levritory, along the Mana- 
tawny and Tulpehocken Creeks. They caused a church to 
be erected at the former in Oley, about 1735; and at the 
latter about 1727. 



operations. And the church services alternated 
every two Sundays. 

This harmonj' between these denominations 
in such a peculiar and jealous matter as religion 
displayed the singular e.xcellcnce and liberality 
of the Germans. These people were alike in 
general affairs, in dress, in speech, in labor, in 
manners and customs; and a difference in their 
religious notions did not develop any antagon- 
ism between them. Indeed, the one denomin- 
ation frequently visited the church .services of 
the other denomination. Each was the equal 
of the other in every respect. 

The religion of these settlers would seem to 
have been exactly adapted to them in their 
pioneer life as farmers and mechanics. It was 
not demonstrative or enthusiastic in the sense of 
winning them away from necessary and profit- 
able labor ; it was not disposed to lead them 
into extravagant habits. It was rather quiet 
and unpretentious, and inclined them to practice 
self-denial and economy. I may be thought 
to attribute too many fruits as results from the 
religions which prevailed to such a large ex- 
tent; but when the subject is examined closely it 
will be found to lie at tlie bottom oftlie real gene- 
ral stability and progress of the early settlers. 

The early German settlers were without a 
regular mini.ster till the arrival of Rev. Henry 
Melchior Muhlenberg, in 1742.- 

Rev. J. C. Stoever and Rev. John Peter 
Miller had preached at the Tulpehocken Church 
before 1735. But before 1750, Muhlenberg 



2 Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg is regarded as the 
father of the Lutheran Church in America. He was bom 
at Eimbect, in Haiiover, Germany. September d. 1711. He 
was thoroughly educated in the school of Franke, at Halle, 
and c)ualified to preach in different languages— German. 
Dutch, Swedish, English, French and Latin. He loft hi-i 
native country early in the year 1742, and arrived at 
Philadelphia in November following. TheLutheranChurchis 
were then in a deplorable condition, and few in number * 
He was stationed at the Trappe, whence he visited diffc- 
ent Lutherans as far north as the Blue Mountain. " lie 
preached in season and out of season, in churches, barns 
and the open air, until at last tliat Divine Ma.sler, whom 
he so faithfully served, received him into the company of 
apostles and prophets at His right hand. He died at the 
Trappe, October 7, 1787, where his remains lie buried. Dur- 
ing his ministerial journeys he made the acquaintance of 



Berlis 



*Sa{cl to li»ve been si.^ ; and only one in this soctii 
County (Rupp's " Histury Burks County." p. 4:!9.) Tliisi-s Bii error. Thi-re 
were at least eislit; iMolutton. IJley, Kuclilaud, LougjWttmp.Kichmuud, 
AlBUce, Heidelberg und Tulpehocken. 



RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. 



359 



visited tlie Lutherans regularly who were 
scattered through the upper sections of Phila- 
delphia and Lancaster Counties, now included 
in Berks County. The prominent settlements 
which enjoyed the benefits of his preaching 
were in the vicinity of the Swedes' Church, Oley 
Church, Hill Church, Alsace Church, Long- 
swamp Church, Richmond Church and Albany 
Church to the east of the Schuylkill, and of 
the Heidelberg Church (Hains') Northkill 
Church and Tulpehocken Church to the west 
of the Schuylkill. 

Amongst the German immigrants there were 
some ministers and also school-teachers. The 
latter taught the children and read sermons; 
and, it is said, that some of them, after reading 
awhile, presumed themselves qualified and as- 
sumed to carry on the sacred office of ministers. 

A history of the Lutheran Church as a body 
in Berks County will not be attem]jted in this 
chapter, for it is not the design of this work. A 
historical narrative of the several churches of 
this denomination is presented in the districts' in 
which they are respectively situated, including 
the ministers who officiated. 

In 1884 the pastors, congregations and mem- 
bership of the Lutheran denomination in the 
county were as follows : 

No. of cnngre- 

gations. MGinbership. 

Rev. Z. H. Gable 6 1,150 

Rev. B. S. Smoll 4 850 

Rev. J. J. Cressman 2 600 

Rev. Aaron Finfrock 5 1,362 

Rev. L. Groh 2 1,300 

Rev. W. A. C. Mueller 2 500 

Rev. A. J. Long 5 1,000 

Rev. F. K. Huntzinger.... 3 850 

Rev. J. Fry 1 1,050 

Rev. M. C. Horine 1 540 

Rev. T. T. Jaeger 5 930 

Rev. B. E. Kramlich 5 1,325 

Rev. W. H. Myers 1 371 

Rev. IT. P. Heilraan 2 680 

Rev. J. J. Kuendig 1 1,100 

Rev. D. D. Trexler 5 650 

Rev. B. D. Zvveizig 8 2,100 

58 16,358 

EeFORMED. — Persons attached to the Re- 



Conrad Weiser, and shortly afterward, 1743, married his 
daughter, Maria.''* 

* Rupp's " History of Berks County," p. 43U. 



formed faith were amongst the early settlers. 
They were known as "Calvinists" or "German 
Calvinists." Their first churches were in Oley 
and in Heidelberg. In meeting-houses, how- 
ever, they were mostly connected with the Lu- 
therans. The early Reformed ministers in 
Pennsylvania, before 1740, were Goetschy, 
Weis, Rieger, Boehm and Dorstius. They 
were assisted by the church in Holland. In 
1741 a number of German Bibles (one hundred 
and thirty) were sent here for their use. In 
1746, Rev. Michael Schlatter, the great Reformed 
missionary from Switzerland, arrived. In Sep- 
tember of that year he visited Oley and Tul]ie- 
hocken. At the latter place, on the 2/Jth, he 

"preached with nuiili divine assistance and not witli- 
out a blessing to a congregation of more than 600 
persons who were assembled in a wooden building. 
The congregation listened to the publication of tlie 
word of God with much devout attention. The ar- 
dent desire for edification, and for a regular organiza- 
tion, and the hope of obtaining a stated preacher 
might have been read in their countenances. Tliey 
could not conceal the joy and surprise which they 
felt upon seeing three preachers' together, a circum- 
stance which they had not seen there before. The 
old and the young people shed tears of joy. I can 
only say that this was to me and to ray brethren a 
day of much refreshment. I thought of the blessed 
Netherlands, where the company of heralds of the 
Gospel is numerous, whilst this extensive country is 
perishing for lack of teachers. This large church hiis 
never had a regular pastor. Mr. Boehm h.as adminis- 
tered the communion here annually twice — traveling 
eighty miles from Philadelphia for this purpose. 
After preaching, I, with his ai-sistance, dispensed the 
holy communion to upward of a hundred members. 
I then informed them of my commission from the 
mother-country and. made the same proposition to 
them which I had made to the churches in Philadel- 
phia and Gerraantown. They obligated thcmselvis 
to support a preacher in the two churches'' situated 
five miles apart and consisting of about five hundred 
members, and they ])roinised to raise in money and 
produce about £50, as will appear by the Call for- 
warded on the 13th of October to the Reverend Com- 
mittees of the two Synods and to the classis of Am- 
sterdam. I also chose Elders and Deacons, with the 
approbation of the church and ordained them." ' 

' Schlatter, Boehra and Weis. 

■■^I think these two churches were the " Host" and tlie 
" H.ain ;" the preaching upon this occasion having been in 
the " Host." 

"Schlatter's Journal; and see Eupp's " History of Berks 
County," pp. -143 and 444. 



360 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Id 1748 Rev. Bartholomew took charge of 
the congregation at Tiilpehocken. 

Historical sketches of the several Reformed 
Churches throughout the county appear iu the 
districts in which they are situated. 

In 1840 it was estimated that there were in 
the county about thirty-five Reformed Churches ; 
and the ministers then were L. C. Herman, A. 
L. Herman, J. Sassaman Herman, Philip Moyer, 
David Hassinger, David Bossier, Chas. Schultz, 
Thomas H. Leinbach, Charles G. Herman, 
William Pauli, Augustus Pauli, John Conrad 
Bucher, Isaac Miesse, William Hendel. 

In 1874, the congregations and total member- 
ship of the Reformed denomination in the 
county were as follows : ' 

First Reformed at Reading, Rev. Henry Mosser. 

Second Relormedal Reading, Rev. C. F. McCauley. 

St. Paul's at Reiding, Rev. Benjamin Bailsman. 

St. John's at Reading, Rev. Jolin W. Steinmetz. 

Schwartzwakl charge, eight congregations. 

Bernville charge, five congreirations. 

Tiil|)c4iocken charge, five congregations. 

Sinking Spring charge, four congregations. 

Allegheny charge, three congregations. 

Shartlesville charge, three congregations. 

Kutztown charge, four congregations. 

Zion charge, six congregations. 

Lenhartsvillu charge, four congregations. 

Friedensburg charge, four congregations. 

Hamburg and Leespori charge, three congregations. 

Bernville charge, one congregation. 

Congregations, 54; membership, 10,330 ; communi- 
cants, 9034. 

Friends. — The Friends were the third sect 
of people who settled in the county, the Swedes 
and Germans having anteceded them. The 
Swedes were the first to erect a meeting-house 
at Molatton ^ about 1720 ; but the Friends were 
the next, having erected a meeting-house in 
1726 near the Monocacy, along the western line 
of the Swedes' settlement, then called Amity 
township. Within the next score of years they 
erected two more meeting-houses, one in Maiden- 
creek township and the other in Robeson town- 
ship. They built a fourth at Reading, supposed 
in 1751, three years after the town had been 
laid out and just as the building improvements 
began to be active. They had four meeting- 
houses before 1 752, wheu the county was erected. 
But they did not get beyond this number. 



' B. and S. Journal, January 31, 1874. 
* Now at DouglassviUe. 



This may seem strange when we consider their 
intelligence, earnestness and enterprise ; but it is 
not so strange when we consider the wonderful 
influx of Germans, who spoke, lived, thought 
and acted diiferently from them. 

The encouragement of the Germans to emi- 
grate and settle in Pennsylvania was certainly a 
wise policy on the part of Penn and his sou'^, 
on account of their industrious and economic 
habits, and their skill andenergy as farmers and 
mechanics. It has shown itself to have been 
also vastly beneficial. But the encouragement 
of this nationality acted against the interests and 
developments and influence of their own class. 
It would seem that they were most active about 
the time when the county was erected and for a 
score of years afterward. They then exerted 
the most political influence through the proprie- 
tary government, which was in the hands of 
Friends. And their religious influence was 
large and wide in their several communities. 
But they remained where they first settled. 
They did not extend beyond Oley and Exeter, 
along the Manatawny and Monocacy Creeks, 
Maiden-creek and Richmond along the Onte- 
launee, and Robeson along the Hay and 
Allegheny Creeks. And yet their families were 
numerous and their population was considerable. 
In this time it was estimated that they num- 
bered about two thousand.^ Their principles 
were superior and their habits admirable. 
Simple, unostentatious, earnest and clever, with 
good education and large means, they ])ossessed 
a foundation adapted for develojiment and per- 
manency. But what were these conij)ared with 
a class which then numbered at least twenty 
thousand, which had a fair education and con- 
siderable means and which was possessed of 
similar habits and virtues. The conditions 
were not equal in respect to strength, though 
they were in respect to quality. It was there- 
fore natural for the former not to maintain their 
hold upon the community which they had when 
the county was erected and continued to have 
till the Revolution. Hence their churches did 
not increase in number, their people did not ex- 
tend into adjoining townships. 



'Rupp's "History of Uerks County,'' p. 42:i. 



KELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. 



361 



Some of the most eminent ministers who 
preached to the Friends in tlie county before 
1800 were the following : Samuel Hucrh, Ellis 
Hugh, Job Hugh, Enos Ellis, Abel Thomas, 
Moses Embree, James Iddings, Amos Lee, Peter 
Thomas and Judah Thomas. 

Baptists.' — The major part of the early Bap- 
tists who settled in Pennsylvania were Welsh- 
men. The principles which William Peun pro- 
claimed as the basis of his intended colony were 
such as to attract all pious people who were 
persecuted on account of their religion. This 
was the case in Wales, where dissenters of all 
shades of opinion were to be found, but they 
were chiefly Baptists and Friends. Among the 
first settlers in the counties of Philadelphia, 
Bucks and Chester were large colouies of Welsh- 
men, who purchased immense tracts of land, 
and when townships were formed they gave to 
many the names of the places from which they 
had emigrated. Among these may be named 
lladnor, Haverford, Merion, Gwynedd, Uweh- 
lan, Trcdyffrin, Caernarvon, Cumru and Breck- 
nock, these last three being now included in 
Berks County, although they were formerly in 
Lancaster County. 

The first Baptist Chui-ch in the colony was 
formed in the year 1688 at Pennypack, now 
called Lower Dublin, and it still has a vigorous 
existence. This was followed by the Great Val- 
ley, in Tredyifrin township, Centre County, in 
1711, Brandywine in 1715 and Montgomery in 
1717. The services were frequently and for 
many years conducted in the Welsh language. 
This was also the case among the Welsh 
Friends, and also members of the Church of 
England whcJ had settled in Radnor and found- 
ed St. David's Church. Bishop William S. 
Perry, in his work entitled " Papers Relating to 
the History of the Church of Pennsylvania," - 
says the Rev. Evan Evans wrote to the Society 
for the Propagation of the Gospel that the 
Welsh at Radnor and Merioneth had addressed 
a letter to the Bishop of Loudon for a minister 



' The author is indebted to Horatio Gates Jones, Esq., of 
Philadelphia, for this article on the Baptists, prepared lor 
this history. 

'' See Stevens Papers, 35-36. 



who understands the British language, and that 
a hundred persons had signed the letter. 

Until the year 1738 no other regidar Baptist 
Church was organized west of the Great Valley 
Church in Pennsylvania, but in that year the 
follow'ing persons removed from the Valley and 
the Montgomery Church and settled near the 
banks of the Tulpehocken Creek, in what is now 
Berks County, and founded the Tulpehocken 
Baptist Church, viz. : Thomas and Martha 
Jones, David Evans and wife, James James and 
wife, Evan Lloyd and wife, George Rees and 
wife, John Davis and wife, Thomas Nicholas 
and wife, James Edwards and wife, Rees 
Thomas and wife, Henry Harry, David Lewis 
and Thomas Lloyd. This organization took 
place August 19, 1738, and in 1740 Thomas 
Jones was ordained the pastor. The church had 
two meeting-houses. The first was built in 1740 
on a lot of three acres, the gift of Hngh Morris, 
Evan Lloyd and Evan Price, in the township 
of Cumru.' Tiie house was only twenty-six feet 
by sixteen. Another house* of the same size, 
about three miles west from the first, was built 
the same year on a lot of one acre, the gift of 
Thomas Bartholomew and Hannaniah Pugh. 
Both were near Reading, and of course the 
preaching was in Welsh, and so it was not likely 
that the Germans who began to settle Berks 
would attend worship at the Baptist Churches. 
The records of the Philadeljihia Baptist Associ- 
ation, called The Cetdury Minuter, show that 
the church with Mr. Jones as pastor reported 
annually until 1774, when its name disappears. 
About that time I^fr. Jones removed to Chester 
County, either to Tredyffrin or ^\'iilistown 
township, where his son Griffith lived, and the 
few Welsh Bajjtists of the Tulpehocken Church 
were as sheep without a shepherd, and, if they 
desired Baptist preaching, were compelled to go 
to the Great Valley Church, where Mr. Jones 
was called to officiate when the regular pastor 



^Tbis was on Wyomissing, about three miles from its 
outlet. A burying-ground was appurtenant to it. 

•'i'his was at a point on the "Old Tulpehocken Road." 
very near the "Sinking Spiing." The building is still 
standing. It is built of brick, octagonal in shape. A 
grave-yard lies at the rear of the building with a number 
of graves marked by head-atones, now illegible. 



362 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



was absent. Tlie Lutheran and Church of Eng- 
land ministers had become b}' that time very 
active in Berks County. In 1763 Rev. Alex- 
ander Murray, the Episcopal minister at Read- 
ing, says that his people then numbered about 
forty-eight souls, of whom twelve were under 
seven yeai-s of age, and there were twenty un- 
baptized "Anabaptists" in town, who now and 
then made up a part of his congregation, and he 
had baptized four of them the previous Easter. 
In 1764 he says he had eighteen families, and 
of the new members some were Presbyterians, 
Baptists and Quakers, and of the latter two de- 
nominations he had christened thirteen on the 
last Christmas Day. In June, 1765, he writes 
that since January 24, 1764, he had baptized 
thirty-nine children and three adults, besides an 
attorney-at-law here with his children, who 
were bred among the Baptists and Quakers. 
He then adds that the Baptists were in 
1764 supplied by their former preacher, who 
thought it advisable to return to them, when 
he saw them generally disposed to conform 
to the church, whose service lie punctually 
observed at the times they invited him. As 
their preacher was an old man, it was jirobable, 
upon his death or removal, that all the younger 
people would readily unite with his church. 
No doubt Mr. Murray refers to Rev. Thomas 
Jones, but he was not then over sixty-four 
years of age. 

Of Rev. Thomas Jones I have been able to 
gather some facts which may prove of interest 
to those who are fond of reading about the early 
settlers. He was born at Tre' newydd y 
Notais (in English, Newton Notage), in the 
vale of Glamorganshire, Wales, about the year 
1701, and married Martha Morris and began to 
preach when quite young. In 1737 he emi- 
grated with his family to Pennsylvania and in 
the following year settled on or near the Tulpe- 
hocken Creek. 

A letter from him, in Welsh, is dated 
Heidelberg, October 6, 1742. It is now in my 
collection and in it he .says : 

" Myself, wife and chilrlren are all well and com- 
fortable. By the mercy of God we make a good living, 
if we could e.xclude home-sickness. We have five 
sons and two daughters. I hope my dear mother is 
still alive, I finally consented to be ordained again 



in order to show my willingness to comply with the 
opinion of others. I am very thankful for the book 
you sent rae, although the Welsh is not of much use 
here. Concerning the Cydgordiad (the Concordance 
of the Scriptures by Rev. Abel Morgan), I intend to 
send some over as soon as I can. ... I am under 
great obligation to you for your kindness, but I have 
nothing to send you unless I send wheat or black 
walnut boards. I have probably two hundred bushels 
of the first, and about two thousand feet of boards. 
The wheat is selling for three shillings a bushel, and 
is likely to be lower still." 

After removing to Chester County he did 
not become pastor of any church, but during 
the Revolution, lived in the parsonage of the 
Great Valley and while there, the Briti.ch 
army, after the battle of Brandywine, stole the 
communion service. Mr. Jones died March 
22, 1788, in his eighty-seventh year, and was 
buried in the grave-yard of the Great Valley 
Church. His widow died June 9, 1790, at the 
age of ninety-three years. Mr. Jones by all 
accounts was a very pious and eminent Christian 
and bore through life a most amiable and ex- 
emplary character, dying, as he had lived, with 
a hope full of immortality. He left a number 
of children ; among them, a son Samuel, who, in 
1762 was graduated at the College of Phila- 
delphia, and became pastor of the Baptist 
Church of Lower Dublin. He was a .sound 
divine, a good preacher and a learned man. 
He was, with Rev. Morgan Edwai'ds, one of 
the organizers of Rhode Island College, now 
called Brown University. In 1786 the honor- 
ary degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred 
upon him by Brown University, and in 1788 
the University of Pennsylvania conferred the 
same honor. 

Another son of Rev. Thomas .Tones, bearing 
his name, remained in Berks County and leff a 
number of descendants, now representing some 
of the most prominent families in the county. 

The grave-yards attached to the meeting- 
houses of this Tulpehocken Bapti-st Church are 
.still iu existence, and .some of the tomb-stones 
have Welsh inscriptions on them. The rest of 
the land was sold byauthority of an act of A.ssem- 
bly passed March 28, 1799, and amended on 
January 30, 1801. The preamble states, that 
by deaths and removals, the membership of the 
church had been reduced to a single person, 



RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. 



363 



viz., Thomas Jones, a son of the first pa.stor. 
The minutes of the trustees of the Philadelpliia 
Association for October 8, 1801, .show that the 
lots were sold, and that the money received, 
clear of all expenses, amounted to two hundred 
dollars, which was paid to the treasurer of the 
A.ssociation. 

From this time onward, till now, no church 
organization of this denomiuatiou has been in 
existence in the county, outside of Reading. 
A congregation was formed in Reading in 1828. 
Its history appears in the chapter relating to 
the churches of Reading. 

DuNKARDS.^ — A religious denomination 
known as the " Dunkards" existed at an early 
day in the county. This class was also called "The 
Brethren," and sometimes " German Baptists. " 
Certain persons of this denomination emigrated 
from Germany in 1719. They were numerous 
in Oley from 1730 to 1745. In 1724, October 
24, they held a large general convention in this 
district ; and upon that occasion they took sac- 
rament. Thence they proceeded to " their re- 
cently baptized brethren at the Schuylkill," 
took sacrament and baptized two persons.^ 

Another convention was held in Oley in 1742, 
which was attended by " four priests of the con- 
gregation at Ephrata." A meeting-house of 
this denomination was erected in Ruscomb-man- 
or (at Pricetown), and another in Bethel (north 
of Millersburg), before 1752. 

The fir.st persons of this denomination in the 
county were settled in Oley township. Amongst 
them were Ritters, Shilberts, Blaushes and 
Planks; Elder Martin Gauby, Elder John 
Yoder, Elder Conrad Price, David Price, David 
Kinsey, Jacob Becker, Christian Kinsey, Dan- 
iel Klein, and their wives, Peter Klein, Eliza 
Ellis, Margaret Harpine and Catharine Plank. 
The elders named were the first local preachers 
About the year 1730 they effected an organi- 
ization through the assistance of Elder Peter 
Becker, of Germantown, and shortly afterward 
erected a churcii. For about ten years it was 
in a flourishing condition ; then many of the 



' The author is indebted to Rev. Abrm. H. Cassell, of 
Harleysville, I'a., for information relating to this denomi- 
nation. 

2 They slopped here on their way to " Conestoga." I 
cannot locate the place on the Schuylkill, in Berks County. 



members left for other settlements, and the 
congregation was almost abandoned. 

Another congregation was formed in the 
northwestern section of the county, and com- 
prised settlers in Bethel and Tulpehockeu 
townships. They erected a church in the for- 
mer township, along a branch of the Little 
Swatara Creek, about the year 1745. The 
families of George Boeshorc, Michael Frantz, 
John Frantz and Peter Heckiuan were some of 
the active members who caused the meeting- 
house to be erected. And with them were also 
the following named persons : Jacob Heckman, 
Nicholas Gerst, Jacob Moyer, David Merkey, 
Simon Menich, Christian Frantz, Jacob Smith, 
Philip Zieglcr, Jacob Brenei.ser, David Klein, 
Leonard Seabalt, Jacob Deal, Hans Stoeler, Ja- 
cob Boeshore, and their wives; Adam Heinrich, 
John Grove, Rose Schnable, Eliza Kenzel, 
Widow Cyders, AVidow Benedict, Elizabeth 
Benedict, and Sophia Kish. These persons were 
baptized by Elder George Klein, of New Jer- 
•sey. They associated together and increased 
their number till 1857, when they were formally 
organized into a congregation by the elder men- 
tioned, and had the Lord's Supper administered 
to them. Then Peter Heckman was ordained 
as an elder, having prievously been an exhorter. 

There was also a third congregation in Bern 
and Upper Tulpehockeu townships, along the 
Northkill, several miles above the confluence 
of this .stream with the Tulpehockeu. A church 
was erected in 1748 ; and in that year the Lord's 
Supper was admini-stered by Elder Michael 
Pfautz, of Lancaster County. In 1750 Elder 
George Klein came from New Jer.sey and set- 
tled amongst the members. Through his energy 
the congregation flourished for twenty years. 
Then settlements in the western part of the State 
influenced most of the members to withdraw 
from the church and move away. This left the 
congregation without sufficient support, and it 
naturally ceased to exist. In 1770 it had only 
eleven resident members, prominent among 
them being Elder Klein,^ John Stohner, Val- 
entine Long and their wives. 



2 Elder George Klein was horn at Zwey Briicken, 
Germany, on Oc-tobcr 9, 1715. He emigr.ited to America 
in 1738, and settUd near Amwel'., in Hunterdon County, 



304 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



MoRAViAXS. — The Moravians were among 
the early settlers of the county. This peculiar 
sect was represented here by Count Zinzendorf, 
who came to Pennsylvania in 1741. In 
February, 1742, he conducted a synod in Oley, 
and in August following he visited the inhabit- 
ants of Tulpehocken. Shortly after this visit 
a congregation of Moravians was organized in 
Betliel township.' Between 1742 and 1750 two 
churches of this denomination were erected in 
Heidelberg and one in Oley. 

In 1741, Count Zinzendorf came to Pennsyl- 
vania for the purpose of seeing the success of 
the Brethren of the Moravians in effecting es- 
tablishments here, and of observing the fruits 
of their labor among the heathen. " 

In February, 1742, he visited Oley, wliere 
he held a synod. The following account is 
given of this meeting : 

" The 11th of February was the day appointed for 
thissolemnact;' audit wasaday never to be forgotten 
in the annals of missions. The awful presence of Him 
who has promised to meet with His own, was power- 
fully felt; the greatest solemnity prevailed. The Spirit 
of God was sensibly felt during the morning exercises 
— these consisting of prayer and praise. Here, as in 
days of yore — when the sons of God met — Satan was 
also present, especially in his devoted servants, for, 
whilst the humble believers were engaged in prepar- 
atory exercises to baptize the contrite Indians, some 
ill-disposed people came from the neighborhood and 
raised such a disturbance that the whole company was 
upon the point of dispersing and postponing tliis trans- 
action for the present. Peace was restored and there 
was held a solemn meeting in the afternoon, in which 
Ranch and Buettuer were ordained deacons by the 
two Bishops, David Nitchman and Count Zinzendorf. 
After this act, preparations were made in a barn be- 
longing to De Tirck. There was then no church in 



New .Jersey, where lie became acquainted with the Breth- 
ren and w.as baptized in their faith in 1739. lie was soon 
afterward chosen an assistant in the ministry , having been 
ordained by Elders Pfauiz and Martin Urner, He went 
to Northkill, Berks CouutVi in IToO, and was resident 
elder there for twenty years, when the congregation be- 
came too weak to support him and he left. He continued 
10 preach for some years afterward, and died at an ad- 
vanced age. He was regarded as an influential minister 
in this denomination. He was married to Dorothea Reb- 
man and had seven children. Several of his grandsons 
are now worthy elders of the Brethren. 

' Their church Bethel was erected about 1740. 

- Inilians. 

■•'rhe baptism of the Indians who had received the Gospel. 



Oley ; * and in this barn the Indians (Shabash, Seim 
and Kiop) were baptized by Rauch, a missionary. 
The whole assembly having met, these three cate- 
chumens were placed in the midst, and with fervent 
prayer and supplication devoted to Lord Jesus Clirist 
as His eternal property. Rauch then, with great emo- 
tion, baptized these threeflistlingsof the North Amer- 
ican Indians into the death of Jesus, and called them 
Abraham for Shabash, Isaac for Seim and Jacob for 
Kiop. The powerful sensation of the grace of God, 
which prevailed during this sacred transaction, filled 
all present with awe and joy, and the eftect produced 
in the baptized Indians astonished every one. Their 
hearts were filled with such rapture that they could 
not keep silence, but made known to all the white 
people who came into their hut, wdiat great favor had 
been bestowed upon them. They preached a whole 
night to a party of Delaware Indians, who were in 
the neiiibborhood, and by the providence of God were 
just at that time led to return back to Oley. When 
one ceased the other began, and their animated testi- 
mony of Jesus filled their hearers with admiration. 
Soon after this they set out with Rauch and arrived at 
Bethlehem, where they spent some days with their 
brethren for mutual edification, and then proceeded 
on their journey in the company of their beloved 
teacher, full of spiritual life. When they arrived 
home, they testified to all their relations and friends 
of the grace bestowed upon them ; and their words 
made an abiding impression upon the minds of the 
heathen." ' 

In September, 1742, Zinzendorf visited 
Shamokin^ with the company of Conrad Weiser, 
who, it is said, co-operated with the Moravians 
for several years. Whilst there an interesting 
event occurred, which nearly resulted in Zin- 
zendorf's death. 

" Zinzendorf and his little company pitched their 
tent a short distance below Shamokin, on the banks 
of the Susquehanna. This caused no small degree of 
alarm among the Indians. They assembled a council 
of their chiefs and considered his declared purpose. 
To these unlettered children of the wilderness it ap- 
peared altogether improbable that a stranger should 
brave the dangers of a boisterous sea for the sole pur- 
pose of instructing them in the means of obtaining 
happiness after death, and that, too, without requiring 
any compensation for his trouble and expense. And 
as they had observed the anxiety of the white people 
to purchase lands of the Indians, they naturally con- 
cluded that his real object was either to procure the 



* 1 think the Oley Church was then in existence. 

5 2 Loskiel's " Hist. Miss.," 21; also Rupp's "History of 
Berks and Lebanon Counties," pp. 2:j(j, 237, 238. 

6 Now Sunbury, having proceeded thither fium Tulpe- 
hocken. 



RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. 



365 



lands of Wyoming for hia own use or to I'earch for 
hidden treasures, or to examine the country with a view 
to future conquest. They therefore resolved to assas- 
sinate him privately, lest a knowledge of the afl'air 
should produce war with the English, who were set- 
tling the country below the mountain. 

" Zinzendorf was alone in his tent, seated upon a 
bundle of dry weeds, when the assassins approached 
to execute their bloody mission. This was in the 
night-time, and the cool air of September had made a 
small fire necessary for his comfort and convenience. 
A blanket hung upon pins was stretched across the 
entrance to his tent. The heat of his small fire had 
invited a rattlesnake which lay in the weeds not far 
away. In crawling slowly into the tent, it passed 
over one of his legs unobserved. Outside all was 
quiet, save the gentle murmer of the rapids in the 
rivera mile below. Justthen these Indians approached 
the tent and drew the curtain slightly aside. There 
they observed Zinzendorf deeply engaged in reflec- 
tion, so much indeed as not to notice either their ap- 
proach or the snake, which lay extended before him. 
The sight turned their hearts and they shrank from 
committing the deed which they had set out to per- 
form. They turned away from the tent, hastened to 
their settlement and informed their tribe that the 
Great Spirit protected the white man, for they had 
found him in a tent with only a blanket for a door 
and they had seen a large rattlesnake crawl over his 
legs without even attempting to injure him. This 
circumstance changed their suspicion and reve!ige 
into confidence and friendship. He remained twenty 
day.s, and theu returned to Bethlehem." ' 

Tobias and George Frederick Beckel, broth- 
ers, from Tiirkheim, iu Klienish Bavaria, emi- 
grated to Pennsylvania in the fall of 1736, 
and settled, the former in Heidelberg town- 
ship, south of the Tulpehocken Creek, and the 
latter on the Schuylkill, within the limits of 
Bern township. They and some of their 
neighbors, — such as Frederick Gerhard and 
John Meyer, — were subsequently attendants on 
Zinzendorf's preaching in Tulpehocken ; and, 
being deeply impressed thereby, they requested 
liim to supply them with a minister of the gos- 
pel. In December,'^ 1742, Zinzendorf bade 
tliem farewell. As they had been educated in 
the doctrines of the Reformed Church, they 
were commended to Jacob Lischey's spiritual 
care. Lischey preached in Heidelberg at stated 
times till September, 1743. Anthony Wagner 



' Riipp's ''History Berks County," pp. 429-430. 
' This may have been September. 



succeeded him in January, 1744, having resided 
at first with Tobias Beckel. Meanwhile, George 
Frederick Beckel removed from the Schuylkill 
into the limits of what is now North Heidel- 
berg township, and there, on land which was 
donated by his brother Tobias, a building, com- 
prising a church and parsonage, was erected for 
the Moravians in the summer of 1744. On 
the 4th of November following, the building 
was dedicated to its legitimate u.ses during the 
0]iening sessions of a Synod at which Henry 
Antes presided. 

The first Moravian congregation in the rural 
districts of the province was organized on April 
9, 1745, in Heidelberg township, by Bishop 
Augustus G. Sj)angenberg. Its members were 
Tobias Beckel and Christiana his wife ; G. F. 
Beckel and Anu Elizabeth his wife ; Stephen 
Brecht and Elizabeth his wife; John Fischer, 
Sr., and Sybilla his wife ; John Fischer, Jr., 
and Ann M. Iiis wife; Frederick Gerhard and 
Barbara his wife ; Nicholas Glas and Ann 
Mary his wife; Jacob Graeter and Barbara 
his wife; John Keller, widower; John Mayer 
and Margaret his wife; George Minier, wid- 
ower; John Zerbe and Elizabeth his wife. 

At the date of this register, Daniel Neubert 
and Elizabeth his wife occupied the parsonage 
in Heidelberg.' 

"Heidelberg was one of the rural districts in which 
the Brethren [Moravians] labored in the Gospel with 
marked success. Zinzendorf preached here frequently. 
In the spring of 1742 be recommended Gottlieb Biitt- 
ner, of Bethlehem, and the settlers accepted him as 
their minister. They then built him a church. 
Philip Meurer succeeded him in the autumn of that 
year. After the Lutheran Church was organized 
there, in 1743, the Brethren lost influence. They 
were then regarded with distrust, and afterwards dis- 
pleasure; and finally, in January, 1747, they were 
deprived of their building in which they worshipped. 
Bleurer was then recalled to Bethlehem." * 

Bishop Augustus G. Spangenberg, during his 
sojourn among the Schweuckfelders of Skippack, 



'From "Transactions of the Moravian Historical So- 
ciety" [1858-76], p. 40(j, and see pnges from 356 to 371 
for a number of the members of tlie cliurcli at Bellilehem, 
February, 1748, who bad gone ibitber from ()\ey, Heidel- 
berg and Tulpehocken. 

* Reichner, in "Transactions of Moravian Historical So- 
ciety," in note on origin of Indian name Tulpehocken. 



366 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



in the year 1737, visited the German settlements 
of 01ey,and preached at Jonathan Herrbein's and 
at Abraham Bartolet's. Andrew Asciienbach 
was, however, the Moravian pioneer in this in- 
land district of the province. 

Immediately upon his arrival in Pennsyl- 
vania, in October, 1740, he made Oley the cen- 
tral point of his Gospel ministry, in which he 
labored for upwards of two years with untiring 
industry, with persuasive eloquence and remark- 
able success. He was assisted for a time by 
Anna Nitschmann and Johanna Sophia Molther. 
During his residence in Oley, the so-called 
Synod of Pennsylvania convened at John de 
Turck's farm-house in the month of February, 
1742; then three Mohegans, attached to the 
Moravian Mission at Shecomeco, were admitted 
to church fellowship by the rite of baptism.' At 
the same time steps were tak^n towards organ- 
izing the attendants on his ministry into a 
religious society; and the erection of a place of 
worship was recommended. A log church was 
accordingly completed before the expiration of 
the year. Ziuzeudorf was deeply interested in 
the prosperity of this domestic mission, and 
devoted much of his time and personal attention 
to its concerns. Nevertheless, in consequence of 
disagreement between the pastor and his people, 
which engendered partisanship, and the appear- 
ance of new claimants at this time for spiritual 
sway in Oley, the Moravians lost influence, and 
eventually, in 17(35, withdrew altogether from 
the field. 

The succession in the ministry Ijetween 
Eschenbach's recall, towards the close of 1742, 
and the date of the following register was thus : 
Henry Antes and Jacob Kohn, in 174.3; Abra- 
ham M. Meinung, in 1744; John W. Michler, 
from 1745 to 1748; Richard Utley, in 1749 
and 1750; John C. Francke, in 1751; John 
W. Michler, in 1752; and John Schneider, in 
1753. 

The Moravians, during their settlement in 
Oley, erected two dwellings on land donated to 
them by John de Turck. The first was com- 
pleted and occupied early in 1745; the second 
was completed in 1748, and thereupon occupied 
upwards of three years by a flourishing board- 
ing-school, into which were incfjrporated the 



Moravian schools of Germantowu and Frederick 
townships.' 

MEMBERS OF MORAVIAN CHURCH IN OLEY, APRIL, 

1753. 

Brethren. 

John G. Boerstler (born 1677 in Turkheim on der 
Hartz. Immigrated in 1732. United with Moravians 
in 1748. Died May, 1789). 

Jacob Boerstler (born 1700 in Upper Palatinate. 
United with Moravians in 1747). 

Just. Buetting (born 1713 in Frantzheini. Immi- 
grated 1723. United with Moravians in 1743). 

Frederick Leinbach (born 1703 in Hochstadt, Ba- 
varia, circle of Upper Franconia. Immigrated with 
his parents, John and Elizabeth Leinbach, in 1723. 
United with Moravians in 1742). 

Henry Leinbach (born 1705 in Hochstadt, brother 
of above. United with Moravians in 1753). 

John Leinbach (born 1712 in Hochstadt, brother of 
above. Immigrated in 1718). 

John Henry Neukirck (born 1708 at Hahn, near 
Dusseldorf. Immigrated in 1738). 

John Sclineider. 

tSisfers. 

Catharine Boerstler, maiden-name Lui-k, from 
Savoy. 

Catharine Boerstler, maiden-name Peter, from Soel- 
ingen. 

Elizabeth Leinbach, maiden-name Frey, from 
Skippack. 

Johanna Leinbach, maiden-name Herrmann, from 
Cones toga. 

Catharine Leinbach, maiden-name Eiehni, from 
Muddy Creek. 

Gertrude Neukirk, maiden-name Hartmann, from 
Palatinate. 

Elizabeth Schneider. 

On Jidy 31, 1750, a beginning was made 
to dissolve the Moravian School in Frederick 
township, by transferring pupils to other schools. 
In the last week of August, 1750, the following 
were transferred to Oley: David Beck (Berlin) ; 
Alvin and John Bibighausen (Muddy Creek, 
Lancaster County); Geo. M. Graaf (Lancaster) ; 
Abram Hallcr (Lanca.ster County); Israel 
Horsfield (Long Island); Isaac, Jonathan and 
Peter Jones (^Montgomery County, New Prov- 
idence township); Frederick Ivlemm (Philadel- 
phia) ; Michael Kraemer (Lancaster); Abram 
Leinbach (Oley, son of John and Catharine); 
Isaac Noble (New York); John Riehm (Lan- 



' From Trans, of Moravian Historical Society. 18">8-7G, 
p. R'Jd, and see Oley township iis to Moravian School. 



KELIGIOUS DENOMINATIOXS. 



367 



caster County); Peter Vetter (Oley, son of 
Jac. and Magdalene) ; John Walton, John 
Weber (Lancaster County). 

Roman Catholics. — The early settlers of 
the county were entirely Protestants. They 
composed the different denominations till about 
1740. Then the Roman Catholics appear. 
Their number was very small compared with 
the number in the Protestant denominations. 
The Protestants were mostly driven here by re- 
ligious persecution, which was caused by the 
Roman religion ; and feeling the terrors and 
sufferings of this persecution, it was natural for 
them to discourage this religion from obtaining 
a foothold in their midst. This accounts for 
the strength of the one class and the weakness 
of the other. 

In 1741 the Roman Catholics had a congre- 
gation and meeting-house in " Gnadenhutten " 
(which included Washington township) and in 
Maxatawny. It is not known what meuiber- 
ship they had. Some years afterward it would 
seem that their number had grown so as to 
awaken public concern. The matter was forced 
upon the attention of the justices of the county, 
who, being Protestants, imbibed the feeling of 
insecurity entertained by the surrounding com- 
munity. The excitement incident to the 
" French and Indian War " was sufficieut to 
arouse their jealousy and suspicion. 

It was believed that the Roman Catholics 
manifested svmpathy for the French ' in their 
cruel warfare against the colonies. The justices^ 
therefore addressed a letter to the Governor of 
the province, from Heidelberg, on July 23, 
1885, which was as follows : 

" As all our Protestant inhabitants are very uneasy 
at the behavior of the Roman Catholics, who are very 
numerous in this County, some of whom show great 
joy at the bad news lately come from the army. We 
have thought it our duty to inform Your Honour of 
our dangerous situation, and to beg Your Honour to 
enable us by some legal authority to disarm or other- 
wise to disable the Papists from doing any injury to 
other people who are not of their vile principles. We 
know that the people of the Roman Catholic Church 



'The French government was under the influence of the 
Romish Church. 

2 Henry Harry, James Read, William Bird, Jonas Scely 
and Conrad Weiser. 



are bound by their principles to be the worst subjects 
and worst of neighbours, and we have reason to fear 
just at this time that the Roman Catholics in Cussa- 
hoppen, where they have a magnificent Chapel, and 
lately have had large processions, have bad designs, 
for in the neighborhood of that Chapel it is reported 
and generally believed that thirty Indians are now 
lurking, well armed with guns and swords or cutlasses. 
The Priest at Reading, as well as at Cussahoppen, 
last Sunday gave notice to their people that they 
could not come to them again in less than nine weeks, 
whereas they constantly preach once in four weeks to 
their congregations; whereupon some imagine they've 
gone to consult with our enemies at Du Qucsne. It 
is a great unhappiness at this time to the other people 
of this Province that the Papists should keep arms in 
their houses, against which the Protestants are not 
prepared, who, therefore, are subject to a massacre 
whenever the Papists are ready. We pray that Your 
Honour would direct us in this important business by 
the return of the bearer, whom we have sent express 
to Your Honour." ' 

This letter wa.s read before the Executive 
Council on the l-5th of August, 1755, and the 
following proceedings Avill indicate the action 
taken upon it : 

"The Governor acquainted the Council that Mr. 
Weiser, in conjunction with the .lustices of the County 
of Berks, had presented to him a representation set- 
ting forth an increase of Roman Catholics in their 
County, and particularly in the neighbourhood of the 
Town of Reading, and the apprehensions the peo- 
ple were under of some danger that might arise in 
this time of war, and praying that the same might be 
taken into consideration in order to prevent any ill 
consequences; that he had laid the same before the 
House, who had, on the 8th instant, sent him their 
answer in the following verbal message, namely, — 
'The House have this afternoon examined Conrad 
Weiser, and some of our Members have had an oppor- 
tunity of speaking with another of the Justices of 
Berks County, who signed the letter, representing the 
state of the Roman Catholics in that neighborhoood, 
from which and what further inquiry we have made, 
we apprehend there is very little foundation for that 
representation. Nevertheless, if the Governor upon 
further information should find any assistance of 
ours necessary, we shall always be willing to contri- 
bute what lies in our Power for the public tranquil- 
lity, and in the mean time we request to do therein 
what he shall think necessary and right, consistent 
with the Charters and Liws of this Province and the 
safety of the People.' " ' 



'6 Col. Rec, .503. 

<6 Col. Rec, 533-584. 



368 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



In 1757 the Roman Catholics of the province 
were enumerated, with a total result number- 
ing thirteen hundred and sixty-five — six hun- 
dred and ninety-two men and six hundred and 
seventy-three women. 

The report' for all the counties in the prov- 
ince was as follows : 

men. Women. 

In Berks County lO.S 97 

Philadelphia IW 209 

Noithami>ton 85 74 

Bucks 14 12 

Chester 66 54 

Lancaster 130 121 

Cumberland 6 6 

York 89 100 

692 673 

In Berks County they were as follows : Under 
Rev. Theo. Schneider, sixty two m(;n and 
fifty-five women ; under Rev. Ferdinand Far- 
mer, forty-six men and forty-two women (of 
which there were eight Irish people — five men 
and three women). 

All these were over twelve years of age and 
had received the Holy Sacrament. 

The number in the county (two hundred and 
five) was rather small to have occasioned any 
excitement. The people were not in one place ; 
they were scattered in three localities. 

At Reading they had an association, if not a 
church, soon after the town was laid out ; and 
this association they maintained, notwithstand- 
ing the smallness of their number and the op- 
position of the Lutheran and Reformed people, 
who comprised the great majority of the in- 
habitants. 

About 1790 (probably some years earlier) 
they succeeded in establishing a church at Read- 
ing. In 1846 they dedicated a fine, commo- 
dious structure and called it " St. Peter's." 

The families of this denomination at Read- 
ing, before 1820, were — 

Allgaier, Clay, Eichhoru, Eckenrode, Felix, Fricker, 
Greth, Gans, Hartman, Klingelberger, Kemp, Ketfer, 
Lambert, O'Conuer, O'Dier, Repplier, Ritner, Schna- 
bel, Schwartz, Seyfert, Shenfelder, Sigfricd, Smith, 
Wetzell and Windbigler. 

Amish. — The Amish denomination is a 
' 3 Pa. Arch., 144. 



branch of the Mennonites. It was never in a 
flourishing condition in the county. The mem- 
bers were not ambitious to have a church until 
1881, when they erected a building in Lancas- 
ter County, near the Berks County line, several 
miles west of Morgantown. Religious services 
were always conducted at private hou.ses. The 
first bishoj) of the denomination in this vicinity 
(comprising Berks, Chester and Lancaster Coun- 
ties) was Jacob Ma.st, who settled here in 1750, 
when a boy about tweh-e years old, and began 
to exhort and prea»^h about 1765. He contin- 
ued in active and faithful service for many 
years. The second bishop was Peter Plank, 
who moved from Oley and settled in Caernar- 
von. He was regarded as an able minister, and 
preached the gospel with great earnestness and 
success. And the third is John P. Mast, who 
has now officiated as a faithful and devoted 
minister in this denomination for over thirty 
years. His father, Daniel Mast, was a minister 
"for fifty years— from 1830 till 1883. 

The Conestoga Church has a membership 
numbering ninety persons. Only eleven fami- 
lies of this denomination are now living in this 
county. 

At one time there were three other congrega- 
tions in the county — one in Curaru, another in 
i\Iaiden-creck and the third in Bern townshij) 
(called Xorthkill). The latter was the oldest 
in this State. The latest service in Maiden- 
creek was in 1874, at the dwelling of Mrs. 
Plank. 

Other Dexo.mixatioxs. — The Epi.sco- 
palians, or members of the Established Church 
of England, were in two sections of the county 
before 1740 ; one was in the southeastern part, 
in Amity township, at Molatton (Douglassville) 
and the other in the southern part, in Caernar- 
von township (near Morgantown), and in each 
locality they cau.sed a church to be erected. 
They were amongst the first inhabitants of 
Reading. They had regular preaching there for 
a time, during ten years before the Revolution. 
The officiating minister was Rev. Alexander 
Murray. But they did not establish a cluircli 
till 1826. 

The Presbyterians began to collect a society 
in Reading about 1810, and from that time 



KELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. 



369 



ouward they increased in religious activity till 
they erected a church in 1824. In this time 
they were earnest in instituting a general Sun- 
day-school. 

The Ba{)tists, Methodists and Universalists 
followed. These denominations were instituted 
at Reading, and being confined almost entirely 
to Reading, the historical narrative relating 
to them and their churches will be included in 
the chapter on the churches of Reading. 

The history of the numerous churches in the 
several sections of the county will be narrated 
in the townships where they are situated. 

I endeavored to collect statistics on the 
strength and growth of the several denomina- 
tions in the county, but I was not able to ob- 
tain them, on account of the peculiar arrange- 
ment of territory, different from our political 
division, for which general reports were made. 

REJ.KilOUS EXC'ITEMKNT HeIDELBERG 

Meeting. — In 1829 a religious excitement 
was caused by the agitation of questions relat- 
ing to Sunday-schools, Sunday mails, etc. It 
awakened considerable feeling throughout the 
county ; and the people, especially in and about 
Heidelberg and Exeter, expressed a decided op- 
position. 

Pursuant to public notice, a numerous and 
respectable meeting of citizens was held at the 
house of George Gernand, in Heidelberg town- 
ship, Berks County, on Thursday, May 21, 
1829, to deliberate and consult upon the 
causes and tendency of the rel igious excitement 
which then prevailed in the county. Joseph 
Hain was chosen president ; Henry Bennetsch 
and John Gerhart, vice-presidents ; John Sold, 
Jr., and Daniel Wenrich, secretaries. A com- 
mittee of live (John Shitz, Jacob Zeitzinger, 
Henry Shoner, Martin Textcr and John Hain) 
was appointed to report resolutions for the con- 
sideration of the meeting. They reported an 
address and resolutions, which were unani- 
mously adopted. They apprehended that the 
existing religious excitement was not calculated 
to promote the interests of genuine rational 
piety, but tended eventually, if not arrested in 
its progress, to abridge the civil and religious 
liberties of the people. The excitement was 
caused by the extraordinary conduct of certain 
40 



ecclesiastical professors, who appeared to have 
undertaken a crusade for spreading religious 
opinions and advancing church establishments. 
They alarmed the weak-minded and youthful 
part of the community with unusual and vehe- 
ment denunciations of divine wrath, and thus 
obtained an influence over minds, not by rational 
conviction, which was destined to elevate tiie 
clergy to a degree of authority inconsistent with 
tiic people's welfare and with the spirit of free 
institutions. After condemning the clergv as 
ambitious, and the different societies as unneces- 
sary, and the attempted prohibition of trans- 
porting mail on Sunday as fiinaticism, and en- 
deavors to procure legislation iii religious 
matters as infringements on the rights of con- 
science, etc., resolutions were adopted re- 
garding Sunday-school Unions, Bible Societies, 
etc., as unnecessary ; religious zeal as false pre- 
tense and enthusiasm ; Holy Scriptures as set- 
ting forth plainly the religious and moral 
duties, which consisted in visiting the sick, feed- 
ing the hungry, clothing the naked, honoring 
parents and showing charity for all, and that 
no amount of mortification or prayer could jus- 
tify omission of any of them ; Sabbath, as a day 
of worship and temporal rej^ose, was not calcu- 
lated to prohibit innocent recreations ; the dif- 
ferent societies, etc., as not worthy their sup- 
port, being disposed to elevate clergy over the 
people; disseminators of such principles as 
hypocrites ; beggars in broadcloth as impostors, 
too lazy to earn their bread by the sweat of their 
brow ; and expressing readiness to reward up- 
right, unassuming ministers for their services ; 
but, if no such could be found, to carry on simpk- 
service themselves. They also approved of the 
proceedings at Cocalico Meeting, in Lancaster 
County, March 19,1829, and ordered their own 
proceedings to be published in all papers 
friendly to the cause of the people.' 

These proceedings were severely criticised by 
a " Christian Freeman," in an article published 
in the magazine of the German Reformed 
Church." 

Exeter Meeting. — The following pro- 

^B. .j- S. Journal, June, J829. 

■'See Rupp's " Hist'y of Berks County," pp. 275 to 289. 



370 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ceedings are presented in this connection to 
show the feeling in Exeter townsliip, and the 
sentiments of the community as expressed at a 
public meeting held shortly after the Heidel- 
berg meeting. They are given in full as they 
were published in the Berks and Schuylkill 
Journal, 11th of July, 1829, having been pre- 
pared expressly for publication. The subscrib- 
ers include the prominent and influential citi- 
zens of Exeter and adjoining townships. 

" MEETING OF FREEMEN IN EXETER TOWNSHIP. 

" A large and respectable meeting of the Freemen 
of Exeter township, Berks County, was held on the 
27th of June, 1829, pursuant to public notice, at the 
house of John Mellon, inn-keeper, at which John 
Guldin was chosen president ; William Eeiter and 
Abraham Brumbach, vice-presidents ; and Daniel 
Esterly and Jacob Brumbach, .secretaries. 

" The following-named persons were chosen a com- 
mittee to draft a suitable address and resolutions: 
William Reiter, Jacob Maurer, Daniel Ritter, C. F. 
Egelman and Daniel Guldin. The committee having 
retired for a short time, returned and presented the 
following address and resolutions, which were unani- 
mously adopted : 

" ' Fellow Citizens : In the course of human 
events various vicissitudes will take place, some for 
the better, others for the worse. These changes are 
not unfrequently brought about by a part of our own 
citizens. Yes, by those who profess to promote the 
interest and happiness of their fellow-beings among 
whom they dwell, or over whom they preside as pro- 
tectors. But how often are these resolutions or 
changes eflected with any other view than that of 
self-aggrandizement? We are not without precedent 
on precedent, instance on instance. When was it 
that America groaned under the oppression of her 
mother-country? It was when Britain professed an 
anxious solicitude for our welfare. But our fathers 
were not even then insensible of the ponderous bur- 
then, and the duration of that oppression ; being in- 
spired by a love of country and liberty, they looked 
forward with a pitying eye ; their bowels moved with 
com|)as3ion towards us, and most wistfully desired 
that we should not inhale the air of bondage ; they 
made every laudable, though mighty effort, to evade 
the impending thraldom ; they sacrificed all, save 
conscience and honor, to secure and promote our 
native rights. And, fellow-citizens, why should we 
not perpetuate the same to our children and chil- 
dren's children? Shall we remain passive on the 
present occasion? Shall the inheritance betjueathed 
us by our fathers be neglected ? Shall our children 
be denied the liberties we enjoy? Let us watch with 
a jealous care, be vigilant " in season and out of 
season," to shield our rights from encroachments. 



The present is a crisis unparalleled in the annals of 
America; such vigorous exertions were never made 
in the United States to connect church and State. 
What are some of those doing who assume to them- 
selves the name "Spiritual," claiming the prerogative 
of dictating to others in religious matters, framing 
tradidions, and to inforce which, powerful attempts 
are made to gain the sanction of the civil and national 
power. As soon as the civil power interferes, more 
or less, so soon will church and state be united. How 
many are the attempts made, on several occasions, to 
incorporate Synods, Theological Seminaries, Sunday- 
school unions, &c. 

"'At the close of the second century, no sooner 
had the number of the faithful increased, than the 
priests discovered that an advantage would result 
from forming a closer union of their interests and 
designs ; they adopted provincial Synods ; their delib- 
erations were assisted by the advice of a few dis- 
tinguished presbyters, and moderated by a listening 
multitude. Their decrees were styled sermons, con- 
fession of faith and church discipline, which regulated 
every important controversy of faith. These institu- 
tions were very well suited to the private ambition 
and public interest of the clergij. That in a very short 
time they were received in the whole Roman empire. 
A correspondence was established between these 
synods or councils, which mutually communicated 
and approved their respective proceedings, and the 
church immediately assumed the form, and acquired 
the streugth of a great federative republic,— church 
and state were united ! bloodshed and carnage macu- 
lated the hands of the pUnis priests and priest-ridden ! 

" ' We are fearful, if we let the " monster," " Union of 
Sabbath-schools" &c., stalk our country, that our 
government will be placed into the hands of those 
who have been trained in these " disciplined armies." 
"In ten years," says one of the Board, "or certainly 
in twenty, the political power of our country would 
be in the hands of men whose characters have been 
formed under the influence of Sabbath-schools" (see 
second Report of the American Sunday-school Union, 
page 93). This is a candid confession of one who is 
an active member of the Board, a correspondent of 
the Sunday-school Union. These are not surmises, 
they are facts on record. 

" ' And did not even Dr. Ezra Styles Ely, the grand 
representative, as he calls himself, of the Presbyterian 
church, propose a new union, a Christian party in 
politics ? Therefore, 

" ' 1. Resolced, That in the opinion of this meeting, 
it is highly important that public disapprobation 
should be freely expressed as to the numerous socie- 
ties now existing or about being originated under 
the pleasing pretext of Christian benevolence ; but 
in reality (possessing no views other than private 
gain, personal ambition and the political ascendancy 
of the priesthood. 

" ' 2. Resolved, That we view education as the first 



RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS. 



371 



principle of our liberty, aud therefore approve of 
Sunday-schools disconnected with the union, as con- 
ducive to the best interests of mankind ; but that we 
view in the Sunday-School Union an alarming evil 
about to desolate our land, by instilling into the 
youthful mind bigotry, superstition and fanaticism, 
and thus controlling the infant, they secure the man, 
to crouch and cower beneath the mitre and crosier of 
ecclesiastical tyranny. 

" '3. Resolved, That we consider the distribution of 
the Bible as laudable and beneficial, but that we 
view the extensive establishment of the Bible Society, 
controlled as it is by priestcraft, as a dangerous and 
horrible machine, capable of being perverted to the 
accomplishment of the vilest purpose, the destruction 
of civil and religious liberty. 

" ' 4. Bao/vcd, That we admit that those romances 
called tracts may benefit when they contain gospel 
precepts and doctrines compatible with reason and 
common sense. But that the millions disseminated 
by the American Tract Society are so much fanati- 
cism and bigotry to lead the thoughtless into the 
snares of priestcraft. 

" ' 5. Resolved, That we view missionary societies as 
totally useless, connected as they are by auxiliaries 
and branches throughout the country, and that, what- 
ever may be their avowed object, their real purpose is 
to collect funds to make sectarians and not Christians. 
Our Saviour and his disciples, when on earth, taught 
us to seek first the kingdom of God and his righteous- 
ness, and that all other things will be added, but 
these missionaries bow first to mammon, to the 
obvious neglect of all other more important objects. 

" ' 6. Resolved, That we disapprove of Theological 
Seminaries as not within the spirit of Republican In- 
stitutions, inasmuch as they generate a progeny of 
idle metaphysicians, trained to the absurdities of their 
teachers, and ever prepared, by unity of action, to 
further the most extravagant designs. 

" ' 7. Resolved, That we are determined not to coun- 
tenance the above-named institutions, but rather aid 
in their decline ; and that we will support no minister 
in connection with them. That we respect and have 
due deference for Christian teachers, and that we feel 
rejoiced to acknowledge that many of this class 
among us disapprove of the measures we have at- 
tempted to expose. 

" ' 8. Resolved, That we condemn the measures of 
the German Reformed Synod, convened last year at 
Mifilinburg, Union county, as recorded in the publi- 
cation of their proceedings, and particularly as to 
their supererogation in indicating what Almanac 
should be used, and their views as to enforcing a 
more strict observance of the Sabbath. 

" ' 9. Resolved, That we approve of the proceedings 
of the meeting held May 21, 1829, at Gernaut's, in 
Heidelberg ; that we join with th-em in supporting 
our religious rights and guarding our Civil Liberty. 

" ' 10. Resolved, That we instruct our representatives 



in the National as well as in the State Legislature, to 
suppress, with their most earnest exertion, every 
measure calculated in the least to curtail the rights 
of conscience. 

" ' 11. Resolved, That the following-named persona 
be a committee of correspondence, with power to call 
meetings whenever, in their opinion, the exigency of 
the case may require : Oley township, Peter Knabb, 
Jr., Jacob H. Reiff; Exeter, Isaac Ritter, John 
Esterly, Col. W. Reiter, Daniel Guldin ; Robeson, 
George Focht, John Westly ; Brecknock, Nicholas 
Lesher, John Zicmer, Esq. 

" ' Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting 
be signed by the officers of the day, and published in 
such papers as have at heart the rights of conscience 
and, of course, the liberty of the people. 
" ' John Guldin, President. 
" ' Abraham Brumbach, | yi,,.p,,,i^,„t,_ 
W ILLIAM Reiter, J 



" ' Daniel Esterly, 
" ' Jacob Brumbach, 



Secretaries.' 



" Among the members present, the following sub- 
scribed their names to be published with the proceed- 
ings: 

" Henry Huet, John Meyer, Jacob K. Hill, John 
Fiess, Jacob Kaup, John Kuehn, John Kaup, Henry 
Yorgy, Abraham Guldin, Jacob Maurer, Thomas 
Lincoln, Henry Davidsheiser, William Hoefer, 
Daniel Ritter, Adam Hutter, John Wien, Samuel 
Geiger, Joseph Klein, Jacob Marschall, Charles 
Kuehn, Adam Whitman, C. F. Egelman, Henry 
Liebig, Nicholas Lescher, Daniel Rhoads, William 
Rieser, Samuel Hechler, Henry Romer, Jacob Spies, 
Leonard Lebo, Godlieb Moyer, Samuel Heflicher, 
George Huetter, Abraham Dieter, George Weiler, 
John Trevis, David Guldin, Isaac Huett, Samuel 
Bechtel, Ludwig Meyer, George Huett, Daniel Kaup, 
George Boyer, Christian Hofi'master, George Hoefer, 
John Guldin, Jr., Jacob Levan, Jr., Daniel Guldin, 
John Guthart, Daniel Knauer, Samuel Yorgy, John 
Hiester, Samuel Levan, John Babb, Thomas Snnth, 
Philip Brown, William Morris, Daniel Focht, James 
Emes, Henry Ernes, John W. Tyson, George Till, 
Abel Levering, Daniel Schaefler, Martin Steiner, G. 
A. Sage, Peter Knabb, Jr., Peter Phillippi, William 
Green." 

Sunday Mails. — During the winter of 
1829-30 similar excitement prevailed through- 
out the county respecting the transportation of 
mail on Sunday. Attempts had been made, by 
petitions of certain religious societies to the 
Congress of the previous year, to induce legisla- 
tion on the subject, but the general remon- 
strance was so earnest that the committee of ref- 
erence reported adversely to the prayer of the 
petitioners, intimating in their report that Con- 



372 



UrSTORV OF BHKKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



gress ought not, and could not legally, exercise 
the power of legislation on questions which in- 
volved religious observance and the rights of 
conscience ; and these attempts were being re- 
newed before the Congress then sitting. These 
caused the development of great feeling every- 
where on the subject. A large meeting of the 
citizens of the county was held in the court- 
house, at Reading, on the 23d of January, 1830, 
for the purpose of uttering a protest against 
interference on the one hand or legislation on 
the other. John Klopp, of Heidelberg, was 
president of the meeting ; General William 
High, of Alsace, vice-president, and Dr. Wil- 
liam Palm, of Cumru, and Samuel S. Jackson, 
of Reading, were secretaries. In pursuance of 
the object of the meeting, a committee, distin- 
guished for men of great ability and influence, 
was appointed to draft appropriate resolutions. 
It was composed of David F. Gordon, George 
;M. Keim, George Fox, Isaac Ritter and Dr. 
William J. C. Baum. In the resolutions re- 
ported, the attempts to induce legislation pro- 
hibiting the transportation of mail on Sunday 
were disapproved, because it was believed that 
such attempts were incipient steps towards the 
attainment of an object fatal to religious free- 
dom — the union of civil and ecclesiastical au- 
thority in the same individuals. The institu- 
tion of Sunday as a day of civil repose and 
religious worship was recognized for its im- 
portance and utility too obvious to be questioned : 
but " while we acknowledge the obligation of 
the Christian world to employ it in worship 
and works of benevolence and charity, we regard 
all endeavors to fetter the conscience of men 
and to force them to worship God in a pre- 
scribed mode as impious, tyrannous and illegal." 
The laws, restricting worldly employment on 
Sunday are the limit of human authority. 
And it was considered " the imperative duty of 
citizens, as often as attempts shall be made by 
ill-advised individuals to procure legislative 
enactments in restraint of the rights of con- 
science, to assemble together and publicly ex- 
press their sentiments in reference thereto, so 
that their representatives may be instructed as 
to the views of their constituents and not mis- 
take the outcry of zealots for the voice of the 



people." A committee of three was appointed 
from each district to procure " remonstrances to 
Congress against legislation relating to the car- 
rying of mail on Sunday." Appropriate peti- 
tions were circulated and subscribed by many 
persons. These were forwarded to Congress. 
And this expression of public sentiment caused 
the religious movement to cease its agitation 
and finally pass away. The transportation of 
mail on Sunday wa,s not prohibited, but cou- 
tiuued as a work of necessity. 

CorxTY Bible Society.— A " Bible Society " 
having been in successful operation at Phila- 
delphia, a similar society was deemed useful for 
the county of Bei'ks. Accordingly, after having 
agitated the subject here, certain prominent 
citizens held a meeting in the " Public Building" 
on Wednesday, November 24, 1819, and (ir- 
ganizod a society for the county. Every person 
was allowed to become a member upon the pay- 
ment of one dollar; a life member, ten dollars. 
The following officers were elected for the first 
year : President, Rev. H. A. Muhlenberg ; 
Vice-Presidents, Rev. John F. drier and Rev. 
William Pauli ; Treasurer, John ilcKnight ; 
Secretary, Samuel Baird, Jr. ; Managers, Fran- 
cis Swaine, George De B. Keim, William Bell, 
George Getz, John Birkinbine, Peter Stichter 
and Benjamin Davies. 

It would seem that this organization was 
allowed to "slumber," for nothing was heard 
of it or from it for nearly ten years after- 
ward. 

In 1827 the Bible Society of New Jersey re- 
solved to supply every destitute family M'ith a 
copy of the Bible before January 1, 1828. This 
resolve was actually accomplished. 

This example encourage^ the Bible Society of 
Philadelphia to make a similar eifort, and 
nearly all the counties in the State resolved to 
co-operate with the Philadelphia Society. The 
" Berks County Bible Society " \\as not back- 
ward. Committees were appointed in the 
different boroughs and townships, and through 
them it was learned that upward of two thou- 
sand families in the county were without the 
Bible. 

Twenty-four years elapsed before the society 
began its operations again. On September 22, 



K elk; [( )rs dknomin atkxns. 



373 



1851, it organized with Dr. H. H. Muhlenberg 
as president; and on October 27, 1852, tiie 
first annual report was submitted. The labor 
of the society was mostly in the eastern and 
southern portions of the county. 

Families visited in the county, 5474, esti- 
mated one-third of all. Of these, 1166 families 
wri-c witliout a complete copy of the Bible, 
though most of them had a copy of the New 
Testament. 

The society sold 17.38 Bibles and 2581 Testa- 
ments, and donated to destitute families 65 
Jiiljles and 75 Testaments ; sold at depository, 
40 Bibles and 82 Testaments; whole number 
distributed during first year of society's opera- 
tion, 4582. 

A " Female Bible Society of Reading " was 
also organized in the same year (1851). During 
the first year of its existence it sold and donated 
one hundred and seventy Bibles and Testa- 
ments. The population of Reading was then 
aijoiit si.xteen thousand, and comprised about 
three thousand families. The supply was there- 
fore very small. And this is an indication that 
the religious work in the city had been done 
<|uite effectively by the several religious de- 
nominations. The district of Reading does not 
a]i])ear in the following table, owing evidently 
to this society. 

In December, 1853, the Berks County Society 
presented its second report. It showed the en- 
tire result of its labors from beginning to end, in 
tlie matter of exploring the whole county of 
Berks and supplying the people with Bibles. In 
tlie aggregate, one family in eveiy five and a 
quarter families was found not to possess an en- 
tii-e copy of the Bible. Eight thousand nine 
hundred and one Bibles were added to the num- 
bei' previously in the county. 

Families visited 10,SI69 

Families destitute of whole Bible 2,087 

Fiiglish Bibles sold 1,036 

German Bibles sold 2,529 

English Testaments sold 2,-543 

German Testaments sold 1,.360 

English and German Testaments sold !)48 

No. of Bibles given to i>oor people 102 

No. of Testaments given to poor children.. 133 

Cash for Bibles and Testaments sold S3,758 

Donations 319 

Bibles and Testaments sold at depository... 154 



The following table will show the labor of 
the .society in the several districts of the 
county ; 

Families Families 

visited. destitute. 

Caernarvon, 
Robeson, 

Union, ' 880 

Brecknock, 

Cumru (east part), J 

Alsace 301 60 

Oley 331 40 

Exeter 312 59 

Amity 208 43 

Earl 201 46 

Douglass 223 40 

Colebrookdale 247 44 

Ruscomb-manor 229 71 

Perry 256 58 

Washington 278 108 

Mnhlenberg 260 58 

Ontelaunee 181 37 

Maiden-creek 212 o4 

Rockland 272 76 

Pike 154 35 

District 176 72 

Richmond 388 88 

Greenwich 352 84 

Albany 240 50 

Hereford 245 66 

Longswamp 214 76 

Maxatawny 300 49 

Kutztown 115 18 

Windsor 184 54 

Hamburg 216 34 

Bernville 61 5 

Womelsdorf 181 17 

Cumru (part) 115 17 

Bethel 442 54 

Heidelberg 171 23 

Lower Heidelberg 407 63 

North Heidelberg 167 11 

Marion 299 32 

Penn 173 27 

Tulpehocken and .lenerson 447 99 

Upper Tulpehotkcn 264 39 

Spring 368 74 

Bern 330 64 

Centre 177 25 

Upper Bern 334 63 

(Washington and District a])pear to have been 
sjiecially destitute. This was supposed by the society 
!o have been owing to the Papist population.) 



374 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



CHAPTER XV. 



GENERAL EDUCATION. 



Early Encouragement — Charity Schools — Common-School 
Education — County Institute — Pay Schools— Compara- 
tive Table of Schools and Scholars. 

Early Encouragemext. — Our first settlers 
appreciated the great importance of education, 
and encouraged it as a means of promoting the 
general welfare. They were not slow in erec- 
ting churches wherever they had effected a con- 
siderable settlement, and in them they caused 
their children to be taught the common brandies 
of knowledge, such as spelling, reading, writing 
and arithmetic, so as to enable them to conduct 
their daily affairs with success. This teaching 
was influenced to a great degree by the religious 
spirit that prevailed amongst them ; indeed, re- 
ligious principles were considered a vital part 
of their education. By this, it is apparent that 
the school was regarded as of equal importance 
with the church. The two were therefore con- 
ducted together, the one for the younger folks, 
the other for the older, — the one for secular 
knowledge, the other for spiritual. 

In the first settlements, and, indeed, till the 
passage of the coinmon-.scliool law of 18.'34, the 
education that prevailed throughout the length 
and breadth of the county was almost entirely 
German, the Friends having had several schools 
in different parts of the county, in which they 
encouraged and carried on English education. 
The prevalence of German education was a 
natural consequence from the great predomin- 
ance of German .settlers over all other nation- 
alities. In Exeter, Maiden-creek and Robeson 
districts the Friends M'ere rather numerous, 
and they established English schools at an early 
period, and continued them for many years. 
Both the Germans and Friends had the spirit 
of education; they knew its advantage; they 
felt its necessity ; they, therefore, encouraged it 
from the beginning. And they had the energy 
and good sen.se to give it pi'oper direction. 

The first German settlers brought along their 
teachers and ministers. These were so recog- 
nized before emigration. If there were no 
minister, the teacher officiated in both capacities. 
Some teachers even practiced their trades, such 



as tailoring or shoemaking, whilst teaching. 
A notion has obtained that education was not 
carried on to any considerable extent in the 
county at an early day, and till the adoption of 
the common-school system. This is a mistaken 
notion. A good idea can be obtained from the 
following extract of a letter, dated Reading, 
April 9, 1763, addressed by Rev. Alexander 
Murray to the secretary of the venerable Society 
for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign Parts, 
stationed in England : 

"The county for miles around this town is thick 
peopled, but what few else than Germans and Quakers, 
the former being computed twelve to one of all other 
nations together, and seem to be abundantly well pro- 
vided in teachers of one denomination or another, and 
as long as they are so blindly attached to their native 
tongue, as they are at present, an English minister 
can be of no great service to them. For this they 
might be at no loss for English school-masters, yet 
they choose to send their children rather to German 
schools, which they have everywhere in great plenty." 

This was the condition in 176.3, eleven years 
after the county had been erected. But it will 
not be presumed that this condition did not 
prevail — in proportion to the number of the 
inhabitants — for many years before. Schools 
and school-teachers were not only in the lower 
and central sections of the county before its 
erection in 1752, but they were also in the 
upper, miles to the northwest, near the Blue 
Mountain. 

Charity Schools. — A charitable society was 
established early for the relief and in.structiou 
of poor Germans and their descendants in Penn- 
sylvania. Previous to 17-51 certain Reformed 
ministers who had .settled among the German 
emigrants in Pennsylvania found them in di.s- 
tress. They entreated the churches of Holland 
to commiserate their unhappy fellow-Christians, 
and contributions were, therefore, sent to these 
remote parts. In 1751 Holland and West 
Friesland granted two thousand guilders per an- 
num for five years towards in.structing the Ger- 
mans and their children in Pennsylvania. 
Great encouragement was given to this scheme 
by persons of the first rank in Great Britain. 
King George III. contributed one thousand 
pounds towards this object, and the Priucess 
Dowager of Wales one hundred pounds ; and 



GENERAL EDUCATION. 



375 



the proprietaries engaged to give a coDsiderable 
sum every year to promote the undertaking. 
The society then adopted certain resohitions for 
tlie management of the scheme, and proposed a 
plan for e.stablishing schools. The Governor of 
the province recognized the utility of the 
scheme ' and appointed a board of trustees for 
its proper direction. Conrad Weiser was one 
of the members of this board, and Rev. Mi- 
chael Schlatter was appointed general supervisor. 
Petitions from Reading and Tulpehocken were 
addressed to the board in the early part of 
1 755 for the purpose of obtaining the benefit 
of these contributions in establishing some of 
these schools here, and Schlatter accordingly 
organized a school at each of the places named. 

The charity schools proved an utter failure. 
Schlatter was personally the chief sutferer. His 
official position as superintendent of these 
schools rendered him the main object of popu- 
lar hatred. For a time the Lutheran and Re- 
formed ministers sustained him. But the peo- 
ple (especially Germans) lost confidence in this 
enterprise through the denunciation of Christo- 
pher Saur, who, in his German newspaper, 
represented that these schools were intended to 
prepare the way for the establishment of the 
Church of England. And in this way Schlat- 
ter's influence was entirely destroyed." 

The force of German energv and devotion 
manifested itself thoroughly wherever it found 
a resting-place. Samuel Wharton, in 1755, 
imputed the wrong bias of the German settlers 
against the proprietary government to their 
stubborn genius and ignorance, which, he pro- 
posed, should be softened by education, so 
as to give them' right views of public interests. 
He suggested that faithful Protestant ministers 
and schoolmasters should be supported amongst 
them ; that their children should be taught the 
English tongue ; and in order to incline them to 
become English in education and feeling 
quicker, the English language was to be used in 
all bonds and legal instruments ; and no news- 



' See Rupp's "History of Berks County," pp. 99-109, for 
a long statement of the scheme prepared by Wm. Smith, 
secretary of the society at Philadelphia in 1755. 

^ Dubbs' "Historic Manual of Reformed Church," pp. 
203, 204. 



paper or almanac was to be circulated amongst 
tiieni unless accompanied by an English trans- 
lation. Even snch rigid measures could not 
hinder the exercise of this peculiar force. It 
grew, nevertheless. It caused schools to be 
erected and German education to be carried on 
successfully. And legislation could not direct 
it into a different channel. 

CoMMOx-ScHOOL EDUCATION. — A^arious and 
repeated legislative attempts were made, in piu- 
suance of the constitutional provision, towards 
general education throughout the State. The 
reformers apparently labored hard to develop 
a .satisfactory system, and, fortunately for the 
people, their earnest purpose prevailed against 
arguments, obstacles and prejudices of all kinds. 
We must admire their persistence, for they con- 
tinued their exertions through a period of sixty 
years. A generous, noble spirit accompanied 
them. This aided them in their progressive 
course. It gave them true, moral courage, 
when courage was necessary ; it developed a 
public sentiment gradually in their behalf; and, 
finally, it established the compulsory system 
provided by the act of 1<S49, improved by the 
act of ] 854. 

A great weakness in the early history of this 
good cause was the incompetency of teachers. 
Educated, experienced men and women could 
not be obtained ; duty to their families and 
themselves obliged them to labor in vocations 
which afforded a fair remuneration for their 
services. Pronounced o])position discouraged 
those who may have felt inclined to teach. A 
general tax for the purpose was considered 
burdensome and unjust. The less paid then 
the better. The levy of an appreciable amount 
would certainly have caused a loud, perhaps a 
costly, demonstration. The seed had to be 
sown, and the plant therefrom had to grow, 
however slowly the growth. A little was bet- 
ter than nothing. We cannot, at this day, un- 
derstand the feeling that prevailed previous to 
1834. The change in fifty years has been truly 
wonderful. 

But a greater weakness than incompetent 
teachers existed. This was the distinctive feat- 
ure of the schools and the children attend- 
ing them. They were called " pauper schools" 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYL^^\NIA. 



and " pauper scholars." This was odious to the 
poor ; therefore the poor siiunned them. The 
system, as a creature of legislation, was erro- 
neous. It developed a separation of the people, 
and thereby the veiy object of a generous Leg- 
islature was naturally frustrated. Hence, it was 
a failure. In 18;53, when the State contained 
about eight hundred thousand children, less 
than twonty-five thousand attended the common 
schools, — just one in thirty-one, or about three 
percent., — notwithstanding the otter of education 
at the public expense. In 1 883 the State con- 
tained about two million children ; the number 
attending common schools was 957,680 — nearly 
one-half or forty-eight per cent. This shows 
an increase of sixteen-fold in fifty years. 

The general system of education " free to 
all," provided by the act of 1834, is attribu- 
tal)le to a society which was organized at Phila- 
delphia in 1827. The express object of this 
society was general education throughout the 
State, and its efforts, after laboring in this behalf 
for seven years, culminated in the j)assage of 
the act mentioned. 

In 1835 a great effort was made to repeal 
this act, but it failed. TJie credit of preserv- 
ing the system at that time is generally given to 
Governor George Wolf and Hon. Thaddeus 
Stevens. 

The subject of education was discussed as a 
public question of importance immediately after 
the " Declaration of Independence," and for 
nearly eighty years afterward, till the adoption 
<)f a compulsory scheme which came to be re- 
garded as generally satisfactory and worthy of 
enforcement. It was, in fact, discussed from 
the beginning of the provincial government. 
William Penn recognized its importance and 
encouraged it. He declared that " tliat which 
makes .a good constitution must keep it, viz. : 
men of wisdom and virtue, qualities that, because 
they descend not with worldly inheritance, must 
be carefully propagated by a virtuous educa- 
tion of youth." In iiis " Frame of Govern- 
ment " he provided that the Governor and Pro- 
vincial Council should effect and order uH public 
schools. 

In 1682 the Assembly made the following 
provision : 



"And to the end that Poor as well as Rich may be 
instructed in good and commendable learning, wliich 
is to be preferred before wealth, Be it enacted that 
all persons in this Province and the territories there- 
of, having children, and all the Guardians or Trustees 
of Orphans, shall cause such to be instructed in read- 
ing and writing, so that they may be able to read the 
Scriptures, and to write by that time they attain to 
twelve years of age; and that then they be taught 
some useful trade or skill, that the poor may work to 
live, and the rich, if they become iwor, may not want; 
of which every County Court shall take care." 

The Constitution of 1776 provided that "a 
school or schools shall be established in each 
county by the Legislature for the convenient in- 
struction of youth, with such salaries to the 
masters paid by the public as may enable them 
to instruct youth at low prices ;" and that of 
1790 : " The Legislature shall, as soon as con- 
veniently may be, pi-ovide by law for the estab- 
lishment of schools throughout the State in such 
manner that the poor may be taught gratis." 
This provision continued in the fundamental 
law of the State unchanged till the new Consti- 
tution of 1873, when it was modified as follows : 
"The General Assembly shall provide for the 
maintenance and support of a thorough and 
efficient system of public schools wherein all the 
children of this Commonwealth above the age 
of six years may be educated, and shall appro- 
priate at least one million dollars each vear for 
that purpose." 

Professor John S. Ermeutrout, in his histori- 
cal sketch of Kutztown and Maxatawny, ex- 
pressed himself in refereuce to the early encour- 
agement of education in the county, and to the 
opposition of the people to the common school 
law as follows : 

" Early Interest in Education. — How earnestly 
both Reformed and Lutheran preachers, during the 
earhest periods, labored to elevate the standard of 
education ; how by letter they importuned their friends 
in the Fatherland to send on money and works ; and 
how by crossing the ocean, they in person pleaded the 
cause of their poor brethren in the colonies ; how they 
interested not only influential Germans on the 
Continent, but Englishmen also of the highest dis- 
tinction, to establish Societies for the dift'usion of 
knowledge in the New World ; how Rev. Mr. Schlat- 
ter collected funds in Europe which now form a part 
of the endowment of Franklin and Marshall College, 
at Lancaster — all this, and much more, we must pass 



(GENERAL EBUCATION. 



377 



by, and turn our attention to what more directly con- 
cerns our own community. 

" The original founders of the Reformed and Luth- 
eran denominations held that the true idea of educa- 
tion required that the young should be taught not only 
how to read and write and cipher, but also how to 
pray, and how to exercise themselves in habits of per- 
sonal piety. They vehemently protested against the 
separation of a religious from a secular education, and 
if the alternative liad been presented, would cheer- 
fully have sacrificed the latter on the altar of the for- 
mer. From Luther has come down to us the maxim. 
' Bene orasse est bene studuisse.' This adage, in all 
its applications, may be taken as an epitome of the 
educational view which controlled the actions of the 
first German settlers. At home, in the Fatherland, 
every congregation was regarded as an ecclesiastical 
corporation, whose duty it was to jiravide for the 
training of the young. The pastors, accordingly, es- 
tablished parochial schools, and set over them teach- 
ers, who, in addition to the needed secular branches, 
taught also Christian doctrine, and played the organ 
during Divine service. Such teachere received not 
only a stated salary, but also house accommodations for 
their families and schools. The rich were required to 
pay a certain sum for the education of their children, 
while the children of the poor were taught free of 
charge. 

'• In the earliest efforts for the elevation of the Ger- 
man colonists, these educational views were treated 
with high regard. In 1761, through the exertions of 
Mr. Schlatter for the diffusion of knowledge among 
the Germans, was formed a society in England. To 
this, His Majesty himself subscribed one thousand 
pounds. Among its rules we find, that ' the children, 
English and German, shall be instructed in catechism 
of sound doctrine approved of by their own parents 
and ministers, and that the several catechisms now 
taught among the Calvinists, Lutherans and other 
Protestant denominations will be printed in English 
and German.' Of those schools the Rev. Michael 
Schlatter, a Reformed preacher, was appointed visi- 
tor or supervisor. 

"Opposition to Common-School LAW.-This ten- 
dency to withdraw education from the supreme con- 
trol of the clergy was not confined to Kutztown and 
Maxatawny, but cropped out in evoy section of our 
country. It bloomed into ripe fruit in the pa.ssage, by 
the Legislature of Penna., April 1, 1834, of the Com- 
mon-School Law. Now began a fierce conflict between 
the advocates of the educational theory our forefath- 
ers brought over from the Fatherland and the advo- 
cates of a purely secular theory. 

" That the child ' belongs first of all to God, as its 
Creator ; secondly, to the parents, as being second 
causes of the child ; and thirdly, to the State, as guar- 
dian aud protector of the temporal interests of the 
family and society, but to the State only in the way 
of subordination to parental and divine rights ; ' that 



to every religious society belonged the right of pre- 
scribing what education should be given to its bap- 
tized children ; and that parents could not be forced 
against their consciences to send their children to any 
school that did not meet with their approval, — this in 
general was the educational theory that prevailed 
among our original German settlers. The State now 
stepped forward and declared that, whilst it pretended 
not to interfere with the religious freedom of the peo- 
ple, it desired that in every county there should be 
supported by taxation a system of schools, in which 
a solid elementary instruction in the secular branches 
might be imparted to every child in its broad do- 
main. 

" In the conflict which ensued, the State gained the 
victory. Under the circumstances, a different result 
was not to be expected. The descendants of our fore- 
fathers were not true to their own principles. They 
allowed their theory of education to become a dead 
letter, whilst their religious leaders failed to discern 
the intellectual wants of the times, and made no pro- 
vision for the overgrowing desire of the young for a 
more liberal education than that which mere ' Writ- 
ing, Reading and Ciphering,' implied. If both peo- 
ple and preachers had co-operated in the establish- 
ment of such schools as would have fairly represented 
the progress of culture, and met the needs of the 
hour, there is every reason to believe that the State 
would have encouraged their efforts, and allowed them 
full scope for the working out of their educational 
plans. The time for such broad action had passed by. 
Already defeated within their own fortress, through 
their own supineness and want of discernment, and by 
reason of their failure to carry out their own system 
when things were wholly in their own hands, preach- 
ers and people went into the battle only to be utterly 
routed and driven off the field. 

" Now came to pass a complete divorce of secular 
from religious education, and the religious societies 
no longer held the reins of power over their own chil- 
dren. For some years the battle against the Common- 
School Law raged furiously in Berks County. Only the 
most inveterate prejudice will continue to assert that 
the people of this county are or ever were opposed to 
education as such. The passage of the school law sud- 
denly woke them out of their lethargy ; and they 
opened their eyes to see at one full view, as they sup- 
posed, that the educational views and practices of their 
fathers, that the ecclesiastical traditions of their past 
history, that their natural and parental rights, that 
their view of the Church as a society divinely estab- 
lished for the education of their children, were now 
seriously threatened. For these reasons they rose up 
in opposition against the scheme prepared by the 
State. Justly did the Hon. H. A. Muhlenberg, in a 
letter to the workingmen of Philadelphia, dated Jan- 
uary 20, 1836, say: ' The Germans of our State are not 
opposed to education as such, but only to any system 
that to -them seems to trench on their parental and 



378 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUxVTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



natural rights.' Animated with these feelings, it is 
not to be wondered at that the people of Kutztown and 
Maxatawny waged stout war against the School law. 
At a meeting lield in the Court-House, in Reading, 
to consider the School Act, at which twenty-five 
townships were represented Ijy delegates, but one, Elias 
Moore, of Caernarvon, voted to accept it. At an 
election for School Directors, March 18, 183t), in Kutz- 
town, were chosen Daniel Bieber, Daniel Graff, Dan- 
iel B. Kutz and John S. Grim. These all, as also those 
selected in adjacent townships, were known to be 
against the accepting of the School law. At a con- 
vention of School Directors in Reading, May 2, 
1836, it appeared that of the fifty districts in the 
county, Reading, WomeLsdorf, Caernarvon, Robe- 
son, Ruscomb-manor and Union had accepted the 
law." 

Teachers' Isstitite. — An iu.stitiite, com- 
posed of many of the .school-teachers of the 
county, was lield March, 1851, in the court- 
house at Reading, for the purpose of encour- 
aging the general work of education by a dis- 
cussion of improved methods of teaching, an 
organization having been effected in January 
preceding. Tiie meeting was largely attended, 
and it was very successfid. The address of 
welcome was delivered by Rev. George Printz. 
Institutes were lieid for several years in succes- 
siou and then discontinued. 

In 1867 the State Legislature passed an Act 
of A.ssembly requiring the county superintend- 
ent of common schools " to call upon and in- 
vite the teacliers of the common schools and 
other institutions of learning in his county to 
assemble together and organize themselves into 
a teachers' institute, to be devoted to the im- 
provement of teachers in the science and art of 
education, and to continue in session for at least 
five days." In conformity with the provisions 
of this law, the county superintendent. Prof. 
John S. Ermentrout, held a county institute, in 
1868, at Reading. It was largely attended by 
teachers from all sections of the county, and 
great interest was manifested througliout the 
whole of its proceedings. Since that time an- 
nual institutes liave been held with increasing 
attendance and success. New and improved 
systems of teaching are thoroughly explained 
and illustrated and interesting lectures are de- 
livered. These have been valuable aids in sim- 
plifying the art of teaching and in developing 



its standard as one of the great professions. 
The wisdom of the law in this behalf has be- 
come apparent in various ways, especially in re- 
spect to the creation of a stronger interest in 
teaching as a respectable and responsible occu- 
pation. The last county institute was attended 
by all the teachers in the county excepting 
four. 

In 1869, when Prof. D. B. Brunner became 
county superintendent, he inaugurated the sys- 
tem of local institutes, and during that year he 
held eight institutes in different sections of the 
county whicli proved very successful. Tiiis 
enabled the teachers in remote districts to attend 
an institute.and become familiar with its pro- 
ceedings, and also to take a part in its discu.s- 
sions, an opportunity being afforded and an in- 
clination to do so being encouraged. This lat- 
ter feature was particularly appreciable, for in 
a local institute the teachers were thoroughly 
acquainted with one another, and, not being so 
numerous, they were enabled to participate 
practically in its exercises. Each succeeding 
year till now has shown an ever-increasing in- 
terest in them. 

Pay Schools. — Various pay schools have 
been conducted in the county, out of the limits 
of Reading. They are particularly mentioned 
and described in the several districts in which 
they were or are still carried on. The Keystone 
Normal School and the Oley Academy are 
worthy of special mention. 

WiLLiAii A. Good was born in the city of 
Philadelphia on the 15th of July, 1810. In 
early infancy he was brought into the covenant 
by baptism and, subsequently, whilst a youth, 
was confirmed as a member of the Reformed 
Church. Feeling him.self called to the minis- 
try, he pursued his classical studies in the Read- 
ing Academy, under the direction of Rev. J. F. 
Grier, D.D., and .studied theology under the su- 
pervision of Lewis Mayer, D.D., in the Theo- 
logical Seminary of the Reformed Church, lo- 
cated at York, Pa. On completing his studies 
he was regularly ordained into the ministry and 
licensed by the Classis at Lebanon, Pa., in 
1833. Soon afterward he accepted a call from 
the Reformed Church at Hagerstown, Md., 
where he officiated as pastor with great success 



(JEx\ERAL EDUCATION. 



379 



for several years. From that cougregation he 
was called to Mercersburg, Pa., to serve as rec- 
tor of the Preparatory Department of Marshall 
College. He continued in this responsible posi- 
tion for six years. He then returned to Hag- 
erstown, became principal of the Hagerstown 
Academy, and for five years directed and super- 
vised the education of pupils in that institution. 
He was then called to the pastorate of the Re- 
formed Church at York, Pa., and, accepting it. 



feared that in the rural districts the superinten- 
dent would encounter much opposition. Mr. 
Good understood the peculiarities of the people, 
having been reared among them. Besides, he 
was a thorough and practical educator, having 
made the subject of teaching a specialty, both 
theoretically and practically, for many years. 
He organized the system throughout the county, 
and, instead of raising a storm of opposition, won 
the confidence and support of the people. He 




REV. WILLIAM A. GOOD. 



he removed thither and labored earnestly in 
that field for a period of six years. 

He next removed to Reading and assumed 
charge of a select school for young ladies. At 
the expiration of the fifth year he became prin- 
cipal of the Reading Institute and Normal 
School, and remained thus occupied for three 
years. He was in the mean time elected super- 
intendent of the common schools in Berks 
County, being the first to fill that office. The 
people of the county were chiefly members of 
the Reformed and Lutheran Churches and 
averse to the new order of things. It was 



was re-elected for a second term, thus holding 
this important office for a period of six years. 
Whilst successfully and earnestly engaged in or- 
ganizing and conducting the school affiiirs of the 
county he also officiated as pastor of the Bern- 
ville, Xorth Heidelberg and Pricetown congre- 
gations, having served these churches altogether 
for a period of eight years. Subsequently, for 
a time, he supplied the Reformed congregations 
at Tremont and Donaldson, in Schuylkill 
County, Pa. 

Reverend Good was one of the most zealous 
Sunday-school workers in Berks County. While 



380 



HlfJTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PP^NNSYLVANIA. 



superintendent of the common schools he en- 
deavored, in his private intercourse with tiie 
people, to intei'est them in the cause of Sunday- 
schools. This he regarded as a stej) in tlie right 
direction, and a measure of great practical wis- 
dom and importance. The parochial or church 
schools ^v'erc then being carried on in the several 
sections of the county, and if they were stopped, 
some other provision had to be made for the re- 
ligious education of the children. He thus be- 
came instrumental in founding many of the 
Sunday-schools of tlie county, and these still 
exist and are accomplishing a vast amount of 
good in the direction of moral etlucatiou. 

During the last eight years of his life, Rever- 
end Good frequently held service in the lie- 
formed Churches in the city of Reading. He 
was one of the fouuders of St. John's Reformed 
Mission Sunday-school, and this he conducted, 
with the aid of his wife (a woman highly es- 
teemed for her devotion to religions and chari- 
table work), for nearly six years. This school 
eventually became a self-supporting and flour- 
ishing congregation, with a fine, large brick 
church at the corner of Xinth and (Jhestunt 
Streets, under the care of a pastor. M'itiiout 
any compensation, he performed as mucli labor 
as many a regular pastor. The Teachers' As- 
sociation of tiie Reformed Churches of Reading 
indicated their appreciation of his earnest and 
disinterested labors in behalf of the cause of 
Sunday-schools, and their high regard for 
his Christian character, by attending liis funeral 
in a body. 

Mr. (iood was recognized as a fine scholar. 
He had a thoroughly discijjlined mind. He 
was a close student aud an acute observer. 
Reading and study afforded him much ])leasure. 
For a number of years he took Professor Ull- 
maun's Studicn und Kvitiken at a time when 
there were not twenty subscribers to this foreign 
.scientific and theological periodical iu this coun- 
try. Besides devoting much time to the science 
of teaching, he was greatly interested in the 
study of philology. He frequently impoi'tcd 
rare works on favorite subjects, when not pro- 
curable in America. Though not latterly en- 
gaged iu teaching, his earnest investigations 
were not discontinued, but rather increased. He 



was a genuine German, who sought and loved 
the truth for its own sake. He was j)articu- 
larly fond of fruit aud of the planting of trees 
for the production of choice varieties — this di- 
version giving him great delight. 

One of Mr. Good's distinguishing character- 
istics was great kindness of heart. He was 
known to address a friendly word to every one 
who met him, and having had a natural friend- 
liness with children, and understanding their 
natures, he was well fitted for the educational 
and Christian work in which he was for years 
successfully engaged. 

Reverend Good was married to Susan B., 
daughter of Peter and Susan Eckert, of Wom- 
elsdorf, Berks County, in 1840. He died on 
February 9, 1873, in the sixty-third year of his 
age. He left two surviving children — William 
Eckert Good, manager of the Philadeljihia and 
Reading Coal and Iron Company's shops at 
Reading, and James Lsaac Good, pastor of Hei- 
delberg Reformed Church, Philadelj)hia. 

John Silvis Ermentrout, eldest son of 
William and Justina Silvis Ermentrout, was born 
at Womelsdorf, Berks County, Pa., September 
27,1 827. At the age of two years his parents re- 
moved to Reading, and there he wa.s reared, 
successively attending the select schools taught 
by Mr. Middlemis.s, Rev. Mr. Goodman and 
Mr. John Kelley. Developing a great aptitude 
for study, he was sent to Marshall College, 
Mercersburg, Pa., from which he was graduated 
iu 1845, the first-honor man of his class, though 
not yet eighteen years of age. He remained in 
the college as a tutor, teaching the languages 
and lecturing on history. At the same time he 
was a student of the Theological Seminary con- 
nected with the institution. From this seminary 
he was graduated in 1848 and then ordained a 
minister of the Reformed Church. 

For a time he was editor of tiie Reformed 
3Iessenger, the organ of the church, at Cham- 
bcrsburg ; and he also had charge of a congrega- 
tion in the neighborhood. On December 26, 
1852, he was installed pastor of the Reformed 
Church at Norristown, Pa., where, after serving 
most acceptably for six years, his resignation, 
afler rejieated tenders, was regretfully accepted 
and he retired from the ministry. His thought- 



GKNKKAT. KDUCATION. 



381 



fill, studious mind brought him to tlie odiivic- 
tion that there was but one church aud that he 
was not in it; and feeling that he could no 
longer conscientiously serve as the pastor of a 
Protestant congregation, he tendered his resig- 
nation. The final step into the Roman Catho- 
lic Church was taken twelve years later. 

In the mean time he returned to Reading 
■dud in the beginning of 18o9 opened a select 
school. One year afterward, he was elected su- 
perintendent of the common schools of his 
native county, and he was twice re-elected, serv- 
ing from 1860 to 1869. In 1865 he founded 
the Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown, 
Berks County, became its first principal and so 
continued until 1871, when he resigned, pre])ar- 
atory to making a public profession of his faitli 
in the Roman Catholic Church, thus ending a 
mental conflict which had endm-ed for more 
than twenty years. He at once removed to 
Baltimore and there edited a Catholic journal. 
Subsequently, he taught in the St. Charles Bor-- 
romeo Seminary, at Overbrook, near Philadel- 
phia. 

In 1873, by the unanimous action of the 
board of trustees of the Keystone State Normal 
School, he was recalled to that institution, but 
he was unwilling to accept its 2>residency. 
Agreeing to take the chair of IMental and Moral 
Science and English Literature, he was cordially 
welcomed back to the scene of his most effective 
labors, where he continued imtil his death. 

He died, unmarried, after a short illness, July 
21, 1881, at the residence of his widowed 
mother in Reading, and was buried in Charles 
Evans' cemetery, friends and representative 
bodies from all parts of the county and State 
attending his funeral. 

Mr. Enuentrout was a man of strong mental 
powers, a profound thinker, an able theologian 
and a fine logician and scholar. As a speaker 
he was polished and forcible, and as a writer 
of pure, terse English a model. He made 
innumerable addresses before the County Insti- 
tutes, and he was a frequent contributor to 
newspapers and periodicals. Among other 
things, he was the author of an able pamphlet 
against compulsory education, and also of the 
Centennial Memorial of Kutztown and Maxa- 



tawny Township — the latter an extremely 
interesting history of that region from its earliest 
settlement. As an educator and moulder of 
intellect he stood in the foremost rank in Penn- 
sylvania. 

He was a representative Pennsylvania Ger- 
man aud labored assiduously to increase in that 
element of our population a proper sense of their 
own worth, dignity, ability and responsibility. 
His life was spent among them and his efforts 
accomjilished most marked results, particularly 
in the growing youth of both sexes in Berks 
County. The vast influence he exerted in edu- 
cational matters can hardly be overestimated, 
and the flourishing institute he founded at 
Kutztown will always constitute an enduring 
monument to this exemplary Christian scholar. 

In manner, ^Ir. Enuentrout was modest, quiet 
and unassuming and was possessetl of such great 
tact that, notwithstanding his strong convictions 
and his fearlessness in expressing and following 
them, he seldom, if ever, made an enemy. He 
was perfectly honest, temj^rate in all things, 
social in disposition and pleasing in conversa- 
tion. His life was pure and sjiotless and his 
example and speech of a standard worthy of 
imitation. These qualities, combined with his 
ability and learning, greatly endeared him to the 
people of his native county, and caused his 
death, at the age of fifty-four years, to be uni- 
versally regretted. 

David B. Beunxeu was born ;March 7, 
1835, in the upper section of Amity township. 
His father was John Brunner, a carpenter in 
that township, and a descendant of Peter Brun- 
ner, a Palatine, who emigrated to this country 
previous to 17;]6, and settled in Douglass town- 
ship, Berks County, about 1765. In 1805 
his son William moved into the vicinity of 
Pottstown, and in iSlli, to the western 
part of Amity township, where he had pur- 
chased a farm. lu 1827, William's only son, 
George, bought a farm in the same neighbor- 
hood and lived there until he died, in 1855. 
George had four children — Mary, John, Samuel 
aud David. John had seven children — ^larv 
Ann, David, John, Frederick (who died in 
Pennsylvania College in 1862, while a senior), 
William, Amos aud George. 



382 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



David B. Briinuer, one of the sons last named, 
and the subject of this sketch, during his boy- 
hood, attended the common schools in the town- 
ship till the age of twelve years, when he 
learned the trade of carpenter under his father. 
At this occupation he continued until the age 
of nineteen years, attending school during the 
winter. This township was favored with teach- 
ers well qualified, wiio taught advanced mathe- 
matics — such as algeljra, mensuration and sur- 
veying — besides the common branches of educa- 



education and practical teaching, he located at 
Reading in 1862, having purchased the Read- 
ing Classical Academy, an institution which 
had been founded by the Rev. William A. 
Good in 1854. He was liberally encouraged 
from the beginning, and conducted this institu- 
tion, with increasing success year after year, 
till 1869, when he was elected to the office of 
county superintendent of common schools of 
Berks County. The number of schools then 
was five hundred and one, taught by four hun- 




/ 




tion. He studied these higher branches for a 
time, and then taught public school for three 
years, from 1852 to 1855. During that time 
he prepared himself specially for college at 
the Freeland Seminary. In 1856 he entered 
Dickinson College and took a complete classical 
course, graduating in 1860. 

Upon his graduation he returned home, 
opened a private school at Amityville, and con- 
ducted it successfully for two years, 1860 and 
1861. With this preparation by collegiate 



J/t^^t^^^^^-^^^^^^V 



dred and ninety-eight teaciiers, and the scholars 
mmibered twenty-six thousand. His faithful 
and successful performance of the duties of this 
important office won for him the respect and 
confidence of both school directors and teachers, 
and at the end of his first term of three years 
he was re-elected without opposition. At that 
time his salary was. also increased. These cir- 
cumstances indicate the deep and favorable 
impression which he had made upon the people 
in this department of public service. Upon 



GENERAL EDUCATION. 



383 



his first election he continued the classical 
academy with the aid of assistants ; but, upon 
Ills re-election, finding that the institution 
required his personal supervision, which he 
could not give, he closed it, so as to be 
able to devote his entire attention to the 
schools of the county, in whose welfare he 
became thoroughly interested and with which 
he was prominently identified. At the end of 
his .second term as county superintendent he 
re opened the institution under the name of 
Reading Scientific Academy. This change 
was made to signify that the study of the 
sciences was an important part of the course of 
education under him. Besides the daily study 
of scientific branches, frequent lectures were 
delivered by him to the scholars, illustrating his 
subjects by philosophical experiments, etc., 
with the aid ol' instruments manufactured by 
himself. 

In 1875 and 1876, he conducted a business 
college at Reading, with the assistance of Ches- 
ter N. Farr, Esq., and in 1880 and 1881 he 
acted as city superintendent of the common 
schools in Reading. 

For a number of years Prof Brunner mani- 
fested a thorough interest in the history of the 
Indians of Berks County, having visited nu- 
merous localities of the county in this behalf 
He collected many relics and valuable facts, and 
then narrated the results of his investigations for 
the Reading Society of Natural Sciences. His 
essays were first published in the Spirit of 
Berks, and then, in 1881, reproduced in book- 
form, lu the course of his labors he made 
many wood-cuts to show the size, form and 
appearance of Indian relics, such as arrow and 
spear-heads, axes, knives, hammers, plates, pot- 
tery, beads, shells, pestles, mortars, ornaments, 
etc. In this work he displayed zeal on the 
one hand and genius on the other. 

Prof Brunner is a thorough mineralogist. 
He has investigated our entire county also in 
respect to its minerals with great success. He 
prepared a catalogue of the names of the 
minerals found in the county specially for 
this history, which is included in the chap- 
ter on Physical Geography. And the birds of 
our county have also received his earnest 



attention, he having collected aud stuffed a 
number of fine specimens. His collection 
now includes one hundred of the rarest speci- 
mens. He has also given much attention to 
microscopy, iLsing in his researches a fine, large 
microscope, with lenses magnifying from ten 
diameters to twelve hundred diameters. His 
intervals from school-teaching are largely de- 
voted to the production of scientific apparatus 
and the addition of natural curiosities. 'SA'ith 
the aid of a lapidary's mill, he has polished 
a large variety of our best and most beautiful 
minerals, which he has mounted upon glass 
slides for microscopic examinations. His 
extensive cabinet includes about a thousand 
mounted specimens, consisting of minerals, 
animal and vegetable tissues, insects, etc. These 
enable him to carry on the study of this brancli 
of knowledge with the most satisflictory results. 
They exhibit the wonderful operations of na- 
ture not perceptible to the naked eye. 

Two degrees — Bachelor of Arts and Msuster 
of Arts — have been conferred upon him by 
Dickinson College, the former at the time of 
his graduation, and the latter in 1863. 

In 1877, he published a siliall but superior 
elementary work on English grammar, of 
which, in 1882, he issued a second and revised 
edition. Many thousand copies of it have been 
sold, being u.sed throughout this county and 
also in adjoining counties. 

In religious belief Prof Brunner is a Lu- 
theran, having been for many years and being 
still a consistent and devoted member of Trin- 
ity Lutheran Church, at Reading. In politics 
he is a Democrat. 

Prof Brunner was married, in 1861, to 
Amanda L. Rhoads, a daughter of Abraham 
Rlioads, of Amity township, and a descendant 
of one of the earliest settlers in the county. 
They have five children — Daniel Edwin, Eliza- 
beth, Edgar Alfred, Mary, and Henry Phile- 
mon. 

Samuel A. Baer was born November 28, 
1846, in Greenwich township, near the place 
known as Schafer's Mill. His father was 
John Baer, whose father moved from Weisen- 
berg, Lehigh County, to Maxatawny in 1812. 
He was only ten years old when his father died. 



384 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and he wa^ thrown iipou his uwa resources. 
For four years he worked upou a farm in 
Albany township for board and clothes, after 
which he was apprenticed to learn the tailoring 
trade. Ho was determined, however, to obtain 
an education, and through the aid of friends he 
was enabled to prepare himself for the profes- 
sion of teaching. He received his first certifi- 
cate from Professor John S. Ermentrout, in 
1864, and taught his first term in Maxatawny 
township, in what is known as Hinterleiter's 
school-house. The term was four months, and 
the salary twenty-six dollars per month. 

He continued teaching during winter, and in 
the spring and fall attended the ^laxatawny 
Seminary, under Proi'essor H. R. Hicks, and 
later, the Keystone State Normal School (into 
which the former school had merged) until he 
was prepared for the junior class of Franklin 
and Marshall College. He was graduated from 
the latter institution in 1869. Immediately 
after his graduation he was elected professor oi' 
Latin, Greek and history at the Keystone State 
Normal School. This position he held until 
the summer of 1872, when he married, and 
removed to Lehrghton, Carbon County, where 
he became principal of the Lehighton Academy, 
and borough superintendent of public schools. 
In 1874 he took charge of the Oley Academy, 
and in May, 1875, was elected superintendent 
of public schools of Berks County. 

As county superintendent he served for six 
years, with credit to himself and benefit to the 
schools. He was known as a faithful worker. 
He paid particular attention to the subject of 
the English language, without disparaging the 
mother-tongue. He prepared for the use of 
the teachers " A Course of Study for Ungraded 
Schools," to which wore appended " Suggestions 
on Teaching German Children the English Lan- 
guage." These were distributed throughout 
the entire county, and aided the teachers in in- 
structing the German-speaking children in a 
rational and intelligent manner. 

Whilst county superintendent, he also won 
considerable reputation as an educator outside 
of his county. In August, 1877, he read a 
paper before the Pennsylvauian State Teachers' 
Association, on the " Educational Problem 



among the German Element," which was ex- 
tensively published, especially by the German 
press of Pennsj'lvania and other States. In 
recognition of its merits he was elected a mem- 
ber of the Pennsylvania Historical Society. He 
was appointed by State Superintendent, Wicker- 
sham, in 1876, a member of a special educational 
committee to prepare the State exhibit of pub- 
lic schools at the Centennial Exhibition of 1876. 
Among the special features of his work in this 
connection may be mentioned his " Centennial 
Map," which shows the location and character 
of every school-house outside of the city of 
Reading. It was the only map of the kind on 
exhibition, and was a credit to Berks County as 
a work of art, as well as showing an excellent 
educational status throughout the diiferent dis- 
tricts. In 1877 he prepared an interesting 
" Educational History " of the countv, which 
was published in the State report of that vear ; 
it was also published in pamphlet form and 
extensively distributed throughout the county. 

In May, 1881, he was elected city superin- 
tendent of the public schools of Reading, and 
held this position for three years. His work 
in this position is mainly characterized by his 
eiforts to get the teachers out of old ruts. With 
this in view, he held weekly meetings of teach- 
ers, instructing them in mental philosophy, 
methods of teaching and school management. 
It can safely be said that the schools made satis- 
factory progress during his administration. 

In February, 1884, through his influence a 
lecture was delivered in the Grand Ojiera- 
Houso, and the sum of two hundred dollars 
was cleared. With this amount the nucleus of 
a " Teachers' Library " was formed. ( )\'er a 
hundred books were jiurchased, most of them 
on " pedagogics," and j)lacod along with the old 
High School library for the use of the teachers. 

In the fall of 1884 he was appointed by 
Governor R. E. Pattison assistant State li- 
brarian, which position he resigned, on account 
of failing health, in October, 1885, and accepted 
the position of superintendent of schools of 
Florence, S. C. Of his work in that place, the 
Florence Times of January 21, 1886, speaks as 
follows : 

" It gives ua i)leiisurc to announce to the public 



GENERAL EDUCATION. 



385 



that the Florence graded schools are a success. Ever 
since the opening in November, they have been grow- 
ing in number of pupils and in popularity. Dr. 
Samuel A. Baer, the superintendent, has proven him- 
self the man for the position. We predict that ere 
long Florence will be noted for her good schools as 
she now is for lier heahhful climate and genial so- 
ciety." 

He has been at all times loyal to the Penn- 
sylvania German element, following in this 
respect the coarse of Professor John S. Ermen- 
trout, whose friend and frequent companion he 
was. At the meeting of the Pennsylvania 
State Teachers' Association, held at Washing- 
ingtou, Pa., he delivered the memorial address 
in honor of his friend. In January, 1882, he 
delivered an address at the request of the State 
superintendent before a meeting of city and 
county superintendents, held at Reading, on — 
" How can the academic teaching of our High 
Schools and State Normal Schools be made to 
harmonize more fully with the advanced ac- 
ademic work of our colleges and Universities." 
This was published and distributed by the 
State superintendent. 

He served several times as member of the ex- 
ecutive committee, and once as chairman of the 
Pennsylvania State Teachers' Association. At 
the meeting held at Williamsport, 1883, he was 
elected its president.* In July, 1884, Ursinus 
College conferred upon him the honorary de- 
gree of Ph.D. 

David S. Keck was born iu Lehigh County 
October 6, 1852, and there acquired his early 
education in the public schools. When ten 
years old he left home to make his way by his 
own exertions, working for a time in the iron- 
ore mines of Lehigh County. Ambitious to 
extend his education, he attended the Keystone 
State Normal School for a time, from which he 
was graduated in the teachers' course iu 1874. 
He taught public schools, in Lehigh, Berks and 
Luzerne Counties, officiated as principal of the 
High School at Hamburg from 1874 to 1877, 
and. as superintendent of the Model Depart- 
ment in the Keystone Normal School from 
1877 to 1881. By that time he had obtained 
a high reputation as an educator, and in the 
year last mentioned the school directors of 
the county elected him superintendent of the 
41 



common schools. He was re-elected to this 
position in 1884 for a second term of three 
years. He is now filling this important office 
with great credit to himself. In June, 1883, 
the Ursinus College conferred upon him the 
honorary degree of Master of Arts. 

Coj[PAEATiVE Table. — I have arranged 
the following table to show the number of 
schools and scholars in the county by districts 
at four diiferent periods ; also when the com- 
mon-school system was accepted by the several 
districts. The total attendance of scholars for 
1884 was less than in 1876. The average 
attendance, however, was for 1876, 18,706 
scholars, and in 1884, 19,522 scholars. 





1854. 


1864. 


1876. 


1884. 






■f 


. 


T, 


?. 


ni 


iS 




f 


n 














.5 


•3 












































^1 




X 


£ 


£ 


M 


^ 


ii 


ci 


m 


Headiug 


21 


2,0(j(; 


83 


6,622 131 


6,345 148 


9,918 


1834 


Albany 


11 


.■ilS 


11 


522 


11 




11 


473 


1855 


Alsace 


7 


;is.'i 8 


357 


S 


34-! 


!l 


35.J 


1849 


Amity 


11 


443 


Id 


4,5S 


10 


418 


l(i 


390 


1850 


Beru 


1(1 


62(1 


12 


6K 


I a 


588 


13 


553 


1850 


Bern, I pper .... 


il 


570 


IC 


681 


12 


68a 


12 


562 


1851 


Bernville 


a 


123 


2 


142 


2 


107 


3 


121 


1861 


Bethel 


11 


55S 


12 


638 


16 


612 


15 


650 


1854 












6 


327 
209 


8 


443 


1873 
1866 
1850 












lirccknock 


5 


226 


5 


218 


6 


237 


6 


233 


CRiTnurvoii .... 


4 


242 


4 


^42 


6 


182 


6 


330 


1834 


Contru 


8 


429 


8 


414 


8 


476 


9 


400 


1851 


Colebrookdale. . . . 


5 


299 


8 


363 


7 


268 


8 


285 


183S 


Ciimru 


IU 


643 


11 


544 


13 


646 


14 


678 


1850 












4 

8 


160 
260 


4 
8 


201 
266 


1867 
1860 


lloiiKlass 


6 


374 


8 


285 


Kail 


B 


3l« 


fi 


304 


6 


298 


B 


287 


1851 


Exeter 


11 


614 


12 


616 


12 


674 


12 


573 


1849 


Fleetwood 










3 


177 


4 


218 




Greenwich 


il 


595 


11 


525 


11 


662 


12 


622 


1851 


HanilmrK 


i> 


236 


7 


406 


10 


619 


8 


4(10 


1838 


Ilei.lelberK 


D 


237 





288 


7 


275 


7 


261 


1849 


Uei<lelbiTg, Lower . 


li 


679 


12 


624 


16 


680 


15 


646 


1850 


Heidelberg, North . 


5 


259 


5 


268 


5 


283 


5 


186 


1850 


Hereford 


8 


420 


8 


386 


8 


312 


8 


351 


1845 


Jefferson 


6 


276 


7 


332 


7 


299 


7 


239 


1855 


Kutztown 


a 


143 


3 


181 


4 


237 


5 


269 


1838 


Longswanip .... 


lU 


585 


12 


720 


14 


828 


*18 


*886 


1851 


Maiden-creek. . . . 


7 


.171 


8 


422 


10 


483 


10 


365 


1849 


Blarion 


S 


433 


9 


432 


9 


297 


9 


277 


1830 


Ma.\atJiwuv 


12 


47 U 


12 


593 


15 


671 


16 


663 


1852 


ainhlenberg .... 


J 


391 


7 


434 


7 


458 


8 


451 


1851 


Oley 


12 


592 


12 


569 


12 


539 


tl2 


t474 


1850 


Ontelaunee 


(i 


354 


V 


388 


8 


361 


9 


3(16 


1851 


Penn 


V 


38.i 


9 


466 


9 


399 


9 


401 


1851 


Perry 


!j 


417 


9 


480 


10 


499 


11 


454 


1851 


Pike 


B 


283 


6 


252 


6 


280 


6 


21(1 


1851 


Richmond 


11 


634 


13 


767 


12 


642 


14 


688 


1854 


Robeson 


l(i 


583 


16 


647 


17 


592 


17 


655 


1836 


Rockland 


7 


439 


7 


400 


8 


383 


8 


401 


1850 


Ruscomb-manor . . 


7 


396 


H 


417 


8 


380 


8 


366 


1837 


Spring 


14 


6.15 


14 


64- 


14 


586 


15 


517 


1850 


Tnlpehocken. . . . 


11 


669 


13 


68(1 


13 


430 


13 


546 


1860 


Tnlpehocken, tipper. 






7 


367 


8 


298 


8 


361 


186.'i 


Union 


7 


391 


12 


5(J0 


9 


357 


9 


344 


1836 


Washington .... 


S 


374 


8 


4(1(1 


9 


441 


til 


J483 


18.50 


Windsor 


li 


37(1 


7 


400 


6 


238 




194 


1850 


Wonielsdorf. .... 


■.i 


333 


6 


28U 


4 


204 


5 


218 


1836 


Total. . . . 


362 


10.116 


471 


26,057 


558 


35,789 


599 


26,848 





* Topton three additioual schools anl 
scliolars. Erected into a di.strict wbe 



t Pleasantville included. 
X Schultzville included. 



Hired and thirty-thre 
crt-ated a borough i 



386 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, FENXSYLVANIA. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

LANGUAGE, MAKXERS AND CUSTOMS. 

The great majority of the early settlers of 
Berks County were Germans, and through 
them their language, manners and customs be- 
came predominant. j\Iost of them remained 
hero, and, to a great degree, where the several 
families first settled and prospered. Their 
number influenced the early erection of the 
county in 1752. Their industry, perseverance 
and economy built up and enriched its valleys 
and hills with substantial improvements. Over 
one hundred and thirty years have elapsed 
since, but the general features of the whole 
community bear their impression. Their man- 
ners and customs have been handed down from 
generation to generation, with little, if any, 
change ; and their language is still in genei'al use 
in every section. This permanence exhibits inher- 
ent strength. The introduction of a strange peo- 
ple, with a diffei-ent language, almost entirely 
English, have not weakened their hold upon 
the people. 

Language. — Their language is composed of 
words principally from German dialects, such as 
the Alleniannisch,the Ptalzisch and the .Schwiib- 
iscli, and some from the German proper. Its pre- 
servation to such a marked degree is due mostly 
to their German Bible. JNIartin Luther per- 
formed a great service to one of the strongest 
and most prolific nations of the earth in trans- 
lating the Latin Bible into the German, for 
through it he made the use of the German 
here persistent and continuous. Their German 
hymn-books and prayer-books, and Arudt's 
Wahren Christ entkum (True Christianity) assisted 
greatly in this behalf. The use of the English 
language in courts of justice, and in legal 
documents of all kinds, did not, and apparently 
could not, interfere with its preservation. And 
even English teaching, through a general sys- 
tem of school education, has not disturbed it 
very much, though fifty years have elapsed 
since its introduction. This system has caused 
the introduction of numerous English, mixed 
and contracted words, and doubtless induced 
the language to be called " Pennsylvania Ger- 
man " — or " Pennsylvania Dutch." These re- 



marks are particularly applicable to the country 
districts. The teachers are mostly young 
people, who, in many instances, are not quali- 
fied to use the English language accurately. 
Through them many peculiar and incorrect 
expressions have been engrafted upon the 
language of our immediate locality ; and the 
German people themselves have occasioned the 
introduction of a considerable number, through 
an earnest desire to succeed in their business 
relations with the citizens of Beading. The 
sounds, expressions and intonations cannot be 
communicated in a published narrative. 

The Pennsylvania German language is pre- 
sented admirably in a number of poems which 
Mr. Thomas C. Zimmerman, editor of the 
Reading Times, translated from the English, 
he having selected a variety of styles of 
composition, in order to show its capabilities 
for metrical expression. This variety com- 
prehends subjects both grave and gay ; also 
humorous and pathetic. His first translation 
was the Christmas poem by Clement C. Moore, 
entitled, " 'Twas the Night before Christmas." 
It is presented herewith, following the English 
version, in order to afford an opportunity for 
comparison : 

A VISIT FROM ST. NICHOLAS. 

* 

Twas the night before Christmas when all through 

the hou-e 
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse ; 
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, 
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there ; 
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, 
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads ; 
And mamma in 'kerchief and I in my cap, 
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap — 
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, 
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter. 
Away to the window I ilew like a flash, 
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash. 
The moon, on the breast of the new fallen snow, 
Gave a lustre of midday to objects below ; 
When, what to my wond'ring eyes should appear, 
But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. 
With a little old driver, so lively and cjuick, • 
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. 
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, 
And he whistled and shouted and called them by 

name, — 
"Now, Dasber! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and 

Mxen ! 



LANGUAGE, MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 



387 



On Comet ! ou Cupid ! on Donder and Blitzen ! 
To the tojj of the porch, to the top of the wall, 
Now, dash away, dash away, dash away all ! " 
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly 
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky. 
So up to the housetop the coursers they flew. 
With the sleigh full of toys — and St. Nicholas, too. 
And then in a twinkling, I heard on the roof 
The prancing and pawinp' of each little hoof. 
As I drew in my head, and was turning around, 
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. 
He was dressed all in fur from his liead to his foot. 
And his clothes were all tarnished witli ashes and 

soot ; 
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, 
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. 
His eyes, how they twinkled! his dimples how 

merry ! 
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry; 
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow. 
And the beard on his chin was as white as the snow. 
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth. 
And the smoke, it encircled his head like a wreath. 
He had a broad face and a little round belly 
That shook when he laughed like a bowl full of 

jelly. 
He was chubby and jjlump — a right jolly old elf; 
And I laughed when I saw him in spite of myself. 
A wink of his eye, and a twist of his head. 
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread. 
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work. 
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk. 
And, laying his finger aside of his nose. 
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. 
"He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle. 
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. 
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, 
" Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night.'' 

"dik sacht for de chrischdaag. 
[Translated for the Reading Titties.] 

'S waar die Nacht for de Chrischdaag und dorch es 

gans Haus 
Verreogt sich ke' Thierli, net emol en Maus ; 
Die Schtriimp waare schnock im Schornschte ge- 

hanke, 
In der Hofl'ning der "Nick" dheet graad runner 

dschumpe ; 
Die Kinner so schnock waare all schii im Bett, 
Von Zuckerschleck draame un was mer, doch, wott ; 
Die Mamme im Schnupduch un ich in der Kapp, 
Hen uns juscht hi geleegt for'n lang Winter's Nap — 
Dan draus in 'm Hoof waar so 'n dunnerse Jacht, 
Dass ich ufg'schprunge bin zu sehne wiir's macht. 
An's Fenschter graad schpring ich so schnell wie'n 

Flasch, 
Die Lade ufg'risse, ufg'schmisse die Sasch ! 
Der Moond uf der Bruscht dem neug'fallne Schnee 



Macht Helling wie Mitdaag, iiwwer alles, so scho, 
Im e' Aageblick kummt, jetz, un rund wie e' Kersch 
E' Fuhrmann im Schlidde un acht kleeue Herach — 
E' Miiunli in Felze, so freundlich un frei — 
'Hah graadeweck g'wiisst's muss der Pelznickel sei ! 
Wie Aadler, so schnell, sin die Herschlin zusamme, 
Un er peift un'r ruuft, un'r nennt sie mit Naame : 
" Jetz Dascher ! jetz Danzer ! jetz Pranzer ! jetz 

Vixen ! 
Un Komet I un Kupid ! un Dunder ! un Blitzen ! " 
An der Porch isch er nufl', um die Mauer gefalle — 
" Jetz schpringt eweck ! schpringt eweck ! schpringt 

aweck alle ! " 
Wie laab for'm e Windschtorm — der wildschtdas mer 

seht, 
Wann ebbes im Weeg isch un's himmelwerts geht, 
Zum Hausgiwwel nuf sin die Herschlin wie g'floge, 
Mit'm Schlidli foil Sach un der " Nick " mit gezoge; 
Im e' Aageblick horscht ufm Dach — owwedrowe — 
En Gescheer un Gedanz wie mit hol'zene Glowwe. 
Mei Kop zieg ich nei, guk um mich im Haus — 
Un im Schornschte, do kummt'r wahrhafting schun 

raus ! 
Mit Peltze ferwickelt fon Kop biz zum Funs, 
Un alles ferschnuttelt mit Aesche uu Runs ! 
Ufm Buckel en Buudel foil allerliand G'schpiel — 
"S hat geguckt wie 'm Kremer sei Kramm — artlig fiel. 
Sei Maul, wie 'u Kersch, un sei Dimple die lache — 
Sei Aage, die blinzle, und wie Rosa sei Backe. 
Gans rund war sei Miiuli un roth wie der Klee, 
Un 's Schnurbiirdli weiss wie woll, oder Schnee: 
En schtumpiges Peifli, fescht zwische de Zeh, 
Un der schmook schteigt in Ringlin so scho in die 

Hob. 
Sei G'sichtii so breed, un sei Biiuchli e' bissel 
Uverm Lache hot g'shittelt wie Dschelly in der 

Schiissel. 
So dick un so rund war des luschtige Elfge, 
Muss lache, graad aus un kan's gaar net helfe. 
Sei Kopli waar eifrig un schwiitzig mit Niicken — 
Sei Aage, gaar freundlich mit Blinzele un Blicken ; 
Die Schtriimp hot 'r g'fill't, un mit frolichem 

Braus, 
Da schpringt inschtandig, den Schornschte hinaus ; 
Er schpringt uf sei Schlidde, zu der Fuhr peift en 

Piffel, 
Dann fliege sie fort wie Duun fon der Dischtel : 
Doch eb' er gans fort waar, sei Gruss hat er 

g'macht — 
"En herrliche Chrischdaag! un zu alle, Guut Nacht!" 

Beading, Pa., Bee. 22, 1880. t. c. z. 

The following are extracts from additional 
translations by Mr. Zimmerman : 

DIE YUNG WITFRAU. 

Blod is sie un' doch net bashful, 
Free und easy, doch net bold ; 



388 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Wie en Appel, reif iind murb ; 

Net zu jung un' net zu alt. 
Halb einladicli, halb lepulsich, 

Now z'riiek un' now'u Schritt fohr — 
Es hat Schade in ihr Dimple, 

In ihr Auge is G'fohr. 

B'kannt is sie mit menschlich ^Vege ; 

G'lernt in all ihr Kiinst uud Scherz; 
G'uunime hat sie ihr Diploma 

Al.s die Mischtern von all Ilcrz. 
Sie kann sage, wann zu seufzen — 

Wann zu lach.a — f'tir die Leit; 
Angenehm's deelmohls en Miidel ; 

Av'r'n Witfrau all die Zeit. 

Seid ihr traurich ? Guck, wie erusehtlich 

Seheint ihr G'sicht 'raus wie en Blum 
Seid ihr zernlich ? Sie's armselich, 

Ledich, einsam, thranfoll, schtumm ! 
Seid ihr luschtich? Hor! ihr Lachter 

Sound wie Silver — ringt wie en Bell ! 
Sie kann locke, fong' und schpiele 

Wie der Fischer thut Forell'. 

Ihr alt Bach'lors Johre ferzig, 

Wu so bold und g'scheit euch trag', 
Jung American' von zwanzig, 

Mit 'm Lieblicht in euer'm Aug', 
Ihr mag' practic' all die Lessons 

Cupid 'raus gebt since der Foil ; 
Kenn ich doch en glene ^Vitfrau : 

Sie g'vvinnt und fooled euch all. 

ALT ROBIX GREY. 

Wann die Kuh sin' dahecm, un' im Fald all die 

Schot; 
Wann all die raiide Weld leit dief schon im 

Schlof, 
Der Schmerz von meim Herz fallt in Schauers 

von meim Aug', 
Weil mei guder Mann sound boi mir laug. 
******** 
Er war net 'n Woch' aweck 'xcept juscht 'n paar, 
Bis mei Vater 'brecht sei Arm, un' die Kuh 

g'schtole war; 
Mei Mutter, sie wert grank, un' mei Tschimmy's 

uf 'm See, 
Und mich zu karessire kummt der alt Robin Grey. 

SIX«, JIADEL, SINB. 
(From "Ban-j- Cormvall's" "Sicg, Maiden, Sing.") 

Sing, Madel, sing ! 

Mauler wiir g'macht fiir Singe; 
Horch — G'song horscht du 

Dorch die weit AVelt ringe; 
G'song von all die Vogel, 

G'song von Schauers uud Wind, 
G'song von See und Schtrom— 

Ach, die siisse Blume singt. 



Horscht du den Rege, 

Wie er saftlich fallt? 
Horscht du den Vogel, 

Der vom Busch 'raus ruft ? 
Horscht die Imme, du, 

Uver die Sunnblum' ringe ? 
Sagt uns, Miidel, now — 

Set'scht du net 'mohl singe ? 

Horscht du net des schtilles Wind 

Seufze um die Rose dort? 
Und die gleene siisse Rose, 

Die wu Lieb' zu Lieb' antwort? 
So set'scht du als Antwort mache 

Dem G'bed', wu mir dir bringe; 
Dass der Rose-Knopf, dei Maul, 

Ufsehpringe thiit mit Singe! 

" THE BOXXIE GEOEGE CAMPBELL." 

Hoch uf die Hochliinder, 

Und dief in em Dag, 
Der gude Georg' Campbell 

Reit (rei wie er mag. 
All g'sattelt, all 'zaumt, 

Schone Gliider tragt er : 
Heem is sei guder Gaul, 

Doch er nimmermehr. 

'Raus kummt sei Mutter — 

Sie weint .so herzlich : 
'Raus kummt sei schone Frau — 

Sie weint avver schmerzlich. 
All g'sattelt, all 'zaumt, 

'N s-chtark Sehild tragt er, 
Heem kummt der Sattel, 

Doch er nimmermehr. 

Mei Wiss, sie leit grii, 

'S Welshkorn 's net g'ernt, 
Mei Kornhaus is leer, 

Ung'bore mei Kind. 
All g'sattelt, all 'zaumt, 

Scharfe Watfe tragt er, 
Heem kummt der Sattel, 

Doch er nimmermehr. 

The last poem appeared originally, as its 
title would iudicate, in the Scotch dialect. It 
was partly comjiiled and partly written by 
William Motherwell, who published it in 1827. 
Subsequently it was translated into German by 
O. L. B. ^^'olfF, from whose version Henry W. 
Longfellow translated it into English ; and it is 
Longfellow's interpretation that Mr. Zimmer- 
man selected for conversion into Pennsylvania 
German. 

Harbaugh's " Harfe," also Fischer's "Penu- 
sylvanisch Deutsche Gedichte" and " Kurzweil 



LANGUAGE, MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 



389 



und Zeitvertreib," are publications in the Penn- 
sylvania German which are worthy of especial 
mention. They contain numerous interesting 
poems in this dialect, and introduce, in a supe- 
rior style, the notions, manners and customs of 
our German people. 

The English language, both written and 
spoken, has been in use from the time of tiie 
earliest settlements by the English in the 
county, and it is natural to suppose that, in all 
these years, through judicial proceedings, busi- 
ness transactions and general education, it 
should have made considerable progress, espe- 
cially during the last twenty years; but fre- 
quent visits to churches and schools, stores and 
families in this time enable me to say that the 
German language is still predominant. Another 
generation — indeed, several generations — will 
have to ^lass away before the English language 
can take its place. The circulation of English 
newspapers is increasing gradually ; liut their 
total circulation is still small compared with 
our population. They are a strong agency in 
eflFectiug a change from the German to the 
English ; in reality, they are a stronger agency 
in this respect than the common schools. This 
is particularly apparent in Reading. Before 
the daily English newspaper was established 
here, the German language was commonly used 
by the major part of its inhabitants in their 
daily affairs ; but now the English has its 
place, and principally through the more and 
more general introduction of the newspaper. 
The convenience of distribution facilitates its 
growth. But the situation is not much im- 
proved in our boroughs and towns and town- 
ships, especially in the latter, notwithstanding 
the use and encouragement of common schools. 
In those, the newspapers are not generally read 
as they are in Reading. They are not so con- 
veniently distributed. But in them, as in 
Reading, the English language will become 
more generally used according to the more 
general iutroduction of English newspapers. 
The national government is contributing much 
aid by extending and increasing the postal 
facilities and the delivery of mail matter 
throughout the county. If the distribution of 
newspapers from the several post-offices could 



be effected in those districts as in Reading, 
without compelling the people to walk af^er 
them, a great step would be accomplished 
towards increasing their circulation, and, with 
it, the use of the English language. 

Manners axd Customs. — The buildings 
and improvements throughout the county are 
mostly the result of German thrift and energy. 
Profits from labor have been almost entirely 
appropriated towards increasing the value of 
land rather than towards enlightenment. Fine 
barns, dwellings and fields are prominent in 
every locality. They are superior to those 
which existed in the previous century. Practical 
affairs show a decided advancement beyond 
their condition fifty years ago. This is ajjparent 
in live stock, in the cultivation of fruit, in the 
possession of improved implements and ma- 
chinery, besides a better class of dwellings and 
barns. A higher order of taste in the adorn- 
ment of persons and places has made its way 
through increasing liberality. These are signs 
to indicate the development of the people out 
of their previous condition. 

Domestic habits, in respect to home-made 
articles, have changed. Spinning and weaving 
have been abandoned. The loom and the factory 
supply all the materials required. A change 
began to be made about 1840. Before that 
time, spinning was common everywhere in the 
county. It was one of the necessary accom- 
plishments of mothers and daughters. Till then 
reels and spinning-wheels were sold at different 
stores in Reading. Sales then declined gradu- 
ally, and within twenty years afterward there 
was no demand at all for these articles. 

Gardening is still carried on successfully. 
Besides supplying vegetables for family use, it is 
a source of profit to mothers, who dispose of a 
considerable proportion of garden products at 
market. 

The almanac is a common guide to indicate 
by the changes of the moon the proper time for 
planting. The practice of consulting the moon's 
phases is regarded by many persons as a super- 
stitious uotion ; but it still prev^ails. So fences 
are erected when the points of the moon are up, 
shingle roofs are nailed in position when the 
points are down, and woods are cleared when the 



890 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



moon is full. But the custom is not so general 
as it was, especially in towns and cities, where 
building operations are conducted through all 
seasons ; and walls, fences and roofs are placed 
in position regardless of the point of the 
moon. 

A funeral in the country districts is always 
largely attended, especially the funeral of a 
citizen of some prominence. The services are 
generally conducted in the German language in 
the church of which the deceased was a member. 
Afterward the guests return to the house of 
mourning and particijjate in a large dinner. 
This custom has continued time out of mind. 
Great sociability is exhibited upon such an 
occasion. Friends travel miles to attend a 
funeral in order to show respect for the deceased. 
And the entire neighborliood is very often repre- 
sented. 

The burials are generally made in the bury- 
ing-ground adjoining a church. The first set- 
tlers made burials in private grounds set apart 
on farms for this purpose. It was instituted as 
a matter of convenience ; and then the funeral 
service was held at the house. The change of 
farm ownership caused this custom to be gradu- 
ally abandoned. Thirty years ago private 
grounds were still numerous. Church cemeteries 
began to be more encouraged then and burials 
iu thena increased. Occasionally a burial in one 
of these private grounds is still made. 

The country store was a great institution 
years ago. But its influence, trade and popu- 
larity are much reduced. This change was 
effected through the introduction of the rail- 
way and competing stage-lines. Variety of 
goods and cheapness are considerations which 
induce the people to visit the towns and the 
county-seat for their purchases. It is noticeable 
that the railway is drawing the patronage of 
Reading to Philadelphia more and more ; so 
that as our townshijjs come to patronize Read- 
ing, Reading goes to patronize Philadelphia. 
This is apparent elsewhere — the cities attracting 
the trade of towns, and the towns that of the 
country districts. The country inn was also a 
popular place for many years. Frolics and 
dances were common everywhere years ago; 
and they were carried on successfully at the 



inn. The " fiddler " ' was an important person 
upon such occasions. And " Battalion Day " 
brought much profit to the inn that was near by 
the place where the military exercise was con- 
ducted. 

IMilitary affairs were active throughout the 
county from the close of the Revolution till 
the beginning of the Civil War, a period cover- 
ing nearly eighty years. Companies of men 
were formed in every section, and battalions of 
them were drilled annually at the prominent 
towns, mostly at Reading, Kutztown, Ham- 
burg, Rehrersburg and Womelsdorf These 
exercises occasioned the day to be called " Bat- 
talion Day." They afforded the men much 
pleasure and a great change in their daily em- 
ployment in field, barn and work-shop. Many 
.sons of early families became quite prominent 
as military men. The most popular military 
men, by reason of long-continued service, were 
Generals George De B. Keim, George M. 
Keim, Henry Schaeffer, and William High, and 
later for several decades till the Civil War, 
General William H. Keim. 

The old " Conestoga wagon " is no longer 
seen passing over our highways. Fifty years 
ago it was in prominent use everywhere. 
Many of them were seen moving together iu 
conveying great loads of ^\•heat and other 
products, such as manufactured articles, 
wiiiskey, etc., to distant markets, especially to 
Philadelphia. Each one was drawn by four 
horses, sometimes by five and six ; it attracted 
much attention, with jingling sweet-toned bells 
on the lead-horse of the team to indicate its 
movement on the way. Its caiwcity was from 
two thousand to three thousand pounds. It was 
covered with a strong canvas top. In returning, 
store goods of various kinds were brought along. 
Upon the opening of the railroad in 1838, this 
business of hauling in Conestoga wagons 
ceased. Since then, the only considerable haul- 
ing by farmers is in conveying their grain, hay, 
etc., to the market at Reading; and. this is 
done almost entirely in one wagon at a time. 

In a "moving" by a farmer about April 1st 

'One of them infurmeil me that he unce earaeil fifteen 
hundred dollars in a year. 



LANGUAGE, MAXNP^KS AND CUSTOMS. 



891 



mauy teams are used to convey the whole stock, 
furniture, etc., in a day. The long train aiFords 
to a certain degree an idea how the Conestoga 
teams appeared. 

The life of the farmer is comparatively little 
be\oiid hard, earnest labor and rigid economy 
throughout each succeeding year. His daily 
reflection is upon his stock and crops. All the 
improved implements and labor-saving ma- 
chinery are devised and introduced by others 
for his benefit. He would continue in the 
same manner of conducting his farming opera- 
tions which had been practiced last century and 
even this century till 1850, if inventive genius 
had not created them for him. The farmer of 
our own county has not produced anything to 
improve his situation in respect to labor. .He 
adopts what is brought to him. This singular 
inactivity keeps him back of the advancing 
times. Through it, the pi-oducts of his labor are 
permitted to be drained to populous places. 
One of the chief consequences is little remunera- 
tion. The men of thought and energy in cities 
absorb the greater proportion of the profits. If 
his daily habits were not simple and his ex- 
penses small, he coukl not keep what he has, 
much less accumulate more. His net income 
froui actual labor is limited. Compared with 
the income of business men, agents, officers, 
and clerks in cities, it is insignificant. His 
manners are the same in this respect as in 
others. If we examine them closely and com- 
pare them with the condition of things one hun- 
dred years ago, we find little progress. His iiouse- 
hokl furniture, bedding, clothing, table-ware, 
social habits and general customs are generally 
the same. His walls are not decorated with 
costly paintings, his floors are not covered with 
fine, soft carpets, his beds are not composed of 
easy springs and hair or wire mattresses, his 
table does not glisten with polished silver or 
sparkle with cut glass, his dwelling is not after 
the modern style, with arrangements for health 
and convenience, and he himself is not a patron 
of art, literature or amusements. But in towns 
and cities we find all these things, not only in 
tiie dwellings of bankers, lawyers and merchants, 
but also of industrious mechanics, agents and 
clerks ; and art, literature and various amuse- 



ments are largely patronized and encouraged. 
This great difference is caused by the spirit of 
progress, which obtains more in populous 
places, where the people are led in numerous 
ways to intermingle daily with one another. 
Association creates the laudable ambition to de- 
velop improvement in the various departments 
of domestic and social life ; and it relieves the 
monotony of daily labor by amusements, literary, 
musical and dramatic. In carrying on its 
amusements successfully, it is converting night 
more and more into day and devising new 
methods for social pleasure and excitement. Im- 
proved light facilitates and encourages it in the 
night-time. And traveling is a great agency in 
stimulating it. Indeed, in certain respects, it 
is like steam on the one hand and electricity on 
the other, — active and energetic in moving about 
from place to place, and brilliant and powerful 
in providing the necessary light to accommodate 
its conceptions. Hoi-se-power, and locomotion 
afforded by it means may suffice for the people 
in the country districts ; but steam and railroads 
afford locomotion which is not too rapid for the 
people in the towns and cities. Indeed, the 
genius that thrives in the very midst of the 
most populous places and of the pleasures and 
excitements which they produce is struggling 
with the mysteries of the world for a motive- 
power stronger and quicker than steam and 
hopes of realizing victory are highly entertained. 
Restless energy is introducing wonderful 
changes in the manuei's and customs of the 
people. In the mountainous and farming 
districts, where distance separates the inhabitants 
and where means for rapid intermingling are 
impracticable, if not impossible, the changes are 
imperceptible. Their situation does not war- 
rant changes, especially such as are constantly 
going on in the cities, for it could not support 
them. The profits of labor and the investments 
in them are too slow and too small. Hence 
their manners and customs, their dwellings and 
churches, their roads and movements, their 
speech and actions, their dress and associations, 
are the same or nearly the same as they were a 
hundred years ago. Their energy is inseparable 
from the plow and the hoe and muscular exer- 
tion. But the cities produce and support these 



392 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



changes, and in tliem energy partakes more of 
the mind tiiau of the body. And these changes 
and this mental energy are more active amongst 
their inhabitants. In comparing the situation 
of the people of Albany and Caernarvon town- 
ships-districts located at the extreme northern 
and southern ends of our county, thirty miles 
apart also of Hereford and Bethel townships, 
— districts located at the extreme eastern and 
western ends, forty miles apart, with the situa- 
tion of the people of Reading, the county-seat, 
tiie difference is apparent at a glance. One 
hundred years ago they were alike or nearly so. 
But just as Reading is in advance of the 
districts mentioned, so is New York, the great 
metropolis of our vast country, in advance of 
Reading. By contrasting the two extremes, 
our mountainous districts with the great metrop- 
olis, the diflerence in the manners and customs 
of the respective inhabitants is wonderful. And 
yet the forefathers of each, as immigrants, started 
alike. In the one, oil and tallow are still used 
and even the open fire-place for the production of 
light in a simple and inesjiensive way ; in the 
other, these have long passed away, especially 
for public purposes, and the people have light 
from electricity. In the one, thou.sands of in- 
habitants are scattered over miles of territory ; 
in the other, thousands are concentrated upon a 
few acres. In the one, a few hundred dollars 
suffice to make the inhabitants contented and 
hap])y ; in the other, millions of dollars are in- 
vested and expended to carry on successfully 
the manners and customs of the inhabitants, 
and such changes as ambition and competition 
produce. Contentment would seem to be the 
co-partner of slowness, if not of stillness ; but 
dise(jntentraent of energy and activity. In the 
one, the expense of a few extra dollars in travel 
or in entertainment is looked upon as luxury, if 
not extravagance ; in the other, thousands of 
dollars are expended as a matter of necessity 
for the same purpose. 

These strong contrasts enable us to see our 
own manners and customs in the county of 
Berks as they are or were, or as they will be, 
especially in our more populous places, the 
nearer steam and electricity come to be con- 
nected with us in our niateiial progress. 



CHAPTER XYII. 

NEWSPAPERS. 

DuitiXG the early history of Reading, there 
was no newspaper published in the town. 
News was communicated by persons to one 
another mostly at inns, of Avhich the number 
was large in proportion to the population. It 
will not be supposed that the inhabitants en- 
couraged these resorts only for the liquid spirits 
which they afforded. It is true, men there 
drank whiskey, cream-beer, mead, etc. ; and 
they played at cards, dominoes, checkers, etc., 
for sport, if not for stakes. And the young 
people frequently indulged in dancing in the 
bar-room and dining-room of these places. But 
ther^ was a prominent feature of the daily life 
at inns which surpassed all the things men- 
tioned. This was talk and go.ssip and story- 
telling. Each man was an unappointed, im- 
plied committee of one — a reporter, as it were — 
to collect and rejjort anything new. The " bul- 
letin board " was not in existence. The latest 
accident, death, transaction or crookedness of 
any kind ^vas communicated from one to the 
other, or to small groups of persons by the liv- 
ing voice. And .so it was carried from build- 
ing to building and from place to place. What 
interesting persons these reporters must have 
been — not reporters with pencil and paper 
gathering news for the pre.ss, but communi- 
cators reporting what they knew or heard for 
the general information of the public ! What 
versatility — what attention — what memories — 
what imagination they must have po.ssessed ! 
And what story-tellers, indeed, enlivened fre- 
quently, if not generally, under the influence of 
" apple-jack " and " old rye ! " Not in the 
English language, for English was rarely 
spoken then by those who assembled at inns ; 
but in the German language, which was used 
almost entirely throughout the town in the 
daily affairs of life, both secular and religious. 
The inn of the past can be, in this sense, 
likened to the newspaper of the present. Peo- 
ple assembled there for information ; and the 
places could have been apjiropriately named — 
" Messenger," " Observer," " Courier," " Re- 
porter," etc., instead of '' King George," " Gen'l. 



NEWSPAPERS. 



393 



Washington," "Red Lion," "Black Horse," etc. 
Now reporters go there daily, not to communi- 
cate, but to collect news for newspapers, by 
wliieh it is circulated throughout the comnuinity. 

During that early period of Reading, the 
Pennsyh-ania Gazette, published at Philadel- 
phia, had a limited circulation here. It was 
an interesting messenger to the people ; and its 
weekly arrival must have been an event of 
more than ordinary importance. A copy was 
doubtless busy in passing amongst persons who 
could read English — not for the personal mat- 
ters which it contained, but for foreign affairs, 
market reports, letters published at Philadel- 
phia, etc. Christopher Sauer's Journal, a news- 
paper printed in German, and published at 
Germantown, had a moi'e extended circulation 
in this vicinity, and it exercised a large influ- 
ence over the residents. 

Over forty years in the history of Reading 
elajjsed before the newspaper became a local 
institution. The entire period of its local life 
as a town, with all its interesting and many im- 
portant events, passed away without having it in- 
troduced. This would seem to be a long while for 
such a factor to obtain a foothold in a commu- 
nity otherwise energetic and progressive. But 
this delay is capable of explanation. The peo- 
ple were interested in home rather than in foreign 
affairs, and strove to give them successful, if not 
profitable, development. Local matters required 
no printed publication, for, the town being small 
and the population limited, they were easily 
communicated. But as the town grew into a 
borough, and especially as the borough grew 
into a city, with its territory enlarged, the in- 
habitants more widely scattered and the popu- 
lation largely increased, the natural way became 
more and more incapable of satisfying the in- 
quisitiveness of the people and an artificial way 
had to be introduced, and this was supplied by 
the newspaper. After the lapse of nearly a hun- 
dred years since its introduction, general progress 
has come to be so wonderful, the people so nu- 
merous and scattered and their relations so inter- 
mingled, that, just as the natural way had to 
yield to the artificial, so did the old and slow 
process of printing on a hand-press, with its 
limited capacit}', have to make way for the new 



and spirited process by a steam-press, with its 
unlimited capacity. In the beginning the news- 
paper was weak in every respect — small in size, 
limited in circulation, uncertain in financial sup- 
port and wanting iu mental vigor and originality ; 
but now it is strong, rich, bold and energetic. 

The newspapers of the county comprise two 
classes — weekly and daily. The weekly began 
in 1796, and continued to be the sole public 
agency for the transmission of news and the 
advertisement of merchandise, notices, etc., for 
sixty years. Its publication in the English 
language and in the German began at nearly 
the same time — the former liavinganteceded the 
latter by six months. The following narrative 
comprises the newspapers whicii were instituted 
in the county : 

WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS. 

Reading. — Weekly Advertiser, Reading Herald, 
Readinger Adler, Berks and Scliuylkill Journal, 
Chronicle of the Times, Readinger Pnst-Bote, Jack- 
son Democrat, Readinger Democrat, Berks County 
Press, Liberale Beobachter, Reading Gazette and 
Democrat, Alt Berks, Sonne Von Alt Berks, People's 
Advocate, Berks County Democrat, School Album, 
Weekly Leader, Reformirter Hausfreund, Banner von 
Berks, Die Biene, Die Deutsche Eiche, Republikaner 
von Berks, Spirit of Berks, Reading Weekly Eagle, 
Reading Weekly Herald, Reading Weekly News. 

Kutztown.- — Neutralist, Geist der Zeit, Der Hirt, 
Kutztown Journal, National Educator, American 
Patriot. 

Pamhurg. — Hamburg Schnellpost, Hamburg Ad- 
vertiser, Rural Press, Hamburg Weekly Item. 

Boyerfown. — Boyertown Bauer, Boyertown Demo- 
crat. 

Birdsboro' Pioneer. 

Womelxdorf. — Womelsdorf Gazette, Womelsdort 
Herald, Womelsdorf News. 

DAILY NEWSPAPERS. 

Reading Herald, Reading Gazette, Reading Times, 
Evening Dispatch, Reading Daily Reporter, Reading 
Daily Eagle, Die Reading Post, Daily Spirit of Berks, 
Reading Morning Herald, Reading Daily News. 

WEEKLY NEWSPAPERS. 

The Weekly Advertiser was the first 
newspaper publication at Reading. It was an 
English weekly, instituted by Gottlob Jungman 
(Youngman.) The first issue appeared on Sat- 
urday, May 7, 1796 ; and the subsequent issues 
appeared regularly every Saturday for twenty 



394 



HISTORY OF BKRKS COUNTY, PENXSYLVAXIA. 



years, excepting probably au interim for some 
time previous to 1811. The subscription price 
at tlie beginning and for fifteen years thereafter 
was one dollar, and the publication was during 
that period in foli oform upon a sheet ten by six- 
teen inches, with two columns on each page; then, 
on August ti, 1811, it was enlarged to sixteen 
by twenty inches, with three columns on each 
page, and the price increased to two dollars. By 
the issue No. 196, February 1, 1800, it appears 
that Youngman had taken in a partner, named 
Carl A. Bruckman ; but it is not known how 
long they continued together in the publication. 
Upon the enlargement of the paper, on August 
3, 1811, the new issue was begun with No. 1. 
It is probable that the publication had suspend- 
ed for some time previously ; otherwise the con- 
.secutive numbering would have been retained. 
The new issue was published by Gottlob Jung- 
man & Co. The name of the additional jjcrson 
iu the company was not given. On December 
31, 1814, the firm became G. & J. E. Jungman 
— the father having introduced his son John, 
who was a musician and then conducted a 
" Musical Academy " at Reading. The size of 
the sheet continued the same; but the columns 
were increased from three to four on each page. 
A book and stationery store was carried on by 
them in connection with the publication. They 
also issued a German newspaper called the 
Standliafte Patriot. The beginning of this 
publication could not be ascertained. In Octo- 
ber, 1815, they advertised a notice that they 
had determined to close out their store and to 
continue the publication of the English and 
German newspapers till May 1, 1816, when 
they would leave Reading permanently for the 
West, and they invited in the mean time pro- 
posals of purchase. The store and publications 
were continued till the time named ; but Gottlob 
Jungman, not finding a purchaser, was forced 
to make an assignment of his property for the 
payment of his debts. The assignee sold the 
estate, and it is believed that George Getz pur- 
chased the newspajier and printing material, for 
about that time he began the publication of the 
Berks and Schuylkill Journal. 

For the purpose of attbrding an idea how the 
first newspaper of Reading was conducted, the 



contents of No. 1, issued May 7, 1796, are pre- 
sented — 

Page 1 — Announceuient of Publislier to the Public 
in reference to publication. 

Pages 2, 3 and part of 4, part of charge of Hon. 
Jacob Rush, president judge of Berks County, ad- 
dressed to grand jury at Reading on April 4, 1796 
(conclusion appeared in No. 2). 

Remainder of page 4 was taken up with — 

1. Vote of Congress on the question whether the 
Treaty with Great Britain should be executed. 

2. Notice of the sheriff of Berks County that a 
Court of Xisi Prius would be hi-ldat Reading on May 
24, 179ii. 

3. Advertisement of .Icsse Pearson, a silver-smith 
and whip-maker. 

4. Advertisement of notice by George Kemp that 
he had found a saddle-bag, with contents, on the road 
between Kutztowu and Klein's Tavern. 

Gottlob Jungman was the first postmaster 
of Reading. He held the office from the time 
of its establishment on March 20, 1793, till 
October 1, 1801. 

The I.mpartiai> Readixg Herald was au 
Englisii weekly newspaper. It was begun on 
June 22, 1796. The fir^t publishers were J. 
Schneider & Co. On tlie 1 4th of October fol- 
lowing the firm comprised Jacob Schneider and 
George Gerrish. The size of the sheet was 
sixteen by twenty inches, with four columns to 
the page, and the price was two dollars per an- 
num. It is not known how long the firm or 
the publication continued ; but it is probable 
that the firm discontinued the Herald upon hav- 
ing begun Der Rea.dinr/er Adler, a German 
weekly, in the month of November following. 

It has been stated tiiat the frst publication at 
Reading was a German weekly newspaper 
bearing this name, the German title having 
been Die Neue Unparteiisohe Readinger Zcitung. 
The first number is supposed to have ajjpeared 
in 1789;' but this statement is founded upon 
.supposition alone, there Ijeing no copy of the 
paper in existence from which to obtain any 
facts that relate to it. Another statement ap- 
peared in ihc Berks and Schnijlkill Journal, in 
1855, representing that this German new.spaper 
was instituted by John Griil)er, of Germantown, 



' Rupp's " history of Berks ami Lebanon Counties,'' p. 
470. Issued by Messrs. Johnston, Barton & Johnston, 
18tli February, 1789. 



NEWSPAPERS. 



395 



and Gottlob Jungman, of Reading, in 1793, and 
that within a year afterward Gruber returned 
to Germantown, leaving Jungman as the sole 
puhlisiier. Gruber died at Hagerstown, in 
Maryland, on January 6, 18oo, aged ninety 
years. It is possible that this latter statement 
is eorrei't, which would lead to the belief that 
the Herald was begun three years afterward as 
an English weekly and published by a different 
party. If this be so, the Readlnger Zeitimg 
was the first newspaper which was published at 
Reading. 

Der Readixger Adler. — The Readingev 
Adierwas instituted Nov. 29, 1796, by Jacob 
Schneider and (ieorge Gerrish. It was the first 
newspaper printed in the German language at 
Reading. The title at first was Der Unparthey- 
ische Reading Adler, with the cut of an eagle 
between the last two words carrying a scroll with 
the motto, " Freedom." It was a folio sheet, six- 
teen bv twenty-four inches, with three columns 
to each page. The second number was issued 
on Tuesday, January 10, 1797 ; and each succes- 
sive number of the paper has been issued regu- 
larly every week, on the same day, without a 
single omission, till now, — a period covering 
eighty-nine years. It is now the oldest Ger- 
man newspaper published in America. In the 
third number, issued on January 17, 1797, the 
word " Reading " was changed to " Readinger ;" 
and, on January 6, 1801, tiie word "Unpar- 
theyische " (impartial) was omitted. 

The parties named contimied to issue this 
paper till June 29, 1802. John Ritter, a 
nephew of the senior member and a practical 
printer, was substituted in the place of Gerrish, 
with the next number, issued July 6, 1802, and 
the firm-name became Schneider & Ritter. The 
business was conducted by them till 1804. 
Then Schneider withdrew, and Carl A. Kess. 
ler (a Saxon) was introduced, he having mar- 
ried Ritter's sister. The firm-name thence, 
till 1857 (excepting from 1824 to 1827), was 
John Ritter & Co.' Kessler died in October, 
1823. The surviving partner alone conducted 



the publication for several years, then admitted 
Mrs. Kessler, the widow, as a partner. Dur- 
ing that period it was conducted with great suc- 
cess. In December, 1840, the Berks and 
SohiUkUl Journal (a cotemporary newspaper at 
Reading) gave the Adler the following friendly 
editorial notice, and, coming from the indepen- 
dent and vigorous young editor, John S. Rich- 
ards, Esq., it was certainly complimentary : 

"The Adler, at its commencement and for some 
time after, advocated the principles of Democracy, hut 
within the last twelve or fifteen years has sadly fallen 
off from Democracy, as we understand, having given a 
cordial support to Jackson and Van Buren. The 
paper merits commendation for the gentlemanly 
tone which usually characterizes its articles; and the 
editor, Mr. Ritter, is universally esteemed in his pri- 
vate relations. Although we differ considerably in 
politics, we are willing to award him the credit of 
being honest and sincere in his views, which is a good 
deal more than we can say of some of his political 
friends and rivals.'' 

From 1843 to 1847 the senior member of 
the firm, John Ritter, was the representative of 



M^: 



' Ritter & Co. published an English weekly, entitled 
Berks and Schuylkill County Messenger, in February, 1816. 
When it was begun, or how long it was continuetl, I could 
not ascertain. 




ADLER BUILDINCi. 

this county in Congress. He died on Novem- 
ber 24, 18ol, aged nearly seventy-three years. 
His straiglitforward, truthful and honorable 
course in the publication of the Adler had won 
for him the highest regard of his fellow-citi- 
zens, and for his paper the title of " Berks 
County Bible." The confidence of his patrons 
in its reliability had become so entire that they 
were willing to " swear by " all its reports and 
opinions. They knew that he was a most con- 
scientious man in respect to truthfidness on the 
one hand and to carefulness on the other. 

In December, 1852, steam-power was intro- 
duced for printing the issue every week. This 
was the first practical application of steam for 
this purj^ose in the county. Formerly the 
printing was done by means of a hand- 
press.' The labor of running off an edition 



'The power-press was introduced about that time. 



8116 



HISTORY OF 15EKKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of five thousand four huudred copies by this 
slow aud tedious process can be readily im- 
agiued. The iutroduetion of steam for the 
Adlcr was therefore a great step forward in this 
branch of industry. It saved much labor aud 
shortened the time of producing the issue for 
readers at home and abroad. This same power 
was used for some time in printing the Berks 
and Schuylldll Journal and the Reading Gazette 
and Democrrd. 

Charles Kessler became the exclusive owner 
of the Adler on August 1, 1857, he having pre- 
viously obtained his mother's interest, and on 
that day the Ritter interest. The Ritter family 
had a continuous interest in the publication from 
1802 for fifty -five years. Kessler conducted it 
successfully till April 1, 1864, when he transfer- 
red it to William S. Eitter and Jesse G. Hawley. 
He had been connected with it for forty-four 
years, having begun as an apprentice in the 
office in 1820, and advanced through a journey- 
niau printer to editor, part owner and eventu- 
ally sole proprietor. His long connection with 
this great and well-established newspaper em- 
braced a very important period in the history of 
the country. He was a stanch Democrat. At 
the outbreak of the Rebellion and during its 
progress he advocated the princijiles of the. 
Democratic party with zeal and courage. 

Shortly after retiring from the Adler he was 
nominated for the office of associate judge of 
the county and elected, filling the term from 
1806 to 1871. He was recognized as a man of 
undoubted integrity and impartiality in the per- 
formance of his official duties. 

Ritter and Hawley resumed the old firm- 
name of " Ritter & Co." which had been iden- 
tified with the Adler for over half a century. 
On January 28, 1868, they instituted a daily 
English newspaper, called the JJaily Eagle, and 
shortly afterward purchased the well-known and 
established Reading Gazette and iJemocrat, an 
English weekly. They carried on these three 
l>ublications and also a large general book aud 
stationery store w'ith great success till November 
13, 1874, when they dissolved partnership. In 
the dissolution, Ritter took the German Adler 
and Hawley the two English newspapers and 
the store. A prominent publication by the 



proprietors of the Adler since 1806 was an an- 
nual almanac in the German language, entitled 
" Der Reading Kalender." In the dissolution 
Mr. Hawley, strange to say, retained this Ger- 
man almanac, for the newspapers taken by 
him were English. He has published it since. 

During the year 1876 Mr. Ritter erected the 
first imposing, substantial four-story brick 
printing establishment in Reading, at the south- 
east corner of Sixth and Court Streets, in which 
to accommodate the publication of the old and 
well-supported Adler, aud he took possession on 
January 1, 1877. He conducted this German 
publication alone for nearly six years; then, on 
May 1, 1880, he instituted a daily English 
newspaper, called the Reading Daily Neirs, and 
on August 27, 1881, also a weekly English 
newspaper, called the Reading Weekly News. 
These three newspapers have been published by 
him successfully since, with increasing patron- 
age and area of circulation from year to year. 
In 1878 he began the publication of a German 
almanac, entitled " Der Neue Readiuger Adler 
Kalendar." A large book and stationery store 
is conducted by him in the same building. His 
father was a brother of John Ritter. The 
present size of the Adler sheet is twenty-nine by 
forty-two inches, with eight columns to each 
page. 

JoHX RiTTEK was the son of Francis and 
Barbara Ritter. He was born in Exeter town- 
ship, near Scluvartzwald Church, February 6, 
1779. He had very restricted advantages of 
education, even in the German ; and instruction 
in the English language for three months was 
the sum of his privileges in that line. He con- 
tinued to labor on his father's farm till his 
eighteenth year. Then his father bought a 
half-interest in Der Readinger Adlcr (a German 
weekly newspaper, ])ublished at Reading), and 
placed him in the office to learn printing. In 
1802 this interest was transferred to him. In 
1804 Charles Kessler purchased the other half- 
interest, and the firm-name became John Ritter 
& Co. Under this firm-name the publication 
was continued till his death, and for some years 
afterward. He died November 24, 1851. 
Mr. Ritter's private life was exemplary in every 
respect. He enjoyed the uniform respect and 



NEWSPAPERS. 



397 



confidence of his fellow-citizens through a long 
life. He was a couscientions editor, and con- 
ducred the Adler with success. His integrity 
and exactitude in tiie publication of local news 
and of election returns were recognized by the 
whole community. He represented Berks 
County as one of the five delegates to the State 
Constitutional Convention in 1837, and he was 
a member of Congress for this district for two 
terms, from 1843 to 1847. 



and contributed liberally towards the support 
of its public worship. 

William S. Ritteh. — The Bitter family is 
of German origin. Its progenitor was one of 
the early settlers of Oley (now Exeter) town- 
ship. His descendants have been in the same 
locality till now, a period covering over one 
hundred and fifty years. Francis Ritter, the 
grandfather of the subject of this sketch, pur- 
sued farming successfully till his decease, and 




vr^^ xf-^^^^^^ 



In connection with the newspaper he began 
and published the ±^eue Readinger Calender, a 
German almanac, from 1802 till his death. 
This almanac is still continued, though issued 
from the office of a diiferent newspaper publi- 
cation. 

In 1803 he married Catharine Frailey, a 
daughter of Peter Frailey. Three sons sur- 
vived him, viz. : Joel, Louis and Aaron. 

He was an earnest and active member of the 
Universalist denomination. He assisted this 
society in the erection of their church in 1830, 



left to survive him seven children,— four sons 
(Daniel, John, Jacob and Samuel) and three 
daughters (Mrs. Charles Kessler, Mrs. Nicholas 
Seidel and Mrs. Samuel Christian). 

Daniel, the oldest son, was born in Exeter 
township in the year 1776. He was married 
to Susanna Snyder, a daughter of Benjamin 
Snyder, who resided and was brought up iu th( 
vicinity, and lived to reach the ripe old age of 
eighty-four years, she having died in the year 
1876. He also pursued the vocation of farm- 
ing on the old homestead successfully. He 



398 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



died in 1853, aged seventy-seven years. He had 
nine children, — two died in infancy, and seven 
survived him, namely: Benjamin, Esther, Dan- 
iel, Louisa, Ferdinand, William S. and Franklin. 

William Snyder Eitter was born in Exeter 
township on September 13, 1828. He re- 
mained at home with his father till the age of 
seventeen years, assisting in the farming opera- 
tions and attending the schools of the township, 
when he was apprenticed to his uncle, John 
Ritter, in the Eeadinger Adler office, to learn 
the art of printing. He finished his trade, and 
continued in the establishment till 1856, at first 
as a journeyman jirinter and then for several 
years as foreman of the office. Subsequently, 
for eight years, he was engaged in the mercantile 
business at Reading, the greater part of the 
time in partnership with David Keiser. 

In 1864, Mr. Ritter and Jesse G. Hawley 
purchased from Charles Kessler the old and 
well-established Read'mger Adler, and under 
the former name of Ritter & Co., conducted it 
successfully for ten years. In 1868 this firm 
.started the publication of a daily evening Eng- 
lish paper at Reading, which they entitled 
Reading Daily Eagle, and in the same year 
they purchased from J. Lawrence Getz the 
Reading Gazette and Democrat. In 1874 he 
dissolved partnership with Mr. Hawley, and 
became the sole proprietor of the Adler. In 1876 
he erected the first substantial and extensive 
printing establishment in Reading, into which he 
then moved. Shortly afterward he began the 
publication of a daily evening English news- 
paper, entitled Reading Daily NeioH, and an 
English weekly, entitled Reading Weekly News, 
and a German almanac, entitled, Der Neue 
Readinger Adler Calendar. He has conducted 
all of these publications since with success. In 
politics his newspaper jjublications are expo- 
nents of Democratic princij^les, he himself 
being a thorough Democrat. In 1875 he was 
a delegate to the Democratic State Convention, 
which assembled at Erie, and nominated Hon. 
Cyrus L. Pershing for Governor. 

Mr. Ritter represented his ward in Common 
Council three terms— 1861-62, 1864-65 and 
1874-76. He was president of this branch 
during his sec-ond term, and took an active part 



in the pi'oceedings of Councils which resulted 
in the purchase of the Reading Water-Works. 
And he served two terms as a prison inspector, 
from 1877 to 1882, filling the office of presi- 
dent during the entire time. In these positions 
he won the high esteem of his colleagues by a 
(juiet, straightforward and impartial course in the 
di.scharge of his official duties. In matters of 
public interest and general improvement he ever 
displayed a spirit of progress ; and these have 
his constant recognition in his several publica- 
tions, as a means of developing and enriching 
oiu' community. 

The Agricultural Society of the county has 
received his earnest encouragement for many 
years. He is the treasurer of the society, hav- 
ing filled this office very acceptably for the 
last twelve years. He has now been in active 
public .service, of one kind or another, for up- 
ward of twenty years, without compensation. 
His selection, in this time, for official positions 
attests for him strongly the unusual degree of 
confidence and popularity which he enjoys in 
this community. 

He was married, in 1853, to Julianna 
Shearer, daughter of Jonathan Shearer. He 
has seven children, — two daughters and five 
sons, all of the latter being practically engaged 
in the printing business with him. They are 
named Milford Newton, Jonathan Shearer, 
William Clinton, Francis Daniel, Henry Sny- 
der, Laura (intermarried with William F. 
Shaneman), and Annie. 

Berks and Schuylkill Journal. — This 
newspaper was founded by George Getz.' The 
first number was issued on June 8, 1816, in 
folio form, twenty by twenty-four inches, with 
four columns to each page. It was then the 
only English newspaper in the county. In 1818 
a column was added to each page. Getz con- 
tinued to publish it for over seventeen years. 
His last number was No. 29 of Vol. 17, issued 
on December 1, 1832. He then transferred it 
in a flourishing condition to David F. Gordon, 
a lawyer who had settled in Reading at 1824. 

Gordon was a Whig. In announcing his 

1 He announced his determination to begin the publica- 
tion of a weekly newspaper by a notice iu the Weekly Ad- 
(lertiser on March 30, 1816. 



NEWSPAPERS. 



399 



principles, upon assuming control of the paper, 
he said, among other things, — 

" This paper is steadfastly devoted to the 
interests of our Republican Institutions ; and 
decidedly opposed to any measure having the 
remotest tendency to violate the constitidion, to 
infringe upon the rights of conscience or to 
lessen the sovereign authority of the people." 

And he paid a high compliment to Mr. Getz 
by saying publicly that " his predecessor had 
conducted the paper with a sedulous attention 




TIMES AND JOURNAL BUILDING. 

to the admission of such matters only as might 
be circulated without injury to the public morals 
or oifense to the interests of religion and virtue, 
for ^\■hich he was given liberal and extensive 
encouragement." It continued under his man- 
agement for six years, with increasing patronage. 
During that time he advocated the political 
principles of the Whig party. 

On January 6, 1838, Henry Rhoads and John 
S. Richards, young attorneys of the Berks 
County bar, obtained control and increased its 
size to twenty-four by thirty-four inches, with 
six columns to each page. 

They were introduced to the public as 
" staunch Whigs, who will keep unchanged the 



political principles advocated by the paper." 
They together published it for one year, when 
Rhoads withdrc\v to resume his law practice. 
Richards issued the publication till December 
28, 1844. It was under his direction a strong 
advocate of the principles of the Whig party, 
and it espoused the cause of the common-school 
system of education in a manner as remarkable 
for its boldness, surrounded, as it was, by ob- 
structionists and a large majority against the 
system, as for its sound perception and good 
sense. The policy of " protection to home 
industry " found a devoted friend in the Jow- 
nal. In this resjiect it pursued a course directly 
opposite from that of the Adler. 

Jacob Knabb then assumed the editorial 
management of the newspaper and issued the 
first number of a new year on January 4, 1845. 
He had entered the printing establishment of 
George Getz in 1829 as an apprentice, and, 
after having completed his terra of service, fol- 
lowed his chosen occui)ation here and elsewhere 
during the succeeding sixteen years. In that 
time he founded and published, with .1. Law- 
rence Getz, the Reading Gazette, and conducted 
the Clny Buyle, a campaign newspaper, in 1844 
at Harrisburg. He entered this new arena 
with large experience as a practical printer and 
journalist, and this experience enabled him to 
take hold of the Journal and direct its publica- 
tion in the same channel which had been so 
ably and thoroughly prepared for it by his pre- 
decessors. Forty-one years have since elapsed ; 
but notwithstanding the numerous changes in 
the community in this long period of time, the 
Journal continues in the same successful chan- 
nel. In 1866, Mr. Knabb admitted as partners 
with him in its ownership and editorship Jacob 
K. Sterrett and Thomas C. Zimmerman, the 
former having learned the art of printing under 
him, and been connected jvith his establisliment 
for some years previously, and the latter having 
come from Lebanon a practical printer. In 
December, 1878, William Sterrett took the 
interest of his father. The j^resent size of the 
sheet is thirty by forty-six inches, with nine 
columns to each page. 

The Journal was founded just as the internal 
improvements of the town began in earnest. 



400 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The three turnpikes (with tiieir tprmiui concen- 
trating at Eeadiug) and the Harrisliurg Bridge 
had been completed shortly before. Then the 
canals followed, and the railways. Common- 
school education was instituted. The borough 
was advanced into a city, with its streets laid 
out, extended and regulated, its buildings and 
industries increased and its population multi- 
plied from four thousand to fifty thousand, and 
that of the county from forty-five thousand 
to one hundred and thirty thousand. The 
Mexican War was fought and the annexation of 
Texas successfully accomplished, and the terrible 
convulsions of civil strife were endured and 
overcome. The dominant political party in the 
county maintained its power with increasing 
strength, aided by almost continuous success in 
State and national affairs, till I860. Newspa- 
pers began, flourished for a time and fell. 
Panics came and went, but the Joitrna/ survived 
them all — panics and wars, even the weakness 
of its own local political parties, which were 
without prestige, patronage or power. And yet 
in the n)idst of all these things it advocated 
common schools and protection to home industry 
with remarkable courage and persistence, not- 
withstanding the great majority of the people 
round about were opposed to these two great 
policies. The former of these policies is now 
settled, and has been for thirty years ; but the 
latter is still debated as the one great issue which 
divides the principal parties here and elsewhere 
in the country. The Adier and the Journal 
have now circulated together for seventy years. 
Both have been successfully conducted from the 
beginning till now, though in different politiail 
channels entirely advei'se to each other. 

Georc;k Getz was born at Lancaster, Pa., 
on July 18, 1789. He learned the printing 
business in the Lancaster Journal office. At 
an early age he entered the service of the United 
States, as a midshipman in the navy. He took 
part in the memorable naval engagement between 
the British ship " Peacock " and the United States 
ship-of-war " Hornet," under Captain James 
Lawrence, and he also performed active service 
iu several minor naval exploits. Towards the 
close of 1813 he resigned his post in the navy, 
and accepted the appointment of lieutenant in 



the army from Pi-esident Madison. He served 
with credit till the close of the war. In 1816 
he moved to Reading, and instituted a weekly 
English newspaper, entitled Berks and Schuyl- 
kill Journal. He conducted this newspaper 
with boldness and success for a period of six- 
teen years, when he sold it to David F. Gordon, 
Esq. At the time of founding this newspaper, 
it was the only English publication in the coun- 
ty — the Weekly Advertiser having suspended 
shortly before. It has been continued witii 
increasing success till now — for the last forty 
years by Jacob Knabb. 

Mr. Getz took an active interest in elevating 
the standard of the volunteer militia at Read- 
ing. In 1821 he organized a company under 
the name of the " Reading Guards," and held 
the office of captain for a number of years. 
Subsequently, in 1827, he was elected major of 
the First Battalion of Reading Volunteers, 
which was composed of the " Reading Artiller- 
ists " (commanded by Captain Daniel de B. 
Keim), Lafayette Guards (commanded by 
Captain Solomou Foster) and the Reading 
Guards (commanded by INIr. Getz). 

In addition to his editorial duties, he edited 
and pu()lished several books of general utility. 
One of these was a volume of forms in con- 
veyancing, which passed through several 
editions, and became popular and widely known 
in Pennsylvania as " Getz's Forms." The last 
enlarged edition was published in 1845, and 
reprinted by a Philadelphia firm in 1850. It 
is still in use by many of the older conveyan- 
cers of this State. 

After retiring from the jiublication of the 
Journal, Mr. Getz traveled for a time in the 
Western States, and then opened and carried on 
at Reading a general book and stationery store, 
in which he continued for some years. 

In 1 849 he was elected to the office of mayor 
of Reading — the third official elected since the 
incorporation of the city in 1847, and he was 
re-elected three successive times. This re-elec- 
tion was a high compliment to him as a citizen, 
and as an official of a rapidly-growing city. 
He died on February 10, 1853, in his sixty- 
fourth year, whilst holding this office ; and both 
branches of Councils assembled in joint conven- 



NEWSPAPERS. 



401 



tion on the following day, and passed resolu- 
tions highly complimentary to him. His body 
was buried in the Episcopal buryiug-ground, 
and subsequently removed to Charles Evans' 
Cemetery. 

Jacoh Kxab]5. — Michael Knabb was born 
at Pfelderslieini, in Pfalz, a Rhenish province 
of Bavaria (which formerly belonged to France, 
and was restored to Bavaria in 1813), on 
the ITtii day of April, 1717. He emigrated 
to tliis country, as near as can be ascer- 
tained, about the year 1737, in company with 
bis two brothers, John and Peter, and settled 
in Oley township, on the farm now occupied 
by Samuel B. Knabb, near the line of Exeter 
township. The old house was destroyed by 
fire in the winter of 1816-17, and the pres- 
ent house erected in the summer of the same 
year. A family grave-yard near the dwelling 
contains the remains of the three brothers and 
a number of their descendants. These are the 
only persons of this name who are known to 
have at any time emigrated from Europe to 
America. Joiin died single, in the forty-eighth 
year of his age. Peter died in the seventy- fourth 
year of his age, and his descendants are now 
very numerous, most of them residing in Berks 
County. 

Michael Knabb was married to Eve Magda- 
lena Seltzer, only child of Jacob and Elizabeth 
Seltzer, of Heidelberg township, on the 11th 
day of March, 1755. He died June 17, 1778, 
in the sixty-second year of his age, and was 
buried in the family grave-yard in Oley town- 
ship. Eight children survived him, — Xioholas, 
Peter, Jacob, Daniel, Susan, Sarah, Catliarine 
and ]\Iarv. 

Jacob Knabb, the third son of Michael 
Knabb, the father of the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Oley townshij^ in 1771. In 1800 
he was married to Hannah Yoder, a daughter 
of Daniel Yoder, who was a son of John Yoder, 
of Oley township. The Yoder famil)' in this 
county descended from John (Hansel) Yoder, a 
Huguenot, who emigrated with his brother, 
Yost Yoder, from Switzerland in the early part 
of the eighteenth century on account of religious 
persecution, proceeding first to England and 
thence to Pennsylvania, where they were 



amongst the early settlers of Oley township. 
John settled on a tract adjoining Pleasantville 
about 1720, and their descendants in the direct 
line have continued till now, a period covering 
one hundred and sixty years. He had married 
in Switzerland and brought his wife with him. 
They had six children, amongst them John 
Yoder, who was the grandfather of Hannah 
Yoder. John Yoder was married to a daughter 
of JNIartin Schenkel, and had two sons, Daniel 
and Jacob. Jacob migrated from Oley to Ohio 
at an early period and was the first person who 
went down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers in a 
flat-boat. Daniel remained iu Oley and was 
married to Margaret Oyster and had eight chil- 
dren, — Hannah, Daniel, Martin, Catharine, 
Mary, John, ^Margaret and David. Catharine, 
married to William Willman, lived to reach the 
surjjrising age of ninety-nine years. 

Jacob Knabb, soon after his marriage with 
Hannah Yoder, moved to Union township and 
there carj-ied on farming successfully. He died 
in February, 1825, leaving to survive him six 
children, — Daniel, George, Jacob, Margaret, 
Catharine and Hannah. His wife died previ- 
ously, in August, 1824. 

Jacob Knabb, the youngest of the sons named 
and the sul>ject of this biographical sketch, was 
born in Union township on August 21, 1817. 
His parents died when he was only seven years 
old, and until his eleventh year he was sent to 
the pay schools which the township afforded, 
having lived during this time with an elder 
sister. He then apprenticed himself to the busi- 
ness of printing under George Getz, in the 
office of the Berks unci Schuylldll Journal, and 
continued there till Mr. Getz transferred the 
newspaper and printing establishment to David 
F. Gordon, Esq., which terminated his appren- 
ticeship. Being desirous of extending his edu- 
cation, he then took a course of study for a year 
at the Lititz School, and subsequently another 
year at Lafayette College, and afterwards till 
1840 he was engaged at printing, part of the 
time at Reading and the remainder at Harris- 
burg. Whilst at the latter place he was in the 
office of the Harrisbury Telegraph, at which 
the printing for the State was then done. The 
Colonial Records were being printed at this 



402 



IILSTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXNSYLVANIA. 



establishment aud he held the position of fore- 
man for a time. 

In 1840 jNIr. Ivuabl>, with J. Lawrence Getz 
as co-partner, began the publication of an Eng- 
lish weekly newspaper at Reading which they 
entitled Reading Gazette. He was interested in 
the publication of tiiis paper till 1843, when lie 
sold his share in the enterprise aud i-emoved to 
Harrisburg, where, in 1844, he began a cam- 
paign paper entitled the Clay Biif/le, and ]iub- 



with himself and conducted the newspaper under 
the firm-name of J. Knabb & Co. In 1869 his 
firm purchased the Reading Daily Times aud 
several years afterward the Evening Dispatch, 
consolidating the two under the title Reading 
Times and Dispatch. They have published 
these two papers — daily and weekly — till now, 
with increasing success. In 1881 he erected 
the fine, commodious and substantial four-story 
brick building whicii tlie firm is occupying in 




L^c^d ^^""^ 



lished it during the Clay and Polk Presidential 
campaign, giving it a popularity and success 
equal to any other Whig paper issued in the 
State. 

In Januar)', 1845, ]\Ir. Knabb became the 
editor of the Berks and Schuylkill Journal, a 
well-established Whig paper at Reading, and 
some years after its proprietor. He has contin- 
ued its regular and successful publication from 
that time till now, a jieriod covering forty-one 
years. In 1866 he associated two co-partners 



conducting their business of publication and 
printing. He has occupied this locality without 
change for over thirty years. 

Mr. Knabb, upon attaining his majority, be- 
came a Whig in politics. From that time till 
now he has been prominently identified with 
the Wiiig and the Republican jiarties, acting for 
some years as chairman of the County Republi- 
can Committee. In 1860 he was a delegate to 
the Chicago Convention, from the Berks Dis- 
trict, which nominated Abraham Lincoln for 



NEW8PAPEKS. 



403 



president. In the matters of protection to home 
industry, of general education through the com- 
mon-school system and of local and internal 
imiiroveraents he has been a firm believer, giving 
them through the Journal and the Times un- 
qualified recognition and encouragement. The 
"Reading Library" has received his active 
assistance for many years, being now, and hav- 
ing been for some time, one of its managers. 
Its collection of books was in his old printing- 
establishment, No. 11 N. Sixth Street, from the 
time when they were removed from the 
"Reading Academy" building till they were 
placed in its present building — Library Hall. 
He was a fearless advocate for upholding the 
government in its great efforts to sustain the 
Union during the terrible convulsions of civil 
strife. In this period, under the administration 
of President Lincoln, he held the office of post- 
master of Reading ; and in 1876 he was the 
Presidential elector from this Congressional dis- 
trict to the college M'hich cast its ballot for 
Hayes, President, and Wheeler, A^ice-President. 
His prominence in local politics won for him 
the recognition of the national and State admin- 
istrations in the distribution of political patron- 
age during the twenty-five years that the Re- 
publican party was in power. The leaders of 
the party were his associates, including such 
prominent men as John S. Richards, Levi B. 
Smith, William M. Baird, Jacob Hoffman, Dr. 
Diller Luther, Dr. Edward Wallace, G. A. 
Nicolls, Isaac Eckert, Edward Brooke, A. F. 
Boas, Alexander P. Tutton and Henry S. Kupp. 
These were men distinguished for large intelli- 
gence, experience and influence. Such were, 
indeed, necessary in an agitated condition of the 
community during the Civil War; but they 
were equal to the occasion of preserving its 
equanimity and of directing its thoughts and 
feelings towards subserving the public wel- 
fare. 

In 1878 Mr. Knabb, with Mr. William H. 
Levan, of Schuylkill Haven, as a traveling 
companion, made an extended tour through 
Great Britain, France, Switzerland, Italy and 
Germany, visiting all the places of importance 
in these several old and historic countries. In 
the course of his travels he forwarded numerous 



interesting letters, which were published in the 
Times and Journal. They were highly appre- 
ciated by the community for their clear and 
sententious style and their valuable information, 
and the general interest in them grew to such an 
extent that he was invited to issue them in book- 
form, but he modestly declined to gratify this 
desire of many friends. 

In 1856 he published the first "Directory of 
Reading." This volume is rare and valuable, 
after the lapse of thirty years. It affords abun- 
dant evidence of his enterprise in behalf of 
serving the public. It contains a large collec- 
tion of valuable information relating to Reading 
of that period, including a complete list of the 
taxable inhabitants of the several wards of the 
borough for the year 1806. 

Mr. Knabb was married in 1846 to Ellen C, 
daughter of Maehiavel Andrews, a lady highly 
esteemed for her many excellent qualities, a 
devoted member of Christ Episcopal Church 
and to the poor people of Reading a great friend, 
who was ever solicitous for their relief and 
welfare. During the Civil War she was par- 
ticularly active in kindly assistance to the sick 
soldiers in our local hospital, and in matters 
pertaining to the Sanitary Fair at Philadelphia, 
having had charge of one of the departments. 
She died in 1875, leaving a devoted husband 
and many sincere friends to mourn her depar- 
ture. In 1879 he was married to Ellen M., a 
daughter of Mr. James Jameson, a very success- 
ful merchant and now the oldest surviving bus- 
iness man in Reading. 

In religious belief, Mr. Knabb is an Episco- 
palian. He became a member of this church at 
Reading in 1848, being now one of the oldest 
surviving members. He is at present, and has 
been for some years, a vestryman of the church. 
In character, manner and deportment he is un- 
assuming and straightforward ; and in his busi- 
ness and social relations he enjoys the confidence 
and esteem of the entire community. 

Jacob K. Sterrett was born in Union 
township, Berks County, May 1, 1827. His 
father, David Sterrett, was a native of Cumber- 
land County, Pennsylvania, and died in Berks 
County, in 1833, having previously to his lo- 
cation here traveled extensively throughout 



404 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the United States, and compiled a dictionary of 
the Chippewa language. 

A\'lien tiiirteen years oi' age he entered the 
printing-office of Knabb & Getz, (who then 
published the Reading Gazette) as an appren- 
tice, to learn the trade of a printer, and con- 
tinued in this office till 1845, when he entered 
the office of the Berks and Schuylkill Journal. 
After being in this office twenty years he be- 
came one of the proprietors of the Journal. 
He continued his business connection with the 
firm of J. Knabb and Co., publishers of the 
Journal and Times, till December, 1881, when, 
on account of ill health, he transferred his in- 
terest to his son William. He died November 
2, 1884. He was a superior printer and an 
enterprising journalist. During his connection 
with the Journal and Times he contributed 
occasionally articles of rare interest. He was 
particularly fond of local reminiscences, and by 
the aid of a strong memory and a facile pen, he 
published a series of historical sketches, which 
related to the early times of Reading. He was 
a great reader and became familiar with the 
standard literature of his time. He was par- 
tial to the works of i\Ioore, Poe, Irving and 
Cooper. His nature was of a most genial kiud, 
which won him many friends. Though positive 
in his actions, he created no enmities. 

In the early history of the St. Matthew's 
Lutheran Church he was one of its vestry- 
men ; and when the Reading Musical Society 
was in its active existence, previous to 1860, he 
was a prominent member. 

He always resided here in Berks County. 
For several months about the beginning of the 
year 1853 he M'as in South Carolina, engaged 
as a journeyman printer on the legislative pro- 
ceedings of that state. 

Mr. Sterrett was an active Republican and 
took an earnest part in the management of the 
Republican party in Berks County. He fre- 
quently represented his district in local conven- 
tions, and his party here in State and national 
conventions — having been a delegate to the 
National Republican Convention which as- 
sembled at Cincinnati and nominated Hayes. 
He acted as a jury commissioner of the county 
for the years 1881 and 1882. During the 



Civil War he enlisted twice, — first in Captain 
Bickley's company, which served in the emer- 
gency of 1862, and then, in 1863, in Captain 
Rhoads' company. Forty-second Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia. Before the 
Civil War he took an active part in the mili- 
tary affiiirs of the county for some years, hav- 
ing been a member of the Ringgold Light Ar- 
tillery, commanded by Captain James Mc- 
K night. 

Mr. Sterrett was married to Anna ^VI. Arnold, 
(a daughter of John Arnold, of Reading) in 
1855, and had three surviving children, — 
William, Henry and Ellen. 

Thomas C. Zimmerman, publisher, editor 
and translator, was born at Lebanon, Pa., on 
the 23d of January, 1838, and was educated in 
the common schools of that place. At thirteen 
years of age he was apprenticed to the printing 
business in the office of the Lebanon Courier. 
After the expiration of his apprenticeship he 
was employed for a short time in the office of 
the Philadelphia Inquirer, but soon thereafter, 
January 8, 1856, removed to Reading, where 
he entered the office of the Berks and Schuylkill 
Journal as a journeyman printer. He remained 
here until the fall of 1859, when he went to 
Columbia, S. C, wiiere he worked on the State 
laws in the printing establishment of Dr. Robert 
Gibbs, who subse(juently became surgeon- 
general of the Confederate army. On his way 
thither, while passing through Virginia, Mr. 
Zimmerman witnessed the great excitement 
incident to the John Brown insurrection. While 
on his way to Richmond he was grossly iusulted 
by a number of Southern soldiers who were on 
the train, their indignation having been excited 
by seeing a copy of the New York Tribune in 
his hands, and which he had been quietly i-ead- 
ing. During his stay in Columbia, for having 
expressed sympathy for a poor fellow who had 
been tarred and feathered for mere opinion 
sake he, too, was threatened with a like indignity. 
It was at this time, it should be remembered, 
that the preliminary legislation looking towards 
disunion was being formulated. Secession was 
discussed at all hours of the day and night. 
Rumors of slave insurrections were rife, pro- 
clamations summoning the citizens to arms were 



NEWSPAPERS. 



405 



issued and the people wei-e terrified as never 
before. Northern men were eyetl with suspi- 
cion, and their movements were closely watched. 
Postal commuuication with the North was tem- 
porarily suspended. The Confederate gray 
cloth, which was afterwards worn so extensively 
during the war, was being manufactured for the 
first time in that city. Peace commissioners 
were appointed to represent the Southern States 
at Washington in the interest of general har- 
mony, and for the uninterrupted preservation 
of slavery. Soldiers were drilling almost nightly 
throughout the city. John Brown was burnt 
in effigy on the streets of Columbia in the pres- 
ence of the multitude. The excitement was in- 
tense, and foreshadowed the approaching storm. 
Even the condemnation of a great wrong like the 
tarring and feathering of a poor wretch, whose 
only offense consisted in a justification, among 
his fellow-workmen, of the John Brown raid, 
was construed into an ev'idence of avowed hos- 
tility to the interests of the South, and indignities 
of one kind or another were swiftly visited upon 
such offenders. A single example will illustrate 
this : One day, while Mr. Zimmerman and Mr. 
Thomas Scott (the latter long a resident of 
Columbia, and foreman of the State printing- 
office) were on their way to dinner together, Mr. 
Scott, addressing Mr. Zimmerman, was over- 
heard, while passing the guard-house, in a mild 
denunciation of the tarring and feathering out- 
rage which had just been committed. A half- 
hour had scarce elapsed ere a notice was served 
by the mayor on Mr. Scott to "leave the town 
witiiin forty-eight hours, or take the conse- 
quences." It is needless to add that he left, 
Mr. Zimmerman remaining, however, for a 
short time, but under the added suspicion which 
such association and presumed sympathy with 
so grave an offender carried witli it towards 
him in the eyes of Southern people. 

In March, 1860, Mr. Zimmerman returned 
to Reading, and re-entered the office of the 
Berks and SchiujlkiJl Journal. In May of that 
year Mr. Jacol) Knabb, proprietor of the 
Journal, was appointed postmaster of Reading. 
Upon taking possession of the office Mr. Zim- 
merman became his chief clerk, continuing in 
this position until the close of Postmaster 



Knabb's term, July, 1865. He again returned 
to the Journal office, and in January following 
he was admitted as a partner and became asso- 
ciate editor. From that time till now he has 
been identified with the publishing firm of J. 
Knabb & Co. In 1869 the firm became the 
proprietoi's of the Reading Daily Times, and in 
1871 of the Evening Dispatch, when these two 
papers were consolidated into the Times and 
Dispatch. He has been the editor of this daily 
newspaper ever since. 

During the Civil War in 1863, he enlisted in 
Captain D. G. Rhoads's company. Forty-second 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia. 

In the course of his journalistic experience he 
has visited numerous points of public interest 
throughout the country. His published letters 
descriptive of these visits in the Timeit and 
Journal were widely copied. One of these — 
his description of the Luray Caverns in Vir- 
ginia — was published in pamphlet form, illus- 
trated, by the proprietors of the Hotel and Cave 
Company, who printed upwards of sixty thou- 
sand copies for general circulation. A repre- 
sentative of theSmithonian Institution prepared 
about the same time a scientific report of his 
investigations of this great natural and geological 
curiosity — the two having been distributed 
simultaneously by the proprietors of the caverns. 
Mr. Zimmerman's letter having been reproduced 
in some of the Richmond papers and other 
Southern journals, he shortly afterwards re- 
ceived an invitation to write up the undeveloped 
resources of Alabama. 

Mr. Zimmerman's Pennsylvania German ex- 
traction naturally interested him in the capa- 
bilities of the vernacular, and so, several years 
ago, he began the translation of poems from the 
English classics into that dialect. His first 
attempt, Moore's " 'Twas the Night before 
Christmas," was received with marked favor 
by the press of the State. Congratulatory 
letters from prominent men came in from all 
sides, among them from the late Professor 
Haldeman (the eminent philologist of the 
University of Pennsylvania), Hon. Simon 
Cameron, Governor Hartranft, P. F. Rothermel 
(painter of the " Battle of Gettysburg "), Pro- 
fessor Porter (Lafayette College), Professor 



406 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Home (of Muhlenberg College), and H. L. 
Fisher, Esq., of York. Other translations from 
" Barry Cornwall," Tom Hood, Oliver Gold- 
smith, Heine, the Greek Anthology, etc., fol- 
lowed. Some of these have been selected and 
arc introduced in this history in the chapter on 
" Language, Manners and Customs." 

During the past year Mr. Zimmerman has 
made translations from the German classics 
into the English. These have been received 
with even greater favor than the translations 
into the Pennsylvania German. Among the 
commendations received by him were letters 
from B. P. Shillaber (" Mrs. Partington "), 
S. L. Clemens ("Mark Twain") and Dr. 
Frank Cowan. In all these translations, 
whether from the English into the Penn- 
sylvania German, from the Scottish into the 
same dialect, or from the German into the 
English, Mr. Zimmerman has shown remark- 
able aptitude and skill. He not only invariably 
preserves the exact measure of the original 
poems, but the rhythmical beat of each syllable 
with remarkable fidelity. Rarely, indeed, does 
he resort to the transposition of the author's 
lines as an easier method of translation, as may 
be seen in his published efforts in the files of the 
Times and Journal, where they appear every 
Saturday in parallel columns. The range of his 
selections is extended, and comprehends many 
of the best lyric productions of the most noted 
authors. His library of (xerman poetical works, 
among them twenty-seven volumes from an ad- 
mirer, resident in Berlin, Germany, is the gift of 
friends in attestation of the appreciation of the 
excellence of his efforts at translation. 

Mr. Zimmerman has had many tempting 
offers to relinquish his journalistic work, but in 
all cases these were declined. A brother editor's 
opinion of him will serve to show the estimate 
in which his extraordinary journalistic abilities 
are held : 

" Mr. Zimmerman is a writer of force and 
ability. His writings are pui'e, easy and grace- 
ful in diction. He is witty and humorous when 
occasion demands. In controversy he is gentle- 
manly at all times, and in argument he is fair 
and generous to his opponents. He has a 
genuine taste for literature, poetry and the fine 



arts, as many of his articles attest. He is one 
of the ablest writers in the old commonwealth. 
Many of his articles show alike the eye of the 
artist and the hand of the litterateur." One of 
Reading's foremost pulpit orators once said, in a 
publisheil article concerning Mr. Zimmerman's 
management of the Times: " In his 'History of 
American Tjiterature,' Professor Nichols says of 
Edgar A. Poe's poems, ' in their pureness, sim- 
plicity and sweetness they stand forth from the 
confusion of their author's life like white nuns 
in a corrupt and contentious city.' So the 
editorial conduct of the Reading Times stands 
forth in this city," etc. 

Mr. Zimmerman was married to Tamsie T. 
KaufFman, of Reading, on June 11, 1867. 

Mr. Zimmerman is an ardent lover of nature, 
and evidently believes, with a distinguished 
writer and fellow-pedestrian, that '' the shining 
angels second and accompany the man who goes 
afoot, while all the dark spirits are ever looking 
out for a chance to ride." 

Chronicle of the Tijies. — This news- 
paper was instituted by Samuel Myers and 
Douglass W. Hyde with the title — Chronicle 
of the Times and Berks and Schuylkill Ad- 
vertiser. It was an English weekly paper, on a 
sheet twenty-one by twenty-eight inches, with 
six columns on each page. The first number 
was issued on May 9, 1822. In 1823 the latter 
half of the title was dropped ; with the be- 
ginning of its tenth year the title was changed 
to The Reading Chronicle. Robert Johnston 
had become the proprietor several years pre- 
viously, — possibly as early as 1826, — there being 
no file for reference, and therefore I cannot 
state the time with exactness. On September 
27, 1831, Jesse James became the proprietor and 
editor, issuing his first number of the paper on 
the 4th of October following. In politics it 
had been previously devoted to the principles of 
the Democratic party ; but with the ownership 
and direction in Mr. James it became Demo- 
cratic-Republican. It was conducted in a 
spirited and successful manner by ]\Ir. James 
till March 5, 1833, when it was purchased by 
one of its founders, Douglass W. Hyde, who 
restored the original title. In November, 1835, 
Lloyd Wharton, Esq., an attorney at Reading, 



NEWf<PAPERS. 



■107 



became the owner. Mr. Wharton not being 
able to conduct its publication in connection 
witli his law practice, placed it under the 
editorial management of William F. Eiseley, a 
practical printer of Reading. It was issued 
successfully till the close of the Presidential 
campaign of 1836, when Mr. Wharton sus- 
pended its ])ublication and sold the printing 
establishment, with all its material, to Samuel 
Myers, who was then publishing the Berks 
County Press at Reading. 

Der Readixgeu Post-Bote {The Reading 
Courier) was a German weekly. It was begun 
by Charles A. Bruckman on August 3, 181C, in 
opposition to the Eeadinger Adler. He con- 
tinued its publication for ten years with ability 
and success. 

Charles A. Bruckman was the son of 
Carl A. Bruckman, a Saxon, and was born in 
Amsterdam, in the year 1792, whilst his father 
was on the way emigrating to this country. He 
leai'ned the trade of printer under his father at 
Reading. In 1816 he started a Federal Ger- 
man newspaper, and conducted its publication 
for ten years. He was an earnest advocate for 
the election of Hon. Joseph Hiester for 
Governor. Subsequently he was a supjiortcr of 
General Jackson for President. He died in 1828. 

Jackson Democrat. — About the time the 
Post-Bote was discontinued, Charles J. Jack in- 
stituted an English weekly, called the Jackson 
Democrat. This was during the fall of 1826. 
But it had a short exist-^nce — surviving only 
several months. 

Readinger Democrat {The Reudiag 
Democrat) was a German weekly, instituted by 
Jeremiah Schneider (a sou of Jacob Schneider, 
who assisted in founding the Adler) and Samuel 
Myers, on October 1, 1826. It was published 
by them for several years, when Daniel Rhoads 
became the owner. Rhoads conducted it till 
July, 1833, and then transferred it to Mr. 
Myers. It was carried on by Mr. Myers, under 
a new name, /)«■ Democrat, till February, 1835, 
and then discontinued. For some time before 
its discontinuance, Charles F. Egelman was asso- 
ciated with Mr. Myers in its publication. The 
size of these newspapers was eighteen by twenty- 
lour inches, with four columns on each page. 



Charles Feederick Egelman was bom 
at Osnabriick, in Hanover, on May 12, 1782, 
and emigrated to this country in 1802, landing 
at Baltimore. He learned the trade of coach- 
making and remained there for a time, when he 
removed to Berks County. His last piece of 
work executed there was the body of a coach for 
Jerome Bonaparte. He was then engaged at 
teaching for a number of years, officiating in 
this time also as organist for several German 
Churches in country districts. About 1830 
he settled at Reading and assisted in the publi- 
cation of a German newspaper, entitled Der 




CHAltLES I'RKDEiaCK EGELMAN. 

Readinger Democrat. He was recognized as a 
man of great scientific attainments, having been 
particularly accomplished in astronomy. His 
ability in this branch of learning was utilized 
for the period of forty-three years in furnishing 
astronomical calculations for the principal al- 
manacs published in the United States. The 
study of perpetual motion received his earnest 
attention for a numfeer of years, he having de- 
vised and constructed various machines in his 
efforts towards accomplishing this object, re- 
garded as impossible. In the matter of copper- 
plate engraving he was a skillful artist, and 
executed a number of superior designs. He 
died at Reading, November 30, 1860, aged 
nearly seventy-nine years. His residence was 
at the northwest corner of Ninth and Penn 
Streets. He left to survive him seven children, 
— Ferdinand ; Edward ; Charlotte, married to 



408 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Daniel Hafer; Julia, married to Henry Hafer; 
Wilhelraina, married to Solomon Seidel; Catha- 
rine, married to John Brissel; and Amelia, mar- 
ried to Dr. H. ^V. Bergner, — and two children 
(Solomon and Lydia) of a deceased daughter, 
Henrietta, who had been married to Solomon 
Seidel. 

Berks Couxty Press. — Upon the suspen- 
sion of Der Demoeraf, Samuel Myers began an 
English weekly jiaper, in size, twenty by thirty- 
two inches, six columns on each page, with the 
title Berhs County Press. The first immber 
was issued March 10, 1835. About 1840 he 
introduced his son, John C. INIyers, a practical 
printer, as a joint owner and editor. About 
1854 he retired, transferring his interest to his 
son, Henry E. Myers, also a practical printer. 
Franklin L. Myers was the last pul^lisher, who 
sold it to Ranch, Lacier & Co., proprietors 
of the Evening Record. It was published till 
November, 18G5, when it was suspended. In 
1854 the size was increased to twenty-four by 
thirty-six inches, with seven columns on each 
page. It was a radical advocate of Democratic 
principles, and conducted for nearl)' thirty 
years. Its able management by Mr. Myers and 
his sons won for it a strong patronage. During 
its publication John C. Myers was in the Assem- 
bly for three years, 1847 to 1849. 

Samuel Myers was born near Morgantown, 
in Chester County, in 1800. When twelve 
years of age he removed to Reading. Some 
years afterward he entered the printing-office 
of George Getz and leai'ued the art of printing. 
In 1821 he was married to ]\Iary, daughter of 
John Christine, of Reading. He was connected 
with the publications of newspapers at Reading 
from 1822 for a period upward of thirty years, 
principally the Chronicle of the Times, Readinger 
Democrat and Bcrhi Counfi/ Pre.ss. His name 
is mostly associated with the latter. He died in 
1870, leaving to survive him a widow and four 
sons, John C, Henry C, Franklin L. and Al- 
bert, all of whom had learned and followed 
printing under him. 

Liberate Beojsachter. — The German 
newspapers published at Reading during the 
course of its historv as a borough for over forty 
years were altogether Democratic in political 



faith.' A German Catholic Whig then ap- 
peared upon the field of journalism and broke 
the monotony in this respect by instituting a 
German weekly newspaper whose mission was 
to advocate and disseminate Whig principles. 
This was Arnold Puwelle, a man recognized 
for his unpretentious, straightforwai'd demeanor. 
He entitled his paper Liherale Beobachter (Lih- 
eral Observer). The first number was issued 
in September, 1839. In 1858 it was said by 
a contemporary to be, in the cause of Whig and 
afterward Republican principles, " consistent, 
never swerving from its allegiance to the good 
old cause." It had a large circulation. Pu- 
welle continued its publication successftilly till 
May 10, 1864. Then a new character, humor- 
ous, if not erratic, appeared upon the stage. 
This was Edward H, Ranch. He pui-chased 
the Beobachter. Xot regarding the title as defi- 
nite in respect to locality, he substituted the 
name of the county, calling the paper the Berks 
County Zeitung. The first number was issued 
on May 5, 1804. It was devoted to the meas- 
ures for the vigorous and successful prosecution 
of the " AVar for the Union ; " but its earnest en- 
deavors in this behalf were soon exhausted, not 
for the want of energy and ability and courage, 
but for the want of sufficient patronage from 
the German people of the community which it 
was named to represent, they, apparently, hav- 
ing still clung too devotedly to its aged and 
well-established contemporary — the Adier. 

Arnold Puwelle was born in Westphalia, 
Prussia, in 1809. He emigrated to Pennsylva- 
nia when twenty-five years old and settled at 
Skippackville, Montgomery County. He there 
carried on the occupation of a stone-mason for 
a time and then the publication of a German 
weekly newspaper, entitled Freiheits Wdchter. 
In 1839 he removed to Reading and shortly 
afterwards started a German weekly called Der 
Liberale Beobachter, which he continued to pub- 
lish successfully till May, 1864, M'hen he sold 



' It would seem from a local notice in the Journal that 
Charles F. Egelman had started a Whig weekly paper, in 
the German language, on May G, 1834, bearing the title, 
77ie Berks County Adler, but I have not been able to ascer- 
tain any particulars respecting the continuance of its pub- 
lication. 



NEWSPAPERS. 



409 



the printing-office and the newspaper to E. 
H. Ranch, who merged it with the Berhs County 
Ze'dung. A complete file of the Beobachtcr is 
amongst the valuable collection of the Pennsyl- 
vania Historical Society at Philadelphia. It 
was Republican in politics. He took an active 
part in the conventions and work of the Repub- 
lican party in this county. Upon withdrawing 
from the business of newspaper publication, 
he continued to carry on a book and station- 
ery-store till his decease, on September 14, 1879. 
In 1860 he acted as a deputy-marshal in 
enumerating the census of this district. During 
the Civil War, when small denominations of 
money were scarce, he was the first business 
man to issue personal scrip. It circulated 
freely upon his good credit and was entirely re- 
deemed. He was a Roman Catholic, highly 
esteemed for bis quiet, unpretentious manners. 

Reading Gazette and Democrat. — On 
the 9th of May, 1840, Jacob Kuabb and J. 
Lawrence Getz began the publication of a neu- 
tral family newspaper, called the Reading 
Gazette, with three hundred subscribers. Mr. 
Getz became the sole owner in November, 1846. 
Mr. Knabb sold his interest in 1844. William 
H. Boyer owned the interest of Mr. Getz for 
several yeare, the publication having been carried 
on by the firm of Knabb & Boyer. The size 
of the sheet was twenty-four by thirty-six inches. 

The Jefferson Democrat was instituted about 
the beginning of the year 1838, by Robert W. 
Albright. In June, 1841, it was sold to A. S. 
Whitman, who conducted it for a short time; and 
afterward, till 1848, it was owned and issued by 
Joel Ritter, Henry Longenecker and Reinhart 
(John M.) & Snyder (Geo. B.) It was then 
purchased by Mr. Getz, who consolidated the 
two papers, under the name of Reading Gazette 
and Democrat. Under this title the paper was 
conducted very successfully by Mr. Getz till he 
was elected to Congress from the district com- 
prising Berks County. During the Civil War 
he displayed a high order of ability in its pub- 
lication, first as a Democrat in advocating the 
principles of the Democratic party, but then as 
a patriot in standing by the Constitution, in ad- 
vocating the preservation of the Union and in 
encouraging voluntary enlistment for carrying on 



the war successfully for that purpose. His 
official duties obliged him to sever his connec- 
tion with tliis strong and influential publication, 
and in 1868 he transferred it to William S. 
Ritter and Jesse G. Hawley. Its size had in- 
creased to twenty-eight by forty-two inches. It 
was then conducted by the firm of Ritter & Co., 
in connection with the Readinger Adler, a Ger- 
man weekly, and the Daily Eagle, an English 
daily, till they dissolved partnership, in Novem- 
ber, 1874, when j\Ir. Ritter retired with the 
German weekly, and Mr. Hawlev continued the 
publication of the English newspapers. 

On September 28, 1878, Mr. Hawley substi- 
tuted Reading Weekly Eagle in place of the 
familiar title Gazette and Democrat ; and thus 
ended the career of a superior newspaper which 
occupied a high position in the journalism ot 
Reading for nearly forty years. Since 1848 it 
was an able, earnest and successful advocate of 
the principles of the Democratic party. The 
Adler was begun in 1796, twenty years 
afterward the Journal, and twenty-three years 
more the Gazette. These three publications 
traveled side by side as companions through the 
most progressive periods of the county and 
county-seat, — a progress which arose to a great 
degree from their own introduction and growth, 
as well as from the introduction and growth ot 
internal improvements and manufacturing in- 
dustries ; and the names of Ritter, Knabl) and 
Getz became prominent in the field of journal- 
ism, just as others in banking, manufactures 
and politics. 

J. Lawrence Getz was born at Reading, 
September 14, 1821. His father was George 
Getz, an officer of the L^nited States navy, and 
founder of the Berks and Schuylkill Journal and 
its publisher for a number of years. His grand- 
father, on the maternal side, was a soldier in 
the Revolution. He received an academic ed- 
ucation, read law in the office of Hon. William 
Strong and was admitted to the bar August 6, 
1846 ; but he never engaged in active practice. 

In 1840 he founded and began the publica- 
tion of the Reading Gnzette, an English weekly 
newspaper at Reading, with Jacob Knabb as a 
co-partner. Some years afterward he purchased 
the Jefferson Democrat, and then, as sole pro- 



410 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



prietor, merged the two into one, and issued the 
paper under the name of the Reading Gazette 
and Democrat. He conducted its publication 
very successfully till 1868. In politics it was 
a strong advocate of Democratic principles. 
During the Civil War he was a firm Union man, 
advocating the preservation of the union of the 
St{ites and the enforcement of the Constitution. 
With the national administration in the hands 




of the Republican party, whose principles were 
opposed to his own, the course which he pur- 
sued in publishing a Democratic newspaper was 
commendable. His patriotic sentiments con- 
tributed much towards creating a proper spirit 
of submis.sion in the adherents of the Democratic 
party. As an editor he displayed a high degree 
of ability and energy. 

In 185(3 he was elected as one of the repre- 
sentatives of the county to the State Legislature, 
and re-elected in 1857. During the latter term 
he was made Speaker of the House by the 
unanimous nomination of his Democratic col- 
leagues, an evidence of his popularity and 
ability. In 1866 he was elected to represent 
this district in the Fortieth Congress of the 
United States, and I'e-elected to the Forty-first 
and Forty-second Congresses, serving three suc- 
cessive terms from March 4, 1867, to March 4, 
1873. After his retirement from public life he 
edited for a time the Spirit of Berks, and he 



has since been an occasional contributor to the 
press of Reading and other cities. 

Alt Berks. — Alt Berks — Der Stern im Osten 
(Old Berks — The Star in the East) was a Ger- 
man weekly, instituted by William B. Schouer, 
on January 28, 1840. It was a Democratic 
organ, and started out with Martin Van Buren 
as a Presidential candidate for re-election. It 
was continued five years by the same publi.'-her 
and edit<^)r, who advocated with earnestness and 
ability the principles of Democracy. The sheet 
was twenty-eight by forty-four inches, with 
five columns to each page. Mr. Schouer sold 
the pai)er and printing material to Charles W. 
Guenther. 

SoMXE vox Alt Berks. — When Charles 
W. Guenther purchased Alt Berks, he continued 
its publication under a new title, — Sonne von 
Alt Berks (Sou of Old Berks). Its politics re- 
mained the same under his management. It 
was conducted by him successfully at Reading 
for three years, when it was sold and trans- 
ferred to Pottsville, where its title was changed 
to Pottsville Adler. At the time of its discon- 
tinuance here the list of subscribers numbered 
twelve hundred. 

EvENiX(j Herald was an English semi- 
weekly newspaper instituted by Abraham S. 
Whitman in June, 1846. The size of the sheet 
was eighteen by twenty-four inches, with five 
columns to each page. The price was one cent 
a copy, or one dollar a year. It was continued 
by him for a year, with increasing patronage. 
Feeling encouraged in this departure from the 
weekly issue, he took another step forward, and 
in June, 1847, he begau the publication of the — 
M()RNiN<T Herald, as a tri-weekly. In 
August following he enlarged its size, improved 
its general appearance and conducted its editor- 
ial department, in respect to politics, in a neu- 
tral manner, in order to elicit a favorable spirit 
in the community towards the publication ; 
and he fixed the subscription price at one dol- 
lar and twenty-five cents per annum. It was 
issued on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. 
He stated that the circulation was larger than 
that of any English newspaper in Reading, and 
" rapidly increasing." But it was not large 
enough for the expense, and a short experience 



NEWSPAPERS. 



411 



compelled him to change the tri-weekly to a 
weekly, and substitute for its title the — 

Reading Herald.— This weekly English 
paper was issued by Mr. Whitman on Thurs- 
days ; size of sheet, twenty-two by twenty-eight 
inches, with six columns on each page. The 
price was three cents a copy, or one dollar a 
year. On July 7, 1849, he began a new vol- 
ume, price two cents a copy, and dimensions 
reduced to sixteen by twenty-four inches, and 
changed the day of issue to Saturday. It was 
continued till June, 1850, when it was merged 
in the People's Advocate. 

The People's Advocate and Chronicle 
OF THE Times was an English weekly neutral 
newspaper, instituted by A. S. Whitman and 
Joseph E. Berret on June 20, 1850 ; size of 
sheet, twenty by thirty-two inches, six columns 
on each page, and the price was one dollar a 
year. In December following, its appearance 
in a new dress called forth from a cotemporary 
paper the following complimentary notice : " It 
has a neat, tasty look, is conducted with much 
spirit, and deserves to be well patronized." 
But this patronage, however well deserved, was 
not realized. Its publication was suspended in 
July, 1852, the editor (Mr. Wiiitman) announ- 
cing, as a reason, that he gave " too much labor 
for too little compensation." The subscription 
list (comprising several hundred subscriber.*) 
was transferred to the Gazette and Democrat. 

Berks County Democrat was an English 
weekly newspaper, instituted on September 16, 
1858, by Samuel L. Young and Andrew M. 
Sallade, two young attorneys of the county bar, 
for the special purpose of advocating the election 
of John Swartz as the representative to Con- 
gress from this district, and of opposing, in 
connection with many prominent men, that 
branch of the Democratic party which was 
known as the "Jones Faction." It was suc- 
cessful in the cause which it espoused. They 
continued its publication till December, 1858, 
when they sold it to J. Robley Dunglison, by 
whom it was issued for some time and then 
suspended. 

The School Album was a school journal 
instituted September 25, 1858, by two scholars 
of the " Reading High School, " James Millhol- 



land and Albert R. Durham. It was issued 
semi-monthly. The price was one dollar per 
annum. Its publication was continued with 
energy and success till February 5, 1859, when 
it was suspended on account of the sickness of 
the junior editor. At first these enterprising 
young men had circulated amongst the scholars 
a written journal entitled The Album. The 
principal of the school, appreciating their earnest 
labors in this behalf, encouraged its publication 
in a printed form. 

The Weekly Leader was an English 
weekly newspaper, begun on the 10th of May, 
1860, by J. Robley Dunglison, Esq. He con- 
ducted it as a weekly till the 23d of August 
following, when he suspended its publication 
for several weeks, whilst preparing to change it 
into a daily morning paper. He issued the first 
number of the Daily Leader on the 12th of 
September, and continued it as a morning paper 
till March, 1861, when he changed it into an 
afternoon paper. But as an afternoon daily it 
had a short life, having suspended with issue 
No. 159, on the 18th of March. 

Reformirten Hausfreund. — This is a 
German weekly religious newspaper, edited by 
Rev. Benjamin Bausman D.D., pastor of the 
St. Paul's Reformed congregation of Reading, 
and published by Daniel Miller, in the Repub- 
Hkaiier building. It was begun in 1867. Its 
size is thirty-six by forty-eight inches. It is 
conducted with spirit and success, and devoted 
mainly to religious topics. Its circulation num- 
bers nearly three thousand, and extends througii- 
out Eastern Pennsylvania, principally, if not alto- 
gether, amongst the Peimsylvauia Germans. 

Banner von Berks. — The Adler contin- 
ued to be the representative German weekly 
newspaper of our people for neai-ly seventy 
years. It passed through trying periods, but it 
had nothing to fear, supported as it was by the 
people in all parts of the county, with compar- 
atively little opposition. In December, 1864, 
William Rosenthal, a practical printer and edi- 
tor, and a German scholar, who had resided at 
Reading for four years, acting as editor-in-chief 
of the Adler, conceived that this territory would 
afford sufficient patronage to support another 
German newspaper, not so much in opposition 



412 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



to or competition with the Adler, as to occupy 
a new field, and represent the iuimigraut por- 
tion of tiie German population, just as the Adler 
represented the sentiments of the German families 
who had settled here many years before. He 
therefore began the publication of a German 
newspaper, and entitled it Banner von Berhs. It 
was an eight-page paper in the beginning, thirty- 
two by forty-four inches, the printing having 
V^eeudone at Piiiladelpiiia, on account of not hav- 
ing a press large enough, and continued to bedone 
there till September, 1867, when the size was re- 
duced and a Sunday paper was established by him, 
entitled Die Bicne, to supply literary matter ex- 
cluded by the reduction. The size then became 
twenty-eight by forty-three, four page, with nine 
columns on each page. It lias been issued reg- 
ularly till now, with increasing patronage. In 
politics, it is devoted to Democratic principles ; 
but it is not so much inclined to serve party 
politics as to elevate the notions of the German 
people, especially those who come as strangers 
into our community, to a proper conception of 
their duties, responsibilities and privileges under 
a free representative government. Its circula-. 
tion is general throughout the city and extends 
also into surrounding districts. 

Die Biexe is the only German Sunday news- 
paper published in the county. It was established 
in September, 1867, by William Rosenthal, as a 
literary supplement to the Banner von Berks 
when that sheet was reduced in size and a new 
press was introduced to accommodate his in- 
creasing business. It is a folio printed on a 
sheet twenty by twenty-six inches. Its circula- 
tion is mostly in Reading. 

Die Deutsche Eiche is a German weekly 
newspaper issued on Wednesdays. It was es- 
tablished by William Rosenthal on October 
19, 1869. It is an eight-page ])aper, printed 
neatly on a sheet twenty-si.x by thirty-six inches. 
It is the recognized organ of publication for 
the Order of Harugari in the United States, 
and has a M'ide circulation, being addressed 
weekly to two hundred and seventy-six post- 
offices. This order was first instituted in the 
country on March 9, 1847, and afterward (Au- 
gust, 1848) a lodge was begun at Reading 
named "Hermann," No. 16. Three others 



were subsequently instituted here. The total 
membership of the order in the whole country 
is about twenty-five thousand. 

WiLHELM Rosenthal was born November 
20, 1823, at Nordhau.sen, at the foot of the 
Harz Mountains, in Prussia, and educated in the 
gymnasium of that place, in which he pursued 
a collegiate course and graduated in 1840. He 
then entered the large publication-house of Dr. 
Philip Phu'bus and continued there employed 
for nearly five years. After conducting a pub- 
lication-house himself for a short time he, in 
December, 1846, emigrated to America, on a 
sailing-vessel named " Biene." He landed at 
New York in May, 1847, and was engaged for 
several months at practical printing in Ludwig's 
large establishment. In September following, 
he removed to Philadelphia and established and 
carried on a general book-store. Whilst in this 
business, the Revolution of 1848 in Germany 
developed a considerable excitement among the 
German citizens of Philadelphia, and he, with 
other earnest Germans, organized a " German 
Workingmen's Association," the object of which 
was to awaken proper sympathy for the move- 
ment in behalf of representative government 
and for the interests of the working people. He 
was elected as the first president of the associa- 
tion, and re-elected annually for five years. 
The members numbered one thousand. During 
that time the association erected a large three- 
story structure, sand-stone front, on Third Street 
below Green, and he superintended the build- 
ing operations. This building is still standing 
and known as "Mechanics' Hall." 

Mr. Rosenthal began his career as an editor 
in this country in 1848. In May of that year 
he was employed by F. W. Thomas to assume 
the editorship of a new daily paper at Philadel- 
phia, entitled Free Press, and its issue was 
successfully edited by him till 1855. In poli- 
tics it was Democratic. Then he established 
and published a German weekly, entitled Woch- 
enblalt, continuing its publication for three 
years, when it was purchased by Hoffman & 
Morwitz and merged into their paper, known as 
the New World. This latter paper he then 
edited till July, 1860, and also acted in that 
time as assistant editor of the Philadelphia 



NEWSPAPERS. 



413 



Democfrat, which was publislied by the same 
firm. Whilst thus emjjloyed he received a call 
to edit the Readinger Adler, aud accepting it 
he removed to Reading. 

When Mr. Rosenthal assumed tiie editorship 
of the Adler for its projirietor, Mr. Charles 
Kessler, the country was in a state of political 
agitation owing to the Presidential campaign of 
1860. He was an earnest Democrat, and the 
Adler was a jironounced advocate of principles 



the Republican administration in carrying ou 
the war. He was prominent in the Union 
meetings held at Reading, and exerted himself 
with success in encouraging voluntary enlist- 
ment, especially after the rebels had invaded 
our State. He continued in this position till 
Mr. Kessler sold the Adler to Ritter & Haw- 
ley, in 1864, and for a short time afterward. In 
the month of August of that year he was a 
delegate from Berks Conntv to the Democratic 




similar to his own, so he was in his natural ele- 
ment in directing the publication of this influ- 
ential paper. The election of Breckenridge 
was encouraged with all the power that he 
could command, and he'and Major J. Lawrence 
Getz, of the Gazette and Democrat, held the 
party together admirably. 

The Republican party took the government 
in hand and the Civil War followed. Mr. 
Rosenthal, in editing the Adltr, advocated the 
preservation of the Union, but denounced many 
of the extreme measures brought into effect by 



National Convention at Chicago, when General 
George B. McClellan was nominated for Presi- 
dent. This selection was a high compliment to 
him as a comparative stranger in the county, 
and indicated that his course as a Democratic 
editor had been satisfactory to the party in the 
county. 

In that time ]Mr. Rosenthal had formed a 
large and favorable acquaintance with the 
people of our county, and upon retiring from 
the Adler he established a German weekly, which 
he named Banner von Berks. It found imme- 



414 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



diate favor. He has published it siuce with 
an increasing success and enlarging circulation. 
In 1867 he began the publication of a Sunday 
edition of this paj^er, under the title of Die 
Biene (The Bee), naming it after the sailing-ves- 
sel which carried him from Hamburg across 
the Atlantic Ocean to New York, twenty 
years before. And tiiis was the first Sunday 
newsj)aper published in this county, and even in 
this section of the State. In 1868 he instituted 
a German daily paper, called the Reading Daily 
Post, an enterprise in this community, (rapidly 
growing more and more into English speaking 
and reading,) wliich required more than ordinary 
energy and ability for its successful establish- 
ment. He has also published this daily now 
for seventeen years ; and his pi-ominent con- 
nection with the Order of Harugari led him to 
issue a fourth German paper in 18G9, entitled 
Die Deutsche Eiche. This is the official organ 
of this seci-et society throughout the United 
States, and it has a large and wide circulation. 
These publications by him alone in one printing 
establishment indicate a man of unusual charac- 
ter, ability and business sagacity. 

Mr. Rosenthal has been connected with the 
building and savings associations of Reading 
since 1866, either as a director or officer. And 
besides assisting through them in building up 
and developing the city of Reading, he, in 
1884, erected a row of fine cottages on Mineral 
Spring Avenue ; and he has taken an active 
pai't in the musical and literary societies of 
Heading. In the twenty-five years that he has 
lived here, Mr. Rosenthal has become thor- 
oughly identified with the progress and wel- 
fare of our community. 

Republikaner von Berks. — During the 
Presidential campaign of 1868 a "German Re- 
publican Club " was organized at Reading, and, 
as a means of assisting them in carrying on 
more successfully their political work in behalf 
of the Republican party, they instituted a Ger- 
man weekly newspaper, under the title of Re- 
jmblikaner von Berks, and conducted it suc- 
cessfully, with Arnold Puwelle and Charles W. 
Guenther as editors, for a jieriod of fourteen 
weeks, till the close of the campaign. The 
great work of electing General Grant to the 



Presidency was accomplished, and the newspa- 
paper was then suspended. But its suspension 
was permitted for only a little while. Daniel 
Miller, a practical printer of Lebanon, and 
foreman for a time of the Pennsylvunier (a 
German weekly published there), came to Read- 
ing on the 1st of January, 1869, and, taking ad- 
vantage of the opportunity afforded for a Ger- 
man Republican weekly newspaper in the field, 
which had been developed, but not retained, in- 
stituted a publication — Republikaner von Berks. 
He issued the first number on Jan. 6, 1869. The 
size was twenty-four by thirty-six inches in folio, 
with seven columns to each page. Two years 
afterward he enlarged the size to twenty-six by 
forty-one inches, with eight columns to each 
page. This enlargement of a German newspa- 
per with Republican principles in a county 
largely Democratic indicates admirable man- 
agement, especially when we consider that the 
older German residents were passing away, and 
the gradual development of English education 
was inclining the people generally towards the 
English language. He has retained his hold 
upon the field since with increasing infiuence. 
The circulation extends throughout the county 
and into the borders of the adjoining counties. 

Daniel Miller was born in Lebanon 
County, Pa., on September 19, 1843. He was 
raised on a farm, and attended the county 
common schools till his sixteenth year, when he 
entered the printing-office of the Pennsylvunier 
at Lebanon, and learned the art of printing. 
Upon finishing his apprenticeship he was made 
foreman of the office, and continued in that 
position for ten years. On January 1, 1869, he 
removed to Reading and began the publication 
of the Republikaner von Berks, a German 
weekly newspaper. He has continued its pub- 
lication regularly till now with increasing suc- 
cess. Besides conducting this newspaper, he 
has carried on a job printing business, having 
published a number of books which have had 
an extensive .sale. Prominent among his pub- 
lications are " Life of Conrad Weiser," Trav- 
els of Rev. Dr. B. Bailsman in Europe, " Sinai 
and Zion," " Wayside Gleanings," " Life of 
Ulric Zwingle." 

He was married in 1865 to Sarah Keller, of 



NEWSPAPEKS. 



415 



Lebanon County, Pa., and they have issue 
four children — Henry K., Franlclin C, George 
(now deceased) and JNIary E. 

Spirit of Berks was an English weekly 
newspaper begun on May 6, 1876, by Daniel 
S. Francis, Isaac INIengel and George M. ^leu- 
gel. It was a firm advocate of Democratic 
principles. These ])ublishers conducted its 
publication successfully till April 13, 1878, 
when the Mengel brothers withdrew and Mr. 
Francis became the sole proprietor. The editor 
of the paper for a time was Garrett B. Stevens, 
Esq., who was succeeded by J. Lawrence Getz, 
Esq. Mr. Francis continued to publish the 
newspaper, with the assistance of Mr. Getz as 
editor, till November 14, 1881, when he sold it 
(and the Daily Spirit of Berks, which had been 
established by him several months before), in- 
cluding the printing materials, to John B. 
Dampman, who had for a short time filled the 
position of editor of the two papers. The name 
was then changed to Weekly Herald. 

The Reai)IX(4 Weekly News was insti- 
tuted by William S. Eitter on August 27, 1881. 
At this time there were being published at 
Beading nine weekl}' newspapers — six German 
and three English, of both political parties. 
Democratic and Republican. But Mr. Bitter 
found a place for the Weekly News, just as he 
had found a place for the Daily Neirs in 1880, and 
he has maintained its place since with increasing 
po])ularity. It is the representative organ of 
the Democratic party, and has a general circu- 
lation ill the city and county. Jacob Weidel, 
Esq., is editor of the paper. 

Beading Weekly Eagle is the title of a 
large and successful newspaper issued by Jesse 
G. Hawley, Esq., which was substituted by him 
on September 28, 1878, in the place of the 
Reading Gazette and Democrat, a weekly news- 
paper which had been previously published for 
nearly forty years. He became a joint owner 
of this well-established newspaper in 1868, and 
sole owner in 1874. It has a wide circulation, 
and contains in each issue a large collection of 
news from all sections and of interesting articles 
on various subjects. The editorial department 
is conducted by Mr. John D. Missimer. 

Reading Weekly Herald is the name of 



a newspaper which was substituted in the place 
of the Spirit of Berks upon a change of proprie- 
tors, in November, 1881. John B. Dampman, 
Esq., an attorney of the Berks County bar, then 
purchased the Spirit of Berks, and, after con- 
ducting it several weeks, formed a co-partnership 
with A. C. Buckwalter, a practical and success- 
ful newspaper publisher and manager at Reading 
for a number of years. They changed the 
name, and under the firm-name of liuckwalter 
& Dampman they have conducted it since with 
marked ability and success — the former being 
manager and the latter editor. 

A. C. Buckwalter was born at Phojnix- 
ville. Pa., December 4, 1843. He came to 
Reading in 1850. After attending the com- 
mon schools for eight years he entered the 
printing establishment of B. F. Owen, and 
served an apprenticeship with him. He then 
worked at the case in the office of the Gazette 
and Democrat for some time, and afterwards 
in the office o? the Miners^ Journal, at Pottsville. 
During the Civil War, while on his way west- 
ward, he enlisted at Cincinnati, entering the 
navy .service on the flag-ship " Louisville " in 
the Mississippi Squadron, and serving till near 
the close of the war. Upon his return to Read- 
ing he purchased a half-interest in the Evening 
Dispatch, and assisted in the publication of this 
daily newspaper for two years. His energy 
and ability made this enterprise a success. After 
an extended trip through the Southern States 
he bought a half-interest in the Daily Times, 
and conducted its issue successfully till 1869, 
when it was sold to J. Knabb & Co. He then 
started and published for a time the Evening 
Star, a jjenny paper. Afterward he became 
the manager of the Eagle printing establish- 
ment and continued actively engaged in its suc- 
cessful management for nearly ten years. In 
1881 he became interested in the Spirit of Berks 
publication with John B. Dampman, Esq. 
They formed a co-partnership, under the name 
of Buckwalter & Dampman, and changed the 
name of the newspapers to Reading Daily 
Herald and Reading Weekly Herald. He has 
since that time continued his connection with 
these papers. His energy and courage are 
creating for these publications an increasing 



41(j 



HISTORY OF BP]RKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



circulation and influence here and in the sur- 
rounding counties. 

John P. Dampmax was born July 29, 1851, 
in West Xantineal township, Chester County, 
Pa., and obtaining an education, attended the 
Cliester Valley Seminary, at Coatesville, Pa., 
Willistou Seminary, East Hampton, ]\Iass., and 
Pennington Seminary, Pennington, N. J. After 
graduating from the latter he spent a year at 
Princeton College. He then returned home 
and taught school for several years in Chester 
and Berks Counties. In 1873 he removed to 
Reading, read law for two years with George F. 
Baei', Esq., and was admitted to the Ijar Nov. 
8, 1875. He practiced the legal profession for 
six years, and then directed his attention to the 
publication of a newspaper, having purchased 
the Spirit of Berks, an English weekly at Read- 
ing. Shortly afterward he became associated 
with A. C. Buckwalter, and they together began 
the publication of the Daily Herald and Meekly 
Herald, wliich they have published successfully 
since. 

Other weekly ne\vspaj)ers were started and 
continued for a siiort time at Reading, promi- 
nent among them being, crks County Legion, 
Father Abrnham, Sunday Dispatch, Saturday 
Review and Sunday Review. 

NEWSPAPERS AT KUTZTOWX. 

Neutrai.ist. — The first newspaper published 
at Kutztown was the Neulralid. It was a Ger- 
man weekly, instituted by William Harmony. 
The first number was issued on the 12th of 
June, 1833. Its editors were Henry Hawrecht 
(a native of Berlin, Prussia, and formerly, for 
a time, editor of the Readinger Adler) and 
Charles Wink (a practical printer, who served 
an apprenticeship iu the Adler printing-office), 
and its motto was " Jedem das Seine " (Give to 
each one his due). These editors conducted the 
paper successfully till the spring of 1841, when 
they migrated to Ohio, and its publication was 
suspended. 

Geist der Zeit. — This paper {Spirit of the 
Times) was begun by Hawrecht & Wink on 
the 1st of June, 1841, upon their return to 
Kutztown from their Western trip. Hawrecht 
dying in 1859, its publication was continued 
till 1863 by his widow, when Mr. William Ro- 



senthal, of Reading, purchased it together with 
the printing-office and all its material. It was 
printed in German and issued weekly. 

DerHirt. — This newspaper (The Shepherd) 
was instituted and edited by Rev. J. S. Herman. 
The first number was issued on the 30th of 
June, 1854, and its publication was continued 
two years. Its list of subscribers numbered 
twenty-two hundred. It ^vas published weekly 
in the German language. 

Kutztown Journal was begun on the 3d 
of February, 1870, bj- Isaac F. Chri.st, and 
edited, successively, by Charles Kolbe (of Doyles- 

town), Geiz (of Allentown), F. Konietzks 

(of Reading), Conrad Gehring (of Reading) 
and Emil Meister. After publishing the news- 
paper successfully till March, 1875, he .sold it 
to his (then) editor, ]Mr. Gehring, and A. B. 
Urick, of Lebanon, who continued its publica- 
tion under the name of Urick & Gehring. In 
September, 1875, they introduced .steam-power 
for running their printing-press. The size at first 
wa.s twenty-four by thirty- .six inches. In 1876 
it was enlai'ged to twenty-eight by forty-two, and 
then it had sixteen hundred subscribers. It is 
printed in the German language and issued 
weekly. In 1877 Urick became the sole pro- 
prietor, anil he has published it regularly since. 

National Educator. — This newspaper was 
also begun by Mr. Christ, in the spring of 
1872. It was edited for a time by Professor 
A. R. Home, advocating principally the inter- 
e.st and advancement of the common-school .sys- 
tem of educatii>u. It was issued, at first, monthly, 
and in size it was sixteen by twenty-four inches. 
Subsequently it was changed to a weekly. In 
1876 the circulation was nine hundred. 

A>[ERKAN Patriot. — In ]May, 1874, Isaac 
F. Christ began the pul)lication of another 
newspapei', which he entitled American Patriot. 
It was partly German and partly English. Its 
size was twenty-four by thirty-six inches. Its 
publication was placed under the mauagenicnt 
of Conrad Gehring. In ]March, 1875, Mr. 
Christ sold it to Urich & Gehring. In 1876 
the circulation was five hundred. 

NEWSPAPERS AT HAMBURG. 

Hamburger Schnellpost is a German 
weekly newspaper, published at Hamburg. It 



NEWSPAPERS. 



417 



M-as begun by a firm named John Scheifly and 
AVilliam Shubert, in May, 1841, and published 
by tiiem till April 12, 1842. Then Shubert 
sold out his interest to M. A. Sellers, a jiracti- 
cal printer of Montgomery County, and the 
paper was issued by Scheifly & Sellers till 
December 12, 1843, when Mr. Sellers obtained 
sole control of it. 

It was published successfully by Mr. Sellers 
till March 25, 1845. He then transferred the 
newspaper and the printing establishment to 
Charles Bensaman, a young man who had 
learned the art of printing under him. Bensa- 
man carried it on till 1855, when he died, when 
it was sold to Moritz P. Docring, who has issued 
it successfully till now. The old hand-])ress is 
still used in printing its weekly editions. In poli- 
tics it has always been Democratic. Its circula- 
tion is mostly at and in the vicinity of Hamburg. 

The Hamburg Advertiser was the first 
English paper of general circulation printed at 
Hamburg. The first number appeared on July 
5, 1865. It was a six-column folio sheet, 
Republican in polities, started by M. H. Shol- 
lenberger, who was editor and publisher. In 
September, 1865, he sold the paper to O. A. 
Richards, who published it about a year and 
then disposed of it to David Q. Guigerj who 
changed the name to Tlie Hamburg Herald, and 
as such issued it for two years, when he removed 
it to Pottstown. Its publication was there con- 
tinued as the Pottdoxmi Advertiser. 

The Rural Press was the next venture in 
English journalism at Hamburg. It was first 
issued in the summer of 1872 by J. K. & J. 
G. Smith. Its publication ceased here in May, 
1875, when the office was removed to Saline, 
Ohio, where the paper is no\v issued by them 
under the name of Advance. A portion of the 
paper was devoted to the cause of education and 
general literature, under the editorship of Pro- 
fessor H. G. Hunter, who was then th(! principal 
of the Hamburg High School. The price was 
two dollars. The weekly issue numbered five 
hundred, which circulated at Hamburg and in 
the surrounding country. 

Der Hamburger Berichter was estab- 
lished in 1872 by William F. Tyson. It was 
a folio German paper with seven columns to a 



page. After two years of publication it was 
discontinued and the material I'cmoved to 
Reading. 

Has£BURG Weekly Item was instituted 
by Samuel A. Focht on April 17, 1875, in the 
form of a folio sheet, three columns to a page. 
The place of publication was in the countrv, 
three miles from Hamburg, where Mr. Focht 
engaged in this enterjirise as a novice. He had 
never learned the art of printing, and had 
scarcely seen the inside of an office before he 
opened his own. Yet he succeeded iu laying be- 
fore the public a neat and readable sheet. The 
issue was weekly at fifty cents per annum. It 
was printed on a Cottage press. In Alarob, 
1876, the office was removed to Hamburg and 
the size changed to a five-column folio, th.c sheet 
being eighteen by tvventy-six inches. On April 
15, 1882, the size was again increased to twenty- 
four by thirty-six inches, with seven columns 
to a page. The subscription price was advanced 
to one dollar per annum. In this form the 
Item is now issued by the original proprietor, 
from a well-equipped office on Main Street, with 
a growing patronage. 

NEWSPAPERS at BOYERTOWN'. 

The Boyertowx Bauer (Farmer) was a 
German newspaper, instituted at Boyertown 
by O. P. Zink in 1858. It was a folio, in size 
twenty by twenty-eighf inches. Ho continued 
its publication for two years and then sold it to 
Samuel Leaver, and Mr. Leaver published it 
till 1868, when he sold it to George Sassaman. 
Its title was then changed to Boyeitovm Demo- 
crat. 

The Boyertown Democrat was published 
as a German newspaper for a period of ten 
years from 1858 under the name of Boyertoirn, 
Bauer. It then passed into the ownership of 
George Sassaman, who substituted the name of 
Boyertoirn Democrat and enlarged the size to 
twenty-four by thirty-six inches. Its start and 
continuance under the new name were not very 
successful, for in one year afterward it was sold 
by the sheriff and purchased by William B. 
Albright, ex-sheriff of Reading. Mr. Albright 
carried on its publication for only a year and 
then sold it to Charles Spatz. Mr. Spatz taking 
hold of it with energy in 1871, he soon awakened 



418 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENXSYLYANIA. 



new life in its feeble publie<ation and won favor 
and patronage from the public. In 1876, find- 
ing a demand for Engiisli reading matter, he 
introduced the English language, making 
the newspaper half English and half German. 
He conducted its publication successfully till 
his death, in 1884, and left it to his estate with 
a circulation numbering thirteen hundred sub- 
scribers. It has been carried on since by his 
estate, with his son, Charles Spatz, as editor and 
manager. From the beginning till now it has 
been a stanch advocate of Democratic prin- 
ciples and the Democratic party. 

JJEWSPAPEES AT WOMELSDORF. 

AVoMELSuoEF GAZETTE. — In April, 1847, 
Samuel Mowry began the publication of an 
English-German weekly entitled WomdsdorJ 
Gazette, and continued it for nine months, when 
he sold it to Fasnocht Brothers. It was pub- 
lished by them for a year and then removed to 
Myerstown. Its news department was entirely 
local. 

WoMELSDORF Herald was instituted by 
INIichael K. Boyer, an enterprising young prin- 
ter from Reading, in September, 1870. It was 
an English nim-jiartisan weekly jiaper. He 
continued its publication till May, 1880, when 
Joel A\'eidman liecame the proprietor. Several 
months afterward Mr. Weidman was compelled 
to suspend its publication for want of patronage. 

WoMEi^sDOKF News. — In March, 1882, Joel 
Weidman encouraged himself to start again in 
the newspaper enterprise at this place, and then 
issued the first number of a small weekly en- 
titled Womelsdnrf Kcirs, with its subscription 
price at fifty cents per annum. In 1884 he 
took a partner, enlarged the paper, increased 
the price to seventy-five cents per annum, and 
under the name of Weidman & Engle, contin- 
ued its weekly publication till April, 1885, 
when it was suspended. 

NEWSPAPEES AT BIEDSBOEO'. 

BiRDSBORo' Pioneer was an English weekly 



uance at Birdsboro' it was transferred to Read- 
ing by Mr. Fries, where its title was changed 
to The Industrial Pioneer, and bec-ame the 
recognized advocate of the interestsof the work- 
ing people. Several months afterward a com- 
pany was organized at Reading, called the " In- 
dustrial Publishing Company," by which this 
newspaper was then purchased and published 
as a daily under the management of John Tom- 
linson, but it was discontinued after a struggling 
existence for four months. 

DAILY XEWSPAPERS. 

Weekly newspaper publications were carried 
on in Reading for fifty years before a daily was 
thought of — at least before a public proposition 
to this end was made. Many weeklies had been 
instituted in that time ; but they all suspended 
excepting two, and these two are worthy of es- 
pecial mention for their energy, success and lon- 
gevity — the Adler and the Journal — the former 
a German publication founded in 1796, and the 
latter an English publication founded in 1816. 
The population was certainly here to support a 
daily newspaper. The rapid increase of the peo- 
ple would seem to have warranted — if it did not 
inspire — such an enterprise in that period of 
time. Education was quite general, though 
stimulated with marked public energy after 
1834; and the Euglish language was growing 
gradually into favor. The railroad was cou- 
struc'ted, various shops and factories — especially 
j for the manufacture of iron goods — were erect- 
i ed ; even English churches were founded. The 
borough was promoted into a city. All these 
things came to pass, and yet the daily newspa- 
per had not yet arrived. The second period of 
Reading was unusually prolific in producing 
great things for the common progress of its cit- 
izens. In 1840 the population was eight tliou- 
sand four hundred and ten, and in 1847 it was 
about twelve thousand ; and in the respective 
vears named the entire county had alwut sixty- 
five thousand and seventy thousand. The railroad 



begun by B. F. Fries on April 24, 1873, at i extended through the entire Schuylkill Valley 
Birdsboro', aud continued till January, 1876. I to the north and to the south, but nowhere else 
It was a folio, size of sheet twenty-four by from Reading. The stages, however, ran daily 
thirtv-six inches. Its subscription list included ' in every direction. These means facilitated the 
five hundred subscribers. Upon its discontiu- , distribution of newspapers, and, indeed, encour- 



NEWSPAPERS. 



419 



aged the spirit of publicatiou. And yet there 
was no daily newspaper. The third period — 
the city — came. Then there were seven weeicly 
newspapers carried on successfully, — Adler, Jour- 
nal, Berks Count 1/ Pres% Libernle Beohac/ifer, Alt 
Berks, Jefferson Democrat and Reading Gazette. 
They were issued upon different days in the 
week, but mostly on Saturday. Naturally, this 
number was sufficient to discourage the thought 
of a daily publication. But the spirit ot enter- 
]>rise was working its way wonderfully through 
the people in different channels. Buildings were 
multiplying, trade was growing, population was 
increasing and many strangers were coming and 
locating here permanently. The daily events 
necessarily grew with the general growth, and 
the disposition to know them at once was pre- 
]iaring the way for a step beyond the weekly 
publication ; just as the stage-coach and canal- 
boat, through the energy of trading, were found 
to be slow and hail to make way for the steam- 
car, so the weekly newspaper was coming to be 
late in communicating news, the feeling against 
the delay was growing stronger and stronger, 
and public eagerness was clamoring for an im- 
jirovemcnt, for a step beyond the days of de- 
cades before. Of course, this had to be satis- 
lied — this feeling, this eagerness, ay, this curi- 
osity. And in time it was. 

READiNfi Heuai.u. — Reading was incorpr»r- 
ated as a city in March, 1847. Three months 
afterward Abraham S. Whitman, a practical 
young printer of Reading, took the first step 
beyond a weekly publication by instituting and 
carrying on a tri-weekly newspaper, which he 
entitled Tke Readiiuj Jlerald. His energy was 
strong and his spirit young. These gave him 
boldness to encourage the project. Within two 
months he enlai-ged its size and improved its 
appearance. What a conception this was to 
awaken enthusiasm in the master — public pat- 
ronage ! But he soon found that he had stepped 
— if not run — beyond his time, bej-ond the pub- 
lic; and, realizing that discretion would be to 
him the better part of valor, he stepped back to 
the plane of his cotemporaries and issued The 
lieadiiif/ Herald as a weekly newspaper. 

Reading Gazette. — About the .same time 
J. Lawrence Getz, publisher of the Reading 



Gazette (weekly), made the editorial announce- 
ment that he was encouraged to undertake the 
publication of a daily newspaper, and on the 
10th of July, 1847, he stated that he would 
i-ssue the first number on the following Monday 
(the 12th of July), his proposals having met 
with favor during the previous month in a can- 
vass of the city for subscribers. But he took the 
precaution to say (2Cth June) that if support 
could be obtained for the publication "well and 
good, we shall go ahead forthwith ; if not, well 
and good again, we'll wait a little longer." He 
i.ssued the daily ; but " it lived exactly nine 
days, and then went quietly out of existence." 
The price was two cents a copy or ten cents a 
week. 

These first efforts were in 1847. Ten years 
elapsed. In that time two new railroads were 
extended from this natural centre for en- 
terprise and population in amongst the hills of 
South Mountain, vna to the west through 
Lebanon Valley, the other to the northeast 
through East Penn Valley. From twelve 
thousand the population in the city increased 
to twenty thousand, and from seventy thou.sand 
the population of the county increased to ninety 
thousand. The post-offices round-about in the 
county multiplied from forty-one to seventy — 
truly a wonderful increase in this valuable de- 
partment of the public .service. The added 
wealth to the community from all sources was 
estimated not by the thousands of dollars, but 
by the millions, and the hand press — that la- 
borious time-server in -running off the issues of 
newspaper publications— was supplanted by 
the steam-press. Surely, under these inviting 
circumstances, the time would appear to have 
come for a certain step in advance of the days 
of 1796, of 1816, of 1847. 

Mr. Getz doubtless reasoned in this manner 
in 1857 ; and, satisfying himself that the pros- 
pects were favorable, he started in this enter- 
prise a second time. In the first issue (15th of 
June, 1857) he expressed himself in an editorial 
thus, — 

"Again we venture upon the experiment of a daily 
issue of the Reading Gazette. Ten years ago we tried 
it and it failed, or, more properly speaking, we aband- 
oned it Justin time to prevent its failure. It lived ex- 



420 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



actly ninedays, and then quietly went out nf existence. 
Some of our iriends, disp.i.'.ed to joke about tlie affair, 
although it was a very serious thing to us, called it ' a 
nine days' wonder.' It was so only in this particular 
—that it was very soon entirely forgotten. But, in 
other respects, nobody made the paper a subject of 
wonder. The only wonder expressed was at onr folly 
in undertaking so hazardous an enterprise. Few took 
any interest in our short-lived daily, and none thou"-ht 
it was needed. But ten years work many and great 
changes in men and things. Reading is "larger and 
more busy than it was then, and we are older and 
wiser, if experience be counted wisdom. The want of 
a daily paper in our city is now felt, and the desire 
appears to be general that the want should be sup- 
plied. To show our willingness to meet it, here the 
paper is." 

And he preseuted before the public a fine I 
morning newspa])er. It was a folio in size, 
twenty-two bv thirty-two inches, with six 
columns on each page. Its contents com- 
prised nine cohunns of reading matter and 
fifteen columns of advertisements. The price 
was two cents a copy and ten cents a week. He 
continued the pubiicaiion of it successfully, 
though under discouraging patronage, till the 
3d of February, 1858, when he changed the 
time of its issue to tlie evening, and reduced 
the price to si.\ cents a week. This ciiange 
was made as an experiment. The morninw 
issue not having Ijeen a profitable enterprise, he 
desired to ascertain whether or not public sen- 
timent would favor an evening issue at a re- 
duced rate. But the experiment was carried 
on for three weeks only, and, finding patronage 
too weak for the expense, he suspended its pub- 
lication on the 27th of the .same month. The 
last issue was No. 177. A local weekly ' com- 
plimented the si)irit and enterprise with which 
it had been conducted, but, in addition, ex- 
pressed the opinion that its suspension was by 
no means creditable either to the intelligence or 
to the public spirit of a city with twenty-five 
thousand inhabitants. Its list of jiatron.s em- 
braced four himdred and fifty regular sub 
scribers, but only sixteen out of two hundred 
and forty business men of Eeading took suffi- 
cient interest in its success to give it advertisino 
patronage. And thus ended the second at*^ 
tempt. It would seem that the daily newspa- 



' Berks and sckuy/kill Journal. 



per, like all great things in the progre.s.s of 
I mankind, could not be created in the firs't effort, 
but that several efforts in its behalf also had to 
j be made before it became an established insti- 
tution in our community. 

We may well ask why this daily was nf.t 
supported. It was certainly conducted with 
I ability, for Mr. Getz wa.s a practical printer and 
j editor of acknowledged experience and com- 
I petency. The secret of its fliilure may have 
I been hidden beneath its political bias. It was 
I an exponent of Democratic principles. About 
this time the political sentiment oF the city was 
against the Democratic party, and it would .seem 
to have been growing in favor of the Republi- 
can party. Just before, in 185(5, the city gave 
Buchanan (Democratic candidate for President) 
nearly one thousand majority, and, in 1857, it 
gave A. Jordan Schwartz (Democratic candi- 
date for mayor) 368 majority; but, in 1858, 
it gave Benneville Keim (candidate for mayor 
on the American ticket) 444 majority, and," in 
1859, for .same office, 944 majority over the 
Democratic candidate; and, in' 1860, it gave 
Lincoln (Republican candidate for Presideni), a 
plurality of 338, though the .sentiment agaiiU 
the Democratic party was .stronger, the majority 
having been 58t) in a total vote of 3700. A 
file of the issues of the daily is not in existence. 
Hence we cannot express a positive opinion. 
The political sentiment was against the editor, 
j and the price may have been too high, the ])eo- 
I pie not having been taught as yet to appreciate 
such a factor in their midst by paying for it at 
the rate of one cent a day or six cents a week. 

Re.\dixg Time.s.— Immediately after the 
suspension of the Herald a stronger feeling for 
a, daily newspaper manifested itself in the^city. 
So a third attemi)t was made. A sentiment in 
Its behalf had apparently been created at Mr. 
Getz's expense. This was by a stranger to the 
city. ^ In many things, it is .said, a prophet is 
not without honor, save in his own land. And 
it would seem that this was applicable here, 
with respect to the daily newspajjcr. J. Robley 
Dunglison, an accomplished young man from 
Philadelphia, settled in Reading about that 
tnne, and, finding an ojiening in tlie field of 
journalism, decided to take up the daily news- 



NEWSPAPERS. 



421 



jiaper for his vocation. On the 19th ot July, 
1858, he issued the first number of his paper, 
wiiich he entitled the Reading Daily Times. It 
was a folio, printed in the English language, in 
size sixteen by twenty-four inches, with five 
columns on each page, and issued in the morn- 
ing. In his salutatory, he said, — 

''Upon the cessation of the issue of the Dnilij Ga- 
z-iU, we were solicited by numerous friends to com- 
mence a new daily newspaper, whose columns should 
not only be perfectly neutral in politics, but be cor- 
rect and complete records of all matters of social in- 
terest in which the people of Reading and vicinity 
might beinterestel. Encouraged by their solicitation, 
a thorough canvass of the city was made, and finding 
sii])port guaranteed sufficient to warrant the com- 
mencement of the enterprise, we determined to risk 
the experiment.' 

Its contents consisted of nine columns of 
reading matter, and eleven columns of adver- 
tisements. Its price was one cent a copy, and 
si. x cents a week. The printing-office in which 
it was published, was situated on the north- 
west corner of Fourth and Penn Streets. 

Mr. DunglLson continued its publication till 
December 9, 1859. It was then sold to Henry 
Lantz and conducted by him successfully till 
lie enlisted in the Civil War, in September, 1861, 
when he transferred it to A. S. Whitman and 
('. F. Haas. He is given the credit of estab- 
lisiiing firmly the first successful daily jiaper 
at Reading. The firm of AVhitraan & Haas 
increased tlie price to eighteen cents a week, 
and issued it during the progress of the war 
with great aliility and success, displaying firm 
jiatriotism in advocating its vigorous prosecu- 
tion and in encouraging all measures for the 
J 1 reservation of the Union. Its columns con- 
tained full reports of the movements of the 
army, of the battles fought, etc., besides local 
and general news and interesting literary mat- 
ter. Tlie publishers displayed much enterprise 
in its publication. It was the only daily paper 
tiien issued at Reading. Daily papers from 
Philadelphia and New York — especially the 
Press from the former place, and the Tribune 
IVom the latter — were patronized by our com- 
munity for extended correspondence pertaining 
to the war in the several sections of the South- 
ern States, and for vigorous editorials in sus- 



taining the national government. In that 
thrilling period of our history the Times occu- 
pied a position here similar to the position of 
the othei papers named in their resjiective 
cities. 

In March, 1865, F. B. Slialters, Jr., became 
one of the firm, and in September following 
Mr. Haas retired, on account of official duties 
as clerk of the city. j\Ir. Haas had learned 
the art of printing under Mr. Whitman, and 
continued with him for a number of years, ad- 
vancing from a compositor to foreman, and 
thence to co-projirietor of a newspajjer. He 
was a man of ability and energy. In October, 
1865, the price was reduced to twelve cents a 
week. 

In October, 1868, jNIr. Wliitman withdrew 
from the firm. Mr. Shalters then became sole 
proprietor and editor, and conduc^ted it till 
April 3, 1869, when he sold it to A. C. Buck- 
waiter and Charles B. Rhoads. A stronger 
feeling for newspapers was being created in the 
community. At that time there were two com- 
petitors contending for a share of influence and 
patronage. These were the Dispatch and the 
Eagle, publisiied daily in the evening. The 
parties named published the Times successfully 
till June 19th following. Messr.s. J. Knabb & 
Co., the proprietors of the Berks and Sclmyl- 
kill Journal, then purchased it, and conducted 
it in connection with their weekly newspaper. 
In the previous eleven years, it had passed 
under the management of five different parties. 
But a new era began in its history under the 
direction of an established firm, its prosjjects 
soon brightening and its circulation extending. 
Within a year afterward (April 4, 1870) the 
firm purcha.sed the Evening Dispatch, and 
united it with the Times, entitling the news- 
paper Reading Times and Dispatch. From 
that time onward it has been successfully pub- 
lished by the same firm. The latter part of 
the title was dropped in December, 1881. In 
politics it has been a consistent advocate of 
Republican principles. In general and local 
news it has always exhibited energy on the 
one hand in collecting the daily occurrences 
both here and in distant places, and care on 
the other in reporting them correctly ; and the 



422 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



department of general literature for the family 
has been conducted with discrimination. In 
general reading matter, all the newspajjers of 
Reading display a praiseworthy energy towards 
creating increasing interest in daily publica- 
tions. Compared with publications ten years 
ago, they show considerable progress. In the 
line of general advancement thej^ are at the 
head of the column, advocating measures for 
the convenience and improvement of the com- 
munity. 

Evening Dispatch was a daily newspaper, 
begun on February 10, 1866, by J. D. Lacier, 
C. D. Eliot, H. Schultz and J.' L. Mast, who 
traded under the name of Lacier & Co. It was 
published every week-day afternoon, at fifteen 
cents a week, and seven dollars a year. Its 
size was twenty-two by thirty-six inches, with 
seven columns on each page. It was a thor- 
oughly Ilepublican paper, and conducted with 
energy and ability till April 4, 1870, when 
Messrs. J. Knabb & Co. purchased and merged 
it with tiie Daili/ Times, in conjunction with 
which paper, as the Rcadiiir/ Times and Dis- 
patch, it appeared on the following day. 

Eeading Daily Repouter was started by 
Alfred S. Jones as an independent newspaper 
on April 26, 1864, and carried on successfully 
by him for four months. It was a folio, price 
six cents a week. The subscription list, at the 
beginning, included twelve hundred patrons. 
John Ralston, Esq., then became a partner, 
and the newspaper was published, in an en- 
larged form, at ten cents a week, as a Demo- 
cratic organ for several months longer, and 
suspended. 

Reading Daily Eagle.— This daily Eng- 
lish newspaper was begun by William S. Ritter 
and Jesse G. Hawley, proprietors of the Adler, 
on January 28, 1868. Its size was twenty-two by 
thirty inches, and its price three cents a copy, ten 
cents a week and $4.50 a year. The motto 
placed at the head of the jjapcr was : 
" For the good that hides assistance, 
For the wrong that needs resistance." 

The firm of Ritter & Co. was dissolved on 
November 13, 1874, and the Dxihj Emjle be- 
came the property of Mr. Hawley. During 
that year the firm bought and introduced into 



their establishment a Hoe four-cylinder rotary 
press, costing nineteen thousand dollars. 

The daily issue was published six days of the 
week, in the afternoon, till February 25, 1877. 
Shortly before, an increasing demand had arisen 
for a Sunday local paper, and Mr. Hawley satis- 
fied this demand by i.s.suinga Sunday edition of 
the Eagle in the morning. It was at once 
appreciated. The price was, and still is, three 
cents a copy. It is the only Sunday English 
paper in the county. 

This newspaper has been issued regularly 
since on every day of the year with increasing 
patronage and success, and an extending circu- 
lation throughout this city and county, and into 
adjoining counties. It is independent in politics. 
Its columns show much energy and success in 
collecting news, both local and general. The 
editor of the.se papers, including the Wceklij 
Eagle, is John D. Missimer. 

Jbs.'^e G. Hawley, son of Je.sse Hawley antl 
Esther {nee Meredith) his wife, was born at 
Pughtown, in Chester County, Pa., on August 
8, 18:59, and educated at the Marshalton Acad- 
emy (a private institution in Chester County), 
Millersville Normal School, and at Pough- 
keepsie, N. Y. Whilst at the latter place he 
studied law at the National Law School. He 
then .settled at Reading in September, 1859, 
finished his legal studies under Maj. Samuel L. 
Young, at Reading, and was admitted to the 
Berks County bar on September 20, 1860. 
He continued in active practice till 1870. Dur- 
ing that time, in 1864, he purchased a half- 
interest in the Readinger Adler, and became in- 
terested with William S. Ritter in the business 
of printing and publication. He and his part- 
ner instituted the Daily Eagle in 1868, and 
purchased the Reading Gazette and Democrat 
in 1869. These three publications, together 
with a large book-store and printing establish- 
ment, were conducted very succes.sfully by them 
till 1874, when Mr. Hawley became the sole 
proprietor of all, excepting the Adler, his inter- 
est in which he then transferred to Mr. Ritter, 
and the firm of Ritter & Co. was dissolved. 
In 1877 he began the publication of a Sunday 
edition of the Eagle; and in 1878 he substituted 
the name of Weekly Eagle in the place of the 



NEWSPAPERS. 



423 



Gazette and Democrat. He has conducted his 
newspapers, printing establishment and book- 
store with great and increasing success. 

Since 1880 he has annually traveled very 
extensively throughout the United States and 
Europe, journeying across the continent in the 
former, and visiting all the important countries 
and metropolitan places in the latter. During 
a second visit to Europe, in T 885, he was accom- 
panied b}' his wife and daughters. 

Mr. Hawley was married to Kate E., daugh- 
ter of Louis Hitter, of Reading. He has two 
daughters, Edith and Helen. He is highly 
esteemed throughout the community for his 
business enterprise and progressive spirit. Gen- 
eral education and internal improvements have 
his constant and earnest encouragement. 

Die RE.4.DING Post.- — The first daily English 
newspaper was established at Reading in 1858. 
Ten years afterward a daily German newspaper 
was established here by William Rosenthal. 
This was on June 1, 1868. A departure of 
this character from the ordinary coui-sc of Ger- 
man newspaper publications required more than 
ordinary enterprise and courage, and also a care- 
ful survey of the community, in order to know 
tliat such a publication would be acceptable 
and be sufficientl)' patronized. But Mr. Rosen- 
tlial was equal to the task ; and, mastering 
the situation, he started out boldly and at 
once won success by -deserving it. And he has 
continued it till now. It is the only daily 
German newspaper in the State, outside of 
Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. It is a folio, 
printed on a sheet twenty-four by thirty-five 
inches ; price (including Sunday supplement) 
twelve cents a week, and six dollars a year. Its 
circulation is mostly in Reading. It has secured 
a strong hold upon the community through his 
intelligent and careful direction, avoiding offen- 
sive partisanship and the discussion of religious 
subjects. Mr. Rosenthal has accomplished a 
work worthy of special mention, when we con- 
sider the strong and persistent influences at work 
against the preservation of the German language 
and its daily use here by the increasing encour- 
agement given to English education. 

Daily Spirit of Bekks. — Mr. Daniel S. 
Franci.?, after having issued successfully the 



Weekly Spirit of Berks for over five years, was 
encouraged to issue a daily edition. On August 
G, 1881, he accordingly began the publication of 
the Ddily Spirit of Berks, and it met with im- 
mediate success. In November following, lie 
sold both papers to John B. Dampnian, Esq., 
who .shortly afterward formed a co-partnership 
with A. C. Buckwalter. This firm then re- 
organized the two editions and changed their 
names to the Mortiinr/ Herald and Weekly 
Herald. 

They have conducted both since with increas- 
ing success. The daily edition contains vigorous 
and independent editorials. It is conducted 
with ability. In politics it is neutral. ]\Iucii 
attention is given to the discussion of questions 
on tiie subject of hibor, and much enterprise 
is displayed in the news department, both local 
and general. 

The Reading Daily News M-as begun by 
William S. Ritter, tiie proprietor of the Adlev, 
on May 1, 1880. It is a folio sheet, twenty- 
four by thirty-six inches, with seven columns 
on each page, and issued daily, excepting Sun- 
days, in the afternoon. In politics it is 
thoroughly Democratic. Its editorial depart- 
ment is conducted by Jacob Weidcl, Esq. It is 
a progressive newspaper, showing energy in the 
collection of news and vigor in the discussion 
of general topics. It is now in its sixth year, 
in which time, notwithstanding the existence of 
three other daily papers at Reading, — two in the 
morning and one in the aftcnnioon, — it has ac- 
quired a considerable popularity and an extended 
circulation throughout the city and county. 

Other daily papers were conducted at Read- 
ing, but their publication was not continued 
for any considerable time. The earliest 
was the Daily Leader, and afterward there 
appeared the Evening Star, Evening Record, 
Daily People and Daily Greqjhic. 

Louis A. Wollenweber was at no time 
connected with the newspapers of Reading or 
Berks County. But he has been a printer, 
newspaper publisher and correspondent through 
a period of fifty yeai'S in this country, and 
identified him.self so thoroughly with our com- 
munity that he is worthy of a place in thi« 
chapter. 



424 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



He was born December 5, 1807, at Ixheim, 
a suburb of the town of Zwiebriicken, Germany, 
and tliere learned the trade of printing. After 
the French Revolution he manifested an active 
public interest in politics, and made speeches 
against the crown. This conduct obliged him 
to flee from his country. He emigrated to the 
United States, landing at Philadelphia, July 
18, 18.32. He spent the following year at 
Reading and then returned to Philadelphia, 
where he found employment at printing. In 
August, 183(3, he instituted there the first 
daily German newspaper in the United States. 
It was entitled Frei-einige ; and in 1838 he 
began the publication of another daily German 
newspaper, entitled Flii/adclpJiia Democrat, 
and continued its issue regularly till 1852, when 
he sold it to Hoffman & Morwitz, and retired 
from the active duties and responsibilities of 
newspaper life. After residing again at Read- 
ing during the years 1854 and 1855 he acted as 
agent for a number of German steamship lines 
at Philadelphia. Whilst filling this position 
his only son Louis was killed in the Civil War, 
in the .service of the national government. This 
was a hard blow to hira, but he bore the sacri- 
fice willingly, because it was for a great and free 
country which he, as a stranger, had learned to 
love. Shortly afterward he moved permanently 
to Berks County. He lived at WomeLsdorf till 
1876, and then settled at Reading. He is the 
local agent here for the German Consul, and is 
al-so correspondent for a number of prominent 
German new.spapers in this country and in 
Germany. During his residence at Womelsdorf 
he became interested in our early local hi.story, 
and after gathering considerable facts, particu- 
larly relating to the German immigrants, he 
published, in 1880, a small, but interesting book 
in the German language, entitled Die beiden 
ersten Dcutschcn Ansiedter in Pennsi/lvdnien, 
and about the same time another, entitled iJic 
B.rg Maria (narrating the affecting story of a 
German woman who lived alone on the moun- 
tain in Pike township, this county). He is a 
stranger in a strange land, but he is thoroughly 
appreciated for his genial and .sociable disposi- 
tion and upright deportment. He has found a 
desirable home here in the midst of beautiful 



hills, and, as he expressed himself, he wants to 
be buried in his beloved old Berks Countv. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 

The internal improvements of the county 
relate to the several prominent affairs which 
have been instituted and carried on for the 
general development, convenience and enrich- 
ment of the whole community. 

They comprise the following subjects : Schuyl- 
kill River, Bridges, Roads and Turni)ikes, 
Stages, Canals, Railways, Public County Build- 
ings, Post-OfficeS; Telegraph and Telopiuine. 

Each of the.se subjects are treated in the 
order mentioned. 

SCHUYLKILL EIVER. 

In a natural aspect, the Schuylkill River has 
occupied an important position in the well-being 
of the county. We can only appreciate this 
position by realizing the great advantages which 
it has afforded us in leading away successfidly 
the enormous quantities of water throughout 
the year, from the mountains and valleys to the 
sea. And its meandering channel is worthy of 
consideration, inasmuch as the flowing waters 
are thereby detained in their onward course to 
moisten tlie air and vegetation, and to proceed 
with only such .speed as not to injure the adjoin- 
ing country. 

Flshing and Navigation. — In a practical 
aspect, it has been valuable in various ways — 
two especially, fishing and navigation. In 
respect to fishing, it was a source of profit and 
subsistence to the early settlers who occupied 
the adjoining properties. They discovered this 
fact immediately after settling here ; and to 
facilitate the catching of large quantities of fish 
with little labor and expense, they erected ^\-eai-s, 
racks and dams in the river, into -which the 
fish were driven by the fishermen, who either 
waded afoot or rode on horseback through the 
water. And in respect to navigation, it was 
likewise a source of advantage to tiiem in eu- 



INTERxXAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



425 



abling them to carry convenieutly, by boats, 
flats and canoes, and with little expense, great 
quantities of grain and goods of all kinds, to 
the market at Philadelphia. 

Peuu had hardly lauded here before he found 
that navigation in the river was obstructed by 
fi-<hing wears and dams; and believing them 
lo be objectionable, he encouraged legislation 
against them. Various acts were passed, but 
tiie wears and dams were not abandoned. This 
process of fishing continued. But eventually 
the inconvenience and suffering occasioned by 
them became so burdensome that loud and 
earnest complaints arose, when they were dis- 
continued ; but not till the assistance of the 
law had been invoked. The farmers of our 
own county having been concerned in the 
difficulties which they occasioned, I submit 
such details as I could find relating to them. 

O15.STRUCT10NS TO Navigation. — Deposi- 
tions in respect to these dams, and the obstruc- 
tions to navigation, were taken before George 
Boone, Esq., on the 12th of March, 1728. 
The following witnesses, who resided in Amity 
township, were heard : 

" Marcus Huliii(i said that as he was going down 
the Schuylkill with a canoe loaded with wheat, it 
struck on a fish-dam and took a great deal of water 
into the wheat, by means whereof his wheat was 
much damnified and was in great danger of being all 
lost. At another time he struck fast on a fish-dam 
and would have lost his whole load of wheat if he 
had not leaped into the river and with hard labor 
prevented the canoe from swinging around, and 
thereby he suffered very much in his body by reason 
of the water and cold. And at still another time he 
struck fast on one of the rack-dams, and with great 
hazard and hard labor escaped with his life and load. 

" Jonas Janes said that in the month of February, 
the weather being extremely cold, ho struck fast on a 
fish-dam, and, to save his load of wheat, was obliged 
to leap into the river to the middle of his body, and 
with all his labor and skill he could not get off' in less 
than half an hour. Afterward he proceeded on his 
journey with the clothes frozen stiff on his back, by 
means whereof he underwent a great deal of misery." 

" Janob Waren said that he struck fast on a dam 
with a canoe loaded with wheat and he and his part- 
ner were forced into the river ; and then one of them 
was obliged with all his might to hold the canoe 
whilst the other dug away the stones of the dam and 
thus with much difficulty got off. 

" Laac Smul/y said that whilst going down the 



rivor he struck fast on a rack-dam with one hundred 
and forty bushels of wheat in a canoe,' and in order 
to save the load from being all lost, he (much against 
his mind) was obliged to leap into the river. The 
water, being up to his chin in depth, frequently 
dashed into his mouth, where between whiles he 
breathed. He and his partner were only able to hold 
the canoe with great labor, whilst a young man, 
there present, ran above a mile to call help to get 
them ofl'. 

" Walter Campbell said that he had stuck fast many 
times on the fish-dams with his canoe loaded with 
wheat, and been forced to leap into the river before 
he could get off. 

" Jonas Vuciitn and Ilichard Dunldin said that they 
got fast on a fish-dam with their canoe loaded with 
si.\ty bushels of wheat; and the said Dunklin's wife 
and a young child whilst in the canoe were for more 
than an hour in great danger of being overset into 
the river, and if this had happened they would un- 
doubtedly have been lost. 

" Barnabas Boarles said that he struck fast on a 
fish-dam in the Schuylkill for several hours in the 
cold winter season, destitute of any help, in which 
time he underwent many hardships and at last got off 
— during all which time he was in great danger both 
of his life and load. And that he had been fast on 
the said dams at divers times and in great danger. 

" And John Boone, Joseph Boone, James Boone, Sam- 
uel Boone and Gconje Boone also said that they were fast 
sundry times on the said fish-dams and rack-dams ; 
and to preserve their loads of wheat, they were forced 
several times to leap into the river, escaping very 
narrowly with their lives and loads." 

Riot between Boatmen andFishepmen. 
— These obstructions in the way of navigating 
the river had existed for some time before this 
investigation and continued for some years 
afterward. The fi.shermen claimed the right to 
carry on fishing, especially since they had ex- 
pended considerable money and labor in con- 
structing their wears and dams in the river at 
and near their properties. In locating them, 
they selected places most convenient and advan- 
tageous : but these were generally where they 
obstructed navigation most. The canoes, in 
passing down the river, naturally demolished 



1 These canoes were evidently of considerable size to 
carry so large a quantity of wheat. They were hewn out 
of a single trunk of a iree. The growth of the trees in 
the wild, extended forest of that early day was very larprc. 
Williiirn Penn slated, in a letter written in 1(183, that he 
had seen a canoe made from a poplar tree which carried 
four tons of bricks. The Smally canoe must have been 
one of this size, if not larger. 



426 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



them and necessarily injured tlie business and 
success of the fishermen. Hence, they com- 
plained. But the farmers, who lived up the 
river, also claimed the right of navigating in 
and through its waters for the purpose of con- 
veying merchandise to the market at Philadel- 
phia, and they were determined to exercise this 
right. Xothwithstauding these difficulties in 
the way of each class, the fisherman continued 
his fishing and the farmer continued his navi- 
gation, the one losing fish and the other 
risking cargo and life. Si.'c years passed, how- 
ever, before they culminated in proceedings at 
law — for the farmers had in this time suffered 
such marked inconveniences and losses that 
patience ceased to be a virtue, and they accord- 
ingly lodged complaints before George Boone, 
Esq. (a justice of Phii;\delphia Countv, in Oley 
township), and obtained a warrant for removing 
the obstructions in the river and tiie arrest of 
their assailants. This warrant was placed in 
the hands of the constable of Amity township 
(William Richards), on the 20th day of A]iril, 
1738 ; and, with deputies to accompany him, 
he proceeded down the river to execute the 
same. But the fishermen had no fears for the 
law and the constable who had visited them to 
execute its mandate. They defended their 
wears and dams, and their opposition resulted 
in a riotous demonstration. The facts relating 
to it are detailed in the following interesting 
deposition of the constable, taken on the 27th 
of April following : ' 

"That, on the twentieth day of this instant, April, 
he received a warrant requiring him to take to his as- 
sistance such persons as this deponent should think 
proper, and go down the Schuylkill and remove all 
such obstructions as should be found in the said river. 
In obedience to which warrant he took several per- 
sons, inhabitants of the said county, as his assistants, 
and together with one Robert Smith, constable of 
Oley, who had received a warrant to the same pur- 
pose, went down the said river in three canoes to 
Mingo Creek, where they found a large number of 
racks and obstructions in the said river, and saw four 
men upon an island near the said racks ; that this de- 
ponent and company removed the said racks without 
receiving any opposition. Thence they proceeded 
down the river to the mouth of Pickering's Creek, 
near which they found several racks, which extended 



' 1 Pennsylvania Arch., 553-554. 



across the said river to an island, which racks this de- 
ponent and company also removed. Then immedi- 
ately about the number of two hundred men came 
down on both sides of the river, and were very rude 
and abusive, and threatened this deponent and his 
company, and expecting from the ill language and 
threats given that some mischief or a quarrel would 
ensue, he took his statF in his hand and his warrant, 
and commanded the said men, in the king's name, to 
keep the peace, and told them that he came there in 
a peaceable manner and according to law to move the 
racks and obstructions in the river, upon which some 
of the said men damned the laws and the law-makers, 
and cursed this deponent and his assistants ; that one 
James Starr knocked this deponent down in the river 
with a large club or stake, after which several of the 
said men attacked this deponent and company with 
large clubs, and knocked down said Robert Smith, 
the constable, as also several of his assistants; thiit 
one John Wainwright, accompanying him, wa< struck 
down with a pole or stafl', and lay as dead, with his 
body on the shore and his feet in the river; th.at this 
deponent and company, finding that they were not 
able to make resistance, were obliged to make the be>t 
of their way in order to save their lives; and they to- 
gether after this proceeded down the river, in order 
to go to Philadelphia to make complaint of the ill 
usage they had received. As they came near Perki- 
omen Creek they found another set of racks, which 
were guarded by a great number of men. That this 
deponent and company requested the said men to let 
them go down the river, and, if they would suffer 
them to pass, they would not meddle with their racks. 
Upon which the said men abused and cursed this de- 
ponent in a very gross manner, and said that they 
should not pass by them. One of the said men called 
out aloud, and offered five pounds for Timothy Mil- 
ler's head, the said Timothy being one of deponent's 
assistants, and another of the said men called out 
to the said Timothy to make haste away. And after- 
ward the said men pursued this deponent and com- 
pany, who, for fear of being murdered, made the best 
of their way with their canoes to the mouth of the 
Perkiomen Creek, and there went ashore, and left 
their canoes there, with Some clothes, which are since 
reported si^lit in pieces and the clothes turned adril't 
in the river." 

Benjamin Milliard, one of Richards' assis- 
tants, a resident of Chester County, deposed on 
the same day that the statements made by 
Richards, in his deposition, were true. 

The Executive Council having been informed 
of this obstruction to legal process and this 
attack upon the constable and his assistants, 
they, on the 25th of April, 1738, recommended 
to the justices of the coimties of Philadelphia 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



427 



and Chester to issue their warrants for appre- 
hending all such persons who were concerned in 
the said riot and outrage. 

The fishermeu were doubtless arrested, for 
the sheriifs of the said counties were " enjoined 
and required, with sufficient assistance, if need 
he, to cause the warrants to be duly executed," 
and the farmers of Amity township were 
enabled to carry their wheat, etc., by canoes on 
the river to Philadelphia without any further 
trouble from their opponents. 

There was no trouble along the Schuylkill 
above the mouth of the Manatawuy, in ref- 
erence to M'ears and dams. And yet fishing 
was carried on to a great extent, especially by 
the citizens of Reading. There were two fish- 
pools which were particularly famous for their 
supplies of fish, — " Levan's " and " Lutz's," 
the former at the foot of Neversink, and the 
latter a short distance above. Fishing was 
continued successfully for se%'euty years in these 
2^ools till the construction of the " Little Dam" 
in tlie Schuylkill Canal, and this forcetl their 
abandonment. Fishing with nets was common. 
It was a regular pursuit with some people. 
After the canal began to be constructed fisher- 
men turned to the river for sport with the rod 
and line rather than for profit with nets. 

Fords over Schuykill in 1778. — The 
following fords over the Schuylkill River from 
Reading southwardly to the county line were 
reported in 1778 : 

Miles frcim Rcuiling. Depth of water. 

... Kern's 9 in. 

... Frederick Micket's 12 in. 

... Henry Binganaan's 15 in. 

... Stock Falls 10 to 15 iu. rocky 

2 Callopey Stream 18 in. rocky 

... Lewis' Ferry [12 to 15 in. very rocky 

... Cow and Calf. 12 in. 

6 Lewis' Falls [5 to 7 in. long and rocky 

7 Postion, Murry Island 10 to 12 in. 

... Leonard Lappoe's Shoals 8 to 12 in. 

8 Green Tree Ford 5 to 6 in. 

9 Baichel Shoals 8 to 12 in. 

11 Jacob Hewit's Ford 8 in. 

J4 Campljell's Ford 6 to 7 in. 

15 David Davis' Ford 7 to 8 in. 

17 White Horse Ford, Gerlin's... 12 in. 

... Al)rahara Wanggert's Ford 15 in. 

Navigation encouraged by Legisi-a- 



TiON. — The Schuylkill River forms the western 
boundary of Reading, In its natural state, be- 
fore it was coutracted on both sides by the 
con.struction of the Schuylkill Canal along its 
eastern bank, and of the Union Canal along 
its western, it was over six hundred feet wide. 
Its bed was capable of carrying a large body of 
water. Before 1800 the quantity of water 
which flowed daily through its meandering 
channel was considerable. It occupied a very 
important relation with Reading in its early 
history, much more than since the introduction 
of the canals and railways. It was not only in- 
dispensable in receiving and carrying away 
the drainage of the town, but also useful for 
navigation, in the transportation of merchan- 
dise by boats to Philadelphia. Spring was 
generally selected as the time when .shipment 
by water could be most conveniently and satis- 
factorily made. Then the water was higher 
than during the other seasons of the year. 
Heavy cargoes on flat-boats wotdd float down 
the river with ease, requiring only proper and 
careful steering. The steersmen were expert in 
keeping the boats in the channel, and very 
seldom failed to reach their dastination success- 
fully. Besides the long paddle at the stern ot 
the boat, for guiding purposes, there were pole- 
men, with long, stout poles, who were stationed 
at the bow, and there directed the boat to the 
right or left, as necessity required. Poling 
was not generally required to propel the boat 
with the current; this labor was practiced in 
returning against the current. And what a 
labor it must have been ! we cannot imagine 
the strength, energy and persistence which it 
required. Horse-power could not be intro- 
duced. There were no tow-paths. 

The improvement of the river, to facilitate 
navigation, was a subject of consideration by 
our eai-ly inhabitants, both of the county and 
county-seat, for many years. Its agitation be- 
gan at an early period. An enterprising citi- 
zen of the county addressed an interesting 
letter to the Pennsylvania Gazette, at Philadel- 
])hia, on March 24, 1760, in reference to clear- 
ing the river from obstructions, expressing the 
opinion that their removal would encourage 
transportation of produce, etc., by water, and 



428 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



be of iucouceivable benefit, as well to Phila- 
delphia as to the couuty of Berks.' The matter 
was of such importauee as to gain the attention 
of the Provincial Assembly, and obtain appro- 
priations for the improvement of the channel. 

A year afterward (March 14, 17Gl),an act 
of Assembly was passed which provided as 
follows : 

" Whereas, The river Schuylkill is navigable for 
rafts, boats, and other small craft in times of high 
freshes only, occasioned by tlie obstruction of rocks 
and bars of sand and gravel in divers parts of the 
same ; 

"And whereas, The improving the navigation of the 
said river, so as to make it pass.able at all times, will 
be very advantageous to the poor, greatly conducive 
to the promotion of industry, and beneficial to the 
inhabitants residing on or near said river, by enabling 
them to bring the produce of the country to the 
market of the city of Philadelphia, and thereby 
increase the trade and commerce of the province ; 

" And whereas, Divers of the inhabitants of this 
province, desirous to promote the welfare of the pub- 
lic, have subscribed large sums of money for the 
purposes aforesaid, and, by petition to the Assembly, 
have requested that commissioners may be appointed 
by law to take, receive, and collect the said subscrip- 
tions, and such others as shall hereafter be given or 
subscribed, and to apply and appropriate the same 
for and towards the clearing, scouring, and rendering 
the said river navigable as aforesaid ; 

Therefore be it enacted, That Joseph Fox, .Tohn 
Hughs Samuel Rhoads, John Potts. William Palmer, 
David Davis, Mordecai Moore, Henry Pawling. James 
Coultas, Jonathan Coates, Josejdi Millard, William 
Bird, Francis Parvin, Benjamin Lightfoot, and Naac 
Levan shall be, and hereby are, constituted and 
appointed commissioners for clearing, scouring and 
making the said Schuylkill river navigable : * * * 
with full power the moneys collected and received to 
lay out, appropriate and employ for and towards 
making the said river navigable and jiassable for 
boats, flats, rafts, canoes and other small vessels, from 
the ridge of mountains, commonly called the Blue 
Mountains, to the river Delartare." 

The commissioners were authorized to en- 
large, straighten and deej)en the channel of 
the river, in any part or ])lace which should 
appear most convenient. And persons were 
forbidden to erect, build, or set up, or maintain 
any wear, rack, basket, fisliing-dam, pound or 
other device within said river, or to fix or 

' The communication was signfid by G. J. I could not 
ascertain his name. 



fasten any net across the same, whereby the fish 
may be obstructed from going up the said 
river, or to ta]<e, destroy or spoil any spawn, 
fry or brood of fisli, under the penalty of 
twent}' ])ounds, or six months' imprisonment. 

The last four commissioners named in the 
act were residents of Berks County, and men 
of large wealth and great influence. But tliey 
did not succeed in their projected enterpri.'je, 
though they doubtless proceeded, to a certain 
extent, in removing obstructions, etc., in the 
river. In 1773 a supplement was passed to 
the act mentioned, whereby new commi.s.sion- 
ers were appointed' to execute the provisions 
of said act, and the stirviving previous eotn- 
missioners were required to j)ay over to them 
the moneys collected and remaining unappro- 
priated. 

In the "Potts Memorial," the authoress 
(Mrs. James) states (p. 140): "In 1769 it 
(the navigation of the Schuylkill) seems to 
have been a perfect battle-cry; and the news- 
papers of that date are full of notices and 
descrijitions of contending interests. Parties 
ran high upon this local i)i'oject, and more 
prominence is given to it in the newspa])ers 
than to the oppressive acts of Parliatnent, which 
were soon to sever the colonies from the mother- 
country." 

And the latter coinini.ssioners did not ac- 
complish anything worthy of special mention.^ 



2 From Berks County — Mark B'.rd, James Star, Jncoh 
Kern and John Pawling, Jr. 

^A new and third act was passed 24th Sfarcli, 1781. 
Thivteen commissioners were appointed for same purpose. 
From Berks County— Miirk Bird, Ballzer t^elir, George 
Douglass and John Miesler. 

And a fourth act passed 15th Marcli, 17St, owing to 
previous laws being inadequate. Twenty-two commission- 
ers were appointed altogether. 

Those from Berks County, and for districts in 'Berks, 
along Schuylkill Kiver, were as follows: From Berks 
County line to Beidler's Mill, Abraham Lincoln and 
Mordecai Miller; tlienee to mouth of Tulpeiiocken, Jolin 
Bishop and George Gardiner; thence to moutli of Maiden- 
creek, John Mears ; thence to moutli of Tamagiiay Creek. 
Ijharles Sclioemaker and George Miller ; thence to coal- 
mines on Schuylkill at Basler's saw-mill, Ilinry Ilaller, 
Samuel Baird and Fridjrick Clecknir. 

On 13th April, 17111, an act was pas.scd appropriating 
twenty five hundred pounds to improve the Schuylkill, 
IVoui the lower fulls to Reading. 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



429 



The river, notwithstandiug these efforts, re- 
mainefl about the same in I'espectto navigation. 
The only practicable and expensive improve- 
ments in and along the river were effected fifty 
years afterwards, by the construction of the 
Schuylkill Canal, during which time the in- 
habitants of the county transported their grain 
and merchandise on boats and flats, in the same 
manner as they formerly had done, twice a 
year, generally in the freshets of spring and 
fall. 

AMien the Revolution began in earnest, the 
subject of improving the river for navigation 
was apparently forgotten. The citizens felt 
that they were taxed sufficiently for the one 
great purpose of carrying on the war for inde- 
pendence. After its successful conclusion, they 
directed their attention again to business affairs 
and to the development of such local improve- 
ments as tended to facilitate intercourse be- 
tween the people of the several .sections round- 
about them. Over ten years elap.sed before the 
fruits of agitation were realized; then, however 
they began to manifest themselves in directing 
public attention to the necessity, utility and ad- 
vantage of bridges, and turnpikes and canals. 

First Board of TR.\nE. — The navigation 
of the river induced the organization of the first 
Board of Trade at Reading. A number of 
jironiineut business men of the borough as- 
sembled on March 1.3, 1807, and considered the 
subject of the navigation of the Schuylkill ;and 
then they formed a society under the name of 
"The Society for Promoting the Clearing of the 
River Schuylkill." The men who constituted 
this society were James May, William Moore, 
Gabriel Hiester, Jr., John Birkinbine, Lewis 
Reese, Samuel D. Franks, Joseph Hiester, 
Benjamin Davis, John Witman, Isaac Addams, 
Matthias Ludwig, Peter Nagle, George De B. 
Keim, John Spayd, William Stable, Daniel 
Oyster. 

It is not known, however, what practical im- 
jirovemonts these men effected in carrying out 
the object of their existence as a .society, for 
nothing has been preserved to show what steps 
they took in the matter beyond their organiza- 
tion. It is probable that the society died shortly 
afterwai'd, especially after the agitation of the 



subject of a canal for the same purpose, and its 
subsequent construction. Fifty years of thought 
in this matter had not brought the river into 
such a state as to encourage transportation by 
sailing-vessels. The channel was evidently too 
difficult to master, and the water supply was 
too small to sustain a grand succession of dams. 
Hence it must have been regarded as impracti- 
cable. But within twenty years afterward, the 
difficulty was solved by the construction of an 
artificial narrow channel for slack-water, with 
numerous locks whereby to overcome grade 
and detain the water in certain levels to facili- 
tate navigation. 

Freshet.s. — Numerous freshets have swept 
down the Schuylkill and its tributaries, entail- 
ing great losses upon the adjoining property- 
holders. By evidence from various sources, I 
am able to refer to them for a period extending 
back nearly one hundred and thirty years. The 
inhabitants of Reading were the principal suf- 
ferers from the sweeping waters which found 
an angry escape to the sea. 

Freshet of 1757. — The first reference to a 
freshet which I could find is in the journal ot 
Jacob Morgan, which be kept wiiil.st commander 
at Fort Lebanon, during the French and 
Indian War. On the 15th of July, 1757. he 
states that there was a heavy rain-fall all of that 
day, and that the creeks were so high that the 
S(;huylkill rose perpendicularly fifteen feet in 
nine hours' time, being considerably higher 
than was ever known in these parts. This is 
all that was reported. No damages wei'e 
mentioned. Then there was not a bridge across 
any of the streams in the county, and Reading 
was not laid out in that portion lying between 
Third Street and the river. 

Freshet of 1786.— A freshet visited the 
county in 1786, which, it is believed, was the 
highest, if not the greatest, that ever occurred 
in this vicinity. There was no new.spaper pub- 
lished then at Reading, in which a description 
of its extent and character might have been 
preserved, and no letter of that day mentioning 
it has as yet been discovered. But tradition 
has brought it down through the pa.ssing gene- 
rations till now as having been extensive and also 
destructive of much property. The only partic- 



430 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ular fact known in reference to it is that its wild 
■waters were twenty feet seven and a quarter 
inches above low-water mark. It was commonly 
known for many years afterward asthc"Piirapkiii 
Freshet," owing to the great number of pump- 
kins which were then swept from farms adjoin- 
ing the river and carried down the stream. 
Reading was then a borough ; but the improve- 
ments of the place had not as yet readied the 
river. " Water-lots" had been laid out along 
both banks of the river over a decade before for 
the purpose of encouraging the erection of 
storage buildings upon them ; and doubtless 
some of these were there then, because shipping 
and navigation were active, and buildings con- 
venient to the boats were necessary. This fresh- 
et occurred in the fall of the year. 

Freshet of 1822. — Nearly thirty years elapsed 
between the freshets of 1757 and 1786. This 
was a long while to be without serious rain- 
storms or sudden thaws which occasion freshets. 
But the timber-land still remained in almost its 
original state, for vast tracts extended many 
miles to the right and to the left of the river, 
and these detained the waters as they fell in 
rain from the sky or melted from the fallen 
snow. And this condition of the country above 
Reading required a very severe rain-fall or 
thaw in order to occasion a freshet worthy of 
special mention. 

Tliirty-six years elapsed before the next 
freshet occurred. During the middle of Feb- 
ruary, 1822, there was a snow-fall which ex- 
ceeded twelve inches. A mild atmosphere on 
the 20th of February caused it to melt rapidly, 
and the waters therefrom filled the creeks and 
river, which, in their onward course, washed 
down great quantities of ice. It was reported 
that an ice-gorge had been formed at the Schuyl- 
kill Dam, Philadelphia, which piled up the 
broken ice forty feet in height. The water in 
the Schuylkill at Reading, on the 21st of Feb- 
ruary, reached a point thirteen feet nine and 
one-quarter inches above low-water mark. The 
freshet did not occasion much loss along the 
Schuylkill; but it washed away numerous dams 
in the several tributary .streams, Tulpehocken, 
Maiden-creek, Antietam and Manatawny. 

Freshet of 1830. — A violent raiu-storm set in 



on Friday evening, 25th of January, 18."59, and 
continued without intermi.ssion till Saturday 
evening, at six o'clock, when the rain ceased 
falling and the weather grew suddenly colder, 
the thermometer falling below the freezing 
point. The water in the river at Reading rose 
to a point seventeen feet one and three-quarters 
inches above low- water mark, which wiis within 
two feet of the floor of the Harrisburg bridge. 
The freshet was reported as the most extensive 
that visited the community in fifty years, and 
certainly the most costly of all the freshet.s, the 
damages possibly surpassing the losses of all the 
previous freshets taken together. Among the 
numerous losses occasioned, the following were 
reported : 

Smith & Reese's mill, large quantity of flour and 
grain damaged, loss not estimated : Jones & (_'o., ma- 
chine-works Hooded, loss §100; William Silvis, lime- 
house and boat burned through wet lime, loss §2000; 
Samuel Bell, Sr., boats washed away, loss §3000; John 
Getz, three boats washed away, loss over $2000; Dot- 
terer. Darling & Co., damage to castings, etc., §500 ; 
Thomas Jackson, damage to rope-walk, etc., §800 ; 
Keim, Whitaker & Co., coal and lumber washed 
away, §1500; fifty canal-boats washed down, loss at 
least $20,000; Lancaster bridge badly injured, esti- 
mated repairs §10,000 ; Poplar Neck bridge destroyed, 
loss $10,000. 

Five bridges across Maiden-creek washed away, 
viz: Moser's, Greenawald's, Dreibelbis', Dunkle's, 
and at Friends' Meeting House. Total loss at Read- 
ing was over §40,000. 

Freshet of IHi] . — A serious freshet occurred 
on Wednesday night, January (5, 1841. It was 
reported as "the greatest flood since 1786, the 
water at Reading having reached a point two 
feet higher than duriug the freshet of 1839." 
Several squares of buildings along the river 
were inundated. IMany boats and a large quan- 
tity of coal and lumber were washed aw.ay. 
The damage to numerous properties was great. 
The total loss was not estimated. 

Great Freshet q/'1850.' — Tiie most destructive 
flood that ever occurred in the Schuylkill 
Valley visited Reading on Monday, September 2, 
1850. The loss of life was heartrending and 
the destruction of proi)erty immcuse. The ex- 



' See Berks and Schuylkill Journal, September 7, 1850; 
also Rr-adiiir) Gazrlle and Democrat of s;iiiie date, iu which 
the pavticuliirs are detailed minutely. 



IXTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



431 



tent of tlie calamity in damages to persons 
and property could not be estimated. It fell 
upon rich and poor, and also upon the public. 
It came near destroying the Schuylkill naviga- 
tion. It swept away bridges, dams, mills, 
factories and workshops. . . . The flood 
came suddenly and altogether unexpected. In 
this vicinity it commenced to rain on Sunday 
evening. At the source of the river rain 
fell for twelve hours before. During the night 
rain poured down in torrents. Early in the 
next morning the people residing along the 
river were aroused from their beds by the rapid 
rising of the waters, which was unprecedented. 
At four A. M., Monday the water was confined 
witiiin the banks of the river; at six it had risen 
ten feet higher, overflowing the canal and 
rushing through all the lower streets of the 
city ; at eight it was as high as the freshet of 1 841 ; 
at ten, the Penn Street bridge was forced from 
its piers, when it floated down the stream. It 
carried along the Lancaster bridge, whi(!h had 
withstood the floods. of half a century. It was 
soon after followed by the following bridges : 
Kissinger's, Leize's and Althouse's. Every 
bridge on the river from Pottsville to Royers- 
ford was swept away, excepting the Railroad 
(or High) bridge above Reading (at Tuckerton). 
The flood reached its highest point at three P. M. 
The whole lower part of the city was inundated. 
]\Iany houses were submerged to the second and 
third stories. In some there were men, 
women and children, and these called for help. 
Substantial brick buildings, whose foundations 
had been weakened by the water, fell in every 
direction. Frame houses, barns, sheds, bridges, 
canal-boats, etc., floated down the river in one 
general wreck. 

Tiiere were many narrow escapes. The loss 
of life in Reading and vicinity was confined to 
a single family. It was that of William Sands, 
a puddler at the rolling-mill of Bertolet & Co., 
who resided on Front, below Franklin Street. 
The flood had surrounded the houses before the 
inmates could make their escape. The family 
consisted of Mr. Sands, wife and three children — 
the youngest being an infant only eight weeks 
old ; also a hired girl and an unknown man. 
They took refuge in the second story. Both 



ends of the house had been washed out. As two 
men (William Seitziuger and William Moyer) 
approached to render aid, Mrs. Sands held out 
the child at arm's length ; and just before they 
reached the building it fell, engulfing all. 
Two of the children were drowned immediately. 
Seitzinger and !Moyer narrowly escaped with 
their lives. The man and hired girl caught 
hold of a piece of floating wood and were there- 
by enabled to be saved. Mr. and Mrs. Sands 
and the babe were carried down the river on 
the second floor of the building. The babe lay 
on a chaff-bag. The child was soon drowned 
by the surf. Near the rolling-mill Sands clung 
to a tree, and was rescued. He begged his wife 
to do likewise, but her strength failed her. 
Several boats with men were started after her 
to save her, but they could not reach 
her; whilst she floated down the river, 
a number of persons followed on theshore to the 
" Big Dam." In this dam there was a large 
break and in this fearful current she was 
drowned. Through the whole distance her 
shrieks were most agonizing. Her body was 
found during the next day in a corn-field, about 
a mile below the dam, and brought to the city. 
A single daughter — who was absent from the 
house at the time — alone remained of the 
family to share her father's sorrows and most 
melancholy bereavement. 

The two men named had been out all morn- 
ing before this occurrence, and hatl rescued over 
thirty people fi'om situations of extreme peril. 

The wife and three children of Eli Marks — 
a ferryman at Reeser's ferry, below Althouse's 
bridge — were also drowned. Whilst he and 
they were endeavoring to save their property, 
the house was surrounded by water, and they 
were forced to the garret for refuge. But the 
water continued to rise. He then broke a 
hole through the roof, and drew up his wife 
and children. Immediately afterward the house 
fell, and the roof broke in two parts — leaving 
him on one part and his wife and children on 
the other. The latter were drowned before 
floating any considerable distance. He floated 
down on a log to which he had clung and was 
rescued at Kissinger's bridge (a distance of nine 
miles). 



432 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Aaron Kemp, a blacksmith at Althouse's 
locks, in attempting to save his tools, was also 
drowned in spite of eiforts to rescue him. 

Houses, etc., at Reading entirely or nearly 
destroyed, were estimated at 100; particularly 
noted, 69. Above Penn, 3 ; Front and Water 
Streets, between Penn and Franklin, 14 ; Frank- 
lin, from ^yater to Second, 10 ; Front, between 
Franklin and Che-stnut, 5 ; Chestnut, from 
Water to Third, 8 ; Canal and Water, from 
Third Street to rolling-mill, 29. At least 400 
dwellings, with furniture, were more or less 
injured. 

Nine bridges were swept away : — County — 
Penn Street,' Lanca.ster, Poplar Neck ; Company, 
— Hamburg, Mohrsville, Althouse's, Kissin- 
ger's, Birdsboro', Douglassville. 

Opposite Reading the Schuylkill ro.se from 
twenty-three to twentj'-five feet above its 
ordinary les'cl. It is said to have been five 
feet ten inches higher than the celebrated 
Pumpkin Freshet of 17<S(j. 

Water covered the river road at Reese's mill 
several feet. It forced its way up Penn to 
within a few feet of Second ; up Franklin with- 
in a half-square of Third; up Chestnut to 
Third, surrounding Lauer's brewery; up Third 
to near Chestnut; up Spruce, within a half 
square of Fourth; up Fourth to Bingamau ; 
u]3 Fifth, half s{iuare beyond the gas works, 
and a liuudred yards u]) Si.xth Street. 

The aggregate loss occasioned by the freshet, 
to our community was estimated at five huudred 
thousand dollars. 

On September 4, 1850, the City Councils ap- 
propriated five thousand dullars to relieve the 
sufferers from the freshet. 

Richard Boone, General William High and 
Benjamin Ty.son were appointed a committee to 
make distribution. 

A number of ladles of the city established 
a clothing depot at Fifth and Spruce Streets and 
there, on Fifth Street, they relieved the wants of 
one huudred and thirty persons by sujiplying 
them with clotliing. 

Freshet o/ 18G2. — A freshet occurred in June, 



' The Peuu Street briJgc was started by a boat striking 
asaiust it. 



1862, which occasioned great damage and lo.'^s 
of property, especially in the eastern section of 
the state, along the Lehigh and Delaware 
River.s. At Reading a heavy rain began to fall 
on Tuesday night, June 3d, and continued the 
whole of Wednesday till Thursday morning, 
when the water reached a point within eight 
feet as high as the great freshet of 1850. All 
the railroad trains were detained. The loss 
here was not great, amounting to several thous- 
and dollars. 

Freshet of I8(i9. — A heavy rain commenced 
to fall on Saturday night, October 2, 1869, and 
continued through the whole of Sunday. On 
Monday the river rose rapidly. At eleven 
o'clock in the morning the water reached a 
point twenty-three feet above low-water mark. 
The lower section of the city was ovcrflooded, 
and all the mills, factories and work-shops along 
the river were injured. The total damage Avas 
not estimated, but it exceeded fifty thousand 
dollars. The eastern ."--pan of the Ijancaster bridge 
was washed away, also one span of the Poplar 
Neck. A number of bridges spanning creeks in 
different parts of the county were destroyed, and 
many grist-mills suffered considerable damage. 
The City Councils a]>pr(ipriated one thousand 
dollars for the relief of suffering families along 
the river. 

DiScoLOR.\Tiox OF Watkr. — The natural 
color of the flowing water in the river was 
changed at different times to so great an extent 
as to excite public attention. The change wti- 
to a light blue. It was caused by the inter- 
mingling of the water from the mining regions 
in the upper Schuylkill — charged with sulphuric 
acid — with the lime stone water from its tribu- 
tary the Maiden-creek. Immediately above 
the point of confluence (which is distant about 
eight miles north of Reading, along the river) 
the water, and specially the bed of the river, 
had a red or rusty appearance ; but below it, a 
white sediment was formed upon the bed of the 
river, and the water bacame light blue. This 
combination was injurious to the fishes in tiw 
river, numbers of them having at times been see:i 
floating dead upon the surface of the water. Dur- 
ing 1853 it was particularly discolored. This 
discoloration was not continuous. It appearal at 



INTEKNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



433 



irregular intervals. Several years ago the admix- 
ture was so strong as to follow the current and be 
noticeable along the entire courseof" the Schuyl- 
kill to Philadelphia, notwithstanding the great 
influx of waters from the numerous tributaries 
between Reading and Philadelphia. It caused 
the death of many fishes, and it awakened the 
attention of the water commissioners of Phila- 
delpliia to its cause and character. 

BRIDGES. 

Long before the first settlements in this 
vicinity there had been a ford across the river 
at Reading. And this was the only conveni- 
ent ford for some distance above and below. It 
was used for seventy years after the town had 
been laid out. The only steps in advance of 
the first settlers was the introduction of a ferry- 
boat. This is, indeed, a surprising fact. A 
town otherwise so progressive in respect to 
trade, etc., and possessing numerous men of 
energy and wealth, not to induce the con- 
struction of a bridge, so as to facilitate and en- 
courage ingress into and egress out of the town! 
Such tardiness, such indifference we can hardly 
appreciate. The crossing of the river in a ferry- 
boat, or by fording it, was always accompanied 
with risk.' 

HARRiscrRG Bridge. — In 1795 a petition 
was presented to the Quarter Ses.sions of the 
county, praying the court to order the grand 
jury to consider the advisability of the erection 
of a .stone bridge over the river at the foot of 
Penn Street. The grand jury made a view and 
recommended an a|)propriation of thirty-two 
thousand dollars for this purpose, which recom- 
mendation was approved by the court. But 
this sum was deemed insufficient. The peti- 
tioners then devised the j)lan of raising suffi- 
cient money by a " lottery," and in this behalf 
obtained an Act of Assembly, pa.'^sed the 29th 
of March, 1796, which was as follows : 

' Xn account of a " Melancholy Accident " at this ferry 
on Monday, October 20, 1800, was published in the 
Weekly Advertiser, a publication at Reading. Seven per- 
sons (three men, three women and a girl) were then about 
to cross the river in a boat to attend "Battalion Day," but, 
through carelessness, the boat turned and was upset. All 
the occupants were thrown out. The men were rescued, 
but the women and girl were drowned. 
44 



" Wheeeas, a number of the inhabitants of the 
county of Berks, by petition, liave stated to the Leg- 
islature that the Grand .Jury of the same have lately 
voted thirty-two thousand dollars out of the public 
stock of said county for the purpose of erecting a 
stone bridge over the river Schuylkill at or near the 
place where the public ro-'^d from Philadelphia 
through Reading to Harrisburg crosses the same, and 
that the said sum will be inadequate to the comple- 
tion of this desirable object. Therefore, 

"Sec. 1. — Be it enacted, &c., that the three county 
commissioners for the time being, together with Jos. 
Hiester, Jas. Diemer, Thos. Duudas, Jas. May, John 
Otto, John Keim, Daniel Graeff and Sebastian Miller 
be commissioners to raise $60,000 by way of lottery, 
to be applied in erecting a good stone bridge over the 
river Schuylkill, etc." 

Loitery Scheme. — In pursuance of this act, a 
notice of the lottery was publi-shed in the new.s- 
papers at Reading. This notice was as follows : 

" Scheme of a lottery for raising sixty thousand 
dollars, agreeably to an Act of the Legislature of 
Pennsylvania, passed during the last session, for 
building a stone bridge over the river Schuylkill, at 
the borough of Reading, in the county of Berks. 

1 Prize of 20,000 Dollars $20,000 

1 do of 10.000 do 10,000 

3 do of 5,000 do 15,000 

4 do of 2,000 do 8,000 

20 do of 1,000 do 20,000 

39 do of 500 do 19,500 

80 do of 200 do 16,000 

200 do of 100 do 20,000 

300 do of 50 do 15,000 

I do of 500 do to be jjaid to the pos- 
sessor of the first 
drawn number 500 

5 do of 3,000 do to be paid to the pos- 

sessor of the five last 

drawn numbers 15,000 

9400 do of 15 do 141,000 

10,054 Prizes $:iOO,O0u 
19,946 Blanks 

30,000 Tickets at ten Dollars $300,000 

"All prizes shall be paid fifteen days after the 
drawing is finished, upon the demand of the possessor 
of a fortunate ticket, subject to a deduction of twenty 
per cent. The drawing will commence as soon as the 
tickets are disposed of, or perhaps sooner, of which 
public notice will be given. 
" Reading, May the 29th, 1796. 
"Philip Miller, Joseph Hiester, 

Peter Kershner, James Diemer, 

William Whitman, Tho. Dundas, 

James May, Dan. GraefF, 

John Otto, Sebast. Miller, 

John Keim, " ConaiiUdoners. 



434 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



"Tickets may be had of either of the aforesaid 
commissioners, at their respective places of abode, in 
the county of Berlvs. In Harrisburg, at Alex. Gray- 
don and VVm. Graydon, Esq'rs., and at Messrs. 
Michael Kapp, Wm. Mears and George Ziegler's." 

The commissioners awakened a considerable 
interest in behalf of the bridge, but they were 
not able to sell five thousand of the thirty 
thousand tickets, and they did not have the 
smallest prospect of disposing of the remainder 
within a reasonable time, so as to enable them 
to draw the said lottery. They therefore 
prayed the Legislature to authorize them to 
take back the tickets sold, to have their ac- 
counts settled, etc., and to repeal the act, which 
was done on the 29th of March, 1798. This 
first effort accordingly proved unsuccessful. 

In 1801 another application was made to the 
Quarter Sessions for a view and an appropria- 
tion. The petition of divers inhabitants of the 
county represented : 

"That a bridge is much wanted to be erected over 
the River Schuylkill in the Borough of Reading, at the 
place where the public highway crosses the said 
river on the Great Road from Philadelphia to Har- 
risburg, where it is frequently rendered impassable 
by means of ice and high water — that a former grand 
jury, with the concurrence of the Court, appropriated 
£14,000 to erect a stone arch bridge at the place 
aforesaid, which sum on calculation was discovered 
to be totally insufficient for the purpose, in conse- 
quence whereof a Lotterj' was instituted to assist the 
county in constructing the said bridge; that after 
great eflbrts and industry by the Lottery Commission- 
ers to dispose of the tickets, they were not able to sell 
so many as to render it safe or practicable to draw the 
lottery — that from these causes the attempt to erect a 
stone bridge at the place aforesaid has altogether 
tailed." 

They concluded tlioir petition with a prayer 
for a " wooden bridge," and estimated the]n-ob- 
able expense at six thousand pounds. The grand 
jury acted upon the petition at August sessions, 
1801, and recommended an appropriation of 
sixteen thousand dollars, which was to be as- 
sessed at three yearly equal payments. The 
courts approved of tlieir action on August 6, 1 801 . 
The county commissioners then proceeded to 
cause the erection of a " wooden bridge." The 
contract was awarded to Obediah Osburn, on 
August 19th following, and the contractor began 
operations in earnest. What pride the pcojiie 



must have taken in watching the progress ot 
this much-needed improvement! What anxiety 
they must have felt for the accomplishment of 
this undertaking ! They doubtless wanted to see 
it completed. But they could not hurry the 
work. " Great bodies move slowly." This 
was a " great body," a big thing for the times. 
But the people were too anxious, the contractor 
failed at the piers, with much timber lying along 
the banks of the river. This was natural, and 
yet it was more interesting than natural. Ad- 
ditional appropriations were wanted. rossil)]y 
some of the good people were afraid of a wooden 
bridge in respect to strength and performance, 
and therefore preferred a stone bridge. And in 
this supposition there is more truth than fiction. 
The subsequent proceedings would indicate that 
this idea was entertained by the people. The 
county commissioners had expended thirty 
thousand dollars for what was done, and it was 
estimated that seventy thousand dollars more 
would be required to complete the bridge if 
built of stone. The county was then in arrears 
for unpaid State taxes, amounting to $4789.12; 
and the Legislature offered this sum as an in- 
ducement to build the bridge of stone, an act for 
this purpose having been passed on April 2, 
1804. 

At January sessions, 1805, a third petition 
was presented to court. This represented : 

"Thit the Cjmn'issionsrs agreed with a certain 
person to l)uild a wooden bridge, and did also cau^-e 
to be built two abutments of stone on each bank and 
two piers in the river ; that the person has not been 
able to perform his contract and the building of said 
bridge has been frustrated. 

" That if the notion of building cither a wooden or 
stone bridge be entirely abandoned, it will evince 
great imbecility or at least a great want of public 
spirit in one of the richest and most populous counties 
in the State of Pennsylvania. The want of a bridge 
at the place aforesaid will continue to be felt and the 
inconvenience arising from it will become augmented 
in proportion to the population, agriculture and com- 
merce ; that public opinion is now against a wooden 
bridge and for a stone arch bridge ; that a wooden 
bridge withoutadditioual piers would be impracticable 
and unsafe ; that the three additional piers to be 
required for a wooden bridge would be much towards 
expense cf this bridge, which would not be twice the 
expense of completing a wooden bridge." 

It was accompanied by a proposed plan, which 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



435 



suggested eight arches: twoof thirty-seven feet, 
two of fifty-six feet, two of seventy feet and 
two of eighty-four feet, and the probable ex- 
pense was estimated at twenty-five thousand 
pounds. The prayer of the petitioners was 
granted, and the return of tiie grand jury was 
approved by the court. 

Notwitlistandiug this encouragement from 
the grand jury and the court, the county 
commissioners would appear to have been in- 
different to the matter, and in 1806 a com- 
plaint was made to court, representing that 
the stone-work was suffering from neglect ; 
and then again the grand jury recommended 
a stone bridge. For six j'ears afterward this 
enterprise lay in idleness. What was the dif- 
ficulty in the way? Who can imagine? On 
February 22, 1812, an act was passed author- 
izing the county commissioners to build a 
stone bridge and charge toll, and providing 
that, when the principal invested in its con- 
struction was realized from the tolls, it should 
be declared free. But still the matter halted. 
Another act was passed on February 21, 1814, 
which modified the previous act, by giving 
tiic commissioners the power to build either a 
stone or wooden bridge. This was a fortunate 
modification, not so much for the bridge as 
for the people. The delegation of discretion- 
ary power to the commissioners aji[)arcntly 
won them over to the improvement, and they 
at once ordered the bridge to be erected — not of 
stone, for thereby they would have favored the 
wishes of the ])eople and carried out the 
recommendations of the grand jury, but of 
wood. The bridge was so far completed as to 
be passable in December, 1815; and it was 
finished in 1818. The first passage over it was 
made by Coleman's stage-coach on December 
20, 1815. Many persons were present to wit- 
ness the occurrence, and they demonstrated 
their joy by loud applause. Well may we ask. 
What stood in the way of this important, much 
demanded improvement for nearly twenty 
years ? Was it the stone which is typical in so 
many respects and hangs about so many necks 
to prevent the accomplishment of noble pur- 
poses ? or was it the ferry-boat under the con- 
trol of a politician? And such was the exer- 



tion, and so long was the period to obtain the 
'' Harrisburg Bridge," the first public improve- 
ment of the town beyond the court house and 
prison ! The bridge was six hundred feet long, 
three spans of two hundred feet each, covered 
by a roof. The builders were Wernweg & 
Johnston. They began in March, 1814. The 
contract price was thirty-nine thousand five 
hundred dollars. Their workmanship was 
highly complimented. John Weldy was ap- 
pointed as the first toll collector. The rates of 
toll were as follows : 

Foot- way Ic 

Every 20 sheep 6c 

" " swine lOe 

" " cattle 20c 

" horse or mule , 4c 

Horse and rider 6c 

Sulky, &c., with 2 wheels and 1 horse. ...12.jc 

Carriage and 2 horses 2-5c 

" 4 " 37Jc 

Stage-coach and 2 horses 20c 

" 4 •' 30c 

Sleigh and each horse 6c 

Draft sleigh and horse 5c 

Wagon or cart.horse 6c 

The subject of a "Free Bridge" was agitated 
as early as 1821, just three years after the 
bridge was completed. This related more par- 
ticularly to persons. To accomplish this objecrt, 
a petition was presented to the Legislature in 
February, 1821. 

In February, 184G, ])etitions were presented 
to the Legislature " to declare the Harrisburg 
bridge free," setting forth that the bridge cost 
$50,438.15, and that the act under which it 
was built required it to become free whenever 
the toll collected amounted to the co.st of its 
constructicm. 

At August sessions, 1848, a petition was pre- 
.sented to court, representing that the tolls 
received from the bridge, excluding the pay to 
toll gatherers, amounted to $52,439.89, and (hat 
the expenditure amounted to $50,438.1 5, where- 
fore the petitioners asked the court to declare 
the bridge free. The county commis.sioners 
objected to the proceedings, and replied to the 
petition that the income had not amounted to 
the expense by $28,065.50, submitting the fol- 
lowing statement as to the cost : 

Expense of abutments and piers, $20,510.25 ; 



436 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



payment to Osborue, first eoutractor, $8833.42; 
jjayinent to Warnwec^k & Nathans, builders, 
.S;49,297.94 ; repairs from 183G to 1848, $1863.- 
!I7 ; total, $80,505.58. 

And they also alleged that, by reason of the 
balance still due, the bridge would not be free 
for fifteen years to come. 

The subject was agitated for over thirty years 
afterward. The county bridges — Harrisburg, 
Lancaster and Poplar Neck — were not declared 
free till 1883. This great step forward was 
obtained through the instrumentality of the 
City Councils' of Reading — an earnest and suc- 
cessful application in this behalf having been 
made to court, upon the representation that the 
foils received exceeded the cost of erecting and 
maintaining them, and the judge having de- 
cided that the bridges must be declared free 
under the legislation which authorized their 
erection. The adjudication was made on March 
28, 1883. 

In 1884 it was demolished by the Schuylkill 
Valley Kailroad Company, and this company 
erected in its stead a superior iron bridge at an ex- 
pense exceeding one hundred thousand dollars. 
The county commissioners appropriated thirty- 
three thousand dollars toward the cost. The 
new bridge became a necessity, owing to the 
railroad imjirovements along the river. 

Hamburg Beiuge. — Across the Schuylkill 
River, at a point several miles south of the 
Blue Mountain, there was a prominent ford 
— having been the direct course from Harris' 
ferry, on the Susquehanna River, to Easton, on 
the Delaware River. After the vicinity became 
considerably settled the ferry-boat ■was intro- 
duced, which continued in use till the substitu- 
tion of a bridge, in 1828. 

During the ])rogress of the " Penn Street 
Bridge," at Reading, the subject of a bridge 
was discussed at Hamburg, and the sjiirit 
created thereby was sufficient to result in tiie 
passage of an act of Assembly on March 19, 
181 (J, for its erection. The act authorized the 
formation of a corporation for this purpose, with 
power to issue four hundred shares of stock, of 



' Councils gave A. K. Staiiffer, Esq., a vote of thanks for 
his efl'oits and public spirit in this proceeding. 



the par value of twenty-five dollars ; but no 
practical results flowed from this first effort. 
Eleven years afterward (April 14, 1827) an 
act was passed appropriating six thousand dol- 
lars from the State for the erection of a bridge 
over the Schuylkill, near Hamburg, on the 
State road from Jonestown (Lebanon County) to 
Northampton County. The bridge was erected 
during the following year by the commissioners 
of the county, and confirmed by the court on 
January 12, 1829. It has been maintained by 
the county since. Toll was charged till De- 
cember, 1883, when it was made a free bridge. 

Lancaster Bridge. — The county commis- 
sioners were authorized, by an act of Assembly 
passed April 23, 1829, to erect a bridge over 
the river at Gerber's ferry, on the road from 
Reading to Lancaster. They entered into a 
contract, on the 20th of February, 1830, with 
Schuyler & Fletcher for the construction of this 
bridge of wood, with roof and sides, on stone 
abutments, at ten thousand dollars. It was 
finished in 1831. Its length was three hun- 
dred and fifty-two feet — two spans, each one 
hundred and seventy-six feet. This was the 
second bridge erected across the Schuylkill. 
The ferry at this point was owned previously 
by John Strohecker, after M'hom it was called 
" Stroheeker's Ferry." He sold it to John 
Gerber, and thence it took the name of " tier- 
ber's Ferry." This bridge has been known 
since as the " Lancaster Bridge." 

In January, 1838, a part of the bridge was 
swept away by a high freshet, and in 1 850 two 
spans were swept away by the great freshet. 
In the freshet of 18(39 the eastern half was 
washed away. 

In 1876 (July 9th) the bridge was destroyed 
by fire — the act of young incendiaries. Shortly 
before there were loud complaints about its inse- 
curity and darkness and its unpleasant condition 
ou account of dust. The county commissioners 
caused a fine iron bridge to be erected in its 
stead, having been opened to travel on January 
2, 1877. It was the first large iron bridge- 
structure erected in the county. It was declared 
free of toll in 1883. 

Poplar Neck Bridge. — Immediately after 
the completion of the " Lancaster Bridge, ' the 



INTERNAL IMPEOVEMENTS. 



437 



Legislature authorized the erection of a county 
toll-bridge across the river at " Poplar Neck," 
about four miles below Reading. The act was 
passed on the 31st of January, 1832, and the 
following commissioners were named in it : 
Peter Kline, Jr., Greenwich; John Miller, 
Albany; John Rutter, Colebrookdale ; Daniel 
Eyster, Pike ; Jacob Bauman, Earl ; and Henry 
Keely, Douglass. 

These commissioners acted in pursuance of 
the powers conferred upon them, reported that 
the bridge was necessary and the county com- 
missioners accordingly built the same during 
1832 and 1833. It has been maintained till 
now by the county. Toll was exacted till the 
county bridges were declared free, in 1 883. 

At this place a ferry had been conducted for 
many years before 1832. It was known as 
"Lewis' Ferry." In 1816 a company was 
authorized to be organized, and certain com- 
missioners were then appointed to construct 
a bridge across the Schuylkill at this point; 
but the spirit for this improvement was suifered 
to pass away, and the people of that vicinity 
did not secure a bridge for sixteen years after- 
ward, when it was erected for them by the 
county. 

PRIVATE BRIDGES. 

The following private bridges were erected 
across the Schuylkill by private individuals or 
stock comi>anies specially incorporated and au- 
thorized for that purpose : 
North of Reading. South of Reading. 

Bell's. Birdsboro'. 

Kissinger's. Monocacy. 

Leiss'. Douglassville. 

Stoudt's Ferry. 

Althouse's. 

Mohr's. 

Windsor Haven. 
Bell's Bridge. — In 1822, Samuel Bell was 
authorized to erect a substantial bridge across 
the Schuylkill near his fording-place, opposite 
the road known by the name of Lardner's 
Lane, provided that he finish the same within 
five years. He commenced its erection, but was 
prevented from completing it on account of the 
prevailing sickness in the neighborhood, which 
had been occasioned by the construction of the 
Schuylkill Canal near the bank of the river. 



The act was revived, as if the bridge had been 
built and completed within the time limited. 
Subsequently, in 1833, commissioners were ap- 
pointed to form a stock company for the pur- 
pose of erecting this bridge " near to Bell's 
Mill." They were, Anthony Bickel, Wil- 
liam Eckert, Samuel B.ill and William Lash, of 
Reading, and Abraham Kissinger, Daniel D^p- 
pen, Michael K. Boyer, Hiram Kalbach and 
Jacob Conrad, of Bern township. This point 
was at the mouth of the Tulpehocken Creek. 
The bridge, as contemplated, was not finished ; 
but Mr. Bell succeeded in extending a common 
Ijridge across the river with movable planks 
chained to the cross-beams. It was in use till 
the great freshet of 1850, when it was swept 
away, leaving only the abutments to indicate 
its existence. 

" Kissinger's " — the First Bridge. — Tiie 
" Harrisburg Bridge" was first suggested and 
.steps towards its erection first taken in 1795; 
but it was not completed tiil the lap3e of twen- 
ty-two years. Different enterprises were in- 
stituted and finished in this time. Among 
them was a bridge across the river farther 
north, erected by Ulrich Kissinger in 1810. It 
would seem that he wasted no time in complet- 
ing this improvement ; and, by his promptness 
and energy, he became the builder and owner 
of the first bri(l(je which spanned the river in 
the county. 

Ulrich Kissinger was authorized by act 
passed February 12, 1810, "to erect a toll- 
bridge over the Schuylkill River at his mill 
where the road from Reading to Sunbury 
through Bern township crosses the river." 
This was at the place where the " Kissinger 
Bridge" is now situated, over a mile above the 
" Harrisburg Bridge." The bridge was then 
built of chains in two spans. Its length was 
about three hundred feet. It took its name 
after the projector and owner, and it has been 
since known by this name. About 18-30 this 
" chain bridge " was removed and a wooden 
bridge, with roof and sides, substituted. This 
was swept away by the freshet of 1850. A 
new bridge, of same style, with one span, two 
hundred feet long, was built in 1851. This is 
still standing. It is a private toll-bridge. 



438 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Leiss' Bridge.— Iu 1833 David Bright, 
David Gehr, Joliu Stanch aud Henry Hahn, 
of Reading ; Adam Leiss, of Alsace township; 
aud Jacob Ebling, Jacob Kline, William Hain 
and Philip Fox, of Bern township, were ap- 
pointed to form a stock company for the pur- 
pose of erecting a bridge over the Schuylkill, 
near Leiss' mill. The necessary stock was 
raised, and a covered wooden bridge was 
erected, within a year, at the place designated, 
and it has been successfully maintained as a 
private toll-bridge from that time till now. It 
is situated about five miles above Reading. 

Stoudt's Ferry Bridge. — The following 
commissioner.s — Jacob Stoudt, Samuel Moser, 
Jacob Leiubach, Abraham Koenig, Daniel 
Aulenbach, John Koeuig, Abraham Rieser, 
Abraham B. Tobias, George INIaurer, George 
Medler, Reuben Herbine, Abraham Herbine, 
John Zacharias, John Zacharias, Jr., Jonathan 
Koenig, Jonas Shalter, Samuel INIengle, George 
Shalter, George Fo.x, William Dunkle, Jacob 
Kalbach, Adam W. Kaufman, Dr. D. L. 
Beaver, Peres Hehn, Jacob S. Ebling, Jacob 
Ahrens, Dr. J. H. Spatz and Jonathan Bittner 
— were appointed, by an act passed in ] 850, for 
the purpose of erecting a toll-bridge acro.ss the 
Schuylkill, at the place where there was, and 
had l)een for many years, a ferry, known as 
Stoudt's Ferry. The bridge was to be begun 
ill two years and finished in five years ; but, 
it not having been erected in the time lim 
ited, a second act was passed in 1855. 
The necessary stock was subscribed, and the 
bridge company was formed in the latter part 
of 1856, when operations for the construc- 
tion of a covered wooden bridge were begun. 
The bridge was finished iu July, 1857. It has 
been maintained since as a toll-bridge. A ferry 
had been in use here for thirty years to convey 
boat-teams from the one side of the river to the 
other. 

Althouse's Buiikje. — In 1834 John Alt- 
house, Adam Reber, Benjamin Parvin, Jacob S. 
Ebling, John Ginger, of Maiden-creek township, 
and Abraham Reeser, Jacob Orange, Jacob 
Kauffman and John Potteiger, of Bern town- 
ship, were appointed commissioners to form a 
bridge company aud erect a bridge across the 



Schuylkill, at or near Althouse's, about eleven 
miles above Reading (now Leesport). The 
bridge was erected in 1835. From that time 
till January, 1886, it was continued as a pri- 
vate toll-bridge, and then, upon proceedings of 
appraisement, it was taken by the county and 
declai-ed a free county bridge. 

Mohr's Bridge (Mohrsville). — In 1836 
the following commissioners, citizens of Berks 
County — John Gernand, George Loose, John 
H. Mohr, Peter Addaras, Isaac Addams, Geo. 
Haag, Jacob Kline, Jacob D. Klein, John 
Kauffman, Christopher Klein, Jacob Yoder, 
John Yoder, Philip Schneider, John Snyder, 
Jacob Philips, Philip Kliue, Daniel Guldiu and 
Valentine Wagner — were appointed to form a 
stock company for the purpose of erecting a 
bridge over the Schuylkill, at or near Mohr's 
tavern. It was constructed in 1837, and main- 
tained as a private toll-bridge till 1886, when 
it was appropriated by the county aud set apart 
as a free county bridge. 

W1ND.S0R Havex Bridge (Shoemaker'<- 
VILLe). — In 1842 James Reber and Joshua 
Reber were authorized to construct a toll- 
bridge over the Schuylkill, at or near Windsor 
Haven. Subsequently, in 1849, commissioners 
were appointed to form a stock company for 
this purjiose-. They were Ben jam iu Seidel, 
John Kirshncr, Solomon Seidel, William Ma- 
dare, Samuel HoflPman, David Moll, Daniel 
Unger, Charles Egolf, John Shappsl, John 
Heckman, Solomon H. Lesher, Jacob Boyer, 
Isaac Deturk, Elijah Weidmau, George K. 
Haag, Samuel Stepp, William Merwiue, Daniel 
Christ, Joseph Seidel, David Kcim, John 
Schlappig, Samuel Keim, Bcnneville Unger. 

The bridge was erected in 1862, and main- 
tained by this company as a private toll-bridge 
till 1886, when it was taken by the county and 
declared a free bridge. 

Birdsboro' Bridge. — A covered wooden 
bridge was erected across the Schuylkill at 
Birdsboro' during the years 1844-45. The near- 
est bridge to this point across the Schuylkill was 
at Dougla.'^sville, three miles down the river, 
and at Poplar Neck, six miles uj) the river. A 
company was incorporated for this j)nrpose by 
act of Assembly passed March 16, 1844, aud 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMP^NTS. 



439 



therein the following commissioners were named 
for its organization and management : Levi B. 
Smith, James Everhai-t, David Smith, Jeremiah 
B. Kerns, Isaac Christman, Jacob Pyle, Ed- 
ward Brooke. This bridge has been since main- 
tained as a private toll-bridge. 

iSIoNOCACY Bridge. — In 186G the Monoc- 
a-y Bridge Company was incorporated to erect 
a bridge across the Schuylkill, near Monocacy 
Furnace, at the village of Mount Airy, and the 
following commissioners were appointed to raise 
the necessary subscriptions of stock and organ- 
ize said companjr : Benjamin B. Thomas, Chas. 
M. Clingan, Charles F. Norton, Thomas T. 
laeger, INIichael Lynch, J. F. Gulden, Hiram 
Ludwig, Jeremiah Weaver, Morris Hacker. 

The company succeeded in erecting an iron 
bridge during the years 1870-71. It has been 
maintained as a private toll-bridge since. 

DouGi.ASSviLLE Briuge. — In 1832 a bridge 
was authorized to be erected over the Schuylkill 
River, between the "Black Horse" and " White 
Horse" taverns, in Amity township, and for 
this purpose a company was incorporated and 
six commissioners — prominent aild influential 
citizens of the county — were appointed, — George 
Douglass, Frederick Lincierman, Clement Brook, 
John P. Ruttcr, Jacob S. Spang and John Ber- 
tolet. Sufficient stock was tidvcn and a covered 
wooden bridge was erected shortly afterward at 
the point designated. And this bridge vvas suc- 
cessfully maintained as a private toll-bridge till 
1885, when it was declared a free county 
bridge, upon the earnest application of citizens o" 
Amity, Douglass and Union townships for that 
purpose. 

Exeter Bridge. — In 1866 a company was 
incorporated for the purpose of erecting a bridge 
across the Schuylkill, near Exeter Station, and 
the following commissioners were appointed for 
the organization of the company : Henry 
Thompson, Daniel Reed, William E. Schlemm, 
Washington S. Kissinger, Reuben B. Seidle, 
Isaac Moore, Gottlieb Moyer, John Kupf, _Sir 
_rnon_Seyfert, J. P. Althouse, Amos W. Pottei- 
ger, Martin Dankle, George W. Bruckman. 

A bridge was much needed at this point^ — the 
nearest bridge across the Schuylkill being at 
Birdsboro', four miles below, and at Poplar 



Neck, several miles above, and the inhabitants 
suffered much inconvenience without it. Twen- 
ty years have elapsed, but this bridge remains 
to be constructed. It was the second bridge 
company incorporated in the county, and in the 
same section of territory, which failed to accom- 
plish its purpose, notwithstanding the improve- 
ment was a necessary one for that section of the 
county. A county bridge was applied for at 
" Medlar's Ford," across the Schuylkill, seven 
miles above Reading, and an act was passed in 
1832, but it was repealed in the following year. 
The "Exeter Ford" is still used. 

Railroad Bridges. — A number of hand- 
some and substantial bridges have been erected 
across the river by the several railroad com- 
panies operated in the county. They are — 

Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, near Tucker- 
ton — high arch, built of stone. 

Lebanon Valley Railroad — within limits of Read- 
ing, built of iron. 

Berks County Railroad (now Schuylkill and Le- 
high) — three; one at and two below Reading, built of 
wood. 

Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley Railroad — five ; 
one above, another at, and three below Reading, built 
of iron. 

There are now altogether twenty-three 
bridges which span the river within the limits 
of the county. 

ROADS AND TURNPIKES. 

Indian Paths. — There were paths through 
this section of country long before Reading 
was laid out. The " Schuylkill Ford " was a 
central point for the Indians. Nature would 
seem to have selected the site for the town 
rather than the Penns. Accessible water may 
have induced the Penns to select it ; but Na- 
ture — the great index to many things, which 
so strangely remain hidden from our perception 
till revealed to us by time and experience — 
formed the ford that became the terminus of 
different roads. And naturally the confluence 
of these roads directed the tendency to formu- 
late a town. Roads make a town. Its success 
is dependent upon them. They anteceded the 
railroad centre as a sure means towards the 
rapid development of a community. 

TuEPEHocKEN RoAD. — The earliest men- 



440 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXNSYLVAXIA. 



tioii of a road through this region of com^try is 
the road whicli was marked out in 168 (, from 
the Delaware at Philadelphia to the Susque- 
hanna, by way of this ford.' It was 
known for many years as the "Tulpehocken 
road." In 1768 a road was regularly laid 
out from Eeading, to the Susquehanna, at 
"Fort Augusta," by way of Middletown (now 
Womelsdorf) and Rehrer's Tavern (now 
Rehrersburg), over the Blue and Broad 
Mountains, in pursuance of a petition from a 
considerable number of inhabitants of Berks 
County, presented on 30th of January, 1768. 
The report was presented to the Executive Coun- 
cil on 19th January, 1769. The roads be- 
gan " at the east end of Penn Street, in the 
town of Reading, and extended through the 
same to the banks of the river Schuylkill, west 
three hundred and forty six perches; thence 
south eighty-seven degrees west thirty-three 
perches across said river ; thence four courses 
westwardly with a total distance of fourteen 
hundred and fifty-seven perches to Sinking 
Spring Town ; thence by fifteen courses, gener- 
ally westwardly. a total distance of twenty- 
eight hundred and fourteen j^erches to Second 
Street, in Middletown [now Woraelsdorf] ; 
thence across the Tulpehocken Creek and by 
way of John Riw's tavern and Xicholas 
Kinser's, northwestwardly to Godfried Rehrer's 
tavern [now Rehrersburg}, and thence by way 
of Henry Derr's house to Fort Henry, and 
over the Kittanuing Mountain, etc., in a north- 
westwardly course to Fort Augusta." The 
commissioners appointed to lay out the road 
were Jonas Seely, John Patton, Frederick 
Weiser, Benjamin Spycker, Christian Laur, 
Thomas Jones, Jr., James Scull, Mark Birtl, 
Henry Christ. 

Fifty years afterward this road from Read- 
ing to Middletown, and thence westwanllv to 
ani through Dauphin Countv, became a turn- 
pike, a company for this purpose having been 
incorporated in 1805, under the name of 
" Berks and Dauphin Turnpike Company." 



The commissioners from Bei^Js County were 
Joseph Hiester, Peter Fnule\-f John Keim, Sr., 
of Reading, John Huy, George Ege, Conrad 
Stanch, Christian Lower. 

The turnpike was, however, not then begun. 
The " Harrisburg Bridge " was under a cloud 
at the time, and possibly threw a " cold wave " 
over the commissioners. Their ardor was 
chilled by some means. Ten years afterward 
the two seemed to move together, and they 
were completed about the same time. The 
turnpike wascommenced in 1816, just after the 
bridge was passable, and finished in 1817 ; 
and it has been maintained successfully till 
now, a period exceeding seventy years. 

The Assembly of the State had anticipated 
this turnpike by certain procee<iings thirty 
years before, for in the Assemblv on Septem- 
ber 15, 1783, a committee in their report rec- 
ommended the following resolutions : 

" To view the different roads leading from Susque- 
hannii to Reading and Philadel|ihia, and point out 
the must practicable mode of improving and repair- 
ing the same, and to consider the most probable w.iv 
of opening a communication between the rivers 
Susquehanna and Schuylkill, and to form estimates of 
the expenses to carry the above designs into execution 
and to report their proceedings with all possible 
expedition to the next House of Assembly." 

And on September 20th the House appointed 
David Rittenhouse, Thomas Hutch ins and 
Nathan Sellers to carry out the resolutions. I 
could not find any subsequent proceedings in 
the matter. 

Maidex-creek Road. — A road was sur- 
veyed by Samuel Lightfoot in 1745, from 
Francis Par\nn's mill, near the mouth i>f 
the Maiden-creek, southwardly to the fonl 
(where Reading now is), in almost a straight 
line about six miles in length, and confirmed 
in June, 1745.- In 1753 it was regularly 
laid out from Reading northwardly, and ex- 
tended to Easton by commissioners from Berks 
and Northampton Counties, appointed bv 



I 'Misc. MSS. on Berks County with Historical Society of 
' Penn refers lo it in his proposal of 1C90 for a second Pennsylvania. " Cacoosing" Creek, a branch of Tiilpe- 
setllement. wliich was to be made at a point on the Susque- hocken, is mentioned on this draft ; also •• Flying Hill,' 
banna, now Harrisburg. i three miles below Reading. 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



441 



tlie Executive Council at Piiiladelpliia.' The 
oomniissioners from Berks County were 
Francis Parvin, James Boone, Jacob Levan, 
Ji>sc[)li Penrose, IVnijamin Lightfoot, Sebastian 
Zimmerman. 

A turnpike was constructed on this road 
from Callowhill Street, in the borougii, over 
the" longiiill"^to the mouth of the Maiden- 
creek, and thence nortiiwardly, by way of 
Hamburg, "Schuylkill Gap" and "Sharp 
Mountain Gap," and northwestwardly over 
Broad Mountain, by way of a point now 
Ashland, to Sunbury. A company for this 
jiurpose was incorporated in 1805 to be 
called "Centre Turnpike Company." The 
turnpike was completed before 1812.. The 
commissioners from Berks County were Joseph 
Hiester and James May, of Reading, and 
Jacob Toppell, of Hamburg. The turnpike 
was conducted and tolls were exacted till 1884, 
when it was abandoned, such a conclusion of a 
great franchise not resulting till the road was 
declared a nuisance for want of repairs. 

Oi.EY Road. — In September, 1727, a peti- 
tion was presented to the court at Philadelphia 
for a road to extend from the " Lntiiernn Meet- 
ing House" at the Tidi)ehocken* to the High 
road at the "Quaker Meeting House,"* near 
George Boone's mill in Oley. Eight years af- 



' The petition for this road was presented in Council on 
21 si of May, 1753. It was signed by the following prom- 
inent men of the county, who represented that '■ the roads 
now commonly used were not laid out by any authority, 
either from this Board or from the respective Courts of 
the said counties [Northampton and Berks], and they are 
often diverting and obstructed and rendered almost im- 



Conrad Weiser, Thomas Craig, Henry Harding, Jonas Seely, 
James Read, John Jones, .Jasper Scull, Thomas Armstrong, 
Benj. Lightfoot, Hosea Heyman, Jacob Levan, William Par- 
sons, Wm. Craig, Hon. Wilson, Peter Haws, Conrad Bower, 
John Ilutlou, James Biddle, Richard Rigg, Yost Heinrich, 
Sesmans Huse, Lewis Gordon, Theobald Baum, Merrick 
Starr, James Starr, Lyon Nathan, George Beale, Isaac 
Levan, Peter Weitner, Abraham Crosius, Peter Weiser. — 
2 Penna. Arch., 98-99. 

'^ The northern part of this hill is now occupied by the 
" Charles Evans Cemetery." 

» Situate a short distance east of a point now Stouchs- 
bui'g. 

* At the township line between Oley (now Exeter) and 
Amity. 



terwards* the court appointed Mordecai Lin- 
coln, Marcus Hulings, James Thompson, Peter 
Robeson, Benjamin Boon, Thomas Potts to lay 
out this road from the high road eastwardlv 
to the Schuylkill ford. They reported a road 
at June sessions, 1736, which began at the ford ; 
thence .south 80 degrees east 80 perches; south 
75 degrees east 800 perches ; south 70 degrees 
east 420 perches, etc. ; onward in almost a direct 
line eastwardly to a road called the " King's 
Highway." Its eastern terminus was at a point 
now Amityville. This was the road to Phila- 
delphia for many years, till changed by a road" 
from a point near the " Black Bear Inn," by 
way of Bishop's Hill, to a point near Molatton 
church, now at Donglassville. In 1810 a turn- 
pike was authorized to be con.structed on this 
road from Reading, by way of "White Horse 
tavern" and Pott.sgrove, to Perkiomen Mills, at 
Perkiomen Creek. In 1811, commissioners were 
named, those from Berks County having been 
George Douglass, Matthew Brooke, Jolm Brower, 
Conrad Fegar, I^ewis Reese. 

They immediately commenced its construc- 
tion and («mp]eted it in four years at an average 
cost of seven thousand dollars per niile.^ 

The road from the "Old Philadelphia road," 
near Schwartzirald Church, to the King's High- 
way (Pleasantville to Amityville) was Itiid out 
and confirmed in 1755. The "Oley Turnpike" 
is constructed on this road from Jacksonwald 
eastward. The company for this superior, well- 
kept turnpike was incorporated in 1862. The 
road extends from " Black Bear Inn " to Pleas- 
antville, ten miles. The total cost was fifty 
thousand dollars. The commissioners appoint- 
ed to receive subscrijrtions of stock were Wil- 
liam Herbst, George S. Yoder, Enoch E. Grie.s- 
emer, Peter D. Grie.semer, Wellington B. Grie.s- 
emer, John Snyder, Amos Ritter. 

Schuylkill Road. — A road was ordered bv 
the court of Lancaster County in 1750 to be 
laid out from the Chester County line, in Caer- 



5 May sessions, 1735. 

"Supposed about 1790. In "Road-Book" of county 
records it is called " New Philadelphia road," in 1797. 

'The highest point in the entire pike from Perkiomen 
Creek to Reading is near the seven-mile stone, in Exeter 
township. 



442 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



iiarvon township, in a Dorthwestwaally direc- 
tion to Reading. It was surveyed by George 
Boone, and reported in 1751. This is suppo.sed 
to be the road from Warwick Furnace, by way 
of "Plow tavern" and "Green Tree tavern," 
through Caernarvon, Robeson and Cumru town- 
ships and along the western bank of the Schuyl- 
kill, " to the Tulpehocken road opposite Read- 
ing." It was twelve and a half miles in length. 

Other Roads. — "Neversink road," from 
Reading southwardly to " Flying Hill," in 1 753. 

"Alsace Church road," from Reading north- 
wardly through Alsace township, in 1753. 

"Lancaster road," from Reading south we.st- 
wardly through Cumru township, in 1762. 

"Bern road," from Reading northwestwardly 
over the Schuylkill at point now occupied by 
Ki-ssinger's bridge, through Bern township, in 
1772. 

"Alsace road," from Reading northeastward- 
ly through Alsace town.ship into Oley townsliip 
to a point in the "King's Highway" (suppo.sed 
to be near Friedensburg, and now called the 
" Friedensbnrg road ") in 1776. 

Numerous other public roads have been laid 
out round-about Reading. The prominent high- 
ways distant from Reading are mentioned in the 
several sections into which I have divided the 
countv. 




PLAN OF ROADS TO READINCi-. 

The accompanying plan will indicate in a 
general way how the prominent roads extended 



from Reading during its earlier history. And 
these have continued to be the great roads for 
travel till now. 

In 1822 the State held suKscriptions of stock 
in the three turnpike companies, as follows: 

Berks and Dauphin $29,000 (individual subscrip- 
tion S63,'.105) ; Centre, $80,000 (individual subscrip- 
tion S62,000); Perkionien, §53,0(10 (individual sub- 
scription $133,000). Length reported: 1,34 miles; 
2, 75 miles; 3, 28;| miles. 

STAGES. 

First Stages. — The first ]iublic convevance 
at Reading was a two-horse coach. It was in- 
stituted by Martin Hausman in 17Sf)' and 
traveled weekly between Reading and Philadel- 
phia for the transportation of passengers and 
letters. The distance was about fifty-one miles, 
and the passage Avas made in two days. Tlie 
fare was two dollars, and letter carriage three 
pence. During this year he transferred the es- 
tablished business to Alexander Eisenbeis. After 
operating it two years, Eisenbeis .sold it to Wil- 
liam Coleman, and from this time onward, for 
nearly seventy years, 'without intermis.sion, the 
Coleman family were prominent throughout 
Eastern Pennsvlvauia for their connection with 
this great enterprise. 

CoLE>rAN Lines.— Soon after Coleman had 
obtained the possession of this stage-'ine he ex- 
tended it westwardly, by way of Womelsdort 
and Lebanon, to Harrisburg, and northwardly, 
by way of Hamburg, Orwigsburg, Sharp Moun- 
tain Gap and over the Broad Mountain, to Sun- 
bury.'' In 1818 the stages ran twice a week 
from Philadelphia to Sunbury. They left Phila- 
delphia on Tuesdays and Saturdays at three a.m.; 
arrived at Reading at five p.m., and lodged at 
Hamburg on the same days; and on the follow- 
ing mornings left at three a.m. and arrived at 
Sunbury on the succeeding days at ten a.m. And 

' The first coach in New England began its trips in 1744. 
The first st.age-line between New York and Philadelphia 
— then the two most populous cities in the colonies — was 
estal)lished in 1756. The trip was made in three days. 

When the Revolution came, most of these public convey- 
ances ceased to run. And they did not take the road till 
the return of peace. Many years elapsed before the traffic 
over the highways became at all considerable. 

'' Daniel Lebo ran a line from Reading to Sunbury and 
return, bi-weekly for a time. 



INTERxXAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



443 



they ran thrice a week from Philadelphia' to 
Harrisburg' — Tuesdays, Thursdays and Satur- 
days, — leaving Philadelphia at four a.m., lodging 
at Reading and arriving at Harrisburg the next 
evening. The same order was observed in re- 
turning. The length of the respective lines over 
the turnpikes to the south, west and north was 
as follows : Reading to Philadelphia, fifty-one 
miles ; Reading to Harrisburg, fifty-three miles; 
Reading to Sunbury, seventy-seven miles. 

In 1820 William Coleman died. His widow 
carried on the stage-lines till May 21, 1821, 
when the sons, John and Nicholas, purchased 
and conducted them. They then advertised 
the following schedule : 

" Leave Philadelphia on Tuesdays, Thursdays and 
Saturdays at 4 a.m.; arrive at Reading at 3 p.m. (a 
gain of two hours), and lodge at Wonielsdorf, proceed- 
ing next morning to Harrisburg ; and in returning 
leave Harrisburg on same days at 11 a.m., lodge at 
Womelsdorf, start next day at 4 a.m., breakfast 
at Reading and arrive at Philadelphia in the evening. 
Through fare was $7 ; to Reading from either place, 
$3.50. From Philadelphia to Sunbury, leave Phila- 
delphia on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 4 a.m.; and 
returning, leave Sunbury Wednesdays and Fridays at 
9 a.m. Hamburg was the lodging-place on the 
way. Fare, $8; way passengers, seven cents a mile. 

In 1823 they ran weekly stages to the south- 
west to Lancaster, over a natural road, in length 
thirty-two miles, and to the northeast to Easton, 
over a natural road, in length fifty miles. 

In 1825 Colder & AVilsou ran the "Mail- 
Stage" between Reading and Harrisburg three 
times a week, leaving Sundays, Wednesdays and 
Fridays at five a.m., and arriving at Harrisburg 
at five P.M.; and on return leaving Harrisburg on 
Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at five a.m. 
and arriving at five p.m. The passenger fare was 
50 cents to Womelsdorf; |1 to Lebanon and $2 
to Harrisburg. 

Stage Combination. — In 1826 a combina- 
tion was made between the Colemaus, Jacob 
Peters and Colder & Co. to run a daily line of 
stages between Philadelphia and Harrisburg via 
Reading. The arrangement began June 27, 
1826. The stages left Philadelphia daily, ex- 



' Left Philadelphia, at Swan Tavern, on Kace Street, be- 
tween Thiiil and Fourth ; and left Ilarrisbuig at Buehler's 
Tavern. 



cept Monday, at four a.m., dined at Reading, 
lodged at Lebanon, and proceeded to Harrisi)urg 
next morning. Returning, they left Harrisburg 
daily, except Tuesday, in afternoon, lodged at 
Lebanon, took breakfast at Reading next morn- 
ing and arrived in Philadelphia at eight p.m. 
Through fare, $6 ; to Reading, §3. 

From the beginning till 1826 tiie stage-coach 
in use was called a "steamboat," an uncovered 
wagon capable of holding twenty passengers. It 
was manufactured at Lancaster by Sleighmaker 
& Co. Then a sharp competition arose in this 
business between three liues ; first, the "Old 
Line," or Coleman's, which conveyed the mails ; 
second, Reeside & Piatt's ; and third, Miltimore 
& Mintzer's.^ This was in 1827.^ A new and 
improved stage-coach was introduced as a con- 
sequence, called the "Troy Coach." It held 
eleven passengers with room for five and more 
on top. 

In 1830 the competition was full of life. 
The rates were reduced one-half. But tlie " Old 
Line" forced the others to withdraw. Its mail 
contracts were a great support and enabled it to 
bear the pressure. It carried a hundred horses 
always on hand to supply the lines with motive- 
power under any emergency. 

Decline op Stages. — The stage business 
continued active and profitable in tlie several 
directions from Reading till the introduction of 
the railways, when it was discontinued. The 
stage-coach could not compete with the railroad 
train, or horse-power with steam-power. And 
in this respect, as in others, the fittest and 
strongest survived. The discontinuance on the 
several lines was as follows : From Philadel- 
phia, 1838 ; from Pottsville, 1842 ; from Har- 
risburg, 1858 ; from AUentown, 1859. 

A daily line of stages on the road to Lancas- 
ter wa.s begun on June 15, 1848, and this con- 
tinued in successful operation till the construc- 
tion of the Columbia Railroad, in 1864. 

Stages still run in different directions from 



'This firm was composed of John N. Miltimore and 
George M, Keim, of Reading ; John F. Smith, of Philadel- 
phia; and William Mintzer, of I'ottstown. 

^Soon afterward John Coleman died, and Nicholas, his 
brother, obtained and continued sole control of the stage 
business till shortly before his death, in 1857. 



444 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENXSYLVANIA. 



Reading and carry passengers, merchandise and 
mail. The lines extend to (1) Bernville and 
Millerslnirg, (2) Adamstown, (3) Friedensburg 
and Pikeville, (4) Oley Pike to Pleasantville 
and Shanesville. 

A line of mail-stages was conducted for a 
time by Courad Stanch from Womelsdorf via 
Rehrersbnrg and IMillersburg to Pine Grove, 
leaving Womelsdorf three times a week, Mon- 
days, Thursdays and Saturdays, and returning 
from Pine Grove Wednesdays, Fridays and 
Sundays. Through fare was $1.25. 



The great internal iniprovera?nts in this 
country were projected in Pennsylvania. The 
enterprise of her early citizens directed the first 
public attention to the establishment of canals 
and turnpikes for convenient transportation. 
Tn 1690 William Penn suggested the idea of 
connecting the Susquehanna and Schuylkill by 
means of a canal, but it was not acted upon. 
Seventy years afterward this idea was again 
considered, and then a survey was made by 
David Ritten house and others. A course was 
marked out for a canal between these two 
rivers ; but nearly seventy years more elapsed 
before the great scheme was realized and put 
into practical and successful operation. 

Union Canal. — In 1791 the Legislature of 
Pennsylvania passed an act incorporating the 
Schuylkill and Susquehanna Navigation Com- 
pany for the purpose of connecting the two 
rivers by a canal, and facilitating traffic thereby 
from the one to the other ; and in 1792 another 
company was chartered, under the name of the 
Delaware and Schuylkill Canal Company, for 
the purpose of extending a canal from the 
eastern terminus of the canal mentioned at 
Reading, along the Schuylkill to the Delaware 
at Philadelphia. These canals were to be part 
of a great scheme conceived by an association of 
enterprising individuals in order to promote 
internal improvements, whereby Philadelphia 
and Pittsburgh were to be connected by water 
communication. But these creatures of the law 
would appear to have received little life from 
the Legislature and their projectors, because 



they accomplished nothing in the nature of a 
practical improvement. 

On April 2, 1811, the Lsgislature passed an 
act to incorporate " The Union Canal Company 
of Pennsylvania." The name was chosen be- 
cause the new corporation was really a union of 
the old Schuylkill and Susquehanna and the 
Delaware and Schuylkill Canal Companies. 
The preamble recited that those corporations 
had made strenuous efforts to carry out the ob- 
jects of their charters, but had failed. They 
were, therefore, dissolved, and a new company 
was formed by the stockholders of the old cor- 
porations, whose relative rights were adjusted 
in a new distribution of the capital. The man- 
agers went to work with hope, but not with 
vigor. They had trouble because their capital 
was insufficient, and were waiting the slow pro- 
fits which came through the grants of lottery 
privileges. Seventeen years had gone by before 
the canal was finished. It was announced on 
the 1st of January, 1828, that the work was com- 
pleted, but it was nearly three months afterward 
before it was used. The first canal-boat that 
went west was the " Fair Trader," Cajitain 
Smith, which left Philadelphia on the 20th of 
March of that year, by way of the Schuylkill 
Navigation to Reading, and thence by the Union 
Canal to Middletown, arriving at the latter 
place on the 23d. The event was duly cele- 
brated at ^liddletown. There were seventeen 
Union Canal boats in service in July, 1828, 
and over two hundred were in operation before 
the end of that year. 

The length of the canal is 79J miles, with 91 
locks, 8 basins, 93 bridges, 16 dams and 17 
aqueducts. From the summit (four miles east 
of Lebanon) to the mouth of Tulpehocken 
Creek the distance is 37 miles. This section 
of the canal is 26 feet wide at bottom, and 36 
feet at water surface ; depth of water, 4 feet, and 
width of towing path, 10 feet. The number of 
locks required to overcome the fall of 310 feet 
is 52. The locks are faced with dressed sand- 
stone ; chambers 8 J feet wide and 75 feet long ; 
and lifts vary from 5 to 8 feet. About 1855 
the locks wei"e enlarged to correspond with the 
locks of the Pennsylvania Canal — first from Pine 
Grove westwardly to Middletown, and after- 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



445 



ward from the Swatara eastwardly to Read- 
ing- 

The success of this canal was dependent upon 
tlie construction of a similar canal along the 
Schuylkill, in order to encourage traffic from 
Susquehanna to Philadelphia by way of Reading. 
A company had been chartered in 1815 for this 
purpose, which then began the improvement 
desired, and finished it in 182.5. 

In 1830 the canal was extended along the 
western bank of the Schuylkill, three miles be-. 
low Reading, to the " Little Dam," having its 
outlet in the "Big Dam," about a thousand feet 
below. But this portion was washed so badly 
by the freshet of 1850 that it was rendered use- 
less, and connection was altogether made with 
the Schuylkill Canal at a lock near the Harris- 
burg Bridge.' 

In order to form an idea of the extent and 
growth of the business over this canal, soon 
after it was completed, the following .statistics 
are presented : 

For the week ending May 27, 1831, eighty boats 
passed Reading going down, lorty-tive being loaded 
with lumber and coal, and the others with flour, 
whiskey, castings, etc. ; and sixty passed going up, 
seventeen of wdiich were loaded with merchandise. 

For the week ending June 14, 1835, one hundred 
and twenty tive loaded boats passed down, and one 
hundred and twelve loaded boats passed up. 

Some years afterward the tonnage and tolls were as 
follows, — • 

Tons. Tolls rec'd. 

1847 139,256 4(91,3.56 

1848 153,222 95,953 

1849 148,832 86,800 

Lottery Privileges. — The amount of money 
raised in the course of the prcsecution of the 
canal work between theSehuylkill and Susque- 
hanna Rivers was enormous, not so much from 
the actual cost of the improvements as in the 
wasteful way in which the money was raised, 
and the amount taken from the community which 
did no good to the enterprise. The capital of 

' At this point tlie company had constructed, .about 18'i8, 
a dam called "Union Dam" (commonly known as the 
Lotz's Dam), for the purpose of forming a connection with 
theSehuylkill Canal; and this was the only connection 
till 1855, when the canal was extended to a point opposite 
" .Jackson's Lock," at the foot of Sixth Street, where con- 
nection was afterward made. 



the two companies, which were afterward united, 
was believed to be insuificient for the execution 
of the work, and the Legislature, in order, as it 
was supposed, to assist them, granted them power 
to raise money " by way of lottery." The 
whole amount specified in the grant was §400,- 
000, of which the Schuylkill and Susquehanna 
Company was to have two-thirds, and the Dela- 
ware and Schuylkill Canal Company one-third. 
This act Mas passed April 17, 1795, and under 
it the companies began, shortly afterward, to 
exercise the privilege of i.ssuing lottery tickets. 
This power was exercised for fifteen years, with 
small profit. Till 1810 the companies had 
realized about $60,000 from the lottery, a sum 
wholly insufficient for their purposes. They 
c()m])lained that their aifairs had " fallen into 
disortler and embarrassment ; that they were 
covered with reproach and ridictde," and that 
the public confidence was impaired in their ef- 
forts. This led to the union of the two corpo- 
rations in 1811. In the act, the lottery grant 
privileges were renewed ; and, as the company 
had not made much by their own management, 
they were empowered to sell or assign their 
lottery rights to any persons whom they might 
select. The company leased out the lottery 
privileges to various lessees or managers. Under 
this arrangement and in the course of years the 
lotteries became very successful. The managers 
took in large amounts of money, but the Canal 
Company did not have much added to their 
funds. A report made to the Legislature states 
that the lottery managers made many millions, 
while the Union Canal Company got but $269,- 
210.40. There was high dispute about the busi- 
ness, great scandal and nmch bad blood. 

The act of Assembly for the suppression of 
lotteries in Pennsylvania on and after the 1st of 
March, 183.'5, declared that the lottery rights of 
the company were exhausted, and prohibited 
the sale of lottery tickets of any kind after Dec. 
31st of that year. But, as a compensation for 
the privileges which were taken away from the 
company, the Governor was authorized to sub- 
scribe for 1000 shares of the stock on behalf of 
the State of Pennsylvania. The lotteries of the 
Union Canal Company were drawn at stated 
periods from the gallery of the stairs in the 



446 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



tower of the State-House, which led to the up- 
per chambers. After the Arcade was finished, 
in 1827, tliey were drawn from the gallery in 
front of the second-story offices, in the east 
avenue. Hundreds of persons attended these 
drawings. 

The canal was supposed to be the only possi- 
ble means of conveyance, exce|)t by the com- 
mon road, long after all the companies con- 
nected with the navigation of the Schuylkill 
were chartered. The Columbia Railroad, under 
the management of the State, began to be a 
rival of the Union Canal in bringing produce 
and passengers from the Susquehanna as soon 
as it was finished. The movement for its estab- 
lishment commenced in 1826, when a company 
was incorporated to build a railroad from Lan- 
ca.ster and Columbia to Philadelphia. The plan 
not ])roving snccessfnl, in 1828 the State of 
Pennsylvania authorized a survey, and followed 
it up in after-years by appropriations, under 
which the work was carried on. The road was 
finished to Lancaster in April, 1834, and oi)cned 
through to Columbia in the summer of 1835. 
Just as soon as this means of transportation was 
finished the Union Canal Company lost a large 
share of its business and prospects. The rail- 
road oifered a shorter route and quicker method 
of communication between the Susquehanna, 
Schuylkill and Delaware Rivers. The opening 
of the Lebanon Valley Railroad, from Reading, 
to Harrisburg, in 1857, through the same sec- 
tion of territory, proved the final and crusliing 
blow to the Union Canal Company. FrOm 
that time onward it liegan to decline more and 
more. It has not been in full ojieration for 
some years ; in fact, the traffic upon it declined 
soon after its enlargement, owing to the com- 
petition referred to and the disuse of the Penn- 
sylvania canals. 

Schuylkill Canal — Licorpnmlion of Com- 
pany. — The Schuylkill Canal Navigation was 
incorporated on Marcli 8, 1815, for the purpose 
of transporting coal, lumber, merchandise, pro- 
duce, etc., by a system of canals and slackwater 
navigation, which was to be affi)rded by appro- 
priating the water of the Schuylkill River from 
Mill Creek, in Schuylkill County, to Philadel- 
phia. Tiie transportation of articles was then 



carried on over the Centre turnpike to Reading, 
and the Perkiomen and Germantown turnpikes 
to Philadelphia. Certain commissioners were 
named in the act, among them being the fol- 
lowing prominent and enterprising men from 
Berks County : Lewis Reese, John S. Hiester, 
John Wiley; James May, Jacob K. Boyer, John 
Brower, Matthew Brooke, Robert Scott, Abra- 
ham Bailey, Abraham Wolf. 

These commissioners were directed to open 
subscription books at various i)laces in May, 
1815. The par value of a share of stock was 
fixed at fifty dollars, and twenty-five hundred 
shares were to be subscribed at Reading — one- 
fourth of the total shnres. 

The first board of directors was elected at 
Norristown on October 5, 1815. It included 
two members from Berks County — Lewis Reese, 
of Reading, and .John Wiley, of ]Maidcn-crec!:. 
Samuel Baird, of Puttsgrove (now Pottstown), 
was also a member, having soon after removed 
to Reading and practiced law. The construc- 
tion of the canal was begun in 1817. 

Construction of Road. — In 1822 the presi- 
dent of the company, Cadwallader Evans, re- 
ported that " the canal was completed from John 
Potts', at the mines, to within one-half a mile 
of Hamburg, below the Blue Mountain, and 
sixteew-OH^s from Reading. This included the 
tunnel at the mountain. The remaining por- 
tion of the upper section, north of Reading, was 
not finished. The lower section, from the Lan- 
caster Schuylkill bridge (at Philadelphia) to 
Reading, was finished." He also reported that 
boats* had carried during the year (1821) over 
the completed portion of the canal, from the 
coal-mines to the vicinity of Plainburg, large 
quantities of coal, which were deposited there 
and sold out by the ton to the country people 
from the neigliborhood and ibr many miles dis- 
tant. No tolls were required from the boats 
during the fall of 1821. The unfinished por- 
tion of the canal was reported to have been 
completed during the year 1822 ; and this was 



1 The boats were diminulive, being only eiglifeen tons' 
capacity at the opening of the canal ; afterw.ards, in \S'2S, 
increased to twenty-three tons; and, further, the size 
and tonnage of boats was increased unlil 1810, when the 
capacity was si.xty tons. 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



447 



tlie first completed navigation enterprise in the 
country. 

The total length from Mt. Carljon to Phila- 
delphia was one hundred and five miles (sixty- 
two miles of canal and forty-three miles of pools 
in river), was a fall of five hundred and eighty- 
eight feet ; including one hundred and twenty 
locks (eighty-one above Reading and thirty-nine 
below), twenty-eight dams, seventeen arched 
.stone aqueducts and a tunnel four hundred and 
fifty feet long, cut through solid rock.' The total 
cost was one million eight hundred thousand 
dollars. 

In 1827-28 the canal was extended to Mill 
Creek, making the total length 108.2.3miles;and, 
by an enlargement in 1846, the nundier of locks 
was reduced to seventy-one, with a total fall of 
about six hundred and twenty feet. The size 
of the locks was eighteen by one hundred and 
ten feet ; width of canal, sixty feet ; depth of 
water of six feet. The capacity of boats was 
one hundred and eighty tons. 

Its Completion Celebrated. — From a " local " 
in the Berks and Schuylkill Journal, on July 
10, 1824, it would appear that the water was 
not turned into the canal till the beginning of 
July, 1824. This event was anticipated ; and 
the management accordingly selected an " anni- 



' This was situate above Port Clinton. Some years after- 
wiwd the tunnel was removed by a thorough cutting away 
the material to the surface above. This tunnel was re- 
markable as being the first one executed in the United 
States. It was completed in 1818. It was excavated by 
George Duncan, a Scotch engineer. He also constructed a 
portion of the canal south of Leesport, which has since 
been known as the " Duncan Canal.'' In 1884 he also per- 
formed the work in a re-construction of the canal from 
Felix's Dam southwardly to Reading, which theretofore 
extended along but a short distance from the river, in one 
level, to Washington Street, and thence through Reading 
to near present outlet. This portion had been constructed 
over cavernous limestone, which was subject to sink-holes. 
The loss of water was frequent, causing the passing boats 
to become grounoed unexpectedly; and a great portion of 
this sinking water, strange to say, did not empty into the 
river near by, but passed undirneath the rivor, and found 
an outlet in the fields on the opposite side. This was par- 
ticularly the case near Leiss' Bridge. At one time, to 
overcome this difficulty, the company ^lad lined the canal 
thence to Reading with planks. This re-eonslruction con- 
sisted of dams and pools for slack-w.iter navigation to Kis- 
singer's Dam, at mouth of Tulpehocken Creek. 



versary day " for the purpose of celebrating it 
as such an event deserved to be celebrated. This 
was on July 5, 1824. For several days pre- 
viously the water had run into this new highway 
to prepare the way for the celebration. On the 
day fixed, at seven o'clock in the morning, amid 
the booming of cannon and the applause of 
many spectators, three boats moved down the 
canal from Reading. And then there was wit- 
nessed the first triumph in a class of internal 
improvements wliich had been recommended by 
the good and noble and fai'-seeing Penu over 
one hundred and thirty years before. 

The three boats which were used upon tiiis 
occasion were the " Thomas Oaks," " iStc|)heii 
Girard " and the " Dc Witt Clinton." 

The first boat was named after the civil en- 
gineer under whose supervision the canal had 
been principally constructed. It was occiipieil 
by General Joseph Hiester (ex-Governor of 
Pennsylvania), managers and engineers of the 
canal company and specially invited guests of 
the management ; the second was occupied 
by young gentlemen and ladies of Reading; and 
the third by business men. A fourth boat fol- 
lowed — being loaded with agricultural imple- 
ments. Upon entering Lewis' Dana, beyond 
Poplar Neck, the boats were anchored and 
Charles Evans, Esq., delivered an appropriate 
address. Immediately afterward a public an- 
nouncement was made that the .section of cantil 
for twenty-two miles below Lewis' Dam siiould 
be called the " Girard Canal," as a deserved 
tribute to the enterpri.se and liberality of Ste[)hen 
Girard. The boats then proceeded down the 
canal to Laurel Hill. There they were wel- 
comed by a great number of ladies and gentle- 
men from Pottstown and vicinity, estimated at 
five hundred. Their arrival was announced by 
a discharge of cannon and a military salute 
from the Union Guards of Pottstown. Patriotic 
toasts were oif'ered at an impromptu meeting. 
The '■ Thomas Oaks" then returned to Reading 
— having been drawn by one horse at the rate oi' 
nearly six miles an hour without much effort 
The "Girard" and "Clinton" proceeded ten 
miles farther down the canal and returned to 
Reading about dusk. Three weeks afterward 
(26th of Jidy) the " Girard " made her first voy- 



448 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



age to Philadelphia. This packet was occasion- 
ally used for pleasure trips. 

Cod atul TraJ/ic. — The cost of transporta- 
tion (by land) from Reading to Philadelphia 
was forty cents a hundred-weight ; by canal it 
Mas reduced to twelve and a half ceiih. The 
toll on coal from Mt. Carbon to Philadelphia 
was, in 1825, six cents a bushel or one dollar 
and sixty-eight cents a ton. 

Horses or mules were not used for towing 
boats previous to 1826. The boats were first 
towed through the canals by men at the end of 
long tow-lines. Two men drew a boat after 
them by pressing their shoulders or breasts 
against a stick fastened crosswise to the end of 
the tow-line. With such locomotion, a trip 
from IMuuut Carbon to Philadelphia and back 
generally required six weeks. At this time 
there were no tow-paths along the pools of the 
navigation ; hence the necessity for man-power. 

The following statistics are presented to show 
the great traffic over the canal during the first 
five years after its completion— articles selected 
jiom reports : 



Passed down Canal. 


1820. 


1827. 


1828. 


1829. 


1830. 


Barrels of fluur 

Tons of coal 

Tons of irou-oie 

Tons of iron 


21,245 
lli,-fi7 
2,641 


31,436 
31,(331) 
1,472 
l..W:i 
483 
53,782 
11,71<J 
868,149 


66,836 
47,284 
1,674 
1.863 
1,162 
84 133 
21,329 
$87,171 


1 6,023 

79,973 

656 

968 

868 

112,704 

2I,8U0 

S120,039 


1 7,799 

89,984 

61 J2 


Tons of wbiskey 

Total tons descending. . . . 
Total tons ascending. . , . 
'J otal tolls received 


420 

25,.')IJl 

6,84;S 

?43,1U8 


1,140 

136 .531 

44,2.54 

8148,165 



Considerable tolls had been received from 
1818 to 1825. 

The traffic continued to increase from year to 
year. In 1 842 it was over five hundred thou- 
sand tons, and the tolls over four hundred thou- 
sand dollars. " Ampledividendswere matle; and 
shares, which cost originally fifty dollars, M'ere 
sold as high as one hundred and .seventy-five 
dollars and even one hundred and eighty dol- 
lars." In 1851 the total tonnage was 842,097 
tons, of which there were 579,156 tons of coal; 
and the total toll was |285,621. After 1861 
the canal tonnage reached in some years nearly 
one million four hundred thousand tons of coal 
and three hundred thou.sand tons of merchan- 
dise and miscellaneous articles. The capacity 



of the canal is estimated at one million eight 
hundred thousand tons descending and at least 
five hundred thousand tons ascending. 

The boats are from seventeen to seventeen 
and a half feet wide, and one hundred to one 
and two feet long, with a maximum capacity of 
one hundred and ninety tons. 

After the year 1858 the company offered 
premiums for dispatch in tran.sportation. Two 
boats competed energetically and proved that a 
trip from Port Carbon to New York and returu 
could be made in seven days. This was re- 
garded as an extraordinary jierformance. The 
interest taken in this contest was so great that a 
boat came to be loadejl at the canal landings in 
eighteen minutes from the time the boat reacheil 
tlie wharf till the trip was resumed. Finally 
trouble was anticipated from this rivalry and 
the company discouraged it, and this put an 
end to it. 

The company continued to operate this great 
enterprise till 1870, when they lea.sed it to the 
Philadelphia and lieadiug Railroad Compauy 
for a term of nine hundred and ninety-nine years. 

Packets. — In 1825, John and Nicholas 
Coleman introduced the system of running 
packet-boats through the canal from Reading 
to Philadelphia. Trips were made three times 
a week. The fare was two dollars and a half 
a trip. A trip was made in a day. Three 
packets were operated by them. They were 
named " Lady of the Lake," " Planet " and 
" Independence." 

The packets contained no berths for sleeping 
purposes, but each a large dining-room. Cook- 
ing was done aboard, and meals were fur- 
nished. 

These packets were well patronized. They 
continued in successful operation till about 
1832, when the increasing traffic on the canal 
forced them to be withdrawn. Theretofore 
boats, loaded and empty, would turn out or lay 
over for an approaching packet, which was 
given the right of way. 

The first steamboat on the canal came from 
Philadelphia to Reading on December 5, 1826. 
Twenty years afterward a line of " Steam- 
Packets " was begun between Reading and 
Philadelphia. The first packet arrived ou 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



449 



September 28, 1846. It Mas built of iron, 
with two Ericson propellei's, eighty-five feet 
long, and thirteen and a half feet wide. These 
packets began to run regularly on October 5, 
1846. They departed from Reading every 
day, except Sunday, at two v.m., and arrived at 
Philadelphia on the next morning. And they 
departed from Philadelphia and arrived at 
Reading at the same time. The fare was one 
dollar a trip. This enterprise did not continue 
long in operation. 

James F. Smith. — The most jirominent per- 
son in the county, connected with the canal 
navigation system, by reason of his long-con- 
tinued service with the Schuylkill Navigation 
Company and his residence in this community, 
is James F. Smith. He was born December 
25, 1813, at Pittsburgh, Pa., and began his en- 
gineering practice in 1831, on the Allegheny 
Portage Railroad. Afterward he was employed 
on railroads in Pennsylvania and New York, 
and on the INIorris Canal in New Jersey. He 
came into the service of the Schuylkill Naviga- 
tion Company in 1843, and was connected with 
that work as resident engineer during its en- 
largement in 1846, having charge of the lower 
division. He remained in that position until 
1850, the year of the disastrous freshets, by 
which the canal was greatly damaged. At that 
time the late Ell wood Morris was resident eu- 
gineer of the line of works above Reading, but 
resigned near the close of 1850. Mr. Smith 
was then made chief engineer, ho taking entire 
charge of the Navigation Company's works and 
completing their repairs. 

In 1870 the caual was leased to the Phila- 
delphia and Reading Railroad Company, and 
Mr. Smith was continued as chief engineer. In 
1872 he took charge of the Susquehanna aud 
Tide-Water Canal, from Columbia to Havre de 
Grace, Maryland. The Columbia dam, six 
thousand eight hundred feet in length, over the 
Susquehanna River at Columbia, was greatly 
damaged by ice-floods in 1874 and in 1875. 
The work of repair was one of great magnitude, 
but it was successfully executed under Mr. 
Smith's direction and according to his plans. 
The dam has stood the te.st of the river floods, 
both ice and water, without material injury since. 
45 



In 1876 Mr. Smith was relieved as chief en- 
gineer and appointed con.sulting engineer of 
canals, which place he retained until the sum- 
mer of 1885. In January, 1886, he was elected 
president of the East Pennsylvania Railroad 
Company and of the Allentowu Railroad Com- 
pany. 

RAILWAYS. 

First in Pennsylvania. — The first rail- 
way in Pennsylvania was built in 1827 from 
Mauch Chunk to Summit Hill, in length nine 
miles. It was constructed to complete the 
transportation of coal from Mine Hill to Phila- 
delphia. From INIauch Chunk to Philadelphia 
a canal had been constructed shortly before by 
the Lehigh Coal and Navigation Company.^ 
But the canal could not be extended to Mine 
Hill ; so the company wore compelled to devise 
and build a railway to take the place of ordinary 
roads. 

Soon afterward "The Little Schuylkill Rail- 
road Company " was incorporated, and it con- 
structed the railroad from Tamaqua to Port 
Clinton. 

Philadelphia and Reading R.ailroad 
Company. — In 1833 a railroad was projected 
from Port Clinton via Reading to Philadelphia. 
The Little Schuylkill Railroad Company was 
authorized to extend their railroad to Reading, 
and to construct a railroad from Reading to 
Philadelphia. A company waschartered on April 
4, 1833, under the name of the " Philadelphia 
and Reading Railroad Company." Twenty- 
seven commis-sioners were appointed, including 
George de B. Keim, Matthias S. Richards, 
Isaac Hiester and James Everhart, from Read- 
ing. Immediate steps were taken to con.striict 
this road. A considerable portion was con- 
structed during 1835, and by December, 1837, 
one track of the road was completed from Read- 
ing to Pottstown. An excursion party, com- 
prising one hundred citizens of Reading, made 
a trip on the 6t]i of December in five freight- 
cars, temporarily fitted up with seats and drawn 
by five horses. It started from the depot at 
nine A.M., and arrived at Pottstown in two and 

1 The Lehigh Coal Mining Company was instituted in 
1793, and the Lehigh Canal Company in 1818. These two 
conipaiiies were united and reorganized in 1821. 



450 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



tliree-quurter hours, iucluding all stoppages. In 
returniug, it left at two p.m., and arrived at 
Reading at five p.m. The first regular train 
from Reading to Pottstown ran on Tuesday, 
May 1, 1838. The schedule comprised two 
daily trains : 

Left Reading at 8 A.M. and 12.80 P.M. 
Left Pottstown at 10.30 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

And the road was opened to Norristown on 
July 16, 1838, and to Philadelphia in Decem- 
ber, 1839. In May, 1840, the time-table to 
and from Philadelphia was as follows : 

Leave Reading at 7.15 a.m., and 2.45 p.m. 
Leave Philadelphia at 5 a.m., and 2.15 p.m. 

The fare was : First-class, $2.50 ; secoud-class, 

Tlio Little Scliuylkill Railroad Company 
being unable to construct the road from Port 
Clinton to Reading, the charter of tlie Philadel- 
phia and Reading Railroad Company was there- 
fore extended to cover the construction and 
operation of a railroad from Reading to Potts- 
viile ; and notwithstanding the financial diffi- 
culties which prevailed in and after 1838, this 
great project was completed within four years 
afterward. The first train ran over the whole 
line from Philadelphia to Pottsville, ninety- 
three miles, on the 1st day of January, 1842, 
and the road was opened for general travel on 
the 10th of January following. 

In the establisiiment of this great enterprise 
the construction of two long tunnels is wortiiy 
of mention — one near Plxieni.wille, in length 
nineteen hundred and thirty-one feet, at a cost 
of one hundred and fifty thousand three hun- 
dred and tiiree dollars; and the other near Port 
Clinton, in length si.xteen hundred and six 
feet, at a cost of one hundred and twenty-five 
thousand seven hundred and eighty-two dollars. 
The latter extends through the Blue Mountain. 
The depth from the surface at the top of the 
mountain is one hundred and nineteen feet. A 
superior, large stone bridge across the Schuylkill, 
above Tuckertou, is also notewortiiy. A third 
tunnel was constructed at Manayunk, in length 
nine hundred and forty feet, and costing .seventy- 
five thousand dollars. The Pho?nixville' and 
Manayunk tunnels were enlarged in 1859, the 



former at a cost of twenty-six thousand three 
hundred and ninety-three dollars, and the latter 
at a cost of twelve thousand eight hundred and 
forty-eight dollars. 

The second track from Philadelphia to Potts- 
ville was opened for travel in January, 1844. 
In June, 1848, the trains ran as follows : 

To Philadelphia : 9.10 a.m. and 3..50 p.m. 
To Pottsville : 10.45 a.m. and 5 p.m. 

The distance from Reading to Philadelphia 
was traveled in two hours; and to Pottsville in 
one hour and twenty minutes. 

In IMay, 1855, there were eight daily passen- 
ger-trains — four departing and four arriving. 
The following statistics are presented to show 
the increase of traffic over the road, its receipts 
and income, at different periods, till now : 



188."> 



ToDDage. 



2X8,711 
2,2l:i,292 
3,I180,«14 
4.1>22,916 
12,5311,594 



2r.,Ki f.'.94,ni8 8179.395 

in, --J i,.::i,:'<: j.'ttt.oio 

■ ■..■' II ! I.' ".1 ' 1,^12,271 

t ■; . I _.- ;i i.TlT.UU 

'.;ij' ■, II,.. I ;, Ij.,vj7,05» 



Note. — The figures of the passenger trullic for the four years fii^st 
named are hased on number through passengers, i. e., Phila(lel]ihia to 
Pottsville, one way, and the figures fur the last year named are total 
number of passengers carried during 1885. 

The statement includes the total business of 
the road and all its branches. 

The introduction of this railway imitiediately 
stimulated enterpri.se at Reading, and caused 
energy and capital to be directed towards 
manufacturing. The increasing tide of affjiirs 
induced people and capital to concentrate here 
more and more every succeeding year ; antl 
buildings multiplied rapidly to answer the de- 
mands of the rapidly increasing jiopulation. 
The company established its work-shops here 
when the railway was completed. And these 
have grown here in capacity with the ever- 
increasing traffic of the road. The first large 
shop occupied the half- block on the west side of 
Seventh Street, between Franklin and Che.st- 
nut Streets, where it has continued till now, a 
period exceeding forty years. Each succeeding 
decade found the company with more extended 
shops of all kinds for the manufacture of en- 
gines and cars, affording in the mean time con- 
stant employment for an ever-increasing num- 
ber of workmen. The total annual income to 
the people of Reading from this single source 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



451 



(luring the past forty years counts into millions 
of dollars, all of which contributed directly 
towards the substantial growth of this commu- 
nity, in its buildings, stores, factories, churches 
and schools. The largely increased wealth of 
the city is, therefore, attributable to this valu- 
able internal improvement. 

The passenger station, or " depot," as it was 
always called, was located at the northwest 
corner of Seventh and Chestnut Streets, and 
continued there till 1874, when it was removed 
to the commodious, costly and creditable build- 
ing ' erected by the company at the "junction " 
of the Lebanon Valley and East Pennsylvania 
Railroad, with this road, about three-fourths of 
a mile to the north. This was doue to accom- 
modate and facilitate the large passenger traffic 
conducted daily under the management of this 
company. The possessions and investments of 
this company at Reading amount to an enormous 
sum. From these it is apparent tliat the company 
appropriated a great proportion of its income 
here, besides affording constant employment to 
several thousand men in its numerous shops 
and on its several branches of railway. This 
fact stands out prominently in the management 
of the company and it is worthy of special 
recognition in this history ; and though this 
generous feeling resulted directly in the enrich- 
ment of this inland city and county-seat, the 
entire county of Berks was indirectly benefited 
liy it. The statistics for the last forty years, 
ill respect to the growth, wealth and producing 
ca|)acity of our county, show that the major 
])art was at Reading. This enrichment and 
development of Reading were, however, very 
beneficial to the county in various ways, 
especially in respect to supplying funds for our 
general government and to providing stores, 
merchandise of all kinds and an enlarged home 
market for the people. Many property-holders 
were enriched thereby, the enhanced value of 
real estate having been produced by the irre- 
sistible process of development through the 
energy and management of this company. 

And I can attribute to the same strong cause 
the increased population, wealth, influence and 
power of the entire Schuylkill Valley from Phila- 
delphia to the mountains, the Lebanon Valley 



from the Schuylkill to the Susquehanna and 
the East Penn Valley from the Schuylkill to 
the Lehigh, an area of territory covering alto- 
gether several thousand square miles. 

The valuable and extensive buildings of the 
company at Reading comprise the following : 
Machine-shops, at Seventh and Franklin and 
Seventh and Chestnut ;' foundry at Seventh and 
Spruce; forge, etc., at Bingamiu and railroad ; 
passenger stations ; car shops, etc., at Sixth and 
Oley;- depots at Eighth and Button wood; East 
Penn Shops, at j\Iarion and railroad ; round- 
houses on North Sixth ; rolling-mill on North 
Ninth. 

The stations in the county, along the line, 
are the following : Douglassville, Monocacy, 
Birdsboro', Exeter, Neversink, Franklin Street, 
Reading, Tuckerton, Leespoi't, Mohrsville, Slioe- 
makerville, Bern, Hamburg. The entire length 
of the railway from the southern extremity of 
the county to the northern is about forty miles. 

Passenger Station. — Next to the general 
office building of the Philadelphia and Reading 
Railroad Company at Philadelphia, the passen- 
ger station of the company at Reading is the 
finest and most commodious building in its ser- 
vice. It is a superior, two story brick structure, 
situated at the junction of the main road with the 
Lebanon Valley and East Pennsylvania roads, 
about a half-mile north of Penn Street, in the 
central portion of the city. The main build- 
ing is surmounted with a large and elevated 
clock-tower, visible fi'om all sections, which 
contains a superior clock and four dials, facing 
north, east, south and west. Altogether, the 
building comprises twenty-four rooms, besides 
spacious hallways, — fifteen on the first floor and 
nine on the second. Extensive covered plat- 
forms are constructed over the three roads, 
nearly a half-mile in length; eastern, ten hun- 

1 The machine-shop was destroyed by fire on January 8, 
1854; loss estimated at $50,000. It was rebuilt imme- 
diately afterward. 

2 These superb shops, including all the valuable machin- 
ery, many cars, and at least 100,000 I'eet of lumber, were 
destroyed by an extensive fire on June 26, 1870. They 
liad been built during the years 1864 and 1 865, at a cost 
amounting to about $120,000. Their dimensions were 
seven hundred and ten by one hundred and sixly-eight 
feet, spanned by three contiguous roofs. 



452 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSLYVANIA. 



dred and thirty-eight feet; northwestern, seven 
liiiudred and nine feet, and soutliwestfirn, six 
hundred and ninety-two feet; the first being 
forty-sevcu feet wide, and the others forty-two 
feet wide. Tiie passenger trains to Philadelphia 
and to Pottsviile pass tlirongh the first, those 
to Harrishurg and to Ailentrwn through the 
second, and those to Columbia, Slatington and 
Wilmington, through the third. The building 
is healed by steam, and the clocks are operated 



bold eminences in the surrounding country. 
And as we have men in the departments 
named, so have we in internal improvements. 
The most prominent in the railway system is 
G. A. Nicolls, he having come here when the 
Philadeli)hia and Reading Railroad was pro- 
jected through the Schuylkill Valley, in 183(j, 
and remained here ever since, a period covering 
fifty years. His entrance here was with tlie 
dawn of our substantial development through 




READING PASSENOER STATION. 

by electric attachments. The entire area of 
ground comprises about two acres. The total 
number of passenger trains departing from and 
arriving at the station daily (excepting Sunday) 
is seventy- four. 

The building of this station was begun in 
August, 1871, and it was completed in 1874, 
and opened for the accomodation of passengers 
o 1 August 3, 1874, when the lower station was 
•abandoned. In 1884 the company re-established 
a station near by the foruKr place, at Franklin 
Street. 

G. A. Nicoi.i-S. — In the several departments 
of the business life of Reading, we have had 
and still have men who wci-e or still are identi- 
fied in the respective vocations in which they 
were or are now engaged on account of long 
continuous service. In banking, in merchan- 
dise, in manufactures and in newspaper publi- 
ciitions their names stand out prominently like 



the combination of iron, coal and steam, and he 
has been continuously connected with it in all 
its greatness from decade to decade till now. 

Gnstavus Anthony Nicolls was born April 
3, 1817, at Abbey View, Thomastown, county 
of Kilkenny, Ireland. His father was Colonel 
William Dann Nicolls, of the English Royal 
Artillery, and his mother was Maria Graves, 
daughter of Anthony Graves, a landed proprie- 
tor in the county of Kilkenny, and they had 
issue three children, — the subject of this sketch ; 
a son, William Jasper, born at Exeter, Eng- 
land, in 1824; and a daughter, Maria Anne, 
born at Woolwich in 1825. The Nicolls family 
is descended from John Nicolls, of Arran, in 
Strathmore, near Inverness, Scotland. 

Mr. Nicolls was named after liis uncle. 
General Gustavus Nicolls, of the Royal I]n- 
gineers, and also intended for the military pro- 
fession. With this end in view, he, during 
the early years of his boyhood, was educated 
under the personal supervision of his father, 
and then sent for some years to the Waterford 
Classical and Mathematical Academy, an insti- 
tution distinguished for the scholarship of its 
pupils; after which he finished his education at 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



453 



the Wanstead Military College, near London. 
His proficiency in mathematics in all its various 
Itrauches has been well attested by his success- 
ful career in later life as a civil engineer. Hav- 
ing been educated for the English military 
service, his father, immediately after the com- 
])letion of his course of study, desired him to 
be sent to the East Indies, and in this behalf 
his uncle, Sir Jasper Nicolls, then commander- 
in-chief in India, promised to appoint him an 
aid-de-camp on his own personal staff. But, 
believing that the United States offered a bet- 
ter field for his talents and energy, he chose to 
emigrate to this country, and, accordingly, 
sailed from England in September, 1834. Upon 
arriving in Philadelphia, he studied law for a 
while in the office of Henry M. Phillips, Esq. 

In April, 1835, Mr. Nicolls, then in his 
eighteenth year, received the appointment of 
rodman in the engineer corps of the Philadel- 
])hia and Reading Railroad Company, and, in 
1836, he was promoted to the position of as- 
sistant engineer, and given charge of finishing 
a section of railroad which lay between Doug- 
lassville and Exeter. In 1837 he was made 
])riucipal assistant and stationed at Reading, 
and, in the year following, superintendent of 
transportation, which he held for eight years, 
till 184(j. He was then appointed chief engi- 
neer and general superintendent of the company, 
and continued to discharge the duties of these 
two positions for thirteen years. The business 
<if the road had by this time increased to such 
an extent that the two offices had to be sep- 
arated, and Mr. Nicolls selected the latter. He 
served as general superintendent till February, 
1871, when he was appointed to act also as 
jiresident's assistant. This order obliged him 
to remove his residence from Reading to Phila- 
ilelphia, where he continued to reside till May, 
1877, when he returned to Reading. In 1873 
lie was elected second vice-president of the 
company, and, in 1875 and 1876, he was 
nnanimously re-elected to that position. In 
1877 the positions of first and second vice- 
jiresidents were abolished, and then Mr. Nicolls 
was elected president of the following branch- 
I'oads of this company : Reading and Columbia, 
Ei^t Pennsylvania, East Mahanoy, Allentown, 



and Chester and Delaware River. In 1876 he 
was chosen president of the Susquehanna and 
Tide-Wa'^er Canal Company. These several 
positions he has since retained by annual re- 
election. His retention in them is undoubted 
evidence of his marked ability, energy and in- 
tegrity in the discharge of his duties. During 
his long and unusual term of .service, now cov- 
ering a period of more than fifty years, he has 
.seen the company advantte from its very begin- 
ning into its present wonderful proportions. 
And he has ever been devoted to its interests 
and progres.s. His constancy is particularly 
prominent as a characteristic during his entire 
career as an official. And his system in the 
management of railroad affairs is equally rec- 
ognizable, resulting in many great advantages 
to the company and in safety to the peo|)le. 
During the destructive riots of July, 1877, at 
Reading, when the whole community was 
alarmed for its safety, and railroad employees 
were excited, dissatisfied and rebellious, he was 
fearless in occupying his prominent position at 
the passenger station and in giving valuable 
suggestions for the preservation of the com- 
pany's property and for the movement of regu- 
lar trains. 

Besides the positions named, Mr. Nicolls 
was a director of the Reading Fire Insurance 
and Trust Company from the time of its 
organization in 1868 till 1875. In 1862 he was 
elected a trustee of the Charles Evans Cemetery 
Company, and he has continued to fill that 
office till the present time. He is also a director 
of the Schuylkill and Lehigh Railroad Com- 
pany. During the year 1882 the "Reading, 
Marietta and Hanover Railroad " — a branch 
line of the Pennsylvania and Reading Railroad 
Company system — was completed mainly under 
his supervision. Mr. Nicolls was a charter 
member of the Philadelphia, Reading and 
Pottsville Telegraph Company. In the organ- 
ization of the company in 1847 he was elected 
one of the board of managers and he has been 
re-elected annually till now. As a citizen of 
Reading he has always shown a strong interest 
in its material development and prosperity. En- 
terprises of various kinds have received his 
active encouragement. He assisted in erecting 



454 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



here the cotton-factory and the steam-forge 
shortly after 1850. The.se two large and co.stly 
mannfacturing establishments have been largely 
instrumental in building np the respective 
sections of Reading in which they are .situated 
and have afforded almost constant employment 
to many working-people for the pa.st thirty 
years. 

The charitable work in Reading carried on 
by the " Reading Benevolent Society," has 
always received the aid of Mr. Nicolls. He 
served as president of the society for eleven 
years, from 1860 till the close of 1871. The 
Young Men's Christian Association has found 
in him a generous and constant contributor in 
its noble purpose of laboring for the improve- 
ment of young men. He filled the office of 
president of the a.ssociation for over two years, 
from 1880 to 1882. Mr. Nicolls al.so acted as 
a manager of the Reading Dispen.sary and of 
the Reading Hospital for a number of years. 
He is now serving the "Home for Widows and 
Single Women of Reading," as chairman of 
its building committee in the erection of its 
handsome and commodious stone structure; and 
the " Reading Society of Natural Sciences," from 
the time of its organization in 1869 till its dis- 
solution in 1884, received his earnest attention. 
During this time, one of its most active mem- 
bers — Mr. Hiram Hollenbush — a few years 
before his death, made for Mr. Nicolls a cabinet 
containing a beautiful and complete collection 
of all the various kinds of wood found in Berks 
County. 

During the Civil War, Mr. Nicolls was 
thoroughly patriotic. He attended a number 
of public meetings, which were composed of 
prominent citizens without regard to political 
affiliations, and held in this critical period for 
the purpose of expressing sentiments favorable 
to the preservation of the Union; and he was 
constantly liberal in the encouragement of vol- 
untary enlistment. When the State was threat- 
ened with an invasion in 1862, he enlisted in 
Company E, Elcventli Regiment Pennsylvania 
Vi)lunteer Militia, commanded by Captain 
Charles H. Hunter and served as a corporal. 
This company was named after him, and known 
as " Nicolls Guards." A movement to signalize 



the distinguished part which our county took in 
the late war has been a cherished object with 
him since its termination. In 1883 he prepared 
a suitable and superior design and suggested tiie 
centre of " Penn Square" as a proper place 
upon which to locate the monument, believing 
that patriotism should be grandly typified in the 
form of a "Soldiers' Monument" and lie placed 
permanently in the mo.st prominent place of our 
community so that the eyes of future generations 
could behold what this generation had done to 
commemorate the .services and sacrifices of our 
people in behalf of preserving and perpetuating 
the Constitution and Union of our country. lu 
political belief he has been identified with the 
Whig and the Republican parties. In 1864 
the nomination for Congress was offered to 
him by the Republican party of the county, 
but he was obliged to decline it on account 
of his prominent business connections with 
the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Com- 
pany. 

During the last forty years Mr. Nicolls has 
been a great traveler. In 1848 he made a 
journey of three months to and through the 
British Islands, having then visited all the 
places of importance. In 1856 he traveled vvitli 
a party of friends through the .southern por- 
tions of the United States, and also the Island 
of Cuba. Whilst sojourning in Cuba he ad- 
dressed a series of interesting letters to the 
Reading Times, in which they were pub- 
lished, narrating the experiences of his party in 
that country, the sights observed, the im]>rcs- 
sions received, etc. In 1872 he visited all the 
countries in Continental Europe. In 1878 he 
again made an excursion to Europe, visiting, 
particularly, the Paris Exposition, England, 
Sweden and Ru.ssia. Some of his letters home 
were then published on account of their gen- 
eral interest and information. And in 1884 he 
crossed the ocean for a fourth time and spent 
several months in the British Islands. 

]\Ir. Nicolls resided for a number of years at 
the .southeast corner of Penn and Fourth 
Streets, Reading. In 1870 lie began the erec- 
tion of a handsome and commodious double 
two-story sand-stone residence, at the northwest 
corner of Walnut and Fourth Streets, being the 




^ a. yr7c-^t^ 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



455 



first costly improvement of this kind in that 
section of the city. Tlie plans were prejiared 
by him and the buildino; was erected under his 
personal supervision. It was finished in 1871, 
and is even now, though fifteen years have 
elapsed, one of the finest and most tasteful 
homes in Reading. 

For many years Mr. Nicolls was a vestry- 
man of Christ Episcopal Clnirch of Reading. 
He served as a member of the building com- 
mittee which conducted the alterations of the 
edifice of this denomination from a brick build- 
ing to the present beautiful and costly struc- 
ture, the appearance of which, with its towering 
and graceful spire, is the most imposing of any 
church in the city of Reading. He ceased to 
be a vestryman in 1871. Throughout the 
course of his life he has been a consistent and 
devoted member of that branch of the Chris- 
tian Church known as the Protestant Episcopal 
Communion of America and England. 

In May, 1846, Mr. Nicolls was married 
to Rosa Catharine Muhlenberg, daughter of 
Hon. Henry A. Muhlenberg, who was for a 
number of years member of Congress from 
this district, also the first minister to Austria, 
and, at the time of his decease, in 1844, 
the candidate of the Democratic party for 
Governor of Pennsylvania. She died May 
15, 18()7. During her life she was highly 
esteemed for her intellectual superiority. She 
was distinguished for charity to the poor people 
of Reading. The Civil War awakened her 
patriotism ; and her zeal for the soldiers who 
went from her native city placed her foremost 
in the movement which resulted in the creation 
of the first Ladies' Aid Society in the entire 
country. She was the president of this society 
from the beginning to the close of the war, and, 
as such, was particularly active in performing 
valuable services in behalf of our men who 
were away from their homes, by collecting use- 
ful materials and forwarding the same to them 
on the field of battle. Her kindness and de- 
votion were highly appreciated by them, and 
many of the survivors of that great struggle, 
who returned and resided in this community, 
still speak of her in terms expressive of their 
highest regard. 



In January, 1869, Mr. Nicolls was married 
to Annie Hall IMuhlenberg, daughter of Dr. 
F. A. Muhlenberg, of Lancaster, Pa. They 
have issue one son, Frederick William Nicolls, 
who was born on February 7, 1870. 

The motto of the Nicolls family is " Fide et 
Industria." Mr. Nicolls has ever kept it as the 
guiding rule of his life ; and to it he attributes 
the success which he has realized on the one 
hand, and the confidence and esteem which he 
has received on the other. 

George de B. Keim, the eldest son of the 
Hon. George May Kcira and of Julia C. 
Mayer, his wife, was born in the house of his 
father, in South Fifth Street, below Chestnut, in 
the borough of Reading, and being the eldest 
male grandchild, was named for his grandfather, 
General George de Benneville Keim. The lat- 
ter had been named for his grandfather, George 
de Benneville, widely known as Dr. de Benne- 
ville, who was born in London, July 26, 1703, 
and after a varied life, came to this country in 
the thirty-eighth year of his age. His father, 
bearing the same name, was " a French refugee, 
who, being persecuted for his religion, retired 
with his family and connections into England 
upon the invitation of His Majesty King Wil- 
liam, who took a tender care of them and em- 
ployed them at his court." 

After a preliminary education in local schools 
(with the exception of a term at Georgetown 
College, in the District of Columbia, during a 
f)art of the period when his father served as a 
Representative in Congress for Berks County), 
Mr. Keim was, in the fall of the year 1846, ad- 
mitted into the sophomore class of Dickinson 
College, at Carlisle, Pa., from M'hich he was 
graduated in the year 1849. Immediately after 
graduating, he entered into the laboratory of 
his kinsman, Dr. Charles M. Wetherill, at 
Philadelphia, to pursue the study of chemistry, 
particularly the Liebig system of quantitative 
and qualitative analysis with reference to min- 
eral products. Upon returning home, in 1850, 
he entered the office of Charles Davis, Esq., a 
prominent and learned member of the bar, (who, 
in the year 1842, removed from Easton and 
located at Reading,) and in April, 1852, he 
was admitted to the practice of the law. While 



45G 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



residing ia Reading, Mr. Keim was actively 
engaged in local matters. He was a member of 
the Reading Rifles, which, under the command 
of Captain Ancona, took a prominent place 
among the volunteer soldiery ; and for i?ome 
years he filled the position of president of the 
Junior Fire Company, a very efficient and use- 
ful iustitntion. 

In 1855, Mr. Keim established himself at 
Pottsville, the county town of Schuylkill 
County. Indications then pointed to a largely 
increased demand in the not distant future for 
anthracite coal — the important industry of that 
vicinity, and as a result, the enhancement in 
value of coal property, and an increase in the 
luiuiber of collieries, as well as in the business 
and population of the county. Much of the 
most valuable mineral land was out of the 
market, owing to the uncertainty of title, and the 
arrival of the activity looked for would promote 
measures, either by amicable adjustment or by 
the tribunals of law, to clear up such difficul- 
ties and ojien for the miner a way to those 
sealed deposits. 

At that time nearly the whole of the valuable 
coal-field of Mahanoy was without inhabitants 
and without railroad facilities, and where now 
are flourishing towns not even a settlement ex- 
isted. In the western portion of the southern 
coal-field there was no operation, and where the 
extensive Brookside and Kalmia Collieries are 
now located was then a wilderness. 

Shortly after Mr. Keim located in Schuyl- 
kill County a period of great activity com- 
menced. He "caught on " to the great industry 
of the region, and acquainting himself with the 
land titles and requirements of the county, was 
engaged very early by comjianies and individ- 
uals in the settlement of their difficulties and 
the promotion of their enterprises. 

He was employed by the Philadelphia and 
Reading Coal & Iron Company to attend to the 
examiuation of much of their immense estate 
of leaseholds and lands, and assisted at the birth 
of that company ; and, in 1S74, he was called 
to Philadelphia in its service and that of its 
allied institution, the Philadelphia and Reading 
Railroad Company, filling various positions 
thereafter in each of said companies until Jan- 



uary, 1884, when he was placed in the presi- 
dency of the same. In June following his 
election the companies, for the second time in 
their existence, passed into the hands of re- 
ceivers (the first time being in May, 1880), 
when Mr. Keim was appointed one of the re- 
ceivers of the companies by the Circuit Court 
of the United States for the Eastern District of 
Pennsylvania, since which time he has been 
assiduously engaged in the duties of his aj)- 
pointment and in the endeavor to promote an 
adjustment of the serious and embarrassing 
matters connected therewith. 

It may be mentioned that ]\Ir. Keim's grand- 
father, General George de B. Keim, was one of 
the corporatorsof the Philadelphia and Reading 
Railroad Company, and that his uncle, Mr. 
Wirt Robinson, was, for a number of years, its 
chief engineer and general manager, succeeding 
in that position Mr. Moncure Robinson, the 
eminent engineer, who, after locating and con- 
structing that road with the assistance of his 
relative, Mr. Wirt Robinson, resigned the posi- 
tion, owing to the ])ressure of other important 
enterprises in the promotion of which he was 
engaged. 

Historical matters, especially such as relate to 
his native county and to the State, have re- 
ceived the attention of Mr. Keim. His inter- 
est in such pursuits led him, many years ago, 
to connect himself with the Historical Society 
of Pennsylvania, which honored him by select- 
ing him as one of its vice-presidents. The au- 
thor of this history acknowledges kindly en- 
couragement from him at various times whilst 
prosecuting the laborious undertaking. 

By aj^pointment of the Governor of this com- 
monwealth, Mr. Keim served on the commission 
which presented Generals Muhlenberg and 
Fulton as the contribution of statuary from 
Pennsylvania to the aipitol at Washington — 
these two distinguished men having been select- 
ed from the commonwealth as Representatives, on 
the one hand, of the German or " Pennsylvania 
Dutch " element of the people, and on the other, 
of the Scotch-Irish element. The Hon. Simon 
Cameron and the Hon. Daniel Ermentrout ahso 
served as members of the commission, and the 
conclusions reached were only arrived at after 




GEORGE DeB.KEIM 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



457 



the fullest discussiou and the most careful ac- 
tion. It must not be forgotten that General 
Muhlenberg was a grandson of Courad Weiser, 
one of the earliest settlers in the Womelsdorf 
region before the Indian titles were extinguished, 
a true and useful character, who has honorable 
mention in connection with the earliest history 
of the settlement of Berks County. 

Mr. Keim was married to Elizabeth Cocke 
Trezevant, the only daughter of Lewis Cruger 
Trezevant, M.D., of South Carolina (the only 
cliild of the Hon. Lewis Trezevant, a judge of 
the Supreme Court of that State), and of Eliza- 
beth Marion Cocke, the daughter of Buller 
Cocke, Esq., of Bacon's Castle, Surry County, 
Ya, Dr. Trezevant, when his daughter was an 
infant, moved to his plantation near Memphis, 
Tenn., where both he and his wife not many 
years after, at an early age, fell victims to the 
climate. 

Mr. Keim's family, besides his wife, consists 
of two daughters — Julia Mayer Keim and Su- 
san Douglass Keim. 

J. LowRiE Bkll, a son of Plon. Samuel 
Bell, was born at Reading, Pa., in November, 
1837. He was educated at Russell's Collegiate 
Institute, New Haven, Conn. 

He commenced business life as a clerk with 
Messrs. Stichter & McKnight, hardware mer- 
chants at Reading, and remained with them 
three and one-half years, until 1857, when he 
entered the service of the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad Company as a clerk, at the 
freight depot. Broad and Cherry Streets, Phila- 
delphia. In 1860 he was appointed chief 
clerk and cashier to the general agent ; and in 
1865 he became general agent at Philadelphia 
in charge of the traffic of the company. 

In 1868 he was appointed general freight 
agent of all the I'oads under the management of 
this company, and in 1880 became its general 
traffic manager, in which capacity he has charge 
of all rates for tolls and transportation, and of 
all commercial questions pertaining to the inter- 
change of traffic with other companies and 
transporters. 

Lebanon Valley. — An act of Assembly 
was passed on April 1, 1836, incorporating the 
" Lebanon Valley Railroad Company," for the 



purpo.se of building a railroad from Reading to 
Harrisburg. This act required an actual sub- 
scription of four thousand shares of stock 
before the charter should become operative. 
This number could not be obtained by private 
subscriptions, and the project for this railway 
through a rich and productive country was 
allowed to slumber for seventeen years. In 
1853 the idea was conceived that Lebanon and 
Reading, as municipal organizations, should en- 
courage the enterprise by a large subscription 
of stock, the former by a subscription of two 
thousand shares, and the latter of six thousand 
shares. A supplementary act was accordingly 
passed on 5th of April, 1853, with a provision 
that the subject of a subscription be submitted 
to an election of the taxables of the respective 
places. The City Councils of Reading dis- 
cussed this subject on May 11, 1853, and then 
ordered an election to be held on the 15th of 
June following. This election was to decide 
for or against a subscription of four thousand 
shares, amounting to two hundred thousand 
dollars. In the public discussion of this mat- 
ter the Adler opposed the subscription ; but the 
Journal and the Prexs favored it, expressing 
the belief that the city would be benefited to 
the extent of ten times the amount of the sub- 
scription. The result of the election was as 
follows : 

For subscription 1658 

Against subscription 682 

Majority for subscription 976 

The result having terminated flivorably, certain 
taxables applied to the Supreme Court for an 
injunction. The application was argued at 
Philadelphia before all the judges on July 27, 
1853; but the injunction was refused. (The 
ciise is reported in Penna. State Reports, 9 
Harris, p. 188.) At the same time three simi- 
lar cases were argued to restrain subscriptions 
for stock of projected railways. The Su})renie 
Court assembled at Pittsburgh on September 
6, 1853, and delivered an opinion, deciding 
that the subscriptions could be made. The 
subscription by the City Councils was accord- 
ingly made, and in payment tiiereof issued 
city bonds, amounting to two hundred thousand 



458 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



dollars. The construction and completiou of 
this road were facilitated by the assistance of 
the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Com- 
pany. During its completion an act was pa.ssed, 
May 5, 1857, to authorize the consolidation 
of the Lebanon Valley Railroad Company 
with the Philadelpjiia and Reading Railroad 
Company, upon first obtaining consput of the 
stockholders. This movement awakened con- 
siderable opposition, but it prevailed. The 
City Councils approved of the consolidation, 
and encouraged it, especially upon having been 
assured by the Philadelphia and Reading Rail- 
road Comj)any that the city bonds would be re- 
turned and that their company would assume the 
subscription of four thousand shares. The road 
was completed and the consolidation effected, 
and the city bonds were returned ; and in 
December, 1858, the City Councils passed unani 
mously a resolution tendering their respectful 
acknowledgments to the Philadelphia and Read- 
ing Railroa<l Company for their generosity in sur- 
rendering the bonds in exchange for the stock, 
and expressing an appreciation of the kind 
and liberal spirit which dictated the action of 
the comjiany in the premises. 

The trains began to run over the road to 
Harrisburg on Monday, 18th of January, 
1858.' The first train consisted of ten passen- 
ger ears, and was arranged to convey a number 
of prominent citizens, including General W. H. 
Keim and staff, the "Reading Rifles," and the 
" City Band," from Reading to Harrisburg. 

During the construction of the section of the 
road near '^^'^omelsdorf an " Irish Riot " oc- 
curred, which caused considerable excitement 
at Reading. It was reported that one hundred 
and fifty Irishmen had struck for higher Mages 
on May ,'?, 1855, and had refused to allow 
other laborers to M'ork in their stead ; that, 
among other unlawful acts, they had beaten 
the foreman and set fire to a large barn in the 
vicinity, and that warrants had been issued 
for the arrest of the ringleaders, but that the 
constable had failed to quell the disturbance. 
In this alarming situation the sheriff of the 



' The road was opened to Lebanon, twenly-eigbt miles, 
for travel in June, 1867. 



county was sent for on the following day. He 
responded by calling out the posse eomiM^is, 
and making a requisition for three military 
companies. At two p.m. on the 4th of May the 
Ringgold Artillery, with seventy-five men, the 
Reading Artillery, with thirty men, and tlie 
Reading Rifles, with thirty men, under the 
command of General W. H. Keim, accompanied 
by certain citizens, altogether numbering about 
two hundred men, started from Reading and 
marched to Womelsdorf. They apprehended 
the ringleaders and brought them to Reading 
and imprisoned them. In marching through 
town the ringleaders were inclosed in a hollow 
square of bristling bayonets. This episode 
became the subject of a humorous poem afler 
the manner of Tennyson's " Charge of the 
Light Brigade." 

The company, in the construction of the road, 
erected a superb, large and costly wooden bridge 
across the Schuylkill. This was destroyed by 
fire during the riot of July, 1877. A superior 
iron bridge was then built in its stead. 

The length of this railroad in the county is 
sixteen miles. It has the following stations : 
Sinking Spring, Wernersville, Robesonia, Wom- 
elsdorf. 

East Penn. — On the 9th of March, 1856, 
an act of Assembly was passed incorporating 
the "Reading and Lehigh Railroad Company," 
for the purpose of constructing a railroad from 
the junction of the Philadelphia and Reading 
and the Lebanon Valley Railroads at Reading, 
to the Lehigh Valley Railroad at Allentown. 
The following persons of Reading were named 
amongst the commissioners : Hiester H. Muh- 
lenberg, AVilliam Strong, George M. Lauman, 
William M. Baird, Horatio Trexler, William 
M. Hiestor, Edward M. Clymer, George P. 
Stitzel and Charles H. Hunter. 

The title of the coutpany was changed to 
"East Pennsylvania Railroad Company," by 
act passed 21.st April, 1857. The construction 
of the road-way began in June following — the 
first ground having been broken at a spot, now 
the highest point of the cut, a short distance 
north of Temple Station, on June 11, 1857; 
and it was prosecuted with energy for two years, 
when it was completed. The last spike was 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



459 



driven on the 20th of April, 1859. The begin- 
ning was signalized by a demonstration at the 
Temple, speeches were made and cannons fired 
off, etc; and the completion was likewise an 
occasion of great joy to the projectors. The day 
was celebrated on May 11, 1859. Trains began 
to run then between Reading and Alleiitown 
Junction, a distance of thirty-six miles. A dis- 
tinguished party from New York City— includ- 
ing a prominent metropolitan brass band — vis- 
ited Reading. Among the prominent features 
of the celebration was a song in " Berks County 
Dutch," entitled " Der Dcutsch Kompanie," the 
rendition of which caused much merriment and 
is remembered with pleasure till now by many 
who witnessed the performance on a platform 
which had been erected on Penn Square, at the 
market house, below Fifth Street. This song 
was "the joint production of native talent." 
It was as follows — the chorus having been re- 
peated at the end of each stanza : 

DER DEUTSCH KOMPANIE. 

O te Deutsch Kompanie 
Is te besht Kompanie 
As ever jined te sea 
Mit ter Berlcs County. 

Herr Clymer ish te President, and ven te times vos 

blue, 
He got Moore help from Gotham and put te railroad 

troo. 

Te beoples vot took shtock didn't have many funds, 
So te Bulls gifts money, and te Deutsch gif te bonds. 

Te Kutztowners grumble tnt te road ish n't tare, 
But tey didn't gif tare money and tey wouldn't take a 
share. 

Ein gloss Lager und zwei gloss Beer — 

If you haint got no shtock you can't shtay here. 

Ven you hear te Drums go boom, boom, boom, 
Ten you may be sure dat te Got-'am-ites haf come. 

Here's to te Light Guard — here to te Band : 
Ve'll take em to te Market-House and put em on te 
shtand. 

Ve'll take em out 3d street, vere tey vere before, 
To see vat te beoples call Lauer's "great bore." 

Ve'll put em in te Manshen House as soon as tey do 

came, 
Kept by te "Briuce of Lantlorts' — Te Beepon ish 

his name. 



Ve'll march em troo te shtreets and ve'll take em to 

te " Shprings," 
And ve'll feasht em and ve'll toasht em and all tern 

sorts of tings. 

Schweitzer Kase und pretzels und lager beer too, 
Ve haf in Berks County, and dem not a few. 

Te New York chaps mit te hair at te nose, 
Tey open teir mouths and town te lager goes. 

Talk about your Champaigne, Sherry and such, 
But lager ish te besht for te bellies of te Dutch. 

Too much Champaigne is very bad shtnff, 

But too much lager beer ish youst about enough. 

Te city in te hills and te city on te sea, 

Are now jined together by te Deutsch Kompanie. 

Ve"ll keep trate a goin' boys — tat you may bet ; 
You'll send te Dry Goods, and ve'll send te wet. 

Ten success to te party tat jined land and sea ; 
Tree cheers and a tiger for te Deutsch Kompanie. 

'['>■ song ish gittin out — if you vant any more, 
llrgin at te top and go on as before. 

This road was leased to the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad Company in May, 1869, for 
nine hundred and ninety-nine years; by which 
company it has been operated since. 

The length of the railroad in the county is 
twenty-three miles, upon which there are the 
following stations : Temple, Blandon, Fleet- 
wood, Lyons, Bowers, Topton, Mertztown, 
Shamrock. 

EnwAKD Myers CLVifEK was the son of 
Edward Tilghman Clyraer and Marie C. {nee 
Hiester), his wife, born in Caernarvon township 
on July 16, 1822. He went to the local schools 
in his earl}' youth and afterwards to the Abbe- 
ville Academy, in Lancaster (^ounty, and to the 
academy of Joshua Hoopcs, at West Chester. 
He then selected the law as his profession, and 
after pursuing his legal studies for a while under 
William Strong, Esq. (then a practicing attor- 
ney at Reading, and afterward associate justice 
on the Supreme Bench of Pennsylvania and of 
the United States), he entered the Harvard 
Law School, from which he was graduated in 
1845. Upon his return to Reading he was ad- 
mitted to the bar, on August 4, 1845. He then 
opened a law-office and soon acquired a lucra- 
tive practice, which he continued till 1857, at 



460 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



which time he became thoroughly interested in 
projecting tlie East Pennsylvania Railroad from 
Reading to Allentown. His efforts in this en- 
terprise were entirely successful. He became 
the first president of the company and continued 
in this office till the road was leased to the 
Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Company. 
In 1874 he was chosen president of the coal 
companies belonging to the New York, Lake 
Erie and Western Railroad Company, which it 
owned and operated in Pennsylvania, and he 
held this position till his death, which occurred 
at New York, May 25, 1883. His manage- 
ment of the coal companies was very successful. 
Whilst in the active practice of his profession at 
Reading he took great interest in the jiolitical 
affairs of the county, and having been a Demo- 
crat, he was associated with the leaders of the 
Democratic party dui-ing that period. He was 
married, in 1864, to Ella M. Dietz, of New 
York City, with whom they had issue, one son, 
Edward M. Clyraer, Jr. 

Reading and Columbia. — Whilst the Leb- 
anon Valley and the East Peun Railroads were 
being constructed, the subject of extending a 
railroad from Sinking Spring — a point on tiie 
former — to Columbia was discussed with earn- 
estness. In this behalf an Act of Assembly 
was passed on May 19, 1857, incorporating the 
" Reading and Columbia Railroad Company," 
and naming fifteen commissioners, including 
three from Reading — John McManus, John S. 
Richards and Frederick Lauer. The first pro- 
ject was to extend the road from a point in 
Reading; but, in 1861, an act was passed, 
authorizing a connection to be made with the 
Lebanon Valley Railroad at any point between 
Reading and Sinking Spring. Numerous meet- 
ings were held at Ephrata, Lancaster, Columbia 
and Reading, and reports pertaining to the 
business which the territory would afford were 
made to encourage the construction of the 
road; and these eventually terminated in its suc- 
cessful completion iu March, 1864, from Sink- 
ing Spring to Columbia, a distance of forty 
miles. This introduced another valuable con- 
nection in the great system of railways uniting 
tlie Seiuiylkill with the Susquehanna. It was 
an improvement that immediately inspired new 



life and enterprise in the region of territory 
through which it extended. The first passen- 
ger train ran through from Reading to Coluiu- 
bia iu May, 1864. Three lateral branches have 
been opened from it, namely, — 

From Lancaster Junction to Lancaster City, eiglit 
miles, in August, 1866, whicli was extended to Quarry- 
ville, fifteen miles, in May, 1875. 

From Chicques to Marietta, six miles, in August, 
1883. 

From Manheira to Mount Hope, six miles, in 
August, 1884. 

The length of the railroad in the county is 
about five miles, upon which there are two sta- 
tions — Fritztown and Vineiuont. 

The following statement exhibits the traffic 
over the road : 





Tonnage. 


Passengers. 


Receipts! 


1876 
1880 
1884 


281,851 
465,012 
495.709 


248,335 
233,044 
346,61 to 


$275,412 
3611,319 
394,818 



Wilmington and Northern. — The sub- 
ject of a railroad was encouraged through the 
southern section of Berks County, by a number 
of enterprising inhabitants of Robeson, Union 
and Caernarvon townships, and to encourage 
and authorize its construction, as a necessary 
local improvement, they obtained an act of As- 
sembly, pa.ssed April 20, 1864, in which the 
following citizens of that .section of the county 
were named as commissioners : Edward Brooke, 
George Brooke, Edward Bailey, Bentley H. 
Smith, Henry S. Kupp, Levi E. Hook, David 
J. Lincoln, John C. Evans, Robert A. Gilmore, 
John MeGowan, James E. Wells, David Plank, 
Josiah Lewis and William Everliart. The 
road was authorized to extend from a point on 
the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, at or 
near Birdsboro', by the most available route, 
to any railroad built iu Chester County, and 
the incorporated body was named Berks and 
Chester Railroad Company; and the company 
was authorized to con.struct branch railroads 
not exceeding nine miles in length. In 1866 
authority was given to connect the road with 
the Delaware and Pennsylvania State Line 
Railroad, and efl'ect a consolidation witli this 
company under the name of the Wilmington 
and Reading Railroad Company. The name 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



461 



was stibsequently changed to Wilmington and 
Northern Railroad Company. The road was 
constructed and opened for travel as follows : 
From Wilmington to Coatesville, thirty-three 
miles, in December, 1869; to Birdsboro', sixty- 
tiiree miles, in June, 1870; and to Reading, 
seventy-two miles, in Febrnary, 1874. 

This company constructed the road to a 
point at the "Cut," in the High Farm, at 
Po])lar Neck, in Cumru township, and the 
length of road from that point to and through 
Reading was constructed by the Berks County 
Railroad Company. 

The passenger station of the company at 
Reading was for a time at the southwest cor- 
ner of Second and Cherry Streets. In 1882 
tlie company eifectcd an arrangement to run its 
trains to and from the Reading Station of the 
I'liiiadelpliia and Reading Railroad Company. 

The following stations on this road are in 
the county : Naomi, Seyfert, Gibraltar, Robe- 
son, Clingan, Birdsboro', White Bear, Gei- 
gertown, Cold Run, Joanna Heights, Joanna. 
The passenger station at Birdsboro' is a hand- 
some structure. 

The following general statistics are presented 
to show the extent of business over the road : 

Tonnage. PassenjjtTs. R. cplpts. 

1876 224,91(5 83,700 $157,791 

1880 356,407 124,697 231,627 

1884 554,016 267,650 346.055 

West Reading. — The manufacturers of 
Reading who owned and carried on establish- 
ments situated along the Schuylkill Canal, feel- 
ing the want of a railroad to facilitate the 
receipt of materials and the shipment of goods 
to and from their shops, foundries and factor- 
ies, obtained authority to construct a railroad 
from the Lebanon Valley Railroad at any 
point between Fourth Street and the River 
Schuylkill; thence to a point on Canal Street 
near the Reading Gas- Works, with power to 
extend it to the Henry Clay Furnace and to 
organize a company under the name of West 
Reading Railroad Company. The following 
commissioners were named in the act of As- 
.sembly pas.sed March 20, 1860: Jacob Bushong, 
John McManus, Isaac Bertolette, Jacob H. 
Djysher, John Kissinger, Henry Bushong, Lot 



Benson, John Meliert, Jacques Craig, Solomon 
Brnbaker, Solomon Snyder, and Isaac McHose. 

The road was constructed from the railroad 
mentioned, at Fourth Street, to the Reading 
Gas-Works, in length nearly two niile.s, and 
opened for traffic in 186.3. This comj any 
operated it for ten years, and then transferrt. I 
it to the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad 
Company, by which company it has been used 
since as a branch road in delivering and receiv- 
ing freight. 

CoLEBROOKDALE. — In March, 1865, a rail- 
road was authorized to be constructed from the 
Philadelphia and Reading Railroad at Potts- 
town to Boyertown with the right to extend it 
to the East Pennsylvania Railroad in Berks 
County, and thence to the Catasauqua and 
Fogelsville Railroad ; and for this purpose a 
company was incorporated under the name of 
" Colebrookdale Railroad Company." The 
road was constructed to Barto, in Washington 
township, a distance of 12.8 miles from Potts- 
town, and opened to travel in November, 1869. 

The stations on the road in the county are 
Manatawny, Ironstone, Colebrookdale, Boyer- 
town, New Berlin, Bechtelsvillc, Eschbach, 
Barto. 

The road was lea.sed to the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad Company on .lanuary 1, 

1870, tor twenty years. 

Allentowx. — In 1854 a company was in- 
corporated under the name of the " Allentown 
Railroad Company," and authorized to con- 
struct a railroad from Allentown to the Phila- 
delphia and Reading Railroad at any point oa 
said road between Reading and I*ort Clinton ; 
and if this railroad should not be extended by 
way of Kutztown, a branch should be con- 
structed to that place. A large portion of this 
road was partly constructed, but never finished. 
Subsequently a section of the road was con- 
structed from Topton, on the East Pennsylvania 
Railroad, to Kutztown, in length four and a half 
miles, and opened for travel in .January, 1870. 
It has been operated since by the Philadelphia 
and Reading Railroad Company under a lease. 

ScHiYLKiLL AND Lehigh. — In March, 

1871, a railroad company was incorporated by 
the Pennsylvania State Legislature fortheiKir- 



4G^ 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



pose of constructing "a railroad from a point on 
the W. and N. R. R., at or near Birdsboro', in 
Berks County, by the most available route, to 
and through the city of Reading, and thence to 
connect with any railroad or railroads now built 
in the county of Lehigh ;" and certain com- 
missioners were appointed, including the fol- 
lowing influential citizens of Berks County : 
John McManus, Isaac Mc Hose, Isaac Eckert, 
David McKnight, Samuel C. Mayer, George 
Brooke, Hiester Clymer, Frederick Laucr, and 
Edward M. Clymer. 

And a company was created by tlie name 
of " Berks County Railroad Company." The 
I'ailroad was constructed by this company from 
the " Cut " in the High farm on " Poplar 
Neck, " in Cumru townsh ip, to and through Read- 
ing by way of the Maiden-creek, to Slatiugton, 
where connection was made with the Lehigh Val- 
ley Railroad, a total length of about forty-five 
miles (forty-three miles from Reading). The 
road was open for travel in July, 1874. Shortly 
afterward the road was sold by proceedings of 
foreclosure on a mortgage, and a reorganiza- 
tion effected under the name of " Berks and 
Lehigh Railroad Company;" and subsequently 
this name was changed to " Schuylkill and Le- 
high Railroad Company." The road is carried 
on by the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad 
Company undt'r a lease. The length of tiie road 
in the county is twenty-eight miles, and the sta- 
tions (not including flag-stations) are Berkeley, 
Maiden-creek, Evausville, Moselem, Yirgins- 
ville, Lenhartsville, Kempton. The report of 
business over the road is included in the general 
report of the Philadelphia and Reading Rail- 
road Company. 

Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley. — 
The Phaniixville, Pottstown and Reading Rail- 
road Company was incorporated on September 
30, 1882, for the purpose of constructing and 
operatijig a railroad from Phcenixville to Read- 
ing, by way of Pottstown ; and on the same 
day the Philadelphia, Norristown and Phfenix- 
ville Railroad Company was incorporated for 
the purpose of constructing and operating a rail- 
3-oad from Philadelphia to Phcenixville. Sub- 
sequently, on ;May 1, 1883, these two companies 
were consolidated, under the name of Pennsyl- 



vania Schuylkill Valley Railroad Company, 
and a month afterward a lease was effected with 
the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. The lat- 
ter company then constructed the railroad from 
Philadelphia to Reading by way of Norristown 
and Plioenixvilie, during the years 1883 and 
1884, opening it to Reading on November 15, 
1884. In the course of the construction of this 
railroad, the company erected four substantial 
and costly iron bridges across the Schuylkill with- 
in tiie county — Douglassviile, Poplar Neck, 
Little Dam and Reading, — and three handsome 
passenger stations^Reading, Birdsboro' and 
Douglassviile. 

The Penn Street Bridge stood in the way of 
the contemplated extensive improvements at the 
foot of Penn Street bj' this company ; and, in 
pursuance of a proposition by this company, to 
substitute a superior iron bridge in its place, at 
a cost of one hundred thousand dollars, pro- 
vided the county of Berks contributed thirty- 
three thousand dollars toward the cost, the 
old wooden bridge was removed and tlie present 
liandsome iron bridge erected during the years 
1884 and 1885. 

The length of this railroad, in the county, 
from Reading to the Montgomery County line, 
is about fourteen miles. 

The Reading and Pottsville Railroad Com- 
pany was incorjiorated afterward for the pur- 
pose of constructing and operating a rail- 
road from Reading to Pottsville, by way of 
Hamburg and Port Clinton. This road was 
constructed by this company during the years 
1884 and 1885, as a continuation of tlie railroad 
from Philadelphia, by way of Reading, to Potts- 
ville and the coal regions. It was opened to 
Hamburg on December 7, 1885. On Decem- 
ber 1, 1885, the road was also leased to the 
Pennsylvania Railroad Company. 

PUBLIC county buildings. 

The county buildings comprise tlie court- 
house, prison, " State-house " and poor-house. 

CouRT-HousES. — The first court-house of 
the county was erected in 17G2, at the intersec- 
tion of Penn Square and Callowhill Street. It 
was built of stone, plastered and marked off in 
imitation of cut stone, and it was surrounded 



INTEKNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



4G3 



by a brick pavement about thirteen feet wide. 
The first floor \va.s arranged in one large room for 
tlie " courts," and the second floor in three rooms 
— the eastern half having been in one room, 
and the western in two rooms. An entry sepa- 
rated the former from the latter. The stair- 
way was constructed in the southeast corner of 
the court-room. The " bench " was arranged 
along the northern side of the room, and the 
"bar" was inclosed by a semicir- 
cular railing, the ends of which ex- 
tended to the wall on both sides of 
the " bench." The "jury box " 
^\•as situated in the northwest corner 
of the room. The court-room was 
entered by two door- ways, one on 
the south side and the other on the 
west. The latter was little used. 
A large stove was located near by 
and wood was generally piled up 
against the door, on the inside, dur- 
ing cold weather. This wood-pile 
was at times occupied by a bo}' or 
two during the progress of an im- 
portant trial in court ; and it was 
knovvn to collapse and cause con- 
siderable merriment, if not commo- 
tion, at the boy's expense. The 
sudden cry of "silence" by the 
" court-crier " would throw terror 
into the boy's heart, and especially 
if the crier's long hickory stick 
reached out after his head. 

The crier's seat was situated a few 
feet west of the centre of the room, 
adjoining the " bar," and the " pris- 
oner's dock " was next to it on the 
east. The crier was a prominent 
figui-e in the room by reason of the 
elevation of his seat. 

The floor was laid with brick. 
Benches were arranged on inclined platforms 
along the southern and eastern walls. The seat- 
ing capacity was rather limited for a public 
place. The dimensions of the building were 
about forty by fifty feet. A marble tablet was 
built in the eastern wall near the centre. It 
contained the following inscription : 
J. L., C. W., S. H., 1762. 



These initial letters represented the names of 
the oificiating county commissioners, viz., Ja- 
cob Lightfoot, Christian Witman and Samuel 
High. The steeple on the building contained 
a bell and town-clock. The bell was cast in 
England in 1763 especially for the county. 
The town-clock was a thirty-hour clock, im- 
ported from London about 1755. It was re- 
markable for being out of order continually. 




THE OLD C0UI;T-H0U«E. 

Frecpient repairs were made to it, but it could 
not be made to keep time. 

Previously for ten years, the justices of the 
county sat and held the sessions of court in a 
room at a town inn. There were no rooms in 
the building for the county officials. Five 
offices of the county were vested in one individ- 
ual for upward of twenty years. These were 



464 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



protlionotaiy, recorder, register, clerk of the 
Orphans' Court and clerk of the Quarter Ses- 
sions, and the person was James Read, a law- 
yer. He doubtless had the records at his home. 
By a letter addressed to the Pennsylvania Ga- 
zette, dated the 20th of February, 1766, it 
would appear that " public offices were opened 
on Monday previous at Reading." It is not 
known in which building they were opened. 
The " State House," which contained the offices 
for many years, was not erected till thirty 
years afterward. 

Election polls were held at the several win- 
dows on the first floor. Tiie windows were 
]>roperly marked for the voters. The poll for 
the electors of Reading was at the eastern win- 
dow on the side facing south. 

This building was used for the purposes of 
hearing and determining criminal and civil 
matters till 1840. But its smallness and in- 
convenient arrangement had been felt seriously 
for many years. It was not, however, till 1837 
that ihe citizens became earnestly interested in 
an improvement. At the August sessions of the 
year mentioned, a petition, signed by many tax-' 
ables, was presented to court. 

Among otiicr things, they represented — 

" That, in consequence of the rapid increase of the 
population and public business of the county of 
Berks, the present court-house has become too small 
and inconvenient for the transaction of business, and 
also for the accommodation of those persons who arc 
obliged to attend court," and then prayed the Court 
" to recommend to the County Commissioners the 
erection of the necessary buildings for the accommo- 
dation of the Court and the Public." 

It was referred to tiie grand jury, and 
they recommended a now building, select- 
ing the northeast corner of Fiftli and Penn 
Streets as the jjlace for its erection. This re- 
turn was approved by the court on 11th Aug- 
ust, 18S7. The site was changed to the north- 
east corner of Sixth and Court Streets, in order 
to obtain a larger lot for the proposed building.' 
The county commissioners then purchased two 



' This corner had been occupied for many years pre- 
viously by a blacksmith, the shop having been regarded as 
the oldest, if not the first, in town. 



adjoining lots, one hundred and twenty by two 
hundred and thirty feet, and erected thereon, 
during the years 1838, 1839 and 1840, the 
present attractive and commodious court-house, 
the total expense amounting to $.58,846.42. 
The following interesting description was ])nb- 
lished in the Berhs and Schuylhlll Journal on 
20th June, 1840: 

"The walls of the editice are constructed of hand- 
some pressed brick, for which this borough is justly 
celebrated, and rest on a cut sandstone base. The 
building is 62 by 118 feet, and in height, to ape.x of 
the roof, is 60 feet. In front, resting on the basement 
story, is a handsome portico ornamented with s x 
columns, 27 feet in height, of the ' Ionic ' order, cut 
from sandstone quarried in this county. The whole 
of the front base, columns, cornices, <fec., is of the same 
material, and the efiect is excellent. An octagonal 
steeple, 142 feet high, rises in liont, surmounted by a 
figure of Liberty, which is 84 feet high above tlie 
roof The original intention was to give this elevated 
situation to a statue of Justice, but (as will sometimes 
happen) there was some difficulty about arranging 
her scales. Still, though the .statue of Justice has 
been superseded by Liberty on the outside, we have 
no idea that Liberty will take precedence of the 
statutes of Justice in the inside of the building, and 
many will, doubtless, find to their cost that the figure 
of Liberty on the Court-House is the figure which 
rhetoricians call Incus a nun hctndn. A hall extends 
through the building on the first floor, witli the 
county offices arranged on each side. The second 
floor is set apart for the court-room." The third 
floor for jury rooms and an additional court-room. 
The main '• court-room " has been used annually, with 
the permission of the county commissioners, for pol- 
itical meetings of all parties. It was also used, 
occasionally, twenty years ago, for lectures and 
public addresses by distinguished speakers. And re- 
ligious services have been held in it by several de- 
nominations during their church improvements. 

A siil)stantial fire-proof two-story extension 
was built at the rear of the building in 1869. 
The second story of the northern portion is .■-et 
apart for the " I^aw Library." 

The la.st term of court held in the old build- 
ing was April term, 1840. Din-ing the follow- 
ing three months the county records were re- 
moved from the " State-House," and the Au- 
gust term of court was held in the new build- 
ing. Gas was introduced into the building in 
May, 1849. 



INTERNAL LMPKOVEMENTS. 



465 



A new clock was placed iu the steeple in 
March, 1851. The bell weighed near seven- 
teen hundred pounds. From that time on, this 
was the " town-clock," and town-bell for indi- 
cating " town-time." 

The " Old Court-House " was purchased by 
Joseph Kendall and removed in May, 1841. 
He appropriated some of" the material towards 
the construction of the row of small houses on 
the west side of Fifth, between Pine and Binga- 



depth of one hundred and thirty feet. The 
first floor was arranged in four compartments, 
the corner room, facing the streets, having been 
occupied as an office by the sheriff; and the 
second floor in four compartments for prisoners. 
The sheriff and family occupied the remaining 
rooms of the building; and this practice was 
continued till the prison system was changed 
by special legislation for Berks County, in 
1848. The " Old Jail " property was sold on 




THE OLD .lAIU 



man Streets. Another portion was used in the 
erection of Goodhart's Military Inn. The old 
bell was sold to a congregation at Pricetown, 
in Ruscomb-manor township. It is still in use 
for church purposes. 

Pei.sons.^ — The first county prison was 
ereected in 1770, on the northeast corner of 
Callowhill and Thomas Streets. It was con- 
structed of stone and plastered, two stories in 
height, and in dimensions thirty by seventy 
feet. The lot was sixty by two hundred and 
thirty feet. A substantial stone wall, twenty 
feet high, was erected to inclose the lot to the 



' For narrative pertaining to tlie management of prison, 
including lists of inspectors, appointdl and elected, see 
Chapter XIX. 
47 



the 5th of February, 1S4!), to William Rhoads, 
for seven thousand foin* hundred and sixty 
dollars, and by him con vertetl into a store. It 
has been occupied as a store ever since. 

A new county prison was erected on the 
" Commons," at the head of Penn Street, by 
the county commissioners, in 1847-48, at a 
cost of seventeen thousand dollars. It is con- 
structed of stone from Penn's Mount, and is 
situated on a lot of ground one bundled and 
seventy by three hundred feet, which is in- 
closed on the north, east and west by a high 
stone wall. The tower is elevated ninety-six 
feet. It is still standing, a fine specimen of 
superior workmanship. 

An addition, or " annex," was erected at the 



INTERNAL IiMPKO^'EMENTS. 



467 



rear in 1869. The total number of cells is 
ninety-four — fortv-four '^being in the main 
building and fifty in the annex. The cells are 
arranged in two stories. 

The following table shows ^P^""^^™ 
the total number of persons 
who were committed to the 
county prison since its com- 
pletion, in 1848 : 



building was builtof brick, two stories in height, 
and in dimensions thirty by ninety feet. A 
small, narrow alley extended along the eastern 




Total 10,802 

State-House — The State- 
House was erected by the 
county commissioners in 1 793 
for the accommodation of the 
county officers and also the 
county records. It was situated on the north- i wall on the outside from the front to the rear 
east corner of Fifth and Penn Streets. The 1 of the building. An entry extended across the 



GROUND PLAN OF THE BERKS COUNTY PRLSON. 

[The plan indicates the cells on the first floor. There is an equal number on 

the second floor. In the towers before the Observatory, 

the rooms (four) are circular in form. 



468 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



building near the centre, witli its doorway on 
Fifth Street; and a stairway led from this entry 
to the second floor. The first floor was divided 
into three compartments ; the first, adjoining 
Peun Street, having been used for the prothon- 
otary's oiSce and clerk of Quarter Sessions, the 
central for the recorder, register and clerk of the 
Orphans' Court, and the rear for county com- 
missioners and county treasurer. The second 
floor was divided into two compartments, the 
front room having been occupied mostly for 
Sunday-school purposes from 1819 for about 
twenty years,' and the rear room for lodge pur- 
poses.^ The building was sold by the county 
commissioners upon the removal of the county 
offices and records to the new court-house. 

The rear room on the first floor was used for 
some years, 1861 to 1865, as the post-office. 

In January, 1872, a large fire broke out in 
Sticbter's hardware-store, near by, which spread 
over the adjoining buildings to the west, and 
consumed the entire corner, including the " Old 
State-House." The inscription stone was pre- 
served and given a place in the rear wall of the 
building which was soon afterward erected in 
its stead. The inscriptiou reads, — 




PooR-HousE. — The poor people of the county 
were provided for by "overseers" till the pas- 
sage of an act of Assembly, on March 29, 1824, 
especially for this county, whereby the county 
commissioners wei'e authorized to levy a tax for 
the purpose of purchasing land and erecting 
thereon and furnishing necessary buildings for 
their employment and support, and seven di- 
rectors were appointed to proceed in the estab- 
lishment of this public institution. They served 
till the election of three directors, in October 
following, as provided in said act. In the mean 
time (May 30, 1824) they purchased the " Brown 



' Public meetings also assembled in this room. 
''■ The Masonic Lodge occupied it for many years. 



farm," formerly known as the " Angelica farm," 
in Cumru town.ship (owned and occupied during 
the Revolution by General Thomas Mifflin), 
three miles from Reading, situated on the Lan- 
caster road, and containing 417^ acres, for the 
consideration of $1(3,G90, and proceeded to erect 
upon it a commodious building to accommodate 
the poor people of the county. This building 
was finished in 1825. It has since been known 
as the " Main Building." Other improvements 
were subsequently made upon the premises, 
prominent among them being the " Insane 
Building," erectetl in 1837 and 1843, and the 
"Hospital," in 1871 to 1874. 

The first poor persons were admitted on Octo- 
ber 21, 1825, from Reading. Their names 
were William Hydecam, aged eighty-three years, 
and Dorothea, his wife, aged eighty-one years. 
In November, 1825, Saul Gordon was admitted 
from Hereford township. He is in the institu- 
tion still, having been there continuou.sly for a 
period covering sixty years. 

During the first year, 1825, one hundred and 
thirty inmates were admitted. The average 
number of inmates in the institution annually 
since 1868, was as follows : 



1868 

1869 


.33.5 

294 


1870 


311 


1871 


3.53 


1872 


333 


1873 


329 


1874 ... . 


36.5 


187.T 


451 


1876 


498 



Year. 

1877 


No. 

547 


1878 


613 


1879 


573 


1880 


464 


1881 


439 


1882 


445 


1883 


. 454 


1884 


395 


1885 


873 



Post-Office. — -The postal department of the 
public service is classed with the internal im- 
provements of the county. We have as yet no 
" public building " to dignify the service and 
give it that substantial prominence which it 
deserves, by reason of its extensive business ; 
still, it must be associated with transportation, 
and therefore given a place in this chapter. 

The first attempt to systematize and regulate 
postal communication in the American colonies 
was made by the British goveimment in 1660. 
And this subject received the attention of Wil- 
liam Penn shortly after his arrival in Penn.syl- 
vania, he having, in July, 1683, i.ssued an order 



INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



469 



for tlie establishment of a post-office at Phila- 
delpliia. The postal facilities, however, in this 
early period, were only such as were afforded 
by personal accommodation among the colonists. 



Benjamin Franklin was appointed postmaster at 
Philadelphia, and in 1753 a deputy postmaster- 
general. The delivery of letters by the penny 
post began in the latter j'car, and also the 




In 1692 the rate of postage to and from 
Philadelphia, within a radius of eighty miles, 
was four pence halfpenny. 

The office of Postmaster-General for America 
was created by Parliament in 1704, and shortly 
afterward stage-coaches were introduced to run 
between Boston and Philadel]ihia. In 1737 



practice of advertising letters which remained 
in the office at Philadelphia. 

In 1774 Franklin became obnoxious to the 
British government, and he was therefore dis- 
missed. This caused private arrangements to be 
made for carrying letters, and, as a consequence, 
the postal service did not contribute any revenue 



470 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



to the British treasury. In 1775 the colonies 
established their own postal department, and on 
July 26th, in that year, Benjamin Franklin 
was unanimously chosen Postmaster-General. 
This was an important action in connection with 
the movement for independence. In 1792 rates 
of postage were established, which remained 
unchanged for over fifty years. They were, for 
every single letter, as follows : 

From 1 to 30 miles 6 cents. 

" 30 " (iO '• 8 " 

" 60 " 100 " 10 " 

" 100 " 150 " 12J " 

" 150 " 200 " 15 " 

" 200 " 250 '• 17 " 

" 250 " 350 " 20 " 

" 350 " 450 " 22 " 

Over 450 miles 25 " 

Reading Office Extablished .■ — ^Vithin a year 
afterward the first post-office in the county was 
established at Reading. This was on March 
20, 1793. The department had been in 
practical existence for nearly twenty years. Our 
population was large and business transactions 
were numerous. But correspondence was lim- 
ited. Letters had been carried for several years 
])reviously by a private stage-line to Philadel- 
phia and Ilarrisburg, at the rate of three pence 
postage, and about the year 1800 they began to 
be carried to Sunbury once a week on horse- 
back, and to Lanca.ster and Easton once a week 
in a private two-hor.se carriage. After the 
stage-coach had become a fixed mode of trans- 
portation for people and light articles of merch- 
andise, at regular intervals, postal matter then 
began to be carried by tiiem from place to place. 

Departure and Arrival of JIally. — In Oc- 
tober, 1803, the departure and arrival of the 
several mails were as follows, according to a 
published notice by the postmaster of Reading : 

" 1. To Philadelphia — departs every Monday and 
Thursday at 4 a.m., and arrives every Tuesday and 
Friday at 8 A.m. ; and returning, departs from Phila- 
delphia every Tuesday and Friday at 4 p.m., and ar- 
rives at Reading every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 

P.M. 

" 2. To Northumberland — departs every Thursday 
at 6 A.M., and arrives every Friday at 4 p.m. (in sum- 
mer, and at 6 in winter) ; and returning, departs 
every Saturday at 5 a.m., and arrives at Reading 
every Sundav at (5 p.m. 



" 3. To Carlisle^ — departs every Thursday at 6 a.m., 
and arrives every Friday at 3 p.m ; returning, departs 
every Saturday at 5 A.Jt., and arrives at Reading 
every Sunday at six p.m." 

Mail-Stages: — In 1811 William Coleman ad- 
vertised the following schedule for his " mail- 
stages "to Philadelphia, Xorthumberland and 
Harri.sburg : 

" The stage for Philadelphia leaves every Monday 
and Thursday morning; and returning, leaves Phila- 
delphia every Tuesday and Friday afternoon. 

" The stage for Northumberland leaves every Wed- 
ne.sday afternoon, and arrives at Sunbury' every 
Thursday evening ; and retiu-ning, leaves Sunbury 
every Saturday morning, and arrives every Sunday 
evening, reaching Philadelphia the following even- 
ing. 

" And the stage for Harrisburg leaves every Sun- 
day and Thursday morning, and arrives at Harris- 
burg in the evening of same days ; and returning, 
leaves Harrisburg every Wednesday and Saturday 
morning, and arrives at Reading in the evening of 
same days." 

And in the same year, Weyandts & Levan 
advertised the following schedule for their 
" Lancaster and Easton mail-stage : " 

" Our mail-stage leaves Mr. Sebring's tavern, at 
Easton, every Monday morning, takes fresh horses at 
Kutztown, and arrives the same evening at Mr. Wil- 
liam Coleman's Reading Hotel, from which it starts 
every Tuesday morning, via Lititz, and arrives in the 
afternoon of same day at Mr. John Michel's tavern, 
at Lancaster. In returning, it leaves every Wednes- 
day morning, and arrives at the Reading Hotel on 
same evening, starting from there next morning and 
arriving even' Thursday evening at Easton. The fare 
for passengers is three dollars, or a five-penny bit per 
mile, allowing passengers to carry fourteen pounds 
weight of baggage." 

In 1828, an independent line of tri-weekly 
.stages having been put upon the route between 
Philadelphia and Harrisburg, via Reading, two 
mails were afforded every Tuesday, Thursday 
and Saturday at Reading, at noon and at five 
P.M. This line went into operation on Novem- 
ber 11, 1828. The combination or "Old Line" 
began carrying daily mails in 1826. 

A daily mail between Reading and IMount 



' Sunbury was the terminus in Northumberland County, 
two miles south of the town of NorthumberlanJ. It was 
then, as it is now. the oountv-seat. 



INTERNAL IMl'llOVEMENT.S. 



471 



Carbou, to and from the respective places, was 
established April 1, 1829. 

The mails were carried by stages till the in- 
troduction of the railways from the several 
places south, north, west and east; then the 
jiassenger train was substituted. The changes 
were made as follows : From Philadelphia, 
1838 ; from Pottsviile, 1842; from Harrisbnrg, 
1858; from Allentown, 1859; from Lancaster, 
1 804. 

There are a number of stage-routes which ex- 
tend from Reading into and through districts 
of the county not reached by railroads. They 
are as follows : 

Daily, except Sunday. — To Millersbuig, via Lein- 
bach's and Bernville ; to Gouglersville, etc. ; to 
Mohn's store, etc. ; to Boyertown, via Stonersville and 
Yellow House ; to Shanesville, via Oley Pike ; to 
Pikeville, via Stony Creek Mills and Friedensburg. 

Tri- Weel-/i/. — To Krick's Mill, via Cacoosing ; to 
Hummers store, via Angelica; to Garfield, via Lower 
Bern. 

Stamps. — Xo postage stamps were issued by 
the National government till August, 1847, 
when two denominations were issued — five cent 
and ten cent. The idea of using postage 
stamps had been first suggested in 1841. Pre- 
viously postage had been collected entirely in 
money ; and in all cases pre-payment was 
optional. The two denominations mentioned 
continued in use four years ; then new denomi- 
nations for one cent and three cents appeared, 
and shortly afterward others for five, ten, twelve, 
twenty-four, thirty and ninety cents. In 1861 
this series was called in by Montgomery Blair, 
Lincoln's Postmaster-General, and a new series 
issued. July 1, 1863, the fir.st two-cent stamp 
appeared, which was to accommodate local 
postage. In March, 1869, J. A. J. Creswell, 
Grant's Postmaster-Genei-al, brought out a new 
series, but they did not come into favor, and 
after two months were superseded by a series 
of the denominations of one, two, three, five, 
six, ten, fifteen, thirty and ninety cents. And a 
year afterward the following designs were 
adopted for these stamps : One cent, Franklin ; 
two cent, Jack.son; three cent, Washington; 
five cent, Jackson ; six cent, Lincoln ; ten cent, 
Jefierson ; fifteen cent, Webster ; thirty cent, 
Hamilton ; ninety cent, Perry. Designs of 



persons on stamps in honor of distinguished 
representative men of our country, had been in 
use from their first introduction, particularly of 
Franklin and Washington. 

Post-Offices. — The following post-offices 
have been established in the county till 1886. 
They number one hundred snd thirty, being an 
average of one post-office to every thousand in- 
habitants. They are arranged in the order of 
their priority. 

Xo. Xame. Date. 

L Heading March 20, 1793 

2. Hamburg July 1, 1798 

3. Kutztown July 1, 1805 

4. Morgantown January 1, 1806 

5. Womelsdorf. July 1, 1807 

6. Rehrersburg May 27,1818 

7. Longswamp April 18, 1822 

8. Blandon November 2, 1825 

9. Klinesville December 16, 1825 

10. Bethel December 21, 1827 

11. Brower January 7, 1828 

12. Dale January 2,5,1828 

13. Colebrookdale February 4, 1828 

14. Boyertown February 14, 1828 

15. Oley March 14, 1828 

16. Bnniifield March 27,1828 

17. Geiger's Mill March 27, 1828 

18. New Jerusalem May 26, 1828 

19. Douglassville March 3, 1829 

20. Grimville January 14, 1830 

21. Shartlesville February 9, 1830 

22. Hereford ...March 6, 1830 

23. Joanna Furnace December 29, 1830 

24. Sinking Spring June 25, 1831 

25. Stouchsburg March 22, 1832 

26. Bernville August 16, 1832 

27. Shoemakersville January 14, 1833 

28. Pikeville March 12, 1834 

29. Pricetown February 6, 1835 

30. Lobachsville April 10, 1835 

31. BaumstowD ;... December 21, 1835 

32. Mohrsville May 10,1836 

33. Gijjraltar June 16, 1836 

34. Tuckerton .January 26, 1838 

35. Earlville August 2, 1838 

36. MoUtowu August 30, 1839 

37. Virginsville August 30, 1839 

38. Lower Bern June 12,1841 

39. Albany December 23, 1845 

40. Moselem Springs January 14, 1846 

41. Stonersville January 18, 1847 

42. Monterey May 19, 1847 

43. Strausstown November 18, 1847 

44. Robesonia Furnace. ...February 28, 1849 

45. Crosskill Mills October 16, 184a 



472 



HLSTOKV OF BERKS COUXTV. PENNSYLVANIA. 



No. 
46. 
47. 
48. 
49. 
50. 
51. 
52. 
53. 
54. 
55. 
56. 
57. 
58. 
59. 
CO. 
61. 
62. 
63. 
64. 
65. 
66. 
67. 
68. 
69. 
70. 
71. 
72. 
73. 
74. 
75. 
76. 
77. 
78. 
79. 
SO. 
81. 
82. 
83. 
84. 
85. 
86. 
87. 
88. 
S9. 
90. 
91. 
92. 
93. 
94. 
95. 
96. 
97. 
98. 
99. 
100. 



Name. Date. 

Siesboltzville November 8, 1849 

Tulpehocken March 19, 18.W 

Claytou June 21, 1850 

Birdsboro' .January 6, 1851 

Leesport January 21, 1851 

Manatawny March 19, 1851 

Spaagsville September 19, 1851 

Fleetwood February 16, 1852 

Leinbach's February 16, 1852 

Beckersville February 18, 1852 

Host April 22, 1852 

Bechtelsville May 7, 1852 

Greshville February 10, 1853 

Dryville May 3, 1853 

Wernersville May 3, 18.53 

Frodericksville August 20, 1853 

Landis' Store August 20, 1S53 

Maxatawny November 5, 1853 

Mount ^Etna October 2, 1854 

Lenhartsville December 11, 1854 

Gouglersville July 16, 1855 

Monocacy January 29, 1856 

Knauer's March 3, 1856 

Moselem July 8, 1856 

South Evansville July 8, 1856 

Windsor Castle July 18, 1856 

Wintersville July 10, 1857 

Temple July 20, 1857 

Mohu's Store November 6, 1857 

Mertztown December 8, 1857 

Cumru March 6, 1858 

Kirbyville October 31, 1859 

Bower's Station .June 25, 1860 

Lyons Station October 25, 1860 

Topton ....August 29, 1861 

Exeter December 25, 1861 

Maiden-creek April 18, 1862 

Eagle Point August 14, 1862 

Fritztown November 12, 1862 

Alsace February 12, 1863 

Upper Bern August 28, 1863 

Hill Church May 27, 1864 

North Heidelberg June 22, 1864 

Lower Heidelberg July 1, 1864 

Krick's Mill September 11, 1865 

Hiester's Mill December 2, 1865 

Yellow House May 9, 1866 

Mountain September 19, 1866 

Shanesville May 2, 1867 

Centreport June 11, 1868 

Stony Run January 11, 1869 

Scarlet Mill August 4, 1869 

Hummel's Store September 29. 1869 

Griesemerville June 29, 1870 

Lime-Kiln June 29, 1870 



No. Name. Date. 

101. Jacksonwald November 11,1870 

102. Pine Iron-Works February 24, 1871 

103. Little Oley April 21, 1871 

104. Monocacy Station May 13,1872 

105. West Leesport September 30, 1872 

106. Huff's Church March 2,1874 

107. Trexler November 9, 1874 

108. East Berkeley March 12, 1875 

109. Bern May 23, 1878 

110. Cacoosing June 6, 1878 

111. Stony Creek Mills May 20, 1879 

112. Mecicville December 17, 1879 

113. Berks December 23, 1879 

114. Vinemont April 19,1880 

115. Garfield June 25, 1880 

116. Kempton May 17, 1881 

117. Barto's March 16,1882 

118. Angelica May 22,1882 

119. Eckville Septembers, 1882 

120. New Berlinville February 23, 1883 

121. Bally August 7, 1883 

122. Schweyers April 14, 1884 

123. Shamrock Station May 14, 1884 

124. Schubert June 6, 1884 

125. Shilliugton July 14, 1884 

126. Lorah December 5, 1884 

127. Athol January 6, 1885 

128. Walter's Park March 3, 1885' 

129. Krumville July 7, 1885 

1.30. Calcium July 7, 1885 

Their Disfribntion. — The foregoing po.st- of- 
fices are distributed throughout the county in 
its .several political divisions as follows: 



EASTERN DIV 
Manatawny Section. ] 

Reading 1 

Boyertown 1 

Alsace 2 

Amity 4 

Colebrookdalc 1 

District 2 

Douglass 3 

Earl 2 

I^xeter 6 

Hereford 3 

Muhlenberg 2 

Oley 4 

Pike 3 

Rockland 2 

Ruscomb-manor 1 

Washington 6 



isiox (80). 

Ontelminee Section. 

Fleetwood 1 

Hamburg 1 

Kutztown 1 

Topton 1 

Albany 6 

Greenwich 4 

Longswamp 4 

Maiden-creek 5 

Maxatawny 5 

Ontelaunee 2 

Perry 2 

Richmond 4 

Windsor 1 

37 



'Discontinued shortly afterward. 



INTEENAL IMPROVEMENTS. 



473 



WESTERX DIVISION (50). 

Tulpvhocken Section. I Schuylkill Section. 



Birdsboro' 1 

Brecknock 2 

Caernarvon 1 

Cumru 5 

Robeson 5 

Spring 3 

Union 2 

1!» 



Bernville 1 

Wc imelsdorf. 1 

Bern 6 

Bern, Upper 2 

Betliel 3 

Centre 2 

Heidelberg 1 

Heidelberg, Lower 5 

Heidelberg, North 2 

Jetterson 1 

Marion 1 

Penn - 

Tulpehocken 3 

Tulpehocken, Upper 8 

31 



TELEriRAPH. 

Id 1844 tlie telegraph was succe.ssfully in- 
troduced for the transmission of iiies.sages by 
electricity. The first message was sent through 
a wire elevated on poles, between Washington 
and Baltimore, May 27, 1844. Congress had 
in I\Iarch previously appropriated thirty thou- 
sand dollars to Prof. Morse for the purpose of 
enabling him to make experiments with his 
iustrument to demonstrate the practicability of 
his invention. 

Philadelphia, Readixc; and Pottsville 
Telegraph Company. — A company was incor- 
porated under the nameof Philadelphia, Reading 
and Pottsville Telegraph Company, by an act 
passed March 15,1847, for the purpose of making, 
using and maintaining telegraph lines between 
Philadelphiaj Reading and Pottsville, and the 
following commissioners were appointed to 
effect an organization of the company : 

From Philadelphia. — John Tucker, Peter Bosquet 
and Morria S. Wickersham. 

From Reading. — G. A. Nicolls, Isaac Hiester, H. 
H. Muhlenberg, Samuel Bell, M. S. Richards, John S. 
Richards, William Strong, Joseph L. Stichter and R. 
W. Packer. 

The company was duly organized in April, 
1847, and the telegraph line was successfully es- 
tablished shortly afterward. Communication was 
completed between Philadelphia and Reading 
May 10, 1847, and the first message then for- 
warded to Reading related to the Mexican War. 
This line has been maintained siuce. The 



length of the main line from Philadelphia to 
Pottsville is one hundred and one miles ; the 
length of the main lines in Pennsylvania is 
873f miles, and the total length of wire is 
3086 J miles. In 1884 it had 392 stations, 
800 instruments in use, and 689 persons em- 
ployed in operating and maintaining the line ; 
and it forwarded during that year 381,454 
messages. The total cost of the line and its 
equipment is $254,059.48. 

Upon the construction and operation of the 
several other railroads running from Reading, 
telegraph lines were extended to the several 
places — Harrisburg, Allentown, Columbia, Lan- 
caster, etc. 

AVestern Union. — The American Tele- 
graph Company introduced a line of telegraph 
here in 1863, and, in 1865, the Western Union 
Telegraph Company. These two then formed 
a union ; and the lines have been operated since 
under the latter name. In 187!t this company 
and the Philadelphia, Reading and Pottsville 
Telegraph Company effected an arrangement 
for co-operation ; since which time they have 
operated their lines here together. 

Lehkjh. — The Lehigh Telegraph Company 
was organized in Allentown, and opened an 
oiBce at Reading in September, 1880. It 
formed a connection with the principal cities 
in the United States through the American 
Union Telegraph Company. This connection 
was continued for a year and a half, and then 
changed to the " INIutual Union " for an equal 
period. It was operated under this name till 
January, 1884, when its lines, etc., were trans- 
ferred to the Bankers' and Merchants' Telegraph 
Company. This company is now operating the 
wires under the name of the United Lines Tel- 
egraph Company, by which it is known through- 
out the country. 

telephone. 

The telephone was introduced in Reading by 
Henry W. Spang, in October, 1879. He or- 
ganized a system of communication in the city 
and carried it on successfully till November, 1880, 
when he formed a stock company for the purpose 
of erecting and maintaining telephone lines and 
exchanges in Berks, Montgomery, Schuylkill 
and Lebanon Counties, under the name of East 



47-t 



HISTOIIY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Peunsylvania Telephone Company. The stock 
subscribers were Henry W. Spang, Mrs. Mary 
Spang, Isaac Y. Spang, Daniel Spang, C. Hol- 
ton, F. S. Jacobs and H. D. Van Horn. This 
company extended the system — making connec- 
tion with Poltstown, Pottsville and Lebanon — 
set up an increased number of instruments, and 
operated it successfully till January 1, 1883, 
when the entire business, including wires and 
instruments, was transferred to the Pennsylvania 
Telephone Company, a similar organization, 
which had extended its wire to Lebanon from 
Harrisburg. This latter company has conduct- 
ed the business since 1883. It has now in use 
and successful operation seven hundred and 
nine miles of wire and six hundred instruments, 
of which five hundred are in Reading and one 
hundred in the country districts. 

The first telephone company in the State was 
organized at Philadelphia, November 14, 1878. 
The introduction of this improvement has been 
of great convenience and advantage to the busi- 
ness men of this community. The telegraph 
was a wonderful step in advance of the postal 
and express deliveries, which had been the com- 
mon means of communication carried on 
through the agency of steam ; but the telephone 
was a marvelous step in advance of even the 
telegraph — for instead of writing, forwarding 
and reading messages and letters, which required 
both labor and time, communication was facili- 
tated and business men were enabled to speak 
with each other directly, as it were, face to face, 
without any loss of time. It is like the great 
agent, electricity, upon which it is based — the 
embodiment of dispatcii. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 

Election Districls — Political Sentiment of County — Promi- 
nent P>epresentative Men — Offices by Special Legislation 
— Political Parties- -Political Festivals — State Conven- 
tions and Mass-Meetings at Reading — List of Officials — 
Biographical Sketches. 

Electiox Districts. — Provision was made 



by William Penn, in the laws agreed ujjon in 
England on April 25, 1682, in reference to the 
government of the province of Pennsylvania, 
for free and voluntary elections. The right of 
election was given to every freeman of the 
province. A fi'eeman was defined to be " every 
inhabitant that is or shall be a purchaser of one 
hundred acres of land or upward ; and every 
person who shall have paid his passage and 
taken up one hundred acres of land at one 
penny an acre, and have cultivated ten acres 
thereof; and every person that hath been a ser- 
vant or bondsman and is free by his service that 
shall have taken up fifty acres of land and cul- 
tivated twenty thereof; and every inhabitant, 
artificer, or other resident that pays scot or lot 
to the government." 

^\-t that time the territory comprising Berks 
County was occupied by Indians alone. Not a 
single white man had settled upon it. This is 
strange. And only two hundred years ago ! 
There was no need for election laws, nor for dis- 
tricts to facilitate elections and their returns. 
Within one hundred years afterward, many 
permanent settlers had entered the territory. 
The necessity of government in all its forms 
had become apparent. Townships had been 
organized and the county had become erected 
with all its offices. Independence had been de- 
clared ; and government " of the people, for the 
people, and by the people " had been estaljlished. 
And elections of various local officers hafi been 
made. But no special records have been trans- 
mitted to enable us to understand how and with 
what results they were conducted. The elections 
for county officials were held at Reading from 
the beginning of the county in 1752 till 1789, 
when the county was divided into election 
districts. 

In 1785 the county comprised one election 
district; and all elections were directed to be 
held at the court-house, in the county-town, 
Reading. No additional returns could be 
found, excepting tiiose hereafter mentioned for 
1788. 

In 1789 the county was divided into five 
election districts, and the electors of the several 
townships in the respective districts were re- 
quired to vote at the places named : 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



475 



Reading (1st District, at the court-house). 

■ Eeading. Exeter. 

Alsace. Heidelberg. 

Bern. Maiden-creek. 

Brecknock. Oley. 

Caernarvon. Robeson. 

Cumru. Ruscomb-manor. 

Kutztoicn (2d District, at public-house of Philip Gehr). 
Greenwich. Maxatawny. 

Hereford. Richmond. 

Longswamp. Rocklaud. 

Haiiibiirg (3d District, at public-house of John 
Moyer). 
Albany. Brunswick. 

Bern, Upper. Windsor. 

Tulpehocken (4th District, at public-house of Godfrey 
Roehrer). 
Bethel. Tulpehocken. 

Pinegrove. 

Amity (6th District, at public-house of William Wit- 
man- — ^called " White Horse "). 
Amity. Earl. 

Colebrookdale. Union. 

Douglass. 

There were then twenty-nine town.sliips and 
one borough — Reading. The electors of twelve 
divisions voted at Reading. In the perform- 
ance of this political duty many of them came 
a distance of fifteen miles. But this was an 
improvement on what had been required four 
years before — those living in the townships 
farthest removed from Reading having been 
reciuired to travel from twenty-five to thirty 
miles. 

Subsequently, for a period of three-score years, 
till 1851, additional districts were erected to 
facilitate the elections. And afterward four 
boroughs were incorporated and the wards of 
Reading multiplied. As a matter of historical 
interest, they are here presented in the order of 
priority : 

Forest, 1791, at public-house of Isaac Bonsall, in 
Robeson, comprising Caernarvon, Robeson and Union. 

Miithart's, 1794, at public-house of Joseph Muthart, 
in Colebrookdale, comprising Colebrookdale District, 
Earl and Hereford. 

Womehdorf, 1797, at public-house of Conrad Stouch, 
Womelsdorf, comprising Bethel, Tulpehocken and 
that part of Heidelberg northwest of Hain's Church. 

Pinegrove, 1797, at public-house of Jacob Gunckel, 
in Pinegrove. 

3Iar(jiiart\i, 179S, at the public-house of Philip 



Marquart, in Robeson, comprising Brecknock, Caer- 
narvon, Robeson and part of Union. Not used iu 
table ; vote included in district Forest. 

Orwigsburg, 1798, at public-house of John Ham- 
mer, comprising Brunswick and Manheim. 

Crnll's, 1799, at public-house of Michael Croll, in 
Greenwich, comprising Albany and Greenwich. 

Mahantango, 1802, at public-house of Michael 
Artz. 

Bethel, 1803, at public-house of Michael Miller. 

Tulpehocken, 1809, at public-house of Henry Horsh. 

Hereford, 1811, at public-house of George Hooif, 
called at times " Hoofl''s." 

Kedtj's, 1812, at public-house of Henry Keely, in 
Douglass, comprising parts of Amity, Colebrookdale, 
Douglass and Earl ; discontinued after 1820. 

Shartle's, 1812, at public-house of George Shartle, 
in Bern, Upper, comprising parts of Tulpehocken, 
Upper, and Bern, Upper (now Shartlesville). 

Oley, 1814, at public-house of Jacob Kemp (now 
about a mile south of Friedensburg, on the road to 
Yellow House). 

Ruacnmb-manor, 181.5, at public-house of Jonathan 
Price, Pricetown. 

Rockland, 1816, at public-house of Andrew Shiftert 
(now at New Jerusalem). 

Pike, 1810, at public-house of Daniel O.yster. 

Maiden-cretk, 1817, at public-house of Catherine 
Gift. 

Longswamp, 1817, at public-house of Peter Trexler. 

Earl, 1817, at public-house of Jacob Pennepacker. 

Reading, 1817, divided into two wards, North and 
South, Penn Street the dividing line. 

Caernarvon, 1818, at public-house of Thomas L. 
Jones, Morgantown. 

District, 1818, at jrablic-house of John Weller. 

Albany, 1819, at public-house of Jacob Foossel- 
man. 

Perry, 1821, at public-house of John Binkley. 

Bern, Upper, 1822, at public-house of Benjamin 
Haas. 

Amity, 1 822, at public-house of John Potts, .Jr. 

Richmond, 1823, at public-house of Thomas Dumm. 

Douglass, 1824, at public-house of Daniel Pile. 

Colebrookdale, 1827, at public-house of Henry Rit- 
ter. 

Greemvich, 1827, substituted for C'roll's in 1829. 

Union, 1829, at public-house of David Sterrett. 

Tulpehocken, Upper, 1829, at public-house of Chris- 
tian Long. 

Bernville, 1829, at public-house of Philip Filbert. 

Robeson, 1829, at public-house of Anna Beard. 

Brecknock, 1829, at public-house of John Ziemer. 

Hamburg, 1830, incorporated a borough and taken 
from Windsor. 

Windsor, 1830, at public-house of John Bailey, 
Hamburg. 

Heidelberg, Lower, 1834, at public-house of Henry 
Binklev. 



47(3 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Heidelberg, '[i'tZ^, at public-house of Michael Selt- 
zer, Womelsdorf. 

Exeter, 1839, at public-house of Daniel Boyer (now 
at Stonersville). 

Alsace, 1840, at public-house of Jacob Beruhart. 

Bern, 1840, at public-house of Jacob Ebbling. 

Cainru, 1840, at public-house of Michael Nunne- 
macher, iu Reading. 

Washington, 1840, at public-house of Joseph Baugh- 
man. 

Reading, 1840, divided into four wards, Sixth and 
Penn Streets the dividing lines: Northeast Ward, at 
northeast corner Seventh and Penn Streets, at pub- 
lic-house of John Miller; Northwest Ward, on Fifth 
Street, between Washington and Walnut Streets, east 
side, midway, at public-house of John L. Reifsnyder; 
Southeast Ward, at southeast corner Eighth and Penn 
Streets, at public-house of William Rapp ; South- 
west Ward, at southwest corner Fourth and Penn 
Streets, at public-house of George Gernant. (Pre- 
viously the elections were held at the court-house, at 
the intersection of Fifth and Penn Streets.) 

Maxataieny, 1841. Kutztown voted separately from 
this time on. It was incorporated a borough in 1815. 
The two districts voted together till the election of 
1838. 

Penn, 1842, at ])ublic-house of Daniel Potteiger. 

Centre, 1843, at public-house of Elizabeth Kauff- 
man. 

Marion, 1843, at public-house of Edward H. Becker, 
Stouchsburg. 

Reading, 1844. Spruce Ward, erected out of that 
part of Reading lying between Schuylkill River, 
Philadelphia and Reading Railroad and Spruce 
Street, at public-house of George Goodhart, between 
Fourth and Fifth Streets, below Laurel. 

Heidelberg, North, 1845, at public-house of John 
Kalbach. 

Perry, 1849, at public-house of Jacob Boyer. 

Muhlenberg, 1850, at public-house of Gabriel Geh- 
ret. 

Ontelaunee, 1850, at public-house of George W. 
Althouse (now in Leesport). 

Spring, 1850, at public-house of Jacob Hoffman, 
Sinking Spring. 

Jeffrrson, 1851, at public-house of Samuel Knoll. 

Boycrtoini, 18(56, at public-house of Jacob Grant. 

Birdsborn', 1872, at public school-house. 

Fleetwood, 1873, at public-house of Percival Brum- 
bach. 

Topton, 1877, at public-house of Josiah Fisher. 

Centreport, [private house.] 

Reading, 18(54, was divided into nine wards. In 
187(5 the Tenth Ward was erected out of the Second, 
and the Eleventh Ward out of the Ninth; and in 
1885, the Eleventh Ward was divided into three 
wards. 

The election districts in the county now com- 



prise thirteen wards, nine boroughs and forty- 
one townships, — altogether sixty-three in num- 
ber. 

PoLiTiCAi. Sextimext OF CouNTY. — The 
earliest published vote which I could find was for 
Representative to Cougre.ss in 1788, of the fol- 
lowins: seven counties : 



This table would seem to be comparatively 
insignificant. Yet it is worthy of serious study. 
A comparison of this vote with the vote of the 
counties for a period covering nearly one hun- 
dred years will reveal a political sentiment 
almost uuchanged throughout the whole period, 
especially that whicli relates to Berks on the one 
side, and Chester and Lancaster on the other. 
The Anti-Federal party, in 1788, compi'ised 
what is now the Democratic party — the party 
generally rejiresenting confederation and State 
rights as contradistinguished from national 
rights ; and the Federal party comprised what 
is now the Republican party — the party repre- 
senting national rights and indivisible unity. 

Vote for Governor. — Since 1788 the peo- 
ple of the county manifested a most remarkable 
adherence to the Democratic party and the 
principles which it advocated, chief among 
which was the principle of local self-govern- 
ment. In the return of 1802 the Democratic 
vote was eight times that of the Federal. After- 
ward this proportion was at no time surpassed, 
not even equaled. And the vote was regularly 
for the Democratic candidate, excepting upon 
two occasions, in 1817 and 1820, when the 
people of the county manifested their respect for 
a distinguished son of one of the first families 
of the county, though on the opposing ticket, as 
they theretofore had, and thereafter have, done 
for party. These occasions were when the Hon. 
Joseph Hiester was a candidate on the Federal 
ticket for Governor. He had distinguished him- 
self iu political affairs of and for the county 
through a period of forty years. And Berks 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



477 



County did not stand alone in honoring him. 
Of the eleven counties in the southeastern sec- 
tion of the Stat«, he had eight in 1817. This 
important section of the State gave him a ma- 
jority of seven thousand one hundred and ninety- 
one, though the State was against him by a 
majority of seven thousand and five. And in 
1820 he had nine of the eleven counties, with a 
majority of eight thousand one hundred and 
ninety-four, and in the State a majority of one 
thousand six hundred and five. In this con- 
nection, the vote of Hiester for Congress, as 
against Daniel Clymer, in 1798, can be referred 
to in order to show Hiester's popularity. The 
vote was more than four to one in his favor. 
All the districts in the county except one gave 
him large majorities. The exception was the 
" Forest " District, this having been influenced 
by the Clymer family, resident in Caernarvon 
township, in this district, for Daniel Clymer, 
the opposing candidate. 

Even through the excitement incident to the 
Civil War, 18(51-65, the county continued De- 
mocratic by large majorities. But the city of 
Reading was otherwise. It had been theretofore 
generally Democratic. At the election previous 
to 1860, it had been almost three to one; but 
in 1860, 1863 and 1866 it was Republican. 
Then in 1869 it was, and since has been. Dem- 
ocratic. This is remarkable too. It has been 
generally said that a manufacturing community 
is Republican in sentiment, through manufac- 
tures and protective tariif. But this is not the 
case with Reading. 

Vote for President. — In 1828 tiie vote 
for Jackson in Berks was five to one against 
Adams. Then it was that the county distin- 
guished itself in voting for Jackson. It would 
seem that the people here, as the people had 
elsewhere, felt keenly the outrage perpetrated 
upon them by the House of Representatives, 
in not having respected the will of the majority 
by the selection of the candidate for President 
whose electors had received the greatest num- 
ber of votes. The idea of self-government was 
again uppermost in their minds, and this idea 
they felt it their duty to express by ballot in a 
most unequivocal manner. The vote of Read- 
ing was in about the same proportion. And at 



Jackson's re-election, in 1832, the result of the 
vote, both in the county and city, was for him 
in the proportion of about four to one. 

The vote in the county for President from 
1828 to 1880 was always Democratic by a large 
majority. And the city of Reading was also 
Democratic by a considerable majority till 1 860. 
Then a decided change took place through the 
great upheaval in political afiairs. Lincoln was 
given a majority of more than five hundred 
over Breckenridge, and of more than three hun- 
dred over all, Douglass and Bell included. And 
this Republican feeling in the city prevailed till 
the re-election of Grant, when, remarkable to 
say, a majority of 1207 was given for him. 
Afterward a change took place for the Demo- 
cratic party, which has prevailed since. 

In 1828 the vote of the county was about 
nine per cent, of the vote of the eleven counties, 
and only three and seven-tenths per cent, of the 
State ; in 1860 it was nearly the same ; and in 
1880 it was seven and three-tenths per cent, of 
the eleven counties, and only three per cent, of 
the State. 

In 1828 the vote of the eleven counties was 
forty-one and four-tenths per cent, of the vote 
of the State; in 1860 it was forty per cent, and 
in 1880 it was forty-two per cent. 

The county, in the total vote, compared with 
the State, lost seven-tenths of one per cent, in 
fifty years, and the eleven counties gained six- 
teuths of one per cent. This is certainly main- 
taining to a remarkable degree public political 
interests, notwithstanding the increase of the 
vote from 152,500 to 852,132, or over five 
times the number. In 1880 the number of 
taxables in the whole State was 1,112,422. 
Hence nearly seventy-seven per cent., or over 
three-fourths of the electors in the State, ex- 
ercised their right of political suifrage. 

The taxables of the county, of the eleven 
counties and of the State, for two certain 
periods, 1836 and 1880, are compared with the 
number of votes polled, in order to show the 
relative prof)ortion of the taxables who voted. 

1836. Per 

T'xables Vote. Cent. 

Berks County 11,740 6,550 56 

Eleven Counties 119,588 73,607 61 

State 309,421 178,686 -57 



478 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 





18S0. 








T'xables 


Vote. 


Per 

Cent. 


Berks County 


I 30,438 


26,181 
358,117 
852,182 


86 




1 424,445; 


84 


State 


1,112,422| 


77 




i 





By this statement it wimld appear that a 
small number over half of the t;txables in the 

county voted in 1836, and over four-fifths in 
1880 ; .showing that in forty- four years the pro- 
portion had increased thirty jyer cent., or nearly 
one-third. In the eleven counties the increase 
was twenty-three per cent., and in the State 
twenty per cent. The county is therefore in 
advance of the average interest in political af- 
fairs. 

In reference to the party vote in the county, 
the Democratic vote compared with the oppo- 
sition was as follows : In 1828 it was five times 
the number; in 1832, four times; in 1836, 
three times ; from 1840 to 1884 the average 
was a little less than double. In 1856 Buchanan 
had a majority of 6903 ; but in 1860 Breckeu- 
ridge had only 1581. In 1880 Hancock had a 
majority of 7731. 

'' The majority of the Democratic party in the 
county at each Presidential election from 1828 
to 1884 was as follows : 

Democratic Majority in County. 



1828-Democratic 4663 

Nat. Repub 937 

3726 

1832-Democratie 4472 

Nat. Repub 1150 

3322 

lS.36-Democratic 4967 

Whig 1583 

3384 

1 840-Democratic 7425 

Whig 3582 

3843 

1844-Democratic 8675 

Whig 4001 

4(i74 

1848-Democratic 9485 

Whig 5082 

4403 



1872-Deniocratic... 10,201 | 1880-Democratic... 16,9.56 
Republican 7,741 Repulslican 9,225 



2,460 

1876-Democratic... 15,611 

Republican 8,020 



7,731' 

1884-Democratic... 16,484 

Republican 9,.587 



1852-Democratic 9503 

Whig 4913 

4590 

1856-Democratic. . .1 1,272 
American and 
Republican. .4,319 

6,953 

1860-Democratic 8,846 

Rep. and 0pp. 7,265 

1,581 

1864-Democratic. . .12,929 
Republican 6,197 

6,732 

1868-Democratic. . .13,973 
Republican 7,917 

6,056 



7,591 6,897 

Vote for Constitutional Amendments. 
— On the question of amending the State Con- 
stitution the tables are interesting. In 1825 
all of the eleven counties excepting one, Le- 
high, were against a convention, with a total 
vote of three to one. In 1835 all were against 
it nearly two to one. But the State was carried 
for it. In 1838, on the question of ratifying the 
work of the convention, Berks and Bucks 
voted for the amendments, Ijut the other nine 
counties against them, the total majority in this 
section of the State against them having been 
nearly seventeen thousand. But the State 
adopted them by a majority less than twelve 
hundred in a total vote of 226,730. 

In 1850, on the question of making the 
judges of both Supreme and County Courts 
elective, Berks and six others of the eleven 
counties were for it by a large majority ; and 
the State was for it by a vote of two to one. 

In 1871 the question of a convention was 
again submitted to the people of the State. Of 
the eleven counties, Berks was the only county 
against it, with the remarkable vote of two to 
one. But the eleven counties were altogether 
for it, three to one ; and the State almost five to 
one. On the ratification of the work of the 
convention, by adopting the new Constitution 
recommended, Berks County at the special 
election in 1873 was decidedly for it — five to 
one. The eleven counties combined and the 
State were also for it, more than two to one. 
Dauphin and Lebanon were against it. 

Vote for Prohibition and License. — 
The liquor question was submitted to the people 
twice — fir,st in 1854, then iu 1873. On both 
occasions Berks County was decidedly for it — 
fir.st by a vote of four to one, and afterward by 
a vote of three to one. And Lehigh was at first 
more decidedly for it, by a vote of six to one, 
and afterward nearly three to one. Chester and 
I Delaware were against it at both elections. 



POLITICS Ax\D CIVIL LIST. 



479 



Philadelphia, in 1854, was against it about five 
to fi3ur ; but in twenty years public opinion 
liad changed so much as to be for license 
two to one. 

PnoMiNENT Repeesextative Mex. — Be- 
fore 1820 it would seem that the major part of 
the voters of the county did not show so strong 
a partisan spirit in reference to the election of 
their representatives to Congress as they did 
afterward. Joseph Hiester was apparently a 
very popular man with his constituents. He 
maintained their confidence and politicid sup- 
port through a period embracing thirty years, 
notwithstanding his identification with the Fed- 
eral party and also tiie publication of certain 
letters in local newspapers reflecting against 
him. And he was eminently worthy of this 
confidence and support. He succeeded iu ac- 
complishing what no other man in the history 
of the county lias been able to do ; for, besides 
securing his repeated election to Congress on 
the ticket of the minority party, he even influ- 
enced the suffi-age of the Democrats in the 
county in his own behalf against their own 
regular nominee for Governor to such an extent 
as to be elevated to the highest executive office 
of the State. The people not only honored 
him, but he also honored the people. He was 
an exceptional man. In the three-score of 
years which have elapsed since his retirement 
from political life we have not had his equal. 
And yet the people have not been inspired to 
signalize his nativity, his successful business 
career and his political prominence by the 
erection of a monument, or even by the naming 
of a township after him, though many town- 
ships were erected within twenty years after 
his decease in 1832. When Bern township was 
sub-divided, one of the sub-divisions could 
have been named after him with undoubted 
propriety. The indifference of the people of 
the county in this matter is to a great degree 
expressive of their simple and unostentatious 
life; but it is inexcusable — not so much in re- 
spect to the person of Governor Heister as to 
his enterprising, representative and truly jjatri- 
otic character. 

During the period from 1829 to 1844 Rev. 
Henry A. Muhlenberg — the son-in-law of Gov- 



ernor Joseph Heister — was the most prominent 
political representative in the county. By a re- 
election to Congress for five consecutive terms 
he evinced much popularity. In 1835 he re- 
ceived the nomination of the Democratic party 
for Governor ; but he was not elected, owing to 
the action of an independent element in the 
party, which was led by Governor Wolf, the 
incumbent then in the executive office and con- 
cluding his second term. At that time the 
Anti-Masonic party was strong in the State, 
and, through the division of the Democratic 
party, it was enabled to elect its candidate, 
Joseph Ritner. IMuhlenberg polled the largest 
vote of the three candidates in the county ; but 
by the vote polled for Wolf there would seem 
to have been a considerable opposition to him. 
In the entire State, Wolf had a larger vote than 
Muhlenberg. Several yeai-s afterward, Presi- 
dent Van Buren appointed IMuhleuberg to be 
the first minister to Austria, and, in accepting 
this distinguished appointment, he resigned his 
seat in Congress. This M'as the first honor 
conferred by a President of the United States 
upon the county of Berks, and the people 
appreciated it highly. In 1844 Muhlenberg 
again became the I'egular nominee for Gov- 
ernor on the Democratic ticket, but he died 
before the election. Francis R. Shuuk was 
nominated in his stead and elected by a small 
majority. It is possible that Muhlenberg would 
have been elected if he had lived. The op- 
position to him in the county had, however, 
not yet subsided. There was a great difference 
between Heister and Muhlenberg ; the former 
was a Federalist in a Democratic countv, suc- 
cessful in winning and holding a strong politi- 
cal support for himself, and he was a stanch 
advocate of a protective tariff, of the free school 
system and of the United States Bank (of which 
it is probable that he was one of the original 
subscribers of stock) ; but the latter was a Dem- 
ocrat, and as such he was opposed to the meas- 
ures mentioned. 

Twenty years after ]\Iuhlenberg's time in 
Congress, the first considerable dissatisfaction 
arose in the Democratic party in the county, 
and this resulted in the defeat of Hon. J. 
Glancy Jones, who was the regular nominee. 



480 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Jones had been the representative to Congress 
from this district since 1851, and, whilst serv- 
ing his fourth term, he, in 1858, annoimeed 
himself as a candidate for re-election. At that 
time there was a great political change working 
its way amongst the people throughout the 
State — gradually, if not rapidly — and, to a cer- 
tain extent, this change was manifesting itself 
in Berks County. It was induced, principally, 
by the action of the Buchanan administration 
on the Kansas question. Jones was intimately 
associated with the administration, having been 
chairman of the committee ou ways and means, 
— the most prominent committee in the House of 
Representatives, — and, when the feeling was de- 
veloping itself against President Buchanan, the 
leader of this opposition naturally endeavored 
to extend this feeling into Berks County, so 
as to operate against Jones, one of his ablest 
supporters. And in this movement they were 
successful. Jones had made the nomination be- 
fore the county convention almost b)' acclama- 
tion, this having been effected, principally, by 
a thorough party organization. But immedi- 
ately afterward, certain influential Democrats in 
the county developed sulBcient feeling against 
him to be able to call a convention together and 
express a decided opposition to his re-election. 
The principal ground upon wliich they based 
their opposition was his unsatisfactory course 
on the subject of the tariff. In his movements 
with Buchanan's administration he had, more 
or less, committed himself against this imjwrt- 
ant measure, which was thought to be inti- 
mately connected with the increasing prosperity 
of the county, through manufactures. The in- 
dependent Democrats, therefore, nominated 
John Schwartz, a prominent iron-master, — a 
man of large ability and experience, and a 
highly-respected survivor of the War of 
1812-15, — and the Republicans united in sup- 
porting him. This union caused the defeat of 
Mr. Jones by a very small majority ; and it 
was the first real defeat which the Democrats 
had met with in the history of the party in the 
county, especially since the thorough organiza- 
tion of the party under President Jackson. 
The county was thoroughly Democratic, for, at 
the previous Presidential election, in 1856, the 



Democrats had a majority of nearly seven thou- 
sand, and at the previous gubernatorial election, 
in 1857, they had a majority of nearly six 
thousand. The independent candidate and his 
friends had won a great victory, which had 
caused general rejoicing amongst them and also 
amongst the Republicans, to whose united 
support his election was directly attributable. 
The defeat of Jones was to President Buchanan 
a great surprise, if not a great disappointment, 
for Berks County had been so largely Demo- 
cratic that it was counted upon for a Democratic 
representative, and this defeat was a loss to the 
national administration. Jones was recognized 
as an able and experienced leader in the Demo- 
cratic party. His ability and experience had 
won a considerable prominence in national poli- 
tics, and also the confidence and friendship of 
the President. And his services were appreci- 
ated by the President, if not by his constitu- 
ents. Immediately after hearing of his defeat, 
the President appointed him to the Austrian 
mission. This honorable appointment he ac- 
cepted, and, therefore, he resigned his seat in 
Congress. 

Mr. Jones represented the national govern- 
ment at Vienna for over two years with dis- 
tinction, and then returned home. His return 
was equivalent to retirement from politics, for 
in. the mean time a new combination had taken 
possession of the county political affairs, which 
elevated, and continued to elevate, new- men 
to Congress from this district ; and the Repub- 
lican party had obtained control of the national 
administration, which it continued to hc'ld for 
twenty-four years. In this long period our 
several rejjresentatives in Congress, on account 
of their opposition to the national administra- 
tion, naturally did not, and could not, com- 
mand any political influence, much less political 
prominence. 

The political activity in the campaign of 
1858 was not permitted to subside with tlie de- 
feat of Jones, for, during the congratulations of 
his opponents, he resigned, and his resignation 
caused a vacancy which the voters were called 
upon to fill. The Democrats nominated Joel 
B. AYanner, Esq., who, two years before, iiad 
served as mayor of Reading for one term ; and 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



481 



tlie Kepublicaus nominated General William H. 
Keim, ii man highly i'esf)ectecl for his ability 
and business qualifications, and very popular 
tliroughout the county in military affairs. The 
election was advertised to be held on Novem- 
ber 30, 1858. The Democrats were despond- 
ent and without assurance, not having recov- 
ered from the shock of their defeat, and General 
Keim was elected. The vote polled was small, 
especially for the Democratic candidate, and 
showed much iudifference on the part of the 
people. 

Previously, on two occasions, in respect to 
county offices, a similar result occurred. In 
1846 David Yoder, a prominent and influential 
iiirrner in Oley, and a descendant of one of the 
first families in that township, was elected, as a 
Whig, to the office of county commissioner, be- 
cau.se the nominee on the Democratic ticket was 
alleged to have been an Irishman, a class of 
individuals not particularly appreciated by the 
(jerman element in the county. And in 
1 853 Charles Van Reed, who was also a prom- 
inent and influential farmer and a paper manu- 
facturer in Lower Heidelberg township, and a 
descendant of one of the old and well-estab- 
lisiied families in the county, was elected, as a 
Whig, to the office of county treasurer. The 
nominee on the Democratic ticket was Adam 
Leize, who had held this office for one term, — 
1849 to 1851. The incumbent, during the 
election, was William Ermentrout, whose son 
was married to Leize's daughter. ISIany Demo- 
crats thought that one family was obtaining too 
much in respect to one office, and, therefore, 
they opposed the election of Leize, notwith- 
standing that he had succeeded in making the 
nomination. Between 1789 and 1820 Daniel 
Messersmith and John K. Messersraith con- 
tinued to hold this office, alternately, for a 
period covering thirty years ; David Bright held 
it for twelve years, from 1823 to 1835; and 
Peter Nagle for eight yeai's, from 1835 to 1843. 
This office was then filled by appointment, but 
in 1841 an act was passed making it elective. 

In 1841 Hon. John Banks (then president 

judge of Berks County) was the nominee of 

the Whig party for Governor, but he was 

far from an election. The Democratic party 

48 



was at that time under thorough organization, 
and Governor Porter was elected by a largely-in- 
crea.sed majority in the county as well as in the 
State. Subsequently, in 1847, whilst the 
Whigs were in the majority in the State Ijegis- 
lature. Judge Banks was elected, by the united 
support of all the Whig.s, to the office of State 
treasurer for one year. 

Between 1850 and 1860 there were two 
])rominent representatives from Berks County 
iu the State Legislature. AVilliam M. Hiester 
was in the Senate from 1853 to 1855, and 
served during the latter year as Speaker ; and 
J. Lawrence Getz was in the House for two 
years (1856 and 1857), having served in that 
body during the latter year as Speaker. Mr. 
Getz .subsequently (from 1867 to 1873) served 
three terms in Congress from this di-strict. 

Hon. Hiester Clymer occupied political 
prominence in the county for twenty years, from 
1861 to 1881. He was in the State Senate 
from the senatorial district from 1861 to 1860. 
In 1866 he received the nomination for Gov- 
ernor on the Democratic ticket, but he was not 
elected. The city of Reading was then Repub- 
lican in political sentiment by a small njajoritv; 
and the nominee on the Republican ticket, 
General John W. Geary, received the full party 
vote, notwithstanding Reading was t!ie home 
of Mr. C^lymer. This would indicate the 
through organization of the Republican party. 
And Mr. Clymer was the Representative in Con- 
gress from 1873 to 1881. Hon. Daniel Ermen- 
trout succeeded Mr. Clymer in political promi- 
nence — he having been State Senator from this 
district for three ternvs, from 1874 to 1880, 
and since 1881 in Congress. 

In looking over the " Political Hand-Book 
of Berks County," it would appear that a num- 
ber of representative men were on the way to 
prominence, but fell short of it. We cannot 
fail to observe in the la.st thirty years there 
were many men in the representative offices 
from this county, and that if the county in this 
time has not produced men of wide political 
influence, such as the people have a right to 
expect fi'om .so rich and populous a countv, the 
secret of its failure in this respect lies in the 
frequent change of its representatives. The 



4S2 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



policy, or rather the custom, of allowing men 
to drop into office and be forced out of it, espe- 
cially of a representative character by accidental 
combinations, should not be tolerated. The 
time has come when the community at large 
should select representative men recognized for 
fitness and then retain them as long as possible. 
This would not only destroy the common ambi- 
tion in so many men who are continually seek- 
ing after offices for which they have limited 
qualifications, but it would increase the useful- 
ness of those who are elevated to representative 
positions. 

Offices by Special LEfusLATiox. — The 
general political history of our county is similar 
to that of the surrounding counties, — in iiict, of 
the whole State, in respect to its general gov- 
ernment. Legislation created territorial divi- 
sions, and provided offices of various kinds for 
them in order to facilitate the regulation of 
local affiiirs, and the representation of the 
people in the legislative bodies of the State and 
nation. And these offices have been filled 
either by election or by appointment from the 
beginning of our political existence as a county 
till now, A sameness extends throughout the 
whole period. Comparatively little special 
legislation has been done for our county in the 
way of .creating particular political positions. 
Four acts .of the General Assembly are worthy 
of mention : One passed in 1824, relative to the 
management of poor affairs ; another in 1848, 
relative to the management of prison affaire ; 
a third in 1869, relative to the election of an 
additional law judge; and a fourth in 1883, 
for the election of an Orphans' Court judge. 

A marked change was introduced by the 
Constitution of 1873, enabling the minority 
party to elect officials. In Berks County this 
applied to county commissioners and county 
auditors. Theretofore the.se officials in the 
county were almost entirely Democrats since 
their election in 1,841. 

The fir.st llepubljcan commissioner and au- 
ditor under this provision were elected in 1875. 
And in 1873 the act of 1848 creating the 
board of prison inspectors was so amended as 
to eual)le the minority party to elect three out 
of nine inspectors or annually one out of three. 



The act of 1824, relating to the poor directors, 
which provides for the annual election of a 
director for three years, has not yet been amended 
to meet the spirit of the times and of the State 
Constitution. In 1867, when jury commis- 
sioners were authorized to be elected, provi- 
sion was made that each elector should vote for 
one person for this office, and the two persons 
having the highest vote should be the commis- 
sioners. This provision enabled the minority 
party in the county to elect one commissioner. 
Accordingly, the Republicans have elected a 
jury commissioner since 1867. 

Political Parties. — From the beginning 
of the county there have been two parties 
in political affairs. This was both natural and 
nece.ssary. Before the Revolution agitation 
of political questions was not genei-al or contin- 
uous. The elective franchise was a recognized 
privilege, but it was not particularly encouraged 
by the creation of convenient or numerous 
polls to enable electors to express political pre- 
ferences. Local offices for the townships and 
the town were filled by election, but county 
officials were appointed, and this feature con- 
tinued in respect to the major part of them till 
1841, when an act of Assembly was passed 
which provided for a general change to election. 
Berks County comprised only one general e]e(!- 
tion district, with the court-house at Reading 
as the polls. In 1789 the districts began to in- 
crease, and they have increased gradually, to 
satisfy the demands and encourage the facilities 
for election, till they now number sixty-tiiree. 

During the Revolution the people formed 
themselves into two parties, especially those 
who manifested any concern in the government 
which was to prevail over them. Tlie one 
class, favoring a continuance of the royal gov- 
ernment, was called "Tories;" and the other, 
favoring a free, representative government, 
" Federals," or " AVhigs." The distinction was 
marked, and fortunately for the people of the 
county, as of the State and the great confedera- 
tion of States, the latter party won a decisive 
victory. Upon the establishment of freedom 
new parties arose. These proceeded from the 
Whigs, and were recognized either as tlie Gov- 
ernment Whigs, or Federals who desired a Re- 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



483 



publican form of government, with checks upon 
tlie impulses or passions of the pcojilc, and 
with liberty duly regulated, but strengthened 
and confirmed by central authority, or as the 
Particularist Whigs, or Anti-Federals, who 
desired the same form of government, but 
Democratic in spirit, with the rights of local 
self-government, and of States ever uppermost. 

In a certain sense the latter took the place of 
the " Tories," and were called "Republicans." 
They were the dominant party in Berks County 
then and they have continued to be till now. 
A singular change — if not a transformation — 
in respect to party names, arose afterward. As 
early as 179.3 the Anti-Federal jiarty was called 
the Democratic-Republican party ; but the word 
" Republican " was dropped in 1805, and the 
name Democratic alone used. Thence the Fed- 
erals or Whigs (or Republicans) have been on 
the one side and the Democrats on the other, 
the latter party keeping its identity for four- 
score years. 

For a time — about twenty-five years, from 
18.30 to 1855— the Anti-Mason jjarty for ten 
years, and the Whig for fifteen years, were sub- 
stituted in the place of the Republican party. 

The Declaration of Independence was pub- 
lished on the 4th day of July, 1770. Since 
the Revolution, that day has been regarded as 
the nation's birthday, and it has been made a 
holiday by the several State governments. An- 
nually for about eighty years, the several parties 
of each community celebrated this great holiday 
by assembling at certain popular places and 
drinking toasts, making addresses and enjoying 
themselves generally. At Reading the ])olitical 
parties celebrated the day regularly in this man- 
ner. The Federalists and the Whigs assembled 
on the island ' in the Schuylkill River, several 
hundred feet above the ferry, at the foot of Binga- 
man Street, and the Democrats at the Mineral 
Spring in Rose Valley, then to the east of, now 
within, the limits of Reading. When the Civil 
War broke out this custom was discontinued, 
and it has not been revived since. 

The people of Reading have from the be- 



' From this circumstance the islanJ took the name of 
'Independence Island." 



ginning of its history taken an active interest 
in political matters. By political organiza- 
tions they have invited and encouraged co- 
operation for the development of party strength. 
Since the Civil War more energy has been 
shown through numerous minor associations, 
commonly willed " Ward Clubs." Two associa- 
tions of this class have come to be prominent in 
the political affiiirs of Reading : the " Americus 
Club " of the Democratic part}', and the " Union 
League " of the Republican party. All of them 
were especially organized for the piu-pose of 
considering the ways and means by which to 
direct public attention to the one or the other 
party in the struggle for political supremacy. 
This is the great object which is ever standing 
out prominently before them. Political ques- 
tions are rather overshadowed, if not over- 
looked — they being not of the first importance, 
but the last. Clubs are not so much for dis- 
cussion as for organization to develop party 
strength. Discussion is carried on mostly by 
the leaders of the respective parties, and clubs 
gather in followers. The real, earnest political 
thinking in each party is done and jmblished 
by comparatively few individuals. The great 
proportion of voters adopt oi)inions and senti- 
ments more by the influence of associations and 
circumstances than by investigation and reflec- 
tion ; and many of them are induced to act for 
or against a party from selfish purpo.ses. In- 
dependence in political thought and action is 
still comparatively limited. The political re- 
turns of the county indicate this condition. 
The majorities are generally the same, especially 
at prominent elections when the vote is more 
numerously polled. The general education of 
the people has not yet reached that standard 
which conduces to political liberality and to the 
selection of the fittest luen for representative 
positions without regard for party affiliations. 

POLITICAL FESTIVALS. 

HiESTER Festival, 1820.— In 1817 the 
Hon. Jo.seph Hiester, of Reading, was nom- 
inated as the Federal candidate for the office of 
Governor of Pennsylvania against Hon. Wil- 
liam Findlay as the Democratic candidate; but 
he was defeated by a majority of 7005. In 



484 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1820 tlie same candidates were on the respec- 
tive tickets and Hiester was elected by a small 
majority — 1605. The success of this election 
contest, by which the most distinguished citizen 
of Berks County was chosen to be the chief 
executi%'e officer of Pennsylvania, was an event 
which could not be permitted to pass away in 
the annals of our local affairs without signaliz- 
ing it by an impressive public demonstration. 
Hiester, whilst a young man, had distinguislied 
himself by his pure and earnest patriotism dur- 
ing the Revolution ; and he had afterward filled 
with honor to himself and his constituency of 
Berks County, various political offices, especially 
the office of national Representative for nearly 
eigliteen years. He was concluding his ninth 
term wlien he was elected to be Governor of 
the State, — resigning his seat in Congress soon 
after his election. His fellow-citizens had there- 
fore come to regard hi in with more tinin ordi 
nary feelings of respect and honor, aud they 
could, indeed, rejoice over his elevation to be tlie 
chief ruler of the commonwealth. And what 
means could they have selected more adu}>ted to 
display their satisfaction and joy than a feast at 
which they could eat, drink and be merry? 
Accordingly, in honor of this event, pursuant 
to public invitation, a grand festival took place 
on Wednesday, November 1, 1820, on the 
" Commons " near by the "arched spring," east 
of the borough. Peo])le assembled from every 
part of the county. Many distinguished poli- 
ticians came from Philadelphia and counties 
adjoining Berks to participate in the feast. 
Over four thousand persons united in the 
demonstration. A procession was first formed 
by the committee of arrangements on Penn 
Square, about eleven o'clock in the morning, in 
the following order : 

1st. The butchers of the borough, dressed in white 
frocks, with bhie sashes, armed with the diti'erent 
emblems of their profe.ssion, fancifully decorated, and 
mounted upon white steeds. 

2d. Captain High's squadron of Dragoons, well- 
mounted, in complete uniform. 

3d. The citizens formed in double-file. 

4th. Captain Getz's company of Guards in new 
and elegant uniform. 

The centre of the procession was occupied by a ftdl 
band of colored musicians engaged from Philadelphia 



expressly for the occasion, clothed in green military 
suits, richly ornamented with silver lace. 

After an ovation to the " Governor-elect " 
and an address of thanks by him, the procession 
marched, in the order named, up Penn Street 
to the "Commons," arriving there about noon. 
An area — comprising several acres — was sur- 
rounded by a barrier, with a large platform 
arranged on the eastern side, upon which were 
placed the articles for the feast. Two fine, fat 
bullocks on spits, and a bear and a hog on grid- 
irons, were roasted entire. The four skins were 
stuffed and mounted on cars. Tlie area was oc- 
cupied by the committee of arrangements. 
High's Dragoons, Getz's Guards and the band, 
and "thousands of spectators, whose orderly 
deportment cannot be too stronglv commend- 
ed." 

The butchers commenced carving the roasted 
animals about two o'clock. The first slice of 
each animal was taken to the residence of General 
Hiester by two butchers, who were escorted Ijy 
a detachment of the Guard.s. And the carving 
was continued till all were sati.sfied. 

After the fea.sting was concluded, a meeting 
was formed with the following officers : 

President, Peter Nagle; Vice-Presidents, 
George de B. Keim, Jacob K. Boyer, Samuel 
Baird, Daniel Graeff. 

Twenty toasts, expressive of patriotic and 
complimentary sentiments, were read and re- 
ceived with great applause. A unanimous de- 
sire was expressed "to see the Revolutionary 
veteran ;" and accordingly he was escorted to 
the meeting from his residence by a committee 
specially delegated for 'the purpose. His ar- 
rival caused " indescribable effusions of joy." 
" Merit must be great when it calls forth the 
voluntary honors of a free and enlightened 
people. But the attention shown on this occa- 
sion was not merely honorary; it was the 
tribute of gratitude to a man who aided, at the 
risk of his life, his health and his fortunes, to 
render his country haj)py and free." 

At four o'clock the procession was re-formed ; 
with " the Governor-elect, supported by two 
citizens, it paraded through the principal 
streets of the borough and halted opposite his 
residence," where the whole compan) was dis- 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



485 



iiiisswl iu tlie most perfect harmony and good 
order. 

In the evening, the celebration was con- 
tinued by a "torch-light procession." A trans- 
parent temple was carried by four men through 
the principal streets of the borough, preceded 
and succeeded by a train of citizens who held 
lighted candles in their hands. The sides of 
this temple were illustrated : the front presented 
a likeness of Washington, the rear the arms of 
tiie United States and the right and left sides 
well-executed likenesses of General Hiester. 

A similar festival, to celebrate the same 
event, was held at Orwigsburg, in Schuylkill 
County, on November 10, 1820. The morning 
of that day was ushered in by the firing of can- 
non and the ringing of bells. A meeting was 
first organized in the court-house, and ad- 
dressed by James B. Hubley, Escj.,' the chair- 
man, with appropriate remarks. Then the 
people formed into line and proceeded, imder 
the leadership of three marshals, assisted by a 
band of music, to " Mount Monroe." As they 
marched, bells rang and cannon Ixjomed. There 
a fine ox and deer were roasted, and a large 
number of persons, seated at tables specially 
arranged, participated in a great feast. At a 
nieeting, afterward formed, at which Mr. Hub- 
ley presided, thirteen toasts were offered and 
drank. On the same day a festival was also 
held at Kutztown. Twenty-five toasts were 
offered and drank at a large organized meet- 
ing. 

Harrison Festival. — 1840 — The Presi- 
dential campaign" of 1840 was conducted 
with great enthusiasm, and it developed much 
])olitical excitement throughout the country. 
Grand processions were witnessed in every com- 
munity. The voters of Reading and the sur- 
rounding districts in the county of Berks 
caught the feeling, especially on the side of the 
Whigs. One of the processions wasdistinguish- 
ed for its log cabin and living raccoons. The 
election resulted in a victory for the Whigs, an 
event which elicited from them particular de- 
monstrations of joy. It was their first victory. 



and they felt great pride in it. The vote con- 
trasted was as follows : 

1830. Reading. Berks Co. State of Pa. 

Van Buret) (Democrat) 1412 4967 91,47.5 

Harrison (Whig) 394 1583 81,111 



1018 



3384 



10,3(34 



1S40. KeaaiDg. BcrkBCo. State uf l>a. 

Van Buren (Democrat) 836 7425 143,676 

Harrison (Whig) 614 3582 144,019 



222 



3843 



343 



' Mr. Hubley was a prominent attorney, formerly of 
Reading. 



Thoirmajority wassmall, buteuough forthem. 
What coultl they do upon such an occasion but de- 
monstrate their feelings as their party, under the 
name of" Federals," had done twenty years be- 
fore. The leaders therefore decided to signalize 
their triumph by a " Grand Ox-Roast," on the 
" Commons," on Wednesday, December 9, 
1840, and iissued a public notice that"ano.\' 
will be roasted whole and plenty of hard ciilcr 
will be provided." The day was accordingly 
celebrated under the direction of an organized 
meeting, with prominent men iu respect to 
business, politics and military as its officers. 
General William Addams was president of the 
meeting. Thirteen toasts were announced, and 
appix)i)riate responses were made. Many per- 
sons participated in the feast. 

Tii.DEX Festival of 187G. — The Presi- 
dential campaign of 1876 was full of enthu- 
siasm from the beginning to the end. Samuel 
J. Tilden, of New York, was the Democratic 
candidate, and Rutlierford B. Hayes, of Ohio, 
the Republican. The Democrats throughout 
the entire country were very hopeful of success 
with so distinguished a candidate as Mr. Til- 
den, and they therefore carried on the political 
contest with all the energy that they could 
command. The leaders of the party in Berks 
County were particularly active. Towards the 
close of the campaign they made arrangements 
for a " buffalo roast " in order to enable their 
party the more thoroughly to demonstrate their 
feelings in a public manner, and selected a day 
for that purpose. The previous festivals in 
1820 and 1840 were held after the election, but 
this was to be held before the election. The 
announcement was made, giving the public to 
know that " the Democratic citizens of Berks 
and adjoining counties will have a 



486 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



GRAND ROAST OF TWO BUFFALOES. 

lately captured on the western plains, and a 

Jubilee Parade 

in honor of their candidates for President and Vice- 
President, and the gallant freemen of the 
West, at the Fair Grounds,City of Read- 
ing, on Thursday, October 26, 1876, 
and also an 

Old-Fashioned Democratic Procession, 

in which soldiers and sailors, farmers and me- 
chanics and all good citizens, with their wives 
and daughters, were respectfully invited 
to participate." 

Tlie day arrived and the programme wa.s 
carried out very successfully. In tiie moruing 
many delegations came to Reading from all 
parts of the comity, and by eleven o'clock the 
"Jubilee Parade" was formed, when it was 
marched over a long route. Besides the usual 
demonstrations in a procession of this character, 
tlicre was an "elephant in boot*," veritably 
walking in tlie parade, hired from Forepaugh, 
(the showman) for the occasion. The .symbol 
of the Reading Times, in signalizing a political 
victory on the morning after an election, for 
many years, was the " elephant in boots " at the 
head of its columns; but the Democrats desired 
to show by a living cartoon that they had 
taken its elephant captive, and were going to 
carry it along in their triumphant march. This 
conception created much amu.sement throughout 
the entire route. It was the centre of attraction. 
On the way the e'ephant kicked off one of his 
Democratic boots just as if he wei-c walking in 
d'lnbtful company and on a donl)tfid platform, 
and were desirous of freeing himself The 
procession was nearly an hour in passing a 
point, and ended in the " Fair-Ground," where 
the feast on roasted buffalo was enjoyed by 
many hundreds of i>ersons. Si)eeches were 
made by prominent men from different parts of 
the country. The most distinguished guest 
upon this unusual occasion was Gen. George B. 
McClellan, whose presence elicited great ap- 
plause wherever he went. 

Electiox of 1876. — The Democrats in 
Berks County were (jertain of victory. Calcu- 
lations for it had been made. They were 
taught to expect it, and when the night of the 



election arrived they looked for it. But the 
news was doubtful . They had counted upon a 
" Solid South," and also certain Northern States. 
Their leader had calculated with great shrewd- 
ness, but neither he nor any of his followers 
had thought the loss of three Southern States 
within the range of possibility. And this re- 
sult actually occurred. Late on election day, 
Chandler, the chairman of the Republican 
National Committee, announced that Hayes had 
one hundred and eighty-five electoral votes, 
and would be the next President. This came 
to be exactly so. But during the four inter- 
vening months great excitement prevailed, and 
fears of a ]X)litic-al revolution were entertained. 
At Reading excited crowds of people assembled 
for many nights in succession, to hear the re- 
turns which were reflected upon screens — the 
Times screen having been set up against the 
Jameson building, on the Sixth Street side, 
above the portico, so as to show the figures 
down Peun Square, and the Eagle screen in 
front of the Eagle building. Some of the car- 
toons thrown on the Times screen were striking 
and afforded much merriment, in relieving the 
monotony of election returns. The elej>hant 
figured conspicuously in them ; at one time he 
came out with a rooster in his trunk lashing it 
around wildly in the air, then with a rooster 
tied to his tail running away with it ; now 
jumping for joy at a favorable report, then 
lying on his back as if dead from a Democratic 
victory, with a rooster crowing lustily over his 
fallen body ; Jeff Davis was represented a.s sit- 
ting up in a sour apple tree, and different pronr- 
inent Democrats were drawn in various laugh- 
able positions ; and numerous short witticisms 
appeared frequently. Altogether the exhibi- 
tion awakened a thrilling interest in the 
people. 

Democratic State Conventions at 
Reading. — Three Democratic State Conven- 
tions were held at Reading at which candidates 
for Governor were nominated : the first on June 
4, 1851, when William Bigler was nominated 
by acclamation ; the second on February 29, 
1860, when Henry D. Foster was nominated ; 
and the third on May 30, 1872, when Charles 
R. Buckalew was nominated. At the second 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LI8T. 



487 



couventioD, Hon. George M. Keim, of Reading, 
was selected as an elector-at-large. 

Mass-Meetix«s. — Numerous " Mass-Jfeet- 
ings " have been held at Reading by the respec- 
tive political parties for many years past. The 
earliest meeting, of which any extended notice 
was given, was held by the Democratic party on 
September 4, 1852, for the purpose of ratifying 
with enthusiasm the nomination of Franklin 
Pierce as the Democratic candidate for Presi- 
dent. Philadelphia sent a delegation of fifteen 
hundred men, accompanied by three fine bands 
of music, the German Mtennerchor and the 
Granite Glee Club, and large delegations were 
in attendance from Dauphin, Lebanon, Lancaster, 
Chester, Bucks, Montgomery, Lehigh, Schuylkill 
and other counties, whilst from the hills and 
valleys of Berks County came hundreds of her 
indomitable Democracy to swell the assembled 
multitude. Conspicuous among the latter were 
the North Heidelberg delegation in large hay- 
wagons and vehicles of every description, the 
Boyertown Pierce Club in carriages with flags, 
banners and wreaths of flowers, and the Kutz- 
town Pierce Club in carriages, with flags and 
music. It was the largest meeting ever held at 
Reading till that time and it included the larg- 
est number of great political leaders which the 
citizens had ever seen together here. A platform 
was erected at the upper end of the Western 
Market-House and around it the crowd assem- 
bled and heard the speeches of such distin- 
guislicd men as Hon. James Buchanan, Hon. 
Stejilien Douglass, Gov. Enoch Lowe (Mary- 
laud), Gov. William Bigler (Pennsylvania), 
Hon. Barnabas Bates (New York), Hon. Chas. 
J. Faulkner (Virginia), Hon. B. F. Ballett 
(Massachusetts), Chief Justice Le Grand (Mary- 
land), Hon. John A. Wilcox (Mississippi), Hon. 
John H. Savage (Tennessee) and others. Ad- 
dresses were made from noon till midnight. Mr. 
liuchanan was chairman of the meeting during 
the afternoon, and he, in the course of his open- 
ing remarks, complimented Berks County for 
" her undeviating patriotism and entire devotion 
to Democratic principles." . . . The meet- 
ing was harmonious and enthusiastic throughout, 
and in all the speeches "there was a concord 
of sentiment upon the great questions of the 



day, which exhibited in a proud light the power 
and nationality of Democratic principles, and 
the completeness of that union in the ranks of 
the American Democra<!y, which is the never- 
failing precursor of glorious victory."' 

In the State election for Governor, in 1851, 
the county gave Bigler (Democrat) a majority 
of 4765 over Johnston (Whig), and the State 
only 8465. In the national election following 
this " mass-meeting " the county gave Pierce 
(Democrat) a majority of 4590 over Scott 
(Whig) and the State 1 9,386. 

RiTNER Young Men's Convention. — The 
young men of Pennsylvania, who were favor- 
able to the election of Joseph Ritner for Gover- 
nor, held a conventi(<n at Reading on June 4-5, 
1838. Seventeen hundred delegates assembled 
from all parts of the State. Their meeting was 
held in the Trinity Lutheran Church, and it 
was distinguished for earnest enthusiasm. Ap- 
propriate addresses were made and resolutions 
passed. George G. Barclay, Esq. (a young and 
able attorney of Reading), officiated as tempo- 
rary chairman. The meeting was the largest of 
a representative character ever held at Reading 
till that time. It was conducted with ability 
and occasioned much excitement. But it did 
not increase the strength of the Anti-Masonic 
party in this section of the State. It was the 
first and only political convention ever assem- 
bled in a church building in Reading. Permis- 
sion was granted by the church vestry because 
there was no large hall in the borough then, 
and the Trinity Church was the only place in 
which so large a body of men could assemble 
with convenience. 

AVhig Mass-Meeting of 1844.— The Presi- 
dential campaign of 1844 was particularly ex- 
citing. Henry Clay was the Whig candidate 
for President and James K. Polk the Demo- 
cratic candidate. The former enjoyed a very 
high degree of popularity throughout the 
county, and his friends conducted a very active 
campaign in his behalf. The State of Pennsyl- 
vania exhibited much enthusiasm for him dur- 
ing the canvass, for he was a great favorite in 
every section of the State, especially where 



' Readini/ Guz'.tte and Democrat, lllh September, 1852. 



488 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUxXTY, PENxVSYLVANIA. 



manufactures were carried on. Reading was then 
a growing centre for industries of various kinds, 
and the Whigs here idolized him for hi.s earnest 
labors in the cause of protection to home indus- 
try. They held a mass-meeting at Reading on 
September 27, 1844. Over five thousand per- 
sons were in attendance, delegations having 
come from diiFerent sections of the surrounding 
country. The day was specially noted for a 
large pi'ocession, in which the various trades 
and employments were represented. Miniature 
shops and factories were hauled about the town 
and successfully operated. And the living rac- 
coon again figured conspicuously in the proces- 
sion, as it had in the previous campaign. The 
singing of campaign Songs added interest to 
this occasion, just as it had been practiced four 
years before, when there was one universal shout 
for " Old Tippecanoe and Tyler too." The 
chief marshal of this notable procession was 
Hon. Samuel Bell. After the parade a large 
meeting was organized on the Bell farm, in 
Cumru township, not far from the bridge, with 
David F. Gordon, Esq. (then an attorney at 
Reading, afterward president judge of Berks 
County), as chairman. The principal speaker was 
Hon. John Mc. P. Berrien, United States Senator 
from Georgia, formerly Attorney-General of 
President Jackson. Notwithstanding this great 
effort by the Whigs, they could not weaken the 
devotion of the Democrats in the county or 
lessen their majority. 

The polk-berry was brought into great prom- 
inence by the Democrats ; and during tliis 
campaign the Democrats also held a large mass- 
meeting, said to have been one of the largest 
ever held at Reading till that time. The pro- 
cession was long and full of enthusiasm. One 
of its prominent features was a large boat, 
rigged as a " Ship of State" manned by a num- 
ber of boys dressed as sailors, and drawn on 
wheels in the procession by many young men. 

The majority for Polk in the borough was 
three hundred and sixty-nine, and in the county 
forty-six hundred and seventy-four. This 
result indicated the thorough organization of 
the Democrats. Dallas, their candidate for Vice- 
President, visited Reading during the campaign 
and delivered an addiess at the " Mineral 



Spring," dwelling particularly upon and favor- 
ing the tariff. Gen. Samuel Houston from 
Texas was also present upon that occasion. 

Clymer Mass Meetings in 186(5. — Hon. 
Hiester Clymer, a citizen of Reading, received 
the nomination for Governor on the Democratic 
ticket in 1866. He had been State Senator 
from this district for two terms, from 1861 to 
1866, during which time he acquired a con- 
siderable popularity throughout the State. 
General John W. Geary was the Republican 
candidate. Both parties were under thorough 
organization, and, with popular candidates, tlie'-' 
labored earnestly for success. The friends of 
Mr. Clymer united in his behalf and they ex- 
erted themselves to bring about his election, if 
possible. Many mass-meetings were held in 
different parts of the State, and at all of them 
much enthusiasm was manifested. In Berks 
County the leaders of the party were partic- 
ularly active. Numerous ])ublic meetings were 
held and many speeches were deli vei-ed. General 
political excitement prevailed from the begin- 
ning till the clo.se of the campaign, which in- 
creased as the day of election approached. Two 
Democratic mass-meetings were held at Read- 
ing, one on July 18tb and the other on October 
3d, and upon each occasion a multitude of peo- 
ple assembled. At the former there were dele- 
gations from four-fifths of the counties in the 
State. Hon. Richard Vaux acted as chairman 
of the meeting, and addresses were made by 
Mr. Clymer, Hon. Montgomery Blair, Hon. 
George H. Pendleton and other distinguished 
political leaders; high party feeling was pro- 
duced under the great excitement which was 
awakened by demon.strations of all kiud.s, .so 
high, indeed, that it almost resulted in riots 
with certain Republicans who were equally 
earnest and active and demonstrative for their 
leader. General Geary. And at the latter there 
was a grand procession, with General Tobias 
Barto as chief marshal, estimated to contain 
five thousand persons in a line two miles long. 
Many wagons, teams, bands and banners of all 
kinds accompanied the numerous delegations, 
and the enthusiasm upon that occasion was un- 
bounded. Notwithstanding all tiiis exertion, 
the city of Reading was not carried for Clymer. 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



489 



It had been Republican through the war, and 
this political sentiment still prevailed by a 
small majority, which, it would appear, Clyraer 
could not overcome, even with the aid of local 
prejudice and enthusiastic demonstrations. The 
vote in Reading for him was two thousand six 
hundred and eighty-nine, and for Geary two 
thousand seven hundred and four, a majority of 
fifteen against him ; and in the county for him 
thirteen thousand two hundred and eighty- 
eight, and for Geary seven thousand one hun- 
dred and twenty-one, a majority of six thousand 
one hundred and sixty-seven for him. 

OFFICIALS OF COUNTY. 

Immediately after the erection of the county 
it became entitled to representation in the Pro- 
vincial Assembly, and to various county officers ; 
and, after the establishmcut of national inde- 
pendence and government, also to representa- 
tion in Congress. 

All the officers — national. State and county — 
from and of the county, from the beginning of 
its existence to the present time, are set forth in 
the following arrangement: 1. National Repre- 
sentatives. 2. State Representatives. 3. County 
Officers. 

1. National Representatives. — The 
office of Representative to Congress of the 
United States was created by the Constitution 
of the United States, which was adopted Sep- 
tember 17, 1787, and ratified by the Conven- 
tion of Pennsylvania December 12, 1787. The 
term of office was then made two years ; and so 
it has continued to the present time. Represen- 
tatives were apportioned among the several 
States according to population, which was 
enumerated within three years after the first 
meeting of Congress, and every ten years there- 
after. 

The first apportionment by Congress gave 
Pennsylvania eight representatives. These were 
apportioned by the State Legislature, March 16, 
1791, to eight districts. Berks, Northampton 
and Luzerne Counties were erected into one 
district, with one member. In 1793 the State 
was given thirteen members. These were ap- 
j)ortioned by the State Legislature on April 22, 
1794, when Berks and Luzerne Counties were 



made the Fifth Congressional District for the 
next ten years, with one member. 

In 1802 Berks, Chester and Lancaster formed 
the Third Congressional District, with an ap- 
portionment of three members. 

In 1812 Berks and Schuylkill formed the 
Seventh District, with one member. 

In 1822 Berks, Schuylkill and Lehigh 
formed the Seventh District, with two members. 

In 1832 Berks became a separate district, 
called the Ninth, with one member. 

In 1843, and every ten years successively, 
Berks comprised the Eighth Congressional Dis- 
trict, with one member. 

The following persons represented Berks 
County in Congress : 

CONGRE.SSMEN. 
Name. Term. 

Daniel Hiester 1789-97 

Joseph Hiester' 1797-1807; 1815-20 

Matthias Reich;irt 1807-11 

Ji)hn M. Hyneman- 1811-13 

Daniel Udree 1813-15; 1823-25 

Ludwig Woruian ' 1821-22 

William Addams 1825-29 

Henry A. Muhlenberg' 1829-38 

George M. Keim 1838-43 ^ 

John Hitter 1843-47 

William Strong 1847-53 

J. Glancy Jones^ 1851-53; 1854-^8 

Henry A. Muhlenberg, Jr." 1853-54 

William H. Keim 1858-59^ 

'Joseph Hiester was elected Governor of Pennsylvania 
in October, 1820, and resigned bis seat in Congress. 
Daniel Udree was elected in December, 1820, to succeed 
him for the unexpired term ending March 3 1821. 

' John M. Hyneman was re-elected ; but he resigned his 
seat, and Daniel Udree was elected to fill the vacancy lor 
the unexpired term ending March 3, 1815. 

' Lndwig Worman died October 1 7, 1822, whilst occupying 
this position, and Udree was elected in December following 
to fill unexpired term ending March, 1823. 

* Henry A. Muhlenberg resigned his seat in February, 
1838, and accepted the mission to .\ustria as the first min- 
ister plenipotentiary. George M. Keim was elected in 
March, 1838, to fill the unexpired term ending March 3, 
1839. 

5 J. Glancy Jones resigned in October, 1858, and accepted 
mi-sion to Austria. William H. Keim was elected on 
November 30, 1858, to fill unexpired term ending March 3, 
1859. 

6 Henry A. Muhlenberg, Jr., died at Washington on 
January 9, 1854. He had appeared in Congress only a 
single day, when he was taken sick with typhoid fever, 
and thereafter was unable to resume his seat. 



490 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



John Schwartz' 1859-60 

Jacob K. McKenty 1860-61 

Sydenham E. Ancona 1861-67 

J. Lawrence Getz 1867-73 

Hiester Clymer 1873-81 

Daniel Errnentrout 1881-87 

FOEEIGK MINISTERS. 

Henry A. Muhlenberg, to Austria, 1838-40. 
J. Glancy Jones, to Austria, 1858-61. 

FOREIGN CONSULS. 

John Endlich, at Basle, Switzerland. 
Henry May Keim, at Prince Edward Island. 

TNITED STATES COMMI.SSIONERS. 

William Strong. Samuel L. Young. 

REGI.STEE IN BANKRUPTCY. 

Harrison Maltzberger. 

Uiuler the Provincial Constitution as pro- 
vided by William Penn and his successors, and 
afterward under tlie State Constitutions of 1 77G, 
1790 and 1873, the officers named in the sub- 
.sequent \rdges were elected and appointed. 

The State representatives from Berks County 
are arranged in three classes: State Officials; 
Senators ; Assembly men. 

State Officials. — The following persons 
from Berks County held State offices : 

Charles Biddle, Supreme Executive Councillor, 
elected by Legislature, 1784-87.- 

Joseph Hiester, Governor, elected, 1820-23. 

Frederick Smith, Attorney-General, appointed by 
Governor Andrew Sehulze, 1823-28. 

Gabriel Hiester, Surveyor-General, appointed by 
Governor J. Andrew Sehulze, 1824-.30. 

Frederick Smith, Supreme Associate Justice, ap- 
pointed, 1828-30. 

Jacob Sallade, Surveyor-General, appointed by 
Governor David R. Porter, 1839-45. 

John Banks, State Treasurer, elected by Legisla- 
ture, 1847. 

William Strong, Supreme Associate Justice, elected, 
1857-68. 

William M. Hiester, Secretary of State, appointed 
by Governor William F. Packer, 1858-60. 

William H. Keim, Survevor-General, elected, 1860 
-61. 

Warren J. Woodward, Supreme Associate Justice, 
elected, 1874-79. 



'John Schwartz died in July, 1800, and Jacob K. 
McKenty was elected to fill unexpired term ending March 
4, 1861. 

2 He removed from Reading to Philadelphia on 20th Oc- 
tober, 1784. He was Vice-President of the Council from 
lOtli October, 1785, till 31st October, 1787. Before his 
election he was the chief burgess of Reading. 



Senators. — The office of State Senator was 
created by the Constitution of 1790. The State 
was thereby apportioned into senatorial di.stricts, 
and again in 1793, and subsequently every sev- 
en years till the adoption of the new Constitu- 
tion of 1873, whereby tiie apportionment was 
thereafter to be made on the decennial census of 
the United States. In the beginning Berks and 
Dauphin Counties comprised a district with an 
allotment of two members; and they continued 
together till 1808, when Berks was erected into 
a separate district witii two members. After 
the erection of Schuylkill County, in 1811, it 
was added to Berks, and they together com- 
prised a district with two members till 183G, 
when Berks was again erected into a district bv 
itself with one member, and continued so from 
that time till now. The term was four years 
from 1790 to 1838; and three years thence to 
187-1, when the new Constitution fixed it at 
four years again. 

The members from Berks alone are men- 
tioned : 

N:\nio. Term. 

Joseph Heister 1790-94 

Gabriel Hiester 1795-96; 1805-12 

Christopher Lower 1797-1804 

John S. Hiester 1809-12 

Charles Shoemaker 1813-16 

Marks John Biddle 1817-20 

Conrad Feger 1821-24 

George Schall 1825-28 

Daniel A. Bertolet 1829-32 

PaulGeiger 1833-36 

John Miller 1837^0 

Samuel Fegely 1841-46 

John Potteiger 1847-40 

Henry A. Muhlenberg 18.50-52 

William M. Hiester' 1853-55 

John C. Evans 1856-,58 

Benjamin Nunemacher 1859-60 

Hiester Clymer 1861-66 

J. Depuy Davis 1867-73 

Daniel Errnentrout 1874-80 

Edward H. Shearer 1881-84 

Frank R. Brunner 188.5-88 

AS.SEMBLYMEX. — The office of Assemblyman 
was first created by William Penn in establish- 
ing a government for the province ; the repre- 
•sentatives thereto, from the several counties as 



' William M. Hiester was elected and served as Speaker 
of the Senate for the year 1855. 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



491 



tliey were erected, were elected amuially till the 
Declaration of Independence and the adoption 
of a Constitution by the State in 1776. It was 
continued by this Constitution, and afterward 
by that of 1790, whereby members to the 
Assembly were elected annually till the adop- 
tion of the new Constitution of 1873. Then 
the term was increased to two years. In all 
these years — from 1752 to the present time — 
Berks County was a separate district, excepting 
after the erection of Schuylkill County out of 
portions of Berks and Northampton, when it 
was added to Berks, and continued so for a 
period of eighteen years — from 1811 to 1829. 

The number of representatives from Berks 
was as follows : 



1752-71 1 

1772 76 2 

1777-81 4 

1782-86 6 



1787-1829 5 

1830-57 4 

1858-74 3 



In 1874 six members were apportioned to 
Berks, to so continue until an apportionment be 
duly made on the next census of the United 
States (1880) — namely, to the city of Beading 
two members, and to the county of Berks four. 

The representatives from the county were as 
follows : 

Kame. Term. 

Moses Starr 1752-54 

Francis Parvin 1755 

Thomas Yorke 1756-57 

James Boone 1758 

John Potts 1759-61 

John Ross 1762-64 

Adam Witman 1765-66 

Edward Biddle" 1767-81 

Henry Christ 1771-81 

Valentine Eckcrt 1776-79 

Henry Haller 1776-81 

John Lesher 1776-81 

Jonathan Jones 1779-80 

John Hiester 1782 

Gabriel Hiester 1782; 1787-89 

1791; 1802-04 

Baltzer Gehr 1782; 1786; 1792-99 

Daniel Hunter 1782 

Benjamin Weiser 1782 

Joel Bishop 1782-84 

Daniel Clymer 1783-84; 1787; 1791 

Chris. Lower 1783-85; 1793-94; 1796 

Abraham Lincoln 1783-86 

'In 1774 Edwanl Biddle was Speaker of the Assembly. 



John Ludwig 1783; 1789; 1790-92 

John Patton 1783 

George Ege 1783 

Nicholas Lutz 1784-86; 1790-94 

John Rice 1784 

Henry Spycker 1785-86 

David Davis 1785-88 

Martin Rhoads 1785 

Philip Kraemer 1786-87 

Joseph Hiester 1787-90 

Charles Biddle 1788 

Joseph Sands 1788-90 

Daniel Broadhead 1789 

Daniel Loinbach 1790 

James Collins 1791 

C. Shoemaker 1792-1801; 1810; 1812 

Paul Groscup 1792-98 

John Christ 1795-96 

JohnSpayd 1795; 1810 

Peter Frailey 1797-1801; 1810; 1812 

William Lewis 1797-98 

D.Rose 1799-1804; 1806-08; 1811-12 

Daniel Udree 1799-1803; 1805 

AVilliam Witman 1800-05 

Frederick Smith 1802-03 

Isaac Adams 1804-05 

Jacob Rhoads 1804-05; 1809 

Jacob Epler 1805; 1816 

EliasRedcay 1806-07 

Valentine Probst 1806-08 

John Schaeffer 1806-08 

John Bishop 1806 

Daniel Yoder 1807-08 

Bernard Kepner 1808 

Jacob Schneider 1809 

David Kerhy 1809-12; 1815; 1817 

John M. Hyneman 1809 

James McFarland 1809 

Adam Ruth 1810-11 

Conrad Feger 1811-14 

John Miller 1813; 1815 

Jacob Krebs 1813-14 

John Addams 1813-14 

Jacob Siissaman 1813 

George Marx 1814 

Jonathan Hudson 1814 

Daniel Kerper 1815 

Daniel Rhoads, Jr 1815-17; 1822 

Jacob Dreibelbis 1815 

Christian Halderaan 1816 

D. Hottenstein 1816; 1822-24; 1827 

William Schnener : 1817 

Godfried Roebrer 1817; 1820; 1823 

Michael Graeff. 1817-19 

J-.seph Good 1818-19 

Jacob Levan 1818-19 

Elisha Geiger 1818 

Jacob Grieseraer 1818-19 

John Neiktrch 1819; 1822 



492 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



John Kohler 1S20 

Abraham Mengel 1820 

John W. Roseberry 1820 

George Gernant 1820-21 

Samuel Jones 1821 

Joseph Good 1821 

Jacob Kahn 1821 

Jacob Schneider 1821 

William Addams 1822-24 

JohnGehr 1822-23 

William Audenried 1823-24 

Henry Boyer 1824-27; 1832 

James Everhard 1824-26 

George Rahn 1825; 1827-28 

Jacob Gehr 1825-26 

George M. Odenheimer 1826 

Daniel A. Bertolette 1826-28 

Jlichael Graeft'. 1826 

Philip A. Good 1827-29 

Mordecai Lewis 1828 

JohnStauffer 1S29-31 

Thomas J. Roehrer 1829-30 

George Klein 1828 

Taul Geiger 1829-31 

John Wanner 1830-32 

John Potteigcr 1831-34; 1842-44 

William High 1832 

Peter Klein, Jr 1833-34 

Benjamin Tyson 1833 

Jacob M. Snyder 1833-G4 

Adam Schooner 1834; 1839-40 

William Hottenstein 1835-36 

Lewis W. Richards 1835 

John Ulrich 1835-36 

John Jackson 1835-37 

John Sheetz 1836-37 

Michael K. Boyer 1837 

S. Fegely 1837-39; 1848; 1849; 1851 

Jacob Walborn 1838-39 

Abraham Hill 1838-39 

James Geiger 1838 

Henry Flannery 1840-41 

Peter Filbert 1840 

Daniel B. Kutz 1840-41 

Robert M. Barr 1841 

Samnel Moore 1841-43 

John Sheuk 1842-43 

Joseph Bachman 1842-48 

Henry W. Smith 1844-45 

JohnC. Evans 1S44; 1850-52 

Alfred J. Herman 1844 

Jacob Tice 1845-46 

Michael Hoflman 1845^6; 1857 

Henry G. Stetler 1845-46; 1848 

Charles Levan 1846-47 

John Long 1847-48 

John C. Myers 1847-49 

Jacob Graeff. 1847 

William Shatiher 1849-50 



Daniel Zerbey 1849-50; 1853 

Alexander S. Feather 1850-51 

Jacob Reifsnyder 1851-52 

Isaac Yost 1852-53 

George Dengler 1852-53 

Jacob Wicklein 1853-54 

John B. Smith 1854 

George Sh enk 1854-56 

Daniel V. E. Hnnter 1854 

Jeremiah Mengel 1855 

John F. Linderman 1855 

Samuel Shearer 1855 

Andrew M. Sallade 1855 

J. Lawrence Getz' 1856-57 

William Heins 1856-57 

Benjamin Nnnemacher 1856-58 

Michael Hoflman 1857 

Edmund L. Smith 1858-59 

Amos Weiler 1858 

Solomon L. Custer 1859-60 

Augustus F. Bertolet 1859 

Joshua S. Miller 186') 

Elijah Penn Smith 1860-61 

Michael P. Boyer 1861 

Henry B. Rhoads 1861; 1865-67 

Charles A. Kline 1862-64 

Daniel K. Weidner 1862-63 

William N. Potteiger 1862-64 

John Missimer 1864-66 

Frederick Harner 1865-67 

Richmcmd L. Jones 1867-68 

Henry S. Hottenstein lS68-';9 

Henry Brobst 1868-70 

Aaroii T. C. Keffer 187('-72 

Hiram H. Schwartz 1870-72 

John A. Conrad 1871-73 

Benjamin E. Dry 1873-76 

Michael McCullough 1873-74 

Aaron Smith 1874-76 

Daniel L. Batdorf. 1875 

Nicholas Andre 1875-78 

Joseph B. Conrad 1876-78 

George D. Schaeffer 1877-80 

Stephen J. Smith 1877-80 

James Liggett 1879-82 

John H. Riegel 1879-82 

C. A. Seidel 1881-84 

George K. Lorah 18t<l-S4 

Isaac Z. Deck 1883-86 

James W. Sponagle 1883-86 

Benjamin C. Bear 1884-86 

L. P. G. Fegeley 1884-86 

3. County Officers. — By tlie charter of 
William Penn and the several grants thereunder, 
various laws and ordinances were enacted from 
time to time " for the good government of the 

1 SlicHkor of lluuse in 1857. 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



493 



|)r()viiice.'' The regulatiou of tlie affairs of the 
])rovinfe, and, subsequently to 1776 of the com- 
monwealth, was directed by officers, either ap- 
pointed or elected, for tiie entire territory or for 
tiie several counties into which it was sub- 
divided. 

The officers of the county from 1752 till 
1886 were as follows : 

JUDGES. 

(See chapter XX., Judiciary.) 

DISTRICT ATTORNEYS. 

The office of district attorney was created by 
act of May 3, 1850, and made elective, with a 
term of three years. Previously the attorney- 
}j;eiieral of the State appointed an attorney in 
the several counties to represent the common- 
wealth in the prosecution of criminal cases. 

The act of 1850 required a residence of one 
year in the county and a practice of two years 
at the bar, but the latter was reduced to one 
year by the act of 1852. 

Name. Temi. 

Jacob Hiibley 1789-1817 

Frederick Smith 1818-20; 1824-27 

Charles Richards 1821 

Daniel J. Hiester ; 1822-23 

Joseph 11. Spayd 1828-29 

Joseph D. Biles 1830-31 

Alexander L. King 1832-35 

George G. Barclay 1836-38 

J. Pringle Jones 1839-46 

Peter Filbert 1847 

J. Glancy Jones 1847-48 

John S. Richards ....1849-50 

Jeremiah Hagenman 1850-56 

Jacob K. McKeuty 1856-59 

James B. Bechtel 1869-62 

Daniel Ermentrout ..1862-65 

Wharton Morris 1865-68 

Edward H. Shearer 1868-71 

Peter D. Wanner 1871-74 

Henry C. G. Reber 1875-77 

William M. Goodman 1878-80 

Hiram Y. Kauffinan 1881-83 

Israel H. Eothermel 1884-86 

SPECIAL DETECTIVES. 

An act was passed May 19, 1874, which pro- 
vided for the appointment of a special detective 
officer in the several counties of the State, by 
the district attorney, with the approval of the 
Court of Quarter Sessions. The first appoint- 



ment was made in Februaiy, 1875. The 
officers were : 

Name. Term. 

William L. Graul 1875-77 

John Denhard ' 1878-83 

Lawrence P. Rcssler 1883 

James Kerschuer 1884-86 

Commissioners and Auditors. — The board 
of county commissioners comprises three mem- 
bers. Previous to 1875 one was elected annu- 
ally for three years. The new Constitution of 
1873 provided for the election of the three com- 
mi,ssioners in 1875 and every third year there- 
after. 

The board of county auditors al.so com- 
prises three members. Previous to 1809 they 
were appointed by the county judges. An act 
was pa.ssed March 16, 1809, providing for the 
annual election thereafter of three auditoi's. In 
1814 this provision was modified so that a new 
auditor was introduced into the board annually 
thereafter. This practice i)revailed till the new 
Constitution of 1873, which provided for the 
election of three auditors in 1875 and every 
third year thereafter. 

In resjiect to both commissioners and audit- 
ors, " each qualified elector shall vote for no 
more than two persons, and the three per.sons 
having the highest number of votes shall be 
elected."" This was a marked departure from 
the old system, by which all of one political 
party were elected. It enabled the oppo.-ite 
party to elect one member. Since 1875 three 
officers have been elected — two by the Demo- 
crats and one by the Republicans. 

COMMISSIONERS. 
Name. Term. 

Evan Price 1752-.53 

Edward Drury 1752-56 

John Godfrey 1752-61 

Jacob Lightfoot 1753-56; 1759-62 

Thomas Rutter 1756-59 

William Reeser 1757-60 

Samuel High 1760-63; 1773-76 

Christian Witman 1761-64 

' John Uenhard was appointed for a seconti term, 1881- 
83; but; he was elected to the office of alderman of llie 
Eighth Ward, Reading, in May, 1883, when he resigned, 
and Lawrence P. Kessler was appointed for the unexpired 
term. 

2 Constitution of 1873, Art. XIV., Sec. 7. 



494 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



John Hughes 1762-65 

Frederick Weiser 1763-66 

Richard Lewis 1764-67 

Isaac Levan 1765-68 

Nicholas Harmony 1766-69 

Christian Merlcel 1767-70 

Jacob Snyder 1769-71 

John Jones 1769-72 

Henry Rightmeyer 1770-73 

Davis Brecht 1771-74 

Abraham Lincoln 1772-78 

Michael Brecht 1774-77 

Christian Lower 1776-79 

John Kerlin 1777-80 

Adam Witman 1778-81; 1784-87 

Thomas Jones 1779-82; 1733-86 

Thomas Parry 1780-83 

Daniel Messersmith 1781-84 

Michael Forry 1782-85 

Conrad Eckert 1785-91 

Daniel Leiubach 1786-89 

John Keim 1787-90 

Jacob Boyer 1789-92 

Jacob Bower 1790-93 

John Riegel 1791-94 

George Lorah 1792-95 

Philip Miller 1793-96 

Peter Kershner 1794-97 

William Witman 1795-98 

Nicholas Dick 1796-99 

Isaac Arlaras 1797-1800 

Jacob Rhoads 1798-1801 

Peter Feather 1799-1802 

Jacob Epler ,...1800-03 

Casper Merkel 1801-04 

John Cunnius 1802-05 

Daniel Yoder 1803-06 

Adam Ruth 1804-07 

Henry Hahn 1805-08 

Henry Hottenstein 1806-09 

Nicholas Leib 1807-10 

Jacob Miller 1808-11 

Valentine Boycr 1809-12 

Daniel Ruth.". 1810-13 

George Boyer 1811-14 

Jacob Gehr 1812-15 

William Addams 1813-16 

George Shreffler 1814-17 

Daniel Levan 1815-18 

William High 1816-19 

Peter Stichter 1817-20 

George N. Lechuer 1818-21 

Peter Knabb 1819-22 

David Bright 1820-23 

George Kemp 1821-24 

Frederick Stamm 1822-25 

Henry Reeser 1823-26 

John Wanner 1824-27 

John Potteiger 1825-28 



John Hahn 1826-29 

Stanley Kirby 1827-30 

George Gernant 1828-31 

Anthony Bickel 1829-32 

Daniel K. Hottenstein 1830-33 

John Filbert 1831-34 

Jacob Goodman 1832-35 

Daniel Snyder 1833-36 

John Deysher 1834-37 

John Y. Cunnius 1835-38 

JohnSeibert 1836-39 

David Kutz 1837-40 

Michael Reifsnyder 1838-41 

George Weiler 1839-42 

John Long 1840-43 

William Arnold 1841-44 

John Sharman 1842-45 

Adam Leize 1843 -46 

Frederick Priutz 1844-47 

Michael Gcry 1845-48 

David Yoder 1846-49 

Charles Fichthorn 1847-50 

Conrad Clouse 1848-51 

Thomas Shaner 1849-52 

Joseph A. Schneider 1850-53 

John McGowan 1851-54 

Benjamin Kutz 1852-55 

Jacob Young 1853-56 

Gabriel Filbert 1854-57 

William Knabb 1855-58 

Samuel Summons 1856-59 

D. L. Wenrich 1857-«0 

William Miller 1858-61 

John F. Moersi 1859-61 

Paul Wenrich, Sr 1860-63 

J. Donahower 1861-62 

George K. Lorah 1861-64 

H. R. Hawman 1862-65 

John Kurtz 186.3-66 

Adam Stein 1864-67 

William S. Young 1865-71; 1879-81 

Jacob Schartle 1866-69 

Benjamin Levan 1867-70 

John L. Mover 1869-72 

William Rahn 1870-73 

Joseph Mutharl- 1871-74 

David Lord 1872-75 

Henry Seidel 1873-74 

William Fry 1873-75 

William Urabenhauer 1874-75 



1 Moeis died on March 7, 1861, and Henry R Hawman 
was appointed on March 14, 1861, by the court and the re- 
maining two county commissioners, to fill llie vacancy till 
the election of a successor at the next succeeding election. 
In October following, J. Donahower was elected for one 
year to fill the unexpired term. 

2Muthart died in April, 1873, and Seidel was appointed 
to fill vacancy for unexpired term. 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



495 



Henry W. Smith 1876-78 

William Davidheiser 1876-78 

AVilliam G. Moore 1876-78 

John Walborn 1870-81 

Jeremiah R. GulJin 1879-81 

Samuel G. Hatfield 1882-84 

Peter Spang 1882-84 

David C.Keller 1882-84; 1885-87 

Samuel P. K. Fisher 1885-87 

John L. Wagner 1885-87 

AUDITORS. 
Name. Term. 

Thomas Lightfoot 1797-98; 1803-05 

William Moore 1797-1800; 1803-08 

John Bishop 1797-98 

Paul Groscup 1799-1800 

Jacob Bower 1799-1800 

William Green 1801-02 

William Bell 1801-02; 1806-08 

George De B. Keim 1801-02; 1809 

James May 1803-05 

John Witman 1806-08 

Lewis Eeeser 1809 

Frederick Frick 1809 

John Bieber 1810 

George Boyer 1810-11 

Daniel Yoder 1810 

Christopher Shearer 1811 ; 1817-19 

John S. Hiester 1811 

George Lorah 1812 

Philip Moyer 1812 

John Addams 1812 

Henry M. Richards -...181.3-16 

William Addams 181.3-14 

Peter Tre.xler 1813 

Abraham Mengel 1814-17 

AVilliam High 1815-18; 1835-.38 

Peter High 1817-20 

Peter Sheetz 1818-21 

George Getz 1819-22 

Jacob Dick 1820-23 

George U. Odenheimer 1821-24 

Jacob Schneider 1822-25 

Peter Addams 1823-26 

Henry S. Klein 1824-27 

Elijah Dechert 182.5-28 

John S. Pearson 1826-29 

John Beitenman 1827-30 

Simon Seyfert 1828-31 

John Jackson 1829-32 

John Seltzer 1830-33 

John M. Keim 1831-34 

Daniel V. R. Hunter 1832; 1839-42 

Thomas Wanner 1833-35 

John Klein 1833-36 

Jacob Fricker 1834-37 

Daniel Young... 1836-39 

AVilliam AVuuder 1837-39 



John L. Rightmyer ' 1838-41 

H. H. Muhlenberg 1839-40 

John F. Moers 1840^3; 1852-.58 

Jacob K. Boyer 1841-44 

David Schall 1842-15 

John L. Reif'snyder 1843-16 

Charles H. Addams 1844-50 

Jacob Dick 184.5-48 

Michael Kraemer 1846-49; 1864-67 

Paul Geiger 1848-51 

John Y. Cunnius 1849-.52 

Charles J. Cummens 1850-56 

Daniel Laucks 1851-54 

Reuben R. Kline 1854-57 

Samuel M. Klee 18.56-62 

Amos K. Strunck 1857-60 

Henry F. P'elix 18.58-61 

William Stefie 1860-63 

Joseph S. Hover 1861-64 

Ezra D. Yorgey 1862-65 

Andrew Kurr 186.3-69 

John G. Ghise 1865-68 

James Bell 1867-70 

Peter S. Albright 1868-71 

AVilliam Y. Shearer.. .., 1869-72 

Daniel G. Knabb 1870-75 

Henry H. Dubson 1871-74 

Harrison M. Reber 1872-75; 1876-78 

AVm. H. Sallade 1875; 1876-78 

Henry Z. Van Reed 1876-78 

Jacob D. Hoffman 1879-81 

Charles S. Tobias ._ 1879-81 

AVilliam H. Clark .'. 1879-81 

Isaac S. Bagenstose 1S82-84 

Jacobs. Yoder 1882-84 

James M. High 1882-84 

Morris H. Boyer 1S8.5-87 

Jared B. Kramer 188.5-87 

Allen B. Aulenbach 188.5-87 

TREASURERS. 

PrevioUcS to 1841 the county treasurer was 
appointed annually by the county commission- 
ers. On May 27, 1841, an act was passed pro- 
viding for the election of this officer iu October 
following, and every two years thereafter. The 
Constitution of 1873 increased the term to three 
years after 1875. 

Name. Term. 

Jonas Seely 1752-68 

Christopher Witman 1768-79 

Daniel Levan 1779-89 

Daniel Messersmith 1789-1807; 

1809-11; 1814-17 

John K. Messersmith 1807-09; 

1811-1814; 1817-20 
Daniel Rhoads 1820-23 



496 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUxVTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



David Bright : 1823-35 

Peter Nagle 1835-43 

Henry Nagle. 1843-45 

William Arnold 1845-47 

Henry Hahs 1847-49 

Ailam Leize 1849-51 

William Ernientrout 1851-53 

Charles Van Reed' 1853-55 

George Feather- 1855-59 

David Plank 1859-Cl 

William Herbst 1861-63 

David L. Wenrieh 1863-65 

Isaac R. Fisher 1865-67 

Charles H. Fritz 1867-69 

Samuel Merkel 1869-71 

Abraham Y. Yoder 1871-73 

Hiester M. Nagle , 1873-75 

Abraham H. Schaeffer 1876-78 

Adam M. Dundore 1879-81 

John Kerschner 1882-84 

John S. Holtzman 1885-87 

SHERIFFS. 

The Duke of York's Laws, introduced into 
Pennsylvania 22d of September, 1676, provided 
for the nomination by the justices of the county, 
of three persons within their jurisdiction, out of 
which the Governor should make choice of one 
to be sheriff for the year ensuing. By virtue 
of his office, the sherlif was then a justice of 
the peace. 

In the frame of Government prepared by 
William Penn for the province in 1682 it was 
provided that the freemen of the counties 
should annually elect and present to the 
governor a double number of persons to 
serve for sheriff, ju.stices and coroner for the 
year next ensuing, out of which the Governor 
should nominate and commission the proper 
number for each office. After the erection of 
the county the first appointments of sheriff and 
coroner were made October 4, 1752. 

The Constitution of 1790 provided for a sim- 
ilar election and appointment of sheriff and 
coroner, but the term of service was increased 



' Van Reed was the first Whig who was elected treas- 
urer, because of the general opposition to the regular 
nominee of the Democratic party, .•Vdam I.eize, which 
arose against him on account of attempted legislation to 
increase the term of oflice. 

'>■ William Ruukcl was elected for the full term, but he 
having died before the term began, the county commis- 
sioners appointed the incumbent, George Feather. 



to three years, and no person was to be twice 
appointed sheriff for any term of si.K years. 
The Constitution of 1838 provided that one 
person for said office.? respectively should be 
elected by the people for the term of three 
years. And these offices have thence been 
so filled. 

Xame. Term. 

Benjamin Lightfoot 1752-54; 1757-58 

William Boone 175.5-56 

Jacob Weaver 17-59-60; 1763-64 

Henry Christ 1761-62 

Jasper Scull 1765-67 

Jacob Shoemaker 1768-70 

George Nagle 1771-73 

Henry Vanderslice 1774-76 

Daniel Levan 1777-79 

Henry Hoffa 1780-81 

Philip Kraemor 1782-84; 1791-93 

Peter Filbert 1785-87 

Jacob Bower 1788-90 

Peter Fmley 1794-96 

John Christ 1797-99 

Nicholas Dick 1800-02 

John Spycker 1803-05 

Conrad Fe,2er 1806-08 

George Marx 1809-11 

Daniel Kerper 1812-14; 1824-26 

Peter Aurand 1815-17 

John Miller 1818-20 

Henry Betz 1821-23 

Juhn'Bickel 1827-29 

James Sillyman 1830-32 

Henry Bowman 1833-.35 

George Fox 1836-38 

Henry Binkley 1838-41 

Daniel Esterley 1841-44 

George Gernant 1844-47 

John S. Shroeder 1847-50 

John Potteiger 1850-53 

John Manderbach 18.53-56 

Henry H. M.inderbach 1856-59 

Jeremiah D. Bitting 1859-62 

Abraham R. Koenig 1862-65 

Tobi.as Barto I.S(!5-68 

William B. Albright 1868-71 

Evan Misbler 1871-74 

George R. Yorgey 1875-77 

Alfred C. Kemp.'. 1878-80 

Levi M. Gerhard 1881-83 

George D. Boyer 1881-86 

COROXERS. 
Name . Term. 

William Boone 1752-54 

Benjamin Parvin 1755 

John Warren 1759 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



497 



Jacob Kern 1760-61 

Adam Witman 1762 

Samuel Weiser 1763-65 

Christopher Witman 1766 

Henry Haller 1767 

James Whiteheatl, Jr 1768-69; 1779-80 

Samuel Jackson 1770 

Isaac Levan, Jr 1771-72 

Peter Brecht 1773-75 

Philip Kreamer 1776-78 

Peter Naglc 1781-87 

Peter Feather 1788-93 

Thomas Wildbahn 1794-99 

Peter Auraiid 1800-02 

Daniel Kerper 1803-05 

Henry Rieser 1806-11 

J. Christian 1812-14 

Samuel Feather 1S15-17 ; 1821-29 

Samuel Bitter 1818-20 

Adam Reitmyer 1830-32 

John Hahn 1833-34 

John Fox 1835-37; 1859-64; 1868-76 

William Stahle 1838-49 

John H. Seltzer 1850-52 

William Keen 1853-58 

Henry Palm 1865-67 

George S. Goodhart 1877-79 

William H. Kelley 1880-82 

Henry D. Schoedler... 1883-85 

Frank H. Deiihard 1886-88 

Prothoxotauy, Recorder, Register, 
Clerk of Orphans' Court and Clkrk of 
Quarter Sessions. — The several offices named 
were created with the County Courts. Imme- 
diately after the erection of Berks County they 
were established at Reading, the county town, 
and filled by appointment of the Governor. 
The amended Constitution of 1838 changed 
the manner of filling the offices named from 
appointment by Governor to election by the 
people; and the act of July 2, 1839, passed in 
pursuance thereof, fi.Kcd the term of office at 
three years. The first officers were elected in 
October, 1839. No change has been made 
since. From this time the terms of the officers 
began on the 1st day of December following 
their election till the adoption of the new 
Constitution, when the time was changed to the 
first Monday of January following their elec- 
tion. The change included also the other 
county officers. 

PROTHONOTARIES. 

Name. Term. 

James Read 1752-75; 1777 



Thomas Dundas 1776 

Jacob Shoemaker 1 778 

Daniel Levan 1778-89; 1791 

John Otto 1790 

George Eckert ; 1792-1800 

John S. Hiester 1801-08 

Gabriel Hiester, Jr 1809-17 

Samuel D. Frank.« 1818 

John Addams 1819-20; 1824-26; 1830-35 

Marks John Biddle 1821-23 

Jacob Sallade 1827-29 

Alexander H. Witman 1836-38 

Benjamin Tyson 1839-42 

Daniel Young 1842-45 

Peter Strohecker 1845-48 

Michael K. Boyer 1848-51 

Charles H. Hunter 1851-54 

Josiah Hearing 1855-57 

David Fister 1857-60 

Adam W. Kauftm«n 1860-63 

Jonathan L. Reber 1863-66 

Wellington B. Griesemer 1866-69 

George K. Levan 1869-72 

Ephraira Armstrong 1872-75 

Charles F. Rentschler 1876-78 

Amos Weiler 1879-81 

William D. Althouse 1882-84 

Levi F. Dietrich 1885-87 

RECORDERS. 
Name. Term. 

James Read 1752-76 

Henry Christ 1777-89 

John Christ.... '. 1790-91 

Jacob Bower 1792-99 

Peter Frailey 1800-08 

Jacob Schneider 1809-17 

John Addams 1818 

Daniel Hhoads 1819-20 

John Miller 1821-23 ; 18.30-35 

John Frederick Smith 1824-29 

Josejih Allgaier 1836-38 

John Green 1839 

William Wunder 1839-^2 

Henry H. Maurer 1842-45 

John W. Tyson 1845-48 

Israel R. Laucks 1848-51 

John Bush 1851-54 

Hiram S. Getz 1854-57 

Nicholas Heckman 1857-60 

Charles N. Keller 1860-63 

Isaac Laucks 1863-66 

Henry Reider 1866-69 

Daniel Hummel 1869-72 

Charles Hill 1872-75 

Jefferson M. Keller 1876-78 

Daniel Zimmerman 1879-81 

Isaac M. Bechtel 1882-84 

W. Benton Stoltz 1885-87 



498 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



REGISTERS. 
Name. Term. 

James Read 1752-74 

Collinson Read 1775-76 

Henry Christ 1777-89 

John Christ 1790-91 

Jacob Bower 1792-99 

Peter Frailey 1800-08 

Jacob Schneider 1809-17 

Daniel Rhoads 1818-20; 1824-29 

Peter Aurand 1821-23 

George Smith 1880-35 

William Zieber 1836-38 

Joel Ritter 1839-42 

John Green 1842-45 

Isaac Ely 1845-48 

Joseph Ritter 1848-51 

Jacob Snell 1851-54 

Daniel Buskirk 1854-57 

Tobias Barto 1857-00 

Benjamin E. Dry 1860-63 

Michael S. Thirwechter 1863-66 

J. Daniel Wanner 1866-69 

Hiram S. Getz 1869-72 

Henry C. Croll 1872-75 

Peter Y. Edelman 1876-78 

Solomon S. Kindt 1879-81 

Jonas M. Shollenberger 1882-84 

Anion S..-Struuk 1885-87 

CLERKS, OF THE ORPHANS' COURT. 
Name. Term. 

James Rgad,... 1752-76 

Henry Christ 1777-88 

James Sipujl..,,, 1789-91 

Jacob Bpwer 1792-99 

Peter Fritiley...... 1800-09 

John M. Hyneman 1810-15 

John Addams...... 1816-17 

AVilliam SchoeAer..,, 1818-22 

Matthias S.. Richards. 1823 

Jacob Sallade 1824-26; 1830-31 

Nathaniel P. Hobart 1827-29 

Jacob Marshall... 1832-35 

Henry Rhoa.ds 1836-38 

William H. Miller 1839-41 

James Donagan 1842 

William Shearer 1842-45 

Zacharias H. Maurer 1845-48 

William W.,Dichl 1848-51 

Ch.'irles J. Wink 1851-54 

Daniel Potteiger 1854-57 

Ephraim Fritz 1857-60 

Daniel Hahn 1860-63 

Solomon Close 1863-66 

Levi H. Liess ,.1866-69 

Mahlon F. WoltT. 1869-72 

Isaac K. Knoll ..1S72-75 

Charles M. Clouse 1Slu-78 



Ephraim Dunkle 1879-81 

William H. Gilmer' 1882-83 

CLERKS OF QUARTER SESSIONS. 
Name. Tenn, 

James Read 1752-76 

James Whitehead 1777-78 

Henry Christ 1779 

Daniel Levan 1780-91 

George Eckert 1792-99 

John S. Hiester 1800-08 

Gabriel Hiester, Jr 1809-12; 1814-17 

John M. Hyneman 1813 

Samuel D. Franks 1818 

John Addams 1819-20 

Henry M. Richards 1S21-22 

Jacob Marshall 1823 

Jacob Sall.adc 1824-26 

Nathaniel P. Hobart 1827-29 

Philip A. Good 1830-32 

William Schoener 183.3-35 

Charles Troxell 1836-88 

William H. Miller 1839 

Samuel Myers 1839-42 

John L. Rightmyer 1842-51 

Zacharias H. Maurer 1851-54 

Edwin H. Brockway 18.54-57 

Joseph S. Hoyer 1857-60 

James Bell...." 1860-63 

Francis Roland 1863-66 

Levi M. Gerhart 1866-69 

Adam H. Sailor 1869-72 

Jacob H. Hain 1872-75 

Mahlon A. Sellers 1876-78 

Enochs. Matthias 1S79-S1 

Isaac Eckert 1882-84 

Morris H. Shaeffer 1885-87 

SURVEYORS. 

The office of surveyor-general of tlie State 
was created April 9, 1781, and the officer was 
then empowered to appoint a deputy or deputies 
in any county of the State. The first appoint- 
ment of a deputy-surveyor for Berks County 
was made in 1800. One deputy was appointed 
from that time to 1834, when two deputies were 
appointed. The appointment of two was con- 
tinued till the pas.sage of the Act of April 9, 
1850, which provided for tiie election of a 
county surveyor in October following for the 
term of three years, and every third year there- 
after. Since 1850 this officer has been elected 
by the people. 



'Upon the e.stablishmentof a separate Orphans' Court, 
in 1883, this otBcer was discontinued, and the register be- 
came the clerk, as provided by law. 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



499 



Name. Terra. 

Joseph Hoch 180U-13 

John M. Hyneman 1814-22 

Matthias s" Richards 1823-34 

Daniel A. Bertolette 1835-37 

Thomas H. Jones 1837-38 

Aaron Albright 18.38 

Michael K. Boycr 1830^4 

Benjamin Delong 1839-40 

Daniel J. Wanner 1841-47 

Daniel Potteiger 184-5-.')0 

Samuel Hoffman 1848-50 

Augustus F. Bertolet 1850-56 

Andrew Kurr 1856-62 

D.miel S. Zacharias 1862-77; 1881 

Henry C. Zacharias 1877-80 

Solomon K. Dreibelbis 1882-86 

POOR DIRECTOKS. 

Previous to 1809 "overseers" of the jwor 
were appoiuted by the justices of the county. 
On March 11, 1809, an act was passed author- 
izing tlie election of the overseers annually. 
The poor of the county were provided for by 
overseers till the passage of an act of Assembly 
on March 29, 1824, especially for Berks County, 
which provided for the election of poor direc- 
tors. At the following election, in October of 
that year, three directors were elected in pursu- 
ance of the act — one for one year, one for two 
years aud one for three years; and annually 
after said election one director was elected for 
tliree years. This law has not been altered. 
Tiie directors appoint a steward and other 
officers annually, to superintend and carry on 
tlie management of the institution successfully. 
The board organizes annually on the third 
Monday of November. 

The first seven directors named were ap- 
pointed by the act to serve till the election of 
three directors as ret^uired : 

John Ritter. John Beitenman. 

Jacob Mast. Samuel Addanis. 

David Bright. John Wanner. 
Abraham Knabb. 

Niiiiie. Term, 

John Beitenman 1824-25 

Daniel K. Hottenstein 1824-26 

David Bright 1824-27 

George Gernant 1825-28 

John Levan 1826-29 

George Boyer 1827-30 

David Ludwig 1828-31 

David Deysher 182J-32 

Henry Reeser 1830-33; 1835-36 



Daniel Oyster 1831-34 

Joseph Schm ucker 1 832-35 

John Bickel 1833-35 

Jacob Gilbert 1834-37 

John Filbert 183.5-38 

Henry Schoener 1836-39 

Daniel Kauffmau 1837-38 

William Fisher 1838-40 

Peter Fister 1838-41 

Abraham Kerper 1839-42 

John ShoUenberger 1840-43 

Jacob W. Seilzinger.... 1841-44 

Abraham Kerper 1842-45 

Daniel Baum 1843-45 

William Bertolet 1844-47 

John Dotterer 184.5-46 

Michael H. Nunemacher 1845-48 

John Gernant 1846-49 

Daniel Sohl 1847-48 

Conrad Reber 1848-49 

Jacob S. Ebling 1848-51 

Peter Kershner 1849-58 

William Knabb 1849-52 

Willi.im Arnold 1850-57 

William Lorah 1852-55 

John Richards 1853-56 

John R. PMelman 1855-58 

George K. Haag 1856-59 

Jacob Malsberger 1857-80 

Samuel Shaner 1858-61 

Samuel Filbert 1859-62 

Aaron Getz 1860-66 

R. F. DrumhcUer 1861-64 

Peter Marshall 1862-75 

Ezra Z. Griesemer 1863-67 

George Lash ' 1865-68 

Joseph Muthart 1866-69 

Silas W. Fisher 1867-70 

Daniel B. Lorah 1868-71 

Jacob B. Mast 1869-72 

Daniel Y. Peter 1870-73 

Henry Amnion 1871-74 

Michael Goodman 1872-75 

Samuel Strunk 1873-76 

Isaac Y. Beidler 1874-77 

Ge irge Heckman 1875-78 

John Herbein 1876-79 

Mahlon Vogelmau 1877-80 

Francis Roland 1878-81 

John H. Bauer 1879-82 

EliasObold 1880-83 

Elias Biekel 1881-84 

Henry Shearer 1882-85 

John P. F.Marshall 1883-86 

Michael E. Geiger 1884-87 

.George Herbein 1885-88 

' Lash died in March, 1868, aud Elius Obold was ap- 
pointed on April 18, 1808, to fill the unexpired term. 



500 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



STEWARDS. 
Knnic. Term. 

Abraham Knabb 1825-32 

Henry Bnyer 1833-37 

Marshall B. Campbell 1838 

Daniel Kauffman 1839-15 

Daniel Baum 184(3-48 

Daniel Sobl 1849-52 

Jacob Conrad 1853-68 

Philip Eagle 18H9-70 

Silas W. Fisher 1870-77 

Benjamin Anderson...' 1878-82 

Reuben Hetrich 1883-84 

Joseph Hornberger 1885-86 

MEECAXTIT.E APPRAISERS. 

Previou.s to 1846 only dealers in foreign 
merchandise were required to take out a county 
license to enable tlioni to make sale thereof. 
But on A|)ril 22, ]S4(J, an act was passed rr- 
qiiiriug all dealers in goods, wares and mer- 
chandi.se to take out a county license, and 
thereby the county commissioners of each 
county were empowered to appoint annually a 
mercantile appraiser, who was directed to as- 
sess and classify all dealers, and furnish a list of 
them to the county treasurer. From 1830 till 
this act was passed, the constables of the town- 
.ships, etc., of the county furnished under oath 
a list of the foreign dealers to the clerk of the 
Quarter Sessions, and the associate judges and 
county commissioners classified them and de- 
livered a list to the county treasurer. Before 
1830 the foreign dealers were returned by tlie 
constables to the clerk of the Court of Quarter 
Sessions ; the clerk certified the returns to the 
State treasurer^ who forwarded a list to the 
county treasurer for the collection of the 
license fees. 

In Berks County the constables still made 
their returns for the years 1846 and 1847. TJie 
county commissioners made the first appoint- 
ment for 1848. 

Name. Term. 

Mahlon Bertolet 1848 

William Karns 1849-51 

Adam Leize 1852 

Solomon Clo-e 1853 

J. H. Kelly 1854 

Isaac S. Hottensteiu 1855 

Ephraim Fritz 1856' 

Daniel S. Kutz 1857 

George K. Lorah 1858 



Albert C. Henry 1859 

Henry Reider 1860 

Franklin S. Ludwig 1861 

Henry R. Hawman 1862 

Elias Filbert 1863 

David Lord 1864 

Caspar H. Reil'siiyder 1865 

William H. Kelly 1866 

Andrew S. Strassburger 1867 

Joseph Harvey 1868 

John C. Reed 1869 

Alfred Driebelbis 1870 

Charles Hill 1871 

Aaron Snyder 1872 

Charles Hottenstein 1873 

Abraham Schaeti'er 1874 

Henry F. Bush 1875 

.Jonathan L. Rhoads 1876 

Michael Seltzer ' 1877 

Benjamin Klahr 1878 

Morris Guldin 1879 

Edward Schmeltzer 1880 

William A. Young 1881 

Levi J. Fisher 1882 

George M. Fryermuih 1883 

Peter Spang, Jr 1884 

John Slangier 1885 

J. M. S. Stertzler 1886 

SEALERS OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES. 

In 1834 a law was enacted which required 
the Governor to furnish the county commis- 
sioners of each county with standards of weights 
and measures, which were to be used for the 
purpose of adjusting weights and measures; and 
these standards were to be examined, and, if 
necessary, corrected at least once in every ten 
years. The standards as required were fur- 
nished to the comity commissioners, and de- 
posited in the court-hou.se for the ])urpose in- 
tended. But there was no provision for an 
officer whose duty it was to test all weights and 
measures. In 1845 this discrepancy was sup- 
plied by an act pa,ssed on April 15. It 
authorized the Governor to appoint a sealer of 
weights and measures for such respective 
counties of the State as siiould apply for and 
obtain copies of the standards, as provided in 
this act, for the term of three years. And it 
was made the duty of the sealer " at least once 
in every year to go to stores, houses, stalls and 
offices of the makers, venders, or proprietors 
of beams, scales, weights and measures within 
tlie county, and try and adjust all beams, scales, 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



501 



weights and measures, and seal the same with 
the initials of his last or surname, and the cur- 
rent year." Under this law the first appoint- 
ment was made on June 16, 1853. This office, 
however, became burdensome and offensive to 
tiie people of the county, and accordingly they, 
with the people of seven other counties of the 
State — Bucks, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lehigh, 
Montgomery, Franklin and Westmoreland — 
who felt similarly burdened and offended, ef- 
fected the passage of a special act on 
March 22, 1859, whereby the office within the 
counties named was abolished. After the lapse 
of eighteen 3-ears thereafter it would seem tiiat 
the weights and measui'es of this county, as well 
as other counties of the State, needed the test of 
the stiindards. So they were brought to the 
notice of the people again by the passage of a 
general law on April 4, 1877. By it the Gov- 
ernor was authorized to appoint one person as 
sealer, in the several counties M'here no such 
office existed, for the term of three years. The 
first appointment under this law was made 
April 30, 1877. And strangely enough, as pre- 
viously, the office only survived six years, and 
was again abolished, an act for this purpose 
having been passed on March 8, 1883. The 
standards are, therefore, not carried around 
throughout the whole county to remind the 
dealers and store-keepers that they must at 
least give true measure, if not good, pressed 
down and running over. The market com- 
missioner of Reading, who visits the markets 
under the city ordinance, is the only tester now 
with the standards. The sealers were : 

Name. Term. 

Michael S. Thirwechter 1858-54 

Solomon Spohn 1855-57 

George K. Boyer 1858 

William Geiger' 1877-78 

Matthew Rhoda 1879-81 

James D. Long 1882 

PRISON INSPECTORS. 

The first county prison was erected in 
1770. It stands at the northwest corner of 
Fifth and Washington Streets, Reading, still in 
good condition.^ Under the law then prevail- 



' Resigned January 6, 1879. 

* Upon the completion of the '' New Prison," at the head 



ing, thesheriffhad control of the prison during 
his official term, and he was authorized to ap- 
point keepers. This practice continued till the 
pas.sage of the act of April 8, 1848, expressly 
for Berks County, whereby seven prison inspec- 
tors were to be apjiointed, four by the judges of 
the Court of Quarter Sessions, and three by 
the county commissioners, who were to com- 
prise the " Board of Inspectors," the terms of 
office to be a.s follows : For three, three years ; 
two, two years ; and two one year ; and after- 
ward, all terms three years. The inspectors 
were authorized to appoint, with sanction of the 
court, a keeper, matron, etc. This act of As- 
sembly continued in force till the passage of the 
act of April 10, 1873, wherby nine inspectors 
were to be elected at the next regular election, 
when each elector was to vote for six candi- 
dates, and the nine highest to be the inspectors. 
The elected candidates were to draw lots for 
one, two and three years. And annually there- 
after, three inspectors were to be elected for 
three years, the electors to vote for two, and 
the three having the highest vote to be the 
inspectors. 

The following persons were the first inspec- 
tors under the act of 1848 : 

(Appointed by the Court .\ugust 7, 1848.) 
Name. Term. 

Jacob Lightfoot 3 years. 

J. Glancy Jones 3 years. 

William Heidenreich 2 years. 

Thomas Shaner 1 year. 

(.\ppointe(l by Coiiuty Cominissionera August 10, 1848.) 
Name. Term. 

John Banks 3 years. 

Henry Nagle 2 years. 

Charles Kessler 1 year. 

Inspectors appointed from 1848 to 1873. 
Name. Tenn. 

Jacob Lightfoot 1848-57 

J. Glancy .Jones 1848-51 

William Heidenreich 1848-50 

Thomas Shaner 1848-55 

John Banks 1848-19 

Henry Nagle 1848-59 

Charles Kessler 1848-51 

William Peacock 1849-51 



of Penn Street, in 1847, the prisoners were removed 
thither, and the "Old Prison" was sold and converted 
into a store-building. 



502 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



David Fister 1850-53 

J. Bowman Bell 1851-57 

Lewis Briner 1851-64 

Samuel Frees 1851-54 

David Kutz 1S5;S-6S 

William Henry 18o4-(30 

Jacob Dick 1855-57 

Daniel Young 1857-<56 

Abr. D. Hill 1857-(;(> 

Levi B. Smith 1858 

James Lee 1858-64 

Jacob Young 1859-71 

Samuel Summons 1860-72 

Charles H. Fritz 1864-70 

Henry Z. Van Reed 1804-70 

J. Glancy Jones 1864-68 

David McKnight 1864-70 

David L. Wenrich 1868-71 

Amos\Veiler 1868-69 

Calvin Goodman 1869-72 

Peter A. Kline 1869-72 

George Lerch 1870-73 

Joseph Ganser 1871-73 

W. B. Griesemer 1872-73 

AVilliam K. Grim 1872-73 

Isaac R. Fisher 1872-73 

Benjamin Levan 1873 

Jacob Miller 1873 

E/ected Under Act 1873. 
Tlie first nine named comprised the 1st 
board elected in 1873. After organization, on 
the 1st day of December, lots were cast for the 
terms of these inspectors. The board organizes 
auuually ou tlie 1st day of December. 

N,ime. Term. 

John Gernant (1 yr.) 1873-74; 1874-77 

William Slump (1 yr.) 1873-74; 1874-77 

S. Schmehl (1 yr.) 1873-74; 1878-81 

Samuel Buch (2 yrs.) 1873-75 

Amendon Bright (2 yrs.) 1873-75 

William Herbst (2 yrs.) 1873-75 

AV. J.Lyon (3 yrs.) 1873-76; 1876-79 

Tobias Barto (3 yrs.) 1873-76 

Jacob Miller (3 yrs.) 1873-74 

Calvin Goodman 1875-77 

Peter Rapp 1874-77 

Jacob Shafiner 1875-78 

Peter A. Kline 1875-78 

Peter L. Hain 1875-7S 

James T. Reber 1876-79 

William S. Ritter 1877-82 

AdamMinnich 1877-80 

Daniel L. Rhoads 1877-80 

David Brown 1877-80 

Josiah Boltz 1878-81 

Isaac H. Rahn 1878-81 

Lewis L. Mover 1879-82 



John Stieff. 1879-82 

Adam H. Potteiger 1880-83 

Charles S. Wentzel 1880-83 

Milton T. Donmoyer 18S0-S3 

William D. Klopp 1881-84 

William A. Schall 1881-84 

William W. Lewis 1881-82 

William Schweitzer 1882-84 

John Obold 1882-85; 1885-88 

Henry Rieger 1882-85 ; 1885-88 

Jacob S. Wisler 1882-85 

John S. Wenrich 1883-86 

Samuel H. Mensch 1883-86 

Dallas Leinbach 1883-86 

John B. Clemmer 1884-87 

William H. Seitzinger 1884-87 

D. D. Hinterleiter 1884-87 

PRISON WAEUENS. 

Namo. Tfim. 

Mahlon Bertolct 1849-.53 

Dr. Henry Tyson 18.53-65 

Joseph Ganser 1865-70 

Daniel S. Francis 1870-73 

Thomas Will 187.3-76 

Isaac K. Knoll 1876-79 

Adam B. Brossman 187!'-82 

Dr. R. B. Rhoads 1882-85 

Aaron M. Wenrich 1885 

SUPERINTENDENTS OF COMMON SCHOOLS. 

Numerous legislative attempts were made to 
popularize and thoroughly introduce pidjlic 
education. Fifty years were spent in endeavors 
to educate the poorer clas-ses of children by 
proposed ta.xation, with comparatively little 
progress. Finally, an act was passed May 8, 
1854, which made proceedings in this behalf 
compulsory, and authorized a school tax to be 
levied, directors to be elected, etc. And to see 
that the branches of a common education were 
properly taught, teaching directed, established 
graded schools maintained, and uniformity in 
course of .studies preserved, a county superin- 
tendent was to be elected for a term of three 
years by all the directors of the county. Since 
1854 the system of education provided by the 
State has been carried on successfully in the 
county by school directors and a county super- 
intendent. 

The school affairs of the city of Readirg are 
under the supervision of a board of school 
controllers and a city superintendent. 

The county superintendents were : 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



503 



Nnnie. Term. 

William A. Good 1854-60 

John S. Ermentrout 18(50-69 

David B. Brunner 1869-75 

Samuel A. Baer 1875-81 

Davids. Keck 1881-84; 1884-87 

JURY COMMISSIONERS. 

Before 1867 the juror.s for the trial of cases 
in the several courts of the county were se- 
lected from the qualified electors by the county 
cmmissioners and the sheriff. On April 10, 
1867, a general act was. passed for the State re- 
el uiring the election of two jury commissioners 
in October following, for the term of tliree years, 
and every third year thereafter, for the purpose 
of selecting jurors from the qualified electors. 
The act provides that each elector shall vote 
fur one person for this office, and the two per- 
sons having the highest vote shall be the com- 
missioners. They are to select a number des- 
ignated by the court, and place the names in a 
jury wheel in the presence of a judge of the 
court; and they and the sheriff are to draw 
panels of jurors as grand, petit, and traverse 
jurors for the county as theretofore. The num- 
ber generally designated for the jury wheel pre- 
vious to 1875 was a thousand names; then, 
upon the introduction of an additional law 
judge, the number was increased to twelve 
hundred. Since 1867 the jurors for the quar- 
terly terras of the several courts of the county 
were selected and drawn as mentioned, by the 
following commissioners, who were elected for 
that purpose : 

George W. Bruckman ] 18(57-70 

Charles J. Faber ) 

Zacharias H. Maurer I _ ..1870-73 

Josei)h Brelst'ord ' 

Israel R. Laucks 1 1873-76 

Samuel U. HoUenbach > 

Michael K. Boyer I 1877-79 

Reuben Rhoads ' 

Henry Graul 

Edwin H. Harner' I 1880-82 

Jacob K. Sterrett ) 

Cosmos Swoyer i 1883-85 

John B. Snyder J 

William G. Welder ] 1886-88 

Daniel Sheirer > 

' Edwin H. Hiirner removed from the county, and J. K. 
Sterrett was appointed February 26, 1881, for unexpired 
term. 



licen.se commissionees. 
In 1676 the Duke of York's Laws required 
a license to enable a person to sell liquors in the 
province of Pennsylvania. This was granted 
by two justices of tiie peace in tlie Quarter Ses- 
sions, for the term of one year, upon the appli- 
cant furnisliing " a certificate of his good be- 
havior from the constable and two overseers of 
the parish " wherein he dwelt. In 1710 the 
law required the application to be recommended 
by the justices of the county courts to the 
Governor, who issued the license. The number 
was unlimited. But in 1794 the law required 
the judges of the Quarter Sessions, at the first 
.session of every year thereafter, to limit and 
declare the number of taverns and public-houses 
to be licensed for the year following; and the 
judges were to have "regard to the particular 
neighborhoods and situations the most suitable 
for the accommodation of the inhabitants and 
travelers." The Governor still granted the 
licenses upon the proper recommendation ; and 
he continued to grant them till the passage of 
the act of March 8, 1815, when the judges of 
the Quarter Sessions issued them, upon the 
i-ecommendation of the applicant by twelve 
reputable citizens of the district in which the 
tavern was to be kept. On April 23, 1869, an 
act of Assembly was specially passed for Berks 
County, whereby a Board of License Commis- 
sioners was created to issue licenses. The first 
board was composed of three members : the 
district attorney, in office ex officio; one mem- 
ber appointed by the judges of the Quarter Ses- 
sions for a term ending February, 1871 ; and 
the third by the county commissioners for a term 
ending February, 1873. And every two years 
after 1869 the court or commissioners were 
authorized to appoint a person for a term of 
four years. Licenses in the county were accord- 
ingly issued annually by this board till the law 
was repealed. May 5, 1876. In the year pre- 
vious, on April 12, 1875, a general law to re- 
strain and regulate the sale of liquors was 
passed by the Legislature for the State, except- 
ing in those counties for which special provis- 
ion was made. After the repeal of the act of 
1869, the Court of Quarter Sessions issued 
licenses pursuant to the act of 1875. And this- 



504 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



is the law under which the licenses are still 
issued. 

Id respect to licenses, a general act was passed 
March 27, 1872, "to permit the voters of this 
State to vote every three years on the question 
of granting licenses to sell intoxicating liquors." 
The time for the first general election on theques- 
tion, in every city and county, was fixed for the 
third Friday in March, 1873, and every third year 
thereafter on the day for the annual municipal 
elections. It will be observetl that the time was set 
in the spring of the year in order to obtain the 
expression of political sentiment uninfluenced by 
the general tide of opinion of the fall elections. 
One election was held, but before the first three 
years had expired the act was repealed, ou April 
12, 1875. 

The board, during the seven years in which 
the act prevailed, comprised the following mem- 
bers : 

(Ex-officio, btiiig the District Attorneys.) 
Name. Term. 

Edward H. Shearer 1869-71 

Peter D. Wanner 1871-74 

Henry C. G. Eeber 1874-76 

Appointees. 
Name. Term. 

Richard Ludwig 1869-75 

John H.Snyder 1869-73 

William Heins 1873-76 

EliasObold 1875-76 

OIL INSPECTOR. 

The office of oil inspector was created by the 
act of May 15, 1874, " to provide for the better 
security of life and property from the dangers 
of coal and petroleum oils." By this act the 
standard or fire test of all burning-fluids was 
fixed at one hundred and ten degrees Fahren- 
heit. The inspector is appointed by the Court 
of Common Pleas of the county for the terra 
of thi'ee years ; and he is required to furnish 
.security in ten thousand dollars for the faithful 
discharge of his duties. The first appointment 
■was made in August, 1877. 

Charles A. Z. Griesemer was the first inspec- 
tor. He was reappointed iu 1880, and again 
in 1883. 



Biographical Sketches of CoNC.REs.'iMEX, 

Foreign Ministers, Delegates to 

State Conventions and 

State Officials. 

CONGRESSMEN. 

Daniel Hiester was born in Bern town- 
.ship, Berks County, in 1747. He obtained a 
good English education and became a prosper- 
ous business man. He moved to Montgomery 
County, where during the Revolution he took 
an active and patriotic part. He was chosen a 
colonel and afterwards a brigadier-general of 
militia, and was in the service for a considerable 
time. In 1784 he was elected to the Suireme 
Executive Council of Pennsylvania, and in 1787 
was appointed a commi.ssioner of the Connecti- 
cut laud claims. After the Revolutionary 
War lie returned to Berks County and was 
elected a member of the First, Second, Tiiird 
and Fourth Congresses of the United States. 
After this he removed to Hagerstown, Md., 
and was elected from that State a member of the 
Seventh and Eighth Congresses. During his 
attendance upon the Eighth Congress hediidat 
Washington, Marcii 8, 1804. He was one of 
those who voted for locating the seat of govern- 
ment on the Potomac. . 

Joseph Hie-STER, a Congressman for many 
years. (See sketch as a Governor of State, with 
State Officials). 

Mathias Reichert was of German parent- 
age. His grandfather, John Frederick Reichert, 
was born in Augsburg, Kingdom of Wiirtem- 
berg ; emigrated to Pennsylvania, landing May 
24, 1720 ; settled at New Hanover, in Mont- 
gomery County ; took up one hundred and fifty 
acres of land, and died there in 1748, leaving a 
wife Anna Maria, and three children, — Ca.sper, 
Mathias and Hannah. Mathias was born in 
1719 and died March 25, 1775, aged fifty-six 
yeare, and left three sons and three daugliters. 
The youngest son was Judge Reichert, born 
February 26, 1758. He married ]\Iaria Sa- 
lome, daughter of Henry M. JMuhlenberg, May 
2, 1782. They had five sonsand four daugliters. 
He spent much of his life at Colebrookdale as a 
farmer, .scrivener and justice of the peace. He 
first served as one of the court justices under 
the Constitution of 1776; was appointed 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



505 



associate judge of Berks County under the Con- 
stitution of 17!tO and servetl until 1797. In 
1802 lie moved to Reading to fill an appoint- 
ment as collector of excise, and in 1807 was 
elected to the United States House of Repre- 
sentatives to sureeed Governor Joseph Hiester ; 
was re-eleoted iu 1809 and served until 1811. 
He held the commission as a justice of the 
peace for forty-two years and died in 1830, 
highly respected l)y the entire community. 

JoHX M. Hynkman was a resident of Read- 
ing. He was a representative in the State 
Legislature from Berks County in 1809, filled 
the position of clerk of the Orphans' Court 
from 1810 to 1815, and was county surveyor 
from 1813 to 1816. He was elected a repre- 
sentative in Congress hy the Berks District in 
1810, and re-elected in October, 1812, serving 
from 1811 to 1813, when he resigned, and 
General Daniel Udree was elected to fill the 
vacancy. He died in April, 1816, aged forty- 
five years. 

Daxiel Udree was born in Philadelphia 
August 5, 1751. He removed to Berks County, 
and settled in Oley township, where he became 
extensively engaged in the manufacture of iron. 
He operated the Oley Furnace and Rockland 
Forges very successfully for over thirty years, 
owning, iu connection with those industries, 
several thousand acres of land. He was estab- 
lished in business by his uncle, Jacob Winey, a 
pnjmiuent capitalist and merchant of Pliiladel- 
piiia. 

He was enlisted in the Revolutionary War 
for several years, commanding a regiment at 
the battle of Brandywine, where his horse was 
shot under him. He took an active part in 
the local militia for many years, and served the 
office of major-general for one term of seven 
years about 1815. 

He represented Berks County in the General 
Assembly from 1799 to 1803, and also for the 
year 1805, and while there showed an earnest 
interest in legislation relative to public internal 
improvements iu the State. He was the repre- 
sentative in Congress for the Berks District for 
two terms, from 1813 to 1815, and from 1823 
to 1825. Whilst at Wa.shington during his 
last term iu Congress, John Quincy Adams 



was elected President. Shortly before the elec- 
tion he attended a party which was given by 
Mrs. Adams, and she, in a quiet, pleasant wav, 
alluded to the probable support which her hus- 
band would receive from the representative.s 
from Pennsylvania. "Yes," said he to her, 
" we are like the handle of a jug, all on one 
side," intimating politely that the great majority 
of them were for General Jackson. He died 
July 15, 1828, leaving a large estate. He was 
the last really prominent and representative 
man who lived in Oley, and one of the few 
Congressmen selected from the country districts 
of the county. In personal appearance, he was 
a well-develo|)ed man, rather below the medium 
height, and his conversational manner was 
quick and nervous. 

LuDWiG Worm AN was a native of Bucks 
County, Pa. He removed to Berks County 
early in life, and carrietl on the tanning busi- 
ness in Earl township. He was elected to 
Congress for the term 1821 to 1823, and died 
October 17, 1822, while a member of that 
body. 

William Addams was born on the 9th of 
March, 1777, in Lancaster County, Pa. ; re- 
moved to Berks County early in life, and .served 
as county auditor during the years 1813 and 
1814; was county commissioner from 1814 to 
1817; member of the State Legislature from 
1822 to 1824, and associate judge of Berks 
County from 1839 to 1842, having succeeded 
the Hon. William Darling by aj)pointment 
from Governor David R. Porter. 

He was a Representative in Congress from 
Berks County from 1825 to 1829, and ren- 
dered efficient .service on a committee for the 
Deaf and Dumb In.stitutious of the States of 
New York and Ohio. He was a man of exem- 
plary habits, highly respected and honored by 
those who knew him, and held many local posi- 
tions of trust and responsibility. He was 
esteemed for his " sterling integrity, good .sense 
and uno.stentatious sincerity of purpose." For 
many years he was captain of the " Reading 
Troop," which, under his discipline, was the 
pride of the county. He died at his residence 
in Spring township, this county, March 31, 
1858, at the advanced age of eighty -one years. 



506 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Henry A. Muhlenberg, a Congressman 
from 1829 to 1838. (For sketch, see biographies 
of Foreign Ministers.) 

John R[tter, a Congressman from 1843 to 
1847. (See sketch in chapter on Newspapers.) 

William Strong, a Congressman from 1847 
to 185.3. (See sketcii with biographies of State 
Officials.) 

J. Glancy Jones, a Congressman from 
18-51 to 1858. (See sketch with biograpliies of 
Foreign Ministers.) 

Henry A. Muhlenberg^ was born at 
Reading, Pa., July 21 ,1 823. He was the son of 
Henr>' Augustus Muhlenberg and Rebecca, 
daughter of Governor Joseph Hiester. His 
preliminary education was acquired under the 
direction of his father. x\t the age of fourteen 
he eutered Jefferson College, at Canonsbnrg, Pa., 
where he remained one year, passing thence to 
Dickinson College, where he entered the sopho- 
more class, and was graduated in 1841. He was 
a close .student, especially of the classics and of 
history. He passed three years, from 1841 to 
1844, iu the office of his preceptor, Hon. J. 
Pringle Jones, engaged in the study of the law. 

During his father's candidacy for Governor, in 
1844, he displayed marked ability as his private 
secretary, and conducted all his father's corre- 
spondence during the canvass. In 1846, when 
the Mexican War broke out, he raised a com- 
pany of volunteers in Reading, and personally 
tendered their services to the Governor, but the 
complement of Pennsylvania having already 
been filled, the offer was declined. In the 
County Convention of 1846, he, with his brother 
Hiester, the president of that body, was maiidy 
instrumental in causing the adoption of a res- 
olution approving of the principles of the tariff" 
of 1842, and demanding that, as it was passed 
by Democratic votes, it should receive a fair 
consideration from a Democratic Congress. He 
also delivered a speech in the same body on the 
Oregon question, in which he strongly favored 
the claims of the United States to all that dis- 
trict of country lying south of the parallel of 
54° 40'. In 1847 and 1848 he was occupied in 
writing a " Life of General Peter Muhlenberg, "of 

' " Biog. Ency. of Penna." 



Revolutionary fame, which was published early 
in 1849, by Cary & Hart, Philadelphia, and 
was well received. It was dedicated to Jared 
Sparks, as a slight recognition of his services 
in elucidating our Revolutionary history. 

In the fall of 1849 he was elected to the Leg- 
islature from Berks County, and served three 
years. He there acquired a reputation for in- 
tegrity, eloquence and business ability. Shortly 
after taking his seat he delivered a speech 
on the supplement to the act incorporating 
the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Com- 
pany, wiiich greatly influenced the Senate in 
its decision to pass the measure. During the 
second part of his Senatorial career he was the 
Democratic candidate for Speaker, though the 
youngest member of that House, his competitor 
on the Whigside being Hon. John H. AValker, of 
Erie (the president of the Constitutional Conven- 
tion of 1872-73). The Seuate then contained 
sixteen Whigs, si.xteen Democrats and one Native 
American, and a majority of all who voted was 
required to elect. On the eighth ballot, and on 
the third day, when it was evident that no 
choice could be made, unless the Whig candi- 
date .should vote for himself, the Democratic 
candidate, together with Messrs. Packer and 
Guernsey, also Democrats, out of political 
courtesy, abstained from voting. Tliroughout 
the whole contest the two candidates resjiectively 
voted for Thomas Carson and William F. 
Packer. As chairman of a select committee, to 
which was refeiTed that portion of Governor 
Johnston's message for 1851 treating of the 
care and preservation of the State archives, Mr. 
Muhlenberg reported a bill, which became a 
law, for the publication, at the expense of the 
State, of the records of the proprietary govern- 
ment and of all papers relating to the Revolu- 
tionary War down to 1783. He was greatly 
instrumental in securing the passage of an act 
making auajipropriation to continue the geolog- 
ical survey of the State, conducted by Professor 
Rogers. He favored also the building of new 
railroads to develop the resources of the com- 
monwealth, though he was oppo.sed to the State 
granting any direct aid to these objects. During 
the whole of his Senatorial term he was, in the 
words of Hon. C. R. Buckalew, " The bulwark 




//4f/7y 1^14^. U^^^^ctA^^ 



/" 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



507 



of the treasury against the assaults of outside 
interested parties." He was outspoken in de- 
fense of a tariif of such amount and so levied as 
to protoet tlie great manufacturing interests of 
country. He also thought that as iron was an 
indispensable requisite for any nation, to pro- 
vide against the contingency of a war, and to 
render the United States independent of any 
other country, that a high, though not a pro- 
hibitory duty should be imposed on that article. 

In the Senate and in the County Conven- 
tions he, in connection with Judge Strong and 
otiier distinguished Deraocrsits, demanded a 
modification of the tariff of 1846, in favor of 
the iron interest, in accordance with the views of 
Hon. Robert J. Walker, the author of that 
tariff — views expressed at the time of its passage. 
He was an earnest opponent of slavery, and 
considered it "a curse to that community on 
which it was inflicted ; no one could dislike it 
more than he did, nor did he ever wish to be 
tiiought the friend and advocate of the institu- 
tion." In his devotion, however, to the Union, 
and in his desire to do away with all causes 
which might inflame one section of the country 
against tiie other, looking upon the compromise 
measures of 1850 as a solemn compact between 
the North and South, he thought those measures 
and tlie laws resulting from them should be 
executed fully, honestly and completely. His 
devotion to the Union was one of the cardinal 
principles of his political faith. The words 
used l)y his father in Congress, at the time of 
Clay's c()m])roniise act of 18.'>3, might be placed 
in his mouth also, — " The Union is the first and 
greatest of our national blessings, and to pre- 
serve it, nothing can or ought to be too precious. 
I go for the Union, the whole Union and no- 
thing but the Union. It must be preserved, 
peaceably, if we can, forcibly, if we must." 

No one who knew him intimately can doubt 
for a moment that he would have been foremost 
in the van of those Democrats who, in the hour 
of greatest danger, rushed to the rescue of their 
government and of their Union if he had then 
lived. 

At such a time he would not have been be- 
hind his brother Hiester, or his uncle, Dr. F. 
A. Muhlenberg, of Lancaster, in forming that 



party which, in their opinion, held the true 
Democratic doctrine, in that it advocated the 
greatest good to the greatest masses. In July, 
1852, he was nominated by acclamation the 
Democratic candidate for Congress in Berks 
County, and was elected the following October 
by a large majority. He left Reading late in 
November, 1853, for Washington, and was 
present at the opening of the thirty-fourth Con- 
grass, but had scarcely taken his seat when he was 
stricken down by illness. Eveiything was done 
for him that was possible and it was believed at 
one time that he was materially improved, but 
a relapse occurred and he died January 9, 
1854, of hemorrhage and congestion of the 
lungs. His remains were laid to rest in the 
" Charles Evans Cemetery," near Reading. 

He was a warm and true friend ; no act of 
kindness was ever forgotten by him, and iKjth- 
ing within the limits of possibility was deemed 
too difficult when done in the cause-of a friend. 
His fearlessness in all departments of life was 
one of the most marked traits of his character ; 
he never shunned bearing the responsibility of 
any of his actions ; he did what he considered his 
duty, no matter what the consequences might be. 
Above all, throughout all of his public life he 
was a man of unswerving integrity and un- 
blemished honor ; he would do nothing, however 
great the inducements to the contrary, whi(>h 
could lower himself in his own esteem or in 
that of others. 

His standard was a very high one, an<l when 
he believed himself to be right, no power on 
earth could divert him from the path whidi 
honor, good faith, good feeling and his own 
judgment pointed out. He possessed an ample 
fortune, from which he was ever ready to con- 
tribute to all ol)jects, whether charitable, relig- 
ious, political or literary, whicli deserved his 
support. 

As a citizen of Reading, he was foremost in 
advancing, by pen, tongue and purse, all projects 
which could benefit or increase the prosperity of 
his native place. 

Had he lived, he would have written his 
name on the historical records of his country, 
and would lui\'e impressed his character on her 
legislation ; cut off untimely in the flower of 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



his youth, and in the very maturity of iiis 
powers, his loss was a great calamity to the 
commonwealth. He married, iu November, 
1847, his cousin, Anuie H., daughter of the late 
Dr. F. A. Muhleuberg, of Lancaster, Pa., 
and a son and only child survives him, — Henry 
A. Muhlenlterg, a member of the Reading bar. 




GEORGE MAY KEIM 

Geoege May Keiji was the son ot Gen- 
eral George de Benneville Keim. He was born 
at Reading on March 23, 1805, and educated at 
home and at " Bentley Hall," the school of 
Joshua Hoopes, at Downingtown, Chester 
County, Pa. He then studied law under 
Charles C'hauncey, Esq., at Philadelphia, w here 
he was admitted to practice on June 5, 182G, 
and on August 11th following he was admitted 
to practice in the several courts of Berks 
County. 

Iu 1827 he M-as elected cashier of the Farm- 
ers' Bank of Reading, his uncle, Benneville 
Keim, having then been the president, which po- 
sition he held till 1836. In 1829 he was com- 
missioner, and afterwards for some years a 
manager, of the Mill Creek and Mine Hill 
Kavigation and Railroad Company. 

Mr. Keim took an active interest in the de- 
velopment of Reading. In this behalf he en- 



couraged enterprises of various kinds. He 
aided in the erection of the pioneer rolling-mill 
and nail-works by Keiras, Whitaker & Co. 
He was a member of the firm of Jones, Keim & 
Co., who carried on the Windsor Furnace, in 
Windsor township. This firm became celcbra- 
brated for its fine castings made directly from 
the iron-ore. Among other distinguished rep- 
resentations, it cast " The Last Supper," after 
Leonardo da Vinci, which was highly compli- 
mented. 

Military matters in the count}- won his atten- 
tion, and he was identified with them actively 
for many years. In 1830 he was elected cjip- 
tain of the Reading Artillerists, succeeding his 
uncle. Captain Daniel de B. Keim. Shortly 
afterward he was chosen colonel of the Fifty- 
third Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia; and, 
iu 1835, he was elevated to the office of major- 
general of the Sixth Division of Pennsylvania 
Militia, wliich included the companies of Berks, 
Schuylkill, Dauphin and Lebanon Counties, 
succeeding his father in that position. 

He represented the county at the convention 
called to amend the State Constitution, held 
during 1837-38. His speech on banking 
elicited general approval. He was one of the 
committee of nine (including such distinguished 
statesmen as John Sergeant, Charles Chauncey, 
Thaddeus Stevens and George W. Woodward) 
who issued a forcible address relative to the 
ways and means to provide for the cause of com- 
mon-school education and the general diffusion 
of useful knowledge, together witii the industry 
and pecuniary prosperity of Pennsylvania. 

Upon the vacancy in the office of Represen- 
tative in Congress from this district by the res- 
ignation of Hon. H. A. Muhlenberg in accepting 
the mission to Austria, General Keim was 
elected to fill the unexpired term. This was in 
1838, and he was then re-elected for two terms, 
occupying this position till March, 1843, and 
filling it with honor. At the election ibr 
Speaker of the House in the Twenty-sixth 
Congress he received a complimentary vote, not- 
withstanding the caucus nomination by the 
Democrats. During the Twenty-seventh Con- 
gress lie distinguished himself by a patriotic 
speech against a petition which prayed for a 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



509 



(lissolutiou of" tlie Union. In 1842 he declined 
a renomination for a fourth term. 

Charles Dickens, who visited this country in 
1842, whilst at Washington in March, was 
given a Congressional dinner, and upon this 
occasion General Keini presided, with many 
prominent men in politics and letters present to 
give a welcome to the great author. 

After his retirement from Congress, General 
Keim was offered by President Tyler his choice 
of three positions — minister to Brazil, Governor 
of Wisconsin Territory, or United States 
marehal for the Eastern District of Pennsylva- 
nia. He selected the latter, so that he could 
remain at home; and in 1844 he was reap- 
pointed to this position by President Polk. 

He had popularized himself throughout 
Pennsylvania to such a marked degree by his 
political course till 1848, that earnest and 
strong movements were instituted in different 
sections of the State to nominate him as the 
Democratic candidate for Governor, but he de- 
clined to entertain the matter. 

In 1852 he was elected to the office of 
mayor of Reading, by City Councils, to fill 
tlie unexpired term of Major George Getz, 
who died whilst occupying that position. He 
accepted this high compliment by Councils to 
him as a citizen, it having been given en- 
tirely unsolicited. In 1860 the Democratic 
State Convention was held at Reading, and 
then General Keim was elected as a Presidential 
elector-at-large. 

General Keim always took a great interest in 
everything connected with agriculture. He 
introduced imported thoroughbred cattle in the 
county. He aided in establishing the Berks 
County Agricultural Society, and delivered the 
address at their first annual meeting, held 
on October 28, 1852. He was the second 
jiresident of the society, holding that position 
for .several years, and giving largely of his 
efforts towards the success of the society. 
During his administration of its affairs (May 
13, 1854) the county commissioners leased 
to the society for ninety-nine years the 
" Commons," for the purpose of holding 
its annual exhibitions. At different times he, 
by request, made agricultural addresses in dif- 



ferent sections of the State, whicli were received 
with marked favor. He was also interested in 
the geology and mineralogy of Pennyslvania, 
having begun in early life investigating these 
subjects with earnestness. A large and choice 
collection of minerals, which included valuable 
specimens from different parts of the earth, 
was the result of his devotion to these 
branches of knowledge ; and he also suc- 
ceeded in gathering a fine collection of 
Indian relics, principally from Central Penn- 
sylvania. After his decease the former was 
presented by his children to the Lehigh Uni- 
versity, and the latter to the Smithsonian In- 
stitution. 

When the Civil War broke out, his patri- 
otic imj)ulses led him to express himself bolilly 
in behalf of the Union. When the divisions in 
the Democratic party were having their worst 
effects, during the Presidential campaign of 
1860, in di.'^tracting its organization and hasten- 
ing its defeat, he stood steadfast, coming out 
from his retirement in order to encourage his 
Democratic friends. His public influence at 
this critical period aided greatly in holding 
together the Democratic party of the county. 

In the spring of 1861, when this community 
was intensely excited over military prepara- 
tions for war. General Keim raised a company 
of volunteers for home defense, and he was 
active and enthusiastic in drilling and prejiar- 
ing them for actual duty ; and one of the last 
acts of his life was to head a paper with his 
name, offering the services of his company to 
the government. Owing to this excitement 
and unusual exertion, whilst preparing to drill 
his company in the armory at Odd-Fellows' 
Hall, he was stricken with paralysis, from 
which death ensued shortly afterward. He 
died on June 10, 1861, in the fifty-sixth year of 
his age. He was buried at sunset, on June 
12th, with military and Masonic honors, in 
Charles Evans' Cemetery, minute guns having 
been fired from an elevated 2:)osition south of the 
cemetery as the procession approached. The 
whole community mourned his loss. His funeral 
was one of the largest ever witnessed at Reading, 

The personal charactdi" of this distinguished 
citizen of the county is so accurately por- 



510 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



trayed by an editorial obituary notice, pub- 
lished in the Reading Gazette and Democrat, 
upon the occasion of his decease, that I intro- 
duce an extract from it as an appropriate con- 
clusion to this biographical sketch : 

" Although General Keim was, during the greater 
part of his life, eminently a public man, il was in his 
private and social relations that his best traits of 
character were displayed. Genial in his manners, 
kindly in his sympathies, generous in his disposition 
and warm in his attachments, he attracted around 
him many friends who learned to know and appre- 
ciate him, as those who had but a superficial acquaint- 
ance with him could not do. His house was the abode 
of hospitality; his door always open to the rich and 
poor, friend and stranger alike, and no one ever 
crossed his threshold who ilid not meet a hearty wel- 
come. His charities were liberal and even munificent, 
and never withheld from any worthy object, whether 
individual or associative. The poor of our city always 
found in him a friend and benefactor. Our churches, 
our schools, our fire companies, our military organi- 
zations and all our institutions of benevolence and 
philanthropy were the recipientsof his bounty, which 
was freely and largely bestowed. He was a liberal 
patron of the fine arts, and not a few young artists, 
struggling in poverty and obscurity, experienced the 
benefit of his counsel and encouragement. The col- 
lection of paintings and statuary which embellished 
his homestead was large and valuable, and embraced 
many pieces of rare merit that attested his fine taste 
and the discriminating liberality with which he culti- 
vated it. His knowledge of men and books was 
extensive, and made him as a conversationalist an 
entertaining and instructive companion. 

"The people of his native county always had in 
him a faithful advocate and true representative. He 
was devoted to their interests and found pleasure in 
all efforts that were calculated to advance them in 
prosperity and usefulness. He was among the first 
to arouse the spirit of home industry in his fellow- 
citizens; and many of the earlier business enterprises 
undertaken here after 1835 received his hearty co- 
operation." 

In 1827 General Keiin was married to Julia 
C. Mayer, youngest daughter of Hon. Christo- 
pher Mayer, of Lancaster, who for a number of 
years represented that county in the State Sen- 
ate. She died on May 12, 1857. He left six 
surviving children, — George de Benneville, 
Charl&s Wetherill, Henry May, Julia flayer, 
Susan Douglass and Mary May. 

William H. Keim, a Congressman fronj 
18i58 to 1859. (For' sketch, see ciiapter on 
Civil War.) 



John Schwartz was born at Sunbury, in 
Northumberland County, Pa., on October 27, 
1793. His father was a native Saxon, emi- 
grating to this country when quite young, and 
subsequently serving in the Continental army 
during the whole of tiie Revolution ; and re- 
moved to Reading when the subject of this 
sketch was ten years old. The son was placed 
in a town store and brought up to the business 
of a merchant, which he carried on successfully 
at Reading for many years. Subsequently lie 
became interested in the iron business, and with 
a co-partner (Simon Seyfert) erected the Mount 
Penn Furnace, in Cumru township. He was 
successfully engaged iu that business till 1858, 
when he retired. 

For many years previous to his retirement 




MA.IUR JOHN SCHWARTZ. 

from business he took an active interest in tlie 
political affairs of the county as a Deuiocrat; 
and in all that time he never held nor sought an 
office. But in 1858 an influential ])art of the 
Democratic party of the county became dissatis- 
fied with the political course pursued by the 
then representative in Congress, Hon. J. Glancy 
Jones, and they, objecting to his renoniination, 
started an independent movement which resulted 
in the nomination f)f Mr. Schwartz. The cam- 
paign during the fall was bitter and earnest, 
and ended in his election by a majority of nine- 
teen votes. Til is was a great victory for him 
and caused much rejoicing by a large body of 
citizens. The disappointment to the regular 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



511 



Democrats was inexpressible ; and the most 
disappoiuted of all was the defeated candidate) 
who found that all his laborious efforts through- 
out the county, by public addresses to the people, 
had been spent in vain. Rut this defeat was, 
as it were, a blessing in disguise, for it led 
President Buchanan to tender to Mr. Jones, on 
the day of his defeat, the mission to Austria ; so 
that this departure from the rule of the Demo- 
cratic party gave the people of the county not 
only a new representative in Congress, but an 
honorable position at a foreign court. Mr. 
Schwartz took his seat in March, 1859. He was 
a man of large ability, tine appearance and 
pleasing address. These qualities enabled him 
to make a very favorable impression at Wash- 
ington. On May 7, 180O, he delivered a speech 
on the tariff, favoring high duties on imports as 
a means of protecting home industries and of 
developing a balance of trade in our behalf. 
Tlijs .speech was distinguished for its plain and 
concise style and for its facts and arguments on 
the subject under discussion. Whilst attending 
to the duties of his position he was attacked 
with jauudice, from which he died at Wash- 
ington in June, 1860. It was said that his 
persistent determination to attend the daily ses- 
sions of the House, in the faithful performance 
of his duties, against the remonstrances of his 
physician and the entreaties of certain relatives 
who were with hira, hastened his death. His 
decease was announced in the House and Senate, 
both of which bodies adjourned as a mai'k of 
respect to his memory ; Messrs. Campbell, Mc- 
Pherson, Maynard, Grow, Stevens and Florence 
in the former, and Messrs. Cameron, Sumner 
and Seward in the latter having paid highly 
complimentaiy tributes to his many exemplary 
qualities as a man and his uprightness and zeal 
as a legislator, in discussing the usual resolu- 
tions of condolence and respect. His remains 
Mere brought to Reading by the sergeant-at- 
arms of the House and the Congressional com- 
mittee, which consisted of jNIessrs. Covode, 
Train, Winslow, Hickman, Nixon and Graham. 
The funeral took place at his residence, on 
South Fifth Street, near Chestnut, on June 23, 
18(50, and the interment was made in the 
Charles Evans Cemetery, after appropriate and 



largely attended religions services in Trinity 
Lutheran Church. He was a prominent Mason, 
which body attended the funeral and performed 
the customary honors at the grave. The whole 
community mourned his loss. His social qual- 
ities were of the most genial kind. In his daily 
intercourse he was generous and honorable. 
During his long aireer as a man of extensive 
business transactions at Reading he ever main- 
tained an honest name and an upright character, 
and in all the private relations of his life he 
bore an unblemished reputation. 

During the War of 1812-15 Governor Simon 
Snyder gave him the appointment of quarter- 
master of the brigade which was raised in this 
and the adjoining counties, with the rank of 
major. He marched with the brigade to Balti- 
more and remained on duty at Camp Dupont 
till the danger that threatened Maryland from 
the invasion of- the British army was over. 
From that time till his decease he was famil- 
iarly known to the people of Berks County as 
Major Schwartz. 

Jacob Kerlix McKenty, the only .son of 
Henry McKenty, was born at Dougla.ssville, 
Berks County, in 1827. He was graduated 
from Yale College with the class of 1848, 
afterwards spent one terra in the Law Depart- 
ment of that institution, then completed his 
legal studiesunder the direction of Hon. William 
Strong, of Reading, and was admitted to the 
bar A])ril 7, 1851. He soon became promi- 
nently identified with the Democratic party, and 
in the fall of 1856 was elected district attorney 
and served one term. In 1860 he was elected 
to Congress to fill the unexpired term of Hon. 
John Schwartz, who died while in office. He 
died unmarried at the residence of his parents 
January 3, 1866. He was a well-read and 
highly-esteemed lawyer. 

Sydenham E. Ax'CONa was born in War- 
wick, Lancaster C^ounty, Pa., November 20, 
1824, and removing to Berks County, was for 
several years connected with the Reading Rail- 
road Company. He was elected in 1860 to 
represent Berks County in Congress, and was 
twice re-elected, serving until 1867. In 
1866 he was one of the representatives desig- 
nated bv the House to attend the funeral of 



512 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



General Scott. He lias filled the offices of 
secretary and treasurer of the Reading Fire In- 
surance and Trust Company since its organiza- 
tion. 

J. Lawrenx'E Getz, a Congressman from 
1867 to 1873. (For sketch, see chapter on 
Newspapers). 

HiESTER Clymer was a descendant of 
Richard Clymer, who emigrated to America 
from Bristol, England, in 1705, and became a 
shipping merchant and ship-builder in Piiila- 
delphia. Richard Clymer had two sons, Wil- 
liam and Christopher. The latter was the fatlier 
of George Clymer, a signer of the Declaration 
of Independence. William became a captain in 
the English navy ; was married to Anna Rober- 
deau, a sister of Gen. Roberdeau, by whom he 
had one child, Daniel C. Clymer, born in 1747 
at Philadelphia, and entered the legal pro- 
fession first in his native city and later came to 
Reading.' He had one daughter and two sons, 
William and Edward T. The latter was mar- 
ried to Maria Catharine, daughter of William 
Hiester, of Bern township, and resided near 
Morganti)wn,in Cfsrnarvon township, at the time 
of his death, in 1831. 

Hon. Hiester Clymer, one of the sons of Ed- 
ward T. Clymer, was born in Cternarvon town- 
ship, Berks County, November 3, 1827. After 
receiving a jireparatory education at Reading he 
entered the College of New Jersey, at Princeton, 
and was graduated therefrom in 1847. His 
father and grandfather were educated at the 
same institution. He entered upim the study 
of the law, and was admitted to practice at the 
bar of Berks County, April 6, 1849. He went 
to Pottsviile in 1851, where he remained five 
years successfully engaged in his profession, and 
in 1856 returned to Reading. In 1860 l:e .served 
as a member of the Board of Raveiuie Com- 
missioners and during the same year was a dele- 
gate to the National Democratic Convention 
held at Charleston. In October, 1860, he was 
elected to tiie State Senate to fill a vacancy 
caused by the death of Benjamin Nunemacher, 
and was re-elected in October, 1861 and 1864, 
and served until 1866. His ca eerin the Senate 

' See chapter on Bench and Bar. 



of Pennsylvania was distinguished for dignity 
and courtesy of demeanor, readiness, force and 
eloquence in debate and steadfast devotion to the 
best interests of the commonwealth. He was 
nominated as the Democratic candidate for Gov- 
ernor of Pennsylvania in Marcli, 1866, un<l im- 
mediately thereafter resigned his seat in tlie 
Senate. He made an energetic canvass of the 
State and spoke to large assemblages of p?o))le in 
nearly every county. Although he received a 
larger vote than had ever been previously given 
to any Democratic candidate for the same office, 
his competitor, General Geary, was elected. In 
1868 he was a delegate to the National Demo- 
cratic Convention that nominated Horatio Sey- 
mour for President. In 1870 he was appointed 
by Governor Geary a member of the Board of 
Public Charities of Peimsylvania, and held the 
position for several years. In the year 
1871 he made a tour of Europe. In October, 
1872, he was elected a Representative in Con- 
gress from Berks County and served with dis- 
tinguished ability until 1883. 

Mr. Clymer was married, in 1 856, to Elizabeth 
Marv, daughter of Matthew Brooke, of Birds- 
boro', Berks County. Tliov had two children, 
both of whom are dead. ]\Irs. Clymer died in 
October, 1870. Mr. Clymer was married a 
second time to Mrs. Clemens, of St. Louis, Mo., 
who survives him. 

Daniel Ermentrout, son of William and 
Justina Silvis Ermentrout, was born at Reading, 
in Berks County, January 24, 1837. He was 
educated in the public and classical schools of 
his native place, and also at Franklin and Mar- 
shall College, Lancaster, Pa., and Elwood In- 
stitute, Norristown, Pa. Upon returning to 
Reading he began the study of law in the office 
of Hon. David F. Gordon, (then a practicing at- 
torney at Reading, and at one time president 
judge of the Berks District,) and after pursuing a 
regular course of study under his direction, was 
admitted to the bar on August 3, 1859. Whilst 
pursuing his studies and also previously for a 
time he taught school at Norristown, Consho- 
hockeuand Reading, and in Muhlenberg town- 
ship. He has been in active jiractice at Read- 
ing since his admission to the bar, and has en- 
joyed a large and lucrative business, having 




c^ 




^W7<-<f~" 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



513 



been counected with niaiiy important trials in 
the local conrts and with arguruents before the 
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Soon after his 
admission to the bar he became an active par- 
tisan in the Democratic party, and his ability 
and energy were soon recognized by the promi- 
nent political leaders. In 1862 he was elected 
to tlie office of districtattorney of Berks County, 
and officiated for a term of three years. This 
was during the trying times of the Civil War, 
and besides numerous general criminal affairs, he 
conducted several prominent trials which at- 
tracted considerable public attention. He filled 
the office of city solicitor for three terms, from 
1867 to 1870. After serving these two local 
offices successfully, he was chosen, in 1873, to 
represent this district in the State Senate for a 
term of three years, and in 1876 he was re 
elected for a term of four years. During the 
Centennial Exhibition of 1876 he was a jiromi- 
nent representative from Pennsylvania in the 
official proceedings. Whilst filling the office of 
State Senator the Governor of the State ap- 
pointed him, in October, 1877, to serve as a 
member of the Pennsylvania Statuary Com- 
mission, which was authorized by the Legislature 
to select two representative Pennsylvanians as 
appropriate subjects for statues to be contribu- 
ted by Pennsylvania to Statuary Hall of the 
Capitol at Washington, D. C. 

As a member of this commission, he was par- 
ticularly interested in the selection of General 
Peter Muhlenberg as one of the subjects for a 
statue, because in him the county of Berks 
would be prominently represented (he having 
been a grandson of the distinguished Conrad 
Weiser), as well as the Germans, who have done 
so much toward the welfare and progress of 
Pennsylvania. Upon the conclusion of his 
second term in the State Senate he was elected 
to represent this district in Congress for the 
term of two years from 1881 to 1883, and has 
since been twice re-elected, serving his third 
term at this time. 

Mr. Ermentrout represented the Seventh 
Ward of Reading in the Board of School Con- 
trollers for a number of years, and took an ac- 
tive part in the educational matters of the city. 
He also served several years as chairman of the 
50 



Democratic Committee of Berks ( 'ounty. He 
was a delegate to various Democratic State Con- 
ventions; and in 1880 he was a delegate from 
this district to the Democratic National Con- 
vention which was held at Cincinnati, and 
nominated Gen. Winfield S. Hancock for Presi- 
dent — Mr. Ermentrout voting for Tilden as 
long as his name was mentioned as a candi- 
date. 

The history of Berks County has interested 
Mr. Ermentrout for many years, and his earnest 
researches have thoroughly familiarized him 
with the early settlements, social progress and 
political government of the county. He has 
delivered a number of addresses upon various 
public occasions which were particularly noted 
for their historical information. As a speaker 
he is forcible, commanding a high degree of 
power over his audience, and as a writer his 
language is perspicuous and fiuent. Though 
prominently identified with the legal profession 
and the political government of the county for 
twenty year.s, he has nevertheless been a close 
and very successful student in general and 
classical literature. He has also traveled ex- 
tensively through the United States and 
Europe. 

Mr. Ermentrout was married to Adelaiile 
Louise Metzger, a daughter of John Metzger, of 
Lancaster, and a lady of high culture and fine 
personal appearance, eminently qualified to fill 
the prominent social positions to which tlie 
representative character of her husband necc-s- 
sarily introduces her. In 1878, Mrs. Ermen- 
trout acted as vice-regent of the Centennial 
Association of A^alley Forge, in the district 
of Berks County in aid of the Valley Forge 
Fund and as such conducted with great success 
a "Grand Ball" at Reading on the evening of 
April 22, 1879. Itwas the most distinguished en- 
tertainment of the kind ever afforded to tiie 
citizens of the county, and netted a considerable 
sum to the association. Many prominent 
officials and representative men of the State were 
in attendance, including the Governor, his 
family and his staff. Mrs. Ermentrout during- 
her husband's presence at Washington in the 
performance of his representative duties, has 
taken an active and prominent part in the re- 



514 



HISTORY OF BERKS COTTNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ceptions given by the President and high 
officials. Mr. and Mrs. Ermentrout have two 
children, — a son, Fitz Daniel, and a daughter, 
Adelaide Louise. 

Gencalof/f/. — John Ermentrout, wiio emi- 
gi'ated from tlie Palatinate, Germany, to Penn- 
sylvania ill 1739, was the great-great-grand- 
father of the subject of the foregoing sketch. 
The .sou of John was Christopher, born Feb. 8, 
1754; the .son of Christopher was John, born 
April 27, 1777. Amongst the children of the 
second John was William, the father of John 
S., Daniel and James N., whose sketches ap- 
pear in this hi.story. William Ermentrout, 
their father, was born December 12, 1799, and 
died Jan. 21, 1880. For many years he was 
engaged in the mercantile business at Reading 
and served as a member of the board of control 
of its public schools, as .school treasurer, and as 
treasurer of the county of Berks. 

The .sons of William Ermentrout, in addition 
to the three named, are William C, Benjamin 
F. (deceased), Philip M., Josepli C. and Dr. 
Samuel C. 

FOKEIGX MINISTERS. 

Hdx. Henry Auciu.sxrs Muhlexbkrg, 
clergj'man and Congressman, was born at Lan- 
caster, Pa., May l?>, 1782. He was the eldest 
son of Rev. Henry E. and grandson of Rev. 
Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, the American 
ancestor of the family, who emigrated from 
Saxony in 1741 as a missionary of the Lutheran 
Church to the German jwpulation of Pennsyl- 
vania. Rev. Henry E. was an erudite and pro- 
found scholar and theologian, a celebrated min- 
eralogist and botanist, and an author of so great 
repute in the latter science as to be characterized 
as the " LinniBUs of our country." So learned a 
man was he, and so happy in his instructions to 
his son, that the latter was most thoroughly 
and liberally educated, and it was deemed un- 
necessary to send him to college, as before the 
period of life at which young men most com- 
monly are matriculated at such an institution 
he had completed the usual collegiate course. 
In those days party spirit in tlie land was run- 
ning high, and his father's family and con- 
nections were all imbued with "Republican," 
or, as they were afterward termed, " Demo- 



cratic " principles. The odious " Alien and 
Sedition Laws " had been passed, and the Ger- 
mans of Penn.sylvauia were sorely harassed by 
their provisions, and many able men were en- 
gaged in opposing their spirit and endeavoring 
to .secure their repeal. 

Though but sixteen years of age, he was 
writing in defense of Jefferson and McKean, 
and his pen gave promise of the potent influ- 
ence which, in after-years, it was destined to 
wield over the German mind of his native 
State. According to the wishes of his father, 
he proceeded to New York to study theology 
under Rev. Dr. Kuiize, and, in 1802, having 
been duly licensed to preach, took charge of 
the congregation of German Lutherans in Read- 
ing, Pa., which he retained for twenty-seven 
years. During a greater part of this time he 
was a member of the Synod, and filled the 
offices of secretary, treasurer and finally, by 
unanimous election, that of president, to which 
he was subsequently re-elected as oflen and as 
long as the constitution would permit. 

As a pulpit orator he was celebrated. His 
great learning, his complete knowledge of this 
subject, his splendid rhetoric and profound 
logic combined to make in him one of the 
finest preachers of his chui'ch. His health be- 
coming impaired, he resolved to withdraw from 
ministerial duties and retire to a fiirni ; and no 
sooner did he signify his intention of so doing, 
than his fellow-citizens, who had long ad- 
mired his quiet and consistent support of Dem- 
ocratic principles, solicited him to rejjresent the 
district in Congress. In June, 1829, he re- 
signed his ministerial office, having during the 
preceding October been elected a Representa- 
tive in Congress. 

In December, 1829, he took his seat at 
Washington, and gave his support to the ad- 
ministration of President Jackson. The latter, 
as the leader of the Democratic jiarty, was 
attracted by the position assumed by Henry A. 
Muhlenberg, who, though he might have been 
deemed inexperienced in the forms of legisla- 
tion, was yet so thorough in his understanding 
of the measures proposed, and so energetic in 
the manner in which he advocated their adop- 
tion, that in the very outset of his Congres- 



POLITICS AND VIXIL LIST. 



515 



sional career he established an influence in the 
party which few men obtain after many years 
of service. 

His views on the tariff question were very 
moderate. He believed more in the perma- 
nency of the system than in the amount of pro- 
tection ; the latter to be purely incidental, and 
the adjustment of duties to be sucii as should 
furnish a revenue to defray the expenses of the 
government. 

Hewasopposed 
to the United 

States Bank, and i;ijj[i/° 

coincided in all 
the views hostile 
to that institution 
expressed by the 
President. It was 
he who, on the 
18th of Febru- 
ary, 1834, after 
more than two 
months of daily 
appeals on behalt 
«f the friends of 
the banks, moved 
the previous qni's 
tion, and, by the 
vote which wa- 
then taken settled 
forever its des- 
tiny. 

He continued 
for nine years his 
position as mem- 
ber of the House, 
and was indefati- 
gable in his duty 
to his constitu- 
ents and to his 

country. In 1 835 he was a candidate of a portion 
of the Democratic party for the Governorship 
of Pennsylvania, but was defeated. In 1836, 
when it seemed more than probable that each 
section of the party would nominate an electoral 
tick<'t, he induced his friends to give way and 
support the ticket already chosen. They did so, 
and ]Martin Van Buren was elected. In 1837 
the latter tendered him a seat in the Cabinet as 



iiiit'iriiiiiiiiSiiiiK::: 



Secretary of the Navy, and afterwards the 
Russian mission, both of which, for private 
reasons, he was obliged to decline. In 1838 he 
was named ambassador to Austria, was unani- 
mously confirmed, and remained at Vienna un- 
til the close of 1840. 

In 1844 he was nominated by the State Con- 
vention for the post of Governor, which he ac- 
cepted, but died suddenly on xVugust 11, 1844, 
two months prior 

' ililllllfl^ Mr. Muhlen- 

' "I berg was married 
twice : first to 
Elizabeth Hies- 
ter, a daughter of 
: Gov. Jos. Hiester 
y with whom he 
i| had one daughter 
l[ Mary Elizabeth, 
interman-iedwith 
E. Jonathan Dei- 
ninger; and then 
to Ilebecca Hies- 
I ter, also a daugh- 
' ter of Gov. Hies- 
'j ter, with whom he 
had six children, 
— Emma Eliza- 
j beth, Hiester H., 
Henry A., Em- 
ma Elizabeth, 
Rose Catharine 
and Henry A. 
His first wifedied 
!fii in 1806, and the 
second in 1841. 

J. Glancy 
Jones was born 
October 7, 1811, 
in Csernarvon township, Berks County. His 
ancestry were of Welsh origin. His great- 
grand-father, David Jones, settled in 1730 upon 
the Conestoga Creek, near Morgantown, and 
there he erected and carried on one of the first 
forges in that section of the State. His grand- 
father, Jonathan Jones, was captain of a com- 
pany of troops belonging to the Continental 
Line, enlisted by authority of Congress, and 




^i^^^^>^^^^^ 



516 



IILSTURY OF BEKKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



rendered diftinguished services in the expedition 
against Canada in 1776. Afterward he was 
lieutenant-colonel for a time. His death was 
occasioned by the hardships of that campaign. 
Jehu Jones, son of Jonathan and father of the 
subject of this sketch, was for many years en- 
gaged in the profession of a teacher, for which 
he was qualified by a classical education. He 
died in 1864, at an advanced age. 

J. Glancy Jones was educated at Kenyon 
College, Ohio, and in 18.33 was ordained to the 
ministry of the Protestant Episco])al Church, 
to which his family had for generations be- 
longed. His inclinations, however, led him to 
prefer the profession of the law; and having 
undergone the necessary course of preparation, 
he was admitted to the bar in 1839. He com- 
menced prac^tice in 1842, at Easton, Pennsyl- 
vania. The judicial district was composed at 
that time of the counties of Berks, Lehigh and 
Northampton, and was presided over by the 
Hon. John Banks. After a residence of three 
years at Easton he removed to Reading, and 
was admitted to the bar of Berks County Jan- 
uary 7, 1846. He was appointed district attor- 
ney for Berks County, under the administration 
of Governor Shunk, in March, 1847, and served 
in that capacity until January, 1849. Dui'ing 
that jieriod he was tendered by the Executive 
the president judgeship of the Chester and Del- 
aware Di.strict. 

Though successful in the practice of his pro- 
fession, he very early inclined to politics. Being 
a decided Democrat, he became active in the 
affairs of the dominant jiarty in his native 
county, as well as in the State at large. He 
was the warm personal friend and political sup- 
porter of Morris Ijongstreth, the unsuccessful 
competitor of Governor Johnston in 1848, and 
the following year was chairman of the Demo- 
cratic State Committee. In 1850 he was elected 
to Congress from tlie Berks District. Having 
declined a renomination, the Hon. Henry A. 
Muhlenberg, the younger, was chosen as his 
successor for the term beginning in December, 
1853. Mr. Muhlenberg having died shortly 
after taking his seat, a special election was held 
in February, 1854, to fill the vacancy, when 
Mr. Jones was chosen for the unexpired term. 



He was re-elected for two succeeding regular 
terms, in 1854 and 1856, thus holding the posi- 
tion of Representative, with but a brief inter- 
mission, for the period of eight years. As u 
member of the Committee on Claims, he was 
the author of the bill establishing the United 
States Court of Claims. In 1857, he was chair- 
man of the Committee of Ways and jMeans, a 
position of leadership which necessarily secui-ed 
for its incumbent a national reputation. 

After the election of Mr. Buchanan to the 
Presidency, in 1856, Mr. Jones was selected as a 
member of his Cabinet. This selection was rati- 
fied by the Democratic pre.ss and party through- 
out the country with great unanimity, but it awak- 
ened the l)itter hostility of certain political ene- 
mies of Mr. Jones in Pennsylvania. This local 
ho.stility, Mr. Buchanan thought, might endanger 
the harmony of the party in the State, and the 
success of his administration ; he therefore wrote 
to Mr. Jones, under date of February 17, 1857: 
"I have reserved the question of your aj>point- 
ment to a seat in the Cabinet until the latest 
hour, hoping, as I anxiously wished and desired, 
that public opinion in Penn.sylvania might jus- 
tify my choice;" but this opposition, he further 
wrote, '•' will deprive me of your valuable ser- 
vices in the cabinet. I have most reluctantly 
arrived at this conclusion." Two years later 
Mr. Buchanan wrote that he bitterly regretted 
this action. In February, 1857, he tendered to 
Mr. Jones the mission to Berlin. "It is my 
purpose," he wrote, " to present your name to 
the Senate for that highly respectable and im- 
portant mission immediately after my Cabinet 
shall have been confirmed. And permit me 
here to add that I think your mind and quali- 
ties are admirably adapted to that branch of the 
pul)lic service." This position Mr. Jones de- 
clined. He continued his service in Congress 
as Chairman of the Committee of Ways and 
Means, and was the zealous advocate and sup- 
porter of President Buclianan's administration 
on the floor of the House. 

In the year 1858 he was unanimously re- 
nominated . for Congress, his opponent being 
Major John Schwartz, the candidate of the Anti- 
Lecompton Democracy, which united with it 
the strength of the Republican party. 





^^^ 




POLITICS AND CI'S'IL LIST. 



517 



Mr. Jones, being the special representative 
of the policy of the federal administration, the 
contest in Berks, as elsewhere, was conducted 
lai'gely upon national issues. One of the most 
exciting campaigns in the history of the county 
ensued, which resulted in the election of Major 
John Schwartz by a majority of nineteen votes. 
The total vote in the district was upwards of 
fourteen thousand. Immediately after the result 
of the contest was known, President Buchanan 
tendered to Mr. Jones the Austrian mission, 
wliicli he accepted. Upon his confirmation by 
the Senate, he resigned his seat in Congress, 
and left, with his family, for his post in Janu- 
ary, 1859. Upon the accession of the Repub- 
lican party to power, in I86I, Mr. Burlingame 
was appointed by President Lincoln to succeed 
Mr. .Jones at the court of Vienna; but, having 
been almost immediately recalled, Mr. Jones, 
at the request of the administration, remained 
in tlie embassy until the arrival of his successor, 
Hon. .John Lothrop Motley, in the mouth of 
December. At the period of the outbreak of 
the Civil War in the United States the subject 
of tlie belligerent relations of the two contend- 
ing sections devolved duties of a peculiarly 
delicate and responsible nature upon our diplo- 
matic representatives abroad, and, so far as Mr. 
Jones' spiiere of service was concerned, he sus- 
tained his official trust in a manner highly 
satisfactory to the administration and the gov- 
ernment of his country. 

Upon his return home, where he arrived in 
January, 1862, the period of Mr. Jones' pub- 
lic lite practically terminated, though he did 
not cease to participate in the counsels of his 
party for many years afterward. He resumed 
the practice of the law, and carried it on for 
about ten years, when declining health com- 
pelleil him to retire from all employments of a 
pulilic nature. 

Mr. Jones was, for a long period, a promi- 
nent pei'son in the councils of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, having been frequently a 
delegate to diocesan conventions, and having 
taken a leading part in the measures which led 
to the establishment of the new diocese of Cen- 
tral Pennsylvania in 1871. During his entire 
political and professional career he preserved a 



character of unblemished integrity, and in his 
private relations to his fellow-men was equally 
above reproach. He had many warm and 
zealous friends, and succeeded, as few public 
men succeed, in preserving the personal esteem 
of his political opponents, against wdiom he 
never cherished animosity or resentment. He 
was well fitted to be a leader of men, and those 
who differed most radically with him in politi- 
cal opinion did not hesitate to acknowledge the 
winning power of his personal influence. He 
was a very social man. His domestic life w-as 
es]3ecially happy and attractive. His wife, 
Anna Rodman, a daughter of the Hon. Wil- 
liam Rodman, of Bucks County, formerly a 
representative of that district in Congress, was 
a lady of superior refinement and most estima- 
ble Christian character, and her decease, in 
1871, severed the ties of a peculiarly united 
and affectionate household. 

Mr. Jones died at Reading ISIarcli 24, 1878, 
in his sixty-seventh year, and upon that occa- 
sion the bar of the county united in a testimo- 
nial of marked respect to his memory and 
appreciation of his public .services. 

Two of his sons, Charles Henry and Rich- 
mond L. Jones, were admitted to the Berks 
County bar in 1863, having studied law in their 
father's office. The latter was a representative 
from the county in the Legislature from 1867 to 
1869, and the former became a resident and 
practitioner at the bar of Philadelphia. Mr. 
Jones' eldest daughter, Anna Rodman, married 
Farrelly Alden, of Pittsburgh, and died there 
in December, 1885. His youngest daughter, 
Catharine, married William Thomas Wallace, 
of Pittsburgh, Pa. 

•John ENOLitu was born March 30, 1819, 
near Darmstadt, in the Grand Duchy of Hesse- 
Darmstadt, Germany. He received the usual 
German common-school education, together 
with thorough musical instruction, from his 
fifth year, under some of the most famous mas- 
ters. In his sixteenth year he applied himself 
to the study of forestry, and when twenty 
years of age entered the government service of 
his native state in the department of forestry. 
Political affiliations rendering his continuance 
in that position irksome, he handed in his resig- 



518 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



nation in 1840, and immediately came to this 
country. He settled in Reading as a teacher of 
music, spent several years in Richmond, Va., 
in the same capacity, and returning to Reading, 
continued his profession with great success. In 
1845 he married Miss Emma N. Miller, 
daughter of Rev. Jacob Miller, D.D., of Read- 
ing. In 1852 he relin(|uished his musical pro- 
fession, and removed to a farm he had pur- 
chased in Alsace township, where he now re- 
sides. 

In politics, Mr. Endlich lias always been a 
consistent Democrat, serving repeatedly as 
delegate to local and State Conventions of that 
party. In 1857 President Buchanan apj)ointed 
him United States consul to Bale, Switzerland, 
whence he returned in 1861. In 1866 he took his 
family to Germany for the purpose of giving 
his sons the benefits of an education at German 
institutioufi. He returned in 1872 and was in- 
duced to employ his musical attainments, es- 
pecially in the line of sacred music, in the in- 
terest of the Lutheran Church, of which he is a 
member. During the course of the following 
year he published a choral book for services 
in the Lutheran Church, a collection for use in 
Sunday-schools, and a Liturgy, the musical 
work in all of which, including many original 
compositions, has received most flattering rec- 
ognition in this country and in Germany. Of 
his children, three are living, — Emma A. End- 
lich, authoress of several religious publica- 
tions ; Dr. F. M. Endlich, geologist and min- 
ing engineer ; and (t. a. Endlich, attorney-at- 
law. 

Henry M. Kkim, son of Hon. George M. 
Keim and Julia Mayer, his wife, was born at 
Reading, August 16, 1842. He attended the 
Pennsylvania ^Military Institute at Reading 
during its flourishing days, and then spent four 
years in the Reading High School, from which 
he was graduated in 1858, at the age of fifteen 
years, at the head of his class ; subsecpiently he 
took a regular course of study at the LTnion 
College, Schenectady, and Mas graduated in 
1862. He then studied law in the office of 
Jacob S. Livingood, Esq., at Reading, and was 
admitted to the bar August 7, 1865. 

In the fall of 1862 he enlisted as a pi'ivate 



in Company I, Eleventh Regiment Pennsyl- 
vania Militia, and was with the Pennsyl- 
vania division under Major-General Rey- 
nolds, who held the road to Hagers- 
town during the battle of Antietam. During 
the invasion of Pennsylvania by the rebels, 
in July, 1863, he enlisted in Company 
A, Fifty-third Regiment of the Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Militia, and was commissioned fir-^t 
lieutenant. Shortly after, having been mus- 
tered into service, he was detailed with certain 
other first lieutenants to pass an examination 
for the purpo.se of relieving Lieutenant Petriken, 
of the regular army, as ordnance officer of the 
Lehigh District, and being successful, he was 
appointed to this I'esponsible office by Major- 
General Franz Sigel. His company was mus- 
tered out of .><ervice in the latter part of 
August, 18()3, but he was retained in this po.si- 
tion. At the end of three months an applica- 
tion M'as made by him for his discharge, but 
General Sigel issued an ordi'r prohibiting him 
to be mustered out at that tinae ; and in a 
letter explanatory of his action in the matter, 
he said, — 

"It was absolutely necessary and in the interest of 
the service to retain Lieutenant Keim. No officer 
could be found at tbat time to act in the aforesaid 
capacity, and it would have been injurious to the 
service to discharge him after he had made himself 
acquainted ,with the duties involved in his office." 

His duties required much labor, and a gi'eat 
responsibility was connected with the office. 
Ordnance stores valued at over a million and a 
quarter of dollars were in his possession at one 
time, and he aided in arming and equi]iping 
twenty-seven thousand men for the military 
service. 

Mr. Keim was one of the last three city 
auditors of Reading, having .served for the 
year 1874-75, when that office was abolished by 
the new city charter of 1874, and the office 
of controller substituted. In 1875 he received 
the nomination of the Democratic jiarty for 
mayor of the city, but he was defeated. The 
city was then still Republican, the Republican 
party having elected this officer from 1873 to 
1879. And in 1876 he .served as chairman of 
the Democratic County Committee during the 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



519 



Tilden campaign, aud was cliairmau of the 
committee of arrangements during the great 
.Iul)ilee Festival of the party, at Reading, when 
a great parade was held, followed hy the roast- 
ing of two bntfaloes. 

Mr. Keim is at present holding a number of 
prominent positions of trust and responsibility. 
He was one of the managersof the Reading Iron- 
Works ; is a trustee of the Charles Evans 
Cemetery, a manager of the Reading Library 
and of the St. Luke's Hospital at Bethlehem, 
Pa. He has been a vestryman of Christ Epis- 
cojjal Church, Reading, for a number of years, 
his grandfather, George DeB. Keim, having 
been its first senior warden, when the parish 
was organized, in 1822, from old St. Mary's. 
He was a member of the committee who raised 
the endowment of the new diocese of Central 
Pennsylvania, was a delegate to tiie primary 
convention of the diocese, held at Harrisburg, 
in 1871, and served for five years on its stand- 
ing committee. 

In June, 1885, Mr. Keim was honored by 
tlic administration of President Cleveland with 
the appointment of consul to Prince Edward 
Island. He is now filling this appointment. 
He is the fourth person in the history of our 
county who has received a foreign appoint- 
ment from the national government. 

Mr. Keim was married, in 1867, to Emma E. 
Trexler, a daughter of Mi'. Horatio Trexler, for 
many years prominently identified with the iron 
industry of Berks County. 

DELEGATES AT CONVENTION OF 1776. 

Jacob Morgan was born in the northern 
part of Wales in 1716, emigrating thence with 
his father, Thomas Morgan, to Caernarvon town- 
ship about 1 780. Near the head-waters of the 
Conestoga, in the vicinity where Morgantown is 
situated, his father took up a large tract of land. 
He and David Jones were the most prominent 
settlers of that section of the county, they lo- 
cating there about the time that the Indians 
moved northwardly towards and beyond the 
Blue Mountain. During the Frencli and In- 
dian War, Jacob Morgan served as a ca|)tain in 
the provincial .service, having been commission- 
ed December 5, 1 755 ; and four years afterward 
he held the same commission in the regiment 



of Pennsylvania troops. He was one of the 
justices of the county for many years, 1768 to 
1769, and 1772 to and beyond 1784, possibly 
till 1791. He represented the county at the 
Provincial Conferenceof 1 776, and the Constitu- 
tional Convention of the same year. Vov a 
time he was colonel of abattalion of Associators, 
and afterward held the command of all the 
troops raised in the county. 

During the years 1777 and 1778 he was a 
member of the Executive Council of the State, 
and of the Council of Safety from October 17, 
1777, to December 4th following. In April, 1780, 
he received the appointment of assistant forage- 
master, which he held for .some time. He died 
at Morgantown on Nov. 11, 1792, aged seventy- 
six years, and his body was buried in the grave- 
yard of St. Thomas' Episcopal Church, adjoining 
the village. He laid out the town-plan of 
Morgantown about the year 1770 and named 
the place after his family. 

Gabriei- Hiestku, a son of Daniel Hiester 
and Catharine Shueler (natives of Witzeusteiii, 
Westphalia), was born in Bern township Jtuie 
17, 1749. He was brought up as a farmer, re- 
ceiving such an education as the neighborhood 
afforded at the Bern church school. During the 
Revolutionary excitement he was selected as one 
of the re])resentatives from Berks County to the 
Provincial Convention for the formation of a 
State Constitution. This was in July, 1776. 
In 1778 he received the appointment of justice 
of the Common Pleas Court of the county, which 
he held for four years. Then he was elected to 
the Assembly, and represented the county in 
this legislative body for eight years, at dif- 
ferent times— 1782, 1787-89, 1791 and 1802 
-04. During this time (in 1789) he was in the 
Assembly when the question of framing a new 
Constitution was discussed, but he voted against 
the propriety of calling a convention for this 
purpose. He was Senator from the district 
which comprised Berks and Dauphin Counties 
for ten years— 1795-96 and 1805-12. 

This continued selection by his fellow-citizens 
indicated their confidence in him as a man of 
ability and integrity. He died on his farm, in 
Bern township, on September 1, 1824, aged over 
seventy-five years. He was a brother of Colonel 



520 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Daniel Hiester (of Montgomery County), Col- 
onel John Hiester (of Chester County) and a 
cousin of Governor Joseph Hiester (of this 
county). His wife was Elizabeth Bausman, 
who survived him eight years, dying in the 
eighty-first year of her age. 

John Lesiier vva.s a native of Germany. He 
was born January 5, 1711. He emigrated to 
Pennsylvania iu 1734, and was naturalized in 
1743. He first settled in the upper section of 
Bucks County, but subseipiently removed 
to Oley township. Along the ]\Ianata\vny 
Creek, near the Oley churches, he, with 
two other men (John Yoder and John Ross), 
erected a forge in 1744. This was known 
as the " Oley Forge." From that time, for a 
period of fifty years, he was prominently iden- 
tified with the iron industry of Berks County. 
He represented the county in the Constitutional 
Convention of 1776, and served in the General 
Assembly from 1776 till 1782, a period of six 
years. Whilst iu the convention he was one of 
the important committee who prepared and re- 
ported the " Declaration of Rights." During 
the Revolution he acted as one of the commis- 
sioners for purchasing army supplies, having re- 
ceived his appointment on January 20, 1778. 
He died in Oley township April 5, 1794, aged 
eighty-three years. 

Bex-jamix Si'YKER was born in the Palati- 
nate about the year 1723. His father, John 
Peter Spyker, emigrated to Pennsylvania iu 
1 738, landing at the port of Philadelphia and 
proceeding thence shoitly afterward to Tulpe- 
hocken township, where a large tract of land 
was taken up and a ])ermanent residence ef- 
fected. In 1744 he was licensed to carry on 
the business of an Indian trader ; and subse- 
quently he enlisted in the " French and Indian 
War " — his business having been destroyed by 
the rupture between the settlers and the Indians. 
During this trying period he wrote a number 
of important letters in reference to the cruelties 
of the Indians and the suffering of the people. 
He was a neighbor and intimate associate of 
Conrail Weiser. At the beginning of the 
Revolution he assisted in organizing the Asso- 
ciators of the county and preparing them for 
active military service. In 1776 he represent- 



ed the county in the Provincial Conference and 
in the Constitutional Convention. He also 
served the office of justice of the peace for 
many years in Tulpehocken township, his dis- 
trict comprising the western section of the 
county, and there he commanded a strong .social 
and political influence. He died iu September, 
1 802, aged nearly eighty years. 

Daniel HuxxEE.^The parents of Daniel 
Hunter were emigrants from Germany who 
were amongst the early settlers of Oley town- 
ship. Their name was Yaeger ; but it was 
changed to English by requirement of a provin- 
cial law. He was born in this township about the 
year 1729. At the bi-eaking out of the Revo- 
lution he manifested an earnest interest in pub- 
lic affairs. His prominence and boldness led 
to his selection as a representative man from 
the county to the Provincial Conference in 
June, 1776, and to the convention in .July fol- 
lowing. In the next year the War Office of 
Penn.sylvania appointed him to act as one of the 
commissioners to procure blankets for the Con- 
tinental army, and also as a paymaster of the 
militia. He represented the county in the 
General A.ssembly for the year 1782. Whilst 
serving this office he was taken ill, and from 
this illness he died at home in Fel)ruary, 1783, 
aged fifty-four years. 

Valentixe Eckert was born in Longaselva, 
in the Kingdom of Hanover, in 1733. He came 
to America with his parents in 1740, who set- 
tled in the Tulpehocken Valley at a point to 
the east of where Womeksdorf is now situnte. 
He was naturalized in September, 1761. In 
June, 1 776, he was one of the ten members of 
the Provincial Conference who represented 
Berks County iu that important body ; and in 
July following he was also .selected as one of 
the eight members to represent the county iu 
the Provincial Convention which was assembled 
for the purpose of framing a new government 
founded on the authority of the people. In 
1776 and 1779 he represented the county in the 
Provincial Assembly. He offered his services 
to the government in the Revolutionary War, 
which were accepted, and he commanded a com- 
pany of cavalry Associatoi"s for a time. He and 
his company participated in the battle of Ger- 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



521 



mautown iu October, 1777, where he was 
wounrled. He was appointed sub-lieutenant of 
the county on March 21,1777, and served in 
tin's office till his promotion to lieutenant of 
the county in January, 1781. 

Wiiilst serving as sub-lieutenaut he also 
acted as a commissioner for the purchase of army 
priivisiiius. In 1784 he was appointed judge of 
the Coni-t of Common Pleas of the county and 
occupied this office for a term of seven years, 
when, by the Constitution of 1790, a president 
judge of all the courts was appointed to take 
the place of the several judges. In the Penn- 
sylvania militia he was brigade inspector for the 
county from April 11, 1793, for a period of 
twenty years. About the year 1816 he moved 
to the State of Virginia and died at Winchester 
in December, 1821, in the eighty-eighth year 
of his age. 

C'harles iShoemaker was born at (icnnan- 
town about the year 173o. His grandfather 
emigrated to this country with Pastorious and 
settled in the vicinity of Germantown. At an 
early age, about the year 1765, he moved to 
Windsor township ' and took up a considerable 
(|uantity of land. He exerted a large influence 
in politics and business in the upper section of 
the county. He represented the county as a 
member in the Provincial Conference and also 
in the Constitutional Convention of 1776. In 
1777 he was appointed as one of the justices of 
the county for seven years, and at the expiration 
of his term he was i-c-appointed, serving doubt- 
less till the adoption of the Constitutiou of 1790. 
The State Assembly, in December, 1777, ap- 
pointed and empowered him to solicit and take 
subscriptions for tlie Continental Loan, this 
service having required a large measure of 
ability to conduct the duties of the office with 
success. He succeeded in obtaining a consider- 
able amount of subscriptions from various citi- 
zens of the county. At the close of the war 
much loss wassutJercd by farmers and merchants 
from non-redemption of these loans. The 
people exhibited their patriotism to the country 
by lending their aid in its extremity. 



'In lower section on Si/liuylkil 
named after liiin. 



Slioeiniikeisvil e was 



In November, 1777, he acted as one of the 
commissioners who assembled at New Haven, 
in Connecticut, to regulate the price of commod- 
ities iu the colonies. 

He represented the coimty in the (leneral 
Assembly for twelve years — 1792 to 1801, in 
1810 and in 1812 ; and in the Senate for one 
term of four years — 1813 to 1816. He lived a 
retired life for several years, and then died in 
April, 1820. 

Thomas Jones, Jr., was the son of Thomas 
Jones, one of the earliest Welsh settlers in 
Cumru township, having taken up land there in 
1735. He was born in 1742 in this town- 
ship. At the beginning of the Revolution he 
assisted in organizing the Associators of Berks 
Count}', and he was in active service for a time 
as a major in one of the battalions of the county. 
He was a member of the First Constitutional 
Convention from Berks County. He died in 
March, 1800, aged fifty-eight years. His resi- 
dence was in Heidelberg township. 

DELEGATES AT CONVENTION OP 1789. 

Joseph Hiester. — (For sketch, see State 
Officials.) 

Gabriel Hiester. — (Sketch ante.) 
Daniel Brodhead. — (For sketch, see Chap- 
ter IX., " Revolution.") 

DELEGATES TO CONVENTION OP 1887. 

John Ritper. — (For sketch, see Chapter 
XVII., on Newspapers.) 

Georoe'M. Keim. — (For sketch, see Chap- 
ter XIX., on Politics.) 

William High. — (For sketch, see Chapter 
XX., Judges. 

Mark Darrah. — (For sketch, see Chapter 
XXI., on Medical Profession.) 

James Donacjan. — (For sketch, see Chapter 
XX., on Attorneys.) 

DELEGATES TO CONVENTION OF 1872. 

George G. Barclay. — (For sketch, see 
Chapter XX., on Attorneys.) 

Hexry W. Smith. — (For sketch, sec Chap- 
ter XX., on Attorneys.) 

Henry Van Reed. — (For sketch, see Chap- 
ter XX., on Judges). 



522 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



STATE OFFICIALS. 

Joseph Hiester was born in Bern town- 
ship, Berks Connty, on November 18, 1752. 
His father, John Heister, emigrated to this 
country in 1732 in the twenty-fifth year of his 
age, from the village of Elsoff, in the province 
of AYestphalia, Germany. Some years after- 
ward, he settled in Bern township, where he 
was then married to ]\Iary Barbara Epler, a 
daughter of one 
ofthe first settlers 
in that section of 
the county. He 
and his two bro- 
thers, Joseph and 
Daniel (who emi- 
grated in 1738), 
took up large 
tracts of land 
comprising sev- 
eral thousand 
acresand extend- 
ing from the Bern 
church to the Tul- 
pehockeu Creek, 
and there they 
carried on farm- 
ing. He died in 
1757, aged fifty 
years. His wife 
was born in 17.'>2; 
and she died in 
1809. The re- 
mains of both 
were buried in the 
graveyard api>ur- 
tenant to the 
Bern church. 

Joseph Hiester 



^/:^^^/l^ 



was brought up '" 

on the farm till 

he was a young man. It is said that he at 
times related his early experience at plowing — 
how lie was put to the plow so young that when 
it struck a stump or stone, and was thereby 
thrown from the furrow, he was not able to re- 
place it till it had run a considerable distance; 
and when caught in a root its rebound would 
occasionally throw him prostrate. In the inter- 



vals of farm labor he attended the school whicl* 
was conducted at the Bern church, and there 
acquired the rudiments of an English and also 
a German education. The homestead was situ- 
ated about a mile uorthwardly from the church. 
He removed to Reading before he was of age, 
and entered the general store of Adam Witman. 
Whilst in the employ of Mr. Witman he be- 
came acquainted with his daughter Elizabeth, 
and he was mar- 
ried to her in 
1771. He con- 
tinued with liis 
father-in-law till 
the jireaking out 
of the Revolu- 
tion. Then appre- 
ciating the spirit 
of the people for 
independence, he 
took an active 
]>art in discussing 
tiie principles of 
the Federalist 
party, and in en- 
couraging the en- 
listment of men 
for military ser- 
vice. He raised 
a company of 
eighty men in 
July, 177(] which 
became a part of 
the " Flying 
Camp "' and par- 
ticipated in the 
l)attle of Long 
Island.' He was 
taken ])ri.soner in 
tliis engagement 
and confined on 
the notorious prison-sliip " Jersey " for a time, 
and was afterward imprisoned in New York. 
Whilst a pri.soner in the latter place he was 
taken sick with a low fever, and became so 
feeble that in passing up and down-stairs he 
was obliged to creep on his hands and knees- 




'See Chap. ix. Revolution. 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



52:i 



He and the other meu imprisoned endured 
many hardship;* and much suffering. After 
having been held in prison several mouths he 
was exchanged. He proceeded immediately to 
Reading, and remained at home only a short 
time, sufficient to regain his health and strength, 
when he again joined the army, which lay 
towards Philadelphia. He returned in time to 
participate in the battle of Germantown. In 
this engagement he received a wound on his 
head. He continued in active service till the 
close of the war. A record of his services, or 
of his company, unfortunately, has not been pre- 
served. 

His earnest participation in the public meet- 
ings at Reading, which encouraged revolu- 
tion, led to his selection as one of the ten dele- 
gates from Berks County to the conference held 
at Pliiladelphia on June ] 8, 1776, which decided 
that a Provincial Convention should be cxdled on 
July 1 5, 1 776, for the express purpose of " form- 
ing a new government in this province on the 
authority of the people only." His first cousin, 
Gabriel Hiester, w\as elected as one of the eight 
delegates to this convention, but he himself be- 
came engaged in the military service of his 
country. 

Upon his return from the Revolution he 
entered into partnership with his father-in-law, 
Adam Witman, in the mercantile business, and 
some years afterward became the sole proprietor 
of the store. He conducted his business ojiera- 
tions very successfully for a number of years. 
Public affairs also received much of his atten- 
tion, not only relating to political government, 
but also to the development of Reading and the 
county by internal improvement. Four years 
after his return he was elected one of the mem- 
bers of the General Assembly from Berks 
County, and re-elected twice, continuing in this 
office for three years, — from 1787 to 1790. He 
was a member of the General Assembly when 
that body ratified the Constitution of the 
United States, which went into operation in 
March, 1789 ; and also when it decided that 
alterations and amendments to the Constitution 
of 1776 were necessary, and that a convention 
for that purpose should be called. He was 
chosen one of the delegates to the Constitution- 



al Convention of 1789, having been the first on 
list of delegates from Berks County, and ho 
assisted in framing the Constitution of 1790. 
After serving in this representative capacity, he 
was chosen the first State Senator from this dis- 
trict for one term of four years, — from 1790 to 
179-t. In 1797 he was elected to represent 
Berks County in Congress, succeeding his fii-st 
cousin, Daniel Hiester, who had held this office 
for the first four terms, from 1789 to 1797, 
under the national Constitution, and he was^ 
continued as the representative for five terms, 
from 1797 to 1807. After an intermission of 
eight years — wliich he devoted entirely to busi- 
ness at Reading — he was again sent to Congress 
in 1815 and re-elected twice. Whil^t holding 
this office he was ])rominently identified with 
the political affiiirs of Pennsylvania, so much so 
that in 1817 he became the nominee of tlie 
Federalist party for Governor. Though not 
elected then, his great popularity was shown in 
the flattering vote which he received. 

He was the first candidate on the Federal 
tif'ket who received a majority of the votes in 
the county of Berks against the Democratic 
candidate, and also in the southeastern section 
of the State, which comprised eleven very pop- 
ulous and influential counties. The party 
naturally selected him in 1820 a second time 
as the most available candidate, and he was 
elected. This was a great victory for him, but 
especially for his party, inasmuch as he was 
the first successful candidate which the Feder- 
alists had placed in the field against the Demo- 
crats. The political returns show his increased 
popularity. The majority against him at the 
election of 1817 was 7005, but the majority for 
him at the election of 1820, notwithstanding 
that his opponent on the Democratic ticket had 
been Governor for the previous three years, 
was 1605. A careful study of the election 
returns reveals the fact, however, that the de- 
votion of the j)eople of Berks County to him 
caused his election. Theretofore the county had 
always been Demcjcratic by a sure, if not a 
large, majority, and if it had continued stead- 
fast to the Democratic party in 1820 he would 
certainly have been defeated. The county is 
therefore entitled to the greater part of the 



524 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



credit for his election.^ Having been elected to 
tills position, he resigned his seat in Congress. 
He iiad been induced by his personal and po- 
litical friends to become a candidate for this 
office upon the express condition that he would 
serve only one terra, and notwithstanding his 
successful administration and a great pressure 
from partisans and many friends to be a candi- 
date for re-election, he resolutely refused to 
permit the use of his name. 

Tiie administration of Governor Hiester was 
characterized by great activity in promoting 
the gi'owth of the commonwealth, especially 
through internal improvements. Political con- 
tests were conducted in that period with great 
bitterness. Harsh criticisms were made against 
those who occupied prominent positions and 
directed public affairs. The administration of 
his immediate predecessor, Governor Findlay, 
was condemned without measure. The con- 
demnation was so furious that it made a deep 
impression upon Governor Hiester, so deep, 
indeed, that lie was led to refer to it in his in- 
augural address. Among other things, he 
said, — "But I trust, if any errors sliall be 
committed, they will not be chargeable to 
intention. Tliey will owe their origin to the 
imperfection of our nature and the narrow 
limits of human foresight. They will not j^ro- 
ceed from a willful neglect of duty on my part, 
nor from any want of devotion to the best in- 
terests of our beloved country. Such errors, I 
may justly hope, will meet with Indulgence 
from an enlightened and liberal people. Where 
censure shall, upon a full and impartial view 
of matters, be merited, let it not be withheld. 
It is the duty of freemen to examine closely 
into the conduct of those to whom they have 
delegated their power, or the guardianship of 
their rights and interests, to censure the abuse 
'of the one, or the neglect or mismanagement of 
the other. Considering myself as elected by 
the people of this commonwealth, and not by 
any particular denomination of persons, I shall 
endeavor to deserve the name of chief magis- 
trate of Pennsylvania, and to avoid the dis- 



' His election was celebrated by a grand festival at Read- 
ing. (See Chap. six. — Politics). 



graceful appellation of the Governor of a 
party." 

The great patronage at the disposal of the 
executive had become very troublesome. This 
was particularly experienced by Governor Find- 
lay, and Governor Hiester, knowing this, asked 
the Legislature to devise some method by which 
the Governor could be relieved. He also sug- 
gested that the annual sessions of the Legisla- 
ture might be shortened without detriment to 
the public good, that public improvements 
could then be made advantageously and domestic 
manufactures encouraged with success, and that 
there existed an imperative duty to introduce 
and suiiport a liberal system of education, con- 
nected with some general religious instruction. 

During the session of 1822 the city and 
county of Lancaster were erected into a school 
district, called the Second, the First having been 
the city and county of Philadelphia, erected in 
1819. According to his sentiments, expressed 
to the Legislature, Governor Hiester in every 
possible way encouraged the system of free 
education ; but a decade elapsed after his term 
before the system was perfected sufficiently by 
legislation to make it effective. And whilst 
Governor Hiester occupied the gubernatorial 
chair the State capital was removed from Lan- 
caster to Harrisburg. The building was begun 
in 1819 and finished in 1821, and the General 
Assembly convened in it for the first time on 
January 3, 1822. The capital had been at 
Lancaster since 1799, and previously at Phila- 
delphia. 

In his last annutd message to the Legislature 
Governor Hiester expressed many sentiments 
which indicated his strong love for the State 
and his zeal for her welfare and jirogress, con- 
cluding it as follows : 

" Having been for nearly fifty years occasion- 
ally engaged in various highly responsible situ- 
ations in the service of my country, and having 
witnessed its progress from colonial vasstdage to 
independence and sovereignty, it is with most 
sincere pleasure that, on quitting the theatre of 
action, I ciin congratulate you and our fellow- 
citizens at large on the propitious situation in 
which it is now placed; and I avail my.self of 
the occasion it affords me of repeating my fer- 



J'OLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



525 



vent prayers to the Almighty Ruler of the 
Universe, under whose superintending influence 
it has attained its present eminence, that he 
may continue to cherish it with his foster- 
ing care, preserving its citizens in the free en- 
joyment of their just rights and republican in- 
stitutions, until all earthly governments shall 
be terminated by the consummation of time." 

Upon the expiration of his term of office he 
lived in retirement at Reading. His residence 
was situated on the northern side of Penn 
Street, midway between Fourth and Fifth 
Streets.^ The dwelling consisted of a two-story 
brick building, with a large frame stable on the 
rear of the lot. He owned a number of farms 
in Alsace (now Muhlenberg), Cumru and Bern 
townships, and also tracts of woodland on 
Mount Penn, altogether numbering nearly two 
thousand acres, seven prominent business stands 
and dwellings in Reading, valued at over fifty 
thousand dollars, and also out-lots. He occu- 
pied and farmed the out-lots for his own use, 
and kept horses and cows — a custom carried on 
by the more prominent inhabitants of Reading 
in order to supply their fiimilies with vegeta- 
bles. 

He frequently visited his farms. Upon one 
occasion, about 1825, he called to see John 
Sailor, who was farming the three hundred and 
twelve acre farm on the Kutztown road, at 
" Hiester's Ijane " (now in North Reading, and 
owned by the Philadelphia and Reading Rail- 
road Company). Finding Mr. Sailor on the 
barn-floor, threshing grain with a flail, he 
pulled off' his coat and handled the flail, not 
only vigorously but successfully. During his 
youth he was recognized as an accomplished 
workman at all kinds of farm labor. When 
Mr. Sailor reached an advanced age and lived 
in retirement, he narrated this circumstance 
with much pleasure. 

Governor Hiester was a man of commanding 
presence and pleasing address. He was about 
six feet tall and weighed about two hundred 
pounds. His manners were simple and unas- 
suming, so much so, indeed, for a man of his 



' On the western half of lot No. 30 
occupied by Tobias Barlo, No. 437. 



town phin, nov 



high station and large means, that the people 
of this community were thereby most favorably 
impressed. The men of to-day, now old and 
gray, who then were boys at Reading, recall 
him with pleasure and speak of him in the 
highest terms of respect. And just as tliey 
speak of him so do they also speak of his wife. 
He was a member of the Reformed Church. 
His wife died June 11, 1825, aged seventy-five 
years, two months and nine days. He died 
seven years afterward, June 10, 1832, in the 
home which he had occupied for two-score 
of years, aged seventy-nine years, six months 
and twenty-two clays. His remains were buried 
in the burying-ground of the Reformed Church. 
The funeral was conducted without display of 
any kind, according to the known wishes of the 
Governor ; but though the occasion was not sig- 
nalized by a great military parade and other 
demonstrations of respect, because they were 
declined by the family, a great many j)eople 
nevertheless assembled to witness the simple 
ceremonies which were performed in carrying 
to the grave him who had occupied for over 
fifty years the most prominent positions before 
them. Some years afterward the remains of 
the Governor and his wife were removed t(j the 
Charles Evans Cemetery. 

He left an estate which amounted to four 
hundred and sixty-eight thousand dollars. 
The greater part consisted of bonds and stocks 
- — the latter having included, it is believed, 
fifty thousand dollars in the United States 
Bank. His surviving children and grand- 
children were a SQn, John S. Hiester ; two 
daughters, Catharine Spayd (widow of Hon. 
John Spayd) and Rebecca Muhlenberg (inter- 
married with Rev. Henry A. Muhlenberg) ; a 
granddaughter, Mary E. Muhlenberg (the 
daughter of Mary Heister, who was intermar- 
ried with Rev. Henry A. Muhlenberg) ; and 
seven grandchildren, the children of Elizabeth 
Hiester, who was intermarried with Levi Paul- 
ing, namely — Joseph Pauling, Henry Pauling, 
Elizabeth Pauling (intermarried with Thomas 
Ross), James Pauling, Rebecca Pauling, Ellen 
Pauling and Mary Pauling. 

Governor John Andrew Shi-lze, though 
not elected Governor from Berks County, his 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



birtli and earlier life in the county entitle him 
to a place in this history. 

John Andrew Sliulze was born in Tulpe- 
hocken township, Berks County, on July 19, 
1775. He was the son of Rev. Christian 
Shulze, a Lutheran clergyman. His mother was 
Eve Elizabeth Muhlenberg, the oldest daughter 
of Rev. Heury Melchior Muhlenberg. He was 
liberally etlucated for the ministry, and regu- 
larly ordained as a miuister in 1796, and he 
assi.-^ted his lather for eight yeare in the dis- 
charge of pastoral duties to several congregations 
in Bei-ks, Lebanon and Lancaster Counties. 
Owing to a rheumatic affection, he, in 1804, was 
obliged to relinquish preaching. He then 
moved to Myerstown, then in Dauphin County, 
and pursued the business of merchant. In 
1.S06 he was elected a member of the State 
Legislature, and afterward twice re-elected, 
serving his constituents with distinction for 
three terms. In 1813, ujion the erection of 
Lebanon County, he was appointed to fill the 
office of prothonotary, in which he continued 
for eight years. In 1821 he was again elected 
to the Legislature, and, in 1822, he was chosen 
Senator, to represent the Senatorial district 
composed of Dauphin and Lebanon Counties. 
Whilst serving as a Senator he received the 
Democratic nomination for Governor, and was 
electetl by a majority of twenty-five thousand 
seven hundred and six over Andrew Gregg, the 
Federal candidate; and, in 1826, he was re- 
elected Governor with little opposition, the 
Federal party having run John Sergeant against 
him. Iu.1829 he was again brought out as a 
candidate, but, for the sake of harmony in the 
party, he withdrew, and George Wolf was nom- 
inated and elected. ^Miilst acting as Governor 
he had the honor of tendering the courtesies 
of the State to General Lafayette, who was 
then upon his celebrated tour through the 
country. His administration of the affairs of 
the State government during his official career 
was distinguished for integrity, wisdom and 
statesmanship. 

During President Jackson's opposition against 
the Bank of the L^nited States, Governor Shulze 
left the Democratic party. But he was not ac- 
tive in political life after his retirement from 



the office of Governor, excepting upon one 
occasion, in 1840, when he was a member of 
the Harrisburg Whig Convention, which nom- 
inated General Harrison for President. In 
this connection he ran as a Senatorial elector upon 
the Harrison ticket, and was elected, and after- 
ward officiated as president of the State Elec- 
toral College. 

Upon retiring from office he removed to 
Lycoming County, where he continued to re- 
side till 1846. During that period he was en- 
gaged in certain extensive speculations in this 
great and enterprising county, but he was not 
successful in them. Then lie moved to Lanca.s- 
ter, where he continued to reside till his death, 
November 18, 1852. He was a superior man, 
and he enjoyed the high esteem of his fellow- 
citizens for his many excellent personal and social 
characteristics. He was one of the few really 
prominent men whom this county produced. 
His predecessor in the gubernatorial chair ot 
this State was .Joseph Hiester, who was elected 
to this high office from Berks County. 

Frederick Smith, one of the most distin- 
guished men that Berks County has produced, 
was born in tlie year 1773, and was a .son of 
Rev. Joini Frederick Smith, an eminent divine 
of the Lutheran Church in Pennsylvania, and 
one of the pioneers of that denomination in 
America. Frederick Smith obtained a su- 
perior classical education, and, selecting the law 
a.s his profession, after a careful preparation, was 
admitted to the bar at Reading August 7, 1795. 
He soon thereafter won prominence and dis- 
tinction, both as a counselor and as an attorney 
in important litigation. In the mean time he 
became actively interested in the politics of his 
native State, and was a member of the Legisla- 
ture for two years — 1802-3. He was appointed 
deputy attorney-general for Berks County in 
1818, and occupied that position for three 
years. 

He served from 1823 to 1828 as attorney- 
general of Pennsylvania, under Governor An- 
drew Shulze, by whom he was appointed as- 
sociate justice of the Supreme Court of the 
State in 1828, which position he filled uutil the 
time of his death. His judicial career, though 
brief, was distinguLsheil. His decisions are 



POLITICS AND VIXIL LIST, 



527 



cited as emphatic expositions of the law, aud are 
<'liaracterized by clearness and loo:ical force of 
reasoning. Besides possessing superior liter- 
<ir_v and professional ability, he was a man of 
genial spirits and affable manners, thus winning 
to him in social circles a large number of inti- 
mate friends. 

Judge Smith died iu Reading on Tuesday, 
October 4, 18.'50. He had returned to his home 
and family apparently in good health, and his 
heart buoyant with joy, only the evening be- j 
fore his sudden and unexpected death. Having 
Just finished his evening repast, he was stricken 
<lown with a fatal malady, from which he suf- I 
f'ered but a few hours. His remains were in- 
terred in the cemetery of the Roman Catholic j 
Church, but have since been removed to the 
Charles Evans Cemetery. The members of the 
Reading bar called a meeting, of which Marks 
John Biddle was chairman and David F. Gor- 
ilou secretary, and passed resolutions com- 
mendatory of his life and character. 

A meeting of the Philadelphia bar, held iu 
tlie Law Library of that city, adopted appro- 
priate resolutions in testimony of his high 
character and his distinguished ability. Of this 
meeting AVilliam Rawle was chairman and T. 
L. Wharton secretary. 

Gabriel Hiester, a son of Hon. Gabriel 
Hiester, a prominent representative man of 
Berks County, was born in Bern township Jan- 
uary 5, 1779. He was given a good English 
and German education, and his youth was spent 
on his father's farm. His father having taken 
an active and very successful jiart iu our local 
politics, he naturally exhibited the same spirit 
at an early age. By appointment from the Gov- 
ernor, he was prothonotary of the county from 
1809 to 1817, and clerk of the Quarter Sessions 
from 1809 to 1812 and 1814 to 1817, and asso- 
ciate judge from 1819 to 1823. During the War 
of 1812-15 he served as brigade-major under 
General William Addams, of Berks County, 
in the campaign at Washington and Baltimore. 
He served as a Presidential elector in 1817 and 
in 1821, casting his ballot upon both occasions 
for James Monroe. Governor Andrew Shulze 
appointed him surveyor-general of the State on 
IMay 11, 1824, when he removed to Harris- 



burg, and he officiated iu that position for six 

years. 

Whilst at Harrisbnrg he became interested iu 
the iron business, and erected the first rolling- 
mill in that vicinity, at Fairview, on the Cone- 
doguinet, and he continued actively engaged in 
it till his decea.se. He died there on September 
14, 1834. He was married, in 1803, to Mary 
Otto, a daughter of Dr. John Otto, of Reading. 
She died in 1853. They had the following child- 
ren : Louisa, Harriet (intermarried with C. B. 
Bioren), Augustus O., Gabriel and Catharine. 

Jacob Sall.\de, a son of Andreas Sallade 
and Eva {m'e Schmidt), his wife, was born at 
Womelsdorf (IMiddletown) July 13, 1789, and 
there educated. He was employed for a time as 
clerk in the general store of a brother of (gov- 
ernor J. A. Shulze, at that place, and also offici- 
ated as a justice of the peace. In 1824 he re- 
ceived from Goveruor Shulze (with whom he 
was upon intimate terms, having beeu brought 
up together in the same town) the appointment 
of clerk of the Orphans' Court and clerk of the 
court of (Quarter Sessions, and then he removed 
to Reading. He held these offices for three 
years, after which he filled the office of prothon- 
otary for three years — from 1826 to 1829 — by 
appointment also from Governor Shulze. Dur- 
ing the next ten years he Mas engaged in the 
business of general merchandise at Reading, 
and he also served as a justice of the peace for 
a time. 

In 1839 Governor Joseph Ritner appointed 
him surveyor-general, and he continuetl to serve 
in this position for six years. During that time 
he resided at Harrisbnrg, aud he died there 
shortly after his term expired. His remains 
were brought to Reading and buried in Charles 
Evans' Cemetery. He was a man of fine per- 
sonal appearance, and enjoyed much popularity 
during his official career. 

He was married to Susanna flayer, with 
whom he had issue seven children — Maria 
Catharine, Andrew M. (an attorney at Reading), 
Charles IM., Sarah, Susanna, Rebecca and Jacob 
M. (an attorney at Reading). 

JoHX Baxks, a State treasurer during the 
year 1847. (For sketch see biographies of Presi- 
dent Judges.) 



528 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAMA. 



William Strong, LL.D., associate judge 
of tlie Supreme Court of the United States 
until the time of his vohmtary retirement, at tlie 
age of seveuty yeai's, was boru at Somers, 
Conn., May (5, 1808, and is the son of the 
Rev. William L. Strong, an eminent Presby- 
terian clergyman and graduate of Yale College. 
His preparatory education was acquired at tiie 
Munson Academy, Massachusetts, and M-hen 
sixteen years of age he entered the freshman 
class at Yale College, from which institution lie 
was graduated in 1828, with honor to himself 
and the institntion. He subsequently taught a 
classical and mathematical school, occupying his 
leisure hours in the study of the law and so 
continued until Februaiy, 1832, when he en- 
tered the Law Department of Yale College. 
In the following month of October he was ad- 
mitted to the bar of the Superior Court of C!on- 
nectieut, and shortly afterward he was admitted 
to practice in the District Court and Court of 
Common Pleas of the city and county of Phila- 
delphia. On November 17th of the same year 
he opened a law-oftice in Reading and made 
that place his residence. In political faith he 
was a Democrat of the old school and as such 
was several times elected a member of the City 
Councils of Reading and also one of the control- 
lers of the public schools. In 1846 he was 
elected as representative of the Eighth District 
in the Congress of the United States, and was 
re-elected in 1848. He served ou several im- 
portant committees and was chairman of the 
Committee on Elections. In 1850 he declined 
a re-election and returned to the jjractice of his 
profession. In 1857 he was elected by tne 
people of tlie commonwealth a judge of the 
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania for the term of 
fifteen years, but resigned his position on the 
bench October 1, 18G8, and returned to prac- 
tice his profession at Philadelphia. On Febru- 
ary 18, 1870, he was ajipointed by President 
Grant an associate justice of the Supreme 
Court of the United States, which high position 
he held till 1878, when he was retired under tiie 
act of Congress. 

While a resident of Reading he was for many 
years a director of the Farmers' Bank, as ^\■ell 
as a director of the Lebanon Valley Railroad. 



He was counsel for the Philadelphia and Read- 
ing Railroad Company until he was elevated to 
the Supreme bench. In religious faith he is a 
Presbyterian, having been for many years a 
member of that denomination and ruling elder. 
For several yeai's he was one of the vice-presi- 
dents of the American Bible Society, as also of 
the American Sunday-School Union ; and in 
1873 was elected president of the American 
Tract Society. He received in 1867 the hono- 
rary degree of Doctor of Laws from Lafayette 
College, at Easton, and in 1870 the same hono- 
rary dijiloma was granted him by Nassau Hall, 
Princeton, N. J., and also by his Alma Mnier, 
Yale College. 

William Muhlenberg Hiesteu, son of 
the celebrated physician, Dr. Isaac Hiester, was 
born in Reading, May 15, 1818. His grand- 
father, on the maternal side, was General Peter 
Muhlenberg, of Revolutionary fame. His 
mother, Hetty Muhlenberg, died in 1872, at 
the advanced age of eighty-eight years. He 
received a preparatory training at the West 
Nottingham Academy in Marjdand, and subse- 
quently entered Bristol College in Pennsylva- 
nia, and graduated in 1837, in the second and 
last class of graduates from that institution. 
He read law in the office of Judge Banks, at- 
tended a course of lectures in the Law Depart- 
ment of Harvard College, and was admitted to 
the bar at Reading, January 7, 1840. The 
honorary degree of A. M. was conferred upon 
him in 184.'5, by Harvai-d College. He prac- 
ticed his profession four years in Erie, Pa., 
and in 1845 returned to Reading, and asso- 
ciated himself with the Hon. Henry A. Muhl- 
enberg, and soon acquired a large practice. lu 
1852 he was elected by the Democratic party 
as a member of the State Senate, and served 
until 1855, taking foremost rank among the 
Democratic members. At the opening of the 
session of 1855, after an exciting contest, he was 
elected Speaker of the Senate on the twenty- 
seventh ballot. His career as Speaker was dig- 
nified, firm and impartial. In January, 1858, 
he was appointed secretary of the common- 
wealth by Governor William F. Packer, and 
continued in that office during the administra- 
tion of three years. He supjiorted Stephen A. 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



529 



Douglas for President of the United States in 
the campaign of 1860, but subsequently ear- 
nestly advocatwl the administration of Abraham 
Lincoln, and was a warm friend of the Union. 
In the summer of 18(53, when Pennsylvania 
was being invaded by General Lee, Mr Hies- 
ter was appointed by Governor Curtin one of 
the mustering officers, with the rank of major, 
to muster in troops that volunteered for ninety 
days' service, in response to the Governor's 
proclamation of June 26, 1863, calling for 
sixty thousand men. He was assigned to duty 
at the temporary rendezvous on the Agricultu- 
ral Fair Grounds at Reading, which, in com- 
pliment to him, was designated Camp Hiester. 
In the execution of his military commission, he 
mustered into the State service eight full regi- 
ments of volunteers, comprising an aggregate 
force of eight thousand men. After the war 
he supported the Republican party, and in 1864 
was tlie Republican candidate for Congress in 
the Berks County District After this event, 
he retired from participation in public affairs, 
and devoted his attention to the benevolent and 
business interests of his native city. He was a 
director in the Reading Library Company, in 
the Charles Evans Cemetery Company and the 
Reading Gas Company, and a liberal sujiporter 
of the public and private charities of the city. 
He died in Reading August 16, 1878, and left 
a widow, and a son Isaac, who is a practicing 
attorney at Reading. 

William H. Keim, a surveyor-general of 
Pennsylvania from 1860 to 1861. (See sketch 
in chapter on Civil War.) 

Warren J. Woodward was the second 
president judge elected in Berks County under 
the amended Constitution of the State of 
Pennsylvania. He was called here by a very 
strong public sentiment which had been devel- 
oped in his favor by his high and spotless 
character as a man, and by his ability and repu- 
tation as a young and iiromising jurist. 

He was born September 2-t, 1819, at Beth- 
any, in Wayne County, Pa. His father, 
John K. Woodward, was a civil engineer and 
journalist, and at the time of his decease, in 
1825, was prothonotary of Wayne County ; his 
grandfather was an associate judge of that 
51 



county for iifteen years, and sheriff in 1807. 
After acquiring an academic education at 
Wilkesbarre, he taught school for several terms 
in his native county. At the age of seventeen 
years he directed his attention to the publication 
of the Bethany Herald, having had at that 
early age editorial control of that newspaper. 
Subsequently, he was employed in the editorial 
staff of the Fennsylvanian, a prominent Demo- 
cratic newspaper published at Philadelphia, 
and continued his connection with it till 1840. 
He then returned to Wilkesbarre, and, select- 
ing the law as his profession, entered the office 
of his uucle, George W. Woodward, a practi- 
cing attorney at the Luzerne County bar, for 
the purpose of pursuing the necessary course of 
study. Whilst in this office his uncle was ele- 
vated to the bench as president judge of the 
Fourth Judicial District of Pennsylvania. His 
preparation was completed under the preceptor- 
ship of Hon. Ednuuid L. Dana, and he was 
admitted to the bar at Wilkesbarre on August 
1, 1842. 

As a young attorney he was close and dili- 
gent in the preparation of the cases that came to 
him. His great care and thoroughness soon 
won the attention of older attorneys, and they 
selected him as junior counsel in important 
litigation. He continued in active and very 
successful practice for fourteen years. In 
April, 1856, the Legislature erected a new 
judicial district out of Columbia, Sullivan and 
Wyoming Counties — the Twenty-sixth in the 
State. These counties adjoined Luzerne on the 
west and north. In that section of the State 
]Mr. Woodward had come to be thoroughly 
known as an upright man and a distinguished 
lawyer, and public sentiment drifted naturally 
towards him as the person qualified to fill the 
responsible position of president judge of that 
district. The Governor, James Pollock, re- 
sponded to this sentiment by appointing him to 
the position, and in October following he was 
elected for the term of ten years. The quali- 
ties of his mind, developed through earnest ap- 
plication and a long and wide experience in the 
practice of the legal profession, fitted him em- 
inently for this high office, and the community, 
whose several rights had been placed under his 



530 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



judicial care, soon foiiud the able lawyer ad- 
vance into the noble judge. His reputation 
spread rapidly into adjoining districts. Half 
of his term had not expired, yet the old and 
influential district comprising Bucks and 
Montgomery Counties gave him the nomination 
for the president judgeship on the Democratic 
ticket, and asked hini to accept it. This was a 
flattering recognition of his judicial character 
and ability ; but he declined the honor. In the 



gles and excitements, he gave our community 
to know that he, in the matter of the Civil War 
then raging, was most positively for the jireser- 
vation of the Union of all the States, and for the 
enforcement of the Constitution. " To secure 
these ends," he said, in concluding his letter, 
" some personal sacrifices must be made, and 
some peculiar political theories must be post- 
poned. Present exigencies demand the united 
and cordial support by our whole people of 




^/i/.^. ^'^^trJi:rti^ 



same year, 1861, the term of our president 
judge in Berks County was about to expire, and 
the major part of the attorneys of our bar gave 
him a pressing invitation to become his suc- 
sessor. The Democratic convention held at 
Reading, August 31, 1S61, gave him the nom- 
ination Ijy acclamation, and this he accepted. In 
a letter dated at Bloomsburg, September 11, 
1861, besides expressing his gratitude for the 
high honor conferred upon him, and his opinion 
about the impropriety of law judges of the 
commonwealth participating in political strng- 



every legitimate and constitutional effort of the 
national government to bring the existing war 
to a successful issue." His sentiments were 
highly approved by our community, and in Oc- 
tober following he was elected by a majority of 
four thousand and ninety-two votes over a local 
candidate for the same position. The Repub- 
lican party had nominated Henry W. Smith, 
Esq., a prominent attorney of Reading, who 
was affiliated with the Democratic party, and a 
strong effort had been made for his election. The 
majority was therefore highly complimentary. 



POLITICS AND CIVIL LIST. 



531 



Judge Woodward moved to Reading and 
toolv liis seat ujwn the bench in December, 
1861. His judicial and social deportment at 
once inspired the citizens of the county with 
unqualified confidence. The Civil War caused 
much commotion in the county. The Demo- 
crats were displeased with the exti'eme course 
of tiie Republican administration in national 
affairs, but he, notwithstanding his election by 
them, advised co-operation and the enforcement 
of law to restore peace. His earnest public 
actions as a citizen of this community, in behalf 
of the wav, in conjunctiou with prominent and 
influential professional and business men, con- 
tributed a powerful influence towards the crea- 
tion of a proper spirit in that alarming period. 
The majority of the people in the county were 
oj)posed to the war, especially to the new 
administration, and a bad influence at that time 
migiit have resulted in a great social disturbance, 
if not in lo.ss of life and property. If it lay here 
concealed, it would not have dared to develop 
itself with such men as he to condemn it. His 
patriotic conduct as "a man of Democratic prin- 
ples and a.ssociations is therefore woi-tiiy of 
special mention. 

During his term he was unusually devoted 
to his office, and his administration of its re- 
sponsible duties gave entire satisfaction ; and he 
became thoroughly identified with the interests 
and welfare of our county. His re-election was 
therefore a.ssured. Shortly before the expira- 
tion of his term the Legislature established a 
District Court for Luzerne County, and the 
bar of that county unanimously invited him to 
accept the office of president judge of the new 
court. When the movement became known to 
the members of the bar of Berks County they 
hold a special meeting anc^ passed resolutions 
expressing the highest regard and affection for 
liim, and inviting him to remain with them. 
The thorough appreciation of his course upon 
the bench by the entire community, and the 
earnest expressions of good will by all the 
attorneys who practiced under him, induced him 
to decline the honor proposed by the Bar of 
Luzerne County, and to remain in the county 
of Berks. He was nominated by acclamation 
at the Democratic Convention in June, 1871, 



and re-elected for a second term of ten year-s 
by a majority of 5968 votes. 

The new Constitution of the State increased 
the numberof the justices of the Supreme Court 
from five to seven members, and the two new 
members were to be elected in 1874, one by the 
Democratic l>arty and the other by the Repub- 
lican party. The superiority of Judge Wood- 
ward's judicial qualifications aud experience 
brought him prominently before the Democrats 
of the State as a worthy candidate for this im- 
portant position, and he received the nomination 
of their State Convention. Tiiis honor was 
given to him without solicitation of any kind 
on his part. The office sought the man. Upon 
his nomination he received numerous congratu- 
latory letters, and the people of Berks County 
rejoiced at this honor, though they should suffer 
the loss of his valuable services. One of these 
letters was from Mr. Thomas C. Zimmerman, 
one of the editors of the Times and Journal, 
which elicited the following, among other ex- 
pressions of gratitude : 

" To what extent my professional reputation has 
been enhanced by the liberal and ungrudging eulo- 
gies of tlie Journal and of the Times it is of course 
impossible to conjecture. That I have been very 
greatly indebted to those articles for my general posi- 
tion in ihc State, I have never for a moment enter- 
tained a doubt. . . I believe I am indebted to the course 
of the Jiniriial in former years, and of the Times nnce 
you purchased it, for the existence of that sentiment 
[pervading the State, as to his fitness and capacity for 
the position for which he was a candidate], more 
than to any other cause. The effect of that course, 
moral and direct, has been a most significant and 
essential element of the force that has secured ray 
nomination." 

The one was a thorough Democrat, the other 
a thorough Republican. The deliberate ex- 
pressions of the former are significant, in show- 
ing how he, on the one hand, had won the favor 
of a person of opposite political sentiments, and, 
on the other, how he regarded the extent and 
power of its influence. 

Shortly after the election of the two Asso- 
ciate Justices the Hon. Edward M. Paxson, 
the Republican candidate elevated at the same 
time to the Supreme bench, visited Judge 
Woodward at Reading. Whilst here they 
cast lots for precedence in the order of sue- 



532 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



cession to the position of chief justice, and 
Judge Paxsou won it. The term was for 
tweuty-one years, without re-electiou, and Judge 
Woodward could therefore not hope to fill the 
highest position in the court except by the death 
or resignation of Judge Paxson. He took his 
seat on the Supreme bench on January 1, 1875, 
and tilled the office with honor and distinction 
till his decease, September 23, 1879. He was 
particularly regarded for devotion to his office 
and for ability and conscientiousness in the dis- 
charge of its duties. His remains were buried 
at Wilkesbarre. 

Judge ^^"oodward \vas elected president of the 
Reading Benevolent Society, at Reading, in 
1871, and he occupied this office till his decease. 
He took a deep interest in the benevolent affiurs 
of our community and gave generously towards 
the relief of poor people. In 1875 he received 
the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws from 
Franklin and ^Marshall College. 

AVhilst upon the bench in Berks County for 
a period of fourteen years, he adjudicated many 
cases, the opinions in which were not questioned 
by writ of error or appeal. This exhibits the 
high degree of confidence which lawyers and 
laymen had in his judgment and discrimination. 
These cases have been compiled by G. A. End- 
lich, Esq., an attorney of the Berks County 
bar, and published in two volumes. They are 
known as "Woodward's Decisions." The lan- 
guage in which his opinions are expressed is 
terse, indicating a clear and logical condition of 
intellect. His handwriting was ever recognized 
for its neatness, regularity and legibility, char- 
acteristics which manifested the extreme care 
and deliberation of his actions. And his con- 
duct in the associations of life was, like his lan- 
guage and handwriting, thoroughly exemplaiy. 

He was married to Katharine Scott, daughter 
of Hon. David Scott, of Wilkesbarre, with 
whom he had three children — two sons (Henry 
and "Warren, both educated for and admitted to 
the bar, but now deceased) and a daughter, Kath- 
arine Scott (interman-ied with Frank Perley 
Howe, son of Rev. M. A. De Wolfe Howe, 
D.D., residing at Danville, Pa.). 



CHAPTER XX. 

JUDICIARY— BENCH AND BAR. 

.Judges — Attorney s-at-Law — Biographicul Sketches. 

Judges. — Various Acts of Assembly were passed 
before 1722, for a period of forty years, to 
establish the powers of courts for the purposes of 
protecting men in the enjoyment of their personal 
rights, of redressing wrongs, of adjudicating the 
rights of property and of administering estates. 
Finally, in that year, the law for the several 
courts of the province became settled; and con- 
tinued so till the Revolution, with the exception of 
certain amendments by two supplementary acts 
passed in 1759 and 1767. 

From the time of the erection of the county in 
1752 down to 1776 the following persons acted in 
the capacity of justices, the length of service of 
most of them being unknown : 

Conrad Wciser. Thomas Rutter. 

Francis Parviu. Jacob Morgan. 

Authouy Lee. James Dieiiier. 

Jonas Seely. John Patton. 

Henry Harvey. George Douglass. 

William Bird. Henry Christ. 

William Maugridge. Seb. Zimmerman. 

Moses Starr. Nicholas Harmony. 

James Boone. Mark Bird. 

Jacob Levan. Daniel Brodhead. 

James Read. William lleeser. 

Peter Sj^yker. Jonathan Potts. 

Joseph Millard. BaltzerGehr. 

Benjamin Lighttbot. Thomas Dunlap. 
George Webb. 

In 1776 the Constitutional Convention provided 
in the first Constitution of the State that the 
Supreme Executive Council should consist of 
twelve persons, who were to be chosen by ballot by 
the respective counties for the term of three years. 
The apportionment ^ave one to Berks County. 
The following Counciloi's were elected from Berks 
till the adoption of the Constitution of 1790. The 
term of the first was fixed at two years, and after- 
ward three years. 

Name. Term. 

Richard Tea, elected in 1776, declined to serve 

Jacob Morgan 1777-78 

James Read 1779-81 ; 1788-90 

Sebastian Levan 1782-84 

Charles Biddle 1785-87 



BENCH AND BAR. 



533 



This Constitution also provided for the estab- 
lish lueut of courts of justice iu ever}' county of 
the iState. The following persons officiated as 
judges of the county from 1776 till 1790. The 
first three were president judges of the courts for a 
time : 



James Diemer. 
Henry Christ. 
Peter Spj'ker. 
James Read. 
Daniel Levan. 
Valentine Eckert. 
John Ludwig. 
Jacob Morgan. 
Charles Shoemaker. 



Paul Groscup. 
John Eckert. 
Jacob Weaver. 
John Otto. 
Matthias Reichert. 
Nicholas Hunter. 
Egedius Meyer. 
John Christ. 



And it jjrovided also that each election district 
should elect two or more persons for the office of 
justice of the peace, and that the president of the 
Executive Council should commission one or more 
for each district for seven j-ears. The following 
justices were elected in Berks County, and com- 
missioned from 1777 till 1790, the dash after the 
year indicating uncertainty whether or not the 
full term was served, and the repetition of the 
j'ear indicating reelection : 

Name. Term. 

Henry Christ 1777-84; 1784— 

Jacob Shoemaker 1777 — 

James Read 1777 — 

Daniel Hiester 1777 — 

Peter Spyker 1777 — 

Jacob Weaver 1777-84; 1784— 

JohnLudwig 1777-84; 1784— 

Benjamin Shott 1777 — 

Christopher Schultz 1777 — 

Samuel Ely 1777-84; 1784— 

Jacob Waggoner 1777 — 

Daniel Rothcrmel 1777 — 

John Old 1777— 

Chas. Shoemaker 1777-84; 1784— 

Egedius Meyer 1777-84; 1784— 

Jacob Morgan 1777-84; 1784— 

Thomas Parry 1777 — 

'Michael Lindeumuth 1778 — 

Gabriel Hiester 1778 — 

John Guldin 1780— 

Valentine Eckert 1784— 

Paul Groscup 1784— 

John Eckert 1784— 

John Otto 1785— 

Matthias Reichert 1788-91— 



Nicholas Hunter 1788 

James Diemer 1788-91 — 

PRESIDENT, ADDITIONAL LAW, ORPHANS* COURT 
AND ASSOCIATE JUDGES. 

The Constitution of 1790 provided for the es- 
tablishment of Circuit Courts in the State, to be 
composed of certain counties — not less than three 
nor more than six ; and for the appointment by the 
Governor of a president judge of the courts in 
each circuit, and also of other judges, not less than 
three nor more than four in number, whose resi- 
dence should be in the county. All the judges 
appointed were to hold their offices during good 
behavior. 

' In 1791, iu pursuance of the Constitution of 
1790, the State was divided into five judicial cir- 
cuits or districts, and each district became entitled 
to a president judge. The Third District com- 
prised Berks, Luzerne, Northampton and North- 
umberland Counties. In 1806 the State was di- 
vided into ten districts, and Berks, Northamp- 
ton and Wayne comprised the Third District. 
In 1811 Schuylkill County was erected and in- 
cluded in the district, but it was cut oif in 1815. 
In 1812 Lehigh County was erected and included 
in the district. In 1834 the State was divided 
into seventeen districts, and Berks, Lehigh and 
Northampton comprised the Third District. 

The county of Berks was erected into a separate 
judicial district by the act of April 5, 1849, and 
called the Twenty-third District. It has since 
been a separate district, with this number in the 
judicial system. 

In 1810 the associate judges were limited to 
two in number. 1 he provision in reference to the 
tenure of office was modified by the amended Con- 
stitution of 1838, whereby the term of j)resident 
judges was fixed at ten years, and of associate 
judges at five years. 

In 1850 an amendment to the Constitution 
was adopted which provided for the election of 
the judges for the terms mentioned. The first 
election was held in October, 1851. 

The office of additional law judge was created 
bj' the act of April 15, 1869, for Berks County, 
with similar powers and term as those of president 
judge 

The office of Orphans' Court judge was created 



534 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



for the county by the act of June 13, 1883, pursu- 
ant to the new Constitution ; and on June 29th fol- 
lowing the Governor made the first appointment. 
His judicial powers are confined to matters which 
arise in the Orphans' Court, and the term of sei'- 
viee is ten years. 

The office of associate judge was abolished by 
the New Constitution, the incumbents to continue 
in office until their terras of service expired. 

Before 1874 county officials took their offices on 
the second Monday of December succeeding their 
election. The new Constitution provided that 
thereafter they should take their offices on the first 
Monday of January succeeding, 

PRESIDENT JUDGES. 
Name. Term. 

Jacob Rush 1791-1805 

John Spayd 1806-09 

Robert Porter 1810-32 

• Garrick M.illery 1833-35 

John Banks 1836-46 

J. Pringle Jones 1847-48; 1851-61 

David F.Gordon 1849-51 

W. J.Woodward' 1861-71; 1871-74 

Jeremiah Hagenmau- 1875-79; 1880-90 

AnDITIOX.^L LAW JUDGES. 
Name. Term. 

Henry Van Reed^ 1869; 1875 

Jeremiah Hagenman * 1869-74 

' Warren .1. Woodward was elected one of the associate 
justices of the Supreme Co'irt of Pennsylvania on the 3d 
of November, 1874, for the term of twenty-one years. He 
took and held his seat from .January 4, 1870, till his death, 
on the 23d of Septemher, 1879. 

^Jeremiah Hagenman succeeded Warren J. Woodward, by 
promotion, on 13th of January, 1875, when he was sworn 
as president judge for the remainder of the term, ending on 
5th of .January, 1880. He was elected in November, 1879, 
for a term of ten years. 

'Henry Van Reed, a member of the county bar, was 
appointed on the 13th of July, 1869, by the Governor, John 
W.Geary, to fill the office, and he held his seat till his suc- 
cessor, duly elected, was qualified on the 6th of December, 
1869. He was appointed a second time by the Governor, 
John F. Hartranft, on the 12th of January, 1875, to fill the 
vacancy in this office, caused by the promotion of Jere- 
miah Hagenman to the office of president judge, until his 
successor, Augustus S. Sassaman, a member of the county 
bar, duly elected, was qualified on the 2d of .January, 1876, 
for ten years. 

^Jeremiah H.agenman was elected on the 12th of Octo- 
ber, 18G9, to this office for ten years from the 6th of Decem- 
ber, 18<J9. He was promoted to the office of president 
judge, for the remainder of his term, on the 13th of Jan- 
uary, 1875, to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of 



Augustus S. Sassaman 1876-85 

James N. Ermentruut 1S86-95 

orphans' couet judge. 
Hiram H. Schwartz' 1883 

A.S.SOCIATE JUDGE.S. 
Name. Term. 

.James Diemer 1791-1819 

George Ege 1791-1818 

Matthias Reichert 1791-97 

Joseph Hiester 1791-94 

Nicholas Lutz 1795-1806 

Benjamin Morris 1798-1809 

Gabriel Hiester 1819-23 

Charles Shoemaker 1820-22 

William Witman 1823-28 

.Jacob Schneider 1824-29 

Matthias S. Richards 1829-15 

William Darling 1830-38 

William Addams 1839-42 

JohnStauffer 1843-51 

William High 1846-50 

Samuel Bell 1851 

Daniel Young 1851-56 

William Heidenreich 1851-56 

David Schall 1856-66 

George D. Stitzel 18.56-66 

Charles Kessler 18(;6-71 

David Kutz'' 1X66-70 

Henry Rhoads 1870-71 

George W. Bruckman 1871-76 

Daniel Buskirk 1871-76 

COURT CRIEPvS. 

Jacob Goodman 

Joseph Ritter 1840-80 

Albert H. Fegely 1882-86 

Attorneys-at-Law. — The office of attorney- 
at-law is not an elective one. It never was. But 
it has existed time out of mind. It began with 
the administration of justice. It is inseparable 
from it. The history of attorneys would be the 
history of the courts of judicature. They have 
always occupied a prominent place. Their promi- 
nence has resulted from energy well directed in 
behalf of the rights and property of mankind, 



Warren J. Woodward, who had been elected to the Su- 
preme Bench. 

3 Hiram H. Schw.ai-tz was appointed on the 2flihof June, 
1883, to serve in this office till the 7th of January, 1684. 
He was nominated for the office, for the full term, by the 
Democratic convention in .August, 1883, and elected in 
November following. 

6 David Kutz having died in office on the 20th of July, 
1870, Henry Rhoads was appointed by Governor John W. 
Geary, on the 3d of August, 1870, for unexpired term end- 
ing on the 4th of December, 1871. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



535 



and also iu behalf as well of the establishment 
as of the development of principles regulative of 
associations in every department of life. 

A law was enacted in this State as early as 1710 
iu relation to this office. Then the justices were 
authorized to admit any attorney or attorneys to 
plead iu any of the established courts during good 
behavior. No provision was made as to number 
or ability. In 1715, however, the authority of the 
justices was modified. They might admit '' a 
competent number of persons, of honest disposi- 
tion and learned in the Law, to practice as attor- 
neys, who shall behave themselves justly and faith- 
fully in their practice." And, in 1727, a provision 
was made requiring such persons before they were 
admitted to take the following oath : '• Thou shalt 
behave thyself in the office of attorney within the 
court, according to the best of thy learning and 
ability, and with all good fidelity as well to the 
court as to the client ; thou shaltu.se no falsehood, 
nor delay any person's cause for lucre or malice." 
And these qualifications have continued to this 
day. Since the adoption of the State and uatioual 
Constitutions they have qualified to su])port them 
This last qualification is common to all statutory 
officers. 

The following attorneys resided in the county of 
Berks and practiced in its several courts. The 
date after each name is the time of admission to 
practice : 

Name. AdmitteJ. 

James Read 

James Biddle 

David Henderson 

James Whitehead, Jr 

Edward Biddle 

Daniel Levan, Jr November 11, 1769 

Collinson Read August 13, 1772 

James Potts August 1, 1773 

Daniel Clymer May 4, 1776 

Alexander Graydon May 14, 1779 

Edward Scull Augjist 17, 1779 

Nathaniel Potts August 14, 1781 

Jacob Hubley November 14, 1786 

George Eckert February 19, 1787 

James Scull February 19, 1787 

Joseph Hubley August 14, 1787 

John Spayd February 14, 1788 

Peter Hooi'nagle February 14, 1788 

Marks John Biddle December 9, 1788 

Jacob R. Howell February 11, 1789 

Charles Evans August 9, 1791 



William Witman August 20, 1793 

Frederick Smith August 4, 179.5 

Levi Pauling August 18, 1796 

Bird Wilson .May 14,1798 

Andrew Graff, Jr April 9, 1798 

John S. Hiester August G, 1798 

William S. Biddle June 2, 1801 

Fred, .lohn Haller November 4, 1801 

William Morris August 9,1804 

Anthony Morris November 6, 1804 

Samuel D. Franks August 10, 180.5 

James B. Hubley April 4, 1809 

William Clymer , 1809 

John Spayd April 2, 1810 

Samuel Baird, Jr April 10, 1810 

William Morris, Jr November 8, 1810 

Thomas B. Smith July 4, 1814 

James Biddle August 9, 1815 

Francis S. Muhlenberg May 8, 1816 

Nathaniel P. Hobart January 13, 1818 

Charles Davis August 4, 1818 

Charies Whitman August 9,1818 

William Darling November 13, 1818 

Alexander L. King April 3, 1820 

Edward B. Hubley April 5, 1820 

James L. Dunn November 10, 1821 

W. C. Leavenworth August 18, 1822 

Daniel J. Hiester August 4, 1823 

Lloyd Wharton March 26, 1824 

Lawrence S. Lardner April 8, 1824 

David F. Gordon August 6, 1824 

Thomas Morris November 1, 1824 

Wm. Fullerton Duncan January 3, 1825 

David Evans January 5, 1825 

Henry W. Smith January 5, 1825 

John S. Wharton March 4, 1825 

Edward P. Pearson May 23, 1825 

Charies J. Jack August 1, 1825 

Robert M. Brooke August 2, 1825 

John H. Sheetz August 3, 1825 

Joseph W. Roland August 20, 1825 

George M. Keim August 11, 1826 

Joseph H. Spayd November 8, 1826 

Philip Kendall January 1, 1827 

Elijah Dechert January 4, 1827 

Levi B. Smith January 10, 1827 

William M. Biddle April 4, 1827 

Andrew L. King November 5, 1827 

John S. Gibbons August 4, 1828 

Jacob Hoffman ...November 10, 1829 

Robert M. Barr January 3, 1831 

Peter Filbert January 6, 1831 

John Mayer January 8, 1831 

Henry Rhoads April 3, 1832 

William Strong November 8, 1832 

George S. Wharton August 15, 1832 

James Pauling November 7, 1833 

Francis Aurand November 13, 1833 

William Betz January 10, 18.34 



536 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



George G. Barclay April 10, 

Newton D. Strong Augusts 

Augustus F. Boas August 4 

J. Pringle Jones November 2 

Anthony F. Miller August 15 

Franklin B. Sehoener January 3 

John S. Richards April 4 

Garrick Mallery August 14, 

Dennis W. O'Brien August 7 

Jeremiah D. Bitting August 8 

Andrew M. Sallade August 11 

Jason H. Sherman August 7 

William M. Hiester January 7 

Peter Shearer April 7 

Matthias Mengel April 8 

George E. Ludwig November 3 

James Donagan December 22 

Sanmel Sohl April 5 

Jeremiah Hagenman April 7 

J. Dundas Biddle May 17 

Charles Wierman May 17 

George W. Arms March 8 

John K. Longneckcr November fi 

Henry Van Beed April 5 

William M. Baird April 12 

Henry A. Muhlenberg July 5 

Isaac High Keim July o 

Robert Frazer July 5 

Franklin B. Miller December 14 

Jacobs. Livingood January 7 

J. Glancy Jones January 

Silas E. Buzard April : 

Edward W. Scudder August ■ 

Edward M. Clymer August • 

J. Bowman Bell January . 

J. Lawrence Getz August 

John K. Hamlin Augusti 

William B. Schoener August 1 

J. De Puy Davis .January 

James May Jones January i 

John Banks April ' 

Samuel L. Young August 10 

A. Lucius Hennershotz.. .November 11 

J. Biddle Gordon January 6 

James A. Banks Februaiy 21 

J. Bright Smith April .5 

William F. Filbert August 9 

A. Jordan Swartz September 28, 

Joel B. Wanner January 13 

Jacob JJ. Sallade April 6 

John A. Banks April 6 

Hiester Clymer April 6 

Charles B. Weaver November 

Jacob K. McKenty April 

Henry C. Kutz April24, 

AVm. Edmund Banks Apri 

AVm. S. Marx August 4 

Albert G. Green November 11 

Edmund L. Smith November 11 



1835 
1835 
1835 
1835 
18.36 
1837 
1837 
1837 
1838 
1838 
1838 
1839 
1840 
1840 
1840 
1840 
1841 
1842 
1842 
1842 
1842 
1843 
1843 
1844 
1844 
1844 
1844 
1844 
1844 
1845 
1845 
1845 
1845 
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1846 
184(5 
1846 
1846 
1847 
1847 
1847 
1847 
1847 
1848 
1848 
1848 
1848 
1848 
1849 
1849 
1849 
1849 
1850 
1851 
1851 
1851 
1851 
1851 
1851 



George De B. Keim April 8, 1852 

Charles K. Robeson April 8, 1852 

E. R. Zimmerman April 8, 1852 

Carl O. Wagner November 5, 1852 

Michael P. Boyer August 8, 1853 

Wharton Morris November 15, 1854 

Frederick L. Smith November 10, 1855 

Amos B. Wanner January 12, 1857 

B. Frank Boyer March 15, 1857 

Daniel R. Clymer August 20, 1857 

James B. Bechtel April 14, 1857 

Wm. K. Loose April 14, 1858 

Chas. Ph. Muhlenberg November 8, 1859 

Daniel Ermentrout August 3, 1859 

Wm. H. Livingood January 19, 1860 

Hiram H. Schwartz July 14, 1860 

Jesse G. Hawley September 20, 1860 

Thomas S. Brenholtz September 20, 1860 

J. George Seltzer Februarys, 1861 

Abner K. Stauffer April 15, 1861 

Edward H. Shearer April 15,1861 

John Ralston August 14, 1862 

Frank R. Schmucker August 25, 1862 

Wm. P.Baid February 9,1 863 

Chas. Henry .Jones April 14, 1863 

Richmond L. Jones April 14, 1863 

Daniel E. Schroeder April 23, 1863 

Chas. A. Leopold April 23, 1863 

J. Warren Tryon November 14, 1863 

J. Howard Jacobs ;... November 14, 1863 

Augustus S. Sasaaman January 9, 1864 

Israel C. Becker January 28, 1864 

Francis M. Banks May 21, 1864 

Horace A. Yundt Augu.st 9, 1864 

Chas. H. Schaefter August 9, 1864 

Franklin B. Laucks August 13, 1864 

Wm. M. Goodman August 13, 1864 

Edwin Shalter August 13, 1864 

Louis Richards January 16, 1865 

Iren;eus Shalter January 16, 1865 

J.Ross Miller August 7,1865 

J. Dallas Schoener August 7, 1865 

Henry May Keim August 7, 1865 

Harrison Maltzberger August 7, 1865 

Peter D. Wanner November 4, 1865 

Llewellyn Wanner '. August, 1866 

Wm. M. Rightmyer January 21, 1867 

Geo. M. Ermentrout November 27,1867 

James M. Ermentrout November 27, 1867 

Geo. F. Baer January 22, 1868 

Chas. F. Evans April 28,1868 

T. H. Garrigues August 10, 1868 

Ben. B. Laucks January 11, 1869 

H. Willis Bland April 12, 1869 

Henry C. G. Reber April 12, 1869 

Cyrus G. Derr August 12, 1870 

Wm. L. Guinther November 14, 1870 

Morton L.Montgomery August 28, 1871 

Garrett B. Stevens August 12,1872 



BENCH AND BAR. 



537 



Horace Roland August 12, 1872 

Edgar M. Levan August 17, 1872 

Frank R. Schell September 16, 1872 

Edwin White Moore September 30, 1872 

James A. O'Reilly January 13, 1873 

Stephen M. Meredith August 11, 1873 

Daniel H. Wingerd September 29, 1873 

Hiram Y. Kaufman November 9, 1874 

John C. K. Heine April 12,1875 

B. Frank Dettra April 12, 1875 

B. F. Y. Shearer April 12, 1875 

C. H. Ruhl April 15,1875 

B. F. McAtee April 15, 1875 

Jno. F. Smith August 9, 1875 

Jefferson Snyder August 9, 1875 

John B. Danipman November 8, 1875 

Henry A. Muhlenberg November 8, 1875 

Daniel B. Young January 10, 1876 

Adam H. Schmehl January 10, 1876 

Edwin B. Wiegand January 18, 1876 

Wesley D. Horning April 17, 1876 

Gustav A. Endlich November 12, 1877 

Simon P. O'Reilly January 14, 1877 

Wayne Hayman January 14, 1877 

Heiiry A. Zieber April 10, 1878 

Isaac Hiester August 13, 1878 

J. H. Marx August 13, 1878 

Jeremiah K. Grant November 11, 1878 

Walter B. Craig November 12, 1878 

D. Nicholas Schaeffer November 12, 1878 

M. Brayton McKnight... .November 12, 1878 

Israel C. Becker December 12, 1878 

Daniel G. Guldin January 20, 1S79 

Warren Woodward fanuary 20, 1879 

Chas. P. Sherman August 11, 1879 

Frank S. Livingood August 11, 1879 

John W. Apple August 11, 1879 

Henry D. Green November 10, 1879 

William C. Heacock April 12, 1880 

William O. Miller April 12, 1880 

Chas. M. Plank November 22, 1880 

William J. Rourke November 22, 1880 

Albert R. Heilig November 22, 1880 

Alonzo E. Ream November 22, 1880 

George F. Hagenman January 24, 1881 

Israel H. Rothermel August 20, 1881 

John H. Rothermel August 20, 1881 

Daniel F. Westley November 14, ISSl 

Charles C. Kehr November 14, 1881 

Henry Maltzberger November 14, 1881 

George J. Gross, Jr November 14, 1881 

Henry O. Schrader November 14, 1882 

I. Comley Fetter November 13, 1882 

James B. Baker November 13, 1882 

Adam B. Rieser...' November 13, 1882 

Ellwood H. Deysher November 13, 1882 

Richard H. Koch November 12, 1888 

Henry P. Keyser November 12, 1883 

J. Ed. Miller November 12, 1883 



Felix P. Kremp November 12, 1883 

Charles H. Ty.son November 10, 1884 

William B. Bechtel November 10, 1884 

Frank K. Flood November 10, 1884 

Philip S. Zieber November 10, 1884 

Wm. Kerper Stevens November 10, 1884 

Howard P. Wanner November 9, 1885 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF JUDGES AND ATTOR- 
NEYS-ATLAW. 

JUDGES. 

CoNRAD Weiser was the most proiuiuent his- 
torical character iu the county of Berks previous 
to 1760. His great prominence arose from his 
intimate connection with the provincial govern- 
ment of Pennsylvania for thirty years. He was 
the principal judge of Berks County from 1752 to 
1760, for wliich reason this sketch is presented at 
the head of the biographies of the judges. 

He was born November 2, 1696, at Afstaedt, a 
small village in the County of Herrenberg, in 
Wiirtemberg, Germany, and there he acquired a 
general education, which included the principles of 
the Christian religion according to the catechism 
of JMartin Luther. Whilst iu his fourteenth year 
he emigrated with his father and family (which 
included himself and seven other children) to New 
York, landing June 17, 1710. At that time 
several thousand Germans were sent to America 
by Queen Anne, who had furnished them with food 
for a time at London. Shortly after their arrival 
they were removed to Livingston Manor by the 
Governor of New York, to burn tar and cultivate 
hemp to defray the expenses incurred by Queen 
Anne in conveying them from Holland to England 
and from England to America. They labored 
till 1713 in this employment, under the direction 
of commissioners who were placed in authority 
over them ; then, finding that they were existing 
under a form of bondage, they protested against 
the treatment, and this effected their release. 
Shortly afterward they became dispersed. About 
one hundred and fifty families of them, including 
the Weiser family, removed to Schoharie, forty 
miles west of Albany. Whilst spending the 
winter of 1713-14 at Schenectady, his father was 
frequently visited by an Indian chief of the Mo- 
hawk tribe, and during one of these visits the 
chief proposed to him to visit the Mohawk country 
and teach him the language of that tribe. His 



538 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



father agreed to the proposition, aud he accordingly 
accompanied the Indian chief. 

Conrad Weiser was in his eighteenth year when 
he went to live with the Indians He was a strong 
young man, but all of his strength was necessary 
to endure the sufferings wliich he was compelled to 
undergo whilst living with them. He had scarcely 
clothing sufficient to cover his body during the 
winter of that trying year. Besides much suffer- 
ing, he was frequently threatened with death by 
the Indians during a state of intoxication. In 
July, 1714, he returned to his father's home at 
Schoharie. In this time he acquired a consider- 
able knowledge of the Mohawk language, and 
whilst at home he increased this knowledge by 
being called upon to act as interpreter between 
the German settlers of that vicinity and the Mo- 
hawk Indians. Several families of this tribe 
lived within a mile of his residence. His services 
were performed gratuitously. The settlers having 
been disturbed in their possessions, they left that 
section of the country ; Conrad Weiser's father 
and a number of others migrated to Pennsylvania. 
They located in Tulpehocken in the spring of 
1723, in the midst of the Indians ; and there they 
also commenced the improvement of the land 
which they occupied without permission from the 
land commissioners. The Indians complained, 
but the settlers were not disturbed. Subsequently 
the Indians released their rights for a considera- 
tion from the provincial government, and about 
1783 removed beyond the Blue Mountain. 

Conrad Weiser was married to a young woman 
of Schoharie in 1720. He continued at that 
place till 1729, when, with his wife and five chil- 
dren (two sons — Philip and Frederick — and three 
daughters — Anna, Madliua aud Maria), he removed 
to the Tulpehocken settlement, locating on a tract 
of land half a mile east of the present borough of 
Womelsdorf. Shortly after his arrival his ability 
and success as an Indian interpreter became known 
to the provincial government, and the Governor 
employed him in negotiations with the Indians. 
His first services in this capacity were performed 
in 1731 ; and from that time for nearly thirty 
years he was almost constantly engaged in this 
important work. He attended and assisted at 
numerous treaties, some of which were very im- 
portant. In the published proceedings of these 



treaties in the colonial records and Pennsylvania 
Archives, his name appears prominently. He 
always distinguished himself — giving entire satis- 
faction to both parties. His integrity wa-" partic- 
ularly recognized and publicly complimented. 

He was one of the most prominent men in the 
"French and Indian War." His numerous 
letters, which appear in the chapter on that sub- 
ject in this history, indicate his zeal, courage and 
patriotism. He served in that war as a colonel, 
having received his commission as colonel on Oc- 
tober 31, 1755, and as such officer commanded the 
Second Battalion of the Pennsylvania Regiment. 
His services were of great value to the govern- 
ment and to the people of this county. 

The first proceedings for the erection of Berks 
County were instituted in 1738. In this behalf 
Mr. Weiser was very active. And he continued 
active till the determined requests of the citizens 
were granted eventually by the General Assembly 
in 1752. The town of Reading was laid out by 
the Penus in 1748. In the disposition of the 
town-lots, Mr. Weiser acted as one of the commis- 
sioners He was prominently identified with the 
first movements in building up the town, and he 
manifested a strong interest in the development of 
the business interests of the place. 

The Governor of the province, in 1741, ap- 
pointed him as a justice of the peace. He con- 
tinued to serve in this office for a number of years. 
When the county was erected, in 1752, he was 
appointed one of the first judges. He acted as 
president judge of the courts till his decease, in 
1760. His appointment to this important position 
was natural, by reason of his prominence, influ- 
ence, experience aud ability. He lived at Reading 
mostly during the latter part of his life. 

He died oij his Heidelberg farm July 13, 1760, 
and his remains were buried in a private burying- 
ground on the place, where they have remained 
since. He left a widow and seven children : five 
sons, — Philip, Frederick, Peter, Samuel and Ben- 
jamin, and two daughters, — Maria, who was inter- 
married with Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, 

and Margaret, who was intermarried with 

Finker. He was possessed of a large estate, con- 
sisting of properties at Reading, and lauds in 
Heidelberg township, and in the region of 
country beyond the Blue Mountain. In Heidel- 



BENCH AND BAR. 



539 



berg he owned about eight hundred and ninety 
acres, which included a tract of three hundred 
and forty-seven acres and the privileges of a 
" Court-Baron," granted to him in 1743— the tract 
having originally contained fifty-one hundred and 
sixty -five acres as granted to John Page, in 1735, 
by patent, and then been erected into a manor, 
called the " Manor of Plumton." At Reading, 
one of his properties was a business stand, and it 
has continued to be a prominent business place 
from that time till now, a period embracing over 
one hundred and thirty years. This has bten 
known latterly as the " Old White Store." 

An extended and interesting biographical sketch 
of Conrad Weiser, including his numerous letters 
during the "French and Indian War," his reports 
of journeys, etc., was prepared by one of his 
descendants, Rev. C. Z Weiser, D.D., and pub- 
lished at Reading, by Daniel Miller, in 1876. 

Jacob Rijsh, the first president judge of the 
Third Judicial District of which Berks County 
formed a part, was born in Byberry township, 
near Philadelphia, in the year 1746, and was the 
brother of the celebrated artist and physician, 
Benjamin Rush. He received an excellent pre- 
paratory education and then entered the College 
of New Jersey, at Princeton, from which institution 
he was graduated in 1765. Immediately after the 
State Constitution of 1790 was adopted, he was 
appointed to preside over the courts of the Third 
District, which included the county of Berks. He 
afterward became president judge of the First 
District, of which Philadelphia formed a part, 
and held that responsible position for many 
years, until the time of his death. In the contro- 
versy between Reed and Dickinson he was an able 
writer on the side of the latter. He published his 
" Charges on Moral and Religious Subjects ' at 
Philadelphia in 1803. He was a patriot of the 
Revolution and in its darkest days stood firm to its 
principles and to his country. Judge Rush also 
published in 1774 '■ Resolves in Committee Cham- 
bers " and in 1819 a work on "Christian 
Baptism." While president judge of the Third 
District he resided in Reading, on the west .side of 
South Fifth Street, between Cherry and Franklin 
Streets. He died at Philadelphia, January 5, 
1820. 

John Spavd was born in Dauphin County 



in January, 1764. He acquired a classical edu- 
cation, read law and was admitted to the bar 
February 14, 1788, and began practicing at Read- 
ing, where he attained great prominence. He 
was appointed judge of the courts of Berks 
County in 1806 and served with distinguished 
ability until 1809. During the years 1795 and 
1810 he was a member of the General Assembly 
of Pennsylvania and devoted the remainder of his 
life to the practice of law at Reading. He went 
to the city of Philadelphia for surgical relief from 
a disease with which he had long suffered, under- 
went an operation, but the result was beyond the 
control of human skill and he died there at two 
A.M., October 13, 1822, in the fifty-eighth year of 
his age. His remains were brought to Reading on 
the 15th and interred the following day in the 
Lutheran grave-yard. The judges of the court, 
members of the bar and the Borough Council each 
passed appropriate resolutions commemlatory of his 
life and character as a lawyer, as a judge and as a 
public-spirited citizen, resolved to at'end his fun- 
eral in a body and wear crape on the left arm for 
thirty days. His remains have since been trans- 
ferred to Charles Evans' Cemetery. 

As an advocate his knowledge was various and 
extensive, his judgment sound and his counsel 
recognized as of a high order. By his brethren of 
the bar his merits as a sincere friend and as an 
honorable practitioner were highly appreciated, 
and he performed all his various duties as a 
lawyer, a judge and a citizen with recognized 
promptness and acknowledged ability. As a 
lawyer he disdained everything like artifice or 
technical advantage and looked to the merits of 
his ease alone. He seemed ever to contend for 
justice rather than victory ; hence his influence with 
the court and jury was deservedly great. In the 
prosecution of doubtful claims, where individuals 
had important trusts to fulfill, which they were 
anxious should be judiciously and faithfully 
managed, recourse was had with the utmost confi- 
dence to John Spayd, and his opinions were 
considered oracles upon which the most perfect 
reliance could be placed. 

The Borough Council at the time of his death 
passed resolutions in commendation of his valuable 
services for many years as chief burgess. At a 
bar meeting presided over by Judge Robert Porter 



540 



HLSTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA. 



resolutions commendatory of his life and character 
were adopted. Members of the Philadelphia bar 
held a meeting in the District Court-room, presided 
over by Hon. Joseph B. McKean, and adopted 
resolutions relating to " John Spayd, Esq., a dis- 
tinguished member of the profession from Reading, 
who died while on a visit to Philadelphia, and in 
testimony of our respect for his private virtues and 
professional attainments, we will attend as far as 
the limits of this city the removal of his remains 
for interment at Reading." 

Judge Spayd was married to Catharine Hiester, 
eldest daughter of Governor Joseph Hiester. 
Their children were Elizabeth, married to Edward 
B. Hubley, once a member of Congress from 
Schuylkill County; John, a graduate of the jNIedical 
Department of the University of Pennsylvania ; 
Catharine B., married to John B. Brooke, a promi- 
nent merchant of Reading and father of Dr. John 
B. Brooke ; .Joseph H., a member of the Berks 
County bar ; George W., once chief burgess of 
Reading ; Henry, who completed the medical 
course at the University of Pennsylvania and died 
one year after his graduation ; Amelia, married to 
Dr. Diller Luther, of Reading. 

At the time of his death Judge Spayd resided in 
Penn Square, Reading, next house west of the 
Farmer's Bank. 

Robert Porter was the third president judge 
of the several courts of Berks Cjunty. He was the 
eldest son of General Andrew Porter and was born 
at Philadelphia on January 10, 1768. His 
father then was conducting a mathematical and an 
English school. When he was only eight years 
old the Revolution had begun in earnest and his 
father had enlisted to serve the United Colonies 
in their great struggle for independence. Toward 
the close of the war his father was colonel of the 
Fourth Pennsylvania Regiment of Artillery, and 
it is said that Judge Porter, when only thirteen 
years of age, was enlisted in one of the companies 
under the command of his father. At the con- 
clusion of the war he resumed his studies at 
Philadelphia, and, selecting the law as his profes- 
sion, he was admitted to practice on May 15, 
1789. After being engaged in a successful prac- 
tice for twenty years, at Philadelphia, he, in 1810, 
was appointed by Governor Simon Snyder to the 
office of j)resident judge of the Third Judical 



District which comprised the counties of Berks, 
Northampton and Wayne. He occupied this 
honorable position for the period of twenty-two 
years, and then, upon resigning his commission, 
retired to private life. He resided at Reading, on 
the northwest corner of Fiftii and Penn Streets, 
during his term of office. He died on June 23, 
1842, at Brookville, Pa., aged seventy-four years. 
Judge Porter was a man of profound learning and 
superior legal attainments. 

Garrick Mallery was a native of jNIassachu- 
setts. After obtaining a good preliminary educa- 
tion, he entered Yale College and was graduated 
from that institution in the year 1809. He soon 
afterwards became principal of an academy at 
Wilksbarre, and while occupying that position 
engaged in the study of law, and was admitted to 
the bar at Wilksbarre about 1812. Being well 
adapted by nature to the legal profession, he added 
to his efficiency by diligent and well-directed study, 
and therefore soon acfju'red a practice which 
extended over a large portion of Xorthern Penn- 
sylvania. In 1825 ho was elected a member of 
the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania and 
during his legislative career was instrumental 
in securing the enactment of certain bills which 
led to the great improvement of the North Branch 
region. 

In 1832Govcrnor Wolf appointed him president 
judge of the Third Judicial District, then com- 
posed of the counties of Berks, Northampton and 
Lehigh, in which position he soon won fame ani 
distinction, and presided with ability and dignity. 
He resigned in 18:l(i and removed to Philadel- 
phia, where he resumed the practice of the law. 
About the time of his resignatiin the members of 
the bar of Berks County met JMarch 16, 1836, and 
passed resolutions of regret, and tendered him a bar 
dinner in Reading as a token of their high appre- 
ciation of his ability as a judge and character as a 
gentleman. He rejjlied in the kindliest terras 
from Easton, Pa., but owing to a press of profes- 
sional duties was obliged to decline the proffered 
honor. His experience in reference to titles to 
coal and unseated lands throughout the State of 
Pennsylvania rendered his services especially 
valuable to purchasers of that kind of property, 
and his practice thus became very extensive. 
Duriiiir his residence in Phila(lcl|)l)ia he was 



BENCH AND BAR. 



541 



standing master in Chancery of the Supreme 
Court of Pennnsylvania, and was for many years 
solicitor and advisor of the Camden and Amboy, 
the Philadelphia and Trenton and other railroad 
companies. 

Judge Mallery was thrice married ; his last 
wife was a daughter of Dr. Otto, a prominent 
physician of Philadelphia. Hon. William Strong, 
lately retired from the Supreme Court of the 
United States, was married to his daughter. 

John Bank.s, the fifth president judge of courts 
of Berks County, was born near Lewisburgh, Ju- 
niata County, Pa., in the year 1793. His paternal 
grandfather emigrated from Scotland and lived to 
the age of nearly one hundred years. His father 
being a farmer, his youth was spent mostly in as- 
sisting him in the arduous duties of that occupa- 
tion. The advantages of a liberal education, 
however, were not denied him. He entered upon 
the study of law with a well-disciplined mind, was 
admitted to the bar of his native county in 1819, 
and soon after removed to the western part of the 
State. He located in Mercer County and there 
rapidly attained eminence at the bar. AVithout 
any solicitation on his part, he was nominated and 
elected a representative in Congress, and twice re- 
elected, serving from 1831 to 1836. He won dis- 
tinction in Congress by his treatment of contested 
election cases. His patience and fairness in the 
investigations and hii clearness in applying the law 
to the facts, made his conclusions invariably accep- 
table. In the spring of 1836 he vacated his seat in 
Congress to accept the appointment of president 
judge of the Third Judicial Di.strict of the State, 
composed of the counties of Berks, Lehigh and 
Northampton, the office having been tendered 
him by Governor Eitner. Succeeding so accom- 
plished a jurist as Garrick Mallery, he sustained 
himself in his new position under difficult cii-cum- 
stances, and proved by his administration of jus- 
tice that he had an acquaintance with the law fully 
as much under control as his predecessor. He 
possessed a kind heart, was easy and graceful in 
his manners and clear in his opinions. His supe- 
rior qualities soon won for him the fiill confidence 
of the people. No man was ever more obliging 
and condescending to his juniors than he, and no 
man ever lived in Reading whose companionship 
was more highly prized by so varied a circle of 



friends Having spent eleven years as president 
judge of the court, he resigned the position in 
1847, and accepted the office of State treasurer of 
Pennsylvania and served one term. In 1841, 
while judge of the courts, he was nominated by 
the Whig party for the office of Governor of 
Pennsylvania, but was defeated by David R Por- 
ter, the Democratic nominee. He was subse- 
quently nominated and supported by the Whig 




JOHN B.\NK.S. 

members of the State Legislature, when in the 
minority, as their candidate for United States 
senator. 

Upon his retirement from the bench. Judge 
Banks resumed the practice of the law, and soon 
became the acknowledged leader of the Berks 
County bar. He continued in his profession until 
his death, April 3, 1864, enjoying a very exten- 
sive and lucrative practice. 

John Pringle Jones was born near Newtown, 
in Durham township, Bucks County, in 1812, and 
was an only child. His father died when he was 
young. His mother was a Pringle and a member 
of an English family of great respectability in 
Philadelphia. She moved to her native city after 
the death of her husband. The education of the 
son, J. Pringle Jones, was acquired at Captain 
Partridge's Military Academy, in Middletown, 



542 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Conn., and at the University of Pennsylvania, 
where he studied two years and was then admitted 
to the senior class of the Cjllege of New Jersey, at 
Princeton, from which he was graduated with 
honor in 1831. After leaving college he studied 
law in the office of Charlej Chauncey, Esq., and 
was admitted a member of the Philadelphia bar 
in 1834. Being a great lover of nature, he trav- 
eled to and wandered over the green hills of Berks 
County, and whilst in the county, in 1835, he de- 
termined to locate in Reading. He was at once 
received into the best society on account of 
his education, culture and social qualities. In 
1839 he was appointed deputy attorney-general 
for Berks County and served in that office until 
1847. During this time he was associated in the 
practice of law with Robert M. Barr, Esq., who 
was appointed, in 1845, reporter of the decisions 
of the Supreme Court. At the expiration of the 
official term of Hon. John Banks as judge of the 
Third District, then composed of Berks, Lehigh 
and Northampton Counties, he was appointed by 
Governor Shunk to fill this honorable position. 
He took the oath of office March 15, 1847. By 
an act of the Legislature, passed in 1849, Berks 
County was erected into a separate judicial dis- 
trict, of which David F. Gordon was appointed 
president-judge, and Judge Jones continued to pre- 
side in Lehigh and Northampton Counties until 
1851. 

lu 1849, Mr. Barr, the State reporter, died, and 
Judge Jones completed two of the " State Reports " 
which his former partner had left unfinished. 
These reports are known as " Jones' Reports " In 
1851 he was elected president judgeof the courts of 
Berks County for ten years. After the expiration 
of this term he devoted himself to literary pur- 
suits and to the management of the Charles Evans 
Cemetery Company, of which he was elected 
president. 

In 1867 Judge Maynard, of the Third Judicial 
District, then composed of Lehigh and Northamp- 
ton Counties, died, and Judge Jones was appointed 
his successor for the unexpired term. This was 
the last official position he occupied. In 1871 he 
had an attack of ])aralysis. In October, 1872, he 
.sailed for Europe,, accompanied by his wife, and 
traveled through France, Italy, Germany and a 
part of Russia. He was taken sick and died in 



London, on Monday, March 16, 1874. His re- 
mains were brought to Reading and buried in 
Charles Evans Cemetery. 

He was married first to Annie Hie.ster, daughter 
of Dr. Isaac Hiester, of Reading, in 1840. After 
her death he was married, in 1851, to Catharine 
E. Hiester, daughter of John S. Hiester Nature 
favored Judge Jones with a fine physical appear- 
ance and excellent mental endowments. He had a 
decided taste for literature, and after he retired 
from the bench devoted much of his time to the 
gratification of this taste. He was a man of ster- 
ling integrity and great moral worth. A marked 
trait was his strong attachment to his friends, of 
whom he had a great many in the county of 
Berks and also throughout Eastern Pennsylvania. 

David F. Gordon was born at Philadelphia on 
November '20, 1795. He received an excellent 
classical education at the University of Pennsyl- 
vania, and then studied law and was admitted to 
practice in 1816, and soon afterward gained an 




DAVID F. GORDON. 



enviable reputation as a member of the bar. He 
remained in that city until 1824, when he removed 
to Reading and was admitted to practice in the 
several courts of Berks County. He continued in 
active practice here foi- eight years, and then pur- 
cha.sed from George Getz the Berks and Schuylkill 



BENCH AND BAR. 



543 



Journal, a weekly English newspaper published at 
Reading, which he was well qualified to publish 
by reason of his learning and literary taste. He 
published this paper very successfully, con- 
ducting its editorial department with ability, 
until 1838. then sold it and resumed his law prac- 
tice. After practicing for eleven years he was ap- 
j>ointed to the office of president judge of this 
judicial district by Governor W. F. Johnston. 
Berks County had just been erected into a sepa- 
rate judicial district, called, in the system, the 
Twenty-third 

He remained on the bench until December, 
18.51, retiriug then by virtue of the amendment 
to the Constitution, under which the office of 
judge became elective, and Hon. J. Pringle Jones 
was chosen to fill this position for ten years. 
Whilst holding this office he was nominated by the 
Whig party of the State for the office of associate 
justice of the Supreme Court, but his party being 
then in the minority, he was defeated. He was 
recognized as an able judge and thoroughly con- 
scientious in the performance of all his judicial 
duties. His course won for him the highest respect 
and confidence of his fellow-citizens. Upon retir- 
ing from the bench he resumed his legal practice 
at Reading. He died on December 27, 1859, 
aged sixty-four years. 

As a man, he was highly esteemed for his many 
superior traits of character. He was buried in 
the Charles Evans Cemetery. 

Warren J. Woodward, a president 
judge from 1861 to 1874. (For sketch, see 
biographies of State Officials). 

Jeremiah Hagenman was born at Phoenix- 
ville, Chester County, Pa., on February 6, 1820. 
His parents were Jeremiah and Mary H. Hagen- 
man. He obtained a preparatory education in 
the schools of his native town, and at the early 
age of sixteen years engaged in the profession of 
teaching. He continued to teach some time 
and then removed to Reading, where he entered 
the public schools and prosecuted higher branches 
of study till he was nineteen years old. He then 
began the study of law, under the direction of 
Peter Filbert, Esq., at Reading, teaching occa- 
sionally whilst pursuing his legal studies, and was 
admitted to the bar on April 7, 1842. In the 
following autumn he opened an office at Reading 



and soon entered upon an active practice, which 
he conducted very successfully for seventeen years, 
when he was elected additional law judge of Berks 
County for a period of ten years. In 1875, upon 
the elevation of Hon. Warren J. Woodward to the 
Supreme bench of the State, he was promoted to 
the office of president judge, and in 1879 he was 
re-elected for another term of ten years He is 
now filling this honorable position. The attorneys 
have always appreciated him for his courtesy on the 
bench, and the younger attorneys have found him 





possessed of a kindly spirit and great indulgence, — 
two characteristics disposed to encourage them in 
the trial of their cases. During the past seventeen 
years numerous cases tried before him have been 
taken to the Supreme Court, but his adjudications 
have been generally sustained, comparatively few 
judgments having been reversed. 

Judge Hagenman became interested in politics 
soon after his admission to the bar, and was promi- 
nently identified with the movements of the Demo- 
cratic party from 1850 till 1869. He attended 
many State Conventions as a delegate from this dis- 
trict ; and in 1868 he was a delegate to the Demo- 
cratic National Convention whi( h assembled at 
New York and nominated Hon. Horatio Seymour 



544 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXNSLYVANIA. 



for President. lu 1850 he was elected district 
attorney, under the act tlien passed creating 
the office, and, after serving three years, was re- 
elected for a second term. He was the first per- 
son chosen to this position and the only district 
attorney who filled it for six years. His adminis- 
tration of the duties of the office was highly satis- 
factory, and he was tendered a third term by the 
party leaders, but he declined the honor. 

The public school affiiirs of Reading received 
the earnest attention of Judge Hagenman for 
nearly forty years. He first became a director 
about 1846, i>i the Southwest Ward, and served 
several years. In 1858 he was elected to represent 
the Southeast Ward (subsequently the Third, and 
then the Fourth) in the School Board, and after- 
ward re-elected, term after term, till 1883, when 
he declined to serve any longer. 

For twenty years he served as chairman of the 
High School committee. He advocated, with 
much success, the erection of more commodious 
and attractive school buildings ; and he first sug- 
gested the practicability of heating the buildings 
by heaters in the cellars. The first successful ex- 
periment was made in the Elm Street building, un- 
der his supervision as chairman of a special commit- 
tee. This was about 1865. Then the High School 
(academy) building, and next the Lerch building 
came to be heated in the same way. This process 
of heating the school-rooms is now common in all 
the public schools. In recognition of his valuable 
services the board named the " J. Hagenman 
School Building " after him, which is a superior 
brick structure, situated on Franklin, between 
Eighth and Ninth Streets, and was erected in 
1875. 

He served the county commissioners as solicitor 
for a number of years. About 1800 ho was in- 
strumental in having them to allow half of the 
court fines to be appropriated towards establishing 
a Law Library for the bench and bar, in the court- 
house. David L. Wenrich, Sr., one of the commis- 
sioners, was particularly favorable to the plan, 
on account of the great convenience to the judges 
and the attorneys in the trial of cases, and he had 
the board of commissioners to make an order to pay 
half of the fines for five years for that purpose. John 
S. Richards, Esq., an attorney at the bar, suggested 
the idea. Subsequently legislation was obtained 



allowing this to be done, and a Law Library associ- 
ation was incorporated. Law-books multiplied in 
number year after year, till now the association 
possesses a valuable and extensive library. 

In 1850 Judge Hagenman was married to 
Louisa A. Boyer, a daughter of George Boyer, 
who was a descendant of one of the first families in 
the county, and who was a prominent member of 
Trinity Lutheran congregation, having taken an 
active part in the erection of its church building 
in 1791, which is still in a good state of preser- 
vation. Judge Hagenman is now serving as trus- 
tee of Trinity Church, of which he is a consistent 
member. They have one son — George F. Hag- 
enman, EIscj., a practicing attorney at the Reading 
bar. 

Henry Van Reed was born August 31, 1821, 
in the northern corner of Cumru (now Spring) 
township, this county, on the Cacoosing Creek, 
near its outlet into the Tulpehocken. His grand- 
father, John Van Reed, settled there about the 
time of the llevolution, and his father was born 
there in 1786. He was educated at Reading, Lit- 
itz, Lafaj'ette College and Dickinson College, grad- 
uating from the latter institution in 1843. Upon 
returning home he selected the law as his profes- 
sion and pursued a regular course of legal study in 
the office of David F. Gordon, Esq., a distin- 
guished lawyer at Reading, and afterwards presi- 
dent judge of this judicial district. On April 5, 
1844, he was admitted to the bar. He at once 
opened an office at Reading, and soon established 
a large and lucrative practice, which he continued 
for twenty years. 

In 1851 he made a trip to California, visiting 
his brothers, James and Lewis, who had gone 
thither some years previously. He was engaged 
in the banking business at San Francisco, with his 
brother James, for some months, but preferring a 
residence in the eastern section of the country, he 
returned home in the same year. 

In April, 1869, the State Legislature authorized 
the qualified electors of Berks County to elect at 
the next succeeding general election an additional 
law judge, whose powers and term of office were 
to be similar to those of the president judge. At 
that time the Governor, John W. Geary, was a Re- 
publican in politics, and, having been authorized 
to appoint a suitable person to act as such judge 



BENCH AxND BAR. 



545 



till one should be elected and commissioned, he, 
upon the flattering recommendation of a number 
of prominent Republicans of the county, appointed 
Mr. Van Reed to this position on July 13, 1869. 
This was a high compliment to Mr. Van Reed 
The appointment was given to him without any so- 
licitation on his part, he believing, as Judge Wood- 
ward had previously expressed himself, that a 
judge, or a man about to become a judge, should 
not participate in the matter of political appoint- 



1875, till January 2, 1876, he filled the same office 
by appointment from Governor John F. Han- 
rauft, to supply a vacancy caused by the promo- 
tion of the then incumbent to the office of jiresi- 
dent judge. He distinguished himself upon both 
occa.sions by his ability and by the promptness and 
impartiality with which he discharged the duties 
of this honorable position. His course was highly 
satisfactory, and his continuation on the bench 
was only interrupted by the great predominance of 




Ji^^^^X^ (Zzc^ 



ments and elections. He was then a prominent 
attorney in active practice ; and, having been an 
earnest Republican — though not a politician — 
whose views on political subjects were known and 
appreciated, public attention was naturally directed 
towards him as the person qualified to fill the po- 
sition. He occupied his seat on the Bench till De- 
cember 6, 1869, when his successor duly elected 
was qualified. Subsequently, from January 12, 
52 



Democratic sentiment in the county. Upon being 
retired from the bench he gradually discontinued 
the practice of the legal profession. 

Judge Van Reed represented this district as one 
of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention 
of the State of Pennsylvania, which was held in 
1872 and 1878 — he having been selected as the 
Republican delegate. 

During the progress of the Civil War he was r.n 



546 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ardent supporter of the uational admiuistration 
in every way. His strong, patriotic feelings im- 
pelled him to express himself in the most positive 
manner in favor of prosecuting the \var. When 
the State of Pennsylvania was threatened with an 
invasion by the rebels, in September, 1862, he en- 
listed, with a large number of the most prominent 
men of Reading, as a private in Company G, of 
the Second Regiment of the State Volunteer Mi- 
litia, commanded by Captain F. S. Bickley. This 
company was marched to and beyond the State 
line and engaged in performing rnilitary service 
for eleven days, when it was discharged. And 
during the terrible excitement throughout the 
State, owing to the battle of Gettysburg, in the 
beginning of July, 1863, he enlisted again in Com- 
pany C, Forty-second Regiment Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Militia, and acted as a sergeant. This 
regiment was composed entirely of Berks County 
companies, and it was under the command of Col. 
Charles H. Hunter, continuing in service from 
July 6 till August 12, 1863. 

Judge Van Reed died June 30, 1885, after an 
illness of several years. The members of the Berks 
County bar held a meeting and took ajipropriate 
action upon his death. Besides highl_y eulogistic 
addresses by them upon that occasion, relating to 
his life and character, they passed a resolution 
wherein they regarded him " as one of the best 
types of manhood this county has developed." 
" His sentiments were just and his impulses noble. 
As a lawyer and judge he was able, conscientious 
and painstaking. As a man he despised sham and 
hypocrisy ; and he took for his own example the 
Christian virtues. He had the rare gift of courage 
equal to his convictions ; and, therefore, in public 
as well as in private life he acted as he believed 
that an honest, upright man should act, without 
regard to affiliations or personal consequences. He 
was a fortunate man in that he acquired such a 
position in the public attention that high j^laces 
sought him though he was in a minority jiarty." 

He was married to Catharine Gernaut, a daugh 
ter of George Gernant. She died January 13, 
1883. He left two surviving children — George 
Van Reed and Anna Van Reed. 

Augustus S. Sassaman was born in Douglass 
township, Berks County, Febuary 7, 1834. His 
paternal ancestor, 'Augustus Sassaman, a native of 



Witgenstein, Germany, married a Miss Gernant, 
emigrated to America and settled in the Maiden- 
creek district of this county immediately after the 
Revolution. Judge Sassaman received a pre- 
paratory educational training in the district schools, 
and at a classical seminary in Boyertown. In 1853 
he was admitted to the junior class in Dickinson 
College, at Carlisle, Pa., was graduated from that 
institution with the class of 1855 and immediately 
thereafter entered the profession of teaching at 
New Berlin, Union County, in an institution which, 
in 1856, was merged into the Union Seminary. 
He filled its chair of ancient languages for three 
years, the chair of natural sciences for four years, 
and for a time he gave instruction in the German 
language. While teaching he began the study of 
the law under the direction of Hons. A. H. Dill 
and Isaac Slenker.* Resigning his position in the 
Union Seminary in 1862, he spent a year in the 
office of Isaac Slenker, Esq., and was admitted to 
the bar at Lewisburgh, Pa., in December, 1863. At 
the instance of some of the friends of his wife, who 
was a Miss De Turk, from Berks County, and a 
descendant of Huguenot ancestry, he returned to 
his native county and soon accjuired a large and 
lucrative practice. He continued in the active 
duties of his profession until 1875, when he was 
elected additional law judge of the courts of 
Berks County and served one full term of ten 
years, from January 2, 1876, to January 4, 1886. 
Upon his retirement from the bench, Judge Sassa- 
man returned to the practice of the law, in which 
he is now actively engaged. 

James Nevin Ermentrout, the youngest sou 
of William and Justina (Silvis) Ermentrout, was 
born at Reading, October 25, 1846. After a pre- 
paratory education in the common schools he was 
admitted into the High School when eleven years 
old, at the head of his class. He spent four years 
in this local institution and graduated June, 1862. 
Having been first in his class at the time of his 
graduation, he delivered the valedictory, — the 
highest honor at the commencement exercises. 
After teaching a country school in Ruscomb- 
raanor township during the following winter 
(1862-63), he entered the Tuscarora Academy, in 
Juniata County, and there continued his studies in 
the higher branches of education for a year, 
excepting the winter of 1863-64, when he again 




■^'^L-^d^ 




BENCH AND BAR. 



547 



taught a school iu Alsace township. Then he was 
appointed professor of languages in that institu- 
tion, and filled this important position very 
acceptably for a year. Iu 186-5 he resigned this 
j)03ition and returned to Reading. During that 
year he assisted in organizing the parochial school 
in the St. John's German Lutheran Church, and 
conducted it as principal with great satisfaction to 
the officers and members of that congregation. His 
brother, Professor John S. Ermentrout,was then fill- 
ing the office of superintendent of common schools of 
the county, and owing to the many schools over an 
extended territory and the great labor in perform- 
ing the duties of this position, he was appointed 
deputy superintendent. His qualifications for the 
work of assisting in perfecting the school system in 
the county were of a high order. He continued in 
this educational work for two years, from 1866 to 
1868. and distinguished himself by his devotion to 
it. The increasing number of schools, scholars and 
teachers indicated the zeal with which he pursued 
this undertaking, and the success of his efforts. 

Whilst deputy superintendent, he selected the 
law as his profession, and conducted a course of 
reading and study, under the preceptorship of his 
brother, Daniel Ermeutrout, Esq., a practicing at- 
torney at Reading and now representative in 
Congress from this district, till November 27, 1867, 
when he was admitted to the bar. In 1868, upon 
discontinuing his labors as deputy superintendent 
in the educational work of the county, he directed 
his attention entirely to the legal profession, and, 
by reason of his extensive acquaintance through- 
out the county which he had made during his visits 
iu the several school districts, he soon became 
actively engaged in practice. In 1869 he formed 
a law partnership with his brother, under the firm- 
name of Daniel & James N. Ermentrout. Their 
law Inisiness increased rapidly and embraced a 
general jiractice, including important litigation 
and the settlement of numerous valuable estates. 
In 1874, Daniel Ermentrout, Esq., was elected 
State Senator from this district, and re-elected for 
three successive terms till 1880; and then he was 
chosen a member of Congress, which office he has 
held from 1881 till now — he being the present 
incumbent. During this period the extensive 
practice of the firm was conducted very success- 
fully and almost entirely by the junior member, 



and this constant engagement iu legal business 
gave him a large and valuable experience. His 
strict integrity won for him the confidence of all 
who came to know him or transact business with 
him ; and his uniform courtesy to all the members 
of the bar was a pi-omineut characteristic of his 
daily life for which he was highlj' regarded by 
them. 

When the term of the additional law judge of 
the county was about to expire, the members of the 
bar naturally directed their attention towards Mr. 
Ermentrout as an attorney worthy of their con- 
sideration in connection with this office. In April, 
1885, a letter was addressed to him, subscribed by 
eighty attorneys, without regard to political party, 
comprising almost the entire number at the bar, 
requesting him to permit the presentation of his 
name to the people and the suggestion of himself 
as a proper person to fill this office. He consented, 
because he felt it a duty incumbent upon him to do 
so, inasmuch as the request came with such unusual 
unanimity and in such a non-partisan form. This 
proceeding on the part of the attorneys created a 
strong public sentiment in his behalf, and when 
the Democratic Convention assembled at Reading, 
on August 31st following, he was nominated by 
acclamation, and afterward elected at the ensuing 
county election. He was sworn into office for ten 
years on January 4, 1886. His call to the bench 
by the almost unanimous voice of the Berks 
County bar is the highest possible tribute to his 
legal learning and personal integrity. 

Hiram H. Schwartz is of German extraction. 
His grandfather, Isaac Schwartz, was married to 
Miss Margaret Rathmacher; and he resided in 
Upper Macungie township, Lehigh County, where 
he was engaged iu agricultural pursuits. Their 
children were Jacob, John, Isaac, Elizabeth, Har- 
riet, Kate, Mary and Esther. John was born on 
the 13th of March, 1804, at Schwartz's Spring, 
in Upper Macungie, and he was married to Han- 
nah Keck, daughter of Conrad and Catherine 
Moyer Keck, of the same township. Their issue 
was six children, — Hiram H., John W., Alfred 
P. (deceased), Eli G., Catherine (married to E. L. 
Breinig) and Katurah (married to Fulmer). 

Hiram H. Schwartz was born on a farm in 
Maxatawny township, now owned by Jacob Kutz, 
and in April, 1834, removed to a farm in North 



548 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Whitehall township, Lehigh County, where his 
youthful days were spent. He first became a 
pupil of the subscription schools of the neighbor- 
hood, subsequently of the free school and finally, 
at the age of sixteen, continued his studies under 
the direction of Rev. Dr. Van Derveer, remaining 
for several years at the boarding-school of the 
latter. He then entered Franklin and Marshall 
College, froni which institution he was graduated 
in June, 1S.35. Subsequently he engaged in teach- 
ing, pursuing at the same time a course of study 
in the law. He was elected school superintendent 
of Lehigh County in 1857, which office he filled 
very acceptably for three years. On the 1 2th of 
May, 1858, he was admitted to the bar, having 
pursued his studies under Hon. Samuel A. 
Bridges, of AUentown. In 1860 Judge Schwartz 
began the practice of his jirofession at Kutztown, 
Berks County. In the fall of 1869 he was elected 
as a Democrat to the State Legislature, and re- 
elected in 1870-71, meanwhile continuing in 
active practice. On the 29th of June, 1883, he 
was appointed judge of the Orphans' Court of 
Berks County, an office created under the act 
of 1883 expressly for this county, and at the suc- 
ceeding election he was elected for this position for 
the term of ten years. He is connected with the 
Masonic fraternity as a member of Huguenot 
Lodge, No. 377, of Kutztown. He has been for 
many years an earnest friend of the cause of edu- 
cation, being now a trustee of the Kutztown State 
Normal School. He is a member of the Refonned 
Church at Kutztown. 

ASSOCIATE JUDGES. 

James Diemer was an educated physician and 
one of the prominent citizens of Reading at the 
time of the erection of Berks County. He was 
an Englishman and the first physician of the town 
who conversed in the English language. As early 
as 1765 he served as one of the wardens of Christ's 
Episcopal Church, and, in 1815, he deeded the lot 
upon which Christ Cathedral stands to Marks 
John Biddle, James May and George Douglass. 
He filled the office of justice of the peace under 
the provincial government ; and under the provis- 
ions of the State Constitution of 1776 he served 
for several years as one of the judges of the County 
Courts, acting as president judge for a time. When 



the Constitution of 1790 was adopted, he received 
the appointmentas one of thefourassociatejudges of 
Berks County, and served continuously from 1791 
to 1819. From the length of time that he filled 
these responsible official positions, it is evident that 
he was a man of ability and integrity, and tradi- 
tion gives him the credit of having been able to 
administer the duties of his office with the precis- 
ion and accuracy of a judge learned in the law. 
Altogether he served in this capacity for about 
thirty years, much longer than any other official 
on the bench in the history of the county. After 
a long and useful life as a judge, phy.sician and 
public-spirited citizen of the town, he died June 
21, 1821, in the eighty-seventh year of his age. 
His remains were interred beside those of his wife 
and still lie within the inclosure of Christ Church, 
Reading, of which, for more than sixty-five j'ears, 
he was a leading member. 

George Ege was born March 9, 1748, and died 
December 14, 1829, aged eighty one years and 
nine months. During his long and active business 
career he was extensively known as the largest 
land-owner of Lis time in Berks County, and prom- 
inently identified with the iron interests of the 
county for a period of half a century. In 1774 he 
purchased an interest in Charming Forge for eight 
hundred and thirty-eight pounds; nine months 
later bought the remaining interest for one thou- 
sand six hundred and sixty-three pounds, and be- 
came its sole owner and manager. In 1S04 he 
built and operated Schuylkill County Forge, near 
Port Clinton, then in Berks, now in Schuylkill 
County. At that time he was possessed of the 
following landed estates : Charming Forge, with 
four thousand acres ; Reading Furnace, with six 
thousand acres ; Schuylkill Forge, with six thou- 
sand acres ; and four large farms in Tulpehocken 
and Heidelberg townships, embracing one thou- 
sand acres. The names of these farms were 
" Spring," " Sheaff," " Leiss "and " Richards." In 
1824 the assessed value of his personal and real 
estate was three hundred and eighty thousand dol- 
lars. During the Revolutionary AVar he was an 
ardent patriot, and in 1783 was a meniBer of the 
General Assembly of Pennsylvania. In 1791 he 
was appointed one of the first associate judges of 
Berks County under the Constitution of 1790, and 
served continuously with marked aliilitv until 



BENCH AND BAR. 



549 



l'S18, a period of twenty-eight years, when he I'e- 
signed the position to devote himself exclusively 
to his extensive business interests. He died at his 
home at Charming Forge, in Marion township, 
this county, and his remains were interred in the 
cemetery at Womelsdorf 

Judge Ege was married to Elizabeth Oberfeldt, 
of Ambo}% N. J., by whom he had three children, 
— George, Rebecca and Michael. There are no 
descendants of George now living ; Rebecca was 
married to Joseph Old and died without issue; 
Michael was married to Maria Margaretta Shulze, 
daughter of Rev. Shulze, pastor of Tulpehocken 
Church. One of the grandchildren of Michael 
and Margaretta Ege, Harriet Ege, widow of the 
late John Ermentrout, resides at Reading, in the 
eighty-fifth year of her age. The great-grand- 
children of Judge Ege and descendants of Michael 
Ege now living are Charles M. Ege and William 
Ege, of Dakota, Richard Brown Ege, of Sioux 
City, Iowa, and Mrs. David McCulloch, of Wis- 
consin. 

M.\TTHiAS Reichert, an associate judge from 
1791 to 1797. (For sketch see biographies of 
Congressmen.) 

Joseph Hiester. an associate judge from 1791 
to 1794. (See sketch as a State Official.) 

Nicholas Lotz was born February 20, 1740, 
and emigrated to Pennsylvania when a young man. 
He first settled in the western section of the 
county, and there married a young woman by the 
name of Meyer. Some time previous to the Revo- 
lution he located at Reading and became the 
owner of the two mills at the mouth of the Wyo- 
missing Creek, which he conducted very success- 
fully. When the struggle for independence be- 
gan, he was prominently identified with the pa- 
triotic movement at Reading. He served as one 
of the ten delegates from Berks County to the 
Provincial Conference, which assembled at Phila- 
delphia in June, 1776, and upon his return home 
he took an active part in the enlistment of men. 
He was commissioned a lieutenant-colonel ' and 
participated in the movement of the " Flying 
Camp" fTom Philadelphia to New York, where 



' Col. Lotz was a tall, finely- proportioned man ; meas- 
ured about six feet three inches, and weighed about three 
hundred pounds. 



he was engaged in the battle of Long Island and 
taken prisoner.^ He was admitted to parole with- 
in certain bounds on April 16, 1777, and ex- 
changed on September 10, 1779. In 1780 he was 
appointed commissioner of forage, and whilst 
serving this appointment he purchased a large 
amount of supplies for the army, consisting of 
flour, oats, cattle, sheep, etc. 

Colonel Lotz represented Berks County in the 
General Assembly from 1784 to 1786, and again 
from 1790 to 1794 ; and he filled the appointment 
of associate-judge of the county from 1795 to 
1806, having succeeded Colonel Joseph Hiester in 
that office. He died November 28, 1807, and left 
to survive him eight children : seven son.s — Philip, 
Nicholas, Jacob, John, Henry, Michael and Wil- 
liam — and a daughter, Rosa, married to John 
Yeager. His remains were buried in the grave- 
yard of the First Reformed Church at Reading 
and from thence removed to the Charles Evans' 
Cemetery. 

Benjamin Morris, a brother of Cadwalader 
Morris, became interested in the iron business at 
Birdsboro' in 1790, and then moved to that town. 
In 1797 he was a resident of Reading. In the 
next year, 1798, he received the appointment of 
associate judge of Berks County and occupied that 
position till 1809. 

Charles Shoemaker was born at German- 
town in 1757, and was about eight years of age when 
his father settled in Windsor township, Berks 
County. He was an associate judge of the county 
from 1820 to 1822, dying whilst filling this posi- 
tion, November, 1822. He was a highly-esteemed 
citizen. His opinion in various matters was fre- 
quently consulted by the people residing in his 
section of the county. 

William Witman was born February, 1772, 
at Reading, on the east side of North Fifth Street, 
near Walnut, where he resided all his life. His 
vocation was surveyor and conveyancer, which he 
pursued at Reading for many years. He served 
as an associate judge of Berks County from 1823 
to 1828, dying whilst occuj)ying this position, 
June 16, 1828. He was married to Mary Green, 
a Quakeress (born in 1770, died in 1835), with 
whom he had eight children, — Charles, Alexander 



-See Chapter IX., Revolution, pp. 155-16B. 



550 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Hamilton, Esther (who was married to Dr. Johu 
B. Otto), Sarah, Maria, Collins, Catharine and 
Matilda. 

Jacob Schneider was born in Exeter town- 
ship, and when a young man came to Reading, 
learned the trade of printer and was one of the 
publishers who founded the Beading Adler in 
1796, of which he remained part owner until 
1802. He was a member of the Legislature in 
1809 and was register and recorder of Berks 
County from 1809 to 1817. He was appointed 
associate judge in 1804 and served until 1829, 
shortly after which he died. 

Matthias S. Richards was born February 7, 
1787, in Colebrookdale township. He first entered 
upon a business career as a merchant. Fi'om 1812 
to 1845 he was a successful survej'or and scrivener ; 
■was deputy surveyor of Berks County from 1823 
to 1834 ; appointed justice of the peace in 1827 ; 
and associate judge of the courts of Berks County 
in 1829, serving until 1846. He was a member 
of the Reading Water Company for several years 
after his election in 1820. In 1823 he served as 
clerk of the Orphan's Court. He was one of the 
commissioners to organize the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad Co., and one of its board of mana- 
gers for many years. For upwards of twenty-five 
years he was librarian, secretary or treasurer of 
the Reading Library. He acted frequently as a 
commissioner in proceedings to erect new town- 
ships in the county. Judge Richards filled a very 
prominent and useful position in the history of the 
county during the greater part of his life. He died 
at Reading in 1862, aged seventy-five years. 

William Darling was a native of the State 
of Maine, born in Bucksport, November 10, 1797. 
AVhen a young man, he came to Berks County 
and became prominently identified with the 
manufacture of iron at Joanna Furnace, which at 
one time he owned and managed exclusively. In 
1830 he was appointed associate judge of Berks 
County and served w'ith ability in that oifice till 
1838. He was connected with various local enter- 
prises and for a time had a large interest in the 
Reading Foundry. In all his business relations he 
was recognized as a man of tact and ability. He 
was commissioner of the LTnited States to the 
First World's Fair, which was held at Loudon, in 
1851, and was vice-president of the American 



SundaySchool Union from the time of organiza- 
tion to his death, September 20, 1871. In 
January, 1820, Judge Darling was married to 
Margaretta Vaughan, daughter of John Smith, 
proprietor of Joanna Furnace. The names of the 
children still living are Mrs. Mary S. Wilcox. 
Philadelphia ; Henry Darling, D.D., now presi- 
dent of Hamilton College, New York ; Mrs. Wil- 
liam A. Drown, of Fern Hill, Abington, Pa. ; 
Miss Margaretta Vaughan Darling, of the same 
place ; Edward P. Darling, Esq., of Wilkesbarre; 
and J. Vaughan Darling, Esq., also of Wilkes- 
barre. 

William Addam.s, an associate judge from 1839 
to 1842 (see sketch as Congressman). 

John Stauffer, eldest son of Jacob Staufl^er 
and Susanna, his wife, late of Colebrookdale town- 
ship, Berks County, was born on the 4th day ot 
July, A.D. 1792. On the 1st day of December, 
1816, he was married to Elizabeth Keely, eldest 
daughter of Henry and Catharine Keely, of Doug- 
lass township, Berks County, and shortly thereafter 
moved to Boyertown, in said county, where he fol- 
lowed farming and conveyancing. They had ten 
children, to wit: Mary Ann, William, Frederick, 
Esther, John, Franklin, Elizabeth, Amanda, Ab- 
ner K. and ]Minerva. The oldest and youngest 
died in infancy. Franklin died in 1880, his wife 
surviving him only four days, and leaving four 
children. All the rest of the children are still 
living. In 1829 the subject of this sketch was 
elected to the State Legislature from the Berks 
district and held said position for three successive 
terms. In 1843 he was chosen one of the associate 
judges of Berks County and filled that oflice for 
eight years, when his declining health compelled 
him to withdraw from further participation in 
public or jiolitical affairs. In 1850 he founded 
Mount Pleasant Seminary at Boyertown, an 
institution which he intended should have fur its 
object a higher education for the children of the 
neighborhood of both sexes than could be obtained 
through the public schools. He took a great in- 
terest in the education of the young and had the 
proud satisfaction of seeing his institution in a 
flourishing condition before his death. He died 
on the 28th day of November, 1854. His wife 
died about three years later. Both are buried in 
Fairview Cemetery, at Boyertown. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



551 



William High was born January 14, 1786, 
and died March 29, 1851. At the time of his 
death his commissiou as an associate judge had 
just expired, having served five years. He was 
elected county commissioner and served from 1816 
to 1819. He was a member of the State Legisla- 
ture from Berks County for the year 1832; and 
he was one of the five delegates from Berks 
County to the Constitutional Convention of Penn- 
sylvania in 1838. He was prominently connected 
with the old militia system and held the office of 
brigadier-general by election for fifteen years. He 
was elected captain of the Reading Cavalry Com- 
pany in 1816, having become a member of the 
company in 1809. 

" He was a man remarkable for the jjossession 
of honesty and courage in the highest degree. 
What he knew to be right he dared to do. These 
qualities he showed forth from the bench with the 
brightest lustre." 

Samvel Bell was a native of Reading, born in 
the year 1797. During the early part of his life 
he was engaged in the mercantile business at the 
corner of Third and Peun Streets, and sub.se- 
quently was extensively engaged in the coal trade 
of Schuylkill County. He took an active interest 
in the welfare of Reading and contributed liber- 
ally toward the establishment of various industrial 
enterprises. He served as associate judge of the 
courts of Berks County by appointment during 
the years 1850-51 and held other positions of 
trust at different times. He moved to Philadel- 
phia in the spring of 1861 and died in that city 
September 15, 1863, aged sixty-six years. He was 
esteemed as a kind-hearted and generous man, and 
was possessed of an exemplary character. 

Daniel Young was a native of Montgomery 
County, born in 1793 in Upper Salford township. 
From there his parents moved to Lehigh County, 
and thence to Berks. After his education at 
Pottstown he engaged in the iron business, first 
with his father and then with General Daniel 
Udree as manager of the Rockland Forges, in this 
county, holding this position for twenty years. 
He next managed the iron interest at the Windsor 
Furnace for Jones, Keim & Co. until 1843. In 
18f2 he w.as elected prothonotary of Berks County 
and served one term. In 1851 he was elected an 
associate judge and served very creditably one full 



term of five years. In 1857 he was appointed 
one of the prison inspectors and continued in that 
board until 1866, and was its president from 1860. 
He published a little mathematical work called the 
" Ready Calculator," which was much used in cal- 
culating lumber by owners of saw-mills, for which 
purpose it was intended. During the Civil War 
he was an ardent friend of the Union. He was 
a member of the Reformed Church and officiated 
for many years as organist. He was married, in 
1815, to Mi.ss Lessig, who died in 1852. His 
mother died at the advanced age of ninety-six 
years, and he died July 27, 1873, at the advanced 
age of eighty -one years. He \vas a man of excel- 
lent moral character and highly esteemed by all 
who knew him. 

William Heidenreich w-as born in Catawissa, 
Columbia County, September 4, 1800 ; he was 
apprenticed to learn the trade of a cabinet-maker ; 
lived for a time in Northumberland County and 
thence moved to Kutztown, Berks County, where 
he engaged in the mercantile business with David 
B. Kutz for many years, until 1857. In October, 
1851, he and Hon. Daniel Young were elected the 
first associate judges of the courts of Berks County 
under the amendment to the State Constitution 
ratified in 1850, making that office elective. He 
served one full term of five years. He officiated 
as treasurer of Reading from 1863 to 1871. 
Judge Heidenreich was married, July 2, 1820, to 
Louisa daughter of Dewalt and Elizabeth Bieber, 
of Kutztown. He died February 9, 1877, leaving 
no children. His widow resides at Reading. He 
was a tall and handsome man of commanding 
appearance and recognized for his high moral 
principles. 

David Schall was born in Oley (now Pike) 
township May 25, 1801, and was the son of Hon. 
George Schall, who represented Berks County in 
the Senate of Pennsylvania 1825 to 1828. He 
attended the district schools and an educational 
institution in Philadelphia. He was largely 
engaged in the iron interests and managed the 
Dale Iron-Works from 1825 to 1868. In 1825 he 
was instrumental in establishing Dale post-office 
and served as postmaster from that date until 
1857. In May, 1830, he was appointed by Gover- 
nor Wolf major of the Second Independent 
Battalion of Berks County militia. He was 



552 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



elected associate judge of the courts of Berks 
County in 1856, re-elected iu 1861 and served two 
full terms with great acceptance to the people. 
Judge Schall was married to Catharine Endy. 
Their children are George Schall, now warden of 
IMontgoniery County Prison ; Amelia, married to 
Colonel William Trexler ; John W. Schall, recorder 
of deeds of Montgomery County for eight years 
and C'olonel of the Eighty-seventh Regiment of 
Pennsylvania Volunteers during the war, and 
married to Mary Hoover; William A. Schall, 
captain of Company H, Sixty-seventh Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and married to Mary B. 
High ; I). Horace Schall, a justice of the peace 
iu Washington township and lieutenant Company 
H, Forty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, married to Mary Fogel ; Alfred A. Schall, 
married to Emma Mohr ; Hannah V., Emeline 
Iv, and Mary L. Schall. He died January 22, 
1877, aged nearly seventy-six years. He was a 
man of enterprise and public spirit and exerted a 
high aud wide social and pulitical influence in the 
county. 

George D. Stitzel. — The ancestor of the 
Stitzel family in Berks County was John Stitzel, 
who was born at Stuttgart, iu Wiirtemburg, Ger- 
many, and as a young man, emigrated to this country, 
landing September 14, 1753, at Philadelphia. 
His passage was made on a sailing-vessel, " Eden- 
berg,"' from Rotterdam, James Russel, captain. 
From Philadelphia he proceeded immediately to 
Oley township, in Berks County, where he was 
hired out to service for several years to pay the 
cost of his passage over the sea. Upon obtain- 
ing his freedom from this service he was mar- 
ried to a young woman, whose family name was 
Ludwig and who was a farmer's daughter, 
residing near by in the same township. By in- 
dustry and economy in the pursuit of farming he 
sulweijuently became the owner of a small farm 
situated in the upper section of the township, near 
the " Oley Furnace." He died on this farm, and 
left to survive him five sons and a daughter, 
namely : Jacob, Adam, Ludwig, George and John, 
and Cevilla, who some years afterwards died 
unmarried. 

George Stitzel, the fourth of the .sons named, was 
born on the homestead iu Oley township. When 
a young man he was regularly apprenticed to the 



trade of a blacksmith, his brothers having likewise 
been apprenticed to trades. This was done in pur- 
suance of a custom that then j^revailed, notwith- 
standing the common vocation of farming — for all 
young men were expected to learn a mechanical 
trade of some kind. He was married to Sarah 
Hoch (High), of Oley, aud in 1783 they together 
settled in Richmond township, where he purchased 
and carried on successfully for a number of years 
a farm of one hundred and ninety acres. In that 
early period, about the year 1800, grain was sold 
at low prices and had to be transported to Phila- 
delphia in wagons to find a market. His wife 
having died shortly after settling in Richmond 
township, he married a second wife, named 
Elizabeth Hoch (High), a distant relative of his 
first wife, the daughter of Rudolph Hoch, a farmer 
of the same township. He left four children, — 
John, Henry, Magdalena (married to Gideon 
High) and George. 

Henry Stitzel, the second of the sons last named, 
was born in Richmond township, on the homestead, 
iu 1787. He was married to Catharine Deisher, 
daughter of Abraham Deisher, who was a farmer 
in Maiden-creek township, and whose father was 
one of the earliest settlers in that section of the 
county. Shortly after his marriage he moved to 
Washington County, Md., near Hagerstown, where 
he remained a number of years engaged extensively 
in farming operations. Whilst there he owned a 
number of slaves, according to a custom of all 
farmers in that State; but being conscientiously 
opposed to slavery, he eventually exchanged his 
farm and sl.'.ves for a large farm in Franklin 
County, Pa., whither he then removed. He 
carried on the latter plantation successfully for 
some time, but being persuaded to return to Berks 
County, he sold the premises and took possession of 
the homestead. Here he carried on farming till 
his death, in 1833. L^pon his return he interested 
himself in the cause of education. He established 
a school upon his farm, and induced a teacher 
named John P. Daniels, a resident of the Trappe, 
to come to Berks County and carry on teaching. 
This was the first English teacher in Richmond 
township. English teaching was continued till 
1833. The term was through the winter. His 
wife died iu Maryland in 1820. He afterward 
married Esther Hill, a widow aud a sister of his 



BENCH AND BAR. 



553 



first wife. At his death, in 1833, he left six 
children, — Abaline, married to George W. Wily; 
Tysher ; Hannah M., married to David Neff; Mary 
A., married to Dr. James M. Mathews ; George D. 
and John D. 

George Deisher Stitzel, the second son of Henry 
Stitzel, and the subject of this biographical sketch, 
was born in Washington County, Md., on March 
5, 1822. When his father returned to Berks 
Countv he was vet a boy. He attended the English 



as captain of the " JNIonroe Troop." He served 
this position for a full term of seven years, not 
missing a single day in the performance of his 
duties at the frequent military exercises of the 
company. These were conducted at dilTerent 
places in the upper eastern section of the county 
and also in Lehigh County, selected by a vote of 
the company. 

In 1845, in his twenty-third year, he was elected 
justice of the peace of Richmond township, and 





sjhool taught by teacher Daniels, till it was dis- 
continued, in 1833; and afterward, for several 
years, during the winter season, was a pupil in the 
Friends' school, in Maiden-creek township, an in- 
stitution which was recognized for its excellence 
under the direction of the Friends. Upon leaving 
school he directed his attention to farming. Before 
attaining hi^ majority he became interested in the 
militia system, which was then in its most active 
state, and in 1842 he was elected and commissioned 



after serving the terra of five years he was re- 
elected for a second term ; then residing in Maiden- 
creek township, to which he had then removed. 
In connection with this local office he carried on 
surveying and conveyancing. In 1856, a year 
after his second term as a justice of peace had ex- 
pired, he was nominated associate judge of the 
county upon the Democratic ticket and elected for 
the term of five years and re-elected in 1861 for a 
second term. During the latter terra the Civil 



554 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



War broke out. In the excitement and commotion 
that ensued he was instrumental, with other 
prominent officials and influential citizens, in 
creating a proper spirit in the Djraocratic County 
(which was oj)posed to the Republican administra- 
tion), towards encouraging the prosecution of the 
war for the Union. The influence of such men in 
the time of a crisis in our affairs such as the war 
from 1861 to I860 is most powerful. 

Judge Stitzel moved to Reading in 1858 to ac 
commodate the wishes of the bar and the require- 
ments of his office, his associate on the bench, 
Hon. David Schall, being a resident of Washington 
township, at Dale Forge, in the iron business. 
Whilst residing in Maiden-creek township he in- 
terested himself in the construction of the East 
Pennsylvania Railroad. He was one of the pro- 
jectors of this road, and a charter member who 
proceeded to Harrisburg and obtained its charter; 
and upon the organization of the company he was 
selected as one of the first board of directors, a 
position which he has held ever since, a period 
covering nearly thirty years. In 1869 this rail- 
road was leased to the Philadelphia and Reading 
Railroad Company. He then formed a business 
connection with the latter company, which has been 
continued till date, acting as its real estate agent 
and supervising particularly all its farm properties. 
In this position he has been very successful in the 
adjustment of land damages, a position requiring 
the exercise of rare judgment and thorough ob- 
servation of men and things. 

In 1870 he united with several prominent busi- 
ness men of Reading in forming a local mutual fire 
insurance company, which was then successfully 
organized and chartered under the name of the 
Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Reading, Pa. 
He was elected the first president, and he has 
been re-elected annually to this position. No 
assessment has been made as yet during the six- 
teen years of its existence, notwithstanding many 
buildings were burned on which insurance was 
carried in this company, and the losses were satis- 
fied. This is evidence of most admirable manage- 
ment. He is now (188'i), a director of the First 
National Bank of Reading. 

In 1866, Judge Stitzel became a member of the 
Reading Relief Society, and from that time till 
now, a period covering twenty years, he has been 



actively interested in its management, whereby the 
poor people of this community have been afforded 
much relief annually during the winter season. He 
acted for a time as secretary of the society, and 
in 1870 he succeeded Lewis Briner in the presi- 
dency, which office he has held annually. During 
this time, in 1874, the society erected a'fine two- 
story brick building in which to hold its meetings 
and carry on its noble work of charity. Its erec- 
tion is attributable principally to his encourage- 
ment and energy. He is one of the three members 
of the local Board of Public Charities, appointed 
to investigate and report upon the condition of our 
prison and poor-house. In 1874 he was elected as 
a trusteeof the Charles Evans Cemetery Company, 
to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the 
Hon. J. Pringle Jones, since which time he has 
taken an active part in its management. 

Having been born and reared on a farm, and 
being practically interested in farming operations, 
first as the owner of three large and flourishing 
farms in this county (including the Stitzel home- 
stead, in Richmond township), and as the superin- 
tendent of all the Philadelphia and Reading 
Railroad Company farms, it was natural for him to 
become thoroughly interested in a society for the 
successful consideration and direction of farming 
operations. The Berks County Agricultural 
Society has received his encouragement for many 
years. At the last annual meeting he was elected 
president of the society for the year 1886 ; and he 
has been prominently connected with the Fruit- 
growers' Association of Pennsylvania since 1873, 
having served as president during the last five 
years, till 1SS6, when he declined re-election. 

The various po.sitions filled by .Judge Stitzel 
indicate a man of superior ability and of thorough 
integrity, and the people have not been slow in 
recognizing and appreciating these qualities. He 
has not only filled public positions, but also 
numerous private po-itions of trust and responsi- 
bility, having acted as executor, administrator and 
tru.stee in the settlement of nearly a hundred 
estates, which involved the distribution of not less 
than two millions of dollars His recognized 
ability and integrity in this respect was so highly 
appreciated by the Hon. Warren J. Woodward 
that he was appointed executor of his large estate, 
comprising property of various kinds, with un- 



/ 



BENCH AND BAR. 



555 



limited discretionary power for its adjustment in 
effecting distribution, as in the last will directed. 
He was married to Amanda, daughter of George 
Weidenhamer, Maiden Creek township, by whom 
he had two daughters, both of whom are deceased. 
Chakles IvESSLERwas born at Reading in the 
year 1805, and died of apoplexy December 26, 
1871. Few men were better known to the citi- 
zens of Berks County than he. When a youth 
he entered the office of the Reading Adler, when 
that paper was published by liis father, Charles 



which, by patient labor and research, he accumu- 
lated a valuable collection of insects. He also 
took a great interest in agriculture, was one of 
the originators of the Berks County Agricul- 
tural and Horticultural Society and for many 
years the president of it. He was a successful 
fi-uit-grower, and many choice varieties of apples, 
peaches, pears and grapes were introduced into 
this county through his personal efforts. He was 
a leader in the Democratic party for many years, 
and a man of uudoiibted ability and integritv. 




DAVJI) KI'TZ. 



Kessler, and his uncle, Hon. John Ritter. Soon 
after attaining his majority he was promoted to 
the position of translator and associate editor of 
the paper. Much of the influence and pojjularity 
afterwards obtained by that journal was due to his 
untiring energy. He became part owner of the 
Adler in 18.')2, sole proprietor a few years later 
and continued so until 1864. In 1866 he was 
elected associate judge of the courts of Berks 
County, served in that office until 1871, his term 
of service expiring only a few weeks before his 
death. .Judge Kessler spent much of his leisure 
time in the study of the sciences, and was es- 
pecially devoted to the study of entomology, in 



David Kutz was born in 1798, iu ]Maxatawny 
township, Berks County. He was brought uj) in 
agricultural pursuits and resided all his life at 
the family homestead, adjoining Kutztown (which 
place was named after his ancestors), one of the 
best cultivated and most productive farms iu the 
county. He was a true type of the Pennsylvania 
German character. In him was combined iu an 
eminent degree all the qualities of industry, fru- 
gality, sturdy independence and inflexible honesty, 
which distinguish that valuable class of citizens. 
He had a general acquaintance throughout the 
county. His sterling integrity and sound judg- 
ment commanded the confidence of the citizens of 



556 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Berks County iu the highest degree. He mani- 
fested a deep interest in public afiairs, and he 
was always active in political matters. He labored 
earnestly to strengthen the organization and pro- 
mote the welfare of the Democratic party, the 
principles of which he was a firm advocate. Am- 
bition never tempted him to take ofBce merely for 
the sake of office. He accepted only such local 
positions as afforded him the opportunity to serve 
his fellow-citizens, and such services he performed 
with recognized fidelity. He figured prominently 
at numerous County Conventions. He officiated as 
county commissioner in 1838-39-40 and subse- 
quently as one of the Board of Prison Inspectors 
by appointment f^-om the Court of Quarter Sessions 
for fifteen years, from 1 853 to 1868, having served 
as president of that body for a time. In the fall 
of 186<) he was elected associate judge of Berks 
County for the term of five years, and whilst 
serving in that capacity he died, on the 20th of 
July, 1870, in his seventy-third year. In private 
as in public life Judge Kutz was distinguished for 
his high moral character. 

Hexry Rhoads was born in Amity township, 
Berks County, June 2, 1802. He came to Read- 
ing when a young man, and after serving a number 
of years as clerk in the prothonotary's office he 
began the study of the law in the office of Samuel 
Baird, Esq. He was admitted to the bar April 3, 
1832. In 1836 he was appointed clerk of the Or- 
phans' Court by Governor Rituer and served from 
1836 to 1838. He officiated as postmaster at Read- 
ing during President Taylor's administration, and 
served as associate judge of the countj' of Berks 
from August 3, 1870, to December 4, 1871, hav- 
ing been appointed by Governor Geary to fill the 
unexpired term of Hon. David Kutz, deceased. 
He was one of the first school directors of Reading 
under the common-school system. He acted as 
superintendent of Christ's Episcopal Sunday- 
school from 1833 to 1838 and served as member 
of the vestry for many years. He was an Old- 
Line Whig, and upon the organization of the 
Republican party was one of its staunchest ad- 
herents. He was a jjartner, iu 1838, with John S. 
Richards, Esq., in the publication of the Berks 
and Se/iuytk!ll Journal. While at the bar he for 
a time enjoyed the largest Orphans' Court practice 
iu Berks County. He died February l-l, 1881, 



aged nearly eighty years. His father, Daniel 
Rhoads, was register of Avills of Berks County 
from 1818 to 1820 and 1824 to 1829. He mar- 
ried Sarah, daughter of Charles Bushar, of Read- 
ing, by whom he had six children, — Charles B. 
(deceased), John H., George B., Louisa B., 
Charles B. and Daniel P. George B. Rhoads, the 
third son, was captain in the Union army, and 
was killed at Petersburg, Va. 

George W. Bruckmax was born in Reading, 
and has resided iu this place all of his life. 
His father, Carl A. Bruckman, emigrated from 
Amsterdam, Holland, located in Reading early in 
life, learned the printer's trade, and for a time 
published a German newspaper known as Read- 
inger Postbote. He received his education in the 
schools of Reading, then served an apprenticeship to 
the plasterer's trade and followed that business for 
ten years Then he became clerk to the county com- 
missioners and served in that position for ten years. 
He acted as deputy prothouotary for three years, 
from 1851 to 1854, under Dr. Charles H. Hunter; 
served as city treasurer during the years 1X57-58, 
and officiated as teller in Bushong's Bank for a 
time. In 1871 he was elected associate judge of 
the county of Berks and served one full term of 
five years. He was one of the last two a.ssociate 
judges iu the county, the office having been abol- 
ished by the Con.stitution of 1873, during his 
term of service. He is living in retirement at 
Reading. 

Daniel Buskirk is a descendant from ancestors 
who emigrated from Holland, his grandfather hav- 
ing been ^larmaduke Van Buskirk, a soldier of 
the Revolution, who resided in New York. He 
had three sons, — John, Jacob and Joseph. Jacob 
Van Buskirk was born on the 4th of July, 1783, 
in New York City, aud removed to Colebrookdale 
townshiji, Berks County, where he engaged in 
agricultural pursuits. He married Catherine, 
daughter of Sebastian Koch, a soldier of the Rev- 
olution and a resident of the same township. 
Their children are John, Daniel, Mary (mar- 
ried to Peter Heflner), Catherine (married to 
Joseph Scheldt) and Jacob, all of whom are still 
living. 

Daniel Buskirk was born on the 13th of Janu- 
ary, 1816, in Colebrookdale township. He re- 
moved to Pricetown at an early age, where he spent 



BENCH AND BAR. 



557 



the greater part of his youth. His advantages 
of education were limited, but he took advantage 
of those at command. He then learned the trade 
of a moulder at the Oley Furnace and was engaged 
in that occupation for seven years in Berks and 
Northampton Counties and in Warren County, 
N. J. Upon returning to Pricetown he was elected, 
in 1841, to the office of justice of the peace in 
Ruscomb-manor township, when he abandoned his 
trade and directed his entire attention to the 



and he still holds that office by re-election. This 
repeated re-election evinces the high respect and 
confidence of his fellow-citizens. He has ever been 
a firm adherent to the principles of the Democratic 
party. During the past forty years he has exerted 
a high and beneficial influence in his section of 
the county. He has frequently acted as a fiduci- 
ary in the settlement of estates, performing the 
duties of executor, trustee and administrator with 
marked satisfaction and success. He is a member 




s:Aj Cl!^^^>cy6 /j^'t.d/f^^tyiyfV 



duties of his office until 1855, having been twice 
re-elected. He then received the nomination for 
and was elected to the office of register of wills of 
Berks County. On the expiration of his term of 
three years he was again elected a justice of the 
peace, and he continued to hold this office by re- 
election till 1871, when he was elevated to associ- 
ate judge of the county. He filled this honorable 
position very creditably for a term of five years. 
During his term of service the office was abolished 
by the Constitution of 1873. In 1877 he was 
again chosen justice of the peace of the township 



and was for a time an elder and a trustee of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Church at Pricetown. 

Judge Buskirk was also actively and success- 
fully engaged in farming operations for many 
years. Having retired from this pursuit his sev- 
eral farms in the township are carried on by his 
sons. Judge Buskirk was married in 1838 to Re- 
becca S., daughter of Jacob S. Keller, of Ruscomb- 
manor township. His children are William, 
Daniel (now deceased), Hiram, Ephraim, Jacob 
(now deceased), James and Rebecca (now de- 
ceased). His wife died August 28th, 1882. 



558 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXNSYLVANIA. 



ATTORXEYS-AT-LAW. 

James Read was born in Philadelphia and 
came to Reading at an early period in his history 
and, by appointment from the Provincial Gov- 
ernor, filled the county oiEces of prothonotary, 
recorder, register, clerk of Orphans' Court and 
clerk of the Court of Quarter Sessions continuously 
from the time of the organization of Berks County, 
in 1752, till ITTli. He was one of the first attor- 
neys admitted to the bar at Reading, and also 
practiced his profession whilst filling the offices 
named. The official records are in his own hand- 
writing and indicate that he was a man of careful 
habits. He officiated as one of the justices of the 
county courts under the Provincial Government, 
and served as a member of the Supreme Executive 
Council for two terms, from 1779 to 1782 and 
from 1788 to 1791. Under the constitution of 
1776 he was elected in 1783 as a Censor to repre- 
sent Berks County in the Council of Censors who 
were " to inquire whether the Constitution was 
preserved inviolate in every part." The numer- 
ous positions filled by him indicate that he was a 
man of recognized ability. 

Jame.s Biddle was one of the first attorneys of 
the Berks County bar and began practicing imme- 
diately after the erection of the county and the or- 
ganization of the courts in 1752. He was a de- 
scendant of William Biddle, who accompanied 
William Penn to America. For a time he held 
the office of Deputy Prothonotary and Deputy 
Judge of the Court of Admiralty for the district 
of Pennsylvania. After the adoption of the State 
Constitution of 1790, he was appointed to the office 
of President Judge of the First Judicial District 
of Pennsylvania, the duties of which he discharged 
with signal ability and integrity, until his death in 
1797. He was the father of Marks John Biddle. 

Edward Biddle. — One of the earliest attorneys 
at Reading. (See sketch in chapter on " Revolu- 
tion"). 

James Whitehead, Jr., was one of the earliest 
lawyei-s at Reading. In 1766 he drew the peti- 
tion which was addressed to the Governor of the 
Province of Pennsylvania, praying for the estab- 
lishment of Reading into a market town. This was 
signed by many prominent citizens and the charter 
was granted at the time requested. 

CoLLixsoN Read, one of the first lawvers of the 



Berks County bar, who attained prominence for 
legal learning, died in Reading March 1, 1815, 
aged sixty-three years. He was admitted to the 
bar August 13, 1772, and soon thereafter became 
one of the leaders of his profession in this section 
of the State. He had an extensive knowledge of 
the Latin, Greek, French and German languages, 
and was well versed in general literature. He was 
possessed of great tenderness of heart, gentleness 
of manners and cheerfulness of disposition, and was 
one of the pioneer lawyei-s, well known for his 
integrity and ability. These excellent qualities 
won for him many friends and patrons among 
the early settlers of Berks County. 

Daniel C Clymer was born in Philadelphia, 
April 6, 1748, and having lost his father at an 
early age, he was brought up and educated by his 
uncle. Gen. Daniel Roberdeau, who became a dis- 
tinguished officer in the Revolutionary army. He 
was sent to Princeton College and graduated in 
1766 ; and upon returning to Philadelphia he 
there studied law and was admitted to the bar in 
1768. 

When the Revolution broke out he enlisted as 
an Associator ; joined the company of Captain 
John Little in the Second Battalion of Phila- 
delphia Militia, and was elected First Lieutenant. 
In June, 1775, he was appointed by Congress one 
of the signers of Bills of Credit for 82,000,000; 
and again in March, 1776, for .?4,000,000. In 
April, 177(i, he was appointed to the command of 
the Rifle Battalion of Philadelphia, having been 
commissioned on April 8, 177*), with the rank of 
Lieutenant-Colonel. In July, 1776, he was one of 
the delegates from Philadelphia to the Convention 
of Association, which as-sembled at Lancaster, for 
the purpose of electing a Brigadier-General. He 
acted as secretary, and his uncle, Daniel Rober- 
deau, was elected. In 1777 he served as a Com- 
missioner of Claims in the Treasury Dejjartment 
of the United Colonies. During the closing years 
of the Revolution he removed to Reading and 
practiced his profession in Berks and the adjoin- 
ing counties. He was admitted to the bar at 
Reading, May 4, 1776, doubtless at that time for 
special business. About the time of his removal 
to Reading, in 1782, he was married to Mary 
Weidner, a daughter of Peter and Susan Weid- 
ner, of Berks County. His wife died in 1802, aged 



BENCH AND BAR. 



559 



furty-six years. He died at Reading, January 25, 
1810, and left three children — Ann, born at 
Reading 1782, and died unmarried at Morgan- 
town 1852 ; William, an attorney (see sketch) and 
Edward Tilghraan, born at Reading 1790, edu- 
tated at Princeton College and pursued farming 
in Caernarvon township, having married Maria 
Catharine Hiester, daughter of William Hiester, 
and died on his farm in 1831, leaving to survive 
him five sons, Daniel R., William H., Edward M. 
Hiester and George E., and a daughter, Mary 
Hiester. 

Marks John Biddle, a son of James Biddle, 
was born at Philadelphia, May 24, 1765, and there 
he obtained a good education. He came to Read 
ing and was admitted to the bar in December, 
1788, when he began the practice of the law in 
Berks County. He devoted his whole time to his 
profession and soon established a large and lucra- 
tive business, which he maintained until 1840, 
when he retired from practice. Shortly afterward 
he became afflicted with blindness and continued 
blind for seven years till his death. During this 
trying period he was cheerful. He enjoyed the 
literary productions of his day by having the same 
read to him. He was distinguished for strong in- 
tellect and clear judgment. His legal learning 
was accurate and profound, and his efforts at the 
Bar were remarkable for a thorough knowledge 
and comprehensive grasp of his subject. He re- 
presented the county in the State Senate from 1817 
to 1820. About this time he was the local repre- 
sentative of the Penus in the collection of ground 
rents. Upon the election of Governor Joseph 
Hiester he received the appointment of prothono- 
tary of the county and held the office from 1821 
to 1824. He died August 11, 1849, over eighty- 
four years of age. James D. Biddle was his only 
son. 

Le\-i Pawling was the third sou of Henry 
Pawling, one of the first associate judges of Mont- 
gomery County. He was born in Providence 
township, that county ; read law and was admitted 
to practice at Norristown in November, 1795; be- 
came a member of the Berks County bar August 
IS, 1796; lived for a short time at Reading, and 
on October 14, 1804, was married to Elizabeth, 
daughter of Governor Joseph Hiester. He soon 
afterwards attained great prominence at the Mont- 



gomery Bar, lived in magnificent style for those 
early days, and filled a great many positions of 
trust and responsibility. Being a Federalist in 
politics and a resident of a Democratic county, he 
was not elected to any legislative office except to a 
seat in Congress, serving as a representative one 
term, from 1817 to 1819. For a number of years 
he was President of the Bank of Slontgomery 
County. About the time of his retirement from 
business he was financially embarrassed and he 
lost the extensive property he had owned. His 
wife died in 1826. He survived her until 1845, 
and died at the age of seventy-three years. His 
wealthy father-in-law left each of Mr. and Mrs. 
Pawliug's children a patrimony of ten thousand 
dollars. James M. Pawling, their second son, was 
a prominent member of the Montgomery County 
Bar and was admitted a member of the Berks 
County Bar November 7, 1833, but lived at Nor- 
ristown. 

John S. Hiester was born at Reading July 28, 
1774, and was the only son of Governor Joseph 
Hiester. He was educated at Princeton College, 
from which he graduated with honor to himself, in 
1794 at the age of twenty ; studied law in Phila- 
delphia under the direction of Jared Ingersoll, Esq., 
and was admitted to the bar in 1798. He was mar- 
ried to Miss Fries, of Philadelphia. After a wedded 
life of six mouths she died. Afterwards he was 
married to Maria C. Muhlenberg, a first cousin ot 
Henry A. Muhlenberg, by whom he had four 
children. For nine years he had all the offices in 
connection with the county courts of Berks County. 
He was well qualified to fill these positions. He 
was cashier of Farmers' Bank, also president of 
Borough Council for several years. He died March 
7, 1849, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. 

General Gregg, of Reading, is married to a 
granddaughter of John S. Hiester. 

Frederick John Haller was admitted to 
the bar November 4, 1801 ; practiced for a short 
time at Kutztown, then moved to Huntingdon ; 
from thence to Hollidaysburg, and, later in life, 
located at AUeutown, where he died. 

Samuel D. Frank.s was the sou of Colonel 
Isaac Franks, of Philadelphia, who was one of the 
staff-officers of General Washington in the Revo- 
lution during the Pennsylvania campaign, and a 
cousin of the great wit and beauty. Miss Rebecca 



560 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Franks, who became the wife of Sir Heury John- 
son, Bart. He was born at Philadelphia in the 
year 1784, and there educated for the bar. He 
came to Reading early in life and was admitted 
to the Berks County bar on August 10, 1805. 
Soon afterward he was married to Sarah May, 
the daughter of James May and a sister of 
Mrs. George De B. Keim. During the War 
of 1812-15 he was major in a Berks County 
regiment of volunteers, and was at Baltimore in 
1814 when that city was threatened by the British 
forces. 

" Upon his return from military service he 
became clerk of the House of Representatives. 
He was an efficient officer and an excellent 
reader, useful to the members and quite popular. 
Upon the election of Governor Findlay he re- 
ceived the appointment of president judge of Dau- 
phin County July 29, 1818, and he occupied this 
position till January 12, 18.30, when he resigned 
his commission. He was a man of much talent 
and a most amusing companion, having considerable 
talent for mimicry. He abounded in anecdotes. 
He was a large man, with a large head and fine 
face ; he had a large Grecian nose, florid counten- 
ance and red hair. He said he was the best red 
(read) judge in Pennsylvania ; but the law, as a 
science, had few charms for him." ' 

In the year 1818, previous to his appointment 
as a president judge he officiated in Berks County 
as prothonotary and clerk of the Quarter Sessions. 
He took an earnest interest in the militia aifairs of 
the State, in which he became very popular. He 
was elected major-general of the Sixth Division 
Pennsylvania Militia, which was composed of the 
troops in Berks, Dauphin, Lebanon and Schuyl- 
kill Counties, and occupied that prominent position 
till the time of his death, when his brother-in-law, 
General George De B. Keim, of Reading, was elect- 
ed to succeed him. He died at Orwigsburg, Schuyl- 
kill County, aged only forty-six years. His remains 
were brought to Reading and buried in the grave- 
yard adjoining Christ's Episcopal Church. 

James B. Hubley was born in the year 1789, 
in Montgomery Co., Pa., and was a son of Joseph 
Hubley and brother of Edwin B. Hubley. He 
was admitted a member of the bar of Berks 

'From Egle's " History of Dauphin County." 



County April 3, 1809. He practiced for a time 
in Reading, moved to Orwigsburg, then the 
county seat of Schuylkill County, and died Aug- 
ust 26, 1828, at the age of thirty-eight years. He 
was an heir to the Burd estate. He was a man of 
brilliant promise, possessed a benevolent and 
kindly disposition, had amiable manners and was 
favorably known for his honesty and integrity. 

William Clymer, a son of Daniel C. Clymer, 
Esq., was born at Reading on March 2'<, 1788. 
He was educated at Y'ale College, from which he 
was graduated in 1807. Upon returning home he 
studied law in the office of his father, a practicing 
attorney at Reading, and was admitted to the bar 
in 1809. He practiced his profession in Berks 
County and died in 184-5. He was married to 
Susan Rightmyer, of Reading, and with her had 
eight children, three of whom survived him, — 
Henry, Mary Ann and William. 

Franklin S. Muhlenberg, son of General 
Peter Muhlenberg, was born in Philadelphia 
April 22, 179.5 ; obtained a liberal education, 
studied law and was admitted a member of 
the Berks County bar May 8, 1816, and became 
private secretary of Governor Joseph Hiester from 
1820 to 1>S23. Soonafterthelatter date he removed 
to Ohio, becane a member of the Legislature of 
that State, and later, was a representative from 
Ohio in the Twentieth Congress. He died in Pick- 
away County, Ohio, in 1832. 

Nathaniel Potts Hobaet was a native of 
Philadelphia, born October 3, 1790, read law in 
the office of John C. Smith, and was admitted to 
the bar of his native city ; removed to Pottstown, 
where he was appointed justice of the peace by 
Governor Simon Snyder; joined Captain Daniel 
De B. Keim's company of Washington Blues in 
August, 1814 ; marched with it to Camjj Dupont, 
and there joined the First Regiment of Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers October 7, 1814, and served as 
fourth sergeant of the company until December 
r)th of the same year, when they returned to Read- 
ing ; admitted an attorney of the Berks County 
bar January 3, 1818 ; was clerk in the prothono- 
tary's office, under John Adams, for several years ; 
was assistant clerk in the House of Representa- 
tives at Harrisburg, under chief clerk Francis R. 
Shunk. In 1827 Governor Shulze appointed him 
clerk of the Orphans' Court and Court of Quarter 



BENCH AND BAR. 



561 



Sessions of Berks County, which position he held 
until 1830, when he removed to Pottstown. In 
1836 he was appointed auditor-general of Pennsyl- 
vania by Governor Ritner, and held the office for 
three years; resided at Pottstown from 1830 until 
his death, July 3, 1860. He was married April 
18, isio, to Joanna Holland. Their children 
were John Potts (now an attorney in Pottsville), 
Sarah P., Eliza R., Anna Sophia, Robert H., 
Nathaniel B., William R. and Ellen G. Hobart. 

James D. Biddle was the only son of Marks 
John Biddle, Esq. After obtaining a good Eng- 
lish education he studied law under the direction 
of his father and was admitted to the bar at Read- 
ing April 9, 1815. For many years he was a 
notary public, and became a very popular lawyer, 
but died when yet young. 

Charles D.wis, son of Moses Davis, was born 
in Easton December 25, 1795, and upon attaining 
manhood, read law in the office of Hon. Samuel 
Sitgreaves of the Northampton bar, and was ad- 
mitted to practice January 16, 1817, when he 
removed to Allentown. This was shortly after the 
erection of Lehigh County. He soon became one 
of the leaders of the bar of that county and con- 
tinued uuinterrujjtcdly to practice his profession 
at Allentown until 1839 when he came to Reading 
where he followed his profession until 1867. By 
this time increasing years and declining health 
impelled him to relinquish his piactice as his 
physical constitution would no longer withstand 
its demands. He accordingly determined to 
remove to the home of his childhood and youth, 
and died in Easton on January 19, 1873. During 
his If St residence in his native town, he lived a 
semi-retired life, but was in the full enjoyment of 
his faculties and was frequently consulted by other 
members of the Northampton bar. In speaking 
of Mr. Davis, Judge Maxwell said, " It is worthy 
of remark that no attorney had been more diligent 
in the practice of his profession, nor more faithful 
and devoted to the interests of his clients to whose 
causes or business he devoted all the powers of 
his vigorous mind. He was not only an able and 
successful lawyer but a valuable and useful citizen. 
He had always been a consistent Christian, and by 
his walk and conversation, honored his profes- 
sion." 

Chakles Witman, son of Hon. William 



Witman, associate judge of Berks County from 
1823 to 1828, was born at Reading in the year 
1790, and was admitted to the bar of Berks 
County August 9, 1818. He lived and practiced 
law at Reading for a number of years aud then 
removed to Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, where 
he practiced his profession till his death February 
13,1856. 

Edward B. Hubley was born at Reading in 
1792. He was the son of Joseph Hubley, a practi- 
cing attorney of the Berks County bar. He 
studied law with his father and was admitted to 
the bar April 5, 1820. After practicing at Read- 
ing for a while he moved to Orwigsburg, then the 
county-seat of Schuylkill County, and there con- 
tinued his profession for a number of years. He rep- 
resented that district in Congress for two terms from 
1835 to 1839. He held the appointment of canal 
commissioner of this State for several years under 
Governor David R. Porter, and acted as a com- 
missioner of Indian affairs under President Polk. 
In all these positions he discharged his duties with 
ability and fidelity. About 1848 he returned to 
Reading aud continued to reside here for eight 
yeai-s; then he removed to Philadelphia, and died 
there shortly afterward, on February 23, 1856, 
aged sixty-four years. He was married to Catha- 
rine, eldest daughter of Judge Spayd. 

James L. Dunn, the only son of James Dunn, 
was born in Kent County, Md., July 25, 1785. 
He was educated in the schools of Baltimore, 
then went to Philadelphia to live in the family of 
his uncle, John Lorrain. He there studied the 
art of book-keeping, and, for a time, was engaged 
in the mercantile business. In 1815 he came to 
Reading aud read law under the direction of Sam- 
uel Baird, Esq., and was admitted to the bar of 
Berks County, November 10, 1821. Mr. Dunn 
was an excellent lawyer, a fine scholar, a genial 
companion, courteous and affable in his manners 
and prepossessing in appearance. During the last 
twelve years of his life he was a confirmed invalid 
and was compelled to retire from an extensive 
practice at the bar. He was a prominent and 
influential member of the Episcopal Church, 
and one of the original board of directors of 
the Charles Evans Cemetery. He was mar- 
ried to Sara Rees, of Philadelphia, who died 
before him. Their children were Charles C. Dunn, 



562 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



George R. Dunn, of Philadelphia, Mrs. De B. 
Keim, of Reading ; Mrs. Nelson B. Bowman, of 
Brownsville, Pa., all of whom are living, and Mrs. 
Edward jMcLouegan, deceased, of Reading. 

William C. Leavenworth, who was ad- 
mitted to the bar at Reading, August 18, 1822, 
was a native of New England. During a resi- 
dence of about twenty years in Reading he won 
considerable distinction in the legal jn'ofession and 
was a man of fine intellectual attainments. He 
accompanied the tide of emigration to California 
during the " gold-fever " and died in that State. 
Henry Dreer, the prominent nur.seryman of 
Philadelphia, is married to his daughter. 

Lloyd Wharton, who obtained a good educa- 
tion, then pursued the study of law, was admitted 
elsewhere, and, on March 24, 1824, became a 
member of the Berks County bar. He continued 
in practice at Reading until about the year 1840, 
when he moved to Philadelphia county and lived 
on the Delaware, near Bristol. While in Reading 
in the year 1835, he was instrumental iu se- 
curing the charter of the Berks County Bank, and 
for a time, he was the principal stockholder in it. 
He disposed of his interest to Elijah Deckert and 
William Darling in 1839. Soon after his removal 
from Reading his name was changed to Lloyd 
Wharton Beckley, and he thus became heir to a 
large part of the Beckley estate He was a man 
of rare intelligence and well versed in general 
literature. 

Thomas Morris was born near Doylestown, 
Pa., and was a son of Thomas Morris. After 
tending an excellent academy in his native town, 
he entered the office of the Hon. John Chap- 
man, a distinguished lawyer of the Bucks County 
bar, and having completed the required course of 
legal studies, was admitted to the bar. For a time 
thereafter he lived at Pottsville and became a 
member of the Berks County bar by admission 
November 1, 1824. He was an active Democrat 
and ardent supporter of Henry A. Muhlenberg for 
governor of Pennsylvania. That department of 
practice relating to land titles was a specialty with 
him. He died June 17, 1872. 

David Evans, who was admitted to the bar at 
Reading, January 5, 1825, was born at Morgan- 
town, this county, and was of Welsh descent. 
After engaging in tiie duties of his profession at 



Reading for a number of years, he removed to the 
State of Ohio, where he died. William Fullerton 
Duncan, who was admitted to the bar at the same 
time, also moved to the west after a few years' 
practice here. 

Henry W. Smith, for many years a distin- 
guished member of the Berks County bar, was a 
son of Judge Frederick Smith, of the supreme 
court of Pennsylvania, and was born January 4, 
1804. He studied law under the instruction of 
his fiither, and was admitted to the bar January 
5, 1825. He was active in politics ; was a dele- 
gate to the State Democratic convention of 1832, 
1835, 1841, 1844 and 1846, and was a delegate to 
the National Democratic Convention in 1835. He 
was a candidate for Congress on a combined ticket 
of Whigs and Democrats, in 18.36, against Henry 
A. Muhlenberg, Democrat, who was elected. He 
served as a member of the State Legislature, in 
1843 and 1844. In 1846 he was a candidate for 
Congress against Judge William Strong. He was 
the candidate fir president-judge of the county, 
in 1X51, against J. Pringle Jones, and in 1861, 
was the candidate for the same office on the 
" Union " ticket against W. J. Woodward. Mr. 
Smith had an e.xtensive practice and was one of 
the ablest lawyers Berks County has produced. The 
last important official position he filled was that of 
a member of the convention that framed the State 
Constitution of 1873. At one time, he and his 
brother George owned one-half of the stock of 
the Reading Water Company. He died August 
27, 1878, leaving a widow and an only son, F. 
Leaf Smith, now a member of the Reading bar. 

Edward P. Pearson, for many years one of 
the leading attorneys of the Reading bar, was a 
native of New Jersey, and after completing his 
legal studies moved to Lebanon, Pa., and from 
thence to Reading, where he became associated in 
practice with Henry W. Smith, Esq., and succeed- 
ed to a large and lucrative business. He was 
married to Fredericka, a daughter of Judge Fred- 
erick Smith. Edward P. Pearson, one of his sons, 
is now a lieutenant-colonel in the Regular Army. 
Frederick Peai-sou, another son, was a commodore 
in the American Navy and won distinction in as- 
sisting the English Navy to quell an insurrection 
in Japan. For gallant services on this occasion 
the Queen of England offered him a knighthood. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



563 



but being in the American service he was obliged 
to decline the proffered honor. He retired from 
the Navy soon after his marriage with ^Nliss Ayers, 
of Boston, daughter of the originator of " Ayers' 
Pectoral." 

Charle-s J. Jack, a native of Philadelphia, 
came to Reading in 1S25, and in August of that 
year was admitted a member of the Berks County 
bar. Being a devoted Democrat he established 
and published a newspaper in Reading for a num- 
ber of years, known as the Jackson Democrat. He 
was a man of brilliancy and power and attained 
considerable influence in the politics of the State. 
He ceased the publication of his paper about 1834 
and soon afterward removed to Philadelphia, where 
he died. 

Joseph H. Spa yd, son of John Spayd, presi- 
dent judge of the courts of Berks County, and 
grandson of Governor Hiester, was born in 1803 
and died in Reading, June 5, 1865, aged si.xty-two 
3'ears. He obtained a liberal education ; was a 
graduate of Yale College ; studied law and was ad- 
mitted a member of the Reading bar in 1 82(). Two 
years after his admission he was a])pointed by 
attorney-general Ellmaker, prosecuting attorney 
of the courts of Berks County. Being possessed of 
considerable means he relinquished the practice of 
his profession early in life and devoted his time to 
liberal reading, having a strong partiality for gen- 
eral literature. He accumulated an excellent 
library and was especially interested in the study 
of natural science, his favorite branches being 
geology and natural history 

Elijah Dechert was born in Ciimru 
township, Berks County, Octoljer 15, 1799, 
and was the son of John and Deborah Dechert. 
His father, a farmer, was a lieutenant in the 
army of the Revolution, and ^^•as the descend- 
ant of ancestors who came Mith tiie German 
pilgrimage, to escajje religious persecution in 
Europe. The earnestness of the religious faith 
of the family is shown by the fact that all of 
his own and of the preceding generations re- 
ceived Biblical names at their baptism. 

His elder brother, Daniel, died at his home 
at Sinking Springs, in this county, September 
17th, 1884, aged ninety-one years. He had 
lived upon his farm in that vicinity for many 
years, and was highly respected. Many of his 



numerous descendants are active members of 
the community. Another brother, Samuel, re- 
moved to Springfield, Ohio, where he M'as a 
leading manuf;icturer. He died there in 1884, 
leaving to survive him a widow and numerous 
children and grandchildren. 

Elijah Dechert was chief clerk in the pro- 
thonotary's office at Reading, under General 
John Adams and Marks John Biddle, Esq., 
and was admitted to the bar on January 4, 
1827. For many years he had a large prac- 
tice, and by his integrity, industry and ability, 
held a high position at a bar which ranked 
among the strongest in the State. 

Early in life he became a member and also 
elder of the First Presbyterian Church of 
Reading, of which he was one of the founders, 
and he was, for many years, the superintendent 
of its Sunday-school. He was earnestly inter- 
ested in the temperance and other moral re- 
forms of the day, ever acting in accordance 
with his convictions of right and shrinking 
from the performance of no duty. Accord- 
ingly, he was known and respected in the 
community a.s an independent and honorable 
citizen, who, avoiding politics and political 
ambition, was satisfied to perform the duties 
of private life. 

He was an early friend of the public-school 
system, and it was said, in a leading newspaper, 
at the time of his death : " Berks County and 
Reading owe him a debt of gratitude for his 
valuable and persevering labors in behalf of 
the youth of the city and county." 

He died in the City of PhiladeliJiia, whither 
he had removed, June 14, 1854. On Septem- 
ber 15, 1824, he was married to Mary Vs\, 
daughter of Hon. Robert Porter, then the 
president judge of this district, having filled 
the office, for more than twenty years, with the 
deserved reputation of an honest man, a fine 
scholar and a sound lawyer. Judge Porter 
had been a lieutenant in the Revolutionary 
Army, and was the son of General Andrew 
Porter, of the Pennsylvania Line of that army, 
and who ■nas afterwards surveyor-general of 
Pennsylvania. 

Mrs. Dechert survived her husband, and 
died January 15, 1872, leaving a family of 



5(54 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



seven children. Of these, one son, William 
W. (now deceased), became the vice-president 
of the Camden and Amboy Railroad Company; 
another, Howard P., is a Presbyterian minis- 
ter, and the other two, Henry ]\I. and Robert 
P., are now prominent members of the Phila- 
delphia bar. Robert P. Dechert was lieuten- 
ant-colonel of the Twenty-ninth Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volimteers during the War of 
the Rebellion, and is now the controller of the 
city of Philadelphia. 

One daughter, Sarah B., married Edmond 
S. Young, a leading lawyer of Dayton, Ohio; 
another, Agnes G., married Rev. Alfred Tay- 
lor, of Brooklyn, N. Y., and the youngest (now 
deceased) married Rev. Charles E. Griffith, 
late of Allentown, Pa. William W. married 
Esther, daughter of Colonel Y. D. Dashiel, 
U.S.A., and left three children, who are now 
living, — Yellott D., of the New York bar, 
Mary P. and William W. Henry M. Dechert 
married Esther S., daughter of Thomas S. 
Taylor, of Philadelphia. They have four 
children, — Henry T., of the Philadelphia bar. 
Bertha M., Ellen G. and Edward Porter. 
Mrs. Young has two sons, — George R. and 
William H., of the Ohio bar, and a daughter, 
Mary. Howard P. married Caroline Sand- 
ford, of New York ; they have one daughter, 
Caroline. Mrs. Taylor has a son, — Thomas P., 
of Bridgeport, Conn., and two daughters, — 
Mrs. Fanny Rowell and Isabella. Mrs. Grif- 
fith left two children, — Mary D. and Charles E. 

In taking up the histories of families in this 
county, we notice the remarkable, widespread 
emigration going out from Berks County. As 
is the case witii this and many other families, 
her sons and daughters have gone out to the 
East and the West. In Philadelphia, tlie cen- 
tral parts of Pennsylvania, and in Ohio, In- 
diana, Iowa and other of the Western States, 
Berks County names are almost as familiar as 
here at home. Many persons ignorantly sup- 
pose that New England emigration has deter- 
mined the fortunes of our land ; but the traveler 
and the scholar know that the German and 
Scotch-Irish ancestry of Pennsylvania brought 
to us those elements of industry and intelli- 
gence, and that sturdiness of purpose, which. 



combined with New England enterprise and 
intelligence, make up tlie strength of Americau 
character. 

Jacob Hoffman, brother of the late Dr. Charles 
Edward Hoffman, of Reading, and Dr. William 
Hoffman, residing at 244 South Fifth Street, was 
born in 1805, on a farm in Northauipton County, 
Pa He acquired a preliminary education in 
Easton, where he read law under the direction of 
the late Hon. James Porter, of the Northampton 
bar, and was admitted two years later. He began 
practicing at Easton. In 1829 he married Mary 
Gehr, daughter of Jacob Gehr, of Oley township, 
Berks County, and in 1831 removed to Reading, 
having been admitted as an attorney to practice 
before the courts of this county November 10, 
1829. Mr. Hoffman early gained an enviable 
reputation as an influential lawyer in important 
land cases, especially where disputes arose in refer- 
ence to titles. In his litigations relating to certain 
coal lands lying in the county of Schuylkill, his 
services were of great value, in consequence of 
which much of his practice was before the courts 
of that county. He died in Reading November 
21, 1870. During the Civil War he was an ear- 
nest suppiirter of the administration of Abraham 
Lincoln. 

Robert M. Bare was born at Lancaster, Pa. 
He was admitted to the bar of Berks County on 
January 3, 1831, about which time he moved to 
Reading. He acquired an extensive practice and 
was recognized as a superior lawyer. He was a 
man of fine personal appearance and possessed a 
higli order of eloquence. He represented Berks 
County in the Assembly for the year 1841, aud in 
1845 he received the appointment of State reporter 
from Governor Shunk — the office having been 
created in the year named. The prescribed terra of 
office was five years. He died whilst filling this 
appointment, having compiled aud published the 
first ten State reports commonly known as " Barr's 
Reports." His friend, J. Pringle .lones, Esq., — 
(who subsequently filled the office of president 
judge of Berks County) completed the compilation 
of the cases adjudicated during his term and pub- 
lished them in two volumes, commonly knowQ as 
" Jones' Reports." He died at Reading, December 
25, 1849, aged forty-seven years. He was married 



BENCH AM) BAR. 



565 



to a daughter of Dr. Holmes of Lancaster, Pa., 
aud left a surviving daughter. 

Peter Filbert was born in Reading in 179.3, 
and was a son of Peter Filbert, sheriff of Berks 
County, for the years 1785-86-87. He chose the 
profession of law and was admitted to practice at 
Reading January 6, 1831. During the year 1840, 
he represented Berks County in the State Legisla- 
ture. He filled the position of chief burgess of Read- 
ing for several years until a city charter was obtain- 
ed in 1847, then was elected the first mayor, and 
held the latter office one year. While serving as 
mayor he was appointed district deputy attorney 
general for Berks County. He was a notary 
public for a number of years. He died on the 
28th of May, 1864, aged seventy-one years. 

John B. Mayer was born at Lancaster ; 
acquired a good education ; read law and was 
admitted to the bar January 8, 1831. While 
engaged in his profession with fine prospects of 
future success, he was stricken down with consump- 
tion at the early age of twenty-eight years. 

Francis Aurand, who was admitted to the bar 
at Reading November 13, 1833, died of pulmonary 
disease May 29, 1837, aged twenty-five years. 

William Betz was born at Reading in 1812. 
He was the son of Heniy Betz, Esq., sheriff of 
Berks County for one term (1821-23) and for 
many years a justice of the peace of Reading. 
After receiving a general education at home he 
studied law and was admitted to practice on Janu- 
ary 10, 1834. He carried on his profession at 
Reading for upwards of twenty years, and then 
removed to Philadelphia about 1857, where he 
died on August 25, 1860, aged forty-eight years. 
Whilst practicing law at Reading he also held the 
office of justice of the peace for some years and 
also chief burgess ; and upon the ei'ection of Read- 
ing into a city, he was elected alderman of the 
north ward, for one term, which office he filled 
acceptably from 1847 to 1851. He was generally 
recognized as a magistrate of decided ability, and 
as a man of generous disposition. At Philadel- 
phia he was one of the principal clerks in the 
post-office, dying whilst filling this position. 

George G. Barclay, son of Andrew C. Bar- 
clay, a prominent merchant of Philadelphia, was 
born in that city. After obtaining a preliminary 
education, he entered Yale College from which 



institution he was graduated in 1832. He soon 
thereafter engaged in the study of the law, and 
after the necessary preparation was admitted to 
' the bar. lu 1835 he came to Reading aud 
here continued his profession with excellent 
success, for a period of forty years during which 
time he took great interest in the growth and 
prosperity of the city of Reading, and in the 
development of the county. In politics he was an 
ardent and consistent Whig for many years, but 
eventually became more conservative in political 
matters. In 1873 he was chosen one of the 
Representatives from Berks County to the Conven- 
tion at Philadelphia which framed the present 
State Constitution. About 1875 he removed to 
Philadelphia and there became associated in the 
practice of law with Judge Wilson. He now lives 
in retirement in that city. He is the oldest 
member of the Berks County bar now living. 

Newton D. Strong was born in Somers, 
Conn., in the year 1810. He acquired a good 
academic education aud was graduated from 
Yale College in 1831, with one of the first honors 
of his class. He was then appointed a tutor at 
Yale, which position he held two years. At the 
expiration of this time, he removed to Reading 
and became a law student in the office of his 
brother, Hon. William Strong. After his admi.«sion 
to the bar he practiced his profession for a few years 
at Easton, Pa., and then removed to Alton, 111, 
where he soon took a leading jiosition among the 
lawyers of that State. Upon the election of his 
brother to Congress from Berks County he return- 
ed to Reading and assumed his brother's practice 
in this county. A few years later he removed to 
St. Louis, Mo., where he was engaged in the duties 
of his profession at the time of his death, August 
9, 1866, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. His 
remains were brought to Reading and interred 
in Charles Evans' Cemetery. He possessed an 
accomplished education, was a fine lawyer, and 
brought to the exercise of his profession all the 
resources of a well cultivated mind. 

Anthony F. Miller was born February 25, 
1805, in Reading; was educated in the schools of 
his native town ; read law in the office of Hon. 
John Banks, and was admitted to the bar August 
15, 1836 ; practiced in Reading for several years, 
and died August 16, 1863. 



566 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUXTY, PENXSYLVANIA. 



Franklin B. Shoener was born at Reading 
and educated in the Lancasterian school of his 
native town then under the management of Major 
Medara. He read law under the instruction of 
Elijah Deckert, Esq , and was admitted a member 
of the Reading bar January 3, 1837. He prac- 
ticed law for several years, but died at the age of 
twenty-seven. He was an officer in the Washing- 
ton Greys, a volunteer military company com- 
manded by Daniel M. Keim. 

John S. Richards was born February 5, 1815, 
in Robeson township, Berks County, near Joanna 
Furnace, and was the eldest son of James Richards, 
a merchant. He early developed a taste for liter- 
ature, and read the books of his father's library 
with the assiduity of a mature student. Upon the 
death of his father in 1827, he moved to Reading 
to live with his uncle. Judge William Darling, and 
attended the Reading Academy, where he acquired 




,' N. 



,R>]1N s. richahu.'-;. 

a good preparatory education. In 1830 Judge 
Darling removed to Joanna Furnace and young 
Richards became a clerk in liis store at that place. 
In 1832 Mr. Richards organized the Young 
Men's Temjierance Society at Morgantown and 
also established a public library for the citizens of 
Robeson township. At the age of sixteen he 
began to write for the newspapers and con- 
tinued the same until his death, — on political, edu- 
cational, social, scientific, moral and religious 
topics. He acquired a considerable knowledge of 
the Latin, German and French languages. In 
1834 he began the study of the law in the office 



of Elijah Deckert, Esq., and was admitted to the 
bar April 4, 1837, and the next year he became 
associated with Henry Rhoads in the publication 
of the Berks and SrhuylkiUJournal. He continued 
to edit it until 1845 and finally sold it in 1860. 
He took an active part in politics and wrote many 
vigorous editorials on that subject. He was a 
devoted Whig and a great admirer of Henry Clay, 
and made many speeches in support of the Ken- 
tucky statesman for President of the United 
States. 

While engaged in the active duties of his pro- 
fession he took a devoted interest in the cause of 
education, served nearly thirty years as a member 
of the Board of School Controllers of Reading and 
assisted in establishing the City High School. Mr. 
Richards possessed great versatility of powers. 
His intellectual and professional acquirements 
were very extensive, and as a member of the 
Reading bar he maintained a very high standing. 
For the years 1849 and 1850 he served as district 
attorney for Berks County and was for a time 
attorney for the Philadeljjhia and Reading Rail- 
road Company. After an industrious and useful 
career he died in the year 1872 universally 
honored and respected. He was a prominent 
member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. 

Dennis W. O'Brien was born in Reading and 
obtained a preliminary education in the schools of 
his native town. When yet a young man he made a 
tour of Europe in company with his uncle, Joseph 
O'Brien After returning home he acquired a 
classical education at college and then entered 
upon the study of law under the direction of 
Charles Evans, Esq., of the Reading bar, and was 
admitted to practice August 7, 183X, and was en- 
gaged in his profession at Reading until 1844, 
about which time he removed to the city of Phila- 
delphia, where he was elected judge of one of the 
courts. He died a few years ago. 

Jeremiah D. Bitting was admitted to the bar 
August 8, 1838. For a time he took an active 
interest in politics and from 1859 to 1862 he 
was sheriff of Berks County. He removed to 
Philadelphia, engaged in mercantile business and 
now resides in that city. 

Andrew Sallade was a native of AVomels- 
dorf. He was admitted to the bar August 11, 
1838, practiced law at Reading successfully and 



BENCH AND BAR. 



567 



then moved to Philadelphia and practiced before 
the Court of Claims. He vfas a member of the 
Legislature from Berks County in the year 1855. 
During the Civil War, through the influence of 
Hon. Simon Cameron, he was appointed a pay- 
master in the Union army. He died in the far 
West, while on a visit to his son Madison, who is 
now an officer in the Regular Army. 

Jackson H. Sherman, a native of New Eng- 
land, studied law in the office of Judge William 
Darling, and soon after removed to the West. 

Peter Shearer was born February 3, 1819, 
in Reading. He acquired a preparatory educa- 
tion in his native town and became one of the first 
teachers after the adoption of the public school 
system ; was admitted to the bar April 7, 1840, 
after reading in the office of Henry W. Smith, 
Esq. ; left Reading in 1843 for New Orleans ; was a 
volunteer in Captain Blanchard's company, of that 
city, in the Mexican War ; was in the battle of 
Monterey and took part in the siege of Vera Cruz. 
After the war he located in Mansfield, La., and 
published a newspaper for a number of years ; 
returned to Reading in 1857 ; in 1862 enlisted in a 
New York regiment and served under General 
Hunter ; was wounded in the battle of Piedmont, 
taken prisoner and sent to Andersonville for six 
months, and was released just before Sherman's 
March to the Sea. Since the war he has lived in 
Berks County. 

Matthias Mengel was born near Morgantown, 
in Caernarvon township, January 13, 1814. He 
spent his boyhood days on the farm of his father, 
until 18.38, when he came to Reading, became a 
student-at-law in the office of Elijah Dechert, 
Esq., and was admitted to the bar April 9, 1840. 
In 1845 he was elected a magistrate, became an 
alderman in 1847, when Reading was incorpor- 
ated into a city, and served in that office continu- 
ously until 1860 ; was treasurer of the city School 
Board from 1866 to 1868, when he was again 
elected alderman, serving until 1873 ; was re- 
elected in 1875 and filled two consecutive terms, 
ending in 1885. He has recently been appointed 
a notary public. Mr. Mengel has been a suc- 
cessful business man. He maintains his jovial 
spirit, which has been one of the prominent traits 
of his character all through his life. He is widely 
known through the county as a man of the highest 



integrity, for which he will long be remembered, 
as well as for his original witticisms. 

George E, Ludwig was born in Berks County; 
he obtained a classical education ; was admitted 
to the bar at Reading November 3, 1840, where 
he practiced for about fifteen years and then re. 
moved to Philadelphia. He was married to Maria 
Keim, a sister of General William H. Keim, who 
died shortly after their marriage, leaving one 
child, De Benneville Keim Ludwig, now of Phila- 
delphia. 

James Donagan was born in Philadelphia in 
1793. He came to Berks County at an early 
age ; studied medicine under Dr. John C. Baura, of 
Exeter township. After his graduation from the 
University of Pennsylvania he located at Kutz- 
town, where he practiced medicine for a number 
of years. He then abandoned the medical profes- 
sion, entered upon the study of the law, was ad- 
mitted to the bar of Berks County December 22, 
1841, and continued in active practice until about 
1860. He held several important political posi- 
tions ; was one of the five delegates from Berks 
County to the Constitutional Convention of 1838, 
and was the last survivor of the delegation from this 
county. During the years 1840-41-42 he held the 
office of clerk of the Orphans' Court of this county. 
In the spring of 1863 he was chosen to represent 
the Fourth Ward of Reading in the City Councils, 
and upon the organization of that body was chosen 
its president. While occupying that position he 
died suddenly of heart disease January 20, 1864, 
aged seventy-one years. His various public 
duties were performed w'ith ability and fidelity. 

Samuel Sohl was born in Heidelberg ; read 
law with Hon. William Strong ; was admitted to 
the bar April 5, 1842 ; practiced law at Reading 
several years ; retired from practice and died near 
the place of his birth. 

Silas E. Buzard was born at Buzzardsville, 
Monroe County, Pa.; was a graduate of the College 
of New Jersey, at Princeton ; became a member of 
the Berks County bar April 8, 1845 ; located at 
Kutztown, where he practiced a few years and 
died at the age of twenty-seven years. 

Charles Weirman was born in Lebanon 
County ; read law ; was admitted May 17, 1842 ; 
practiced qibout five years and then became en- 
gaged in the manufacture of bricks and extensively 



568 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



interested in patented brick macliines. He died 
while actively engaged in that business. 

George W. Arms was born in Douglass town- 
ship ; came to Reading and was admitted to the 
bar March 8, 1843. He practiced at Reading for 
some years, and being taken sick, went to his 
home in the country, where he died. 

John K. Longnecker was a native of Lehigh 
County ; was admitted a member of the Reading 
bar November 6, 1843 ; practiced law in Reading 
for a few months and then returned to Allentown, 
where he continued in his profession succes-sfully. 

William M. Baird. — The Bairds and the Bid- 
dies have always been among the most noted ])e()j)le 
of Pennsylvania. They are of Scotch, English 
and Irish origin. Samuel Baird, the grandfather 
of William M. Baird, was an assistant quarter- 
master in Washington's army when they were 
quartered at Valley Forge. William Biddle, his 
ancestor on the maternal side, came to America 
in 1681, and was the pioneer of the Biddle family 
noted in Pennsylvania annals. Thomas Potts, of 
Colebrookdale Furnace, a pioneer in the iron bus- 
iness in Berks County, and Rev. Elisha Spencer, 
D.D., (whose loyalty was such during the times 
that tried men's souls that he was sent by Wash- 
ington into Georgia to arouse the patriotism of the 
people of that State, and upon whose head a price 
was set by the English Tories,) were also collateral 
relatives of the maternal line. 

Samuel Baird, the father of William M. 
Baird, was a leading attorney at the Berks County 
bar half a century ago. He was the contempo- 
rary of Governor Hiester and Judges Spayd, Smith, 
Franks, Porter and Mallery.and of the elder Keims, 
Hiesters, Muhlenbergs, Biddies, Darlings, Bells and 
other leading citizens of the old borough half a 
century ago. He had a strong taste for the natu- 
ral sciences, which, by force of example and early 
training, was imparted to his children. William 
turned his attention especially to ornithology 
and mineralogy, and collected many valuable spec- 
imens now in the Smithsonian Institution at Wash- 
ington. Spencer F. Baird, the second sou, is now 
and has for many years been the secretary of the 
Smithsonian Institution, and as a scientist, espe- 
cially in the department of fishes, is world-re- 
nowned. Samuel, another son, died about a year 
ago at Curlisle, Pa. 



William M. Baird, son of Samuel and Lydia 
(Biddle) Baird, was born in Reading August 4, 
1817. His early education was obtained at the 
Reading schools, such as they then were. His 
father died in 1833, after which he spent a year at 
Nottingham Academy, Maryland. He entered 
Lafayette College in 1834, and after remaining 
there for some time, was transferred to Dickinson 
College, where his mother resided at the time, and 
where he graduated in 1837, in the twentieth year 
of his age. He subsequently attended a law school 
at Carlisle and was admitted to the bar there in 
1840, but soon after removed to Gettysburg to 
practice his profession. In 1841 he was appointed 
to a clerkship at Washington under his uncle, 
Hon. Charles B. Penrose, who was solicitor of the 
treasury during the Harrison and Tyler adminis- 
tration. He held this place until 1844, when he 
came to Reading and was admitted to the Berks 
County bar, April 12th of that year, and at once 
took a prominent position in his profession. On 
the 2d of December, 1847, he was married to Har- 
riet, daughter of Robert W. Holmes, of Cape May 
County, N. J. On his entrance into political life 
he identified himself with the Whig party, and 
was one of the leading sj^irits of that organization, 
and of the Republican party, which succeeded it. 
In 185.5 he was elected mayor of Reading by a 
majority of seven hundred and four, one of the 
largest majorities ever given to any candidate be- 
fore or since for that oflice. His administration of 
the city government was noted for its efBcieney ; 
but after a year's experience of its annoyances he 
refused to stand as a candidate for re-election. In 
1862 he was chosen treasurer of the old Reading 
Water Company and held that responsible office 
until the city purchased and took charge of the 
works. At the outbreak of the Civil War, in 1861, 
and during its continuance, he was earnest in sup- 
port of the Union and the administration of Pres- 
ident Lincoln, forming one of the coterie of stanch 
Republicans and Union Democrats in his native 
county of Berks who stood by the government in 
its desperate struggle for supremacy. Though his 
health prevented him from enteiing the army, he 
did all he could by voice and pen to strengthen 
and uphold the government and flag of his country 
and was a wise and influential counselor during 
the war. So prominent and valuable were his 



BENCH AND BAR. 



569 



services in this direction that after the war was 
over, and by General Grant as President, he was 
complimented by the important and responsible 
appointment to the eollectorship of internal reve- 
nue in the Eighth or Berks District of Pennsyl- 
vania, in which office he served with marked 
ability and the fidelity and integrity consistent with 
liis high personal character until his death, which 
occurred October 19, 1872. 

Collector Baird inherited from his ancestors the 



ity in which he lived, while to his immediate fam- 
ily he was all that a husband and father could be. 
His wife still survives, as do a son and daughter 
— Eobert and jNIarv — who reverence his memory 
and honor his name. 

Isaac High Keim, son of De Benneville Keim, 
was born in Reading ; was graduated from Prince- 
ton College ; was admitted to the bar at Reading, 
and soon after his admission removed to St. Louis. 
Mo., where he successfully practiced his profession 




f^' i 



^^^^-^^i-i2.»>-o '^K /^« 



"-^K^ 



Pitsbyterian faith, and was through life a faithful 
and consistent member of the Calviuistic Church, 
having tilled the positions of the eldership and 
superintendent of the Sabbath school of the First 
Church of that denomination in Reading for many 
years. He was of a tall and commanding presence, 
j)ossessed of a fine and well-cultured mind, a Chris- 
tian without bigotry, charitable without ostenta- 
tion, a wise counselor, a genial companion, a good 
citizen and patriot and a true friend. His personal 
character was of the highest order and won for 
him the respect and esteem of the entire commuu- 



' and attained great prominence, and in which city 
he died a few years ago. 

Franklin B. Miller, son of Hon. John 
Miller, a State Senator from this district, was born 
in Reading November 12, 1831. After he ac- 
quired a preparatory education he took up the 
studj' of law and was admitted to practice 
December 14, 1844. In 1851 he was elected 
alderman of the North Ward of Reading and twice 
re-elected, and held that office until his death, 
December 13, 1865. He was an intelligent and 
capable magistrate. 



570 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Jacob S. Livingood was born at Womelsdorf 
and is a son of the late Dr. John B. Livingood, 
for many years a prominent physician of that 
town. He is a descendant of one of the first emi- 
grants who located in the Tulpehocken settlement. 
His preliminary education was acquired at Womels- 
dorf Union Academy and at Franklin Col- 
lege, Lancaster, Pa. He then entered the office of 
Charles Davis, Esq., for a time and was graduated 
from the Yale Law School in 1845. Returning to 
Berks County, he was admitted a member of the 
bar January 7, 1845, and soon thereafter began 
the practice of the law in co-partnership with 
Robert M. Barr, Esq., who afterwards became 
State reporter. Mr. Livingood has continued 
uninterruptedly in the pursuit of his profession at 
Reading since his admission, and is now one of the 
oldest active practitioners of the Berks County 
bar. 

William B. Schoener was born February 29' 
1813, in Reading; attended the schools of his 
native town, under the instruction of Major 
jMadara. He read law in the office of Jeremiah 
Hagenman, now president judge of the courts of 
Berks County, and was admitted to the bar August 
15, 1846. He continued to practice his profession 
until his death, July 4, 1882. 

J. De Puy Davis, son of Charles Davis, Esq., 
was born in Allentown in 1826. After a careful 
preparatory education, he read law in the office of 
his father ; then attended lectures at the Hofi'man 
Law Institute, in Philadelphia, and was admitted 
to the bar January 4, 1847. Shortly after his 
admission he went to Mexico as a private in the 
Third Regiment of Kentucky Volunteers, and re- 
turned at the conclusion of the Mexican War as 
second lieutenant of the Eleventh Infantry of the 
regular army. During the Civil War he entered 
the Union army as lieutenant-colonel of the One 
Hundred and Sixty-seventh Regiment of Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers. When the commander of this 
regiment. Colonel Charles Kuoderer, was killed, he 
was promoted to the position of colonel. After the 
close of the war Colonel Davis returned to Read- 
ing, and in 1867 was chosen to represent Berks 
County in the State Senate, and occupied that 
office until 1873. In 1874 he went to Marshall, 
Texas, and was for six years solicitor of the Texas 
and Pacific Railroad. He now resides in Reading. 



James May Jones was born in Berks County ; 
early in life he came to Reading and was engaged 
with Levi Hiester in the manufacture of hoes ! 
read law and was admitted to the bar January 5, 
1847. He practiced for a short time and then 
went to California during the "gold fever." He 
died in that State after being there about six 
months. 

Samuel L. Yoltjc; was born in Rockland 
township, Berks County, September 24, 1.S22, and 
is a son of the late associate judge, Daniel Young. 
He attended the Bolmar Academy, in West 
Chester, where he received a preparatory education, 
and then began the study of law under the direc- 
tion of William Strong, Esq., subsequently judge 
of the Supreme Court of the United States ; was 
admitted to the bar in 1847, and soon became a 
prominent attorney. In 1855 he was appointed com- 
missioner of the Circuit Court of the United States, 
and still continues to fill that office. During the 
Civil War he was appointed chief of staff to ^lajor- 
General William H. Keim, and remained with 
him in active'service until the command was re- 
lieved. When General Lee invaded Pennsylvania 
the first time. Major Young raised an independent 
cavalry company for the State service, and retained 
the command of it until after the battle of Antietam, 
when the company returned home. In 1863 he 
entered the military service as chief of a recon- 
noitering party of cavalry, and continued in it for 
several mouths. Upon his return to Reading he 
resumed his legal practice. Mr. Young possesses 
a fine library ; is an excellent French and German 
scholar and a gentlemen of fine legal attainments. 

A. Lucius Hennershotz was born in Alsace 
township, now Muhlenberg ; came to Reading when 
young ; entered upon the study of the law and was 
admitted November 11, 1847. He engaged in the 
practice of his profession for about ten years, and 
in the meantime was several years clerk of the Se- 
lect Council. He then moved to Philadelphia and 
became a broker and conveyancer, and now resides 
in that city. 

J. Bright Sjiith was born at Reading in 1827; 
educated in the schools of his native town and at 
the University of Georgetown, D. C. ; studied law 
in the office of his uncle, Henry W. Smith, Esq., 
and was admitted to the bar April 5, 1848 ; prac- 
ticed at Readini; for a few vears and then moved 



BENCH AND BAK. 



571 



to Freeport, 111., where he continued in his profes- 
sion until his removal to Denver. He there was 
elected one of the judges of the Supreme Court, 
under the territorial government of Colorado, and 
afterward practiced his profession in Denver for a 
number of years. He is now a resident of Reading. 

William F. Filbert, was a son of Peter Filbert, 
Esq., with whom he read law, and was admitted 
August 9, 1848. After practicing his profession 
for about ten years he died, unmarried. 

A. Jordan Swartz was born in 182-5. He was 
admitted to the bar of Berks County September 
12, 1848. After practicing law nine years, he 
was elected mayor of Reading by the Democratic 
party and held the office for one term. In 18-59 
he received the appointment of a clerkship in the 
Treasury Department at Washington and shortly 
thereafter was promoted to the position of Second 
Auditor of the Treasury, which position he held 
until his death, in July, 18H5. 

Joel B. Wanner was born in jMaxatawny 
township, Berks County, March -5, 1821. He 
worked on his father's farm and taught school 
until twenty-one years of age, after which he en- 
tered Marshall College and was graduated from that 
institution in 1846; read law under the direction 
of Hon. William Strong and was admitted to prac- 
tice in Berks County in 1849. He was elected 
mayor of Reading in 1856, and in 18-58 was the 
Democratic candidate for Congress, to fill the un- 
expired term of Hou. J. Glancy Jones. In 1861 
he was again elected mayor, and in 1862, while 
holding that position, he entered the army as 
major of the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and partici- 
]iated in the battles of South Mountain and Antie- 
tani. During the same year he was again a can- 
didate for Congre.=s. He had an extensive legal 
])ractice ; was at one time largely interested in real 
estate matters. He was an estimable gentleman, 
congenial companion and a warm friend to all who 
knew him. In 18-51 he married Miss Anna L. 
Zieber, daughter of Philip Zieber, Esq., of this 
city. His wife and four children survive him. 

Jacob M. Sallade, a native of Reading, read 
law with his brother, Andrew M. Sallade, Esq., 
and was admitted April 6, 1849. He practiced 
his profession and was for many years a notary 
public. He died while yet a young man. 



Charles B. Weaver was born in Berks Coun- 
ty, near Weavertown. He became a member of 
the bar November 9, 1850, practiced law for a few 
years and then engaged with his father, near his 
home, in the iron business, and died while thus 
employed. 

William Eumund Banks, son of Judge Banks, 
read law with his father, practiced here for a time 
and then moved to Mercer County, Pa., where 
he continued in his profession until his death. 

Albert G. Green, son of John Green, a mer- 
chant of Reading, was born in 1828. He ob- 
tained a preparatory education in the schools 
of his native city and then entered Yale College, 
from which he was graduated in 1849. He 
studied law in the office of Hon. David F. Gor- 
don, and was admitted to the bar November 11, 
1851, since which time he has been actively and 
succcs.sfully engaged in practice at Reading. 
He served as city auditor during the years 1856-57, 
and as city solicitor for one term, from 1857 to 
1859. For a period of eight years he was a mem- 
ber of the Board of School Controllers, officiating 
as president of that body for two years. 

Edmond L. Smith was born October 23, 1829, 
and is a son of the late George Smith and grand- 
son of Hon. Frederick Smith, judge of the Supreme 
Court of Pennsylvania. He obtained his elemen- 
tary education at the Reading Academy and 
afterward entered the University of Georgetown, 
D. C , where he was graduated at the age of 
nineteen, taking the second honor of his class. 
He studied law in the office of his uncle, Henry 
W. Smith, and Edward P. Pearson, Esqs., and was 
admitted to the bar in November 11, 1851. In 
1858 he was a member of the Legislature from 
Berks County. When the Civil War opened he 
joined the army with Ringgold's Battery as a 
private. Owing to the large number of men 
desiring to enlist in this company, another company 
was formed and Mr. Smith was chosen its captain, 
but was transferred to the regular army by a 
captain's commission dated May 14, 1861, and, 
excepting a year of captivity, wiis in the military 
service to the end of the war. In the East he 
served under General McClellan in the battles of 
the Peninsula, South Mountain and Antietam, and 
under General Burnside at Fredericksburg. In 
these engagements he commanded a battalion of 



572 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



his regiment. lu the following spring he was 
ordered with his regiment to join General Rose- 
craus in the West, and was captured at the battle 
of Chickamauga, September 20, 1863. During the 
second day of this battle, the command of the 
regiment devolved upon him, and whilst leading it 
to repel the enemy's assault, his horse was shot 
from under him. He received a major's brevet 
for bravery and meritorious conduct on this occa- 
sion. For nearly thirteen months he was in Libby 
and other Southern prisons. Whilst in Libby he 
was engaged with others for sixty days in the 
construction of a tunnel, through which, on a dark 
night in February, one hundred and ten ])risoners 
passed into freedom, but only for a time ; for within 
three weeks one-half of the fugitives, of which he 
was one, were recaptured and for two weeks placed 
in a dungeon, on an allowance of bread and water. 
Subsequently, in May, whilst en route to Anderson- 
ville, he jumped from the car with three of his 
companions, at night, and remained out upwards 
of six weeks, lurking in the swamps of Georgia 
and subsisting upon berries and raw rice. He was 
recaptured with his comrades on an island in the 
Savannah River, where they had taken refuge from 
a close pursuit made with dogs. Thi? was follow- 
ed by another dungeon sojourn on meagre dietin the 
Charleston jail. It was whilst confined here that 
he was visited by Major Edmund Deslonde, of 
the Confederate army an old school-mate and 
fellow-graduate, through whose good offices he was 
finally paroled and subseijuently exchanged in 
October, 1864. 

In l.H(i7 he resigned his commission in the 
army, and associated himself with his brother, 
Hon. J. Bright Smith, in the practice of the law 
at Denver, Col., where he now resides. During 
his residence in Denver he has several times repre- 
sented the strong Republican county of Arapahoe 
in the Legislature, though himself a Democrat. 

On his brother's retirement from the practice he 
united with Judge Wells, formerly of the Colorado 
Supreme Court, and Hon. Thomas Mason, in the 
well-known legal firm of Wells, Smith & Mason, 
with which he is now connected. 

Charles K. Robeson was born in Berks 
County ; admitted to the Reading bar April 8, 
1852, and soon became prominent as a lawyer be- 
fore a jury, in which ])ractice he had few equals. 



Charles Oscar Wagner was born in Leip- 
sic, Germany, in 1824. He came to Reading 
when a young man and was dependent upon his 
own energies for support. He first engaged in 
teaching the German language for several years, 
and, after the necessary preparations, was admitted 
to the bar on November 5, 1852. During the 
Confederate invasion, in 1863, he enlisted as an 
officer in the Ringgold Artillery, and, while in 
the service, contracted typhoid fever, from the ef- 
fect of which he died September 6, 1863, aged 
thirty-nine years. 

Michael P. Boyer was born September 13, 
1831, at Gibraltar Forge; acquired a preparatory 
education in Bernville ; came to Reading in 1849 
and served as an assistant in the prothonotary's 
office for three years. He pui-sued the study of 
the law under the direction of H. W. Smith and 
J. Pringle, Esqs., and was admitted to the bar 
August 8, 1853 ; was a member of the Legisla- 
ture in 1860. He died August 29, 1867, at the 
early age of thirty-five years. 

Wharton Morris, son of Thomas Jlorris, 
Esij., is a native of Reading. After acquiring a 
preliminary education, he pursued the study of 
the law under the instruction of William B. 
Heiskill, Esq., of Philadelphia, and in the office 
of his father. Having completed the required 
course, he was admitted to the bar November 15, 
1854, and has since practiced in Reading. During 
the years 1860-61-62 he was solicitor for the di- 
rectors of the poor of Berks County, and after- 
wards served as District Attorney from 1865 to 
1868 

F. Leaf Smith, son of the late Henry W. 
Smith and grandson of Judge Frederick Smith, was 
born in Reading, attended the schools of his native 
place, and was graduated from Georgetown College, 
D. C, in 1854, taking all the leading honors of 
his class. He read law in the office of his father 
and was admitted to the bar November 10, 1»55. 
He has latelj' retired from practice, devoting his 
time to his private affairs. 

Amos B. Wanner was born in 1831 in ]\Iaxa- 
tawny township, Berks County. His preliminary 
education was acquired in a private academy near 
his native place, and at Port Royal Seminary, in 
Philadelphia. He then pursued the study of the 
law, under the instruction of his brother, J. B. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



573 



Wanner, Esq., and Hon. J. Glancy Jones, and 
was admitted to the bar January 12, 1857. He 
has since practiced at Reading. Mr. Wanner 
represented Berks County in the Pennsylvania 
House of Representatives in 1875 and 1876, and 
was a delegate to the National Democratic Con- 
vention which met at St. Louis in 1876. 

David P. Green, son of John and Catharine 
Green, and brother of Albert G. Green, Esq., was 
born in Reading December 22, 1831. He ac- 
quired a preliminary education in the schools of 
his native place and wa.s graduated from Yale Col- 
lege in 1852. He read law under the direction of 
John S. Richards, Esq. ; was admitted to the bar 
in 1855, and soon afterward began the practice of 
his profession at Pottsville. From 1862 to 1865 
he served in the Union army. In 1867 a sepa- 
rate Criminal Court was established in Schuylkill 
County, of which Governor Geary appointed him 
judge. The same year he was elected for a term 
of ten years, during which time the court, origi- 
nated for a special purpose, was abolished, and 
he became additional law judge for the balance 
of the term. 

B. Frank Boyer was born September 13, 
1835, at Bernville, Berks County. In 184S he 
came, with his parents, to Reading, and attended 
the public schools until 1853, when the family re- 
moved to Jeflerson County, Pa. In 1856 he 
returned to Reading and became a clerk in the 
pruthonotary's office, and, in the mean time, read 
law and was admitted to the bar March 15, 1857, 
and practiced his profession until his death, No- 
vember 28, 1873. 

James B. Bechtel is a native of Northum- 
berland County, Pa., and was born May 10, 1832. 
At the age of fifteen years he removed to Kutz- 
town, and was apprenticed there to learn the 
trade of a saddler. In the meantime he attended 
night-school, afterwards taught school for a few 
terms, and then, attended Franklin and Marshall 
College. In 1855 he was chosen principal of Lee 
Seminary, on South Fifth Street, Reading, and, 
while occupying that position, read law under the 
instruction of Samuel L. Young, Esq., and was 
admitted to the bar April 14, 1857. He served as 
district attorney of Berks County from 1859 to 
1862. 

Charles Philip MuHLENBERf; was born at 



Lancaster, Pa., November 24, 1838, and was the 
fifth son of Dr. F. A. ^Muhlenberg. He was in- 
structed for some years at home and then obtained 
a common-school education in his native city. In 
1853 entered the sophomore class in Pennsylvania 
College at Gettysburg, and was graduated from that 
institution in 1856 ; began the study of law with Na- 
thaniel Ellmaker, Esq., of Lancaster, but concluded 
his legal studies in the office of Hon. J. Pringle 
Jones, and was admitted to the Berks County bar in 
1859. He practiced his profession in Reading 
April, until the opening of the Civil War, when, in 
1861, he became a member of the Ringgold Light 
Artillery. The following month he was commis- 
sioned as first lieutenant in the Fifth United States 
Artillery Regiment. He served as an officer of 
artillery during the whole of the war. He received 
the brevet of captain for services in the Peninsula 
campaign ; he received the brevet of major for 
gallant conduct at the battle of Antietam ; he was 
in the campaign of the Wilderness and of Peters- 
burg under General Grant, and resigned from the 
army at the close of 1867 to resume the practice of 
his profession in Reading. He died January, 
1872, at the early age of thirty-four yeai-s. 

William H. Livingood, a son of Dr. John 
Livingood, was born at Womelsdorf April 5, 1837. 
He was educated at the Union Academy, in Wo- 
melsdorf, and at the Phillips Academy, in Andover, 
Mass., was graduated from the former in 1851 
and from the latter in 1855. Before entering the 
Phillips Academy he taught school for several 
years in Heidelberg township. Afterward he at- 
tended law lectures at Harvard College and was 
admitted to practice law at Lowell, Middlesex 
County, Mass., on motion of General B. F. Butler. 
Upon r turning home he was admitted to the 
Berks County bar January 19, 1860. He has 
practiced his profession since at Reading, excepting 
an interval of six years, from 1873 to 1879, when 
he resided at Philadelphia, and where he was ad- 
mitted for that purpose. In 1874 he was admitted 
to the Supreme Court of the United States at 
Washington, D. C, on motion of Hon. Jeremiah 
S. Black. In September, 1862, Mr. Livingood 
was a private in the Independent Cavalry Com- 
pany from Berks County, commanded by Major 
S. L. Young. 

J. George Seltzer was born at Womelsdorf; 



574 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXXSYLVAXIA. 



attended the Harvard Law School, was admit- 
ted to the bar at Boston, and returning to Berks 
County, he became a member of the Reading bar 
February 5, ISGl. After practicing here about 
twenty years he removed to Boston, where he con- 
tinues in his profession. 

Abnee K. Stauffer was born October 11, 
1836, at Boyertown, Berks County ; acquired a 
preliminary education at Mount Pleasant Semi- 
nary, in his native town, which institution his 
father. Judge Stauffer, instituted in 1850. He 
was graduated from Franklin and Marshall Col- 
lege, at Lancaster, in the class of 1858 ; removed 
to Reading in 1860 ; read law in the office of John 
S. Richards, Esq., and was admitted to the bar 
April 15, 1861 ; was a member of City Council 
from 1869 to 1871, from 1873 to 1877, and from 
1881 to 1884; and was president of Common 
Council for tlie year 1873. 

Edward H. Shearer was born in Berks 
County January 10, 1836. He obtained a good 
common-school and academical education ; read 
law in the office of Charles Davis, Esq., and was ad- 
mitted to the Berks County bar August 15 1861 ; 
was district attorney of the courts of Berks County 
from 1868 to 1871, and was a member of the Ren- 
ate of Pennsylvania from 1880 to 1884. 

John Ralston was born in 1834, in Lancas- 
ter County, Pa. ; acquired his education in the 
schoolsof his native place, iu Hunsicker Academy, 
at Trappe, Pa., and at Strasburg Academy, at 
Strasburg, Pa. ; read law in the office of Amos 
B. Wanner, Esq., and was admitted to the bar 
August 14, 1862. 

William P. Bard, son of Adam Bard, a retired 
hardware merchant, was born at Ephrata, Lan- 
caster County, March 20, 1839, and removed, 
with his father, to Reading in 1854. He entered the 
Reading High School and was graduated in 1858. 
After spending two years at Union College, 
Schenectady, N. Y., he entered the office of Hon. 
John Banks, studied law and was admitted to the 
bar February 9, 1863, since which time he has 
been engaged in active practice at Reading. 

Charles Henry Jones, son of Hon. J. 
Glancy Jones, of Reading, Pa., was born Septem- 
ber 13, 1837. He was educated as a civil engi- 
neer in the Rensellaer Polytechnic Institute, at 
Troy, N. Y., and served in the engineer corps iu 



the location and construction of the East Pennsyl- 
vania Railroad. In 1869 he accompanied his 
father, who had been appointed United States 
minister to Austria, and served as attache to the 
legation in 1861. Having returned to America, 
he studied law under his father's instruction and 
was admitted to the Reading bar in April, 1863. 
In the .same year he removed to Philadelphia, 
where he has since actively practiced his profes- 
sion. He was solicitor to the Park commission- 
ers during the laying out of Fairmount Park, from 
1869 to 1874 ; was the candidate of the Democratic 
party for city solicitor of Philadelphia iu 1874 ; 
counsel for the Department of Protection, Centen- 
nial Exposition of 1876 ; and is at present (1886) 
special deputy-collector of the port of Philadel- 
phia. He was prominent as counsel in many of 
the notable contested election cases in the Phila- 
delphia courts during the past ten years. He is 
the author of a number of works of history and 
fiction, among them the " History of the Campaign 
for the Conquest of Canada in 1776," in which 
several companies from Berks County figured con- 
spicuously, under the command of his great grand- 
father. Colonel Jonathan Jones. 

Richmond Legh Jone.s was born February 17, 
1840, in the fifth generation of his family, in 
Berks County. He was prepared to enter Y'ale 
College in 1858, but the disturbance between the 
United States and Paraguay having culminated in 
that year, he accepted the invitation of Captain 
Ridgely to accompany the United States naval 
expedition against Lopez, as captain's clerk of the 
gunboat " Atalauta," visiting the West Indies, Cen- 
tral America and Brazil, and ascending the Par- 
ana River one thousand miles into the interior of 
South America. Upon the organization of the 
sailors of the fleet into a military force for opera- 
tions on land, he was appointed second lieutenant 
of one of the companies formed of the crew of the 
" Atalanta." 

Peace having been concluded with Paraguay, the 
expedition returned the following year, and he 
then joined his father, the Hon. J. Glancy Jones, 
United States minister to Austria, at Vienna, and 
soon thereafter entered the University of Hiedel- 
berg, Germany, where he was graduated in 1861. 
Returning to America, he studied law under the 
instruction of his father, and was admitted to the 



BENCH AND BAR. 



575 



Reading bar April 23, 1863. In 1862 he joined 
Captain Hunter's company of Pennsylvania Vol- 
unteers, which was of the force that held Hagers- 
town during the battle of Antietam. In 1863 he 
was captain of Company A, Fifty-third Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers. In 1866 he was elected 
to the Legislature from Berks County, and was re- 
elected in 1867 and 1868. In 1868 he received 
the unanimous nomination of the Democratic 
party for Speaker of the House of Representatives, 
and, although his party was in the minority, he 
was given, in a triangular contest, the highest 
number of votes for forty-fiwe ballots. J\Ir. Jones, 
retiring from politics, resumed and continues the 
jiractice of his profession at the Reading bar. 

Daniel E. Shroeder, son of John H. Shroe- 
dtM', Esq., sheriff of Berks County from 1847 to 
1850, was born at Reading, attended the public 
schools and was graduated from the Reading 
High School in 1859 ; read law in the office 
of J. Hagennian (now president judge) and 
was admitted to the bar April 23, 1863, since 
which time he has been in active practice at 
Reading. 

Charles Leopold, son of Augustus Leopold, 
a prominent farmer, was born in Union township ; 
studied law in the office of Hon. John Banks, and 
was admitted to the bar April 23, 1863. He en- 
listed in the Civil War, and, while in the army 
contracted a disease from which he died at 
Reading. 

J. Warren Tryon, son of Dr. John Tryon, was 
born at Rehrersburg, Berks County ; entered upon 
the study of law in the office of John S. Rich- 
ards, Esq. ; attended the Harvard Law School, 
and was admitted to the bar June 14, 1863. He 
took an active interest in county politics and 
served, for a time, as chairman of the Republican 
County Committee ; he filled the office of solicitor 
for the county commissioner for the year 1875, 
having been the first and only Republican who 
occupied that position. 

J. Howard Jacobs, son of Samuel Jacobs, a 
prominent farmer and a descendant of one of the 
earliest families of the Conestoga Valley, was born 
iu Caernarvon township, Berks County ; was edu- 
cated in the schools of his native township and 
at the Millersville State Normal School, of which 
he was one of the first pupils. He then re- 



moved to Reading, studied law under the direc- 
tion of Hon. John Banks, and was admitted to 
the bar November 14, 1863. He served as city 
solicitor for the years 1873-74, and took a prom- 
inent part in the educational affairs of the city, 
having represented the Seventh Ward in the 
Board of School Controllers for many years. He is 
now a member of the board of trustees of the Key- 
stone State Normal School. He has been promi- 
nently identified with the Republican party for 
upwards of twenty years, in 1880 was its nominee 
for Congress, and in 1882 was favorably mentioned 
as a candidate for Lieutenant-Governor of Penn- 
sylvania. 

Mr. Jacobs jJurchased a tract of land at jMor- 
gantown, laid it out as a cemetery and erected in 
the centre of it a fine large monument. 

Israel C. Becker was born in Alsace township, 
February 22, 1842 ; attended the West Chester 
Military Academy, and was graduated from Dick- 
inson College in 1859, and from the Albany Law 
University in 1861; joined the Fourth Pennsyl- 
vania Volunteers on May 7, 1861 ; was promoted 
to first lieutenant of Company F, in the Third 
Pennsylvania Reserves ; was mustered out of 
service with the rank of major and assistant 
adjutant-general in 1864 ; commenced to practice 
law in Reading after his return from the war. 

Horace A. Yundt, a son of Henry Yundt, 
was born in East Earl township, Lancaster County, 
June 5, 1839 ; obtained a preparatory education in 
the public schools and then entered Franklin and 
Marshall College from which institution he was 
graduated in 1859. He engaged in teaching at 
the Mount Joy Academy and Paradise Academy, 
in Lancaster County, for two years, when he 
enlisted in the army and commanded Company B, 
of the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Regiment 
of Pennsylvania Volunteers of nine months' men ; 
at the termination of this time he read law in the 
office of Hon. John Banks and was admitted to 
the bar at Reading August 9, 1864, since which 
time he has been actively engaged in the duties of 
his profession. In 1879 he was the nominee for 
judge on the Republican ticket. 

Charles H. Sch.\eb"fer was born at Columbus, 
Ohio, on August 4, 1840. He was the son of the 
late Rev. C. F. Schaeffer, D.D., president of the 
Evangelical Lutheran Seminary of Philadeljihia, 



HISTORY OF BEKKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and was educated at Pennsylvania College, Gettj's- 
burg, where he was graduated in 1860, when he 
came to Reading and for two years conducted. a 
classical academy, and during the two following 
years was principal of one of the city grammar 
schools. 

He served in the Forty-second Regiment Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers ; he read law with Hon. 
Daniel Ermentrout, and was admitted to the Berks 
County bar on August 9, 1864. Since his admis- 
sion he has resided in Reading in continuous 
practice. He has always been identified with the 
Democratic party ; has been a representative in 
National, State and County Conventions, but has 
never been a candidate for public office, with the 
exception of having served as a member of City 
Councils and the Board of Health. 

Franklin B. Laucks, son of Benjamin Laucks, 
was born in Oley township, and there attended the 
public schools ; read law in the office of B. Frank 
Boyer, Esq., of Reading, and was admitted August 
13, 1864; practiced at Reading with success until 
the time of his death. 

William M. Goodjian was born December 
10, 1836, in Cumru township, Berks County ; was 
educated in the public schools and the Philoma- 
thean Institute at Birdsboro' ; taught school for 
five years in the county and came to Reading in 
1862. He I'ead law in the offices of Jacob S. and 
William H. Livingood, Esqs., and was admitted 
to the bar August 13, 1864. In 1866 he was 
elected city auditor for the term of three years, and 
in 1877 was elected district attorney. 

Edwin Shalter, a son of Jonas Shalter, was 
born near Tuckerton, Berks County ; graduated 
from Franklin and Marshall College ; read law 
under the direction of Jacob S. Livingood, Esq., 
and was admitted to the bar August 13, 1864; 
practiced his profession at Reading with success 
until his death, a few years since. 

LouLS Richards, son of John Richards (a 
native of Amity township, Berks County, of 
Welsh descent, who became a prominent iron 
manufacturer), was born at Gloucester Furnace, in 
Atlantic County, N. J., on May 6, 1842. He re- 
ceived an academical education, and then removing 
to Reading, began the study of law in the office of 
John S Richards, Esq. (a cousin). He was ad- 
mitted to the bar January 16, 1865. In 1869 he 



engaged in the newspaper business as a member of 
the firm of J. Knabb & Co., publishers of the 
Daily Times and weekly Journal He continued 
practically engaged in journalism for three years 
and then resumed the practice of law. 

Mr. Richards has taken an active interest in the 
municipal affairs of Reading for a number of 
years. He represented the Fir.st Ward of Reading 
in Common Council from 1875 to 1878, and whilst 
serving in this position compiled the laws and 
ordinances relating to Reading, which were pub- 
lished in the form of a " City Digest" in 1876 by 
Councils, and ten years afterward he supervised 
the publication of a revised edition. In 1876-77 
he .served as secretary of the Municipal Commis- 
sion of Pennsylvania, which was specially appointed 
by Governor Hartranft for the purpose of prepar- 
ing a plan for the better government of cities in 
the State. In 1884 he received the nomination 
for Congress on the Republican ticket. 

Irenaeus Shalter, son of Benjamin Shalter, 
was born in Alsace township ; educated in the 
township schools, and then entered Franklin and 
Marshall College, from which he was graduated in 
1863 ; studied law in the office of Jacob S. Liv- 
ingood, Esq., and \\as admitted to the bar Jan- 
uary 16, 1865. 

J. Ross Miller was born at Reading, Decem- 
ber 5, 1841 ; educated in the local schools ; enlisted 
in Company H, One Hundred and Twenty -eighth 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers; was wounded 
at the battle of Antietam and discharged from the 
service while in the Reading Hospital. He tlieu 
studied law in the office of William M. Baird, 
Esq., and was admitted August 7, 1865. 

J. Dall.\s Schoener was born aud educated 
at Reading ; read law with his uncle, William B. 
Schoener, Esq., and was admitted to the Reading 
bar August 7, 1.S65. 

Harrison Maltzberger, son of John Maltz- 
berger, was born at Reading ; graduated from the 
Reading High School in the year 1856 ; studied 
law under Hon. J. Glancy Jones and was ad- 
mitted to the bar August 7, 1865. Mr. Maltz- 
berger took, an active interest in educational 
affaii-s, having represented the Fourth Ward in the 
Board of School Controllers for a number of years 
and acted as chairman on the finance committee. 
He has been the register in bankruptcy for the 



BENCH AND BAR. 



Berks District for about twenty years. He was 
I he Republican nominee for Congress some years 
ago. 

Peter D. Wanner, son of William Wanner, a 
farmer, was born in Maxatawny township, and 
educated in local schools. Union Seminary (Union 
(\iunty, Pa.), and Franklin aud Marshall College 
at Lancaster, Pa., graduating from the latter in- 
stitution in 1805. Before graduating he tooTc up 
the study of law under Isaac E. Hiester, Esq , at 
Ijancaster, where he was admitted to the bar in Sep- 
tember 18(3.5. Upon returning home he located at 
Reading and was admitted to practice November 4, 
1865. In 1871 Mr. Wanner was elected district 
attorney ; he served one term of three years, 
till 1874, and officiated as solicitor to the county 
commissioners for the years 1877 and 1878. He 
acted as chairman of the City Executive Com- 
mittee of Democratic party in Reading for a num- 
ber of years. In 1878 he ran for Congress against 
Hon. Hiester Clymer, having made numerous ad- 
dresses in every section of the county by appoint- 
ment previous to the delegate election, and the 
choice of delegates was closely contested. Though 
not elected, he awakened great interest in the cam- 
paign. In 1879 he became interested in the manu- 
facturing business, and connected himself with the 
Mellett Brothers, founders. He is now serving as 
secretary and treasurer of the Mellett Foundry 
and Machine Company (Limited) and also of the 
Reading Foundry Company (Limited), large enter- 
])rises mentioned in the chapter on Industries. Mr. 
Wanner has taken an active interest in the Read- 
ing Board of Trade since its organization. 

Llewellyn Wanner, son of J. Daniel Wan- 
ner, ex-register of Berks County, was born in Kutz- 
town and graduated from Franklin and Marshall 
College ; read law with his uncle, Amos B. Wanner, 
Esq., and was admitted to the Bar August, 1866; 
after practicing law for a number of years, he re- 
moved to the Siate of Illinois, where he continued 
the practice of his profession. He was president of 
the Common Council of Reading from 1871 to 
1873. 

William M. Riohtmyer was born October 10, 
1842, at Springs Forge, Berks County, attended 
common schools and was prepared for college under 
tlie instruction of Rev. J. S. Ermentrout. He was 
graduated from Pennsylvania College, at Gettys- 
54 



burg, with the class of 1865; read law in the office 
of William M. Baird, Esq., and was admitted to 
the Bar in 1867. He was a school director of 
Reading from 1868 to 1877 and secretary of the 
board for four years. He was city solicitor from 
1874 to 1875, and attorney for directors of the 
poor of Berks County for five years 

George M. Ermentrout, son of Henry Er- 
mentrout, was born at Reading October 13, 1840 ; 
attended the public and private schools of his na- 
tive place and a seminary for boys at Norristown, 
Pa. ; read law in the office of Hon. Daniel Ermen- 
trout ; was admitted to the bar November 27, 
1867, and has since practiced at Reading; served 
as school controller, and was elected alderman of 
the Sixth Ward of Reading in 1S77, and re-elected 
iu 1882. 

George F. Baer was Ixjrn in Somerset County, 
Pa., September 26, 1842. His fiither, Solo- 
mon Baer, was born in Northampton County 
(near what is now known as Unionville, in Lehigh 
County) in 1794, and moved, with his parents, to 
Maryland, near Cumberland, when six years old : 
and he settled in Somerset County in 1816, where 
he continued to reside till his death, in 1882. He 
was aged eighty-eight years aud left to survive 
him four daughters and three sons, the latter being 
William J. (president judge of the Somerset and 
Bedford District), Herman L. (a practicing at- 
torney at Somerset) and George F., the subject 
of this sketch ; a fourth son, Harry G. (who was 
enlisted in the Civil War as an officer in Company 
B, Fifty-fourth Regiment Pennsylvania Volun- 
teers, commanded by Col. Jacob M. Campbell), 
having died in 1874. 

John Jacob Baer, the father of Solomon Baer, 
was born in Northampton County in 1761, on the 
homestead, and removed to Maryland in 1800, 
where he carried on farming and died in 1823, 
aged sixty-two years ; and Christophel Baer, the 
grandfather, emigrated from the Palatinate in 
1747, and, upon arriving in Philadelphia on Aug- 
ust Ist of that year, proceeded to Northampton 
County, purchased farming land and carried on 
farming. 

When George F. Baer was six years old his 
parents removed to the town of Somerset, and he 
there attended the schools of the town and the 
Somerset Institute (of which Professor Charles L. 



578 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Loose was the principal) till 1855, when he en- 
tered the printing-office of the Somerset Democrat 
(then published by Chauncey F. Mitchell), and 
worked at the printing trade until April, 1858. 
He then attended the Somerset Academy for one 
year. In the spring of 1859 he became the chief 
clerk and book-keeper of the Ashtola Mill--, a 
large manufacturing establishment ten miles from 
Johnstown. He occupied this position till the 
summer of 1860, when he entered the sophomore 
class of Franklin and Marshall College. Whilst 
pursuing his course of study in that institution the 
Civil War broke out, and in the spring of 1861 he 
and his brother Harry purchased the Somerset 
Democrat and began its publication. After con- 
ducting it successfully till the following .September 
his brother Harry enlisted in the volunteer service, 
leaving him in sole charge of the newspaper. He 
was employed at the case during the day, and at 
night edited the paper. At times he was so busily 
engaged at printing that he was obliged to com- 
pose and set up his editorials while standing before 
the case. During this time he kept up a private 
course of studies, with the view of eventually re- 
turning to college. He continued to edit the 
Democrat until August, 1862, when he raised a 
company of volunteers, which was mustered into 
the service as Company E, One Hundred and 
Thirty-third Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
of which he was duly commissioned captain. At 
that time he was not twenty years old. He served 
as captain for nine months, the period of enlist- 
ment, acting part of the time by detail as adju- 
tant-general of the Second Brigade, in General 
Humphrey's division. His regiment joined the 
Army of the Potomac at the second battle of Bull 
Run, and was with that army at the battles of Au- 
tietam, Fredericksburg and Chaucellorsville. Its 
most distinguished service was in forming the ad- 
vance line of the army in the famous charge on 
the Fredericksburg Heights, December 13,1862. 
He was mustered out of service with his company 
on May 26, 1863. 

Upon returning home Mr. Baer selected the law 
as his profession, and after pursuing a regular 
course of legal studies in the office of his brothers 
— who were practicing attorneys at the Somerset 
bar — he was admitted to practice at April term, 
1864. He practiced his profession at Somerset till 



April, 1868, when he removed to Reading, having 
been admitted to the Berks County bar a short 
time before (January 22, 1868), whilst on a visit 
to Reading. 

During his practice of four years under his 
brothers at Somerset, he became thoroughly ac- 
quainted with the practice of the law in all its 
branches, especially in that department which re- 
lated to i)leading and the trial of cases. 

A few years after his arrival at Reading his 
general practice began to increase rapidly and he 
soon won a place in the foremost rank of the at- 
torneys at the bar, becoming more and more suc- 
cessful with each passing year. During the past 
fifteen years he has been prominently identified 
with all the important litigation before the several 
courts of Berks County, and also before the Su- 
preme Court of Pennsylvania, upon cases removed 
from this and other districts. Shortly before the 
death of John S. Richards, Esq., in 1872, he be- 
came the resident solicitor of the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad Company, and he has since oc- 
cupied that position. His arrival in this county 
marks the beginning of a new generation of young 
attorneys at this bar, who have distinguished 
themselves by devotion to their profession and 
have won that success in it which well directed 
energy merits. In 1876 he was adrcitted to prac- 
tice in the Supreme Court of the United States, at 
Washington, D. C. 

Since his residence here Mr. Baer has been in- 
terested in the general development of the com- 
munity, through improvements of various kinds. 
He is connected with different enterprises of an 
industrial nature. At the present time he is presi- 
dent of the Temple Iron Company, chairman of 
the Bushong Paper Company ( Limited) and a di- 
rect.ir in the following orjjanizations: Reading 
Fire Insurance Company, Reading Iron- Works, 
Clymer Iron Company, Keystone Coal Company, 
Boyertown Mining Company, Penn National Bank 
and the Reading Hospital. Mr. Baer is also a 
trustee of the Franklin and Marshall College and 
of Palatinate College. The former institution con- 
ferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts. 

Theodore H. Garrigues was born at Read- 
ing December 28, 1845 ; acquired his education in 
his native city, and, at the age of seventeen, went 
to Pliiladeljthia, where he remained three years iu 



BENCH AND BAR. 



579 



a hardware-store. In 1865 he became a student- 
at-la\v iu the office of John S. Richards, Esq., and 
was admitted to the bar August 10, 1868. Owing 
to the defective eyesight of his preceptor, soon 
after admission to practice, he assumed almost the 
entire management of Mr. Richards' extensive 
business, and executed it with ability and dispatch. 
In the mean time he was an ardent student of his 
profession and overtasked his mental powers, 
causing sickness and premature death at the age 
of about thirty years. 

Benjamin B. Laucks was born in Oley town- 
ship ; educated in the schools of the vicinity of his 
birth ; read law in the office of his father, Franklin 
B. Laucks, Esq., of Reading, and was admitted 
to the bar January '11, 1869. After j)ractieing 
for a while at Reading, removed to Pottsville, and 
died there. 

H. Willis Bland was born August 20, 1846, 
at Blaudon, Berks County ; acquired a preliminary 
education in school at Birdsboro'. On September 
4, 1861, he joined Company H, Eighty-second 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served in 
all the engagements in which the regiment partici- 
])ated until expiration of term of service, in Septem- 
ber, ]8i;4. In Febuary, 1867, he removed to Read- 
ing and read law in the office of J. Howard 
Jacobs, Esq , and was admitted to the bar April 
12, 18(;y. 

Henky C. G. Rebek was born in Penn town- 
ship, Berks County, Pecember 18, 1846; was 
educated at Franklin and Marshall College, from 
which he was graduated in 1866. Immediately 
thereafter he entered the law office of Jeremiah 
Hagenman, Esq., at Reading, now president judge 
of Berks County, and after pursuing his legal 
studies for three years, was admitted to the bar 
Ai)ril 12, 1869. He has practiced his profession 
at Reading since He filled the office of district 
attorney for one term of three years, from 187.5 t(j 
1877. 

Cyrus G Dekr was born July 18, 1848, at 
Lebanon, Pa. He obtained his education iu the 
schools of his native town; read law in the office of 
his father, William M. Derr, Esq.; attended the 
LawDepartraentoftheUniver.'jity of Pennsylvania; 
was admitted a member of the Lebanon County bar 
in 1869, and in 1872 located in Reading, where he 
has since practiced his profession. 



Morton L Montgomery, the author of this 
history, was born at Reading November 10, 1846. 
His father, John Leonard Montgomery, came from 
Northumberland County, Pa., to Reading iu 183.5, 
and in 1842 was married to Catharine Rush, who 
was born at Reading in 1810. Her father, Philip 
Rush, a fife-major in the War of 1812-15, and a 
weaver by occupation, was also born at Reading, in 
1783 ; and her grandfather, Stephen Rush, moved 
from Hereford township, in this county, to Reading 
shortly after the town was laid out. 

Mr. Montgomery was educated in the common 
schools of his native place till 1863, having spent 
the last three years in the Reading High School ; 
and, being inclined to mathematics and draught- 
ing, he then entered the office of Mr. Daniel 
Zacbarias, county surveyor of Berks County, 
and city engineer of Readiug, for the purpose of 
learning practical surveying and civil engineering. 
He continued in this office at Readiug eight 
months, when he went to Pottsville, Schuylkill 
County, at the request of Mr. Zacharias, to enter a 
larger field for the prosecution of his studies, and 
he was there employed by Mr. Daniel Hoffman, a 
mining, civil and topographical engineer. After 
remaining with Mr. Hoffinan the greater part of 
two years he returned to Reading, and entered the 
office of Jacob S. Livingood, E.sq., as astudentat- 
law. He spent the required term of three years 
with Mr. Livingood, and, besides prosecuting his 
legal studies, he attended to an extensive practice-, 
the labors of which consisted in the jireparation of 
cases, arguments, proceedings in partition, convey- 
ancing, etc. 'After traveling for a time in the fall 
of 1869 through the Middle and Eastern States, 
he entered the Law Department of Harvard 
University and remained there two terms. Upon 
returning to Reading he spent a year in the office 
of Samuel L. Young, Escj., iu order to comply with 
the new rules of court which had been adopted 
during his absence and which required the last 
year of study to be passed in a lawyer's office. 
He was admitted to the bar on August 28, 1871, 
since which time he has been in active practice at 
Reading. 

Shortly after .his admission to the bar he became 
earnestly interested in the history of his native 
county, and, after he had collected much valuable 
material relating to the early tettlements and fur- 



580 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUXTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



mation of the townships and the development of 
all the districts in the county, he determined to 
write and publish the "History of Berks County." 
In the course of his investigations he contributed 
a number of historical articles to the press, and in 
1883 he published the " Political Hand-Book of 
Berks County, Pa." In 1884 he issued a prospec- 
tus, announcing his proposed publication of the 
" History of Reading;" but finding, in the course 
of his undertaking, that the practice of the law 
and the labors of an author and publisher could 
not be conducted together successfully, he entered 
into a contract with Messrs. Everts, Peck & 
Richards, publishers of histories etc., at Philadel- 
phia, for the publication of the " Historj' of Berks 
County" in one large octavo volume, to comprise all 
the history of the entire county, and thereby con- 
clude his undertaking more speedily and satisfac- 
torily. The labor of 3Ir. Montgomery in this 
behalf has been necessarily severe during the last 
ten years and has required the utmost persistence 
to accomplish his purpose. During this time he has 
carried on his investigations without any assistance, 
having visited different jilaees, traveled throughout 
the county rejjeatedly and examined newspaper 
files, county records and libraries here and elsewhere. 

In 1874, Mr. Montgomery was married to 
Florence Baugh Bush, a daughter of Dr. Andrew 
and Mary Baugh Bush, of East Coventry township, 
Chester County, Pa. They have a daughter, 
Florence Baugh IMontgomery, who was born at 
Reading, 1876. 

Gakrett B. Stevens was born in Bucks 
County September, 184S. His preliminary educa- 
tion was acquired in the public schools ; taught 
school until the age of twenty-one years and then 
began the study of the law under the direction of 
John S. Richards, Esq., and having completed 
the requisite course, was admitted to the Berks 
County bar August 12, 1872. 

Horace Roland was born September 2C, 1848, 
in New Holland, Lancaster County, Pa.; attended 
the academy at Lititz, Lancaster County; also the 
Jliiitary School at Westchester, and Tuscarora 
Academy, in Juniata County. He Graduated from 
the Lafayette College, in Easton, in 1879 ; read law 
in the office of George F. Baer, Esq., and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in August, 1872, and remained 
in his office for five years as his assistant. 



Edgar M. Levan was born December 25, 
1850, in Clarkson, Columbia County, Ohio ; came 
to Reading with his father in 1859 ; graduated 
from Reading High School in 18(55 ; he read 
law in the office of George F. Baer, Esq.. and 
was admitted to the bar in 1870. He practiced 
in Reading until January 1st of the present year 
(1886), when he removed to Lancaster. 

Frank R. Schell was born January 1, 1851, 
in Bedford County, Pa.; was educated at the 
Edgehill Academy, College of New Jersey, at 
Princeton, and Yale College, graduating from the 
last-named institution with the class of 1870 ; at- 
tended lectures at the Columbia Law School, read 
law in the office of John C. Bullitt, Esq., and was 
admitted to the bar September 16, 1)^72. iSIr. 
Schell died on February 26, 1886. 

James A. O'Reilly, son of Patrick O'Reilly, a 
prominent and successful railroad contractor, was 
born at Reading ; educated in the public schools 
of his native city and Notre Dame University, 
Indiana ; studied law in the office of John S. 
Richards E.sq., and was admitted to the bar Jan- 
uary 13, 1873. He represented the Fourth Ward 
in Common Council for the years 1885-86, and 
was elected president of that body. 

Stephen M. Meredith i.s a native of Ches- 
ter County, Pa., born February 11, 1851, at 
Pughtown. He was educated in tiie public 
schools of his native town, the Ivy Institute and 
OaUdale Seminary. He began the study of 
law at Reading under the direction of Jes.se G. 
Hawley and H. Willis Bland, Esqs., and was 
admitted a member of the Berks County hai- in 
August, 1873. 

D.\NiEL H. WixoEiH), a native of Balti- 
more, Md., was born in tiiat city August 18, 
1847. lie finished the collegiate course at 
Franklin and Marshall College with the class 
of 1869, and studied the three succeeding years 
at the Universities of Berlin, Germany, and 
Vienna, Austria, in the Law Departments of 
these in.stitutions. Returning to America, he 
wa,s,admitted to the bar from the law-office of 
Kennedy & Stewart, of Chamber.shurg, Pa., and 
on September 29, 1873, was admitted a member 
of the Reading bar. lu 1875 he was elected city 
solicitor, and re-elected in 1877. In 1886 he 
is the attorney for Reading School District. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



581 



Hiram Y. Kauffman is a native of Berks 
County, born in Oley township June 4, 1850. 
Ilis preliminary education was obtained in the 
Oley Academy, Keystone State Normal Scliool, 
Hudson River Institute, C'laverack Academy, 
N. Y., and Amenia Seminary, N. Y. He 
entered Yale College and was graduated from 
that institution in 1872; taught school at 
Amenia one year and then entered the law office 
of Horace A. Yundt, Esq., at Reading, and 
was admitted to the bar November 9, 1874. 
He served as district attorney of Berks County 
during the years 1881, '82, '83. 

John C. K. Heine, son of Gregory Heine, 
was born at Reading; attended the {)ublic 
schools of his native place; was graduated from 
the Reading High School with the class of 
1870; read law with Hon. Daniel Ermentrout, 
and was admitted to the bar April 12, 1875. 

Benjamin F. Dettka is a native of Mont- 
gomery County, tjorn in Upper Providence 
township July 4, 1845; attended Washington 
Collegiate Seminary, in his native county ; pre- 
jKired for the profession of the law under (he 
direction of A. G. Green, Esq., and was admit- 
ted to practice at Reading, April 5, 1875. In 
1881 he was elected city solicitor for Reading, 
and served one full term of two years. 

Ben-iamin Y. Sheakeu was born Decem- 
ber 15, 1842, in Bern township, Berks County, 
Pa. ; attended common schools of his township 
and tlic Reading Classical Academy for ten ses- 
sions in summer, and taught .school in the win- 
ter ; read law in the office of his uncle, Edward 
H. Shearer, Esq., and was admitted to the bar 
April 12, 1875. 

Christian H. Ruhl was born in Cumber- 
laud County, Pa., August 7, 1853; was edu- 
cated in the public schools of Carlisle, Pa., and 
at Dickinson College; read law in the office of 
C. E. Maclaughlin, Esq., at Carlisle, and was 
admitted to the Cumberland County bar Augu.st 
24, 1874; removed to Reading and was ad- 
mitted to the Berks County bar April 15, 1875; 
was city solicitor from March, 1879, to March, 
1881. 

John F. Smith was born December 12, 
1849, in Richmond township, Berks County ; 
came to Reading with his father in 1853; was 



educated in the public schools and Reading 
Classical Academy, and attended the ^Iiihlen- 
berg College, at Allentown, Pa. ; read law in the 
office of John S. Richards, after which he at- 
tended the Law Department of Columbia College, 
New York. He returned to Reading in 1§7:>; 
entered the law-office of Cyrus Ci. Derr, Esq., 
and was admitted to the bar August 9, 1875. 

Jefferson Snyder was born November 6, 
1848, in Exeter township, Berks County; at- 
tended the schools of his native county, entered 
Lafayette College at Easton, Pa., and was gra- 
duated therefrom in 1872; pursued the study 
of law under the direction of George F. Baer, 
Esq., of Reading, and was admitted to the bar 
August 9, 1875. 

Daniel B. Young, son of Major Samuel L. 
Young, was born December 25, 1852. He i-e- 
ceived a preparatory education at Weyer's West 
Chester Academy, at I'enn.sylvania College and 
spent two years in Harvard College. He stud- 
ied law in his father's office and was admitted 
June 10, 1876. The next year he removed to 
Chicago, wliere he is now practicing. 

Adam H. Schmehl was born May 15, 
1852, in Reading; prepared for college in the 
schools of his native city and was graduated 
from Mulilenberg College, at Allentown, with 
the cla.ss of 1874; pursued his legal studies 
under the direction of Amos B. Wanner, E.sq., 
and was admitted to the bar January 6, 1876. 

Edwin B. Wiegand is a native of Lycom- 
ing County, Pa., born at Somerset, November 
5, l'^52; was graduated from Franklin and 
Marshall College, at Lancaster, in the class of 
1S74; read law in the office of ex-Attorney- 
General Thomas E. Franklin, of Lancaster, and 
was admitted to the Lancaster bar in Novem- 
ber, 1875; moved to Reading in January, 1876, 
and was admitted to practice in the courts of 
Berks County the same year. He was exam- 
iner in the Department of Justice at Washing- 
ton, D. C, from August, 1881, to August, 1884, 
with the Hon. Benjamin Harris Brewster, At- 
torney-General of the United States. Since 
1884 he has been practicing at Reading. 

Wesley D. Horning was born July 3, 
1848, in Chilcoat's Hollow, in Huntingdon 
County, Pa., received his preparatory education 



582 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



in the school of his native place, and attended a 
special course of study at Kishacoquillas Sem- 
inary, in Mifflin County; read law with Hon. 
E. Milton Speer, of Huntingdon, and was ad- 
mitted April, 1875, to the bar in Huntingdon; 
removed to Reading in April, 1876, and was 
admitted a member of the Berks County bar 
the same month. 

Gt'STAV A. ExDLiPH was born January 29, 
1856, in Alsace township, Berks County; from 
1867 to 1872 he was in the sciiools of Germany, 
returned to his native country and entered the 
( "ollege of New Jersey, at Princeton, from which 
institution he was graduated in the year 1875 ; 
read law in the office of George F. Baer, Esr[., 
of Reading, and was admitted to the bar in No- 
vember, 1877 ; in 1882 he wrote and pui>lished a 
work on the law of "Building Associations in the 
United States," in 1884 a work on the "Affi- 
davits of Defense in Pennsylvania," and in 1885 
edited two volumes of the decisions of Warren 
J. Woodward, late president judge of the Twen- 
ty-third Judicial District of Pennsylvania. 

SiMO.v P. O'Reilly was born in June, 1853, 
in the city of Reading. After his graduation 
from Mount St. Mary's College, at Emmitsburg, 
^Id., in the year 1875, he entered the office of 
A. G. Green, Esq., as a student-at-law, and was 
admitted to the bar January 14, 1877. 

Henry A. Zieber was born March 27, 
1848, at Reading; was educated in the Read- 
ing High School ; read law in the office of 
Amos B Wanner, Esq., and was admitted to 
the bar in April, 1878. He was appointed a 
notary for the city of Reading in 1876 and 
served until 1885. 

ISA.\c HiESTER, son of William M. Hiester 
and grandson of Dr. Isaac Hiester, was born in 
Reading, January 8, 1856. He acquired his 
jireparatory education in the public schools of 
Reading, completing the course of the High 
School in 1871 and .soon afterward entered 
Trinity College, at Hartford, Conn., from which 
institution he was graduated in the year 1876. 
He was admitted a member of the Reading bar 
in 1878, after having finished the required 
course of studv in the office of George F. Baer, 
Esq. 

J. H. Marx was born at Kutztown, Berks 



County, in 1846, and educated in his native 
town. He studied law in the office of H. H. 
Schwartz, Esq. (now judge of the Orphans' 
Court of Berks County), and was admitted to 
the bar August 13, 1878. He then opened a 
law-office at Kutztown, where he has since 
practiced his profe.ssion. 

Jeremi.vh K. Gr.\nt was born October 24, 
1847, in Pike township, Berks County ; was edu- 
cated in the common schools and the Keystone 
State Normal School ; attended lectures at the 
Law Department of the University of Pennsyl- 
vania ; read law in the office of William H. 
Livingood, Esq., of Philadelphia, and was ad- 
mitted to practice in the several courts of that 
city in 1877; in 1878 came to Reading and 
commenced to practice; is at present (1886) 
solicitor for the Board of Prison Inspectors for 
Berks County. 

Walter B. Craig was liorn June 5, 1855, 
in the city of Reading, completed the course of 
study in the Reading High School with the 
class of 1872 and afterward .spent two years in 
the United States jNIilitary Academy at West 
Point. He began his legal studies under the 
direction of George F. Baer, E.sq., and after 
completing the required course of reading, was 
admitted to the bar in November, LS78. 

D. Nicholas Schaeffer Avas born Sep- 
tember 10, 1853, in Ma.xatawny township, 
Berks County. He is a brother of N. C. 
Schaeffer, Ph.D., principal of the Ke_vstone 
State Normal School at Kutztown, and of 
Rev. William C. Schaeffer, President of the 
Palatinate College, Myerstown, Pa. He ob- 
tained a preparatory education at the Keystone 
State Normal School, and was graduated from 
Franklin and Marshall College, at Lancaster, in 
the class of 1876 ; studied law in the office of 
George F. Baer, Esq., and was admitted to the 
bar November 12, 1878. 

M. Bravton McKxight was born at Read- 
ing in 1855; obtained a preliminary education 
in the public schools ; completed the course in 
the Reading High School with the class of 1872 ; 
subsequently entered Amherst College, Massa- 
chusetts, and was graduated in 1876; read law 
in the office of Charles H. Shaeffer, Esq., and 
was admitted to the bar in 1878. 



BENCH AXD BAR. 



583 



Daniel G. Gulden was born in Oley town- 
sliip; was a sttident-at-law under the instruc- 
tion of Henry C. G. Reber, Esq., and was ad- 
mitted to practice January 20, 1879 ; practiced 
in Reading for several years. In 1886 he \vas 
engaged at teaching in the eastern section of 
Berks County. 

Frank S. Livtngood was born February 
24, 185o ; attended the schools of Reading until 
1809, when he entered Phillips Andover Acad- 
emy, at Andover, Mass., and afterwards com- 
jileted the coarse at Harvard College, graduat- 
ing with the class of 187() ; read law under the 
direction of his father, Jacob S. lyivingood, 
Esq., and was admitted to the bar in August, 
1879. 

John W. Apple read law in the office of 
Frank R. Schell, Esq. ; was admitted to practice 
at Reading August 11, 1879, and immediately 
thereafter went to the State of Missouri. 

Heni:y D. Green was born at Reading May 
3, 1857 ; in 1872 he completed the course of 
studies in the City High S(-hool and then entered 
Yale College, from which institution he was 
graduated in the class of 1877 ; read law under 
tlie instruction of his father, Albert G. Green, 
Esq., M-as admitted to the bar in 1879; was ap- 
pointed notary public the same year and re- 
appointed in 1882; was elected a member of 
House of Representatives at Harrisburg for the 
years 1883-8-1 and re-elected for the years 
1885-86. 

William C. Heacock was a native of New 
York State, and for a number of years was a 
lieutenant in the United States navy. He came 
to Reading in 1878, and, after reading law, was 
admitted to practice August 12, 1880. 

W. Oscar Miller was born August 28, 
1857, in Maxatawny township, Berks County; 
was graduated from the Keystone State Normal 
School in 1875, and also from the Wyoming 
Seminary, at Kingston, Luzerne County, in 
1878. He pursued his legal studies in the Law 
Department of the LTniversity of Michigan, at 
Ann Arbor, and was graduated from that in- 
stitution in 1879 ; was admitted to the bar 
of that State, and immediately thereafter re- 
moved to Reading, entered the law-office of 
Harrison Maltzberger, Esq., and was admitted 



to practice in the courts of Berks County in 
April, 1880. 

William J. Roirke was born in Reading 
September 11, 1859 ; attended the public schools 
and finished the course in the City High School 
in the year 1876, and afterwards entered Lafay- 
ette College. In 1877 he became a law-student 
of Peter D. Wanner, Esq., and was admitted 
to the bar November 22, 1880. On February 
28, 1885, he was elected solicitor for the city of 
Reading. 

Albert R. Heilig was born September 
16, 1859, at Strausstown, Pa., attended the 
Reading High School, read law in the office of 
Cyrus Derr, Esq., and was admitted to the bar 
November 22, 1880. 

Alonzo E. Ream was born in New Hol- 
land, Lancjister County, Pa.; attended the pub- 
lif! schools ; read law in the office of H. Willis 
Bland and H. Y. Kauff'man, Esqs., and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in November, 1880. 

George F. Hagenman was born March 
7, 1857, in Reading; was graduated from the 
Reading High School in the class of 1876, and 
then, to continue the study of classics, was a 
pupil of Prof. John P. Slocum, of tiiis city ; 
entered the office of Henry C. G. Reber, Esq., 
and was admitted to the bar January 22, 1881. 

Israel H. Rothermel was born in Rich- 
mond township, Berks County, Pa., April 26, 
1853; was educated in Reading Scientific 
Academy and Miilersville State Normal School, 
at Miilersville, Pa.; read lawin theoftice of A.G. 
Green, Esq., and was admitted to the bar 
August 20, 1881 ; was solicitor for directors of 
the poor for 1883, and is now (1880) district 
attorney for Berks County. 
. John H. Rothermei- was born March 7, 
1850, in Richmond township, Berks County ; 
acquired his preparatory education in schools of 
his native place ; attended Reading Scientific 
Academy and Keystone State Normal School ; 
read law in the office of A. G. Green, Esq., and 
was admitted to the bar August 20, 1881. 

Daniel F. Westley was born in Robeson 
township, Berks County ; was educated in 
publicschools,the State Normal School, atKutz- 
town, and the Reading Scientific Academy ; 
read law in the office of Frank R. Schell, Esq., 



584 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and was admitted to tlie bar November 14, 
1881. lie taught school for twelve years in 
Berks County, and was for a time an assistant 
teacher in the Reading Scientific Academy. He 
died in 1883, in Reading, at the age of twenty- 
nine years. 

Charles C. Keiir was born in Outelaunee 
township, Berks County ; attended schools of 
his native place; was graduated from the State 
Normal School, of Kutztown, witii the class of 
1877 ; taugiit in the jJublic schools of Berks 
County for three years; read law in offices of 
Horace A. Yundt and William P. Bard, Esqs., 
and was admitted to the bar in 1881. 

Hexry MALTZUEitGER was born October 10, 
1858, and is a native ot Reading. Ho pursued 
the public-school course; was graduated from 
tlie Reading High School in 1874. He then 
entered Yale College, at New Haven, Conn., 
and was graduated from that institution with 
tlie class of 1879. He then took up the study 
of law under the direction of his father, Harrison 
Maltzberger, Esq., and was admitted to the bar 
in November, 1881. 

George F. Gross, Jr. was born in Phila- 
delpiiia, June 25, 1860 ; educated at the Uni- 
versity of Notre Dame, Indiana ; studied law 
under the direction of Daniel H. Wingerd, Esq., 
and was admitted to practice November 14, 
1881. 

Henry O. Shrader is a native of Reading, 
born January 4, 1859; attended the schools of 
his native city and completed the High Sciiool 
course in the year 1875; was proof-reader on 
the Reading Eagle for one year and then en- 
tered upon the study of tlie law in the office of 
Morton L. Montgomery, Esq., remaining two 
years, and one year witii Israel C. Becker, Esq. 
He was admitted to tiie bar November 6, 1882. 

I. Comley Fetter was born January 5, 
1857, at Warminster, Bucks County ; acquired a 
preliminary education in the academy at Hat- 
boro' ; graduated from the Millersville State 
Normal Sciiool, at Millersville, Pa.; read law 
under the direction of J. Howard Jacobs, Esq., 
and was admitted to the bar November, 1882. 

James B. Baker was born in Berks County 
April .20, 1851. He attended the Keystone 
Normal School for a number of sessions, and 



was engaged in the profession of teaching for 
thirteen years in this county. In 1871 he be- 
gan the study of law, and had as his preceptors 
Judge Sassaman, William M. Goodman and B. 
Y. Shearer, Esqs., and was admitted to the bar 
in November, 1882. 

Adam B. RiESERwas born October 22, 1854, 
in Bern township ; entered Franklin and Mar- 
shall College, at Lancaster, and was gnuluated 
from that institution in 1880; studied law under 
the direction of Henry C. G. Reber, Esq., and 
was admitted to the bar November 14, 1882. 

Elwood H. Deysher was born January 9, 
1857, in Reading; graduated from the High 
School of his native city ; continued his studies 
in the State Normal School at Millersville; read 
law with J. Howard Jacobs, Esq., and was ad- 
mitted to practice November 13, 1882. 

Philip S. Zieber was born June -30, ISOl, 
in Reading. He was graduated from the Read- 
ing High School in 1876, and from Lafayette 
College, at Easton, in 1881, and then became a 
student-at-law in the office of George F. Baer, 
Esq. ; was admitted to the bar in November, 
1884. 

J. Edward Millei; was born .Tune G, 1860, 
at Hamburg, educated in the schools of his 
native town and at Keystone State Noi-nial 
School, from which he was graduated in 1879 ; 
read law in the office of J. Howard Jacobs, E.sq., 
of Reading, and was admitted to the bar in No- 
vember 1883, and then located at Hamburg, 
where he is practicing his profession. 

Charles H. Tyson was born May 30, 
1863, in Reading. He completed the course in 
the Reading High School with the class of 1 880, 
and tlien studied law in the office of Frank R. 
Seliell, Esq. He passed the required examina- 
tion in the year 1883, but was not admitted to 
the bar until the following year, when he attained 
his majority. 

Henry P. Keiser was born in Womelsdorf 
in January, 1860. He acquired his education 
at the Union Academy, in his native town, and 
left that institution to pursue the study of law 
under the direction of J. Howard Ja<'obs, Esq., 
of Reading, and was admitted to the bar in 
November, 1883. 

Felix P. Kre.mp was born in Readiny: Feb. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



585 



3, 1859. He was graduated from St. John's Col- 
lege, at Fordliam, N. Y., with the class of 1879. 
After gnuluutiou he entered upon the study of 
law in tlie office of George F. Baer, Esq., and 
was admitted to the bar in Novemljer, 1883. 

Fr.anic K. Flood was born in Hollidays- 
Ijury, Blair County, Pa. ; was graduated from 
tiie Keystone State Normal School at Kutztown 
in the elementary course in 1875, and in the scien- 
tific course in 1877. He entered upon thestudy 
of law in the office of Hou. Hiram H. Swartz, 
tlie present judge of the Orphans' Court of Berks 
County, and was admitted to the bar Nov., 1884. 

Howard P. Wanner was born in Reading 
August 13, 18C2, was educated at Franklin and 
^Marshall College, Lancaster, became a studeut- 
at-law in the office of his father, A. B. Wanner, 
Esq., and was admitted to the bar Nov. 9, 1885. 

William Keuper Stevens is a native of 
Reading, born July 15, 1861 ; after acquiring a 
preparatory education he entered Yale College, 
and was graduated in the class of 1883. After 
completing the required course of legal studies 
in the office of Isaac Hiester, Esq., he was ad- 
mitted to the bar in November, 1884. 

William B. Bechtel, a native of Reading, 
was born March 18, 1862 ; received his educa- 
tional training in public schools, completed the 
High School cour.se in 1879, and entered Frank- 
lin and Marshall College, at Lancaster; read 
law under the instruction of Jeremiah K. Grant, 
Esq., and was admitted to the bar in Nov., 1884. 

Berks County Law Library. — When the 
county was erected in 1762, the several courts 
of the county were organized and judges were 
qualified to carry them on successfully ; and 
attorneys were admitted to practice tlie legal pro- 
fession before them. After the e.stablishment 
of independence a Constitution was adopted, 
and the courts were continued under the .system 
then existing, except where expressly modified 
by legislation. In the course of litigation, vari- 
ous principles of law were established by the 
adjudications of the Supreme Court, and both 
judges and attorneys soon felt the nciessity of 
having the adjudicated cases compiled and pub- 
lished. Alexander James Dallas, Esq., an 
attornev at Philadelphia, collected the decisions 
Mitli the view of publishing them iu book-form, 



and the judges at that place in 1790, " for the 
common good," approved and recommended the 
printing and publishing of his book, entitled 
" Reports of Ciises ruled and adjudged in the 
Courts of Pennsylvania before and since the 
Revolution." Mr. Dallas accordingly published 
the cases. The first volume was inscribed to 
the Hon. Thomas McKean, chief justice of 
Pennsylvania. He published four books, cover- 
ing the adjudications for fifty years, from 1754 
to 1805, and they were known as "Dallas' Re- 
ports.'' Subsequently other attorneys also com- 
piled and published reports, namely, — Yeatcs, 
4 volumes; Binney, ; Sergeant & Rawle, 17 ; 
Rawle, 5; Penro.sc & Watts, 3; Watts, 10; 
Wharton, 6 ; Watts & Sergeant, 9. 

During the publication of the last-named re- 
ports, in the year 1843, a number of prominent 
attorney.s, including David F. Gordon, Jacob 
Hoffman, Henry W. Smith, William Strong, 
J. Pringle Jones, George G. Barclay and Robert 
M. Barr, met and formed a society for the pur- 
pose of organizing a " Berks County Law 
Library." A fund was raised by them among 
the members of the bar, who each subscribed five 
dollars, and with it they purchased the first State 
Reports and certain law-books. This collection 
of re]iorts and books was placed in the small 
retiring-room of the judges, situated at the 
.southern end of the bench in the court-hou.se, 
and formed the nucleus, from which has been 
developed the present extensive law library. 

The reports continued to be published in the 
same manner, without authority of law, from 
1790 till 1845. Then an Act of A.s.sembly was 
passed, authorizing the Governor of the State 
to appoint a State reporter, aud commission him 
for the period of five years. The reporter com- 
mi-ssioned was required to be " a person of known 
integrity, experience and learning in the law." 
This appointment to be made every five years. 

The first person appointed was Robert M. 
Barr, Esq., a practicing attorney at Reading. 
He was appointed before July, 1845. He died 
previous to the expiration of his term of .service, 
and his friend, Hon. J. Pringle Jones, finished 
the work which he had left incomplete, and, 
with the consent of Governor John.son, published 
the materials collected for the use of his family. 



586 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



]\Ir. BaiT, as State reporter, published ten 
volumes, two a year, as required by the law, 
and Mr. Jones published two volumes, being 
the eleventh and twelfth volumes of State Re- 
ports. George W. Harris, of Harrishurg, was 
appointed, in 1849, as the second State reporter. 
He served his term until 1855, and published 
two volumes a year, and two additional volumes 
(under act of May 8, 1855), altogether twelve 
volumes, from the twelfth to twenty-fourth State 
Reports. Subsequent State reporters have been 
Casey, Wright, Smith, Norris and Outerbridge. 
The law library of the Reading bar continued 
a feeble existence till 1859 ; then a determined 
effort was made by the attorneys to more 
thoroughly organize a society for this juirpose 
and to increase the collection of books, and they 
decided to obtain a charter. Accordingly, a peti- 
tion for the incorporation of the Berks Countj' 
Law Library was presented to court on February 
28, 1859, and the decree of incorporation was 
made on April 11th following, by Hon.J. Pringle 
Jones, then president judge, on motion of John 
S. Ricliards, P]sq. The petition was signed by 
the following active members of the bar : 



Henry W. Smith. 
Charles K. Robeson. 
Hiester Clymer. 
William M. Baird. 
Albert G. Green. 
J. Hagenman. 
George G. Barclay. 
Joel B. Wanner. 
John A. Banks. 
A.mos B. Wanner. 
Henry Van Reed. 
Jacob M. Sallade. 
Andrew M. Sallade. 
David F. Gordon. 



John Banks. 
Charles Davis. 
John S. Richards. 
A. L. Heiinershotz. 
Samuel L. Young. 
A. Jordan Swartz. 
Jacob S. Livingood. 
F. LeafSiiiiih. 
Jacob K. McKenty. 
C. Oscar Wagner. 
Michael P. Bnyer. 
George J. E.;kert. 
James B. Bechtel. 



The object of the association was " to estab- 
lish and perpetuate a Law and Mi.scellaneous 
Library for the use of the Judges of the Courts, 
the members of the Bar and the Commissioners 
of the County." 

Various plans were suggested for the purpose 
of raising funds with which to keep up the 
necessary supply of books ; and, after consider- 
ing them for some mouths, finally John S. 
Richards, Esq., conceived and expressed 
earnestly the idea of obtaining a portion of the 
fines which were imposed in the Quarter 
bessions. At that time Mr. David L. Weurich, 



an enterprising, progressive and liberal-minded 
farmer, residing in Lower Heidelberg township, 
was one of the county commissioners, and J. 
Hagenman, Esq. (now president judge), was 
the commissioners' solicitor. The latter intro- 
duced the matter to Mr. Wenrich's attention 
and explained the advantages which would i-e- 
sult to the county in various ways, and Mr. 
Weurich, appreciating the movement, then in- 
duced the county commissioners to agree to 
allow one-half of the fines to be appropriated 
to the law library for the period of five years. 
Subsequently, to legalize this appropriation, an 
act of Assembly was passed on March 24, 18G0, 
authorizing one-half of the fines to be paid to 
the treasurer of the library for the period of 
five years, and providing that the books pur- 
chased " shall be for the use of the several 
courts, the eommi.ssioners of the county and the 
members of the a.ssociation." This act was ex- 
tended in 1866 for another period of five years, 
and in 1870 the provision in the act relating to a 
limit of time was repealed. From 1860 till the 
])resent time such fines have been received by 
the library and appropriated towards the pur- 
(;hase of law-books, and necessary miscellane- 
ous books for reference ; and under this system 
the library has become very valuable. 

The collection of books comprises all the 
Pennsylvania State Reports, digests and ])rom- 
inent treatises on law topics, complete .sets of 
reports of the following States : Maine, New 
Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecti- 
cut, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Ohio, 
and also a full set of English reports. There are 
also promiscuous reports from other State*, ency- 
clopiedias, etc. The number of books in April, 
1886, was thirty-eight hundred and fifty. 

In 1869 a fire-proof extension of two wings 
was constructed at the rear of the court-house, 
and then the library was removed from the 
small and inconvenient room where it had been 
located for twenty-five years into a fine, large 
and very pleasant room on the second floor in 
the upper wing. Opportunities for increase 
were afforded thereby, and from that time the 
books multiplied rapidly. 

Legal Association. — In 1867 a " Legal 
Association of Berks County, Pa.," was formed 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSIOX. 



587 



hy the attorneys at Reading for the jiurpose of 
jiromoting and perjietuating " good feeling and 
respect among the members of tlie bar, to main- 
tain an elevated sense of professional propriety 
and decornm, and in every proper way to pro- 
tect the rights and interests of the profession." 
It has continued till date, though latterly not 
active, notliing of importance having transpired 
to require its action as a body. It has been in- 
strumental in introducing many matters of 
general utility to the bench and bar. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

THE MEDICAL PROFESStON OF BERKS COUNTY. 

Early Medical History. — The represen- 
tatives of no other of the learned professions are 
bi-ought into more intimate relations with all 
mankind than those who practice the healing art. 
Tliere is a sacredness in the trust confided in 
tliem, and such has been the case since the dawn 
of medical science. The Jews are the first peo- 
ple on record who practiced this art, which they 
probably learned from the Egyptians. The 
Greeks worshipped ^TCscuiapins as the god of 
medicine, and tlicy first redui;e(l the art of heal- 
ing to a regular system. The most ancient 
writer on medical subjects, whose works are 
jyreserved, was Hippocrates, and he is therefore 
considered the father of physic. The most 
celebrated physicians who succeeded him were 
Asclepiades, Celsus and Galen. These men 
were almost worshipped by the ancients. The 
arts and sciences were nearly eclipsed after the 
downfall of the Roman Empire, in 476 A.D., 
by the barbarous manners of the Europeans, and 
all that was left of medicine was translocated to 
the peaceful regions of Arabia. Before the 
Crusades, several Hebrew, Latin and Arabian 
professors of physic settled at Salerno, in Italy, 
w iiere Charles the Great, in 802, founded a col- 
lege for their reception and for the education of 
students of medicine. Institutions of a similar 
character were soon afterward originated in Cen- 
tral Europe, and upon the developments of the 
great nations of Germany, France and England, 
those countries became the centres for the ad- 



vancement of medical science. It is true that 
in all ages, and even to-day in Berks County, 
emjiirics and charlatans, the excrescences of the 
medical profession, existed and do exist. Un- 
fortunately, witchcraft, charms, amulets, astrol- 
ogy, necromancy, alchemy and magic have been 
allied with medical practice and medical his- 
tory, and even yet have devotees. Though the 
progress of Materia 3Iedica is now less im- 
peded by superstition than at any former time 
in the world's historj^ yet still much remains 
to be achieved before our pharmacopoeias will be 
found to exhibit the certain processes or sj>ecifics 
of ascertained value, by the adoption of those 
substances only whose effects upon the tissues of 
the human body are thoroughly understood. 

Medical science has wonderfully progressed, 
but not until within the past hundred years. 
The introduction of chemistry into medicine 
during the early part of the sixteenth century, 
was a memorable event. Medical lore might 
have made fir greater strides had its early ad- 
vocates but husbanded in collective form the 
experience of the past, as was the case in the art 
of navigation. The great Greek physician 
Galea reprobated such prescriptions as were 
composed of any portions of the human body, 
and he severely condemned Xenocrates for 
having introduced them ; yet these abominable 
ingredients continued in use until what may be 
styled the reformation of medicine, in the seven- 
teenth century. Less than three centuries ago 
human bones were administered internally for 
the cure of ulcers, and it is within that ])eriod 
that a preparation railed aqua divina was made 
by cutting in pieces and distilling the body of a 
healthy man who had died a violent death. 
Thus the mummery of early medicine, with all 
its unintelligible mysticisms and inhuman treat- 
ment, formed but part of an age in the world's 
history that sanctioned such buffoonery. 

Magic was the offspring of medicine; it then 
fortified itself with astrology and borrowed its 
splendor and authority from religion. In the 
reign of Henry VIII. of England many of the 
medical practitioners were horse-farriers. From 
the time of the infancy of the art of healing in 
Egypt to one-half century after the thrifty 
Quakers and Germans settled in Berks County, 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



iDedical treatment was largely administered by 
the clergy who attended to the wants of the 
sick as well as the duties of" a clerical profes- 
sion. This plan fettered the progress of the 
profession, ' but was infinitely better than tiie 
curse of quackery, as the ecclesiastics in general 
were intelligent men. 

^lany interesting allusions are made to the 
art of healing by famous personages. We have 
a Scriptural reference of David in his youth, 
with his harp, .striving by the aid of music to 
cure the mental derangement of Saul. Tlie 
medicinal virtues of music were manifold and 
marvelous, according to many cla.ssic writers. 
Says the book of Ecclesiasticus : " The [.lord hath 
created medicines out of the earth and he that 
is wise will not abhor them." Pliny speaks of 
one Chrysappas, who became famous by advo- 
cating cabbar/es as the panacea for all com- 
plaints. A quack with the distingui.shed name of 
Graham, in 1782, created a sensation in London 
b}' building a mansion called tiie " Temple of 
Health." Among other whimsicalities, he 
claimed to have discovered the "elixir of life," 
by taking a portion of which, at the small, cost 
of one thousand pounds sterling, the patient 
might live as long as he wished. Dryden eon- 
fe.s.sed his indebtedness to cathartics for propi- 
tiating his muse; his imaginative faculty being 
thus dependent, as he thought, upon the elas- 
ticity of his viscera. Pope, a few days before 
his death, said, " My medical as,sociates are the 
most amiable companions, the best friends and 
the most learned men I know." Solomon tells 
us, " A merry heart doeth good like medicine," 
and a great writer once said " Hope and success 
are finer tonics than any to be found in an 
apothecary's shop, and even fear may boast its 
cures." Sir Philip Sydney defines health thus, — 

" Great temperance, open air, 

Eiisy labor, little care." 

A great Frenchman once said: '■ Wiien I 
die I will leave behind me three great i)hysi- 
cians — Water, Exercise, Diet." 

Hippocrates may be regarded as the father of 
medicine ; but it was to the collected wisdom and 
experience of his successors, many ages after 
his death, that the .science of medicine owes its 
present glory and renown. 



The following medical men of half a century 
or more ago lived to bless mankind : Harvey, 
Garth, Radcliffe, Meade, Askew, Pitcairn, 
Baillie, CuUen, Friend, Linacre, Cains, Hun- 
ter, Dennian, Velpeau, Listea and Brocklesby. 

Among the representative physicians of 
America wiio won renown during the past 
hundred years are Morgan, Rush, Kuhn, Bond, 
Chapman, G. B. Wood, Null and Flint, in 
Medicine; Barton, Pliysick, Mott, Gibson, 
Gross, Pancoast and Hamilton, in Surgery ; 
Shippeii, Wistar and Horner, in Anatomy and 
Surgery ; Hodge, Drurro and Meigs, in Obste- 
trics. All of those named are dead. Among 
the living American physicians who have a 
distinguished reputation are Agnew and Bige- 
low, in Surgery ; Stille, Da Costa and Alonzo 
Clarke, in Medicine ; Leidy, in Anatomy ; 
Barker, in Obstetrics ; Dalton, in Physiology ; 
Thomas and Goodall, in Diseases of Women. 

Berks County j'roduced representative medi- 
cal men of ability and skill, some of whom at- 
tained more than a local reputation. Of sucii 
were the Ottos and the Hiesters, Gries, Gerasch, 
Marshall, Wood, Plank, Tryon, Pounder, Wily, 
Herbst, Schoener, Moure, Bratt, Ulrich, Eckert, 
Tyson, Hunter, Baum, Wallace, etc., and a 
number of living practitioners now in the ranks 
of the profession. 

Intkodlctiox oI'" Medical Pii.vctice into 
Berks County. — At the time of the first set- 
tlement of Berks County, scarcely a century 
had passed since Harvey had expounded his 
complete discovery of the circulation of tiie 
blood. Books were then rare, newspapers 
almost unknown, the medical almanac was not 
dreamed of, institutions in which the science of 
medicine was taught were few, and there were 
few persons in Pennsylvania at that period 
whose knowledge of medicine exceeded that of 
tiie intelligent housewife of the present dav. 
Our Materia Mcdiea did not yet contain the 
names quinine, morphine, strychnine, iodine 
and the iodides, the bromides, hydrocyanic acid, 
cod-liver oil and chloroform. The practical 
application of tlie stethoscope, the pleximeter, 
the speculum, the ophthalmo.scope and the 
laryngoscope in the physical diagnosis ofdisea.se 
i had never yet been made. JS'or had chemistry, 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



589 



tlio microscope and electricity been successfully 
iipplied to such a purpose. Lady Montague 
iiad not yet brought from Constantinople the 
jiractice of inoculation, nor Jenner developed 
his system of vaccination. 

As in Egypt, where the healing art was first 
cultivated, and as among the Jews under Moses, 
so among the early settlers of Berks County, 
the offices of clergyman and physician were 
often combined in the same person. The knowl- 
edge of medicine of those individuals was not 
extensive. The various ailments incident to 
human kind in those days were supposed to be 
ciu-ed liy the virtues of herbs found within the 
1 )orders of nearly every settlement. The custom 
of repairing periodically to the physician to be 
"cupped" or "blooded" was almost universally 
jirovalent. The doctor did not enjoy the ex- 
clusive privilege of this practice, as the barber 
was a competitor and did a large amount of it. 
The red and white striped pole, now used to 
designate a barber-shop, is but a relic of the 
olden-time advertisement, painted to represent 
the blood trickling down the arm of a j)atient. 
The minister, the barber, the midwife and the 
housewife seemed to possess all the qualifications 
necessary to act as adjunct doctors. It was only 
wlien life was supposed to be in imminent dan- 
ger that the educated physician was summoned 
to the bedside. Midwives attended to a large 
amount of the practice without entertaining the 
remotest idea that they were performing duties 
^^•hich should require the attention of a skilled 
jiractitioner. The practice of these people is 
not yet discontinued in Berks County. A large 
])art of the treatment of the sick, especially in 
the rural districts, a century ago, was oerformed 
by self-made physicians or irregular practition- 
ers. Nearly every township had one or two of 
these. Domestic remedies were much used and 
are still in vogue, as well as the magic art of 
" powwowing," a relic of barbarism. Some- 
times a patient was bled or purged, and if no 
improvement followed, a physician was sent for, 
who examined the patient and diagnosed the 
case. He then required some one of the family 
to call at his office every few days to report the 
condition of the patient. In that way a good 
practitioner attended to the sick of a great many 



families over a large scope of country. He 
almost invariabty traveled on horseback, with 
his " schwcrick sock " (saddle bags) to sloi-e 
his medicines. Many of the practitioners of 
a later date attended one term of lectures and 
then began practicing without receiving a di- 
ploma. 

During the early history of medical practice 
in this county the principal diseases were 
malarial, intermittent and remittent fevers, or 
ague and fever, popularly termed " the shakes." 
The universal remedy was Peruvian bark in the 
form of powder, and was known to the com- 
mon j)eople as " barricks." 

There were a few cases of yellow fever in 
Berks County during its prevalence at Phil- 
adelphia in 1803. The Asiatic cholera pre- 
vailed in Reading to a limited degree in 1832, 
and a few persons died from its effects. 

Scarlatina and dyseutery were frequently epi- 
demic a half century ago, and earriec' off many 
children at times. Diphtheria made its appear- 
ance in this county about 1850, and since that 
date has often been epidemic. It is a disease 
that was much dreaded at first; medical skill 
seems to have it now under better control. 

In the foregoing paragraphs it was attempted 
to give a few facts of the history of medicine, 
the profession of which, though arduous in the 
extreme, is noble and honorable, — -equal in com- 
parison to any other of the learned professions. 
Few, we believe, who have entered it would 
exchange for any other profession. The variety 
of learning required, the constant accession of 
new truths, the earnest, anxious, though inter- 
esting, occupation it affords to the mind, renders 
it absolutely absorbing and exciting; but it de- 
velops, cultivates and refines the intellect and 
ennobles the soul. Some of the finest speci- 
mens of true manhood to-day are found within 
the medical fraternity. The intelligent and 
conscientious physician acquires an extensive 
knowledge of human nature, observes the beau- 
tiful traits of domestic affection, receives the 
gratitude of many people, the cordial friendship 
of others, and the universal respect of all. There 
is but one drawback to the profession, and that 
is the innate desire of so many people to 
be humbugged by quacks and charlatans. 



590 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



wliom 
shun. 



every enliu-htened individual should 



DECEASED PHYSICIAXS OF SEEKS COUNTY. 

All the facts that could be obtained of the 
medical practitioners now deceased, who re- 
sided in Berks County, are here given in the 
form of biographical sketclies, carefully pre- 
pared with data obtained Irom the best sources 
of information. 

Jacob Pj.axk so far as is known, was the 
pioneer physician of Berks County. He was a 
Huguenot, and located in Oley township soon 
after the first settlement of that region. His 
medical education was acc^uired between the 
years 1(596 and 1700, when he was a student 
at the University of Basel, Switzerland, under 
the instruction of Tiieodorus Zuingerus, pro- 
fessor of the practice of medicine in that insti- 
tution, and author of works on "Materia Medica," 
" Botany " and " Pharmacy." Soon after his 
medical studies were completed he emigrated to 
America, and .while on his way to a settlement 
in Berks County, he was detained at Oley 
through the importunities of a settler whose 
■wife lay sick at the time. His skill in the suc- 
cessful treatment of this case won the confi- 
dence of the settlers, and they therefore in- 
duced him to remain in their midst. It is not 
known when or whom he married or when he 
died. He located in this county at a very 
early date, and in 1720 signed a petition, to- 
gdher with other early settlers, asking for the 
erection of a new township to be called " Oley." 
Dr. D. Heber Plank, of Morgantown, this 
county, is a great-great grandson of Dr. Jacob 
Plank, and lias in his possession some of his 
ancestor's medical books. 

George De Benxevij-le, one of the pioneer 
physicians of the county, was born in London 
July 26, 1703. He was a descendant of George 
De Beuneville, a Frenchman of Normandy, 
born in the city of lloueu. Dr. De Beuneville 
came to America in 1745, and settled in Oley 
township, Berks County, with a colony of 
Huguenots. Among them were the De Bertolets, 
who located there as early as 1726. On the 
year of his arrival at the Oley settlement. Dr. 
De Beuneville was married to Esther De Ber- 



tolet, daughter of Jean De Bertolet, and built a 
house on the farm at one time owned by Daniel 
Kuabb. While in Oley, he taught school, 
practiced medicine and preached the gospel. 
In 1755 he moved to Phiiadeiphia, where he 
acquired an extensive practice in medicine. 
He died in that city, in 1793, aged ninety 
years. His wife died in 1795, aged seventy- 
five years. Their eldest son, Daniel De Beu- 
neville, was born in Oley township, Novemlier 
12, 1753, and grew to manhood at Branchtown, 
York road, now a part of the consolidated 
city of Philadelphia. Here his father lived 
most of his life, and here also died, leaving his 
property to his son Daniel. He studied medi- 
cine, joined the American army during the 
Eevolution as a junior surgeon of the flying 
hospitals, and on July 3, 1781, was chosen sur- 
geon of the Thirteenth Virginia Infantry. As 
a surgeon, he was distinguished for his sympa- 
thy for the wounded. In appearance and dis- 
position, he was a perfect counterpart of Andrew 
Jackson. After the war, he followed his pro- 
fession in Burlington, N. J., and later moved 
to Branchtown, Pa., where he died in 1828, 
aged seventy-five years. 

JoxATHAX Potts was born in Berks 
County, April 11, 1745. After ()l)taining a 
good education at Ephrata and Phiiadeiphia, 
he went to Edinburgh, 1766. He was ac- 
companied by Benjamin Rush. They car- 
ried letters of introihiction from Benjamin 
Franklin. Potts returned in 17()7, and grad- 
uated at the Medical Institute of Philadelphia, 
at its first commencement in 1768. He deliv- 
ered the valedictory oration, and was highly com- 
plimented. He began the practice of medicine 
at Reading, and became a noted practitioner. 
He wrote an article on "Utility of Vaccination," 
in 1771, which was published in Pcnim/lranicn 
Stnatshote. He mentioned the time smali-pox 
visited Reading, and that one hundred and six 
children died, — one in three who had the disease. 
He exhibited great patriotism during the Revo- 
lution, and represented Berks County at Phila- 
delphia on several important occasion" during 
1775 and 177G. In June, 1776, he was 
appointed surgeon in the army for Canada 
and Lake George. In December, 1776, he 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



591 



was stationed at Philadelphia, and in April, 
1777, ho was at Albany. While there, he was 
director-general of the hospitals of the North 
Department. Through his zeal in public ser- 
vice, he was prostrated by illness, and he died 
at Reading, October, 1781. 

BoDO Otto, one of the first skilled physi- 
cians and surgeons of Reading, was a de- 
scendant of distinguished ancestry. His father, 
Cliristopher Otto, was born in the Kingdom of 
Hanover, Germany, about 1G85. While in the 
service of Baron 

Rndn v^nn Obprtrc imminniBiiraniiiinflRiiiwpiiimrniiiiiiimiMimiiiiniiiitiiniiiiiiiiiifiiiiiiHiinii^^^ 

one of the King's 
noblemen, he 
was married, in 

1708, to Maria 
Magdalena Xei- 
nekenin theNeu- 
stadten Church, 
Hanover, by the 
court chajilain, 
Rev. Wahren- 
dorff. Christo- 
j)lier Otto was 
aj)pointed con- 
troller, by the 
Elector of Bruns- 
wick-Lneneberg, 
for the county of 
Schwartzfels, and 
died at Laude- 
berg, October 21, 
1752. Dr. Bodo 
Otto was born of 
this marriage in 

1709, and obtain- 
ed his Christian in;. in> 
name in honor 

of Baron Bodo, who was his sponsor in bap- 
tism, shortly after his birth. He acquired 
an excellent scholastic education, and having 
attained manhood, desired to study medicine 
and surgery. Application was accord inglv 
made to Augustus Daniel Meier, in the town 
of Hartzberg, near the Hartz, and, according 
to the custom of his native land, in order 
to give special privileges, two witnesses who 
were present at the marriage of his parents, 




testified as to the legitimacy of his birth. He 
was then accorded the best advantages the 
country afforded, and was regularly educated 
as a surgeon under the authority of the govern- 
ment in the university of Gottingen, where he 
also received special instruction in anatomy, 
physiology, botany and physics. He then was 
received as a member of the College of Surgeons 
at Lueneberg and had charge of the prisonei's 
in the Fortress Kaleberg, and the luvalides 
quartered in the town. He thus became very 
l)roficient in the 
practice of his 
profession and his 
talent and ability 
were appreciated, 
a c k n (I w 1 e d ged 
and aj)proved in 
letters of com- 
mendation from 
the royal sur- 
geons, by officers 
in command, and 
by |ico])le of dis- 
tinction in his na- 
tive Jand. In 
17."1*) he married 
Elizabeth Sau- 
chen, who died in 
Germany in 17.38 
leavingonechild, 
Mary Elizabeth. 
On May 21, 1742 
he was again mar- 
ried, to Doratha 
Doehmchen, by 
whom he had four 
I) 1)1 ji I. children, Freder- 

ick Christopher, 
who was born August 22, 1743, and died 
November 18, 1795; Doratha Sophia, l)orn 
February 28, 1745, and died November 16, 
1774 ; Bodo, born September 14, 1748, and 
died January 20, 1782 ; John Augustus, born 
July 20, 1751, died December 16, 1834. 

Three years after tlie death of his father. Dr. 
Bodo Otto and his family, together with a 
number of other families of the better class of 
Germans, owing to the politi<;al dissensions and 



592 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVAXIA. 



revolution in their native land, determined to 
seek new homes in America, in wliich thousands 
ot'tlirifty (ierman emigrants were already pros- 
pering. The vessel in wliich they sailed left 
Amsterdam May 1, 1755, and landed Novem- 
ber 10th of the same year. He located in 
Philadelphia, where he was soon highly esteem- 
ed lor his literary, medical and surgical ability, 
and rapidly acquired a practice. As the tide 
of German emigration was moving up the 
Schuylkill Valley, whose fertile lands were fast 
becoming occupied by a thrifty class of settlers, 
Dr. Otto followed the footsteps of many of his 
worthy countrymen, and moved to Keading, 
locating here in 1773. 

About this time the Revolutionary sentiment 
in the colonies was gathering force. The Ger- 
mans were not behind in condemning the 
British oppression, and the German settlers in 
this gi-and old county of Berks, in common with 
other counties in the province of Pennsylvania, 
settled by the same people, soon became devoted 
advocates of a new and independent form of 
government. As an evidence of the influence 
of Bodo Otto among his fellow-countrymen, 
with whom he had resided but three yeiira, he 
was in 1776 chosen one of the delegates to 
represent Berks County in the Provincial 
Conference which met in Carpenter's Hall, 
Philadelphia, June 18, 1776. As a further 
evidence of the patriotic devotion of Bodo Otto 
to the interests of his adopted country, early in 
the progress of the Revolution he offered his 
services as a sui'geon in the American army, 
and they were gratefully accepted. 

During thegloomiest period of that prolonged 
■war for liberty and independence, while the 
army of General Washington was encamped at 
Valley Forge, Dr. Bodo Otto, assisted by his 
two sons, Drs. John A. and Bodo Otto, Jr., 
were surgeons in charge of the camp hospital. 
He endure<l the same privations during the 
memorable winter of 1777-78, while devoting 
himself to the welfare of the sick and wounded. 

At the close of the Revolutionary War Dr. 
Otto returned to Reading, resumed the practice 
of his profession and in the meantime took a 
prominent part in the administration of local 
affairs. 



He died June 13, 1787, aged sever.ty eight 
j-ears. His remains were interred and now 
rest in the old Trinity church yard of Read- 
ing, he being a member of the Trinity congre- 
gation. 

His second wife died at Philadeli)hia in 
1765, and he was married a third time, on 
December 18, 1768, to Margaret Parish, an 
English lady of Philadeli>hia. She died in 
1801. They had no children. (All of the 
above statements relative to Dr. Otto are sub- 
stantiated by documentary evidence perused 
by the writer and now in the possession of Juhn 
A. Otto, of Williamsport, Pa.) 

The following certificate is of special interest : 

"This is to ceitifj' that Dr. Bodo Otto served in 
tlie capacity of a senior surgeon in the Hosi)itals of 
the United States in the year 1776, and when tlie 
new arrangement, in April, 1777, took place, he was 
continued in thatstation until the subsequent arrange- 
ment of September, 1780, when he was appointed hos- 
pital physician and surgeon, in which ca|iacity he 
officiated until a reduction of a number of the officers 
of said department, in January, 1782, was made. 
During the whole of the time he acted in the above 
stations he discharged his duty with great faithful- 
ness, care and attention. The humanity, for which 
lie was distinguished, towards the brave American 
soldiery, claims the thanks of every lover of his 
country, and the success attending his practice will 
be a sufficient recoinint'iidation of his abilities in his 
profession. 

"Given under my liaiid, the L'litli day of January, 
1782. 

" John Cochran, 
" Director iif the Miiitary liuspitah." 

Bodo Otto, Jr., son of Dr. Bodo Otto 
by his second marriage, was born in Hanover, 
Germany, September 14, 1748, and died June 
20, 1782. As alwve mentioned, he was a sur- 
geon of the Revolution. He lived at Wood- 
bury, N. J., and during his absence from home, 
attending to hospital duty, his political anta- 
gonists, the Tories, burned his house, and his 
wife and children, during inclement weather, 
wci-e driven from home, and all the jiroducts 
of his farm were consumed. The incendiaries 
were apprehended and convicted. Notwith- 
standing the calamity in which their acts had 
plunged him, Dr. Otto actually took a long 
ride on horseback to obtain their jiardou. Be- 
ing overtaken by a violent storm on his return. 



/ 





t-u. 



7^. 



N 



THK :medical profession. 



593 



he contracted a severe catarrh, which was soon 
followed by i)uhnonary consumption, and he 
died at the early age of thirty years, leaving 
throe children, one of whom, Dr. John C. Otto, a 
graduate of Princeton College in 1792, a medi- 
cal student under the renowned Dr. Benjamin 
Hush, who recognized his amiable deportment 
and promising talents, and awarded him many 
tokens of esteem and affection. He was gradu- 
ated in medicine from the University of 
Peiinsylvania in 1796, and sortii took rank in 
Pliiladeiphia among such eminent physicians of 
that day as Push, James, Parke, Dcwees, 
Physick, Hewson, Cliapmau and others. In 
] 798 he was chosen one of the physicians of 
the Philadelphia Dispensary, and upon the 
death of Dr. Rush, he succeeded his eminent 
jircceptor as one of the physicians of the Penn- 
sylvania Hospital, and held the position for 
twenty-two years, when he resigned. He died 
•lime 26, 1844, recognized by the profession as 
an eminent practitioner, a fine scholar and a 
ciiitured gentleman. 

John A. Orro, son of Dr. l^odo Otto, Sr., 
was horn in Hanover, Germany, on July 30, 
17-")1 ; arrived with his father at Philadelphia 
in IToij. Ill addition to attending the best 
schools of that day, he received instructions 
fnini his father, under whom he served as a.s- 
sistant surgeon through the Revolutionary War. 
It was upon his recommendation, after the cap- 
ture of the Hessians at Trenton, that someof them 
were brought to Reading and there encamped 
oil Penn Mount. He was one of the escort. 

Dr. Otto settled in Reading with his fatiu'r, 
in 177.'), and three years later was married to 
Catharine Hitner, of Marble Hall, Montgomery 
County, Pa. Like his father, he showed a 
patriotic devotion to his country by refusing to 
aeeejit a pension for his services, as a surgeon at 
Valley P^orge. He soon acquired a lucrative 
|)ractice in Reading, and became one of the 
leading physicians of his time in the State, and 
maintained that honorable position until his 
(hath, December 14, 1834, aged eighty-three 
years. His wife died of grief a few days later. 
He was one of the court justices under the 
State Constitution of 1776, and was appointed 
prothonotary of Berks County in 1790. 
55 



The children of Dr. John A. and Catharine 
Otto, who arrived at maturity, were Margaret, 
married to Benjamin Whitman ; Mary, married 
to Gabriel Hiester, who served as one of the 
court justices, and afterwards, under the Consti- 
tutioi) of 1790, was an associate judge of Berks 
County from 1819 to 1823; Sarah, married to 
Jonathan Hiester, a member of the Berks 
County bar ; Elizabeth, married to Henry 
Richards ; Maria, married to Joseph Wood ; 
and Daniel H. married to Sarah A\ hitman ; and 
Dr. John B. Otto. 

JoHX B. Otto, who is well remembered 
by many citizens of Reading, was a son of Dr. 
John A. Otto, and, at the time of his death, was 
the oldest physician in the city, in which place 
he was born December 20, 1785. He was 
graduated from Princeton College, read medi- 
cine under Dr. Wistar, of Philadelphia, and 
was graduated from the University of Penn- 
sylvania in 1808, when such men as Rush, 
Physick, Wistar, Shippen, Barton and Wood- 
house were professors. He began the practice 
of medicine in his native town, where for half 
a century he enjoyed a large and varied profes- 
sional experience. He was a man of more than 
ordinary energy and activity, and possessed re- 
markable powers of enchirance, both physical 
and mental. 

For a short time during the last war with 
Great Britain he acted as surgeon in the 
army, and was with the troops at York when 
General Ross was marching on Baltimore. He 
devoted himself to his ])rofession so assiduously 
and absorbingly that he .scarcely had a leisure 
hour, even for the repose so necessary to 
the human system ; and yet he was never weary 
of his work, but always ready to answer the calls 
of his patients with cheerfulness and alacrity. 
He was a gentleman of the old school. He 
would rather liave suffered any wrong than in- 
flict an injury. Singularly inoffensive and 
peaceful in disposition and life, unostentatious 
in manners and unambitious in aim, year after 
year he pursued the rounds of visitation to the 
sick and dying, doing whatever skill and assid- 
uous attention could accomplish to relieve suf- 
fering and heal disease. 

" Perhaps no man ever lived and died in 



594 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Reading," remarks the Journal, " who conferred 
more substantial good on so great a number, or 
wiio received less in return for the good be- 
stowed. It is speaking in moderation to say 
that the services rendered gratuitously to the 
poor, if they iiad been repaid in money, would 
of themselves have constituted an estate; but 
he had a richer reward, — the blessings of them 
that were reatly to perish fell upon him." 

He died August 2, I808, aged seventy-three 
years. The remains were conveyed to the Charles 
p]vaus Cemetery. The houses in the square 
wiiere the deceased resided and on North Fifth 
Street were closed during tlie passage of the 
funeral cortege as a mark of respect to the mem- 
ory of one who had been so long identified with 
Reading that his death was regarded as a public 
loss. 

Dr. Otto was married, in 1810, to PIsther Qi. 
Witman, daughter of Judge William Wit- 
man. She was a graduate of the Moravian 
Seminary at Bethlehem, Pa., and a lady of 
many at-complishments and excellent Christian 
virtues. Slie was entliusiastially devoted to the 
interests of the Lutheran Church, which was 
annually the recipient of her bounty, and the 
poor always found in her a friend. She died 
July 10, 1880, aged eighty-four years. 

Tiie children of Dr. John 13. and Esther 
Otto are John Augustus, Eodo, Emma (married 
to S. Filbert) and Henry M., all of whom 
reside in Williams])ort, Pa. ; Maria (married to 
Jacob Geise, of Reading) and Matilda (married 
to (Jeo. W. Miller, of Reading). 

William Woods, for many years the lead- 
ing medical practitioucr in Womelsdorf, located 
in that town before tlie period of the Revolu- 
tionary War. He is still remembered by some 
of the oldest citizens of tlie town and vicinity 
as a gentleman of high moral worth and super- 
ior pi'ofessional qualifications. 

Isaac Hiest f.u, for many years one of the 
most distinguished physicians in the State and 
one of the leading citizens of Reading, was a 
son of William and Anne Maria Hiester and 
was born in Bern township, Berks County, June 
22, 1785. He obtained his medical education 
at the University of Pennsylvania, and subse- 
quently spent five years as physician to the 



Pennsylvania Hospital. After entering upon 
the ])ractice of his profession in Reading he 
soon attained prominence and acquired great 
])roficieney in the art of medicine. He was the 
first president of tlie Berks County Medical 
Society, organized in 1824. His speech on that 
occasion was a learned production, and apjjears 
in Rnpp's "History of lierks County." 

Dr. Hiester was endowed with more than 
ordinary mental ability ; he did not rest 
with the knowledge acquired in tiic uni- 
versity, but, by attentidu and industry, kept 
pace with the advances and inqirovements 
(>f the day. Conununications i'vmn his j)en 
upon subjects which came under his observation 
as a practitioner were frequently published in the 
medical journals, which gave him both promi- 
nence and distinction among those who occn[)ied 
the highest rank as physicians and surgeons. 

A dignified presence, the address and manner 
of a gentleman, united with qualities which 
adorn human character, could not fail to make 
him a man of note in the community in which 
he spent his whole life. 

To the distinguishing traits referred to was 
added a progressive spirit which placed him in 
the front of every movement having in view the 
growth and improvement of the city of which 
he was a resident. P^-om a very early period 
he was an earnest advocate of higher methods 
of education than were then in use. The es- 
tablishment of a new academy on a plan of 
class-rooms, lecture-room, library, with the in- 
troduction of a higher grade of educational 
training, is mainly due to his courageous and 
persistent efforts. He was also largely instru- 
mental in procuring the necessary improve- 
ments for an adequate supply of water and gas 
for the city ; and encouraged with his aid and 
support the numerous individual industrial en- 
terprises which have insured such prosperit}' 
and growth as were scarcely believed possible. 
Nor was the .spirit ol' enterprise characteristic 
of him by any means local. He was among 
the first to engage in the project to establish a 
line of railway communication from the anthra- 
cite coal-field to tide-water at Philadcliihia. 
These efforts on the part of himself and those 
with whom he was a.^soeiated resulted in effect- 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



595 



iug the construction of* the railroad from Tam- 
a([ua to Port Clinton, the point where the 
Schuylkill Canal was reached, and to which for 
a time the coal from the mines was transferred. 
This arrangement was not of long continuance, 
hut led to a desire to have the benefits of more 
rapid transporation by means of a continuous 
railroad line. Extensions with that view were 
commenced in 1837 and 1838. The road from 
Reading to Philadelphia was first completed. 
The one from Reading to Pottsville was l>ui!t 
several years thereafter. These railroads, built 
as branches by the Rhi]:id('lj)lua and Reading 
Company and others wliich liavc been con- 
structed since, were ciiartered as separate com- 
panies and eventuall}' merged in the Philadel- 
phia and Reading Railroad. 

I)r. Iliester was selected as the president of 
the first-named and discharged the duties of 
the position until it was completed. He was 
also elected president of the road from Reading 
to Philadelpliia, and served in that cii])acity in 
tiie early period of its organization. 

Dr. Hiester was the first president of the 
Reading Gas Company, a member of the ves- 
try of Christ Jjjii.scopal Church and one of 
the original members of tlic Charles Evans 
Cemetery Company, of which he was president 
at the time of his death. 

On April 10, 1810, he was married to Esther 
IMuhienberg, a daughter of Ceneral Peter 
Muhlenberg. He died Sejitember 12, 1855. 

Frank M. Hiestek, son of Dr. Isaac 
Hiester, was born in 1828. He received a 
preparatory educational training in the schools 
of his native town and then entered the College 
of New Jensey, at Princeton, from which insti- 
tution he was graduated in 1849. Aflerspend- 
ing the succeeding two years iu the Medical 
Department of the University of Pennsylvania, 
he was graduated in 1852 with the degree of 
Doctor of Medicine. He next visited Europe 
and spent eighteen months in the medical 
hospitals of Paris, France. Upon returning 
home he followed his profession with his 
fiither in Reading. Soon after the latter's 
death, in 1855, he relinquished the practice <if 
medicine, and engaged in the mercantile lous- 
iness until 1861, when he was appointed as- 



sistant surgeon of the Fifty-fifth Regiment of 
Pennsylvania Volunteers and in the autumn of 
1861, was appointed brigade surgeon in the 
volunteer .service of the United States, with the 
rank of major. His last government position 
was that of medical director of the Department 
of Ohio, with headquarters at Cincinnati. He 
died April 9, 1864, at his home in Reading, at 
the early age of thirty-six years. Hi? death 
was much regretted, as he was a young man of 
brillaut pi-omise. 

John P. Hie.si'ei!, brother of Dr. Isaac 
Hiester, was one of the most scholarly men 
that Berks County has produced. He was 
born July 3, 1803, and died September 15, 
1854, not having quite passed his fiftieth year. 
When but a youth he evinced a great interest in 
study, and eagerly perused the books that came 
within his reach. This thir.st for knowledge 
was encouraged and he afterward acquired a 
liberal education in school and college. This 
he greatly enlarged by study and travel. After 
receiving the degree of Doctor of Medicine he 
became a very prominent and influential 
practitioner in his cho.sen profession in the town 
of Reading. In order to recuperate his failing 
health, he decided to take a trip through Europe, 
and on April 16, 1 841, he set sail from New York 
City and traveled through England, France, 
Italy, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and 
France. While on his journey he regularly 
contributed to the Reading Gazette very ably- 
written descriptive articles of the scenes and in- 
cidents on the way, and of the interesting local- 
ities which he visited. These lettei's were 
received with .so much interest that he was in- 
duced to publish them in book-form in 1844, 
under tl)e name of " Notes of Travel." He 
returned to Reading in 1842 and resumed 
the practice of his profession. Dr. Hiester 
enjoyed for many years an extensive practice 
in Reading and vicinity. In the sick-chamber 
his sterling cpialities of mind and heart were 
well known and appreciated. Tenderly solicit- 
ous for the welfare of his })atients, unremit- 
ting in his attendance upon them, and ever 
wakeful to do for them all that the healing art 
afforded to alleviate their pains and sufferings, 
he endeared himself to them with the strongest 



59(3 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PPLXNSYLVAXIA. 



ties of friendship, jlltliough devoted almost 
to enthusiasm to the practice of medicine, he 
also found time to cultivate the kindred sciences, 
and nothing atibrded him more pleasure than 
to use the treasures of his well-stored mind, im- 
proved by foreign travel and years of close 
study, in stimulating the intellectual advancement 
of the youth of his native town. He delivered 
many lectures of a literary and scientific nature, to 
lyceums and institutionsof learning, and was very 
highly appreciated. He possessed an enlightened 
spirit, a correct judgment and a benevolent heart, 
and was always ready to assist and encourage 
by his counsel all enterprises having fur their 
object the moral, intellectual or social advance- 
ment of the inhabitants of Reading. He was 
affable aud engaging in his manners, and 
sincere in his friendships. His industry and 
love of intellectual labor were illustrated in 
the large number of addresses written and 
delivered by him before various literary and 
scientific associations. 

Christian Ludwig Schlemji, who for 
many years was one of the most prominent 
physicians of Berks County, was a native of 
Heckelheim, in the Kingdom of Hanover ; 
born February 4, 1776. He was the sou of 
John Frederick aud Dorothea Catharine 
Schlomm. After obtaining a good preparatory 
education he entered the Literary Department of 
the University of Gottingen, and was gradu- 
ated from that institution in the year 1798. 
Soon thereafter he came to America and was 
engaged as a teacher for about two years in 
Germautown, Pa. With the design of studying 
medicine, he returned to his native country and 
became a student iu the Medical Department of 
Gijttiugen University, and there received the 
degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1803, after 
pursuing iiis studies under the celebrated 
scientists, llichter and Blumenbach. He began 
the practice of his profession in his native 
country, continuing until 1807, when he again 
came to America aud located as a physician iu 
Union County, where he was naturalized in the 
year 1815. He moved to Kutztown, Berks 
Couuty, iu the year 1818, and there rapidly 
ac<(uired a large and lucrative practice, which he 
held until he retired from the active duties of 



his profession, and moved to Richmond town- 
ship, where he died February 6, 1850. 

Dr. Schlemm was a man of fine intellectual 
attainments, and possessed superior professional 
ability. In 1824hewasoneof theorganizers, and 
was chosen vice-president of the Berks County 
Medical Society, and one of the founders of the 
Reading Academy. He was a member of 
Lodge No. 62, Ancient York Masons. In 
1816 he was married to Jessie Freeman, of 
Union County, by whom he had five chil- 
dren, — F^rederick F]., Edmund C, Charles W. 
G., William E. and a daughter. Charles 
W. G. Schlemm, the second son, was grad- 
uated from the Medical Department of Penn- 
sylvania College in 1848, and is now practicing 
medicine in Reading and conducting a drug- 
store togetiier witii his son, Horace E. 
Schlemm, who was graduated from Jefferson 
Medical College iu Marci), 1886. William C. 
Schlemm, the third son of Dr. Schlemm, is a 
graduate of the Medical Department of the 
University of Pennsylvania, and is now practic- 
ing in Reading. 

Michael Tryox, father of Dr. Jacob Tryon, 
of Rchrersburg, was born at Millbach, Lancaster 
(now Lebanon) (county, on August 19, 1761, 
and died May 25, 1828, at the age of sixty-six 
years, nine months and nine days. His remains 
lie in the cemetery adjoiuiug the Lutheran 
Church in Rehrersburg, where he resided a 
number of years before his death. His field of 
medical practice extended over a large territory 
of Berks and Lancaster Counties. He was re- 
garded as an excellent physiciau and surgeon. 
He was somewhat eccentric in his manner of 
dealing with the people, and many interesting 
stories are related of him by the oldest citizens 
of the northern and western parts of Berks 
County. 

Jonathan Pounder, an intelligent F]ng- 
lishman, l)orn in 1784, aud a graduate of one of 
the medical colleges of his native country, lo- 
cated near the village of Morgantown, this 
county, in 1830. Before coming to America 
he was a surgeon on an English man-of-war, 
which, when once cruising along the Atlantic 
coast, was shipwrecked. Dr. Pounder and seven 
members of the crew were tiie only ])ei'sons 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



597 



whose lives were saved. After floating on the 
bosom of the ocean several days in a small open 
boat, they were rescued by an approaching ves- 
sel. His hair became gray at a very early age, 
which the doctor claimed was caused by exces- 
sive fright incident to the shipwreck. After 
coming to America he practiced medicine first 
ill Philadelphia, then in Chester County and 
finally settled iu this county, where he died 
Januarj' 10, 1871, aged eighty-eight years. He 
was a large man, six feet in height, had a deep 
bass voice, wore his hair like Andrew Jackson, 
whom he somewhat resembled, but with whom 
he differed in political sentiment. Dr. Pounder 
was an ardent Methodist and a writer of consid- 
erable ability. He wrote and had published 
the books with the following titles: "A Token 
to Children," " A Choice Drop of Honey from 
the Rock Christ," " Divine Breathings," '' ('amp- 
Meeting Hymn-Book," " The History of Little 
Jack," '' Prayers for Children," " Hymns for 
Children." He was regarded as a physician of 
merit and was held in high esteem by his 
fellow-citizens. 

Jacok Marsiiaij, was born near Lebanon 
in 1787. He received the degree of Doctor of 
Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania 
and soon after located in Heading, opened one 
of the first drug-stores in the town and also be- 
gan the practice of medicine. During the sec- 
ond war with Great Britain, and at the time 
when Baltimore was threatened by the invading 
army, he raised a company of eighty-four men, 
mostly belonging to Reading. This company 
joined the First Regiment of the Second Bri- 
gade of Pennsylvania Militia. They marched 
from Reading to York and rendezvoused there. 
The invasion of the British was repelled by 
their defeat at Baltimore, soon after which event 
Captain Marshall's company, as well as all the 
other militia, was discharged from the service 
and they returned home. He then began anew 
his practice and soon became one of the leading 
physicians of Reading. In 1823 he was ap- 
pointed by Governor Shulze clerk of the Court 
of Quarter Sessions of Berks County. About 
the same time he became a member of Lodge 
No. 62, Ancient Order of York Masons. Dr. 
Marshall lived to the advanced age of eighty- 



three years, four months and fourteen days, 
being the oldest physician in the county at the 
time of his death, July 11, 1871. His remains 
were interred in Charles Evans' Cemetery. 
Michael Reifsnyder, James Norton, Paul Am- 
mon and Joseph Brelsford, surviving veterans 
of the War of 1812, acted as pall-bearers. He 
was married to Mary Bright, of Reading. One 
of his sons, Dr. John Marshall, a graduate of 
the Pennsylvania College of Medicine, was a 
skillful physician of Reading, but died early in 
life, on February 19, 1861. Another son, Dr. 
fiiilip D. JMarshall, now prac-ticing in the city, 
was graduated from Jefferson Medical College. 
In 1861 he entered the LTnion army as a sur- 
geon and was stationed one year in Camp Cur- 
tiu, at Harrisburg. He was next transferred to 
\^'ashington, and from thence to Benton Bar- 
racks (jeneral Hospital, in St. Louis, where he 
remained about two years, becoming quite skill- 
ful a.s a surgeon. He now resides in Reading. 

Michael Luinvio was a native of Amity 
township, Berks County, born in 1793, and 
died at Douglassville on June 1, 1857, aged 
sixty-four years. He was a graduate of the 
University of Pennsylvania, and practiced his 
chosen profession in Amity and adjoining towii- 
.ships for many years with great success. During 
the last thirteen j^ears of his life lie was post- 
master at Douglassville. 

William Gries was born December 1, 
1796, in Womelsdorf. He received a liberal 
education, and on reaching manhood went to 
Philadelphia, and entered into a mercantile life; 
continued for some years, during which time he 
studied medicine. He was graduated from the 
Medical Departmentof the University of Penn- 
sylvania in 1822, after which he returned to 
his native town of Womelsdorf, where he en- 
tered into a large practice. In 1824 he mar- 
ried Maria Priscilla, daughter of Hon. John 
Myers, of Myerstown, Lebanon County. In 
1840, having met with an accident while at- 
tending to his professional dutie.s, and broken 
his thigh, thus laming him for life, a large 
country practice became too laborious, and he 
removed to Reading, where he soon took a 
prominent place in his profession. But his 
health, which was never strong from the time 



598 



HI:^TORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of the accident, finally ijave way, and he died 
April 12, 1857, in the sixty-first year of his 
age. 

Dr. dries belonged to the old school of phy- 
sicians, for which Reading was noted in his 
dav and generation. His medical contempo- 
raries were the Ottos, father and son, and the 
brothers, Doctors Isaac and John P. Hiester, 
with whom he at once took rank as a pro- 
fessional equal. He assi.sted in the organiza- 
tion of the Berks County Medical Society, and 
while he lived was one of its prominent mem- 
bers. He was for many years a member of the 
vestr}^ of Christ Epis<'opal Cluirch, of which he 
was a devoted member. He also took an ac- 
tive part in all the religious, moral antl ])ro- 
gressive movements of the day, and never 
wearied in well-doing. 

His character was beyond reproach, anil in 
his private, professional, social and religious 
life he was a shining example to all his con- 
temporaries. It may be said of him with 
truth, that he was a niodel man in all the re- 
lations of life. 

Dr. Gries, though his death occurred before 
the Civil War, left three sons, all of whom 
gave themselves to the service of their county- 
during that memorable period. The eldest. 
Rev. William R. Gries, as chaplain of the One 
Hundred and Fourth Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
served nobly to the end of the war, and died at 
AUentown, Pa., Oct. 18, 1872, while rector of 
Grace Episcopal Cluirch of that city. The second 
son, John jSIyers Gries, who was a prominent 
architei^t at the opening ofthe Rebellion, and was 
chiefly instrumental in raising the One Hundred 
and Fourtii Regiment, served as its major, and 
was mortally wounded at the battle of Fair Oaks, 
Va., while saving the colors ofthe regiment, and 
died in Philadelphia, June 13, 1862. The 
youngest son, Lemuel, was a member of the 
Ringgold Battery, of Reading, the first volun- 
teer company in the United States to respond to 
President Lincoln's call for troops to save the 
capital of the nation, and who marched on the 
day of the call, reaching Washington on the 
18th of April, 18tJl. He was afterwards 
elected first lieutenant of the same battel y. 
He died in Reading, April 6, 1876. 



Mrs. Priscilla Gries, the mother of this 
family, survived the doctor and sons. Though 
an invalid for a long time, her declining years 
were solaced by the devoted attentions of her 
daughter, Clara C. Gries, the sole survivor of 
the family to the end, and she closed her beau- 
tiful life with Christian resignation on the 31st 
day of August, 1882, in the seventy-eightii year 
of her age. 

Henry Tyson was boni in Montgomery 
County, Pa., INIay 21, 1815, and was the son of 
Cornelius and Hannah Smith Tyson. His . 
father, Cornelius Tyson, a much-respected 
farmer, whose advice was often sought and 
wlio was frequently employed in matters of 
public trust, was also born in Montgomery 
County, as were also his grandfather, Joseph 
Tyson, born Feljruary IG, 1751, and his great- 
grandfather, Cornelius Tyson, whose marriage 
is recorded as having taken place March 30, 
1738. 

His early life was sj)eiit on a farm, and 
he learned the trade of a stone-mason, but 
he was always fond of books and soon became 
a teacher. He taught successfully, having iiad 
flourishing sciiools in Philadelphia and Read- 
ing, Pa. While conducting a school in Phila- 
delphia he studied medicine, and was graduated 
from the Pennsylvania Medical College in 
1843, the professors being Samuel George Mor- 
ton, George McClellan, William Rush, Robert 
M. Bird, Samuel McClellan, Walter R. John- 
son. His younger brother, Cornelius Tyson, 
was a member of the .same class. In 18-40 he 
married Gertrude Haviland Caswell, a widow. 

Dr. Tj'son began to practice medicine in Fried- 
ensburg, Berks County, in 1 84o,but soon removed 
to Reading, wiience he returned to his native 
place, Worcester township, Montgomery County, 
on the death of his brother Cornelius, who died at 
the age of twenty-five, and to whose practice he 
succeeded. lie returned to Reading about the 
year 1850. In 1854, Dr. Taylor was elected 
warden of the Berks County Prison, a position 
which he filled very acceptably for twelve 
years. For this position he was peculiarly 
adajjted. Retiring in his habits, studious and 
thoiightfid, he devoted himself to matters con- 
nected with prison discipline and the improve- 





'y^^^^l^. 



THK MKDICAL I'ROKESSIOX. 



599 



nient of the condition of prisoners. He spent 
inanv hours with prisoners, in conversation and 
in interestini^ them in self-improvement, sup- 
plying them with books and other means to 
this end. 

While at the prison, so far as his engage- 
ments permitted, and for two years after his 
retirement. Dr. Tyson continued to practice 
medicine in Reading ; but, at the end of this 
time, a very serious illness shattered his health 
and he removed to a farm in Exeter township, 
a few miles below Reading. He enjoyed coun- 
try life, having been always much interested in 
agriculture. The last seven years of his life 
were spent pleasantly in the improvement of 
his farm and in a restricted practice of his 
profession. He died at his home April 29, 
1872, of a tubercular consumption, of which the 
seeds were sown in the illness above referred to. 
He was not quite fifty-seven years old. He 
survived his wife less than two years. 

Dr. Tyson was literary in his tastes, and 
furnished numerous contributions to agricul- 
tural, secular, and occasionally to religious 
journals of the Society of Friends, of which he 
was for many years a member. He was a 
quiet but earnest supporter of the principles of 
Friends, and established the first First-day or 
Sunday-school in the so-called Hicksite branch 
of Friends, in the old meeting-house, in Wash- 
ington Street, Reading. 

Dr. Tyson left two sons, of whom the elder, 
James Tyson, is also a physician, having been 
graduated, in 18(j3, from the Metlical Depart- 
ment of the University of Pennsylvania, in 
which school he is now professor of genei-al 
])athology and morbid anatomy and secretary of 
the faculty of medicine. 

The second sou, Henry, who became a farm- 
er, died in October, 1882. 

Chari,es a. Gerasch, one of the i>arliest 
and best-known physicians of Kutztown, Pa., 
was born at Frankfort-on-the-Oder, in Prussia. 
After receiving a good classical and medical 
education in the schools of Leipsic and Berlin, 
he entered the Prussian army as a surgeon. 
About the year 1828 he emigrated to the 
United States, bearing with him the most 
favorable recommendations from his superior 



officers, both professional and military. He 
first settled in Bucks County, Pa., and from 
thence removed to Longswamp, Berks County, 
and engaged in practice. He subsequently 
settled in Millerstown, Lehigh County, and 
finally, choosing Kutztown as a promising field 
for his professional labor, remained tliere until 
his death, on the 22d of July, 1876. He soon 
secured a good practice, which grew rapidly 
until it probably exceeded that of any country 
physician in Berks County. While successful 
in the treatment of disease, ho was especially 
skillful in surgery, in which branch of his pro- 
fession he had an enviable reputation. His 
services were much in demand throughout the 
county and his presence was often desired in con- 
sultation. His time and energies were entirely 
absorbed in his profession, having little leisure 
for participation in public affairs, for which he 
had little taste. A strong Republican in his 
political opinions, he never aspired to office. 
Dr. Gerasch was an earnest friend to the cause 
of education. He was one of the school direct- 
ors of the borough and the chief projector of the 
public-school l)uildings,and he was also treasurer 
of the Keystone Normal School, which he aided 
materially in building. He was, by early edu- 
cation, a Lutheran in his religious faith, though 
a supporter of all religious denominations. 

Dr. (xerasch possessed a sympathetic and 
kindly natui-e, and was ever ready, by word 
and deed, to encourage youthful ambition and 
industry. He loved children, and made manv 
a heart beat with pleasure when the recijiient of 
his annual holiday offerings to them. 

CHAiii>Es BAHjr and WiLLiAjr J. C. Baim 
were each prominent physicians in this county 
as early as 1820. They assisted in the organiza- 
tion of the first medical society in Berks 
County in the year 1824, and were active mem- 
bers of that society for many years. They both 
were regular graduates of medical institutions, 
and were engaged in an extensive practice. Dr. 
John Baum, a son of one of the above-named 
physicians, was born at Baumstown. He had 
a large practice in Amity towuship a half- 
century ago. He resided at the homestead, one- 
half mile below the " Yellow House," and was 
a highly-esteemed citizen of that vicinity. 



600 



HTSTORV OF HKHKS COTWTV, rEiVNSYLVAXTA. 



Alexander Hamilton Wttman, for 
many years an active practitioner of Reading, 
was a student under Dr. Joliu B. Otto, and a 
graduate of the University of Pennsylvania. 
He was born in 1800 and followed his profes- 
sion in Reading until the time of the Civil 
War, when he became surgeon of the One 
Hundred and Sixty-sixth Pennsylvania Regi- 
ment of one year's men, and was assigned to 
field hospital work in the Army of the Potomac. 
After returning home he resumed his practice, 
continuing until his death, in \869. He was 
married in 1817 to Elizabeth Old. Dr. Wit- 
man was a man who had many friends, and 
was admired for his jovial disposition, and is 
well remembered as a humorist. He served as 
prothonotary of Berks County from 1836 to 
18."58. His son, Dr. Harrison T. Witman, 
was born December, 18."57, and was graduated 
from Jefferson Medical College in 18(il. He 
entered the service at the beginning of war 
as a surgeon of the Thirty-fourth Pennsylvania 
Volunteer Regiment of three months' men and 
afterward became surgeon of the Fifth Penn- 
sylvania Reserves. He had an extensive prac- 
tice in hospital work, and while attending to 
the wounded on the field was himself twice 
wounded in the battle at Bethesda Church, May 
30, 1864, on the last day of his term of service. 
He was afterwards surgeon of the One Him- 
dred and Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania Regiment. 
For eleven months during the war he was as- 
sistant surgeon of the government hospital 
at Reading. Soon after the war he moved to 
Indianapolis, spent fourteen years there, and 
returned to Reading in 1880, where he now 
lives. 

Adam Schoener, who lived to the advanced 
age of eighty-four years, was born November 
23, 1798, in Womelsdorf, and died Jamiary 11, 
1882. Karly in life he removed with his par- 
ents to Myerstown, Lebanon County, where he 
ac(iuired a preliminary education. He then 
entered the office of Dr. Bower, and during the 
years 1819 and 1820 attended lectures under 
Drs. Morton, McLellan, Rush, Calhoun and 
Jenness at the University of Pennsylvania, 
from which institution he was graduated. He 
began jiracticing in Rehrersburg and continued 



to minister to the necessities of the sick of that 
village and vicinity imtil a few years before his 
death, when he removed to Reading. He died 
in Rehrersburg, at the home of his son-in-law, 
William Long. Dr. Schoener had a large gen- 
eral practice, and also spent much time in Berks 
and Lebanon Counties in the treatment of bron- 
chitis and pulmonary affections. During his 
residence in Rehrersburg for a time he had an 
office in Reading, where he, on certain days, at- 
tended to the treatment of these specialties. 
Among the physicians who prepared under his 
instructions were Drs. John A. Fisher, P]dward 
Brobst, .T. J. Katerman and four of his sons, 
two of whom, Davilla B. and William J., died 
before their father. Dr. Adam Schoener was a 
justice of the peace for nearly twenty years, and 
served his community as a legal 'adviser and 
dispenser of justice, as well as a medical practi- 
tioner. In 1838, during the Auti-Masonic ex- 
citement, he was elected to the House of Rep- 
resentatives as a Democrat, and was at Harris- 
burg during the time of the so-called " Buck- 
shot War." He served his constituents in the 
capacity of representative in the Legislature dur- 
ing the years 1834, 1839 and 1840, and was a 
member when the bill establishing the common 
schools of Pennsylvania was passed, and was the 
only mendjcr from the county of Berks who 
lent this bill encouraging supjiort and voted for 
its passage. After the election of James 
Buchanan as President, Dr. Schoener became an 
ardent Republican, and supported that party 
until his death. He took an active interest in 
military affairs during the days when the mil- 
itia law was in force, drilled a number of local 
companies and eventually served his county as 
brigade inspector of militia and volunteer 
soldiers for a period of fourteen years. In 1827 
he joined the order of Masons, and was a mem- 
ber of Mount Ijcbanon Lodge, No. 172, A. Y. 
M. He was married to a Miss Good, of Col- 
umbia County, by whom he hatl seven children. 
The deceased paid his last visit to Reading in 
N^ovember. Owing to his feeble condition, it was 
with difficulty that his relatives succeeded in 
getting him to his old home in Rehrersburg, 
where he wished to end his days among his 
neighbors and friends. His remains were in- 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



601 



terred in the cemetery adjoining Union Church, 
at Rehrersburg. 

Geor((E N. Eokkkt, the sun of Peter 
Eekert, of Womelsdorf, was born at that borough 
in 1802, and edueated for the profession of 
medicine. After practicing for some years in 
Reading he moved to Scimylkill County, and 
thei'c became largely interested in the coal and 
iron trade. He represented that district in Con- 
gress from 1847 to 1849. la the days of the 
Whig party he took a great interest in general 
[)olitics, and during the administration of Presi- 
dent Fillmore he held the office of director of the 
United States Mint at Philadelphia from 1851 
to lS5.'j, and died in that city June 28, 1865. 
He was a man of fine business qualifications. 
He was one of the organizers of the Berks 
County Medical Society in 1824. 

JoHX Vaughan Smith, son of John and 
I'^lizabeth B. Smith, was born at Joanna Fur- 
nace, April 28, 1808. Graduated at Princeton 
College in 1825 ; received his medical education 
at the Pennsylvania University ; was commis- 
sioned in the navy June 27, 1829. He was 
for several years in control of the United States 
Xaval Hospital, at Port Mahon. During the 
nineteen years of his service (chictly in foreign 
ports,) he rose rapidly, and at the time of his 
death had but few equals as a medical officer. 
He was a man of varied accomplishments, and 
died while in charge of the navy yard at 
(!'harlestown, Mass. He was married August 
25, 1834, to Mary IMarshall, a niece of Judge 
White, of Kentucky. His second wife was 
N'irginia Parker, daughter of Commodore Fo.k- 
liall Parker (United States Navy) and Sarah 
Jay Bogardus. His death occurred August 25, 
1S48. 

J. Howard Smith, son of Thomas B. Smith, 
was born at Joanna Furnace, Berks County, 
Jidy 28, 1817 ; graduated at Kenyon College, 
Gambler, Ohio ; received his medical education 
at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadel- 
l)hia, and at once entered the United States 
Navy. He was rapidly promoted, and had 
made several cruises as surgeon ; had written a 
monograph on Yellow Fever, and having 
obtained leave of absence from duty, was on 
his way to Philadelphia, intending to have it 
5t) 



published, when the vessel in which he was 
returning, stopped for supplies at Vera Cruz, 
Mexico, intelligence was received of great sick- 
ness and distress at the hospital near Salmadiua, 
and of the death, from yellow fever, of several 
of the attending phy.sicians. Dr. Smith volun- 
teered his services, which were accepted, and he 
at once entered upon his duties there, only to 
fall a victim to the disease, from which he died 
September 25, 1847. 

Solomon G. Bikch was born in Reading in 

1803, and died in his native city April 11, 1845, 
at the early age of forty-one years. When but 
a lad he entered the employ of Dr. Isaac Hies- 
ter, who, taking an intci-est in the boy, and 
observing his mental qualifications, induced him 
to read medicine. After leaving the office of 
his preceptor he entered the Jefferson INIedical 
College, where he remained one year, after which 
he began the practice of medicine, first in Oley 
township, then in Pricetown and finally, for sev- 
eral years before his death, in Reading, where 
he formed an intimate acipiaintancc' witli Dr. 
Hunter. He completed the medical course and 
received a diploma, some years after he began 
practicing. He was marrietl to Elizabeth Har- 
vey, of Reading. His son, now deceased, was a 
druggist of Reading. 

William Herbst was born on February 3, 

1804, at Altenberg, Mueselwitz, in Saxony, and 
emigrated to Pennsylvania when sixteen years 
old, landing at the port of Philadelphia. He 
had selected medicine as his profession and pur- 
sued his studies under a physician in that city 
till he was graduated from Jefierson Medical 
College. After practicing there several years, 
he removed to the uper section of Oley (now 
Pike) township. Here he continued in active 
and successful practice for a period of forty 
years. During this time he bet'ame interested 
in politics as a Democrat, and in 1861 he was 
elected to the office of county treasurer for one 
term of two years. He lived in retirement till 
his death, and left to survive him three children 
— Dr. William Herbst, Mrs. G. A. Hinterleit- 
ner and Mrs. Edmund W. Gilbert, — and a 
grandson, Dr. Edwin Herb.st (the son of Cap- 
tain George Herbst). 

Charles Edward Hoffman was born in 



602 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Northampton County, October, 1807, and died 
in Reading July fi, 1SG2. He obtained a pre- ' 
paratory training in the schools of his native ' 
county, began the study of luedicine under the 1 
instruction of Dr. Pliilip Walter, of Nazareth, 
Pa., and was graduated from the University of! 
Pennsylvania in 1831. He began practicing in 
Nazareth; moved to Millerstown, Lehigh Coun- 
ty, where he remained until 18.34, when he 
came to Kcading and <'(intinued to practice his 



hospitals during the time of the Franco-Prus- 
sian War. This gave him an extensive practice 
in surgery. After the war closed he returned 
home and soon afterwards died of a fever. 

Pknkosk Wily is a grandson of Penrose 
Wily, a farmer of Maiden Creek township, who, 
on May 10, 1780, married Sarah Wily, by 
whom he had two children, — John and Sarah. 
John was born November 19, 1782, and was 
married, on the loth day of November, 180-1, to 








profession in this city until his death. Dr. 
Hoffman was skillfid as a sui'geon. His great- 
grandfather was a chemist in one of the German 
universities, and gained considerable fame, as 
the originator of the " Hoffman Anodyne," yet 
known to the profession. 

A second cousin of the late Dr. Hoffman is 
professor of chemistry in tiie University of 
Berlin, Prassia. James M. Hoffman, a son of 
Dr. C. E. Hoffman, also became a physician. 
Soon after his graduation he went to Europe, in 
1870, and became a surgeon in the German 



Mary, daughter of Abraham Deisher, who was 
born June 7, 1785. Their .son, Penro.se Wily, 
was born in Maiden Creek townshij), Septem- 
ber 21, 1805, and in youth had such educational 
advantages as were afforded in the schools of 
the vicinity. He studied medicine, and after his 
graduation from Jefferson Medical College, Phil- 
adelphia, began to practice in Lehigh County. 
He later removetl to Albany township, in 
Berks County, then to Chester County, and in 
18,50 settled in Leesport, this county, where he 
soon won an excellent reputation as a skillful 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



603 



aud successful physician. While atteuding to 
the increasing demands of a general practice, 
he made a special study of fevers, in the treat- 
ment of which he had few equals. Obstetrical 
practice also absorbed much of his attention. Dr. 
Wily was twice married,— first, on the 22d of 
February, 1829, to Sarah Reagan. Their 
children were IMelvina, married to Daniel 
Price; Mary, married to Henry Moore; and 
Sarah, married to M. Addis. His second mar- 



of Reading. Dr. Wily was trained in the faith 
of the Society of Friends, of which his parents 
were members, but he did not belong to any 
church, giving a cordial support to all denomi- 
nations. His death occurred Aj)ril 19, 1875. 

Owen H. Wily is the second son of John 
and Mary Deisher Wily, whose children were 
Dr. Penrose, Owen H., G. Washington, Sarah 
M., Abraham D. and Mary, of whom three 
were successful physicians. Owen H. Wily was 




6^^1^rc^ ^.<^ 



riage was with jMartha Reagan, sister to his fir.st 
wife, on the 15th of February, 1842. Their 
children are Martha B., George R., John C 
and Emma D. The last four children were 
born in Chester County. Dr. Wily resided in 
Leesport until his death, and continued the 
practice of his profe.ssion until a few years 
Itefore that event. He was connected with the 
Berks C^ounty Medical Society, and was a mem- 
ber of liodge No. 62, Free and Accepted 
Masons, and of De Molay Commandery, No. 9, 



born January 11, 1809, at the homestead now 
occupied by his widow. His tather having 
died, he removed at the age of nine years to the 
home of his grandtatlier, in Maiden-creek town- 
ship, and until he was eighteen years of age 
assisted in the labor of the farm. He then 
went to Reading for the purpose of learning 
the printer's trade, at which he continued for 
two years, when he began the study of medi- 
cine, and was graduated from the Jefferson 
Medical College, Philadelphia, March 17, 1831. 



(;(i4 



IIISTOltY OF HKKKS COTTNTY, PENNSYLVAXTA. 



lie began liis prKfesional career at tlie Half- 
Way House, in his native townsliip, soon 
secured a large and profitable practice, and 
was known throughout the county as a skill- 
ful and ready surgeon. In 1852 he aban- 
doned his profession, removed to the old 
homestead and embarked in the milling busi- 
ness in the mill built by his father adjacent 
to the family mansion, where he remained until 
his death, January 22, 1884. Dr. Wily was in 
politics an ardent Republican, but cared little 
for public office. He was deeply interested in 
the cause of education, and for many years 
was a school director of his township. He 
was educated in the faith of his parents, that of 
the Society of Friends. His widow is a mem- 
ber of the Reformed Church. Dr. Wily was 
married, on the 24th of November, 1832, to 
Sarah Ann, daughter of Joseph and Mary 
Wright. Their children are John, born No- 
vember 9, 18:'.:^ ; Ellen, September 20, 1844; 
Edwin, September 13, 184(3. John was first 
married to Mary, daughter of John and Phebe 
Wright, by whom he had one child, a daugh- 
ter, Sarah. His second marriage was with 
Marj', daughter of Philip Brown, by whom he 
had one daughter, ]\Iary. Dr. Wily was again 
married, August 10, 1850, to Kate, daughter of 
John and Sarah Huy. Their children are 
Owen, born August 11, 1851 ; Frank, June 8, 
1863; Sally, December 11, 1865; Rose, P'eb- 
ruary 27, 1868; Kate, March 10, 1871, and 
five who are deceased. Owen married Mary, 
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Freeman, of 
Leesj)ort. They have children, — J. Freeman 
and C. May. Fraidv married Anne, daughter 
of Jacob and Amelia Huy. 

William ^Ioore was born in the city of 
Reading July 28, 1810, and died of apoj)lexy 
at his home in Womelsdorf Mav 2.'}, 1872. 
After obtaining a good |)reparatory education 
he read medicine with Dr. J. W. Gloninger, oi' 
Lebanon, and was graduated from the Medicid 
Department of the University of New York 
March 29, 1836. He practiced medicine two 
years in Jackson, Miss., and in 1840 located in 
Womelsdorf, where he spent the remainder of his 
life engaged in the arduous duties of his chosen 
profession. Dr. Moore was a man of thought. 



learning, integrity and ability. He won the 
popular heart by his amiable manners and strict 
adherence to duty and right. He was a con- 
scientious Christian gentleman and filled re- 
sponsible positions in church and Sunday- 
schools. His remains were interred in the 
Womelsdorf Cemetery and the funeral was 
attended by representatives from the Medical 
Societies of Berks and Lebanon Counties, to 
which he belonged, and by about tM'o thousand 
persons of the toM'u and vicinity. A special 
meeting of the Berks County Medical Societv 
was held and a series of resolutions, commenda- 
tory of his life and character, were passed. 

In politics Dr. Moore was first a ^\'hig and 
afterwards an ardent and consistent Republican. 
He occupied various positions of honor and 
trust as a director in the Farmers National 
Bank of Reading, member of the board of 
managers of the Berks and Dauphin Turnpike 
Company, and tresisurer of the borough of 
Womelsdorf. He took a great interest in agri- 
cultural affairs, in the rearing of fine live-stock 
and the cultivation of choice fruits. One of 
the crowning acts of his life wa.s his efforts to 
establish a public library in the town of 
Womelsdorf, which was done shortly before his 
death. 

Adrian Loewex was born in Neiheim, 
Prussia, in 1810, and emigrated to America in 
1835, after graduating as a physician in one of 
the universities of his native country. He 
soon after located in Reading to practice his 
profession. In 1836 he removed to Friedens- 
burg, where he continued to practice until his 
death. Dr. Loewen was a man of fine scholas- 
tic attainments and excellent professional ability. 
In 1837 he was married to Cordelia, dauglitcr 
of Andrew Snyder, at Oiey Furnace. He died 
in 1848, leaving four cliildren — Orlando, Albert, 
Adrian and Ellen. 

( 'harles H. Huxtek was born in Rockland 
township, Berks County, September 29, 1817, 
and died in Reading June 3, 1870. He was 
graduated from l*rinceton College, New Jersey, 
in 1837, after which he pursued the study of 
medicine under the iu.struction of Dr. Isaac 
Hiester and was graduated in 1841 from the 
Universitv of Pennsvlvania. He located in 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



605 



Reading. He was a close student and an ardent 
lover of his chosen profession, in wliich he early 
in life gained prominence and distinction. In 
1851 he was elected prothonotary of Berks 
County and served one full term, but declined 
re-election. During President Buchanan's ad- 
ministration Dr. Hunter was appointed coal 
agent for the government, which position he 
filled with marked ability. In 18(J2, during 
the first Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania, 
he proved his devotion to his country by raising 
a company of militia which was joined to the 
Eleventh Pennsylvania Regiment, under com- 
mand of Colonel Knoderer. At the time of 
the second invasion, in 1863, he raised a com- 
pany in the Forty-second Regiment of Pennsyl- 
vania A'^oluuteers. He was chosen colonel of 
tiiis regiment, marched with it into Maryland 
and remained in tiie service several months. He 
was a dignified officer and very popular with 
iiis subordinates. 

Resuming his practice upon his return home, 
lie pursued it with untiring zeal and devotion. 
As a citizen of Reading, Dr. Hunter was enter- 
prising and progressive. He devoted a portion 
of his time to the development of the iron in- 
dustries of Berks County. 

Daniel A. Ulrich was born at Stouchs- 
l)urg, Lebanon County, Pa., April 10, 1819; 
ac(piired a preliminary education in the schools 
of that county ; attended Pennsylvania College, 
at Gettysburg, for three years and College of 
New Jersey,at Princeton four years, graduating 
from that institution with the class of 1841. 
He then entered the Jefferson Medical College, 
at Philadelphia, and was graduated therefrom 
in 1844; practiced medicine in Reading for 
more than twenty years ; his health failing him, 
he was, in 1876, appointed government store- 
keeper under Collector Tutton, of Philadelphia, 
u position which he held at the time of his 
death, January 6, 1879. Dr. Ulrich was 
possessed of fine intellectual endowments, was 
exceptionally popular with the people of Read- 
ing and was a successful practitioner. 

Henry W. Johnson was a native of Mont- 
gomery County, Pa. ; was graduated in medicine 
from Jefferson Medical College in 1841, and 
soon afterward located in Boyertowu. He built 



up an extensive practice in his profes.sion, which 
he continued uninterruptedly at Boyertown 
until his death, June 17, 18G3, aged forty-three 
years. 

For a number of years, in association with a 
partner, he owned and controlled a coach-line on 
Fifth Street, Philadelphia, whicli brought him 
a handsome revenue. 

Edward Wallace, a native of Lancaster 
County, and a graduate of the University of 
Pennsylvania, practiced medicine in Reading for 
nearly a quarter of a century with great success. 
He was frequently called in consultation with 
critical cases by his fellow-physicians and was 
known as a skillful surgeon. He was president 
of the Berks County Medical Society for several 
years. About 1872 he was appointed naval 
surgeon, and was located at Philadelphia. He 
died suddenly of heart-disea.se while residing in 
that city. For a time he was physician to 
the Presbyterian Hospital of Philadelphia. 

Peter G. Bertolet was born in Oley 
township in 1822. He studied medicine uader 
Dr. Joseph Pancoast, and after graduating frora 
the University of Pennsylvania, located in Ole.y 
township, near the Oley Churches, and began 
there the practice of his profession, in which he 
was very successful up to the time of his death, 
March 8, 1865. He was a surgeon in the pro^ 
vost marshal's office at Reading during the 
time of the drafts, to examine applicants for ex- 
emption. 

Dr. Bertolet, during his practice, in visiting 
his numerous patients, interested himself in the 
local history of Oley township, and had 
gathered considerable material, which lie de- 
signed to publish in book-form, with the title 
of " Oley and Vicinity." His premature death 
prevented its accomplishment, and the manu- 
script is now in the Pennsylvania Historical 
Society, at Philadelphia. 

Charles A. Deininger was the son of 
Constantine J. Deininger, and was born at 
Reading in the year 1834. After obtaining 
a preliminary education he studied medicine 
and surgery under the direction of Dr. John P. 
Hiester, and attended lectures at the University 
of Pennsylvania. He was graduated from that 
institution in April, 1855, and immediately be- 



606 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



gan tlie practice of his profession in Reading 
with briglit prospects. The Crimean War was 
then waging, and he, showing a preference for 
surgery, decided to enter the service of the 
Russian government as a surgeon. His appli- 
cation was accepted and he left Reading in 
June to remain for a term of two years. He 
sailed from Boston July 4th, 1855, and arrived 
atSimpheropol, in Russia, about the 1st of Sep- 
tember, where he entered the hospital and began 
the duties of a practical surgeon. Within two 
months his companion. Dr. Jones, of Baltimore, 
was prostrated with a sudden and violent attack 
of cholera, which caused his death. Through 
devotion, Dr. Deininger contracted the same 
disease, and in spite of all the efforts of his 
brother-surgeons he died also, afler an illness of 
only eleven houi-s. This sad event transpired 
on October 25, 1855, in the twenty-first year of 
his age. His body was buried with that of his 
companion in that foreign land, but it was after- 
wards brought to Reading and buried in the 
Evans Cemetery. Dr. Deininger was a young 
man of fine intellect and possessed many ster- 
ling virtues, which endeared him to a large circle 
of relatives and acquaintances by whom his un- 
timely death was sadly lamented. Nature asks 
no nobler sacrifice than those who yield up their 
own lives for the comfort of their fellowmen. 

William N. Davis was born January 24, 
1838, at Port Carbon, Schuylkill County; was 
graduated from the College of Xew Jersey, at 
Princeton, in 1856 and from the Jefferson Med- 
ical College in 1860, and began practicing med- 
icine at Reading in 1861. In 1871 he mar- 
ried Amelia, daughter of John Yerger; he had 
a large and lucrative practice and was esteemed 
as one of the most promising physicians of the 
city. He died October 4, 1885. 

Thomas J. Keely, son of Frederick Keely, 
died January 29, 1876, at New Berlin, Bucks 
County, Pa. He practiced medicine in Berks 
County for several years and during the Civil 
War was surgeon of the One Hundred and 
Forty-second Pennsylvania Regiment. 

LIVING MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION. 

Jacob Tryon, son of Dr. Michael Tiyon, 
one of the pioneer physicians of Berks County, 



was born in the town of Rehrersburg, where he 
now resides, January 22, 1 800. His opportunities 
of obtaining a rudimentary education were very 
limited; acquired his knowledge of medicine 
and surgery in the office of his father, who was 
then attending to a large practice ; commenced 
the ])ractice of medicine at the age of twenty, 
and has continued it without intermission to the 
])resent time (1886). Like his father, he excelled 
in surgery, which he made his special study. 
His practice extends over a large area of terri- 
tory, and for thirty years he visited his patients 
on horseback. He kept three or four horees and 
made it a point to meet all his engagements 
promptly. He performed a successful surgical 
operation at the age of eighty-three years, un- 
assisted by any other surgeon. His has become 
a household name in many families in this 
and adjoining counties. He has always taken 
a deep interest in educational matters and schools 
in the district in which he resides. His oldest 
son, Dr. Percival J. Tryon, deceased, was born 
May 31, 1828. He received a liberal education 
and was graduated from the University of 
Pennsylvania in 1850. Soon after his gradua- 
tion he settled at Hamburg, Berks County, 
where he acquired a large practice, which he held 
up to the time of his death, whicii occurred on 
the 30th day of July, A.n. 1881. 

Wm. Frederick Hoffm^vx, brother of the 
late Dr. C. E. Hoffman, before mentioned, was 
born in Northampton County February 18, 
1810; studied medicine with his brother ; was 
graduated from Jefferson Medical College ; 
[)racticed in Lehigh County from 1838 to 1853, 
and in 1854 located in Reading, where he has 
practiced his j^rofession to this date. His son, 
Walter James Hoffman, now in the employ of 
the United States government, is a graduate of 
Jefferson Medical College in the class of 1866. 
In 1870 he entered the sarvice of the Prussian 
government as a surgeon for a short time. In 
May, 1871, he accompanied Lieutenant Wheeler 
in his expedition through Arizona and New 
Mexico, both as a surgeon and naturalist. He 
afterwards became a surgeon of General Custer's 
regiment of the regular army, and accompanied 
him in an expedition up the Yellowstone River. 
He has since been under Lieutenant Powell, of 



THE MEDICAL PKOFESSION. 



607 



tlie United States Geological Survey and Bureau 
of Ethnology. Dr. Hoffman has familiarized 
himself with tlie language of several Indian tribes 
and has prepared different goveriuuent papers on 
the Indian race and ou natural history. He re- 
cently ])repared a list of the birds of the Sfaite of 
Nevada. He is also an artist. Many of the 
ski'tches of views in Powell's recent surveys 
published by the United States government, 
were sketched by him and are well done. 

D. Li.EWEi.TA'N Beaver, now one of the 
oldest physicians in Berks County, is a native 
of Chester County, born in Great Valley in 
1814. He attended the Bolmar Academy at 
West C-hester ; studied medicine and took his 
degree at Pennsylvania Medical College, in 
l'hiladcl[)hia, in IS 41. He began the practice 
(if liis profession at Temple, in Berks County, 
rciiiaiiiiiig two years, and then moved to Bern 
township. In 1849 he came to Reading aud 
has since been actively engaged in the duties of 
his profession in the city. 

jAjrES M. Mathews was born in liucks 
County, Pa., on the 22d of February, 1817, his 
j)arents being Benjamin and Lctitia Mathews, 
and his grandparents Benjamin Mathews aud 
James Mei-edith respectively. The doctor re- 
ceived an academic education and began the 
study of medicine with Dr. Charles H. Mathews, 
of Doylestown, Pa. He was graduated from 
the Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 
1840, and began tlie practice of his profession 
at Fleetwood, where he remained until 18GU. 
In April, 1860, he located at Temple, this 
county, and continued there in active practice 
until June, 187r>, when he was superseded by 
his son, Dr. Franklin Mathews. The doctor 
was married in 1843 to Mary Ann Stitzel. 
The cliildren of this marriage are eight sons, 
six of whom are living, two being physicians 
aud a third pursuing his medical studies prepar- 
atory to graduation. Dr. Mathews, since his 
retirement from practice, has spent his leisure in 
agricultural pursuits; occasionally he is em- 
[)loyed as a surveyor and scrivener. Prior to 
the Rebellion he was in politics a Democrat, but 
has since voted the Republican ticket. He has 
not been _ an aspirant to any office other than 
that of school director. 



JoSEi'ii CoBLENTZ IS a native of Maryland, 
born Jaiuuiry 24, 1820 ; worked on a farm and 
attended comnu)n schools until twenty-one yeari: 
old ; graduated from Marshall College, at Lan- 
caster, in 1848, aud the next year took his 
medical degree at the University of Virginia, 
aud also completed the medical course at the 
University of Pennsylvania, in 18")0 ; remained 
two years in Philadelphia, dvu-ing which time 
he was connected with the Pennsylvania Hospi- 
tal; took a special course at Dr. Warrington's 
Obstetric Institute; attended special course 
of clinics at University of Pennsylvania, and 
in practical pharmacy under Professor Pai-rish ; 
practiced in Baltimore four years, in Ymk 
County Pa., eight years; came to Reading in 
1863 and was engaged in his profession in the 
city twenty-one years ; located in Baltimore a 
second time in 1884, and the next year he relin- 
quished his practice aud moved to the State of 
Kansas, where he now resides. 

DiLi.EU LuTiiEit is a descendant from a 
family of physicians, and is the great-grai^dson 
of Christian I^uther, who emigrated to America 
in the siiip '' Edinburgh," landing in New 
York, September 16, 1751, and located in the 
Pequea Valley, Ijancaster County, but soon 
after migrated to the Shenandoah Valley, Vir- 
ginia, where he nuu'ried Christiana Kelp. On 
account of Indian troubles ho returned to [Penn- 
sylvania, and settled at Ephrata, where he died. 
His son John, boru in 1755, became a promi- 
nent physician aud died at Harrisburg in 1811, 
leaving several children, among them John, who 
was a physician of note and j)racticed medicine 
in New Holland, Lancaster County, where ho 
died in 1828. Three of his sons— Diller, 
John W. and INIartin — have studied and prac- 
ticed the profession of their worthy ancestors. 
John W. practiced for more than a tliird of a 
century in New Holland, where he died in 
1870. Dr. Diller Luther was born in New 
Holland, November 18, 1808 ; attended Todd's 
Academy, in Harrisburg; was graduated in 
medicine from the Universit}' of Pennsylvania 
in 1829, and soon after located in Orwigsburg, 
Schuylkill County, remaining there one year ; 
he came to Reading and practiced in that city 
from 1832 to 1838. During the latter year he 



608 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



reliiiquislied his profession and began the min- 
ing and shipping of coal in Schuylkill County, 
which business he followed for about twenty- 
five years. In 1863 he was appointed internal 
res'enue (•ollector of the Eighth District of 
Pennsylvania, and served in that position until 
18(37. In 187;5 he was appointed general agent 
and secretary of the State Board of Pul^lic Char- 
itiesand filled that position until September, ISSo, 
when he resigned. Dr. Diller Luther has been 
prominently identified with the banking interests 
of Reading, was several years president of 
the Anthracite Insurance Company of Phila- 
delphia, and since 1873 has been president of 
the Charles Evans Cemetery Company. He was 
married, in 1834, to Amelia H., daughter of 
.Judge John Spayd, of Reading. She died in 
1872. 

M-VitriN FirTiiKU was born March 1(5, 1826, 
at New Holland, Lancaster County, Pa. He 
is a brother of Dr. Diller Luther, of Reading, 
and a son of Dr. John Ijuther, of New Hol- 
land, for many years a very prominent phys- 
ician, an active politician and an influential 
member of the Ma.sonic fraternity. His grand- 
father and his father, both physicians, hail three 
sons each, who were engaged in the same pro- 
fession. Dr. Martin Luther was educated in 
the best acaileiiiies of West Chester and of 
Berks County, and subsequently studied under 
a [irivate instructor. He began the study of 
medicine in the office of his brother, in New 
Holland, entered the Jefferson ]\Iedical College, 
in Philadelphia, and was graduated from that 
institution in the spring of 1848, with the de- 
gree of Doctor of Medicine. For two . years 
succeeding his graduation he practiced with his 
brother. In 1850 he came to Reading, and 
soon after his location here became one of the 
leading physicians of the city. He served as 
physician to the Ikrks County Almshouse from 
1853 to 1855, and the two succeeding years 
was physician to the county pri.son. In 1862 
he was appointed surgeon in charge of the 
United States Army Hospital at Reading, and 
remained in that position until the hospital was 
discontinued. In tiie same year he was ap- 
pointed surgeon to the State, in making the 
necessary examination of those who had been 



drafted into the military .service. In 1864 he 
served as a surgeon to the board of enrc)llment 
of the Eighth (Congressional District, and re- 
mained in that position until the clo.se of the 
war. He took a prominent part in establishing 
the Reading Dispensary in 18(58. He was an 
influential member of the Berks County Medi- 
cal Society, was several years its efficient presi- 
dent, and a number of times its representative 
delegate to the meetings of the State and Na- 
tional Medical Associations. Dr. Ijuther is a 
member of the Academy of Natural Sciences of 
Philadelphia. He has a very extensive prac- 
tice in the city of Reading, and is a surgeon of 
e'xcellent ability. 

L. De Bakth Kuhn, a successful practitioner 
in the city of Reading for a number of yeare, 
moved to Brooklyn, N. Y. While residing in 
Reading, he was physician to the county alms- 
house, and during the Civil War was appointed 
to the position of surgeon in the Union army. 

L. H. Thompson was born August 2(t, 1823, 
in Hereford township, Berks County ; was a 
pupil in the district schools, and afterwards 
entered the Strasburg Academy, in I^ancaster 
County ; studied medicine with Dr. Samuel 
C. Thompson, at Zieglersville, Montgomery 
County, and graduated in medicine from tiie 
Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia with 
the class of 1853; practiced at New Jerusalem, 
Fleetwood and Lyons, in Berks County, for 
twenty-six years, and in 1875 came to Reading, 
where he is now engaged in his profession. 

John B. Brooke, who for many years has 
been one of the leading physicians of Reading, 
is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio, but he re- 
moved with his parents to Reading when (piite 
young, and here accpiired his education. He 
was graduated from Jefferson Medical C<illege 
in 1858, and has since practiced medicine in 
Reading with great success. He takes an 
ac'tive interest in the city and county medical 
societies. Dr. Brooke is a great-grandson of 
Governor Hiester, and a grandson of Judge 
Spayd. 

Jekemi.vh S. Trexlee is the son of James 
Trexler, who was born in Trcxierto\\'n, Lehigh 
County, Pa., and died in Hamburg, Berks 
Countv. He was for some \ears a merchant. 



THE MP^DICAL PROFESSION. 



G09 



and ou his removal to Allentown, became one 
of tlie popular landlorils of the city. He mar- 
ried Jenette Dankel, of Lehigh Couuty, and 
had cliildren, — Lavina, Nelson H. and Jeremiah 
S. The last-named of this number was born 
at Trexlertown, in Lehigh County, and liveil 
during his youth both in his native county and 
in Jjerks County. He obtained his education 
at the Moravian schools in Emaus and Bethle- 
hem, Pa. ; began the study of medicine with 
Dr. Charles Gerasch, of Kut/town, and wius 
graduated from the University of Pennsyl- 
vania in 1854. Locating at Kutztown, he 
became associated with his preceptor, Dr. Ger- 
asch, and speedily secured an extensive practice: 
He remained associated with Dr. Gerasch until 
the death of the latter. As advancing years in- 
Huenced Dr. (ierasch to relin(|uish his profession. 
Dr. Tre.xler succeedctl to the practice, which was 
continued for several years. Ill health com- 
pelled him, however, to abandon his large field 
and limit his attentions to such patients and 
families as, from long as.sociation, found it 
(liffi('ult to call in the professional services of 
another. The doctor is actively associated with 
the business interests of both county and bor- 
ough. He was i'ormerly a director of tiie Key- 
stone National I'ank of Reading, and is also 
interested in the sh()(> factory and jobbing 
hou.se of Levan, .Stein & Co., of Kutztown. 
He is a member of the board of direction of 
the Keystone State Normal School. In politics 
lie was an early Re[)ublicau, and now affiliates 
with the Independent party. He has been 
chief burgess of the borough of Kutztown. 
He hits taken high rank in the Ma.sonic frater- 
nity, — is a member of Huguenot Lodge, No. 
377, of F. and A. M. ; of Allen Chapter, No. 20, 
and of Allen Commandery, both of Allentown, 
Pa., and of the Consistory of Bloomsburg, Pa, 
Dr. Trexler during the late war in 1863, en- 
tered the army as surgeon of the Seventy-third 
Regiment Penn.sylvania Volunteers. He par- 
ticipated in the engagement at Chancellorsville, 
was made prisoner and e.scaped, after which he 
joined the Army of the Cumberland and ac- 
companied General Sherman in his march to 
the sea. 

Reuben B. Rhoads was born at Boyertown, 



October 29, 1831, and educated at Mount 
Pleasant Seminary, in his native town ; studied 
medicine under the direction of Dr. Henry W. 
Johnson; was graduated from Jefferson Medical 
College in April, 1857; located at Zieglerville, 
in Montgomery County, and practiced till Au- 
gu.st, 1862, when he raised a company of vol- 
unteers, and, as ca[)tain, took it to Harrisburg, 
applied for and received a surgeon's commis- 
sion. He was employed for a time at Pitts- 
burgh as e.xaraining surgeon, and then accom- 
panied the One Hundred and Sixty-ninth Regi- 
ment Pennsylvania Militia. He had charge of 
a brigade hospital, under command of Briga- 
dier-General Tyndale, at Yorktown. He was 
mustered out with regiment at Harrisburg in 
Jidy, 1863, and returned to Zieglerville, where 
he resumed the practice of his j)rofe.ssion. He 
continued at this place for a year and removed 
to Amityville, Berks County, continuing in ac- 
tive practice till his election to the office of 
prison warden of Berks County in 1882, when 
he removed to Reading. He was twice re- 
elected and held this ])osition till April, 1885. 

During his residence at Amityville he became 
interested in the cultivation of fruit-trees, and 
for sixteen years carrie<l on an extensive nnrsi'ry. 
He still owns tiiis nursery. 

He was married. May 10, 1859, to Kate W. 
Gilbert, daughter of Adam R. Gilbert. 

Decatur G. Schoener was born August 
28, 1832, at Rehrersburg, and is a son of the 
late Dr. Adam Schoener ; was educated in the 
.schools of his native town and at Myerstown 
Academy : was graduated from the Pemisylva- 
nia Medical College, in Philadelphia, with the 
ela.ss of 1853 ; practiced with his father until 
1856, when he removed to Reading, and has 
since jjracticed in the city. 

Jame.s A. Fisher wa-s born July 25, 1832, 
in Stouchsburg ; acquired his education in pub- 
lic schools of his native town and the Stouchs- 
burg Academy ; studied medicine with Dr. 
Adam Shoener for three years, and was gradu- 
ated in medicine from the Pennsylvania Medi- 
cal College in 1853; practiced in Stouchsburg 
until 1880, when he removed to Reading and 
has since been practicing in the city. 

Samuel L. Kurtz was born September 27, 



(ill) 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1832, in Cliester County ; attended the Freeland 
Seminary ; studied medicine with Dr. (ieiger, 
of Harley.sville, Montgomery County, I'a. ; was 
graduated from tlie Jefferson IMedieal College in 
1854 ; practiced tir.st at Phieni.wille. In 1856 
he removed to Juniata County, where he prac- 
ticed until the opening of the war. In No- 
vendjer, 1861, was appointed assistant 
surgeon at Camp Curtiu ; in March, 18()'2, 
he was chosen assistant surgeon of the 



Hi ESTER M. Naole is the great-grandson 
of Peter Nagle, wiui, on his emigration from 
Germany, settled in Berks County. His son 
Peter, who also resided in the same county, was 
in Berks County July 11, 1782, and died May 
2, 1846. He married Susan Filbert, born 
April 23, 1785, who died May 26, 1854. They 
hati children, — John V., Augustus W., Peter 
F., Henry and one daughter. 

Peter F. Nagle was born in Berks County, 




y<^.\.'/i^Ah^ 



Eleventii Pennsylvania Reserves. In .June, 
of same year, was promoted to surgeon and 
transferred to the Eighty-fifth Regiment of 
Pennsylvania \'"olunteers, which was tussigned 
to the Eighteenth Army Corps, under General 
Butler, and participated in the several engage- 
ments before Petersburg and Richmond, Va. 
On the 22d of November, 1864, the regiment 
was mustered out of the service. He then 
joined liis family in Reading, to which place 
ihcy ri'iiiiivcd wliile he was in the army, and 
lias sinie practiced in the city. 



and ilicil March 25, 1869, in his sixty-first 
year. He .selected medicine as a profession ; 
fii-st practiced in Williamsport, Pa., and from 
there removed to Milton, Pa. He subsequently 
removed to Reading, and from thence to St. 
Louis. He married Catherine E. Dauphin, of 
Philadelphia, and had children, — Peter (de- 
ceased), Hiester M., Catherine (deceased), 
Joseph (deceasetl) and two who died in childhood. 
Dr. Nagle ultimately made Reading his home, 
where his death occurred. His son, Hiester M. 
Nagle, was born December 23, 1834, at Wil- 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



611 



liamsport ; obtained a rudimentary education in 
the schools of Readiiii:;, and continued his 
studies at Marshall College, Mercersburg, and 
at Kessier's Academy, Alleiitown. In 1855 he 
entered his iiitlier's office as a medical student, 
and continued with Dr. Frank Rieser, of" Read- 
ing. He spent one year in the Medical De- 
partment of the University of Pennsylvania 
and two years at the Jeiferson Medical College, 
from which institution he was graduated in 
1S57. The same year he began j)ractice in Exeter 
townshi]i, Berks County, and remained there 
until 185!», the date of his removal to Fleet- 
wood, in the same county. There he practiced 
until his connection with the army, August 4, 
18(52, as assistant surgeon of the I^levciith 
Pennsylvania Cavalry. lie was, on the 17th 
of De(^eml)er. 18(;4, promoti'd to tlic otlice of 
surgeon of the regiment, and served in that 
capacity until his discharge, August I .'>, 18(15, 
partici])ating nieanwhilc in the following en- 
gagements: Siege of Suffolk, Va., April 14 
and March 4, 186:^; Petersburg, .hi ne 9-16, 
18()4; Ream's Station, June 29, 18()4; Deep 
Bottom, July 9, 18(i4 ; Richmond, September 
29 and October 1, 18(34; Darl)ytown Road, 
October 7, 18(54; Seven Pines, Octol)er 27, 
]8(i4 ; New Market Heights, October 10, 18(54 ; 
Five Forks, April 1, 18(55 ; Deep Creek, April 
4, 18(55; Amelia Court-House, April 5, 18(>5, 
and Appomatox Court-House, April 9, 18(55. 
On his return he settled in Reading and .secured 
a lucrative practice. He is a member of the 
Medical Society of the County of Berks and of the 
Pathological Mediad Society. As a Free and 
Accepted Mason, he is a member of Lodge 
No. 62, of Reading, of Chapter 152 and of 
Reading Commandery, No. 42. 

As a Democrat, he was elected to and filled 
I he office of county treasurer from 1874 to 1876, 
and was for two years a member of the City 
Council, the firet of which (1878) he filled the 
chair of its president. He was, iu July, 1885, 
appointed examining surgeon for pensions. Dr. 
Nagle was, on the 18th of .lune, 1872, married 
to Lucretia, daughter of Henry B. and Susan 
Boyer, of Reading. Their children are Henry 
B., Howard B., Paul, Charles E. and two who 
are deceased. The doctor is an esteemed member 



of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church of 
Reading. 

John S. Tryon' was born in Rehrersburg 
May 12, 1835, and is the second son of Dr. 
Jacob Tryon. He obtained his education in 
the common schools and at Pennsylvania Col- 
lege, Gettysburg. He studied medicine under 
the tuition of his father, and was graduated 
from the University of Pennsylvania in 1857. 
He immediately entered upon the practice of 
his profiission in his native town, where he has 
since resided, and where he has met with suc- 
wss, especially in surgery. Drs. George F. 
Brendle(Mahanoy City), Daniel Dechert (C'rcs- 
sona), Simon Seyfert (Pinegrove, Schuylkill 
County) and John Wagnc-r (Hamburg, Berks 
County) were students under his instruction. 

John B. Stkki.ky was born in 1835 in 
Montgomery County, Pa., and is a descendant 
of French ancestry. He atteniled Freeland 
Seminary (now Ur.sinus College) ; read medi- 
cine in the office of Drs. Keeler and Grofl", of 
Harleysville ; attended lectures at the Univer- 
sity of Pennsylvania, and was graduated M.D. 
from that institution March 6, 1857; began 
practicing at Earlville, Lancaster County, Pa., 
antl coutiimed until 1862, when he entered the 
army as surgeon — first in Camp Curtin, at Har- 
risburg, for three months, and then became 
surgeon of the Eleventh Pennsylvania Militia. 
He was aftei'ward transfei'red to Reading, as 
surgeon, to examine drafted men and substi- 
tutes, and, upon the organization of the One 
Hundred and Sixty-seventh Regiment of Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers, was chosen its surgeon. 
Pie was next appointed examining surgeon in the 
provost-marshal's ottice at Pottsville. In 1864 
returned to Montgomery County, and iu 18(55 
came to Reading, where he has since practiced 
his profession, excepting a few years when he 
was in Western Pennsylvania. Dr. Sterley was 
for three years a member of the United States 
board of examining sui'geons for pensions. 

John A. Brobst, of Bernviile, was born 
October 26, 1835, at Rehrersburg; attended 
the public and private schools, and, at the age 
of fourteen, was sent to Pennsylvania College, 
at Gettysburg, where he remained until he fin- 
ished the studies of the sophomore year ; read 



til2 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



medicine iiiuler the directions of Dr. Adam 
Siioencr, and was <rradiiated from Pennsylvania 
Medical C'ollege, at Pliiladelphia, in 1857. Im- 
mediately after graduating he located in Beru- 
ville, where he has since been actively engaged 
in the |)ractice of his profession. 

Chaki.es T. Keuer was born January 18, 
1830, in Berks County. He accjuired a pre- 
liminary education in the schools of his native 
place, also took an academic course, and taught 
school for two terms at Brownsville, Berks 
County. In 1853 he commenced the study of 
medicine iu the office of Dr. Livingood, and 
afterwards in the office of Dr. D. L. Beaver, of 
Reading. In 1854 he entered the Jeflerson 
Medical College, and was graduated M.D. from 
tiiat institution in 1856 ; practiced medicine in 
Reading lor two years, and in Berks County 
until the breaking out of the war, when he was 
appointed assistant surgeon of the Forty-eighth 
Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers in Feb- 
ruary, 18(52. He was promoted to surgeon of 
the regiment in 1 863, and was assigned as brig- 
ade surgeon to hospital duty at Beaufort, S. C. 
Soon after he was appointed executive officer at 
Hilton Head. Sub.seqnently he filled the fol- 
luwing positions, in order : Medical purveyor, 
chief medical oflicer and health officer of the Port 
Royal District. His last appointment was on 
the staff" of (leneral Dcvens as chief medical 
officer. He was in active service under the United 
States government for a terna of four years and 
five months, and for efficiency received a brevet- 
lieutenant's commi.ssion. Dr. Reber is the author 
of a medical work entitled " The Pai'csis of the 
Syinpath(!tic Centres ; or, the So-ailled Malaria," 
and is now practicing in Reading. 

Jacoh 8. Ammon was born in 183(5 in Berks 
County ; was educated iu the schools of his na- 
tive place, the Wonielsdorf Academy and 
Philomathean In.stitute, at Birdsboro', Pa. ; 
studied medicine with Dr. Neweomet, of Stonchs- 
burg, Berks County, and Dr. P. M. Schweinhard, 
of Palmyra, Lebanon County, and Dr. D. D. 
Richardson, of Philadelphia; graduate<^l in 
medicine from the Ilnivei'sity of Penns3'lvauia, 
at Philadelphia, in 1868 ; removed to Reading 
■soon after, where he is now engaged in the prac- 
tice of his profession. 



Charles E. Shoemaker ' is a native of 
Montgomery County, Pa., and was born Marcli 
1, 1836, at Skippackville, a jjleasant village on 
the Skippack, Flourtown and Philadelphia 
turnpike, about seventeen miles northwest of 
Philadelphia. His birth occurred on the 
old Shoemaker homestead, where his father, 
Jacob, and his grandfather, Isaac, were l)orn, and 
which his great grandfather, George Shoemaker, 
purchased, the title being held continuously by 
this family for nearly one hundred years. The 
Shoemaker family is one of the oldest in the 
State, three brothers having emigrated to this 
country with William Penn, in l()<S."i, and 
.settled at Germantown (now Philadelphia), 
where still a nnn)l)er of their descen<lants may 
be found. Isaac Shoemaker, the grandfather of 
the doctor, had two sons, the ekier George and 
the younger Jacob. The grandfiithcr, wlm was 
an enterprising man, engaged in merchant mill- 
ing, .sawing and lumber, brick-making, farm- 
ing and other busines.ses all at the same time. 
Although widely and favorably known as one 
of the most successful busiiii'ss men of his 
time ill tiic county, he was l>y no means u 
worldly man, as the term implies. He was 
scrupulously just and honorabh' in all his deal- 
ings and of positive religious coiivictiinis, a 
consistent and active church memlur inilil his 
death, at the age of seventy-six. He gave the 
principal part of his real e.state and business to 
his two sons. The agricultural jjart and old 
homestead went to his son Jacob, the father of 
the doctor, who here grew uj) midst plea.saut 
surroundings, carefully trained arid disciplined 
by his jwrents. They had six children, two of 
whom died in infancy and four of whom are 
still living. The subject of this biograi)hy is 
the .second son. His mother [lU'e Everliart) 
was born, raised and educated in Philadel|)hia. 
She died at the age of .seventy, at Bethlehem, 
where she is buried and now rests in her son's 
lot on Niskey Hill, in that beautiful cemetery 
on the Lehigh River. 

As above stated, Dr. Charles E. Shoemaker 
was the .second son. The elder, now Dr. I. N. 
E. Shoemaker, of Reading, while quite young, 



THE :\rEI)I('AL PROFESSION. 



613 



chose medicine as a profession, and after re- 
ceiviag his preliminary edncation entered the 
office of Dr. C'liarles SiioemaUer, of Montj^oni- 
ery County. His brotiier remained at his 
iionie and attended the village scliool until he 
(.■ntered Freelantl Seminary (now Ursinu.s ('ol- 
lege), at C'ollegeville, Montgomery County, Pa., 
where he continued his studies iluring 1855-57, 
and then engaged as teacher of tlie borough 
school at MillerstoWM, Lehigh CouiUv, Pa., at 



Marietta Wertz, second daughter of Richard 
and Sophia AVertz, of Longswamp, Berks 
County, Pa., sister of Drs. Jas. F. and P. 
Wei-tz, well-known physicians of the same 
|)lacc, the former a fellow-studeut in the office 
of Dr. I. N. E. Shoemaker. Dr. Charles E. 
Shoemaker first located at Orefield, Lehigh 
('ounty. Pa., a pleasant ciountry town on the 
Jaurdan Creek, six miles west of Allentown, 
and siu-riiUMilcii by rich agricultural and iron- 





f;^^ 



tlie .same time entering upon the .study of medi- 
cine under Dr. .Tenkin Evans, of that Iwrongh. 
After completing his term of teaching he dis- 
continued his .studies under Dr. Evans and 
entered the office of his brother. Dr. I. N. E. 
Shoemaker, in complian(;e with the hitter's wish, 
until the fall of 1858, when he became a student 
of the ^ledical Department of I'ennsylvania 
College, Philadelphia, from which college he 
was graduated March 3, 1860. On the 22d 
day of the same month he was married to 



ore lands, where mining was extensively 
carried on. The country was thickly populated, 
and the extensive mining machinery was the 
cause of many accidents and much surgical 
])ractice. Here Dr. Shoemaker cast his lot and 
entered npou the practice of his profession on 
the 26th day of March, 1860, at ^vhich time 
and place there was a most fatal epidemic of 
malignant scarlet fever. He treated the disease 
with great success and was soon a very busy 
man, making three hundred and thirty-five 



014 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



visits the first month he practiced and losing 
but one case. Dr. Shoemaker was speedily 
known and recognized as a successful doc'tor. 
He attended an extraordinary case of attempted 
suici<le by arsenic of a prominent young man, 
to whose assistance Dr. Shoemaker was hastily 
summoned, and fortunately saved from all harm 
after a great effort, as the case was a desperate 
one. This was reported and published in the 
Pldladrlpliia Metlieal and Surffica/ Reporter, 
vol. V. p. l'i'2. He was soon under the neces- 
sity of securing an assistant, whom he associated 
as partner in the Inisiness, which continued to 
increa.se .'^o rapi<lly that with all his help lie 
found country practice making inroads upon his 
health, and fearing a physical breakdown, con- 
cluded to relinipiish his practice and remove to 
Betiileliem, Pa., in the spring of 1864, selling 
meanwhile to his partner, Dr. Henry K. Hart- 
zell, and his brother, Dr. I. N. E. Shoemaker. 
Success attended him in his new field of labor, 
where he .soon established a lucrative practice 
and took in Dr. John H. Wilson as partner, 
who lic<'ame liis .successor. In the spring of 
ISTf he moved to the city of Reading, Pa. 
Having written iiis "Thesis on the Ear" when 
he o-raduated at Pennsylvania Medical College, 
Philadelphia, and devoted .some study to aural 
surgery, he improved every opportunity to 
(luaiify himself for the treatment of such cases. 
Being encouraged by his succe.ss, he finally con- 
cluded to master this subject, and tiiereupon 
abandoned general practice, repaired to New 
York f 'ity and entered Bellevue Plospital Medi- 
cal College, where in connection with the hos- 
pitals, clinics and ear disi)ensaries and institutes 
of that city, he had superior opportunities for 
becoming, under Prof. Noyes as instructor, 
master of this special department of medical 
and surgical science. 

After completing his post-graduate cour.se in 
New York City he o{)ened an office at Reading, 
and began practice as aural surgeon. He con- 
fines his attention dridly to his specialty, 
namely, " The Ear, its Diseases and their 
Treatment." This seemingly limits his prac- 
tice to but few ailments, though it in reality em- 
braces all acute and chronic diseases of the 
head, ears^ no.se, throat, etc., including nervous 



and other ailments that may, through sympathy 
or otherwi.se, directly or indirectly att'ect the 
hearing, and especially such as affect the mu- 
cous meml)rane, as catarrli. In this new field 
of labor Dr. Slioemaker found an al)undant 
harvest. The afflicted with these ailments, hear- 
ing of his success, soon noised it abroad, and his 
office was ilaily crowded and tlie doctor was 
obliged to again .secure an a.s.si.staut. Dr. Charles 
E. Shoemaker as aural surgeon stands at the 
head of the profession in the State of Pennsyl- 
vania. His reputation is not local, but extends 
beyond the limits of his own State and country. 
He is not only known as a skillful and success- 
ful aural surgeon, l)Ut as an able writer on aural 
disea.ses, having published a volume of three 
hundred and seventy-five pages octavo, on 
" The Ear, its Diseases and Injuries and their 
Treatment," which has been favorably received 
and commented upon by the press. 

J. B. Po'rrKiiiER was born at Strausstown ; 
attended the schools of Reading and Freeland 
Seminary ; completed the medical cour.se and 
took his degree at the Jeffer.son Medical College 
with the class of 18-59 ; pra(^ti(!ed at Leidiarts- 
ville, Bt!rks County until l.S(i2, where he en- 
tered the army as assistant surgeon of the 128fh 
Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, in the 
nine months' service. In 18(54 he re-entered 
the army as surgeon by contract at the Jjincoln 
Hospital fi)r three months and was then sent to 
Point Lookout Hospital, until the spring of 
1805. He then resumed practice first in Berks 
County and in 18(57 located at Hambuig, 
where he has since resided. He was assistant 
surgeon of the Fourth Regiment, N. (t. P., for 
several years, and in 18X4 was chosen surgeon 
of the ivgiment with the rank of major. He 
has been a notary publit' for thirteen years. 

F. K. Sl'AN(i was born in ( )Iey township, 
Berks County, in lS;]fl. He was educated at 
Norri.stown,' Penna., and at East Hampton, 
Ma.ss., and graduated in me<licine from 
the Jefl'er.son Medical College in Phiiaileipliia, 
in the cla.ss of 18(50. He engaged in a large 
practice for a number of years in Oley town- 
ship and at Lyons Station, in Berks County ; 
removed to Reading in 1884, where he has 
since met with great success in his profession. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



615 



Charles G. Loose was born November 15, 
1840, in Centre townsliip, Berks County; he 
atteiuli'd the State Normal School at Millersville 
and Kut/.town, and tlic Reading Chissical 
Aeademy. He was graduated in medieine from 
the University of Pennsylvania in 18t)8. Prac- 
ticed medieine in Meehaniesbnrg, Cumberland 
County, Pa., for seven years, also at Centreport, 
in Herks ( 'ouiitv, fur the .same time ; rame to 



is a charter member of Lodge No. 398, A. Y. 
M., located at Marietta. 

D. HeberPl.-vniv, of Morgautown,is a great- 
great grandson of Dr. Jacol) Plank, a sketch of 
whom is given at the beginning of this chapter. 
Dr. Jacob Plank had four .sons, viz.: Michael, 
John, Peter and Jacob. Michael migrated to 
Ohio, where he wa.s one of the pioneers. John 
and Jacob moved to Lancaster County, the 




,,^-lW'U.c^.^a.^^<y^ A£^^ 



Reading in 1882, and is now engaged in his 
profession in the city. 

Henry Landis was born in Ea.st Lampeter 
township, Lancaster County ; was educated in 
the common schools and at the Millersville 
State Normal School ; .studied medicine under 
the in.struction of Dr. J. Aug. Elder, of Lan- 
caster, and took his degree at the University of 
Penn.sylvania in 1861. He then practiced 
medicine at Wrightsville, in York County, and 
Marietta, Lancaster County. In 1870 he re- 
moved to Reading, and in 1873 was placed on 
the medical staff of St. Joseph's Hospital. He 



former having settled in Peqnea A'^alley, and 
the latter near Ephrata. 

Peter Plank, the third son, was born in Oley, 
in the year 1748. He moved to the head- 
waters of the Conastoga, in Caernarvon township, 
some years before the Revolution, and there 
purchased a large tract of farming land and fol- 
lowed the occupation of a farmer. He was mar- 
ried to Frances (Franey) a danghter of Jacob 
Kauffman, who was a prominent farmer in the 
upper section of Chester County. He died in 
1831, aged ei ghty- three years ; and she died in 
1837, aged seventy-six years. They had nine 



GKi 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



children, — Maria, boru 1783 ; Jacob, born 1785 ; 
John, born 1787; Christopher, born 1789; 
Christian, born 1791; Elizabeth, born 1793; 
Anna, born 1798; Samuel, born 1801 and 
David, born 1804. He was, by religions faith, 
an Aniish Mcnnonite, and during the last fifty 
years of his life filled very successfully the 
office of bishop, having had charge of all the 
congregations in Berks, ( -hester and Lancaster 
Counties. He was the second bishop of this 
denomination in this section of the State. The 
Aniish to this day speak of him with the highest 
feelings of respect and aifection, for his earnest 
efforts in their behalf. 

David Plank, the youngest son, was born in 
Caernarvon township, on May 21, 1804, and, 
aft<^r receiving a good general education, turned 
his attention to farming. He married Rebecca, 
a daughter of Daniel Buckwalter, of same town- 
ship, and a granddaughter of Francis Buck- 
waiter, of Chester County ; and afterward j)ur- 
chased the I'lank homestead and the adjoining 
farm, upon which he carried on farming opcr- 
ati(ins very successfully. In coune<'ti(»u with 
this pursuit he burned and disposed of greiif 
(puuitities of lime upon his property. He re- 
tired some years ago from active business, and 
lived a quiet life in the old home in good health 
till recently. After a short illness, he died 
April 11, 1886, nearly eighty-two years old. 
For a number of years he took an active part in 
the political affairs of the county. He held the 
office of county treasurer for oue term, 1859 
and 1860; and the County Agricultural So- 
ciety also received his earnest assistance, behav- 
ing shown great interest in its success. He ex- 
ercised a large influence in his community foi- 
upwards of forty years. The system of common- 
school education found in him a friend and 
advocate. He connected himself at an early date 
with the St. Thomas' P^[)iscopal Church, at M(n'- 
gantown, and at^ted as a vestryman for many 
years. He had eleven children, of whom the 
following six are still living: John, Daniel K;, 
Margaret Elizabeth, Martin B., D. Heber and 
Rebecca Frances. His wife died in 1870, in 
the sixty -eighth year of her age. 

D. Heber Blank, the subject of this biograph- 
ical sketch, was born in Caernarvon township 



on November 12, 1842. After receiving a 
thorough connnon-school education, he attended 
the I'ennsylvania State College and the Millers- 
ville Normal School ; and then selecting medi- 
cine as his profession, he finished his medical 
education at the University of Pennsylvania, 
under the supervision of B. F. Bunn, M.D., at 
Birdsboro', and H. Lenox Hodge, M.D., at 
Philadelphia; from which he was graduated ou 
March 14, 1867. For a year afterward he 
traveled extensively through the Western States 
and the Dominion of Canada, and then settled 
at Morgantown, in this county, where he has 
since been successfully engaged in a general 
practice of his jir<)fession. He is a member of 
the Pathological Society of Berks County. He 
owus and occupies a fine home in the centre of 
Morgantown ; and, on the lot connected with 
the property, he has been quite successful in 
the cultivation of different varieties of peai's. 
Several yt^ars ago he purchas('<l a tract of forty 
acres of hill-land and planted it with black 
walnuts for the j>urpose of cultivating a walmit 
grove. These are j)ractical evidences of liis 
enterprise outside of his prdfessiun. In ])olitics 
he is a Democrat. By his upright demeanor, 
and careful attention to business, he lias won 
the confidence of the entire connuunity. He is 
a member and now also a vestryman of St. 
Thomas' Episcopal Church, at Morgantown. He 
was married, in 1877, to Ida, eldest daughter of 
Horace Bertolet, deceased, and they have three 
sons, — David Horace, Walter Frederick and 
Heber Eugene. 

Adam B. DrxDOU was born May 16, 1838, 
in North Heidelberg township, Berks County ; 
his preliminary education was obtained at the 
Fremont Academy, Chester County, and Free- 
land Seminary, at Collegeville, Pa. In 1857 
he entered Fraidilin and Marshall College, and 
was graduated from that institution in 1862; 
studied n)ediciue with Dr. William Moore, of 
Womelsdorf, Pa., and was graduated in medi- 
cine from tiie Long Island College Hospital in 
1863, and from the Jefferson Medical College, 
of Phiiadel]ihia, with the class of 1864; prac- 
ticed medicine in Robesonia, Berks County, for 
three years, and removed to Reading in 1.S67; 
served as physician to tlie Berks County Alms- 



THE MKDICAL PROFESSION. 



t>n 



house and Hospital from 1870 to 1873, and 
prison piiysiciau from 1878 to 1877. He is at 
present (1886) a member of tlie Board of Health, 
of Reading. 

Ahkaham S. Raudexiutsh was born July 
24, 1841, at Salfordville, Montgomery County, 
Pa. ; was educated in the public schools of 
that county until 1859, when he entered the 
Freelaud Seminary. In 1862 he studied 
medicine in the office of Drs. Keelor and Groif, 
at Harleyville, Montgomery County, and at 
tl:e close of the same year commenced a course 
in the Jefferson Medical College of I'hiladel- 
phia, graduating with the class of 1804. He 
then commenced practice at x\.damstown, Lan- 
caster County, continuing there for eighteen 
years. In 1882 he removed to Reading. 

Stanley Smith, son of Levi B. Smith, 
was born at Joanna Furnace, Berks County. 
He graduated with honor at Amherst College, 
Massachusetts, in the classof 186"). He studied 
medicine with J'rofessor B. Howard Rand, in 
Philadelphia, and graduated at the Jefferson 
Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1868. He 
then spent one year at the Leipsic University, 
Germany. On his return to this country, he 
was elected lecturer on Physical Diagnosis, in 
the summer course of the Jefferson Medical Col- 
lege, in 1875. In the spring of 1877 he resigned 
this position and removed to Reading, where he 
ha-s since devoted special attention to the eye. 

Israel Cleaver is of English and Ger- 
man ancestry, and was born November 26, 
1842. His paternal ancestor was a large land- 
owner, and one of the first members of the 
Maiden-creek Friends' Meeting. Dr. Cleaver 
acquired a preliminary education in the schools 
of Reading, and was graduated from the High 
School in the class of 1859. He taught school 
for three years and then entered the Medical 
Dejiartment of the University of I'ennsylva- 
nia, and was graduated from that institution in 
1863. Immediately thereafter he entered the 
Union army as an assistant surgeon of a ma- 
rine brigade along the Mississippi River, re- 
maining two years. After returning to Penn- 
sylvania, spent one year practicing in Clearfield 
County, then moved to Philipsburg, Centre 
County, and followed his profession there five 
successive years. In the fall of 1871 he located 
in Reading, and soon became an active practi- 
tioner in the city. He is a member of the 
5-J 



Reading Medical Association, the Medical So- 
ciety of the C'ounty of Berks, the State Medical 
Society, the Board of Health of the city, and 
for two years a member of the board of the 
United States examining surgeons for pensions. 
He is connected with the Grand Army of the 
Republic, and is an active member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Dr. Cleaver is a 
gentleman of culture and an excellent physician. 

Samuel C. Ermentkoi't, son of William 
E. and Justina (Silvis) Ermentrout, was born 
March 28, 1844. His preparatory education 
was acquired at the Reading High School and 
Reading Classical Academy. He then began 
the study of medicine under the instruction of 
Dr. Joseph Coblentz, and continued with Dr. 
Lennox Hodge, of Philadelphia. He was 
graduated in medicine from the University of 
Pennsylvania in 1866. During the Civil War 
he served as a private in Company E, One 
Hundred and Twenty-eighth Regiment of 
Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was wounded at 
the battle of Chancellorsville. Soon after the 
opening of the Franco-Prussian War, in 1870, 
he went to Europe and was appointed a surgeon 
in the Prussian army, with the rank of first 
lieutenant, and was soon promoted to staff-sur- 
geon, with the rank of captain. For his skill- 
ful surgery he was decorated with the golden 
cross, and made a member of the Order of the 
Crown. He served in the Prussian army just one 
year and was located in the hospital at Coblentz. 
At the close of the war he returned to Reading 
and has since practiced in his native city. He 
^v■as ])hysician to the county almshouse ; was four 
years Commander of Keim Post, Grand Army 
of the Republic, of Reading, and is a member 
of the medical staff of St. Joseph's Hospital. 

W. Murray Weidman, born in Lebanon, 
Pa., is a son of Jacob Barge Weidman and 
Elizabeth Chambers Murray his wife. His 
paternal ancestors came to this country about 
1700. His grandfather. Major John Weidman, 
born in Lancaster County in 1756, was a sur- 
veyor, served in the Revolutionary War, and 
was retired January 1, 1787. His name is 
enrolled in the Society of the Cincinnati. His 
father, boim in Philadelphia, was a lawyer of 
Lebanon County, Pa., and a member of the 
Constitutional Convention of 1837-38. His 
maternal ancestors, the IMurrays, came to this 
country iu 1730, settling in New Jersey. 



618 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Doctor Weidiuai) was educated at Lebanon 
Academy ; entered Pennsylvania College at 
Gettysburg, from which he graduated in l.SoG. 
Selecting medicine as a profession, he entered the 
office of Drs. John W. and Cyrus D. Gloninger, 
of Lebanon;- continued Jiis studies at the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania, and received his diplo- 
ma, 18()(). For nineteen months he was (inc of 
the resident physicians in Philadelphia Hospital 
(Bk)ckley), then he became assistant surgeon in 



tioners and brought an extended practice. He 
devotes much attention to surgery, in which 
branch of the profession he has won a deservediv 
high reputation for skill and success. 

He is a member of the Medical Society of 
Berks Co., lieading Medical Association, Med- 
ical Society of Pa., American Medical Associa- 
tion, and Academy of Medicine. Since 18G7 he 
was one of the active managers and surgeons 
of the Reading Dispensary (now IJeadini;- Hos- 




^.^ 



'^^ 



/ 



the 11th Peima. Cavalry in the Civil War. Sub- 
sc(piently he was ordered to the 2d Penna. Cav- 
alry. Oct. 1, 18G2, he was promoted to rank 
of surgeon of same regiment. He was taken 
prisoner near Occocpian, Va., Dec. 28, 18G3, 
but was on following day paroled with the 
wounded, in charge of whom he was left. When 
his term expired, Oct. 31, 1864, he was mus- 
tered out. The same year he located in Heading 
and soon afterward was appointed surgeon to 
the P. and R. R. Co., in which capacity he has 
since served. His professional knowledge and 
ability soon jdaced him with the leading practi- 



pital). He was one of thc^ original members of the 
Board of Health (1872), and for nine years, its 
presiding officer. He also served as city auditor 
from 1869 to 1872. Feb. 1886,he was appointed 
on the Pension Board of Examining Surgeons of 
Berks County. In politics he is a Democrat. 
He is a member of Christ Cathedral, of wliicli 
he is now a vestryman, having served since 1867. 
Dr. ^A'eidman was married to Mary May, 
daughter of Hon. George M. Keim, by whom 
he has three children, — Julia Keim, Bessie 
Murray and Marion Douglass ; two, Laura Far- 
quhar and Helen Murray, having died. 



THE MEDICAL PllOFESSION. 



(J19 



Thomas A. Dunkle was born October, 1844, 
ill Berks County; was a pupil in the schools of 
Reading, also iu Union Seminary, at New Ber- 
lin, Union County, Pa. ; studied medicine with 
Dr. D. L. Beaver as preceptor, and was graduat- 
ed from the Jefferson Medical College, at Phila- 
delphia, with the class of 1865. During 18(j2 
and 1863 he was contract assistant surgeon iu 
the United States hospital at Fourth and George 
Streets, Philadelphia. From 1865 to 1870 he 
practiced medicine in Friedensburg, Berks 
County, and removed to Reading in 1870, where 
ho has since practiced. 

S. B. Heckmax is a native of Berks, born in 
Pricctown, February 24, 1846; .acquired a 
preliminary education in the district schools and 
the Reading High School ; studied medicine un- 
der the instruction of Dr. Decatur 15. Siioetier, 
of Reading; attended lectures at Jefferson Med- 
ical College and was graduated in 1868. Soon 
after he located in the (rity of Reading and lias 
since continued in llie iiractice of liis profession. 

ITowAiM) S. RiESEit is a native of Reading, 
b..rii May 27, i84(i; attended tiic schools of the 
city and com])l(?ted fiie (course of the Reading 
High Scliool iu 186 1; spent three years in (lie 
study of mediciiH' and was graduated from Jef- 
ferson Medical Cdilegc in 1867; practiced in 
Maxatawny townshiji one year and then moved 
to Reading, where he has since continued ids 
pnifession. 

MicHAEE W. A. WiTEEFiNcH is a native of 
Holland, l)orn October 17, 1846; obtained a 
])rcparatory eduction in the schools of liis native 
|>lace; attended the Clinic Institute, at Rotter- 
dam, Holland; spent three years iu the Uni- 
versity of Amsterdam, and was graduated there- 
from in 1876. Since 1880 he has pursued his 
profession of medicine in Reading. 

Henry C. Mohr was born January 25, 1847, 
at Molirsville, this county; entered the Jefferson 
Medical College at Philadelphia, and was grad- 
uated in 1871 ; practiced at Mount Pleasant, 
Pa., until 1872, when he removed to Reading, 
where he continues in his profession. 

Elias H. Frantz was born March 13, 1847, 
at Frystown, Berks County; was educated in the 
schools of that town, at Prof Brunner's Acad- 
emy, Reading, and at the State Normal School, 



at Mansfield, Pa. ; studied medicine with Dr. 
J. Y. Shearer, of Sinking Springs, and was 
graduated from the Jefferson Medical College, 
at Philadelphia, in 1873; pi-acticed in Jones- 
town, Lebanon County, for two years, and 
Grantville, Dauphin County, for nine years; 
came to Reading in 1884. 

M. A. Rhoads was born in Colebrookdale 
township, Berks County, Ajiril 18, 1847 ; at- 
tended public schools and Mount Pleasant 
Academy, at Boyertown, until 1861, when he 
went to Philadeljiliia and enteretl the public 
schools of that city ; pursued the studies of 
medicine in the office of Dr. William H. Pan- 
coast ; was graduated from Jefferson College in 
1868, and soon thereafter was a])pointed assist- 
ant demonstrator of anatomy in that institution. 
In June, IStiil, he came to Reading, wiiere he 
has since been eontinuousl}^ engaged in the 
practice of his profession. He was president of 
the Pathological Society of Berks Countv ; 
physician to the CountyWImsliouse ; has been 
president of the B()ar<l of' llcnith of ileading 
since 18S2, and in I.S,S(! w:'.s ;i|)|)ointcd a mem- 
ber of the niiited Stiilrs cxamiiiiiig Ixiard for 
[u'usions. 

John SriOI'lll'.N was born in W'ayncsburg, 
('hester County, Pa, in 1. S 2; J ; studied mi'<licine 
witli Dr. William .^b)ore at Womelsdorf, and 
was graduated in in<(iieiiie fi-oni the University 
of Pennsylvania in ISpi. lie jiracficed his 
profession since liis Liradiialioii In Womelsdorf 
and Reading. 

Walker R. Sthimiex, sou of Dr. John 
Stephen, of Reading, was born in Womelsdorf 
March !•, Is5l ; attended the schools of his 
native town and the Lewisburgli University; 
read medicine under the instruction of his 
father, and was graduated in medicine from the 
University of Pennsylvania with the class of 
1872. He is now practicing in Reading. 

D. Z. Bowman was born December 10, 
1854, in Earl township, Berks County; ob- 
tained his education at the Mount Pleasant 
Seminary, Boyertown. He is a graduate of the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons at Balti- 
more, Md., in the class of 1880 ; came to Read- 
ing same year and began the practice of his 
profession. 



fi20 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Feank H. Good was born September 26, 
1855, at Union Forge, Lebanon County ; ac- 
quired a preparatory education in the sciiools of 
liis native place and in tiie Palatinate College 
at Myerstown, Pa. ; read medicine with Dr. J. 
C. C'ooper, of" Lebanon County ; was graduated 
from the Medical Department of the University 
of Pennsylvania in 1878, and has since prac- 
ticed in Reading. 

W. F. MiTiii,ENi5ER(; is a native of Gettys- 
burg, Pa., and is a son of F. A. Muhlenberg, 



Albert J. Cees.sman is a native of Resid- 
ing, born in 1856 ; completed the High School 
course in 1874 ; graduated from the University 
of Pennsylvania in 1877 ; has since practiced in 
his native place. 

George H. Bickel is of German descent, 
his grandfather, Jo.seph Rickol, having settled 
as a farmer in Heidelberg township, Berks 
County. Among his children is Josiali, the 
father of Dr. George H. Bickel. His mother is 
Louisa, daughter of George Hartman, of Bern 




^^^Q/i/ J^u^rr^ J&. /X<-o^^A^_^ 



formerly connected with Pennsylvania College; 
and now professor of Greek in the University 
of Pennsylvania, at Philadel])hia. Dr. Muhlen- 
berg attended Pennsylvania College for a time, 
and afterward entered Muhlenberg College, at 
Allcntown, and was graduated from that insti- 
tution in 1868. He attended medical lectures 
at the University of Pennsylvania, and was 
graduated therefrom in 1872. Since 1873 he 
lias j)ra('ticed his profession in Reading. He is 
surgeon for tiic Pennsylvania Railroad Companv. 



township. Dr. Bickel was born in the latter 
township February 21, 1855, and j>assetl much 
of his 3'outh in that and Spring township, at- 
tending the public schools until his fifteenth 
year, when he removed to Schuylkill County 
and found emploj'ment in tlie mines during the 
summer months, pursuing his studies meanwhile 
in winter. He remained at that point for three 
years, subsequently spending f»iie year at Hazle- 
ton, Jjuzerne County. He next spent two years 
at the Bloomsburi; Xormal Scliool and tiien en- 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



621 



tered the office of Dr. James Y. Shearer, of 
Sinking Springs, as a student of medicine, re- 
maining two years, and was graduated from the 
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 
1878. The same year he located in Rehrers- 
burg, Berks County, where he has since been 
actively engaged in professional labor. He soon 
won the confidence of theconununity and estab- 
lished a large and growing practice. He is a 
member of the Berks County Medicid Society, 
participates in the discussions before that body 
and occasionally contributes to the medical jour- 
nals of the day. Dr. Bickel numbers among 
his most successful cases an operation resulting 
in the removal of an ovarjan tumor in 1883, 
with distinguished physicians as his assistants. 
He has also met with much success in the treat- 
ment of diphtheria. Politicidly he is a Demo- 
crat. He and his wife are members of the Re- 
formed Church of Rehrersburg. Dr. Bickel 
was married, on the 10th of April, 1880, to 
Lizzie, daughter of ^Mlliam ShafFner, of Tulpe- 
hocken townshij). Their chiklren arc Minnie 
May, born May 17, 1881, and (Jeorge Allen, 
June 12, 1885. 

Bernard R. Lke was born December 25, 
1857, at Reading; acquired a preparatory edu- 
cation in the public schools of his native city ; 
attended the Keystone State Normal School 
and St. John's College, at Fordham, N. Y.; 
completed the course at Jefferson Medical Col- 
lege, in Philadelphia, and was graduated there- 
from with the cla.ss of 187iJ. He has since prac- 
ticed in Reading. 

Charles W. Bachman was born in 185G 
in the city of Reading ; attended the public 
schools ; completed the High School course with 
the class of 1 873 and was graduated frona the 
Northwestern College, 111., in 187G. He stud- 
ied medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. W. 
Murray Weidman ; was graduated from the 
Jeifei-son Medical College in 1880. He has 
since practiced in Reading. He served several 
years as secretary of the Reading Medical Asso- 
ciation and of the Medical Society of the County 
of Berks. He has been lately engaged in labo- 
ratory work, and is making careful preparations 
lor the s|)ccial treatment of nervous diseases. 

John W. Hofkma.v, now practicing at .lack- 



sonwald, M'as born September 27, 1858 ; attend- 
ed Boyertown Academy, Washington Hall 
Institute, at Trappe, Montgomery County, and 
then entered upon the study of medicine; after 
gra(tuating from the Jefferson Medical College, 
in 1880, began practicing at Huff's Church, 
where he remained two years ; removed to Gil- 
bertsville, remained one year and tlien took 
charge of the practice of Dr. M. L. Bertolett, 
deceased, at Jack.sonwald. He was appointed 
physician to the Berks County Pri.son Decem- 
ber 10, 1SS4. 

John Ml i/roN M vers was born March 11, 
1859, in Slienaudoah Alum Springs, Virginia, 
and was educated in the schools of his native 
Stiite. In 1875 he began to teach school in 
Lancaster County, continuing in that profession 
four years, when he began the study of medicine 
under the instruction of Di'. J. P. Roebuck, of 
Lititz, and in 1882 w;is graduated from Jeffer- 
son Medical ('olleg(!. He has since that date 
practiced his profession in the town of Werners- 
ville. Dr. Myers, at the last election, was 
chosen president of the Medical Societv of the 
County of Berks. 

John N. Becker was born October 1(5, 1858, 
in Maiden-creek township, Berks County ; came 
to Reading witii his father in 1S(J4; was 
educated in the common sciiools and Brunncr's 
Scientific Academy of Reading; stuilied medi- 
cine with Dr. Adam B. Dundor and was grad- 
uated in medicine from the Jefferson Medical 
College of Philadelphia with the ela.ss of 1882; 
returned to Reading tiie same year and com- 
menced to practice. 

J. Ellis Ki'rtz, son of Dr. Samuel L. 
Kurtz, of Reading, was born in 1858, in Ju- 
niata County, Pa. ; received a preliminary 
education in the schools of Reading; entered 
Trinity College, Connecticut, and thei-e com- 
pleted the fidl academical course, receiving the 
degrees of A.B. and A.M. from that institu- 
tion. He was graduated from Jefferson ]\Iedi- 
cal College with the class of 1880 and has since 
practiced in Reading. 

Calvin K. Young was l»rn in Olcy town- 
.ship; attended the public schools, the Oloy 
Acjid(>iny and Millersville State Normal School ; 
studied medicine under the direction of" Dr. J. 



622 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



S. Ammon, of Reading, and was graduated 
from tlie College of Physicians and Surgeons 
of BaltiiiKire in 1<S80. He then entered the 
phariuaey of his former preceptor, Dr. J. S. 
Amnion, in Reading, where he remained imtil 
1885, when he removed to the mining region in 
Pennsylvania to establish a drug-store. 

James W. Keiser was born at Reading 
September 24, 1860 ; attended the public 
schools, and, at the age of sixteen years, began 



same county, were born the following-named 
children : Thomas, Benjamin, Peter, John, 
Daniel L., Elizabeth (married to George Wal- 
born), Catherine (married to G. Walborn) and 
Mrs. Peter Etris. 

Benjamin Batdorff was a native ol' Lebanon 
County, where his life was spent in the occupa- 
tion of a farmer. He married Esther, daugh- 
ter of Leonard \\"alborn. Their children were 
William, Peter, John, Aaron, Percival, Daniel, 




P?z.'S)- h^- /7a^/5?s;^ 



^^- 



the study of medicine under the instruction of 
Dr. William N. Davis. In 1x82 he was grad- 
uated from the University of Pennsylvania, 
and immediately began to practice in Reading. 
He is secretary of the Pathological Society of 
Berks County. 

Milton D. M. Batdorff is the grandson 
of John Batdorff, who resided in Myerstown, 
Lebanon County, Pa., where he was a citizen 
of much influence, and, at one time, filled the 
office of associate judge of the Lebanon County 
Court. By his marriage to Miss Lauer, of the 



Milton D. M., George, Lepcntina (married 
to Daniel Dierwechter) and Elizaljcth (married 
to John Jones). 

Milton D. M., of this number, and the subject 
of this biographical sketch, was born January 
10, 1844, in Marion township, Berks County, 
and removed when a child to Myerstown, where 
he remained until twelve ycai'S of age, when 
Millersburg became his home. His father having 
died when his son wa.s but a lad, he entered the 
family of his uncle, Dr. D. L. Batdorff, and 
after attending the public schools, learned the 



THE MEDICAL rROPESSIOX. 



623 



printer's trade, which he followed for seven 
years and then began the study of metliuine, and 
s[)ent fi\'e years in preparing himself for his 
imifessioii. He attended the sessions of 18(j6- 
07 at the jMedieal Department of the Universi- 
ty of Pennsylvania, and was graduated from 
that institution in 1867. He remained one 
year in practice with his uncle.and then located 
in Friedensburg, Schuylkill County, remaining 
there four years. Returning to Millcrsburg, he 
was associated as a partner with Dr. D. L. Bat- 
dorlf, and continued this relation until the death 
i)f the latter, in 1872. His son, Henry Bat- 
dorff, pursued his medical studies with the sub- 
ject of this l>iography, and shared his practice 
for two years, since which period he has con- 
tinued alone. Dr. BatdoriF's field of practice 
is extensive, re([uiring long and tedious rides 
tliniiigh iiis own and other townships. His 
jtractico, wiiicii is general, luu-; been a growing 
and successful one. The doctor- is a member of 
Bethel Lodge, No. 820, Independent Order of 
Odd-Fcilows, of Millcrsburg. He is a member 
of the ]{lvangelical Lutiieran Church of lielirers- 
biii-g. Dr. Batdorff was, December 25, 18G8, 
luaiTied to Miss Emma, daughter of David B. 
Lerch, of Miilersburg. Their children are 
William D., Minnie, Henry, Lizzie, Charlotte, 
Eva, Li 1 lie and George. Mrs. Batdorff is a 
memijcr of the Reformed Church of Millers- 
burg. 

EdwakdHottens'I'kin.'— David Hottenstein, 
the grand father of Dr. Hottonstein, studied medi- 



' The Ilottenstein family is recorded in the Vienna 
collection of names as belonging to the Prankish Knight- 
hood. Their origin is traced back to the Foresi of the 
Spessai-d, in Germany, where, a.d. 380, Count Kiedbold 
Von Hottenstein lived. The name signifies "a holy 
stone.'' Tills origin of the name is attributed to the 
fact tliat Kiedbold annually held the great, solemn court 
upon a rock, under a large oak-tree. His wife was 
Ilsseboda, a daughter of a Westphalian count. Kiedbold 
died A.D. 41.5. About a hundred years thei-eafter Alfrid 
Von Hottenstein is stated (o have been then the only 
represeotative of that family. His wife was Anna Von 
Herboldsecke, from Alsace. Alfrid was killed in a battle 
with Frisian warriors, a.d. 538. He had two song, 
Sueno and Percival. Percival died in the monastery at 
Fulda. Sueno was a warrior. Upon the hill where his 
ancestors resided he erected a strong castle, which he 
called Hottenstein. He was married to Hirlanda Von Brem- 
horst. Two brothers, Theobald and Ansgar Von Hotten- 



cine with Dr. Joseph Hirsch, and attended lect- 
ures at the Medical Institute, Philadelphia. After 
obtaining his diploma, he 2>racticed in Berks 
County, and resided on tiie homestead in Max- 
atawny. He was married to Elizabeth Kline, a 
daughter of Richard Kline, of Montgomery 
County. He died in 1848, aged eighty-two 
years, four months and twenty-five days, leaving 
six sous and two daughters, viz. : David, Jacob, 
Daniel, William, Isaac, Henry, Catharine and 
Sarah. 

William liad eight ciiiidren, viz. : David H., 
Charles A., Robert, Henry, Edward, Caroline, 
Sallie \. and Matilda. 

Edward was born October 1, 1831, at the old 
homestead. He first attended the district 
.schools, then went to the seminary under Prof. 
J. Warren Sunderland, at Collegeville, after 
which he stu<li(d medicine under Dr. Ilenrv 
Geiger, of Harieysville, Montgomery County. 

stein, resided in the castle. Ansgar was nuirricd to Wal- 
dine Von Elmfiirt, and died a.d. 887, leaving a son. 
Filbert Von Hottenstein, who at his death left only one 
representative of tliis family, Giselbert, who lived in the 
castle of his ancestors, and wa.'; married to Kunnigumle 
Von Velleres, of the French province of Poitoii. Ho 
ilied A.]). 1317, leaving three sons At the death of his 
two brothers he became sole heir to tlie family possessions, 
and married Lea Von Danncnburg. In 1524 the ancestral 
castle was destroyed by the peasants. Only Kuno Von 
Hottenstein, who was in the German army, survived. He 
married Louisa Von Berg and died in 1563. His two sons 
were Nicholas and Ernst. Ernst, who was m.ayor of 
Essliugin, married nnd left three sous, who emigrated to 
America. One died at Philadelphia ; another moved to 
Lancaster, where his descendants now live ; the third, 
Jacob Hottenstein, settled in Oley township, Berks County 
and is the ancestor of the large family of Hottensteins in 
this part of the State. He removed to Maxatawny in 
1729, leased one hundred and sixteen acres of Caspar 
Wistar for one year, and on November 18, 1729, pur- 
chased the tract for forty pounds. He was married to 
Dorothea Reber ; had four sons— .Jacob, William, David and 
Henry — and two daughters — Dorothea and Maria. The 
original farm of one hundred and sixteen acres, together 
with three hundred and twenty-seven additional acres 
which .Jacob acquired afterwards, are still in the passes 
sion of his descendants. David Hottenstein. the son of 
.Jacob and the great-grandfather of Dr. Edward Hotten- 
stein, resided on the fai'm of his father, which was trans- 
ferred by .Jacob Hottenstein to his sons David and Henry. 
.\fterwards David bought his brother's share. He had 
three sons and two daughters, — Jacob, David, Daniel, 
Catharine and Dorothea. Catharine was married to Jacob 
Grim ; Dorothea died young. 



G24 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



He was graduated from Jeiferson Medical Col- 
lege, 1853, and began [irai^tice iu Maxatawnj', 
where he remained until 1870, when he re- 
moved to Kntztown. He iia.s since been en- 
gaged in his profession in tiiat village. From the 
time lie began to practice his prote.'^sion he has 
met with success, and his business gradually' in- i 
creased until it was .shared by his eldest son. | 
He has made gynecology a specialty, and has 
devoted much study to cases of a chronic na- i 



but Sarah Ann are now living. Dr. Hottenstein 
is a Democrat iu polities. He has been a mem- 
ber of the Borough Council of Kutztown, and 
for a number of years, president of the Board 
of School Directors. He is a member of the 
Medical Society of the county and a member of 
the Reformed Church of Kutztown. 

His son, Elmer K., studied with his father, 
was graduated from the Jefferson Medical 
College in 188;5, and is now associated with his 




/^^^ ^^,^^^^1-^^^^ ^^A^ 



ture. In this fiehl, as well as in his obstetrical 
practice, he has been exceptionally successful. 
Dr. Hottenstein was married, September 18, 
1855, to Sarah Ann, daughter of Jacob Knabb, 
of Oley, born September 10, 1835. Their 
children are Ida C, born September 4, 1 856 ; H. 
Alice E., February 13, 1859; Ivlmer K., Dee. 3, 
1861 ; Edward L., August VI, 1864; Sarah Ann, 
Aug. 5, 1866 ; William J., Aug. 28, 1 868 ; Charles 
A., October 1, 1871 ; Peter D., July 20, 1.S74 ; 
Deborah C, January 14, 1877, of whom all 



father in [)ractice. Edward L. also read medi- 
cine in his fiither's office. 

Sketches of many of the ]ihysicians of this 
County will be found in the townshi[) and 
borough histories. 

Tin-: Mhdical Faculty of Berks County. 
— The first mcHlieal society of the county was 
incorporated, then std^seijuently organized at 
Reading, in the State-House, on Saturday, Au- 
gust 7, 1824, under the name of the "Medical 
Faculty of Berks County." 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



625 



The followiug-named officers were elected for 
the ensuing year : President, Isaac Hiester ; 
Vice-Presidents, C. L. Schleium and John B. 
Otto ; Treasurer, George Eckert ; Recording 
Secretary, Charles Baum ; Corresponding Sec- 
retaries, William J. C. Baum and Edward Hay- 
dock ; Curators, Bernard ^IcNeil and Gerhard 
Bishop. 

According to one of the resolutions then 
jiassed, it would appear that small-pox was then 
in the borough ; and the society having un- 
doubted confidence in vaccination, recommended 
strongly " this mild and safe preventative in all 
cases deemed liable to the infection of that 
loathsome and too often fatal disease." Dr. 
Hiester, upon assuming the duties of the office 
to which he was unanimously chosen, delivered 
an admirable address to the faculty. Among 
other things, he said that this organization was 
the first of the kind in Pennsylvania, excepting 
the College of Physicians and Medical Society of 
Philadelphia. 

This society continued to exist, hold regular 
meetings and annually send representatives to 
the State Medical Society for a period of 
twenty years. On February 23, 1850, the 
society was reorganized and the narae changed 
to the " Medical Society of the City of Reading 
and the County of Berks," with the object of 
cultivating the science of medicine in all its 
collateral branches, to elevate and sustain medi- 
cal character, to encourage a system of jirofes- 
sional etitjuette and to promote mutual improve- 
ment, social intercourse and good feeling among 
the members of the medical profession. No 
person could become a member of this society 
unless he were a graduate of some recognized 
medical college. In 1856 William Herbst 
was president ; Martin Luther, secretary ; and 
Edward Wallace, treasurer. This society con- 
tinued to exist until its disbandment, in 1870. 

The Medical Society of the County of 
Berks. — The society with the above name was 
formed by members of the allopathic school of 
practice on November 22, 1870, on the same 
day that the old Berks County Medical Society 
was disbanded. The organization was effected in 
the office of Dr. J. B. Brooke, 44 North Fourth 
Street, Reading.* Tiie piiysicians present at 



the first meeting were J. S. Ammon, J. Brobst, 
Edward Brobst, J. B. Brooke, George W. 
Byerle, Joseph Coblentz, A. B. Dundor, J. S. 
Hunsberger, S. L. Kurtz, De B. Kuhn, C. 
Kreye, J. M. Matthews, William Moore, J. M. 
Newpher, J. Y. Shearer, J. K. Seaman, J. B. 
Sterley, C. Turner, D. A. Ulrich, Edward 
Wallace, Charles Weber and W. Murray Weid- 
mau. After a temporary organization a resolu- 
tion was passed to the effect that the new society 
be formed for mutual imjwovement in connec- 
tion with the Pennsylvania State Medical Soci- 
ety and the American Medical Association. 

The following resolution was then passed and 
signed by all members present : 

" Hesolved, That members of the Berks Couuty 
Medical Society, and others members of the medical 
profession in good standing in this county and gradu- 
ates of medicine, do hereby associate themselves f^r 
the piirposes set forth iu a preamble and constitution 
of the organization, under the name and title of the 
Berks County Medical Association." 

The constitution and by-laws were adopted at 
a meeting held January 3, 1871. At the same 
time a permanent organization was effected by 
electing William Moore, president ; J. S. Am- 
mon and James M. Matthews, vice-presidents ; 
A\". Murray Weidmau, recording secretary ; J. 
B. Brooke, corresponding secretary ; D. A. 
Ulrich, treasurer; Edward AVallace, J. A. 
Brobst, De B. Kuhn, censors ; and Joseph Cob- 
lentz, curator. At this meeting the name was 
changed from the Berks County Medical Asso- 
ciation to the Medical Society of the County of 
Berks. It was also decided by resolution at 
the same time that the meetings be held bi- 
monthly and that a business meeting shall reg- 
ularly alternate with a meeting for the discus- 
sion of topics relating to the profession. The 
same regulation and order of exercises remain 
in force. 

At the meeting of the society held in Stauf- 
fer's Hall, March 7, 1871, Drs. S. L. Kurtz, 
D. A. Ulrich and Edward Wallace, a committee 
appointed to represent this society at the annual 
meeting of the State. Medical Society, in Phila- 
delphia, reported that they had gained recogni- 
tion from that body, were admitted as mem- 
bers to its sessions, and that the board of censors 



620 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of the State Medical Society had given their 
approval to the constitution and the by-laws of 
the Medical Society of the County of Berks. 

The county society was then in excellent 
working condition and gradually increased in 
membership and influence. It is now an active 
agent in promoting the welfare of the profession 
in the city and county. The meetings are 
largely attended, and interesting and valuable 
discussions of important topics take place. 

The first delegate election of this society to 
send representatives to the American Medical 
Association took place March 7, 1871. The 
delegates were Drs. Kuhn, ^^ ily and Moore. 

On ]\Iay 2d of the same year the following- 
named members were elected delegates to the State 
Medical Society, viz. : Drs. Wallace, "Weidman, 
Kuhn, Brooke, Conrad and J. A. Brobst. The 
society made its first annual visit to the 
County Almshou.se in March, 1871. 

On September 5, 1871, Dr. Brooke offered 
the following, which was passed unanimously : 

" Resolved, That this day and annually hereafter, 
at the meeting in June, five members shall be elected 
as a Sanitary Committee, to whom shall be referred 
all papers read before this Society, for the purpose of 
making selections therefrom to accompany the sani- 
tary report to be made to the State Medical Society." 

The subject of vaccination received the of- 
ficial indorsement of the society during the year 
1872, and the ofBcers elected to serve for the 
ensuing year were Dr. Jos. Coblentz, president, 
and Dr. W. M. Weidman, recording secretary. 

A committee was appointed to solicit contri- 
butions among the members of the society 
toward the Chicago Relief Fund for medical 
men, resulting in the collection of seventy- 
tiiree dollars, which was duly forwarded. 

During the year 1876 the place of meeting 
was changed to Dr. Brooke's ofSce, and the 
officers elected for the year 1876 were : Presi- 
dent, Dr. De B.Kuhn, and Recording Secretary, 
Dr. Israel Cleaver, the latter serving in the 
capacity of secretary for a subsequent period 
of eight years. 

At a meeting held March 12, 1878, a resolu- 
tion was pa.ssed fiivoring the signing of petitions 
to the State Legislature, praying the enactment 
of a law concerning " privileged communica- 



tions " to physicians, whereby the profession 
will be placed on an equality with other pro- 
fe.ssious as witnesses in courts of ju.stice. The 
.society unanimously decided to co-operate with 
other societies to secure the necessary legisla- 
tion. 

Dr. Muhlenberg presented the following 
resolution at a meeting held May 14, 1878, 
which the delegates were instructed to intro- 
duce at the next meeting of the State Societv : 

" Jiesolved, That no member of any county society 
in connection with tlie State Medical Society shall 
admit into his office a student of medicine until he 
present a certificate from an examining committee of 
said society, testifying that he has been duly examined, 
has a good English education, and a sufficient knowl- 
edge of Latin and scientific acquirements to enable 
him to pursue his studies with advantage." 

This rule is now in force throughout the entire 
State. At the next meeting, held July 9th of 
the .same year, the following was presented 
referring to the registration act : 

"Resolved, That the corresponding secretary be 
authorized to seek full information relative to the 
steps to be taken to secure the registration of prac- 
titioners of medicine in the county of Berks, and 
inform the members of this Society of their duty in 
this respect, and otherwise do whatever may be neces- 
sary to the execution of the Act of Assembly requir- 
ing the registration of all practitioners of medicine 
in the State of Pennsylvania." 

At a meeting held ^Nlarch 9, 1880, Dr. Cleaver 
introduced the subject of " Physical Culture " be- 
fore the society, whereupon the following pre- 
amble and resolution were adopted : 

" Whereas, Dr. Israel Cleaver, a member of this 
Association, has recently introduced the instruction of 
children in calisthenics and is now engaged in organ- 
ing a class of adults for the same purpose, therefore ; 

" Resolved, That this Society hereby endorse this 
effort to improve the health of the youth of our city 
by offering them a mode of exercise which is at once 
light, healthful and absolutely free from danger, and 
that the course thus inaugurated is worthy the fullest 
confidence and encouragement of parents and all 
others having an interest in the fullest i)hysical 
development of their wards and children of both 
sexes." 

The .society began to write to medical prac- 
titioners at a distance to lecture upon special 
topics by resolution jjassed September 7, 1880, 
and Dr. E. H. Coover, of Harrisburg, delivered 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



627 



tlie first lecture upou the subject of "Spinal 
Curvature." 

The society changed its place of meeting, by 
resolution passed March 8, 1881, from Dr. 
Bi'ooke's office, where the members met for a 
period of ten years, to the Reading Library 
Building, at Fifth and Franklin Streets. At 
this meeting Dr. Atkinson, of Philadelphia, 
lectured before a number of physicians and 
invited guests upon the subject of " Scarlatina." 

Amendments to the by-laws were added 
during the year 1882, pertaining chiefly to the 
requirements affecting office students, and the 
.society also condemned the practice of copy- 
righting common pharmaceutical preparations 
by registering them as trade-marks. 

The following important resolution was sub- 
mitted by Dr. Coblentz at the meeting held 
November 12, 1883, and unanimously passed : 

" Remlved, That we earnestly request our Repre- 
sentative in Congress to use his best endeavors to aid 
in proi-uiing an adequate appropriation for the erec- 
tion of a suitable building in Washington, D. C, in 
which the National Medical Library and the National 
Medical and Surgical Museum can be advantageously 
arranged and displayed for reference and examination ; 
and that a copy of this resolution, with the compli- 
ments of this Society, be transmitted to Mr. Ermen- 
trout." 

The officers elected to serve for the year 1884 
were Dr. ^Y. G. Beyerle, president, and Dr. 
C. W. Bachman, secretary ; and in the month 
of May, Professor Roberts Bartholow, of Phila- 
delphia, lectured before an audience of over one 
hundred and ten physicians from different parts 
of the county, in Young jNIen's Christian 
Association Hall, under the auspices of the 
County Medical Society. The delegates to the 
State Medical Society, which convened in 
Philadelphia in 1884, consisting of Drs. Bach- 
man, Cleaver, Hertzog, Hunsberger, Lee, 
Schulze, Sterley and Weidman, were instructed 
to vote affirmatively upon the resolution of the 
Philadelphia County Society favoring the crea- 
tion of a State Board of Health. 

The society, at one of its meetings this year, 
also discussed the subject of poisons, the sale 
of which was engaging the popular mind at this 
time, resulting in the following motion : 

" Besolved, That a committee of three be appointed 



to examine into the law governing the sale of pois- 
ons, and that the committee meet with the Druggists' 
Association, of this city, for the purpose of consider- 
ing such action as may prevent or restrict an indis- 
criminate sale of the same." 

The officers elected for the year 1886 are as 
follows : J. !M. jNIyers, of AVernersville, presi- 
dent; Israel Cleaver, of Reading, first vice- 
president ; "W. E. Hunsberger, of Maiden- 
creek, second vice-president; C. W. Bachman, 
of Reading, recording secretary ; Howard S. 
Rie.ser, corresponding secretary ; J. B. Brooke, 
J. Y. Shearer and R. B. Shulze, censors ; W. 
F. Muhlenberg, J. E. Kurtz and I. Cleaver, 
medical examiners, and W. Murray Weidman, 
curator. 

The following is a list of thi' members of the 
society for the year 1886 : 

John A. Brobst, Bernville ; W. George Beyerle, 
Bernville ; L. H. Francis, Boyertown ; James A. 
Hoffman, Centreport ; J. S. Trexler, Kutztown ; Ed. 
Brobst, Leesport ; J. K. Seaman, Lenhartsville ; D. H. 
Hain, Lower Bern ; Wm. E. Hunsburger, Maiden- 
creek ; W. B. Shaner, Mohrsville ; J. B. Rupp, Mull- 
town ; W. D. De Long, Pikeville ; Charles Weber, 
Pricetown ; George H. Bickle, Rehrersburg ; James 
Y. Shearer, Sinking Spring ; James M. Matthews, 
Temple ; M. L. Fritch, Virginsville ; James M. 
Myers, Wernersville. 

The other members reside in the city of 
Reading; their names are as follows : 

C. W. Bachman, John M. Becker, J. B. Brooke, 
Israel Cleaver, A. B. Dundor, Frank H. Good, J. S. 
Hinnershotz, J. W. Keiser, Samuel L. Kurtz, J.Ellis 
Kurtz, B. R. Lee, C. G. Loose, Martin Luther, W. F. 
Muhlenberg, H. M. Nagle, A. S. Raudenbush, H. S. 
Rieser, M. A. Rhoads, R. B. Schulze, J. B. Sterley, 
W. Murray Weidman. 

The Pathological Society. — This so- 
ciety, from whose membership is furnished the 
medical staf!' of St. Joseph's Hospital, was or- 
ganized May 10, 1871. Dr. D. L. Beaver was 
chosen first president ; B. F. Bunn and Martin 
Luther, vice-presidents ; M. Albert Rhoads, 
secretary and treasurei'. The society, since its 
organization, has held its luonthly meetings in 
the offices of different members. The officers 
for the year 1886 are as follows : M. A. Rhoads, 
president ; S. C. Ermentrout and H. Landis, 
vice-presidents ; James W. Keiser, secretary and 
treasurer. The membership of the society is 



628 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



limited to a certain number. Some of the orig- 
inal members and those of a later date are Mar- 
tin Luther, D. L. Beaver, E. R. Scholl, S. P. 
Heckmau, M. A. Rhoads, H. Landis, John G. 
Kalbach, J. X. Stephens, H. M. Xagle, D. He- 
ber Plank, B. 1). Bunn, D. Breidenbaugh, T. 
A. Dunkel, J. M. Hoffman, Frank Rieser, A. 
J. Cressman, James W. Kciser, M. Wuelfingh, 
Frank H. Good, M. L. Weiger and C. G. 
Loose. The medical staff of St. Joseph's Hos- 
pital for the year 188G is composed of the fol- 
iowiug-uamed physicians of this society : Mar- 
tin Luther, D. L. Beaver, Henry Landis, H. 
M. Nagle, S. C. Ermeutrout, M. Wuelfingh, 
A. J. Cressman, James W. Iveiser and Frank 
H. Good. 

The Reading Medical Associatiox. — On 
the evening of May 27, 1850, Drs. William 
Gries, John P. Heister, D. L. Beaver, C. 
H. Hunter, L. L. Stewart and Edward Wallace 
met at the office of Dr. Hunter and organized 
" The Reading Medical Association," adopt- 
ing a constitution and by-laws, electing to mem- 
bership Dr. Peter F. Nagle and choosing officers 
as follows : President, Dr. William M. Gries ; 
Vice-President, Dr. John P. Hiester ; Record- 
ing Secretary, Dr. Edward Wallace ; Corresjioud- 
iug Secretary, Dr. L. L. Stewart ; Treasurer, Dr. 
Charles H. Hunter. 

Of the gentlemen who thus projected this or- 
ganization. Dr. Beaver alone survives. 

The usual purpose of such organizations, viz., 
the fostering of professional intercourse and 
couse((uent increase of knowledge, the preserv- 
ing of a code of medical ethics and the conserv- 
ing of everything of interest and benefit to the 
profession in the city of Reading, is expressed 
in the preamble to their constitution. For 
reasons not on record, there appears to have 
been no meetings from 1854 to September 12, 
1859, when a move for reorganization was made 
and effected at the next meeting, held October 12, 
1859. Again, for unrecorded reasons, a hiatus 
in events occurs. The last minute of this 
second organization bears date of January 24, 
18(30. 

On July oO, 1867, a preliminary meeting was 
held, a third organization effected, a new con- 
stitution and by-laws adopted and on August 



14th, the officers elected were: President, Dr. 
Peter F. Xagle; Vice-President, Dr. Charles 
Hunter ; Secretary, Dr. W. Murray Weidman ; 
Treasurer, Dr. Martin Luther ; Censors, Drs. 
Wallace, Brooke and Beaver. From that time 
to the date of this writing (January, 1880,) the 
association has had no more attacks of no quorum 
catalepsy. 

The present members are as follows : Presi- 
dent, Dr. Israel Cleaver ; Vice-President, J. B. 
Sterley ; Secretary, R. B. Schulze ; Treasurer, 
S. L. Kurtz ; Curator, W. Murray Weidman ; 
Censors, Drs. Schulze, Brooke and Raudenbush, 
also Drs. Bachman, Dundor, J. E. Kurtz, 
Loose, Muhlenberg and Reeser. 

At all the meetings, business usual to medical 
societies was transacted, and made the occasion 
of much pleasure and profit. But in addition 
there was an interest, having this association as 
its mainspring of action, that caused its mem- 
bers many misgivings, demanded personal 
sacrifice and here and there provoked antago- 
nisms, and which interest, while wrapped up in 
the transactions of the a.ssociation, requires sepa- 
rate treatment for its consecutive presentation. 
Besides, it is the great work of the association in 
its past, and not likely to be overshadowed by 
anything it may accomplish in the future. 

At the meeting of Xovember 11, 1867, it 
appears there was read a communication from 
the Berks County Medical Society, embracing a 
proposition of establishing a hospital in the city 
of Reading. A committee, consisting of Drs. 
Brooke, Beaver and Luther, was appointed to 
consider the subject aud report at next meeting. 
This led to the choosing of sixteen gentlemen 
representing the various business interests of 
the city, who should be asked to serve as a 
board of managers for the proposed hospital. 
These gentlemen, acting in conjunction with the 
Medical Association, agreed to institute a disjjen- 
sary service in a small rented building, in 
which should also be placed a few beds for the 
reception of in-door patients, the medical staff" to 
be chosen from the Reading Medical Associa- 
tion. The Association submitted a draft of 
rules and regulations for the government of the 
dispensary, to which the managers agreed, and 
which formed suljstantiallv the articles of the 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



G29 



cliarter of incorporation, a prere(jnisite to which 
was also the incorporating of the Medical Asso- 
ciation. Jauuar}' the 28th, 18(iS, was fixed as 
the dav for opening the building for hospital 
and dispen.sary service. From this time for- 
ward the records of the Medical Association, 
saving what relates solely to medical topics, 
read like those of a board of managers of a hos- 
pital. Aud such they really were of necessity, 
because of the difficulty of regularly convening 
the board of managers, many of whom business 
withheld from due attention to this work. 

Illustrative of how much this enterprise was 
dependent upon the Medical As.sociation, a few 
facts are cited. At first the b(jard of managers 
was compo-sed entirely of gentlemen from the 
laity. Gradually so difficult did it become to 
convene a quorum of that body that in April, 
1872, .seven resigned and their places were sup- 
plied by seven others chosen from the association. 
Just previous to this time the financial distress 
of the hospital service was so great that the 
necessity for its closure became imminent. At 
this juncture the following resolution was 
imanimously adopted at the meeting of March, 
1872, viz. : " That the members of this associ- 
ation will hold themselves individually and col- 
lectively responsible for the debts of the Read- 
ing Dispensary for three months from April 1, 
next." 

Notwithstanding this burden, when the Sisters 
having charge of a charity, corner of Ninth aud 
M'alnut Streets, asked by note, May, 1872, the 
professional aid of the association, it was 
promptly tendered. In 1873 the association 
was approached, relative to taking charge of St. 
Joseph's Hospital, just organized. The answer 
given w^as substantially that, as a body, they 
could not formally accept such duty, but as in- 
♦lividuals they would cheerfully serve. This 
answer appears to have failed reaching E,ev. 
Father Borneman in due time, by reason of 
which other physicians were selected. 

In 187(3 the financial support from the com- 
munity became so low that the hospital work 
\vas suspended and dispensary and out-door ser- 
vice only prosecuted. 

The minutes of the association show that 
this step was previously determined upon in 



that body, as a temporary expedient, until with 
improved financial status, a hospital building 
could be erected on the grounds already secured, 
a purpose which was never abandoned. 

Comment upon all this is unnecessary, except 
that its prompting la}' in that spirit of all hon- 
orable physicians by which they habitually ad- 
minister to the indigent sick. 

Is it not safe to say that but for the Reading 
Medical Association, the Reading Hospital, 
at this writing almost completed, would have 
no existence ? Nay, more, is it not probable 
that this faithfulness to a cause was provocative 
to the other benevolent enterprises that subse- 
quently sprung into existence in this city? 

(The history of this a.ssociation was very 
kindly furnished by Dr. Israel C. Cleaver.) 

HOMCEOPATHY. 

The founder of homreopathy, Samuel Hah- 
nemann, was born Ajjril 10, 1755, at Meissen, 
in Cur-Saxony, one of the regions in Germany. 
He passed several years at the Stadtschule, and 
at the age of sixteen began to attend the Fiir- 
stenschule of Meissen, where he remained eight 
years. His parents were poor, but his inherent 
thirst for knowledge induced his in.structors to 
give him the advantages of an education with- 
out paying the usual tuition fees. In 1775 he 
entered the University of Leipsig, where he 
raised enough money to spend two years in 
study, by giving lessons as a tutor and making 
translations into German. He took his degree 
of Doctor of Medicine at Erlangen August 10, 
1779. He spent ten years in the practice of 
his profession at different places, and in 1789 
returned to Leipsig, where he soon became fav- 
orably known for his knowledge of medicine, 
chemistry, mineralogy and the kindred sciences, 
and for many important discoveries which gave 
him widely-spi'ead reputation. In pursuing 
his investigations he became dissatisfied with 
the state of medical science around him. He 
claimed that it was imperfect, and then began 
to elaborate a new system of medicine which he 
termed homceopathia, which is derived from the 
two Greek words, homoios (similar) and pathos 
(feeling or suffering). He tested the use of a 
number of drugs, convinced himself and ad- 



630 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



vanced it as a theory, that a remedy which 
would cure a certain disease would also pro- 
duce a disorder very similar to that disease in 
a healthy person, and that the converse was 
equallv true, — i. e., that a drug which produced 
a certain disease in a healthy body M'ould cure 
it in a sick one. He tested drug after drug on his 
own person, carefully noting the minutest ef- 
fects produced and comparing them with the 
svmptoms of well-known diseases. He in- 
duced some of his fi-iends to join him in these 
tests or proviugs, and, by mutually comparing 
notes, certain positive facts and a code were 
established. This was the origin of the famous 
axiom, similia simiUbus curantw. Many Ger- 
man physicians tested the principles of Hahne- 
mann, and afterwards advocated them. The 
founder of this new system of medicine, 
after he had attained the age of forty-five 
years, lived in complete self-abnegation and en- 
dangered his own physical constitution in test- 
ing the system he was promulgating. In the 
mean time he wrote ten volumes of the " Ma- 
teria Medica Pura," and effected some remark- 
aide cures on persons of eminence in promul- 
gating the theory of minimum closes. His 
greatest work is entitled the " Organon of Ra- 
tional Medicine," which has always been, and 
doubtless will continue to be, a text-book of the 
homoeopathic profession. In 1805 he published 
a little work on the " Positive Effects of Medi- 
cine." In 1831 he rendered efficient service 
during the time the cholera raged so violently 
in Eastern Europe. In 1836 he left Leipsig 
and resided for fifteen years with the Duke at 
Coethen, perfecting his system by experiments 
and in the treatment of the sick of many fami- 
lies of the nobility. 

During his residence at Coethen, when, in 
his eightieth year, he married Mademoiselle 
D'Hervilly Gohier, a member of one of the 
prominent families of France. She had been 
cured by him of a dangerous malady. The 
marriage was somewhat romantic, inasmuch as 
she was forty-five years his junior. Soon after 
this event he and his wife removed to Paris, 
where he spent the remainder of his years, and 
died July 2, 1844, at the advanced age of 
eighty-nine years. He was of slender form 



and diminutive stature. His head was large 
and his forehead well-proportioned. He was 
known by his cotemporaries as a man of fine 
intellect. 

Early History of Hojiceopathy in 
Berk.s County. — In the year 1838 homceop- 
athy was first made known to the people of 
Reading and Berks County by Dr. Adolph 
Lippe, who spent a year or two in practice here, 
being followed by Dr. Moore, who remained two 
years or longer and then removed to Philadel- 
phia. Dr. John H. Behne located at Reading 
in 1840, and remained until his death. Dr. 
Caspari j^racticed in the city also for a few 
months in 1843. In 1854 Dr. George R. 
Starkey began practicing in Reading, and suc- 
ceeded in establishing houKeopathy among the 
English-speaking residents of the place. He 
left the city in the spring of 1857, and went to 
Philadelphia, where he became professor of 
surgery in the Hahnemann Homceopathic Col- 
lege of that city. He was followed in Reading 
by Dr. R. Sargent, who remained two years. 
Dr. B. R. Bratt, who was graduated from the 
Hahnemann College, at Philadelphia, in 1858, 
succeeded Dr. Sargent. He died January 31, 
1872. Dr. E. H. Spoouer, a graduate of 
Amherst College, Mass., two years a student of 
theology at Princeton, a soldier in the Union 
army from 1862 to 1865, and a graduate of the 
Homoeopathic Col'ege of New York, in the class 
of 1869, located in Reading the year of his grad- 
uation. He afterward moved to New York City. 
He has written several articles for the New 
Enghind Iledical Gazette. Dr. David L. 
Dreibelbis, born in 1842, was educated at the 
Union Seminary, of New Berlin, Pa. ; taught 
school for four years ; studied medicine with Dr. 
G. A.Detweilerandattended lecturesin Philadel- 
phia and was graduated in 1865. He practiced 
in Reading until his death in 1872. Dr. S. L. 
Dreibelbi.s, a younger brother, and a graduate of 
the Halniemann Medical College of Philadel- 
phia, class of 1871, took the practice of his 
brother. 

Dr. John H. Helfrich, son of Rev. John 
Helfrich, who was one af the pioneers of 
homceopatliy in this county, practiced for a 
number of years in Kutzt(jwn and then removed 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



631 



to Alleutown. Dr. R. F. Krebs practiced from 
1857 to 1874 in the borough of Hamburg, and 
then moved to Reading, where he continues in 
his profession. Dr. Frederick Isett and Joseph 
Hatzfield, former students of Dr. Krebs and 
both graduates of the Hahnemann College of 
Philadelphia, succeeded their prece})tor at Ham- 
burg. Dr. L. R. Lentz is now practicing at 
Fleetwood. Dr. Robert May, a graduate in 
medicine from the Pennsylvania College, for a 
while practiced the allopathic system in this 
county. About 1840 he took up the study of 
homoeopathy, and lectured upon it through 
Chester and Berks Counties. He lived near the 
dividing line of these counties, and attended the 
sick over a large territory in both. His widow, 
Elizabeth May, who studied medicine and 
practiced to some extent before her marriage, 
continued the practice of her husband, who died 
in 1865, and, notwithstanding violent opposition, 
she succeeded admirably in the professiou. 

The Berks and Schuylkill County Honiceo- 
pathic Medical Society was founded by Drs. 
Cliarles Haesler, of Pottsville, B. R. Bratt, of 
Reading, and R. F. Krebs, of Hamburg, in 
1870, at the office of the last-mentioned physi- 
cian. The membership increased, and regular 
meetings were held for a number of years, but 
it finally ceased to exist. 

The names of the other physicians of the 
homreopathic school of a later date, to practice 
in this county, with the college from which they 
were graduated, will be found in list of regis- 
tered physicians in this chajiter and in the 
biographies which follow this history. 

The HAHXE>rAxx Medical Society. — 
The Hahnemann Medical Society of Reading 
was organized November 23, 1882, in the office 
of Dr. S. R. Rittenhouse, No. 38 South Fourth 
Street. The physicians who originally formed 
the society were F. R Schmucker, W. F. 
Marks, S. L. Dreibelbis, S. R. Rittenhouse, E. 
Z. Schmucker, J. G. Grosscup, Theodore Pach- 
ali and C. B. Jennings. The first officers were 
as follows : S. R. Rittenhouse, president ; F. 
R. Schmucker, vice-president ; C. B. Jennings, 
secretary ; S. L. Dreibelbis, treasurer ; E. Z. 
Schmucker, W. F. Marks and J. G. Grosscup, 
censors. Since the organization of this society 



L. J. Knerr, W. A. Haman, D. C. Kline, J. S. 
Rittenhouse, R. F. Krebs and R. A. Shollenberger 
have been admitted to membership. The so- 
ciety holds its meetings monthly at the office of 
Dr. J. S. Rittenhouse, for the purpose of dis- 
cussing topics j)ertaining to the profession and 
for general business. During the year 1886 
Dr. Pachali was president and Dr. Jennings 
secretary. 

BIOGRAPHIES OP HOMCEOPATH ISTS. 

Adolph Lippe, one of the most celebrated 
homceopathists in this country, and who intro- 
duced the system in Berks County, was born iu 
Germany May 11, 1812, and is the oldest son 
of the late Count Ludwig and Countess Au- 
gusta zur Lippe. He was graduated from one 
of the higher institutions of Berlin ; emigrated 
to the United States iu 1839, and received the 
degree of Doctor of Medicine iu 1841 from 
the Homreopathic ^Medical Academy at Allen- 
town. He began the practice of medicine in 
Reading, where he remained two years and then 
moved to Carlisle, Pa., where he won distinc- 
tion as a practitioner, by means of which he 
was induced to locate in Philadelphia, and there 
gained great popularity. He filled the chair of 
Materia Medica in the Homreopathic College of 
Pennsylvania from 1863 to 1868, and during 
that time translated valuable German, Italian 
and French homteopathic essays and treatises 
that are now standard in English. He adopterl 
homreopathy after a careful examination into 
its merits, believing it to be progressive, and, 
having devoted the best years of his life to its 
practice, he defended that school of medicine in 
its infancy, and nursed it through a crescent 
youth. He seems to have had the rare pleasure 
of witnessing the realization of his best hopes in 
observing his system of practice have a popular- 
ity, to which his own labors have contributed a 
full share. He is a resident of Philadelphia. 

John Henry Behne was born in Nord- 
hausen, Prussia, in the year 1800, attended 
different universities of Germany, and was 
graduated in medicine at Wuertzberg, Bavaria. 
He came to America in 1840, and located in 
Reading the same year as an allopathic phy- 
sician. Soon after arriving here he foi'med an 



G32 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



intimate acfiiiaiutaiice with Dr. Lippe, then 
residing in tliis city, who persuaded him to 
study and practice liomceopathy. Dr. Behne 
was a gentleman of literary culture, of fine per- 
sonal appearance, easy and graceful in his man- 
ners, and })i)ssessed many personal traits which 
soon won him numerous friends. He was be- 
loved by the Germans. He enjoyed a large 
and lucrative practice, and was the family 
physician of many of the wealthiest families of 
Reading. Many patients came to him from 
different parts of the State for medical treat- 
ment. He was, for many years, an active 
member and secretary of Germania Lodge, Xo. 
53, I. O. O. F. 

Dr. Behne was twice married. His firet 
wife, whom he married in Europe, died in 
Reading soon after he located in the city. 
Tiiey had one child, Gustavus, an artist of fine 
ability, who is now in Munich, Germany. 
Many of his paintings adorn the homes of 
citizens of Reading. 

Several years after the death of his first wife. 
Dr. Behne married Miss Zabel, of Xew York. 
After spending many years of usefulness in 
Reading, attending to the wants of the sick and 
taking an active interest in the prosperity of the 
city, he died August 1, 1876. 

Few Germans who came to America were as 
deeply interested in the prosperity of their adopted 
country as Dr. Behne. Many people of Read- 
ing now living have a very tender recollection 
of his many virtues.* 

George R. Starkey, one of the early 
homoeopathists of Reading, was born in Vassal- 
bnro', Maine, June 23, 1823, and spent the 
early years of his life on a farm. When he 
reached the age of fourteen a benevolent 
(Quakeress interested herself in his behalf and 
had him admitted into the Friends' Boarding- 
School at Providence, Rhode Island. He there 
oiitained a preparatory education and afterward 
engaged in teaching. He was graduated from 
AVaterville College, IMaine, in 1848, and from 
the Homreopathic Medical College at Phila- 
delphia in 1855. Immediately after his gradua- 
tion in medicine he came to Reading, where he 
remained two years, having at the time of his 
removal to Philadelphia, in 1857, a large 



number of prominent families on his visiting 
list. lu June, 1860, Dr. Starkey was elected to 
the chair of anatomy in the Homceopathic 
jNIedical College, and the year following was 
called to the chair of surgery in the same insti- 
tution. This position he filled four years. In 
1869 he retired from the medical institution 
and became deeply interested in the compound 
oxygen gas treatment, as a specialty for the 
cure of chronic disease, and thereafter re- 
linquished his general practice, meeting with 
success in administering this new agent. He is 
now in Philadelphia. 

John Helfrich was a clergyman and also 
one of the first homoeopathic physicians of 
Lehigh County. Late in life he was graduated 
from the Homceopathic Academy atAllentown, 
which was founded in 1835 and had a brief 
existence. For a number of years he practiced 
medicine at Kutztown. His son, J. Henry 
Helfrich, a graduate of the Pennsylvania ]\Iedical 
College in the class of 1846, practiced in Lehigh 
County until 1866, when he also moved to 
Kutztown, where he practiced homoeopathy for 
eleven years, and returned then to Allentown. 
Rev. John Helfrich, in 1849, published a work 
in German on homoeopathic veterinary practice. 
It was the first book of its kind published in 
America. 

Samuel R. Rittexhouse was born near 
Trappe, Montgomery County, Pa., January 16, 
1832. His parents were Jacob D. and Mary 
Reiner Rittenhouse, who resided on a farm in 
the above county. The father died of apoplexy 
April 17, 1843, in his sixty-first year. His 
paternal ancestors emigrated from Holland in 
1690 and established at Germautowu, Pa., 
the first paper-mill in America. Dr. Ritten- 
house, after the completion of his preparatory 
education, entered the University of Pennsyl- 
vania, where he was graduated in 1 858. He at 
once began jiractice as an allopathic physician 
near Trappe, Pa., and in the autumn of the 
same year returned to Philadelphia, where he 
attended another course of lectures at the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania and enjoyed the advan- 
tage of the clinics at the Pennsylvania Hos- 
pital. In 1854 lie entered into partnership 
with Dr. Lesher Trexler, at Longswamp, 




CV^^/£^^WW.i.^£^ o^.^ 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



633 



Berks County, with whom he slmred a large 
and reiuuuerative practice. During the year 
1855 lie wa.s witness to such marvelous results 
from the treatment under the homceopathic .sys- 
tem in several cases of disease, that, despite his 
prejudice against it, he was induced to give it a 
patient and careful investigation. After thought- 
fully reading the " Organon " and studying the 
Homoeopathic Materia Medica, he tested the 
medicines used in the practice of homceopathy 
and became thoroughly satisfied with the truth 
of the foundation principle of Hahnemann — 
shiiilia siinilibus curantur. He has since that 
time devoted himself with zeal to the new sys- 
tem. In 1857 he removed to Millerstown, Le- 
high County, Pa., where for twelve years he 
wa.s engaged in an extensive practice. During 
his residence there he was married to Miss Anna 
Maria Shaffer, daughter of John and Hannah 
Shaffer, of Macungie, Lehigh County, Pa. 
Their children are Jacob S., Annie S. and Han- 
nah S. Jacob S. Rittenhou.se began the study 
of medicine with his father, entered the Hahne- 
mann Medical College, Philadelpiiia, in the fall 
of 1882, was graduated in the spring of 1885, 
and then associated with his father in practice. 
Owing to ill health caused by overwork in at- 
tending to a large practice Dr. Rittenhouse left 
Miller.stown for Reading October, 1868, where 
he has since resided. He was a member of the 
Homceopathic Society of Berks and Schuj'lkill 
Counties during its existence, is a member of 
the Homosopathic Society of Pennsylvania, the 
Hahnemann Medical Society of Reading and 
the Reading Society of Natural Sciences. He 
has lieen a contributor to various medical jour- 
nals. During the late war he was an enthusi- 
astic advocate of the cause of the Union and 
contributed numerous articles to the local papers 
designed to inspire patriotism among the people. 
In the year 1863 he was the Republican candi- 
date of his di.strict in Lehigh County for the 
Legislature. Since the close of the war he has 
given no attention to politics but has devoted 
his entire time to the duties of his profession. 
In 1873 he was appointed examining surgeon 
for the U. B. Mutual Aid Society of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Rudolph F. Kreb.s was born May 28, 1832, 



at Glatz, in the jirovince of Silesia, Pru.ssia. 
He attended the government schools, then en- 
tered the gymnasium and continued in the LTni- 
versity of Breslau. He wa.s graduated in medicine 
from the University of Prague, Austria, in 
1855. Soon thereafter he came to America and 
located at Boston, Ma.ss., and practiced medicine 
in that city one and a half j-ears. The climate 
there did not agree with him ; he concluded to 
go South. Stopping, on his way southward, at 
Reading, he' was induced by Drs. Behne and 
Starkey, then here, to remain in this county ; 
whereupon, he located at Hamburg, in 1857, 
and established himself in a practice, which he 
continued there until 1884, when he removed 
to the city of Reading. 

Dr. Krebs is a man of fine scholastic and 
professional attainments. He has practiced 
homceopathy in Berks County longer than any 
other physician now living in this county. 

Ben.jamin R. Bratt was born in 1836, of 
English ancestry, at Boonetown, N. J. His 
preparatory education was obtained in the public 
schools ; he completed the literary course at Al- 
legheny College, Meadville, Pa., and was grad- 
uated in 1855. He then entered the office of an 
homfpopathic physician in the city of Pittsburgh, 
and, in 1858, received the degree of Doctor of 
Medicine at the Hahnemann Medical College, 
of Philadelphia, after attending two full courses 
of lectures. 

The same year of his graduation he located 
in Reading, where he soon met with success, 
and assiduously and conscientiously attended to 
a large practice. He was a physician of ac- 
knowledged skill and ability, of superior intel- 
ligence, generous impulses, magnetic presence 
and great tenderness of heart. A dangerous 
malady caused his premature death before he 
had arrived at middle age, on January 30, 1872. 
A widow and one child survived him. Mrs. 
Bratt was afterward married to M. Henry Con- 
nard, Jr., of the firm of Dougla.ss & Connard, 
jiroprietors of the Reading Bra.ss Works. 

AA'iLi.iAM F. Marks is of German parent- 
age. His father, Elias Marks, lived at West 
Lcesport, Berks County, where he was em- 
ployed by the Schuylkill Canal Company, and, 
subsequently, entered the army, served during 



634 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the iirst year of the Civil War and died of a 
disease eoatraeted wiiile in the service at the 
Meiupliis hospital in Memphis, Teun. His 
wife, Catharine Fink, was among the victims of 
a freshet in the Schuylkill River in 1850. Mr. 
and Mrs. Marks had six children. Caroline, 
Nellie and Jonathan met the fate of their 
mother in 1850. The survivors ai-e Kate, 
(married John Bossier), Sarah (married to Mr. 
Speicker), and Dr. William F. Marks, who was 



years engaged in teaching, which was varied by 
work upon the farm in summer. He also at- 
tended the Normal School at Kutztown. He 
began the study of medicine in the office of 
Dr. A. J. Dundore, of West Leesport. After 
attending the first course of lectures at the 
Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, he 
entered the office of Professor Koch of that 
citv, meanwhile giving his services to the dis- 
pensary and attending a special course at the 




/ 





born April (J, l>i4(), at Leesport. Having been 
deprived of a mother's watchful and tender 
care at the age of four years, he was adopted by 
Jacol) Rieser, a farmer, who resided near Lees- 
port, and whose atfectionate interest greatly 
supplied the loss he had sustained. Here he 
remained until eighteen years of age, meauwliile 
attending the district school when not recpiired 
to assist in th(? labor of the farm. He later 
became a pupil of the Freeland Seminary, at 
Collegeville, Pa., and for the three succeeding 



Philadelphia School of Practical (Obstetrics anil 
Diseases of Women. He was graduated on the 
3d of March, 18(39, from the Hahnemaun 
Medical College, Philadelphia. The same year 
he began the practice of his profession at lices- 
jKirt, and, in January, 1871, desiring a larger 
fiekl of lubar, removed to Reading, where he 
has since resided. With a view to greater pro- 
ficiency in his practice, he, in 1879, took a 
special course on diseases of women under Pro- 
fes.sor Ludlam at the Hahnemann Medical Col- 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



635 



lege, Chiciigo. He has made diseases of 
women a specialty, his extensive training having 
fitted him for this branch of medical treatment. 
Dr. Marks is a member of the Hahnemann 
Medical Society, of Reading, and a member of 
the citv Board of Heaitii. In politics he is a 
Democrat, and in religion a member of the 
Reformed Clnirch. He was married to Rebecca 
S., daughter of Henry Althonse, on Marcli 11, 
1869. She died November 10, 1879, leaving 
one child, Minnie. His second marriage was 
with Clara B., daughter of Solomon Regan, of 
Reading. They have one child, Edith C. 

Lewis A. Scholi.exberger was born in 
Hamburg, Berks County, October 11, 1843; 
was educated in the public schools of Hamburg 
and at the Franklin and Marshall College, 
Lancaster County. He studied medicine under 
the instruction of Dr. R. F. Krebs, and attend- 
ed the Hahnemann Medical College in Phila- 
delphia, from which institution he was graduat-' 
ed. He practiced for several years in Hamburg, 
and in 1871 removed to Reading. 

Theodor Pachali was born April 10, 
1846, in Lissa, Province of Posen, Prussia ; 
was educated in schools of his native town ; 
graduated in medicine from the University of 
Kiel in Prussia in I860. A.fter graduation he 
was assigned to the Prussian North German 
navy for three years, and to the North German 
steamship Lloyd Line for one year ; came to 
Reading in 1869 and has since practiced medi- 
cine in the city. Dr. Pachali is president of 
tlie Homoeopathic Medical Society of Reading. 

Joseph G. Grosscup was born in Lehigh 
County, Pa. ; acquired his education in the 
Wyoming Seminary at Kingston and jNIuhleu- 
berg College at Allentown, Penna ; studied 
medicine witli Dr. F. J. Slough of Fogelsville, 
and was graduated M. D. fi-oin the Hahnemann 
Medical College at Philadelphia in 1873; prac- 
ticed for three years at Slatington, Penna., came 
to Reading in 1876 ; started the Homceopathic 
Pharmacy at 712 Penn street, also practiced 
his profession until 1883, when he spent two 
years at the New York Post Graduate Medical 
School, returning to Reading in 1884. 

Francis Ritter SfH.MUCKER was born in 
Reading, March 24, 1838 ; received a prepara- 



tory training in the public schools of his native 
city, entered Yale College in 1856, was grad- 
uated from that institution in the class of 1861 
and at once began to i-ead law in the office of 
Charles Davis, Esq., and was admitted to prac- 
tice in the fall of 1862. He next served as 
captain of Company A, onehundred and twenty- 
eighth Pennsylvania Volunteers, a nine months 
regiment, and took part in the battles of 
Antietam and Chancellorsville. At the ex- 
piration of his term of service he entered the 
army a second time as Adjutant of the forty- 
second Regiment of Pennsylvania Militia. Re- 
turning he was married August 31, 1865, to 
^liss Emma C. Young of Allentown, Pa., and 
entered upon the practice of law. He was ap- 
pointed Notary in 1867. After prac- 
ticing law seven years, he took up the study of 
medicine, and was graduated from the Homceo- 
pathic Medical College of New York in the 
spring of 1873. Shortly afterward, he removed 
to Pittsburg, but returned to Reading Novem- 
ber, 1874, where he has since been engaged in 
the practice of medicine. 

Elhaxan Zook Schmucker is descended 
on the paternal side from Swiss ancestors ; his 
maternal ancestry was Prussian. His grand- 
father, Peter Schmucker, resided in Cumrn 
township, Berks County, where he was the 
owner of an extensive tract of land, and devo- 
ted his life to the occupation of a farmer. He 
married Fannie Zook and had two sons, Jacob 
and Isaac. Jacob Schmucker was born April 
2, 1810, in Cumrn township, where his early 
life was spent. He was married to Mary Ann, 
daughter of Jacob and Elizabeth Ritter, and 
had children, — Joseph R., Elizabeth R., Fran- 
cis R., Mary Ann, Peter R., Elhanan Z., 
Emma, Ellen (Mrs. George Bellemere) and 
Clara. Mr. Schmucker after his marriage re- 
moved to Oley township, and was engaged in 
agricultural pursuits until 1845, when he came 
to Reading and engaged in the business of ho- 
tel-keeping until 1861, when he established a 
real estate agency and continued thus actively 
engaged until his death, November 1, 1874. 
His son, the subject of this biographical sketch, 
was born December 17, 1846, in Oley township, 
and removed, when two years of age, with his 



(i3fi 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



parents to Reading. After receiving an element- 
ary training iu the public schools lie entered the 
mercantile business, and was thus engaged for 
four years in liea<ling and Philadelphia. He 
then entered the office of Dr. B. R. Bratt, of 
Reading, as a student of medicine, and was 
graduated from the Hahnemann Medical Col- 
lege, Philadelphia, in 1860. He was the fol- 
lowing summer associated with his preceptor, 
l)i-. Bratt, in the practice of his j)rofession. Dur- 



made a tour through Europe, spending much 
time iu the hospitals of Dublin, Loudon, Paris 
aud Edinburgh. He is a member of the Hah- 
nemann Homoeopathic Medical Society of 
Reading, aud of the American Institute of Ho- 
moeopathy. He has an extended practice, is 
skillful in diagnosis, and has been especially 
successful in the treatment of critical cases. He 
is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of 
Reading. He was married, April 20, 1881, to 





■v^ 



ing the winter of 1871 he attended lectures at 
the New York Homreopathic Medical College, 
from which he received his diploma the same 
year. During this time he was resident physi- 
cian of the college Dispensary and of the Five 
Points Hospital, and one of the staff of physi- 
cians iu the New York Homa?opathic Dispen- 
.sary. In 1871, ou returning to Reading, he 
entered into practice with his jireceptor. Dr. 
Bratt, and continued this relation until the 
death of the latter. In 1879 Dr. Schmncker 



Rebecca, daughter ot Dr. H. H. ^Muhlenberg, 
for many years cashier of the Farmers' National 
Bank of Reading. Their children are Hei-ster 
Muhlenberg (deceased) and Katherine Muhlen- 
berg. 

Samuel L. Dreibelbis was born March 
25, 1848, in Berks County ; attended Lebanon 
Valley College, at Anuville, Lebanon County, 
also the Union Seminary, at New Berlin, Pa. ; 
read medicine in 1868 and in 1869 with his 
brother, Dr. D. L. Dreibelbis, in Reading, and 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



037 



was graduated from the Hahnemann Medical 
College at Philadelphia in 1871 ; returned to 
Reading the same year and entered upon the 
duties of his profession in the city. 

Isaac C. Detweiler was born in Maxa- 
tawny township January 1, 1830; was engaged 
in the practice of dentistry for eight years ; be- 
Ciime a student of medicine, and was graduated 
from the Pennsylvania Homoeopathic Medical 
College in 18G1 ; practiced two years at Kutz- 
town, and in 18G3 came to Reading. 

Aarox C. Detweiler, brother of Drs. 
Isaac C. and Washington C. Detweiler, was born 
in Rockland township April 7, 1847 ; was 
educated in the public schools, Fairview Semi- 
nary and Kutztown State Normal School ; 
graduated in medicine from the Jeifcrson Medi- 
cal College ; began practicing in co-partnership 
with his brother, Isaac C, at Reading. In 
1872, Isaac C. retired, and he continued the 
practice, meeting with great success. On 
July 6, 1883, he and his brother, Washington, 
met an untimely death by drowning in the 
Schuylkill River. They practiced the Homce- 
opathic system of medicine. 

Washington C. Detweiler was born in 
Rockland township, Berks County, November 
22, 18-14 ; studied medicine in the office of his 
brother, Dr. -Aaron C. Detweiler ; was graduated 
]\I.D. from Jefferson Medical College, at Phila- 
delphia ; began practicing in Reading, where he 
met with success, until his untimely death by 
drowning July 6, 1883. 

Thomas C. Strasser was born at Kutz- 
town December 24, 1845 ; attended public 
schools of his native town, Fairview Seminary, 
Keystone State Normal School and Allentown 
Seminary ; was graduated M.D. from the Uni- 
versity of Pennsylvania in 18(37; began practi- 
cing medicine at Pleasant Corner, Lehigh 
County ; moved to Macungie in 1868 ; was 
attending physician to the Lehigh County Hos- 
pital from 1871 to 1878 ; removed to Reading 
in 1885 and formed a co-partnership with Dr. 
Isaac C. Detweiler in the practice of homoeopathy. 

Chester B. Jennings was born March, 
185(), in Reading; attended the public schools, 
and completed the course of the Reading High 
School in 1875; studied medicine with Dr. W. 



F. Marks, of Reading, for two years, and was 
graduated from the Hahnemann Medical Col- 
lege, at Philadelphia, in 1881 ; he is secretary of 
the Homceopathic Medical Society of Reading, 
and has practiced in his native town since 
graduation. 

D.4.VID C. Kline was born September 22, 
1856, in Northumberland County, Pa. ; was 
graduated from the Bloomsburg State Normal 
School, and Dickinson Seminary at Williams- 
port, Pa. ; studied medicine with Dr. F. B. 
Richtstine; graduated from the Hahnemann 
Medical College in 1883; commenced to prac- 
tice at Columbia, Lancaster County ; removed 
to Reading in 1883, where he has since practiced 
his profession. 

L. J. Knerr was born January 4, 1858, 
in Lehigh County ; educated in the public 
schools, the Keystone State Normal and the 
Muhlenberg College, at Allentown; read medi- 
cine with Dr. Constantino Herring, of Phila- 
delphia, and was graduated in medicine from 
the Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia 
in 1880 ; removed to Reading in 1883 ; bought 
the Homoeopathic Pharmacy at 712 Penn Street, 
from Dr. Joseph G. Grosscup. 

William A. Haman was born October 1 6, 
1861, at Pottsville, Pa. ; came to Reading in 
1869; was educated in the public schools; 
studied medicine with Dr. W. C. Detweiler, of 
Reading ; graduated from the Hahnernanu 
Medical College of Philadelphia in 1888 ; has 
since been engaged in the practice of his pro- 
fession at Reading. 

John Ege was born in Dettiugen, Kingdom 
of Wiirtemberg, February 13, 1854; studied in 
the schools of his native country ; came to 
America in 1881 ; attended the Hahnemann 
College of Medicine, Philadelphia, and was 
graduated therefrom with the cla.ss of 1883. 

Levi R. Lentz is of German parentage. 
His father, Stephen Lentz, was born in 1799, 
in North Whitehall, Lehigh County, from 
whence he removed, during the latter portion of 
his life, to Allentown. After following success- 
fully, for many years, his business of builder 
and contractor, he died, in 1867, in his sixty- 
eighth yeai\ Mr. Lentz married Catherine 
Ringer, of North Wliitehall township, and had 



«J38 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



children, — Jcsiah (married to Amanda Scherr- 
er), Hettie (married to Tilghman Freyman), 
Sally Ann (married to Samuel Browu), Stephen 
(married to Ella Hartmau), David, a clergy- 
man (married to Eliza Swope), Caroline (mar- 
ried to Paul Ehret), Lewis H. (married to 
Susan Handwerk) and Levi R. The last-named 
and subject of this biography was born in North 
Wliitehall on December 23, 1S36. He obtained 
such educational training as was afforded in the 
country school, wliich was supplemented by a 
course of study at Allentowu and private in- 
struction under Rev. E. J. Fogies in the higher 
branches. On being thrown, at the age of 
seventeen, upon his own resources, he, a year 
later, apprenticed himself to learn the trade of 
carriage-building. In 1857 he established a 
carriage-factory in the village of Foglesville, 
Pa., and, in consequence of his careful habits 
and patient industry, soon succeeded in building 
up a profitable business. Being studiously in- 
clined, all his leisure moments were spent in the 
perusal of useful books. His thirst for all 
useful knowledge led to his reading several 
medical works obtained from the library of his 
friend. Dr. Helfrich, which resulted in the de- 
velopment of a fondness for the study of medi- 
cine and his final determination to adopt it as 
his profession. Accordingly, in 18(32, he en- 
tered as a student the office of Dr. John H. 
Helfrich. During the winter of 1862-63 he 
attended lectures at the New York Medical 
College and the next season at the Houneopathic 
IMedical College in the same city. He enjoyed 
superior advantages while in attendance at the 
I)e Witt Dispensary, the Bellevue Hospital and 
the Blackwell's Island Hospital. In the winter 
of 1864 and 1865, however, he was graduated 
from the Houneopathic Medical College of 
Philadelphia, and at once began practice at 
Fleetwood. Being the first homceopathic physi- 
cian to locate in that village, he had strong prej- 
udices to overcome, but strict and careful at- 
tention to business, the exercise of an excellent 
judgment and a thorough knowledge of the 
specific action of the homceopathic remedies, 
have enabled him to obtain a profitable and 
constantly increasing practice. 

Dr. Lentz, durins: its existence, was a mem- 



ber of the Berks and Schuylkill County Hom- 
ceopathic Society, is a member of the Alumni 
Association of the Hahnemann Medical College 
of Philadelphia, was for ten years president of 
the school board of the borough of Fleetwood 
and is an active member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, in which he has taken high rank, being 
connected with Huguenot Lodge, No 331, with 
DeMolay Commandery, No. 9, of Reading and 
with Reading Chapter, No. 152. 

In 1869 he married Miss Sarah, daughter of 
Hon. Daniel Koch, of Fleetwood. They have 
one son, — O. G. C. Lentz, born August 26, 1872, 
now pursuing his studies at the Moravian 
School at Nazareth, Pa. 

Medicai- Registkv. — The following is a 
complete list of the physicians of Berks County, 
together with tlie name of the institution 
from which each one was graduated, time of 
graduation and present place of I'esideuce, as 
transcriiied from the medical register in the 
office of the prothonotary : 

Jacob S. Auimoii, Roacling; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began prac. March, 1868. 

Sherman E. Ayars, New Jersey ; grad. from Eclec. 
Med. Coll., N. Y. ; began prac. March, 1884. 

John B. Brooke, Reading ; grad from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, ISoS. 

John A. Brobst, Bernville; grad. fixjm Pa. Coll. ; 
began prac. March, 1857. 

Geo. W. Byerle, Bernville; grad. from Jeff. Coll.; 
began prac. Maivh, 18o3. 

Daniel B. D. Beaver, Reading; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began prac. March, 1871. 

C. W. Bachman, Reading ; grad. from Jeff'. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1881. 

Edward Brobst, W. Leesport ; grad. from Pa. Coll.; 
began prac. March, 18o3. 

Llewellyn D. Beaver, Reading; grad. from Pa. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1841. 

Daniel J. Bowman, Reading ; grad. from Coll. of 
Phys. and Surg., Baltimore ; began prac. March, 
1880. 

Martin L. Bertolette, Jacksonwald ; grad. from 
Univ. of Pa. ; began prac. March, 1878. 

H. W. Bergner, Reading. 

Francis R. Brunner, Bechtolsville ; grad. from Jeff'. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1873. 

John M. Brause, Shartlesville ; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll.; began prac. March, 1873. 

Geo. H. Bickle, Rehrersburg ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1878. 

L. C. Bcrkemeyer, Kutztown. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



639 



John S. Bowman, Boyertown ; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began ])rac. Mari-h, 187S. 

Benj. F. Buun, Birdsboro' ; grad. from Jeft'. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1S4G. 

H. B. Brusstar, Birdsboro ; grad. from Jefl'. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1873. 

Levi G. Batdorff, Mt. .Etna ; grad. from Pa. Coll. ; 
began jirac. March, 1856. 

Henry Batdorff, Millersburg ; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began prac. March, 18(3(i. 

M. D. M. Batdorff, commenced practicing medicine 
March, 1865. 

Charles F. G. Bergner, practicing in Reading since 
March, 1871. 

Jacob Bissikummer, commenced practicing in 
Reading in 1849. 

John P. T. Brunner, Grimsville ; grad. from Belle- 
vue Med. Coll., N. Y. City ; began prac. in 1874. 

Jeremiah K. Bowers. Reading; grad. from Phila. 
American Univ. ; began ])rac. December, 1873. 

John N. Becker, Reading ; grad. from Jeft'. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1852. 

Daniel B. Brobst, Stouchsburg ; grad. from Jeft'. 
Med. Col). ; began prac. March, 1882. 

Henry L. Bollman, Robesouia ; grad. from Jeft'. Med. 
Coll.; began prac. .March, 1884. 

Daniel W. Bortz, New Jeru.salem ; grad. from Coll. 
of Phys. and Surg., Baltimore; began prac. March, 
1885. " 

Israel Cleaver, Reading; grad. from Univ. of Pa.; 
began prac. March, 1863. 

Joseph Coblentz, Reading ; grad. from Univ. of Pa. ; 
began prac. March, 1849. 

Alfred Jamison Cressiuan, Reading ; grad. from 
Univ. of Pa. ; began prac. March, 1879. 

Kilburn H. Cleaver, Reading; grad. from Ontario 
Vet. Coll. ; began prac. May, 1879. 

Owen C.Collins, Mt. Pleasant; began practicing 
medicine in 1867. 

John A. Conrad, Robesonia; grad. from Long Island 
College Hospital ; began prac. January, 1867. 

Calvin K. Christman, Churchville ; grad. from 
Univ. of Pa. ; began prac. March, 1869. 

William F. Christ, Rehrersberg ; began practicing 
in 1871. 

Adam B. Dundor, Reading ; grad. from Jeft'. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1864. 

Darius D. Deppen, Bernville; grad. from Pa. Coll.; 
began prac. March, 1853. 

Washington C. Detweiler, Reading ; grad. from 
Jeft'. Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1877. 

Samuel L. Dreibelbis, Reading; grad. from Hahne- 
mann Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1871. 

Isaac C. Detweiler, Reading ; grad. from Homoeo- 
pathic Med. Coll. of Pa. ; began prac. March, 1861. 

F. P. Dundor, West Leesport; grad. from Jeft'. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1870. 

Aaron C. Detweiler, Reading ; grad. from Jeft'. Med. 
Coll.; began prac. March, 1864. 



Albert R. Durham, began practicing in Reading 
March, 1X69. 

J. F. Dei)pen, Reading; grad. from Univ. of Pa.; 
began prac. March, 1873. 

William P. Deppen, Reading ; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa.; began prac. March, 1876. 

James W. Deppen, Reading ; grad. from Univ. of 
New York ; began i)rac. March, 1850. 

W. N. Davis, Reading; grad. from Jeft". Med. Coll. ; 
began jirac. March, 1860. 

Thos. A. Dunkel, Reading ; grad. from Jeflf. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1865. 

William B. Davies, Reading ; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began prac. March, 1877. 

E. S. Dundore, began practicing in Berks County 
April, 1871. 

Wilson D. Delong, Blandon ; grad. from Univ. of 
Vermont; began prac. March, 1883. 

Darius W. Dundor, Womelsdorf; grad. from Univ. 
of Pa. ; began prac. March, 1879. 

Samuel C. Ermentrout, Reading ; grad. from Univ. 
ofPa. ; began prac. March, 1866. 

John V. Epler, Leesport; grad. from Med. Dept. of 
Pa. Coll. 

George S. Engler, Temple ; grad. from Univ. of Pa. ; 
began prac. March, 1863. 

John Ege, Reading; grad. from Hahnemann Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1883. 

Ephraini Egolf, Athol P. O., grad. from Jeft'. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1884. 

F. W. Frankhauser, Mohnsville, grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1880. 

James A. Fisher, Reading, grad. from Pa. Coll. ; 
began prac. March, 1853. 

Amandus N. Fegley, Spangsville P. O. ; grad. from 
Jeft'. Med. Coll.; began prac. March, 1870. 

Milton H. Fritch, Virginsville; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1871. 

L. K. Francis, Boyertown ; grad. from Univ. of Pa. 
began prac. March, 1871. 

John F. Feick, Strausstown ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1872. 

A. M. Fretz, Fleetwood ; grad. from Univ. of Pa. ; 
began prac. March, 1863. 

A. P. Fegleman, Womelsdorf; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began prac. March, 1884. 

Elias H. Frantz, Reading; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll.; began prac. March, 1873. 

Nicholas K. Fisher, Shoemakersville ; grad. from 
Jeff. Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1883. 

Oliver H. Fisher, Wernersville ; grad. from Coll. 
of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore; began prac. 
March, 1881. 

Frank H. Good, Reading, grad. from Univ. of Pa. ; 
began prac. March, 1878. 

Tobias S. Gerhart, Beckersville P. O. ; grad. from 
Univ. of Pa. ; began prac. March, 1864. 

John B. Griesemer, Reading ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1856. 



640 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



S. Grim Bladeu, Pikeville ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1880. 

W. H. Goodeuough, began to practice in Reading 
in 1866. 

J. G. Grosscup, Reading ; grad. from Hahnemann 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1873. 

F. R. Gerhard, Douglassville ; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began prac. March, 186ii. 

C. R. Gaul, Reading; grad. from Univ. of Pa. ; 
began prac. May, 1884. 

M. O. Greenawald, Shanesville; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began March, 1872. 

Frederick Grander, Reading ; grr.d. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1885. 

Henry S. George, Reading. 

Edward Hottenstein, Kutztown, grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll.; began prac. March, 18oH. 

Geo. E. M. Herbst, Oley P. O. ; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1878. 

W. F. Hertzog, New Jerusalem ; grad. from Long 
Island College Hospital ; began prac. March, 1880. 

W. E. Hunsberger, Maiden-creek ; grad. from 
Jeff. Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1867. 

Isaac S. Herbein, Strausstown ; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1865. 

A. C. L. Hottenstein, Kutztown P. 0. ; grad. from 
Jeff. Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1871. 

Christian N. Hoffman, Sinking Springs; grad. from 
Jeff. Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1862. 

William F. Hoffman, Reading ; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1854. 

J. S. Herbein, Sinking Springs; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll.; began prac. March, 1865. 

J. A. Hatzfield, Oley; grad. from Univ. of Pa.; 
began prac. March, 1862. 

Roswell F. Herman, Douglassville ; grad. from 
Univ. of Pa. ; began prac. March, 1870. 

A. C. S. Herman, Topton ; grad. from Univ. of Pa. ; 
began prac. March, 1881. 

M. A. Hengst, Birdsboro' ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1878. 

S. B. Heckman, Reading; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1868. 

J. S. Hennershotz, Reading ; grad. from LTniv. of 
Pa.; began prac. March, 1881. 

Robert P. Huyett, Temple ; grad. from Jeff .Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1878. 

James M. Hoffman, Reading ; grad. fnmi Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1858. 

David H. Hain, Wernersville ; gi-ad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll.; began prac. March, 1881. 

W. H. J. Hankey, Boyertown ; grad. from Jetf. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1879. 

John C. Hersh, Herefordsville; grad. from Univ. 
of Pa. ; began prac. March, 1876. 

Isaac Halterman, began practicing medicine in 
1848 at Beckersville. 

H. H. Herbst, Reading; grad. from LTniv. of Pa.; 
began prac. March, 1881. 



J. H. Hagerman, began practicing in Alsace town- 
ship in 1871. 

Henry Hageman, began practicing in Reading in 
1853. 

Howard F. Hansell, Reading ; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1870. 

F. B. Hosser, began practicing in Upper Bern in 
1865. 

Harriet Hinkle, Philadelphia. 

James A. Hoffman, Centreport ; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1881. 

William A. Haman, Reading ; grad. from Hahne- 
mann Med. Coll. ; began prac. in March, 1883. 

A. C. Howard, began practicing near Ciettysburg in 
1868. 

John Y. Hoffman, Jacksonwald ; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1880. 

E. K. Hottenstein, Kutztown ; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; beg^;n prac. April, 1883. 

George Hetrick, IMonocacy ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. April, 1885. 

Adam J. Heberly, Kemjiton ; began prac. in Mon- 
roe County in 1870. 

Irwin F. Huff, Kempton ; L'rad. from Univ. of Ver- 
mont ; began prac. June, 1885. 

Joseph F. Isett, Hamburg ; grad. from Hahnemann 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. June, 1870. 

Chester B. Jennings, Reading ; grad. I'rom Hahne- 
mann Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1881. 

John A. Jack, Oley ; grad. from Univ. of Pa. ; be- 
gan prac March, 1862. 

Samuel L. Kurtz, Reading: grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll.; began prac. March, 1854. 

Ellis J. Kurtz, Reading; grad. I'rom Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1880. 

L. De B. Kuhn, Reading; grad. from Univ. of Pa. ; 
began prac. April, 1854. 

Charles W. F. Kreye, Reading ; grad. liom Univ. 
of Berlin, Germany ; began prac. Jan., 1845. 

Rudolph F. Krebs, Reading; grad. from Univ. of 
Prague, Austria, in 18.55, and Homoeopathic .Med. 
Coll. of New York, March, 1874. 

Paul Kreye, Reading ; began practicing in Friedens- 
burg, 1871. 

Elias Kitchin, Broomtieldville ; grad. from Me<l. 
Coll. of Vermont; began prac. June, 1850. 

James W. Keiser, Reading; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began prac. March, 1882. 

D. W. B. Kupp, Gibraltar; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began prac. March, 1882. 

M. H. Keck, Lyons ; grad. from Bellevue Hosp. 
Med. Coll., New York ; began prac. March, 1880. 

L. J. Kuerr, Reading; grad. from Hahnemann 
Med. Col ; began prac. March, 1880. 

D. C. Kline, Reading; grad. from Hahnemann 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1883. 

T. E. Krum, Reading; began prac. in Denver, 
Lancaster Countv. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



641 



Bernard R. Lee, Reading; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1879. 

James B. Lewis, Reading; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began prac. March, 1878. 

George H. Landis, Birtlsboro' ; began practicing in 
Reading in 1851). 

Charles G. Loose, Reading ; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began prac. March, 18G8. 

James C. Livingood, began practicing in Womels- 
dorfin 1841. 

Martin Luther, Reading ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1848. 

Henry Landis, Reading: grad. from Univ. of Pa.; 
began prac. xMarch, 1861. 

Levi R. Lentz, Fleetwood ; grad. from Homoeopathic 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 18(55. 

L. A. Livingood, Womelsdorf; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1854. 

James Lincoln, Birdsboro' ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1878. 

Daniel G. Long, Fleetwood ; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began prac. March, 1875. 

M. S. Long, Mertztown; grad. from Univ. of Pa.; 
began prac. March, 1862. 

T. H. Leidy, Boyertown ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 186!». 

H. F. Livingood, Womelsdorf; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1882. 

E. J. Longhorn, Reading ; began practicing in 1871. 

William F. Muhlenberg, Reading ; grad. from 
Univ. of Pa. ; began prac. March, 1872. 

James 51. Mathews, Temple ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. in March, 1840. 

Henry C. Mohr, 60 North Ninth Street; grad. from 
Jeff. Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1871. 

William F. Marks, Reading ; grad. from Hahne- 
mann Med. Coll., Philadelphia ; began prac. March, 
1869. 

Charles McDonough, attended lectures at Med. 
Dept. of Pa. Coll., 1847-48. 

Daniel McLean, Amity township; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll.; began prac. March, \ST.i. 

William J. Martin, Hamburg; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1881. 

P. D. Marshall, Reading; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1852. 

Elijah Martin, Reading; began practicing in Lan- 
caster County in 1861. 

Ira K. Moser, Birdsboro'; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1880. 

B. H. Markley, Reading. 

Amos B. Miller, Lancaster. 

John B. Mayer, Philadelphia; began practicing at 
Wald, Bavaria, in 1869. 

John Cresap McCoy, Reading; grad. from Univ. of 
New York City; began prac. March, 1879. 

Elam B. Mauger, Manatawny ; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1875. 
.59 



Mathias Mengel, Jr., grad. from Univ. of Pa. ; began 
prac. May, 1885. 

Benjamin Nice, Hamburg; grad from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1877. 

Franklin B. Nice, Hamburg; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll.; began prac. March, 1851. 

Hiester M. Nagle, Reading ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1857. 

Isaac W. Newcomet, Stouchsburg ; grad. from Univ. 
of Pa. ; began prac. March, 1867. 

Howard Y. Neiman, Boyertown ; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; began, prac. March, 1879. 

Jonathan B. Potteiger, Hamburg; grad. from 
Jeff. Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1859. 

James S. Preston, Vinemont P. O. ; grad. from Hy- 
geo-Therapeutic Coll., New Jersey; began prac. 
April, 1873. 

D. Heber Plank, Morgantown ; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa.; began prac. March, 1867. 

William Palm, Reading. 

Theodor Pachali, Reading; grad. from Univ. of 
Kiel, Europe; began prac. April, 1865. 

Henry Palm, Geigertown ; grad. from Pa. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1850. 

Walkers S. Philips, Womelsdorf; began practicing 
in 1869. 

Robert P. Preston, Wernersville ; grad. from Jeff. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. April, 1883. 

Mary Preston, Wernersville; grad. from Women's 
Med. Coll. of Pa. ; began prac. March, 1884. 

Samuel R. Ritteuhouse, Reading ; grad. from Univ. 
of Pa. ; began prac. April, 1853. 

M. A. Rhoads, Reading; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1868. 

W. E. Reifsnyder, practicing in Reading since 
1869. 

Milton S. Richard, Maxatawny P. O. ; grad. from 
Jeff. Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1867. 

M. S. Reber, Shoemakersville ; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began prac. March, 1863. 

H. S. Reeser, Reading ; grad. from Jeff. Med. Coll.; 
began prac. March, 1867. 

Abraham Ruth, Fritztown ; grad. from Pa. Coll.; 
began prac. March, 1841. 

John D. Rupp, Molltown ; grad. from Bellevue 
Hosp. Med. Coll., New York ; began prac. March, 
1877. 

Frank Rieser, Reading ; grad. from Pa. Med. Coll. ; 
began prac. March, 1852. 

John A. Roth, Siesholtzville ; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa. ; began prac. March, 1876. 

Thomas B. Rhoads, Boyertown ; grad. at Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1861. 

W. F. Ross, Wernersville ; grad. from Coll. of 
Phys. and Surg., Baltimore ; began prac. March, 1881. 

J. S. Rittenhouse, Reading; grad. from Hahne- 
mann Med. Coll. ; began prac. April, 1885. 

William Rollman, Geiger's Mills ; grad. from .lelf. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1857. 



642 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Clarence C. Rether, Ceutreport ; grad. from JefF. 
Med. Coll. ; began prac. March, 1884. 

Charles T. Reber, Reading ; grad. from JefF. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1856. 

R. B. Rhoads, Amityville ; grad. from Jett'. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1 857. 

Jame.-n Y. Shearer, Sinking Springs ; grad. from 
Jeff. Med. Coll.; began prac. March, 1862. 

John K. Seaman, Lenhartsville; grad. from Belle- 
vue Coll. Hosp.. New York ; began jirac March, 1869. 

Stanley Smith, Reading ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll. ; began prac. March, 1868. 

John Shoenfeld, began practicing in Reading in 
1861. 

Francis R. Schmucker, Reading ; grad. from Ho- 
moeopathic Med. Coll. of New Y'ork; began prac. 
March, 1873. 

John B. Sterley, Reading ; grad. from Pa. Coll. ; 
began prac. March, 1857. 

C. E. Shoemaker, Reading; grad. from Pa. Coll. 
1860, Bellevue Hosp. Coll., New Y'ork, 1875. 

^V. E. Schlemm, Reading ; grad. from Univ. of Pa. ; 
began prac. March, 1854. 

George AV. Seip, Beading ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Coll ; began prac. March, 1862. 

Albert Simon, Reading ; practicing since 1870. 

E. Z. Schmucker, Reading ; grad. from Hahne- 
mann Med. Co!!., Philadelphia ; began prac. March, 
1870. 

John Stephen, Reading ; grad. from Univ. of Pa.; 
began prac. March, 1846. 

H. W. Swenk, Smithville ; grad. from Bellevue 
Hosp. Med. Col.; began prac. March, 1881. 

Adam J. Schoener, Rehrersburg; grad. from Pa. 
Col.; began prac. March, 1860. 

D. G. Schoener, Reading ; grad. from Pa. Col.; 
began prac. March, 1853. 

Adam Schoener, Rehrersburg ; grad. from Pa. Col.; 
began prac. March, 1840. 

F. L. Sallade, Womelsdorf ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Col.; began prac. March, 1876. 

Frederick Spang, Reading; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Col.; began prac. March, 1860. 

W. R. Stephen, Reading; grad. from Univ. of Pa.; 
began prac. March, 1872. 

Charles Shultze, Reading. 

Erastus R. SchoU, Reading; grad. from Med. Dept. 
of Pa. Col.; began prac. March, 1856. 

J. M. Strohm, Shartlesville ; grad. from Univ. of 
N. Y. City; began prac. March, 1881. 

Aaron Smith, Reading ; grad. from N. Y. Med. 
Col.; began prac. March, 1854. 

C. W. G. Schlemm, Reading ; grad. from Pa. Col.; 
began prac. March, 1848. 

I. N. E. Shoemaker, Kutztowu ; practicing since 
1870. 

C. B. Strohm, Shartlesville ; practicing since 1834. 

R. S. Schweitzer, Shillington ; grad. from Col. of 



Phys. and Surg., of Baltimore, Md.; began prac. March, 
1881. 

John Sclmader, Brecknock; practicing since 1864. 

John Swoyer, Fritztown. 

John H. Spatz, Centreport ; grad. from Pa. Col.; 
began prac. March, 1848. 

Ann Jane Schultze, Reading; practicing since 1862. 

Sarah A. Spare, Philadelphia and Reading. 

W. B. Shaner, Mohnsville ; grad. from Univ. of Pa.; 
began prac. March, 1882. 

S. ^V. Sine, Reading; grad. from Univ. of Pa.; 
began prac. March, 1871. 

R. B. Shulze, Reading; grad. from Jeff. Med. Col.; 
began prac. April, 1883. 

A. A. Stamm, Lower Bern P. 0. ; grad. from Univ. 
of Vt.; began prac. June, 1883. 

Charles Schleifenheimer, Reading. 

E. K. Steckel, Kutztown ; grad. from Hahnemann 
Med. Col.; began prac. April 1884. 

T. A. Strasser, Reading; grad. from L^uiv. of Pa.; 
began prac. March, 1867. 

Wilson M. Snyder, Mohrsville; grad. from Col. of 
Phys. and Surg., Baltimore, Md. ; began prac. March, 
1883. 

L. A. Shollenberger, Reading ; grad. from Hahne- 
mann Med. Col., Philadelphia ; began prac. April, 
1883. 

John S. Tryon, Rehrersburg ; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa.; began prac. March, 1857. 

L. H. Thomjjson, Reading ; grad. from Jeff. Med. 
Col.; began prac. March, 1853. 

Jeremiah Trexler, Kutztown ; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa.; began prac. March, 1853. 

W. D. Trexler, Tipton ; grad. from Bellevue Hosp. 
Med. Col. N. Y. City; began prac. March 1866. 

Jacob Tryon, Rehrersburg ; began practicing in 
1821. 

Samuel M. Todd, Boyertown ; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa ; began prac. March, 1865. 

John A. Tenny, Wernersville ; grad. from Hygeo- 
Therapputic Col.; began prac. March, 1868. 

W. M. Weidman, Reading; grad. fromUniv. of Pa.; 
began prac. March, 1860. 

Cyrus Wanner, Kutztown ; grad. from Univ. of Pa. 
began prac. March, 1875. 

Gerahom Wenger, Leinbach P. O. ; grad. from Pa. 
Col.; began prac. March, 1850. 

M. W. A. Wiilfingh, Reading ; grad. from Univ. of 
Amsterdam ; began prac. July, 1876. 

Charles Weber, Pricetowu ; grad. from Univ. of 
Tubingen, Wiirtemberg ; began prac. May, 1848. 

M. L. Wenger, Leinbach ; grad. from Bellevue Med. 
Col. Hosp., N. Y. City ; began prac. March, 1874. 

Robert Walter, Wernersville ; grad. from Hygeo 
Therapeutic Col., N. J.; began prac. April, 1873. 

Owen H. Wily, Leesport P. 0.; grad. from. Jeff. 
Med. Col.; began prac. March, 1831. 

James F. Wertz, Longswamp ; grad. from Med. 
Dept. of Pa. Col.; began prac. March, 18i)l. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 



643 



Weurich, Lower Heidelberg ; grad. from Univ. 

of Pa.; began prac. March, 1864. 

Peter W. Wertz, Longswamp ; grad. from Univ. of 
Pa.; began prac. March, 1864. 

E. C. L. Walter, Wernersville ; grad. from Hygeo- 
Therapeutic Col.; began prac. March, 1876. 

John E. Wagner, Hamburg; grad. from Bellevue 
Hosp. Med. Col.; began prac. March, 1880. 

Paul B. Waldman ; grad. from Hahnemann Med. 
Col.; began prac. April, 1884. 

C. K. Young, Reading ; grad. from Col. Phya. and 
Surg., Baltimore, Md.; began prac. March, 1879. 

Bartholomew Yeager, Lyons ; grad. from Univ. of 
Tubingen, Wiirtemberg; began prac. Feb. 1848. 

Isaac B. Yeakle, Colebrookdale ; grad. from Univ. 
of Pa.; began prac. March, 1866. 

Philip M.Ziegler, Reading; grad. from Med. Dept. 
of Pa. Col.; began prac. March, 1859. 

Levi Zimmerman, Millersburg; grad. from Jeft". 
Med. Col.; began prac. April 2, 1883. 

DEXTISTItY. 

Dentistry as a profession is of recent origin. 
Its history dates back to half a century ago. 
Prior to that time the study and the care of 
teeth ■were limited to members of the medical 
profession and to the barber. There are many 
persons still living who remember when the 
.scalpel and the forceps were as neces.sary instru- 
ments of the barijer-shop as the shears and the 
razor. The first dental college in the world was 
established in Baltiiuore in 1830, .since which 
date the principles of dentistry have been sys- 
tematized into a .science and practiced as an 
art. Within the ranks of this profession now 
are many representative men of educiition and 
culture. The early practice advocated the use 
of smooth-pointed instruments and non cohe- 
sive gold in filling teeth, whereas serrated in- 
.•^truments and cohesive gold are now largely 
used. Artificial teeth, carved out of ivory, 
involving great expense and labor, were made 
ill America as early as 1780. Formerly the 
plates were made of gold and silver, in which 
the artificial teeth were set, necessarily making 
them heavy and costly. Plates are now made 
artistically by skilled dentists, not only of gold 
and silver, but of platinum, rubber and celluloid. 
Rubber plates were not introduced until about 
1854, and celluloid .still more recently. The 
preservation of teeth by the filling of them is 
a leading part now of the work of the skilled 



dentist of to-day. This profession is well rep- 
resented in the city of Reading and the county 
of Berks by men who are enterprising and pro- 
gressive and who have all modern instruments 
and necessary appliances for artistic workman- 
ship. 

E. Slegel, dentist, is the grandson of Henry 
Slegel, who resided in Fleetwood, where his 
grandfather settled after emigrating to America 
from Germany. He married and became the 
father of the following-named children : 
Samuel, Madalina, Daniel, Sally, Jacob, John, 
Bevey, Kate, Abraham and Solomon. Of this 
number, John was born in Fleetwood in 1802. 
His trade was that of a tailor, although much 
of his life was devoted to farming, his later 
years having been spent in Reading. He mar- 
ried Esther, daughter of Solomon Ely, of 
jNIaxatawny, who.se children are Joel E.; Lu- 
cetta, married to James Dobson ; Eli, Mary, 
married to Jacob Rehrer ; and Sarah, married 
to J. Greiif. Eli Slegel was born November 
23, 1836, in Fleetwood, and spent his boyhood 
on his father's farm. He availed himself of 
such educational advantages as the public schools 
afibrded, but afterwards improved himself by 
judicious reading and habits of study. At the 
age of eighteen he removed to Coatesville, 
Chester County, and began the study of dental 
surgery Mith Dr. William Thompson. His 
course was completed under Dr. Lukens, of 
Philadelphia, after which he pursued his pro- 
fession for one year in that city, and in 1857 
came to Reading, where he has since resided. 
Here he started in practice with his brother, 
Joel E. Slegel, and .soon controlled a large and 
lucrative business. He has added very con- 
siderably to the improvements in denti.stry, 
noticeably by the invention of a porcelain and 
gold backing for ground for roots, which has 
made his name familiar to the profession. He 
has written upon the subject for the leading 
dental journals, and was invited by the New 
Jersey Dental Association to perform a clinic 
before that body, elucidating his invention. 
Various other bodies have also extruded invita- 
tions to address them on this and other subjects 
pertaining to the science of dental surgery. Dr. 
Slegel avails himself of +he most enlightened 



644 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



thought in connection with his profession as 
presented in the leading periodicals, and is ever 
ready to encourage and test the latest improve- 
ments in the science. He is a member of the 
Lel)anon Valley Dental Society, of which he 
was both treasurer and president, and a' so a 
member of the Pennsylvania State Dental 
Society. The doctor was married, November 
18, 1862, to Clara H., daughter of Samuel 
Hechler, ot Reading. Their children are 



CHAPTER XX 11. 

CENSUS OF BERKS COUNTY. 

Early Population of State — Rate of Increase of Pop- 
ulation— Census Table of County, 1790 to 1880 — Census of 
Villages, 1880 — Table of Houses, Farms, etc., in County, 
1 850— Taxables and Voters of County, 1876 and 188-5— 
Property and Money Assessed, 1885. 

X() regular enumeration of the inhabitants of 
Penn.sylvania was made previous to 1790. The 




&J.lyJ 



Samuel E., John E. and Xellie Mabel, of 
whom Samuel E., the only survivor, is associ- 
ated with his father in the profession. Dr. 
Slegel is a member of Chandler Lodge, No. 
227, of Free and Accepted ISIasons ; of Excelsior 
Chapter, No. 7 ; of Grey Coinicil ; and of Read- 
ing Commandery, No. 42. He is also a mem- 
ber of Continental Lodge of Independent 
Order of Odd-Fellows. His religious associa- 
tions are with the Evangelical Church, of which 
he is a member. 



first provision for enumeration was made by 
the Constitution of the United States, adopted 
September 17, 1787. Therein provision was 
made for the apportionment of representatives 
from the several States to Congress, and of 
direct taxes ; and. to effect a just apportionment, 
" the actual enumeration " was required to be 
made " within three years after the first meeting 
of Congress, and within every snb.sequent term 
of ten years, in such manner as they shall by 
law direct." 



THE CENSUS. 



C45 



The population was theretofore simply esti- 
mated. The number of inhabitants of Penn- 
sylvania was estimated as follows : 

For the year 1701 20,000 

" 1749 (inchuling Delaware). ...250,000 

" 1775 341,000 

The following table shows the taxable in- 
habitants of eight counties in the State for a 
time twenty and thirty years before the first 
census was taken : 

[Taken from " Coxe's View," p. 481.] 

COCKTIES. ITGII. ITTI). 1703. 

Berks 3,016 3,302 .5,511 

Bucks 3,148 3,177 4,644 

Chester 4,761 5,483 5,270 

Cumberland 1,501 3,521 3,869 

Lancaster 5,631 6,608 6,409 

Northampton 1,987 2,793 4,697 

Philadelphia 8,321 10,4-55 13,973 

York 3,302 4,426 6,974 

Total of State 31,667 39,76.'i ' 

The first census of Pennsylvania was taken 
on September 7, 1791. And witiiin every ten 
years thereafter the census was regularly taken 
to the present time. The result of each 
enumeration is set forth in the following "cen- 
sus" table for the districts and counties named. 
The returns of the first enumeration were so 
made that the number of inhabitants for the 
districts in Berks County was not ascertainable. 
Hence no figui'es are presented in the table. 

The figures for 1800, and every decade there- 
after, were taken from the census reports of the 
United States, published by order of Cougre-ss. 

The blank spaces opposite certain districts in 
the table indicate non-existence of those dis- 
tricts at the time of enumeration. 

Large decrease of population in certain dis- 
tricts for the next succeeding census is observ- 
able. This indicates reduction of the districts 
by the erection of others. For instance, Alsace 
in 1850 had a population of twenty-six hun- 
dred and ninety-seven ; but in 1860 it had only 
twelve hundred and ninety-nine. The town- 

1 After 1770 additional counties were erected. Tliose 
n.amed comprised all erected in the State before 1 770. The 
population of the State for 1760 and 1770 can be approxi- 
mated by increasing the totals five-fold. By other estimates 
the results, however, would appear far short of the number 
supposed. 



ship of Muhlenberg was cut off in 1850 and 
erected into a separate district. Also Windsor 
in 1870 had twelve hundred and eleven, but in 
1880 only eight hundred and thirty. The town- 
ship was reduced in area by the extension of the 
limits of the borough of Hamburg. This ex- 
tension was made in 1871. 

The following statement is presented in order 
to show when the districts with the blank 
spaces were erected, and from which districts 
they were taken : 

Bernville^ taken from Penu in 1851. 

Birdsboro' taken from Union and Robeson in 1872. 

Boyertown taken from Colebrookdale in 1866. 

Centre taken from Bern and Bern, Upper, in 1842. 

Fleetwood taken from Richmond in 1873. 

Hamburg' taken from Windsor in 1830. 

Heidelberg, Lower, taken from Heidelberg in 1842. 

Heidelberg, North, taken from Heidelberg in 1844. 

Jefferson taken from Tulpehocken and Tulpe- 
hocken. Upper, in 1851. 

Kutztown* taken from Maxatawny in 1815. 

Marion taken from Tulpehocken in 1843. 

Muhlenberg taken from Alsace in 1850. 

Ontelaunee taken from Maiden-creek in 18-50. 

Penn taken from Bern and Bern, Upper, in 1840. 

Perry taken from Windsor in 1849. 

Pike taken from District in 1813. 

Spring taken from Curaru in 1850. 

Topton taken from Longswamp in 1877. 

Tulpehocken, L^pper, taken from Tulpehocken in 
1820. 

Washington taken from Colebrookdale and Here- 
ford in 1839. 

"Womelsdorf taken from Heidelberg in 1833. 

In reference to the counties, — 

Lebanon was taken from Dauphin and Lancaster 
February 16, 1813. 

Lehigh was taken from Northampton IMarch 6, 1812. 

Schuylkill was taken from Berks and Northampton 
March 1, 1811. 

In 1800 Berks County included three or- 
ganized townships which lay north of the Blue 
Mountains, whose enumeration was as follows : 

Brunswick 1214 

Manheim 1072 

Pinegrove 959 

Unorganized 993 

Total population 4238 



'■ Bernville was not separately enumerated till 1870. 
' Hamburg not enumerated till 18-50. 
'Kutztown not enumerated till 1840. 



646 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The population of the county is given in the 
table at thirty-two thousand four hundred and 
seven. The number of inhabitants in that part 
which lay south of the mountain was twenty- 
eight thousand one hundred and sixty-nine. 

And in 1810 the county included seven 
townships north of the mountains, whose 
enumei-ation was as follows : 

Brunswick 1770 

Mahantango, Lower (137 

Mahantango, Upper 489 

Manheiiu 1354 

Norwegian 415 

Pinegrove 1200 

Schuylkill 353 

Total population (5308 

The population of tlie county for 1810 is 
given at forty-three thousand one hundred and 
forty-six. The number in that part of the 
county south of the raountaiu was thirty-six 
thousand eight hundred and thirty-eight. The 
townships named were cut to Schuylkill County 
in its erection in 1811. 

Rate of Increase of Population. — The 
per centum of increase of Reading and the 
county of Berks, etc., for the several decades is 
as follows : 

INCREASE OF BEADING. 



1700 

to 
18(10 


1800 

to 
1810 

45 


1810 1820 1 1830 
to to to 
1820 1830 j 1840 


1840 
to 
1850 


1850 1860 

to 1 to 
1860 1870 


1870 
to 
1880 

27.5 


1810 
to 

isai 


6.8 


25 35 43.0 


87.2 


47 , 40.5 


1150 


INCREASE OF BERKS COUNTY. 


7.4 


33 


22.3 1 14.9 21.5 10.5 22 13.7 


14.9 


224 


INCREASE OF ELEVEN COUNTIES. 


22.7 


29.4 


26.6 1 24.2 1 22.2 1 38 { 2').8 j 16.0 


20.3 


363 


INCREASE OF STATE. 


38.7 


34.5 


29.3 1 28.7 1 27.0 1 34.9 j 25.7 1 21.2 


21.6 


429 



ELEVEN COUNTIES COMPARED WITH STATE. 



1790 


1800 


1810 


18-20 


1830 


1840 


1850 


1860 


1870 




















51.7 


45.7 


44 


43 


41.6 


39.8 


40.9 


42.2 


40.7 



1880 
40.3 



The increase in Berks County for seventy 
years was two hundred and twenty-four per cent. ; 
that of the eleven counties, three' hundred and 
eighty-three 'per cent. ; and that of the State> 
four hundred and twenty-eight per cent. Thii 
is wonderful ! But what is more wonderful 
still, is the fact that in these seventy years the 
proportion of the eleven counties to the State in 
1810, compared with the proportion in 1880, 
decreased only four per cent. .' And this, too, 
notwithstanding the great ext-ension of rail- 
ways to the north and Mest, and the develop- 
ment of the State and people through trade, 
manufactures, agriculture and education. In 
other words, in 1810 these counties had forty- 
four per cent, of the whole population, and in 
1880 forty per cent. ; and yet only one-tenth of 
the area in territory ! And in respect to trade, 
manufactures, agriculture and wealth, these 
forty-six hundred sipiare miles would exhibit a 
similar proportion if the tables were published 
herewith. 

But Reading had the surprising increase of 
eleven hundred and fifty per cent, in seventy 
years, or about two generations, from 1810 to 
1880. The figures in tiie table are very inter- 
esting. In this period the increase at no time 
in any decade fell below twenty-five per cent. 
After 1830 a marked increase is perceptible. 
This arose principally from the introduction of 
the railway, and manufactories of iron goods, 
after 1836. From 1840 to 1850 the increase 
was eighty-seven per cent.; and for twenty years 
following it kept near fifty per cent. 

In Berks County, in the decade before 1860, 
the increase was twenty-two per cent. ; Init in 
the decade after, only thirteen per cent. The 
effects of the Civil War, ]S(Jl-6o, are apparent. 



THE CENSUS. 



647 



CENSUS TABLE OF COtTNTY, 1790 TO 1880. 



Reading (city) 

Albany 

Alsace 

Amity 

Bern 

Bern, Upper 

Bernville (borough).... 

Bethel 

Birdsboro' (borough)... 
Boyertown (borough).. 

Brecknock 

Caernarvon 

Centre 

Colebrookdale 

Cumru 

District 

Douglass 

Earl 

Exeter 

Fleetwood (borough).... 

Greenwich 

Hamburg (borough) 

Heidelberg 

Heidelberg, Lower 

Heidelberg, North , 

Hereford 

Jefferson 

Kutztown (borough) 

Longswarap 

Maiden-creek 

Marion 

Maxatawoy 

Muhlenberg 

Oley 

Ontelaunee 

Penn 

Perry 

Pike 

Richmond 

Robeson 

Rockland 

Ruscomb-mannr 

Spring 

Topton (borough) 

Tulpehocken 

Tulpehocken, Upper 

Union 

Washington 

Wind.sor 

Womelsdorf (borough).. 
Counties : 

Berks 

Bucks 

Chester 

Dauphin 

Delaware 

Lancaster 

Lebanon 

Lehigh 

Montgomery 

Philadelphia 

Schuylkill 



1790. 

2235 



1800. 

2,386 
85S 
890 
817 

2,049 



671 
1,413 
753 
450 
489 
802 



1810. 

3,462 
995 
1,275 
1,090 
2,266 
1,342 



924 



792 
2,017 
805 
660 
794 
1,194 



1,004, 1,104 

329' 

1,5691 2,8021 



4,332 
1,182 
1,640 
1,279 
1,791 
2,017 



1,294 



1.046 

2,4fi2 

509 

709 

934 

1,381 



1,337 
'3,'605 



30,179 
25,401 
27,937 



731 
1,2.S2 



2,119 



1,630 
'1^284 



971 
1,807 
1,026 

932 



2,294 



1,371 
1,192 



1,847 
"1,416 



645 
1,1.35 
2.065 
1,130 
1,057 



1,358 

T 



Total of Eleven Counties.. 
Total of State 



32,407 

27,496 

32,093 

18.177' 22,270' 31,883 

9,483 12,809 14,734: 

36,147 4-'i,403 63,927 



43,146 
32,371 
39,596 



22,929 
54,391 



24,150 
81,009 



29,703 
111,210 



224,644 275,637 .356,570 451,617 560,764 



5,856 1 
1,129, 
1.9421 
1,384 
2,154l 
2,117' 



8,410 
1,05' 
2,49. 
1,664 
3,149 
2,906 



1,482| 1,458 



1,229 

2,688 

562 

839 

990 

1,465 



1,407 
4",i24 



1,709 



1,695 
1,350 



2,108 
'i,'469 



752 
1,379 
1,966 
1,342 
1,256 



93, 
813 
1,216 
1,124 
2,939 
583 
1,133 
1.158 
1,911 



1,629 
» 

3,539 



1,235 



693 
1,836 
1,749 



1,87 



790 
1,997 
2,016 
1,649 
1,189 




1850. 



1860. 



15,743 
1,406 
2,697 
1,566 
1,734 
1,747 



1,871 



977 
1,346 
1,102 
3,853 

842 
1,018 
1,047 
2,074 



1,842 
1,035 

805 
2,144 

844 
1,244 



640 
1,868 
1,284 
1,530 
1,740 



1,799 
1,045 
1,476 
1,320 
883 
2,056 
2.404 
1,369 
1,235 



1,803 
1,983 
1,665 
1,154 
1,115 
947 

77,129 
56,091 
66,438 
35,754 
24,679 
98,944 
26,071 
32,479 
58,291 
408,762 
60,713 



293 945,351 



434,373, 602,365i 810,095! l,047,507i 1,348,233: l,724,0.S3i 2,311,786 



23,162 
1,586 
1,299 
1,596 
2,516 
2,027 



1870. 1880. 



33,930 43,278 

1,510 1,603 

1,294 1,523 
1,646 

2,124 2,176 

2,008 2,179 

457 405 

2,159 2,286 2,329 
1,705 

690 1,099 

844 813 923 

953 927 951 

1,392 1,529 1,627 

1,359 1,660 1,150 

2,182 2,573 3,064 

786 724 798 

1,120 1,072 1,151 

1,143 1,022 1,141 

2,308 2,239 2,469 
802 

!,041 2,151 i 1,988 

1,334 1,5901 2,010 

1,013 l,193i 1,281 

2,398 2,480 2,862 

956 979 950 

1,372 1,260 1,406 

1,122 1,1.S3 1,072 

915 945i 1,198 

2,217 2,9101 3,426 

1,531 1,615! 1,714 

1,628 1,837 1,.S92 

2,093 2,531 1 2,.S43 

1,676 1,547, 1,913 

2,056 1,986| 2,175 

1,.S98 1,339 1,265 

1,444 1,515 1,530 

1,526 1,680 1,527 

1,178 925 921 

2,575 2,874! 2,226 

2,461 2,458| 2,322 

1,707 1,451 1,627 

1,566 1,408, 1,466 

2,004 2,253 2,340 

I 515 

1,956 2,013! 2,092 

1,196 1,274 

2,1651 1,540 

1,609 1,924 

1,211 830 

1,031 1,097 

106,701 122,597 

64,336 68,656 

77,8051 83,481 

60,740 76.148 

39,403 56,101 

121,340 139,447 

34,096 38.476 

66,796 65.969 

81,612 96,494 

674,022 847,170 

116,428 129,974 

1,226,764 1,433,279 1.724,513 



2,906,215| 3,521,961i 4,282,891 



Note.— The first publication of a complete census of Berks County by districts from 1800 to 1880, according to the 
enumerations of the United States government, was made in Montgomery's Political Hand-Book of Berks County. The 
figures for the decades 1800, 1810, 1820 and 18:50 were specially furnished by the Superintendent of the Census, at Wash- 
ington, for this Hand-Book. The figures for the subsequent decades were taken from the published reports. 



Hamburg in 1840—648. 



1 103 Taxables. 



I Population, 727 



648 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



TABLE OF HOUSES, FARMS, ETC., IX COUNTY, 1850.' 











S 












































s 


r:; 


2 


£3 










P-i3 














'" 


b< 





Reading: 
N. E. Ward 
N. W. Ward 
S. E. AVard 
S. W. Ward 
Spruce Ward 



AUiany 

Alsace 

Amily. 

Bern 

Bern, Upper 

Bethel 

Brecknock 

Caernarvon 

Centre 

Colebrookdal 

Cumru 

District 

Douglass 

Earl 

Exeter. 

Greenwich 

Hamburg 

Hereford 

Heidelberg, 

Heidelberg, Lower, 

Heidelberg, North 

Kntztown 

Longswanip 

Maiden-creek 

Marion 

Maxatawnv 

Oley : 

Outelaunee 

Penn 

Perrv 

Pike 

Richmond 

Robeson... 

Rockland 

Ruscorub-manor 

Tiilpehocken 

Tulpehocken, Upj)er 

Union 

Washington 

Windsor 

Womelsdorf 




12,931 13,925 4,997 1,283 



' U. S. Census Report, 1850. The author of this history 
endeavored to arrange a similar table for the year 1880, 
but the Census Department at Washington, D. C, could not 
supply the figures. In 1880 there were in the county 
6847 farms and 1044 manufacturing establishments. 



CENSUS OF VILLAGES, 1880. 



Amityville 

Baumstown 

Bechtelsville 

Benderville 

Barto 

Bern 

Blaudon 

Blue Marsh 

Bowers 

Brownsville 

Churchville 

Cofl'ectown 

Douglassville 

Eschbach's Crossing 

East Berkeley 

Farmington 

Fetherolfsville 

Freideusburg 

Frystown 

Fritztown 

Geigertown 

Gouglersville 

Jackson wald 

Lenhartsville 

Lobachsville 

Lyons 

Marysville 

Maxataw-ny 

Mertztown 

Millersburg 

Mt. .=Etna 

Mt. Pleasant 

Molltowu 

Mohnsville 

Mohrsville 

MoDocacy 

Morgantown 



188 
139 

6ti 

f>8 
376 
134 
192 



155 
95 



379 
92 
83 



161 

25 

458 

122 

11% 

99 

349 

304 

188 

69 

267 

21(i 

21 M) 

166 



Moselem 

New Berlin 

New Jerusalem 

Pleasautville 

Pricetown 

Rehrersburg 

Robesonia 

Robesonia Furnace 

Rothrocksville 

Schaeffersto wn 

Siesholtzville 

Shamrock 

Shartlesville 

Shillington 

Shoemakersville 

Schultzville 

Shanesville 

Sinking Springs 

Smithville 

South Evansville... 

Spangsville 

Stony Point 

Stonersville 

Stouchsburg 

St. LawTence 

Strausstown 

Temple 

Tuckerton 

Unionville... 

Virginsville 

Walnut Town 

Wernersville 

Wessnersville 

West Reading 

West Hamburg 

West Leesport 



195 

209 

89 

128 

200 

366 

284 

156 

104 

83 

82 

185 

212 

1.36 

429 

44 

150 

517 

50 

IS 

87 

50 

87 

356 

200 

310 



100 

46 

141 

198 

170 
148 
355 



TAXABLES IX COUNTY, 1876 AND 1885. 

187C. 
Taxables. 

Albany 422 378 

Alsace 502 397 

Amity 4.33 464 

Bern 549 513 

Bern, Upper 584 548 

Bernville Ill 123 

Bethel 726 617 

Brecknock 285 2.35 

Birdsboro' 374 499 

Boyertown 261 345 

Caernarvon 267 275 

Centre 386 359 

Centreport 43 

Colebrookdale 3.38 337 

Cumru 756 770 

District 214 187 

Douglass 30.J 312 



THE CENSUS. 



G49 



Earl 


232 


294 


Bernville 


101 


101 


Exeter 


671 


637 


Bethel 


54.5 


547 


Fleetwood 


249 


242 


Birdsboro' 


337 


393 




527 

543 


475 
569 




213 


333 


Hamburg 


Brecknock 


206 


195 


Heidelberg 


352 


309 


Caernarvon 


212 


237 


Heidelberg Lower 


733 


737 


Centre 


365 


322 




250 


220 


Centreport 




41 


Hereford 


399 


348 


Colebrookdale 


270 


309 




320 


268 


Cumru 


625 


700 


Kutztown 


377 


382 


District 


175 


176 



Longswamj) 1065 839 

Maiden-creek 471 499 

Maxatawny 787 673 

Muhlenberg 486 504 

Marion 435 446 

Ontelaunee 316 335 

Oley 520 605 

Penn 457 389 

Perry 308 441 

Pike 346 260 

Richmond 572 509 

Robeson 507 630 

Rockland 476 399 

Ruscomb-manor 451 348 

Spring 665 688 

Tulijehocken 503 630 

Tulpehocken, Ui)per 323 348 

Topton 123 

Union 387 383 

Washington 532 545 

Windsor 258 180 

Womelsdorf. 327 322 

21378 20879 
Readixg : 

1st ward 831 892 

2d ward 2245 1458 

3d ward 1160 1525 

4th ward 852 839 

5th ward 1042 993 

6th ward 1075 1240 

7th ward 1287 1212 

8th ward 1039 1102 

9th ward 2271 1201 

10th ward 951 

11th ward 1865 

11802 13279 

Total in county 33180 34158 

REGISTERED VOTERS OF COUNTY, 1876 AND 1885. 

1876. ISSo. 

Albany 384 357 

Alsace 324 348 

Amity 390 419 

Bern 484 485 

Bern, Upper 490 493 



Douglass 248 279 

Earl 2.59 269 

Exeter 543 578 

Fleetwood 184 212 

Greenwich 451 462 

Hamburg 423 485 

Heidelberg 270 296 

Heidelberg, Lower 635 673 

Heidelberg, North 191 209 

Hereford .S41 324 

Jefterson 276 242 

Kutztown 281 316 

Long-swamp 853 740 

Maiden-creek 427 443 

Marion 349 364 

Maxatawny 613 594 

Muhlenberg 360 450 

Oley 491 536 

Ontelaunee 292 278 

Penn 373 360 

Perry 328 387 

Pike 240 239 

Richmond 488 481 

Robeson 532 575 

Rockland ,380 357 

Ruscomb-manor 306 310 

Spring 537 6.30 

Topton 121 

Tulpehocken 405 501 

Tulpehocken, Upper 291 327 

Union 325 373 

Washington .374 513 

Windsor 180 179 

Womelsdorf 268 284 

17,612 18,843 



Reading : 






1st Ward 


561 
604 


824 


„ , „, , f 1st Precinct... 
2d Ward ] „, n ■ , 
( 2d Precinct... 


639 


597 


671 


oi w 7 P*"^ Precinct... 
3d Ward 1 2d Pre,inct... 


389 


446 


570 


725 


4th Ward 


073 
390 
403 


713 


^ , -.TT , f 1st Precinct... 
5th Ward |,d Precinct... 


477 
387 


6th Ward {.if^'''^"'"'- 
( 2d Precinct... 


306 

487 


•469 
630 



650 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



7th Ward 



Sth Ward 



'Jtli Ward 



(2. 



1st Precinct... 
2d Precinct... 
1st Precinct... 
2d Precinct... 
st Precinct... 
2d Precinct... 



451 

520 
400 
44ii 
460 
3(i2 



lOthWard 4114 



11th Ward 



12th Ward 



13th Ward 



f 1st Precinct... 
1 2d Precinct... 
f 1st Precinct... 
I 2d Precinct... 
j 1st Precinct... 
t 2d Precinct... 



404 
499 



472 
667 
424 
531 
577 
595 
749 
365 
241 
350 
228 
275 
220 



9,022 11,676 



Total 26,634 30,519 

PKOPEETY AND MOXF-Y ASSESSED IN COUNTY, 1885. 

Total Valuation 

of Eea! and Personal Money 

Proi)crty. at Interest. 

Albany $734,446 $195,126 

Alsace. 505,199 135,954 

Amity 966,646 215,582 

Bern 1,264,862 208,261 

Bern, Upper 1,228,166 166,722 

Bernville 146,380 116,127 

Bethel 1,203,383 249,926 

Birdsboro' 764,033 403,874 

Boyertown 648,780 242,678 

Brecknock 421,363 68,011 

Caernarvon 522,558 60,842 

Centre 875,349 104,682 

Centreport 45,(!00 21,610 

Colebrookdale 709,090 109,,821 

Cuniru 1,415,878 234,944 

District 283,442 41,323 

Dougla,ss 453,411 131,012 

Earl 293,252 65,920 

Exeter 1,432,830 189,329 

Fleetwood 295,2.33 203,492 

Greenwich 954,967 132,729 

Hamburg 628,848 188,917 

Heidelberg 1,181,743 123,774 

Heidelberg, Lower 1,484,363 289,014 

Heidelberg, North 564,021 52,521 

Hereford 749,171 189,923 

Jefferson 592,774 76,572 

Kutztown 430,833 240,775 

Longswamp 1,111,986 239,340 

Maiden-creek 1,057,563 159,683 

Marion 1,124,984 241,445 

Maxatawny 1,776,988 502,410 

Muhlenberg 1,2.37,837 216,996 

Olcy 1,676,734 057,240 

Ontelaunee 866,987 140,139 

Penn 844,340 159,666 

' Figures supplied by clerk of county commissioners. 



Perry 901,259 111,039 

Pike 329,935 54,243 

Richmond 1,223,167 175,014 

Robeson 951,427 117,688 

Rockland 518,315 80,062 

Ruscomb-manor 419,727 111,257 

Spring 1,698,004 274,738 

Topton 139,357 77,008 

Tulpehocken 1,104,424 190,019 

Tulpehocken, Upper... 602,707 123,508 

Union 607,398 136,493 

Washington 941,451 255,949 

Windsor 472,828 76,003 

Womelsdorf 402,-532 182,420 

§40,806,570 $8,741,821 
Reading: 

1st Ward 1,448,814 290,542 

2d Ward 2,066,294 104,870 

3d Ward 2,291,378 551,397 

4th Ward 2,807,592 707,692 

5th Ward 1,435,405 334,943 

0th Ward 2,228,830 952,248 

7th Ward 3,894,550 1,006,136 

8th Ward 2,285,955 595,606 

9th ward 1,530,541 192,395 

10th Ward 998,799 72,269 

nth Ward 952,710 119,118 

12th Ward 902,355 46,218 

13th Ward 930,999 16,048 



$23,780,222 $5,049,482 
Total in entire county... §64,586,792 813,791,303 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

RE.\DING. 

P.ArvT I.— TOWN FRO.M 174S TO 1(83. 

Selection of Town-Site — Town Laid Out — Lots Sold at 
Public Sale — First Patentees — Ground-Rent — List of 
Taxables, 1759 — District of Reading Erected — Churches 
— Schools — -Public Buildings — Markets and Fairs — 
Charter to Reading for Them — Citizens against Change of 
Government. — Early Inn-keepers— Early Occupations — 
Rainbow Fire Company — No Newspapers nor Internal Im- 
provements — Fuel, Light and Entertainments — Hunting 
and Fishing — Indian Invasion — Revolution — Prominent 
Men — Pound Sterling — GUI Style to New Style. 

Selection of Towx-Site. — William Pcnn 
owned the territory upon which Rending is sit- 
uated by right of grant from King Charles II.; 
and lie also purchased the interest of the In- 
dians therein. He died in 1717, pos.sessed of 



READING. 



051 



it. Bv his last will he devised it to his chil- 
dren. In the general desire to dispose of the 
lands to settlers, the commissioners of the Peuns, 
upon application to them, sold the land which 
lav to the east of the Schuylkill, at the " Ford," 
where the great highway from Tulpehocken to 
Philadelphia crossed the river. The patentee 
was Thomas Lawrence. He fii-st obtained a 
patent for three hundred acres in 1733; and 
afterward, in 1739, another patent for one 
hundred and thirty-seven and one-half acres 
which adjoined the first tract on the east. A 
month before the first tract to Ijawreuce was 
surveyed, a large tract for eleven hundred and 
fifty acres, which extended thence northwardly 
along the river, had been set apart and surveyed 
for Richard Hockley, for the use of the Penns. 
Some years after these grants had been made, 
it would seem that the Penns conceived the idea 
of laying out a town at this point. Doubtless 
the efforts of the settlers to obtain a county 
stimulated them in this behalf. Finding that 
the land had been sold, they endeavored to re- 
jiurchase it. In this, however, they were not 
immediately successful. Lawrence declined to 
sell. Their agent at Philadelphia, William 
Parsons, was directed to investigate the matter. 
On September 28, 1743, he addressed a letter to 
them in reference to the proposed " Town of 
Reading." In this letter he stated that it was 
not to their interest to lay out the town on the 
laud of Mr. Lawrence, because a hollow ' — which 
lay between his land and Hockley's — rendered 
the locality inconvenient for that purpose. He 
regarded Hockley's land as better adapted for a 
town, though its distance from the ford at Law- 
rence's laud was an objection, and he therefore 
recommended it to their interest for town pur- 
poses. 

1. Richard Hockley, tract for 1150 acres ; surveyed 
February 19, 1733. 

2. Thomas Lawrence, tract for 300 acres ; surveyed 
March 19, 1733 ; patent October 27, 1733. 

3. Thomas Lawrence, tract for 137i acres ; sur- 
veyed April 22, 1738 ; patent February 16, 1739. 

4. Samuel Finney, tract for 150 acres ; surveyed 
February 19, 1733. 



5. Proprietary land, tract for 126 acres ; surveyed 
July 3, 1741. 

6. Part of tract 1, on which lots were laid out, after- 
ward called Hockley out-lots. 



ISO 


,=0 1 


172 




■« 


^ 


"20" 

3 


E 


s 




S 20 E 




120 




S 


1 




a 1 






7>~ 


i 


2 






s 


60 


/> 




^ 






^^ 


■* 




5" 


'V 




V 


o 4- ~ 




^\ 


6 


^ 


i 


^ 




z 


^ 




V\ 




/ 




k 


■^ 


2. 


// 



■ This hollow was a ravine which 
wardly from the " Ford." 



extended nortbeast- 



EARLY SURVEY.S OF READING. 

Some time afterward the Hockley land was 
laid out into town-lots by Nicholas Scull. The 
exact day is not known. Thomas Penn was pres- 
ent. William Parsons addressed a letter to Penn 
on the 24th of November, 1746, in which, in 
connection with the recommendation of certain 
alterations from the town-plan of Lancaster for 
the town-lots of Reading, he said, — 

" The situation of that part of the town to the South 
of the Great Hollow ^ is very elegant, upon rising 
ground, which descends very easily towards South 
and West, and is included chiefly within Mr. Scull's 
survey, made when you were on the spot." 

The survey was accordingly made before the 
date of this letter. But water for convenient 
household use was found to be scarce and to lay 
deep on the Hockley land. It was abundant 
on the Lawrence land, where it was near the sur- 
face, and at many places bubbled up in strong 
springs. The Penns therefore endeavored to 
obtain the latter, for the purpose of removing 
the town thither. Though their efforts at first 
proved misuccessful, their action in laying out 
lots for a proposed town on the Hockley land 
induced Lawrence to part with his property. 
He conveyed his two tracts to Thomas Jenkins 
on the 30th of December, 1745, and four days 
afterward Jenkins conveyed the same to Rich- 
ard Peters and Richard Hockley — parties inter- 
ested in the reconveyance to the proprietaries. 
On the 6th of March, 1 748, they executed the 



2 Mr. Parsons alluded to the depression of the land which 
lies to the north of the Reading Hospital. 



652 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



title to the land to Thomas Penn and Richard 
Penn. The proposition of founding a town on 
the Hocklev land was therefore abandoned. 




TOWN PLAN^1748. 

Note. — The lots between the river and King (Third) 
Street were laid out subsequently (1776). The dark dou- 
ble line through these lots indicates the canal, which ex- 
tended through there for a time. This plan was taken 
from the town-plan of M. S. Richards, 182.5. 

Town Laid Out.— During the fall of 1748 
a town was laid out on the Lawrence land and 
named " Reading," after the couuty-towu of 
Berkshire, in England. Its geographical lo- 



cality was fixed at a point 40° 19' 26" north 
latitude, and 1° 5' east longitude, M'ith an 
elevation above the sea of about two hundred 
and fifty feet. At that time there was not 
a town, not even a village, in all the terri- 
tory now included in the county, though the 
population was about ten thousand. The near- 
est town was Lebanon, twenty-eight miles to the 
we.st, which was laid out in 1740, and the next 
was Lancaster, thirty miles to the southwest, 
which was laid out in 1 730. The latter place 
was the county-seat for the inhabitants of the 
county to the west of the Schuylkill for nearly 
twenty years. The inhabitants of the county to 
the ea.st of the Schuylkill had Philadelphia as 
their county-seat. The people in this vicinity 
were still sejiarated as a political body. A county 
had not yet been erected for theiu, and then there 
was only one hou.se in this immediate locality. 
A church (Lutheran and Calvinist) was distant 
about two miles to the north, in Alsace town- 
ship, and another (Baptist) in Cumru township, 
about the same distance off. The plan com- 
prised five hundred and twenty town-lots and 
two hundred and four out-lots, numbered 
consecutively. 

Lots Sold at Pfultc Sat-e. — The Penns 
appointed three jinuninent representative men 
of the surrounding settlements as commissioners 
for the purpose of making a prompt sale of 
these lots. The commissioners were Conrad 
Weiser, Francis Parvin and William Hartley. 
Publication of the proposed sale was made, and 
on the 15th of June, 1749 (doubtle.ss in -Penn 
Square), the conditions of the .sale' were read to 
a great luuuber of people. These conditions 
published the appointmeut of Weiser, Parvin 
and Hartley as commissioners for the purpose 
of treating with persons who should apply for 
lots in the town, and were signed by William 
Parsons. They were briefly as follows : 

1. Every whole lot of sixty feet was to be subject 
to a ground-rent of seven shillings, payable to the 
proprietaries; to begin on March 1, 1750. 

2. Lots on the great square were to be built upon 



' A copy of the conditions is with the valuable collection 
of manuscript papers in the possession of the Historical So- 
ciety of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. 



READING. 



653 



with brick or stone in one year from March 1, 
1750. 

3. Lots on Main Street, not on the square, were to 
be built upon in two years. 

4. Other lots within blocks adjoining Main (Penn) 
Street were to be built upon in three years. 

5. Lots in blocks remote from Main Street were to 
be built upon in five years. 

6. A sixty-feet lot, if too large, should be divided 
and ground-rent apportioned. 

7. All who should take lots before March 1, 1750, 
were licensed to take stones for building purposes 
from any land of the proprietaries, assigned by 
Hartley. 

8. Title would be made upon erection of building; 
and no assignment could be made before erection of 
building. 

9. Privilege of ground-rent at seven shillings to 
continue only to March 1, 1750. 

10. Houses should be built according to the regu- 
lation of the streets. 

11. Persons might thereafter apply to the three 
commissioners named in reference to lots. 

12. Two whole lots would be allotted in some con- 
venient place for building houses of religious worship. 

13. Persons who should intend to take lots were to 
send 'in their names and the time in which they 
could build, but they were not to undertake to build 
sooner than they really could, otherwise they might 
obstruct the progress and success of the town. 

jL First Patentees. — In pursuance of the 
conditions named, town lots were sold, and pat^ 
ents were issued to purchasers. The following 
statement shows the years in which the build- 
ings were probably erected, and to whom, and 
for which lots patents were issued. It is possi- 
ble that buildings were erected in, and even 
before, 1751 and the patents taken up after- 
ward. 

For the year 1751, seven lots. 
Lot. Patentee. Lot. Patentee. 



2. Conrad Weieer (justice). 
11. Daniel Steinraetz (merchant 

of Philadelphia). 
29. Isaac Levan (Exeter, yeo- 



34. Conrad Weieer. 
106. Adam Witman (shop and 

inn-keeper). 
114. Isaac Levan. 
120. Conrad Weiser. 



: hundred ami thirty-three lota. 



3. Conrad Weiser. 

4. Conrad Bower (shop and inn- 

keeper). 

5. Martin Gring. 

6. Michael Reis (Tulpehocken, 

yeoman). 

7. Moses Starr (Maiden-creek, 

yeoman). 

8. John Epler (Bern, yeoman). 

(Daniel Steinmetz, 
* \ Jacob Morgan (inn-keeper). 

13. Jacob Morgan. 

14. Peter Haws (inn-keeper). 

15. Daniel Hieeter (Montgomery 

Co., tanner). 



18. Francis Parvin (Slaiden-cr., 

tanner). 

19. Conrad Weiser. 

2n. John Lepoe {Tulp., yeoman). 
21. Peter Weidner (Cumru, yeo- 

24. David Evans (Cumru, yeo- 

25. Michael Schmell (Heidbg., 



yei 



26. Benjamin Parvin (Maiden- 

creek, yeoman). 

27. William Reeser (cordwainer). 

28. Christopher Stump (Lancaster 

County, yeoman). 



William Parsons (Easton). 
Tobias Waggoner (clerk). 
George Albert (yeoman). 
George Yoh (yeoman). 
Isaac Weidner (Alsace, yeo- 

, Peter Weidner (Alsace, yeo- 
man). 

, Peter Ruth (Cumru, yeoman). 

, Simon Scherker. 

. Conrad Kissinger (yeoman). 

, Christopher Gottschalk. 

, Jacob Kissinger (yeoman). 

, Jacob Kern (Cumru, gent.) 

, Henry Wolf (Cumru, cord- 

. George Daum (cordwainer). 

. John Schneider (yeoman). 

. PeterSchneider (Exeter, blk.. 
smith). 

. Conrad Bower. 

. Keinhard Waldtz. 

. Philip Weiser. 

. William Erraan (yeoman). 

. Benjamin Lightfoot (shop- 
keeper). 

. William Parsons. 

. AVilliam Parsons. 

. Conrad Weiser. 

. Abraham Brosius (tailor). 

. Jacob Bollinger. 

. Michael Graul (.Meace, yeo 

. Wm. Hotteustein (potter). 
. John Weber. 
. Philip J. Moyer (baker). 
. Andrew Wolf (Cumru, yeo- 

. Nich. Kennell (beer-brewer). 

. George Sheirer. 

. Christopher Witman (cord- 
wainer). 

. Christopher Witman. 

. Michael Zuster (saddler). 

. George Douglass (saddler). 

. Fred'k Mareteller. 

. Henry Molchior Muhlenberg 
(minister). 

. Henry Souter. 

:. Samuel Brack man. 

K Peter Knorr. 

t. Benjamin Pearson (joiner). 

, Adam S. Kuhn (Lancaster, 
esquire). 

. Eleanor Waggoner. 

:. George Hitner (Philadelphiai 
merchant). 

. .Vdam Gerhart (Alsace, yeo- 

. Henry Reuthmyer (wheel- 
wright). 

. Ernest Kurtz (Phila., tobac- 
conist). 

. Peter Bingaman (Alsace, yeo- 

. Mary Bishop. 

. Henry Boyle. 

. Kralt Hiiner (baker). 

. Peter Trumbour (yeoman). 



Jacob Bucher. 
Charles Flicker. 
Paul Derst (Exeter, inn-keep- 
er). 
Andreas Shack. 
Peter Feder (inn-keeper). 
John Early (Lane, joiner). 
Henry Boyle. 
BaltzerSchwenk (Alsace, yeo- 

John Wilson (Lane, miller). 

Peter Bluma. 

Henry Habn (blacksmith). 

, Henry Lick. 

Evan Popkins (cooper). 
, George Mich. Kreter (slaugh- 
terer). 
, Ulrich Richard (Heidelberg, 

yeoman). 
, Paul Parlet (carpenter). 
, William Miller (carpenter). 
. Sebastian Grauser (carpenter). 
, Henry Graul (Green tavn.). 
. Philip Ziegler (Tulpehocken, 

yeoman). 
. Henry Goodhart. 
. John Kissinger. 
. Peter Rapp (butcher). 
. George Crumlauf. 
. Jacob Conrad (Virg., smith). 
. Peter Baum (turner). 
. Fred'k Goodhart (Alsace, yeo- 

. Peter Baum. 

. John Kissinger. 

. Henry Gerritt (Alsace, yeo- 

. John Nicholas Yost (Cumru, 

inn-keeper). 
. George Chris. Spengler. 
. Francis Fisher. 
. Abraham Brosius. 
. Simon Scherker. 
. Henry Graul. 
. Joseph Wilkinson. 
. Isaac Levan, 
. Philip Jacob Moyer. 
. Henry Feeder. 
. Conrad Bower. 
. Christian Bentzer (Lane. Co.) 
. Fred'k Weiser (Heidelberg, 

yeoman). 
. Philip Jacob Moyer. 
. Jacob Morgan. 
. Jacob Leibrock (baker). 
. Michael Ludwig (Amity) 
. Conrad Bower. 
. Conrad Bower. 
. Nicholas Retschew. 
. George Yoh (potter). 
. Abraham Smith. 
. Conrad Bower. 
. Philip Erpf (Lane. County). 
. Adam Reifell (Alsace, cortas.) 
. Geo. Francis Winter. 
. Francis Morgan (yeoman). 
. Jacob Erpf. 
. Philip Reaser. 



1753, eighty-four lots. 



9. George Douglass. 
10. Christopher Witman. 
23. Isaac Weidner (yeoman, AI- 

31. Jonas Seely (justice). 
47. Jonas Seely. 



50. William Thomas (Chester Co.) 

53. Nicholas M'erner. 

5y. Christopher Camerer. 

60. Philip Erpf. 

67. Mark Starr. 

G8. James Starr (brewer). 



C54 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



. John Smitli (shop-keeper^. 
. George DoiiglasB. 
. Pfter Weiser (saddler). 
. Peter Weiser (Ueidelberg). 

Henry Sheirer. 
. Fred'k Weiser. 
. Jost U. Sasaamanhousen (Ma- 

natawuy, blacksmith). 
. James Biddle (lawyerj. 
. James Biddle. 
. Henry Sheirer. 
. Simon Sherker. 
. Isaac Levan. 
. Abraham Lt-van. 
. John Steel. 
. Peter Weiser. 
. Wendell Hains. 
. George Saurbrey (baker). 
. Adam Schlegell (tailor). 
. Hans Martin Garich. 
. George Hutner. 
. Michael Bosh. 
. Lawrence Spats. 
. Michael Fichthoru. 
. William Cluee. 
. Paul Durst. 
. John Philip Klinger. 
. Alexander Klinger. 
. Martin Moll. 
. Andrew Engel. 
. Hans Geo. Back (baker). 
. Paul Durst. 
. Andrew Stager. 
. Everhard 3Iartin (soap-mak- 
er). 
. Martin Moll. 
. Geo. Micb. Kretor. 
. Christoijher Witman. 



, Casper Zin. 

. Jacob Zin. 

, Fredericka Waggoner. 

, Philip Jacob Erpf (mason). 

. Andrew Fucha. 

, Francis Morgan. 

Conrad Bower. 

Conrad Bower. 
, William Marck. 

William Bird. 
, George Mich. Kreter. 
, Jacob Morgan. 

Michael Schrack. 
, Conrad Stichter (weaver). 
, Valentine Stichter. 
, Isaac Weidner. 
, William Marck. 
. Jacob Hetler. 
, Joseph Brendlinger. 

Peter Klinger. 
, Jacob Morgan. 
, Fred'k Volant. 
, Fred'k Volant. 

Martin E. Kraft. 
, AdamReifell. 
, Nicholas Souter. 

Adam Reifell. 
, Adam Reifell. 

Court-House and Prison. 
, Christopher Spengler. 

Heni">' Schneider. 
, George Kappus (mason). 
, George Kappus. 
, Francis Creek. 
, Francis Creek. 

Francis Wenrich. 
. Elizabeth Godecbalk. 



1754, 8ev€)Heen lots. 



Patentee. 
, Christian Bussey. 
, Philip Breitenbach. 
, Nicholas Keim. 
, Christopher Godshall. 
, Fredk. Ferusler. 

Maria Barbara Bishoff. 
, John Hartman (tailor). 

Jac-ob Rappolt (tiler). 
, Jacob Jlorgau. 



Lot. Patentee. 

3ii8. Francis Morgan. 
388. Nicholas Seitsinger (i 
' [■ Lutheran Church. 



421. 



}- 



Calvinist Church, Reformod. 



r)09. Peter Haws. 
S12. Peter Haws. 



In the four years named patents were issued 
for two hundred and foi-ty-one lots. If the 
conditions of sale were fulfilled, there would ap- 
pear to have been at least two hundred dwell- 
ings in the town in 1755, and one thousand in- 
habitants. It is possible that all the lots and 
patentees are not included in the foregoing 
statement. The estimated buildings and inhab- 
itants are, therefore, rather below than above 
the correct numbers. Nearly all of the paten- 
tees named were resident at Reading. The 
growth of the town was certainly wonderful. 

In order to show when certain additional 
lots were patented, not included in the state- 
ment arranged, and when certain other persons 



most probably settled in Reading, the follow- 
ing numbers and patentees are added : 

1757.— 2110, Valentine Kerper. 

1758.— 187 and 188, Dort Ptister (cordwainer). 

17G1.— 228, Fredk Helwig ; 292, Jacob Itappolt ; 378, Jacob Kern. 

1702. — 17fl, Jacob Dicks (carpenter) ; 181, Mosea Heyman ; 269, Fran- 
cis Wainwright. 

1703.— 145, Conrad Bower ; 162, Philip Klinger; 176, .ilex. Klinger ; 
2it7, Peter Klinger; 222, Martin Young ; 236, Francis H. Zimmerman; 
237, F. H. Zimmerman ; 346, Philip Scholl ; 347, George Schneider. 

1765.— 16, Edward Biddle (lawyer) ; 37, Abraham Brosius ; 38, Jacob 
Kearn ; 43, Michael Euth ; 56, Henry Kealer ; 8(1, Jacob Fry ; 84, Chris- 
tian 3Iaur; 94, Henry M. Muhlenberg; 129, Anthony Fricker; 140, 
Christian Schneider ; 150, George Bernard ; 177, Fred'k Schreyer ; 233, 
Wni. Ermill ; 286, Wm. ErmiU ; 3U9, Isaac LeTan, Jr. 

170C.— 223, Paul Dorst. 

1767. — 141, Josiah Reese ; 144, John George Geissler; 192, Mich'l Rush; 
193, Valentine Kerper ; 327, Peter Zimmerman ; 345, George leinbis ; 
412, Ludwig Dieple. 

1768.-22, John Schrcytee ; 303, Joachim Kepner ; 416, Henry Gosler. 

1769.-185, Nicholas Dick ; 202, Chrisfr Beyer ; 218, Adam Drink- 
house ; 359, Thos. Youngman. 

1770.-393, Balthaser Fornewalt ; 440, Jacob Yeager. 

1771.-1, Thomas Rutter ; 32, Christopher Whitman. 

1772. — 158, George Shoemaker. 

1773. — 184, Courad and Daniel Koch ; 276, George Ream. 

1776.-101, Reformed Church; 102, Dort Pflster ; 112, Dort Pfieter ; 
224, Matthias Moyer ; 306, Henry Gossler. 

In December, 1767, twenty-four water lots 
were laid out by John Lukens, surveyor-general, 
fronting on both sides of the Schuylkill River, 
at and near the "Ford," — eighteen on the eastern 
side and six on the western. These were laid 
out to accommodate warehouses and encour- 
age transportation by water. From the " Ford," 
westwardly, the Tulpehocken road was indi- 
cated, called " road to Sinking Spring." 

In .June, 1776, four additional squares or 
blocks were laid out, between King (Third) 
Street and the river (Front Street), two on each 
side of Peun, and " divided into lots of the 
same dimensions as the other lots in the Town, 
and numbered on from the last number in the 
present plan," being from No. 521 to No. 584. 
The two streets crossing Pcnn were called 
Treat (Second) and Bridge (Front). 

Gkouxd-Rext.' — When the lots were laid 
out in the town-plan of Reading, each lot was 
made subject to a ground-rent of seven shil- 
lings, payable annually on the 1st day of 
March. Notwithstanding this condition, nu- 
merous lots were sold without the charge of 



1 By act of 27th of November, 1779, the estates of the 
proprietaries of Pennsylvania were vested in the State 
and placed at the disposal of the Legisliilure ; quit-rents 
were abolished, etc., and a donation made to the devisees 
and legatees of proprietaries of one hundred and thirty 
thousand pounds sterling. 



READING. 



655 



ground-rent. Over sixty years after the town 
had been laid out, this charge, having become 
generally overlooked, was a great subject which 
agitata! the citizens to a considerable degree 
and for a considerable time. In 1815, and 
again in 1818, a public notice was given to all 
delinquents that the ground-rents due should be 
paid; otherwise the lots remaining charged with 
tlieni would be sold. The attorney for the Penns 
was apparently very lenient in his demands. 
He endeavored to satisfy the public that the 
ground-rents due could be legally collected. 
This professional service must have been found 
very objectionable, for in 1822 he notified the 
public that he would not settle any further 
ground-rents after October 15th, and that he 
would discontinue his agency for the Penns after 
that time. Nothing was subsequently done 
in this demand. In 1820 numerous releases of 
ground-rents were issued and recorded in the 
recorder's office at Reading. Many of the 
early patents are also recorded at Reading, 

List of Taxables, 1759. — The following 
list of persons comprises the assessment of the 
town for the year 1759. It is the earliest that 
could be found among the county records in the 
court-house. It includes two hundred and 
sixty-nine taxables. The total assessed value of 
taxable property amounted to nine hundred and 
ninety-four pounds; and the tax levied, ninety 
pounds and three shillings. Single men were-- 
each assessed at twenty shillings. Henry Hahn 
was the collector. 



Benezet, Daniel 4 

Bright, Michael 8 

Bird, William 9 

Biddle, James 12 

Bishotf, John 3 

Bucher, Jacob..,.;*. 5- 

Beriihisel, John, 5 

Barret, Joseph 3 

Burkhardt, Jacob 2 

Buckman, Matthias 2 

Boyer, Chrietopher 4 

Backtold, John 2 

Bauni, Peter 7 

Beruhard, George 4 

Balde, Jacob 2 

Brendlinger, Joseph 2 

Bower, Conrad IS 

Brosins, Abraham 7 

Brown, Conrad 2 

Breidenbach, Philip 2 

Creek, Francis 1 

Cluse, William 3 

Dalman, William 3 



Daum, George 2 

Diehra, Jacob 2 

Diehm, Adam 5 

Dick, Jacob 6 

Degenhardt, Henry 4 

Drury, Edward 7 

Diehm, Peter 5 

Diehm, Thomas 2 

Dehaven, Edward 1 

Debler, Melchior 1 

Dorff, Samuel 1 

Depoy, AVidow \ 

Deible, George 2 

Dangler, John 2 

Dorst, Paul 3 

Dick, Nicholaa 4 

Did, George G 

Evans, Amos 6 

Engel, Andrew 9 

Ege, Adam 1 

Ermel, William 6 

Early, John i 

John 3 



Egy, Martin 1 

Eplar, Adam 12 

Earman, William 3 

Feather, Peter 12 

Fisher, Jacob 5 

Focks, Adam 2 

Frick, William 3 

Fix, Lawrence 3 

Fass, Adam 3 

Feagle, Matthias 3 

Fricker, Anthony 9 

Fichthorn, Michael 4 

Fetter, Michael 2 

Fisher, Dorst (> 

Fichthorn, Andrew 1 

Feseing, Ph. Jacob 2 

Geissler, George 4 

Gibson, Francis 2 

Garrutt, Henry 1 

Geiger, John 1 

Geiger, Adam 2 

Gross, John 1 

Graff, William 4 

Gerst, Henry 3 

Gosler, Henry 2 

Gotschall, Nicholas 3 

Haga, Wolfcang 6 

Hausf, Peter (mason) 2 

Huttenstein, William 15 

Henry, John 1 

Hautt, Peter (junk'r) 8 

Henderson, David 12 

Henig, Balthaser 1 

Heiuer, KrafTt U 

Until, Samuel 8 

Holdzader, Peter 6 

Hart man, John 3 

Hollig, Barbara 3 

Hugh, Owen 3 

Hughes, John i 

Hiddings, William 1 

Hauck, Joseph 2 

Heinlein, Matthiaa 2 

Haag, Michael 2 

Heist, George 3 

Hillegas, Michael 3 

Hey man, Sloses 4 

Haun, Henry 8 

Hitner, George 5 

Hausihl, Michael 1 

Hetler, Jacob 3 

Hart, Philip 1 

Handshoe, George 2 

Imler, Ludwig C 

Jack, George 3 

Jacob, John 2 

Jager, Jacob 8 

Jung, Martin 2 

Jung, Isaac 6 

Jacobs, Israel 'J 

Job, George.... 7 

Kuhn, Adam 4 

Kooch, William 1 

Kerper, Abraham 5 

Kern, Jacob 6 

Kline, Peter 1 

Kiney, Christian 1 

Kerper, Julias 6 

Kendle, Catharine 1 

Klinger, Philip 9 

Kock, Adam 1 

KHnger, Peter 3 

Koch, Johannes 2 

Kerber, Valentine IC 

Krimler, Henry 5 

Kemrer, Agath 2 



Klinder, Conrad I 

Klinger, Alexander 10 

Keiser, Jacob 2 

Kime, Nicholas 10 

Kortz, John 2 

Krauser, Sebastian 2 

Kraflt, Martin 2 

Kost, Martin 14 

Kurrer, Adam Daniel 4 

Kepuer, Joachim 1 

Lincoln, Thomas 7 

Lesher, John 2 

Lapler, Lorentz 1 

Lebo, Paul 7 

Levan, Isaac 7 

Leibrook, Jacob 4 

Lutz, Jacob 1 

Lehman, Christopher 2 

Loch, Peter 1 

Meierly, David 3 

Martin, Kberhard 4 

Moyer, Jacob 2 

Morgan, Francis 4 

Meng, Melchior 2 

Morgan, Jacob 3 

Marx, William 1 

Messersmith, Valentino 1 

Miller, Andreas 1 

Moritz, Nicholas 2 

aieyer, Matthias 1 

Miller, Frederick 1 

Maurer, Ernst 1 

Megly, Jacob 2 

Meyerly, Balthaser 4 

Mergen, John 3 

Miller, William 7 

Milleisen, Christopher :; 

Marsteller, Henry 1 

Marckle, Christian 8 

Neidly, Nicholas 1 

Neidly, Christopher 8 

Newhardt, Conrad 1 

Nagle, Simon 1 

Nagle, Philip 2 

Parvin, Francis 2 

Pearson, Benjannn 4 

Philipi, John 5 

Perlet, Paul 2 

Perlet, Frederick 1 

Price, Evan 3 

Read, James, Esq 14 

Rush, Michael 2 

Itiehm, Edward 2 

Reitmoyer, Henry 4 

Rice, Michael 3 

ReitMe, Adam 4 

Reasoi, William 16 

Rieff, Peter 2 

Rule, Henry 1 

Rhine, David 3 

Ruth, Peter 5 

Riehm, George 1 

Riehm, John, Sr 1 

Reiff. Conrad 3 

Rorebouet, Bernhard 4 

Rabbold, Jacob 8 

Rose, Everhardt 5 

Reitmoyer, Michael 1 

Reitner, Joseph, 1 

Reese, Josiah 1 

Rop, Peter 5 

Rush, Michael, Jr 2 

Reser, Jacob, Jr 1 

Sammet, Christian 1 

Sweitzer, John 4 

Smith, Christopher 2 



G56 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



SbomOD, Joeaph 7 

Springer, George 1 

Shrite, John 7 

Spang, Lenhart 1 

Shower, Michael 1 

Shultz, Samuel 2 

Smith, Peter 2 

Seiater, Michael 7 

Snyder, Jacob 3 

Stichter, Conrad 5 

Stedman, Alexander 1 

Shapport, Nicholas 2 

Schultz, George 7 

Sowerbry, Widow 2 

Strohacker, Godlieb 2 

Smith, Philip 2 

Sharpar, Andrew 1 

Snider, Henry 1 

Seiler, Philip 5 

Shorp, John 6 

Shop, Gabriel 6 

Shreck, David 1 

Spatz, Lawrence 1 

Spatz, Michael 1 

Sleagle. Adam 7 

Sprincker, Philip 1 

Senger, Henry 4 

Sasaamanhousen, Henry 2 

Seitzinger, Nicholas 12 

Salsgaber, Andreas 2 

Sump, George :.... 3 

Smith, Abraham 1 

Suder, Barbara (widowi 3 

Smith, Andrew 1 

I'rledig, Valentine 4 

Wolf, Henry 3 



Weiser, Peter 10 

Wenrick, Francis 7 

Weis, Philip 3 

Wagner, Adam 1 

Whitehead, James 12 

Wicks, Christian 1 

Weiser, Conrad 26 

Wirtenberger, George 1 

Wunder, George 1 

Witman, Adam 23 

M^itman, Ludwig 2 

Witman, Christopher 6 

Wickersham, Isaac 4 

Williamson, James 1 

Witman, John 2 

Zinn, Frederick 2 

SINGLE MEN. 

Barger, Thomas. 
Hartley, Kichard. 
Jackson, Samuel. 
Josephson, Myer. 
Kimrer, Matthias. 
Koch, Michael. 
Lebo, Isaac. 
Lightfoot, Beiyarain. 
May, Thomas. 
Nathan, Lyon. 
Peai-son, Elijah. 
Popkin, Robert. 
Shegtley, Michael. 
Sheirer, Adam. 
Spindler, Lorentz. 
Sowermilk, John. 
Starr, James. 
Weiser, Samuel. 
Witman, Henry. 



In 1780 the town had four hundred and sev- 
enteen resident taxables, or fully two thousand 
inhabitants. 

District of Eeadinc; Erected. — The town 
of Reading and part of Alsace township ad- 
joining it were erected into a district called the 
" Township and District of Reading," at May 
sessions, 1760. The boundary lines to the east- 
ward were not then fixed. A petition for this 
purpose was presented on February 11, 1761 ; 
a survey was made on May 11, 1761, and the 
proceedings were confirmed at May sessions, 
1761. The commissioners appointed by the 
court were Benjamin Pearson, Edward Drury, 
William Iddings, Martin Kast, Christopher 
Witman, Michael Brecht. 

The district contained about nine hundred and 
fifty acres. 

Churches. — During the first decade of the 
town the several religious denominations were 
active. But it is not known which of them was 
first in the erection of a meeting-house. The 
Friends were in the ascendency in respect to gov- 
ernment ; but their number could not be compared 
with the number of the Lutherans and Calviu- 



ists (or Reformed). The Lutherans had, beyond 
a doubt, a meeting-house in 1752. It is believ- 
ed that the Calvinists also had one at that time, 
though there is no record to establish the fact. 
They had a fine sUme church in 1761. The 
Friends had a meeting-house before 1760. 
Their minutes refer to it as having been too 
small and inconvenient to accommodate their 
services. In 1765 the several meetings of 
Friends at Philadelphia and Exeter concurred 
in the necessity of erecting another. The Bap- 
tists had an organization at that time ; and if 
they did not have a place of worship in the 
town, it was not far distant.^ There were also 
Episcopalians and Roman Catholics ; but these 
denominations did not come to possess churches 
during that period ending 1783, though they 
held services occasionally. They assembled in 
the dwellings of certain members. The nearest 
cliurch of the former denomination was at 
" Molatton," in Amity township, twelve miles 
distant to the southeast; and of the latter* at 
" Goscheuhoppen," in Hereford township, near 
the county line, twenty-five miles distant to the 
east. Po.ssibly there was a Catholic Church in 
Maxatawny township also, to the northeast 
about twenty miles. There were Ri:)man Cath- 
olics in the town from the beginning. Written 
complaints against them were made by certain 
prominent men to the provincial government in 
1755; but these were disregarded.' The largest 
religious denomination in the town was the 
Lutheran, though the Reformed was not much 
smaller. The members of both were zealous. 
They exhibited their devotion b}- promptly 
erecting, or moving toward the erection of, 
churches in which to carry on their services. 
And this they did, though they had a church 
only several miles to the north, in Alsace town- 
ship. The number of either denomination could 
not be ascertained. Judging from a list of 



' In Cumru township, along the Wyomissing Creek ; an- 
other at Sinking Spring. 

2But by the preamble of the act incorporating Reading 
into a borough it would appear that there was a Roman 
Catholic meeting-house in Reading in 178a. Four are 
there mentioned, three of which certainly were the Luth- 
eran, Calvinist and Friends. 

3 6 Col. Rec, 503, 533-534. 



READING. 



657 



commimicants in the Lutheran congregation in 
1775, their membership was about one hundred 
and twenty-five. 

ScHOOiA — In the matter of schools, the in- 
habitants displayed much earnestness. Each 
religious denomination carried on a separate 
school — especially the Lutherans, Reformed and 
Friends. Though the education was secular in 
kind, it was tinctured to a great degree with 
religion. Statements have frequently been made 
that schools were scarce and their encouragement 
was backward in this district of territory in that 
early period, — those which existed at all having 
been in villages and towns. This is a mistake. 
Before Reading was laid out there were at least 
eight schools in the territory now comprising 
Bei-ks County, — four to the east of the river, in 
Hereford, Oley, Exeter and Maiden-creek, and 
four to the west, in Caernarvon, Robeson, Tul- 
pehocken and Bethel. The education was lim- 
ited, having been confined mostly to spelling, 
reading, writing and simple arithmetic. Each 
scholar was obliged to pay for tuition, generally 
several dollars for a quarter. In some instances 
scholars paid a cent a day, and this payment 
was made each day at the close of the session. 
Teaching was conducted during the spring, 
fall and wintei-. The greater number, if not 
all, of the scholars assisted daily in labor of 
some kind or other at their homes. The teach- 
ers were men, and men only; no women, and 
especially no young people. The schools were 
generally small one-story buildings. In some 
cases they consisted of rooms rented for that 
purpose. 

Public Buildings. — LTpon the erection of 
the county and the establishment of Reading as 
the county-town, quite naturally the county 
officials, especially the justices and county 
commissioners, took immediate steps for the 
erection of public buildings to subserve the 
convenience of transacting the public business 
of the county. But some time elapsed before 
their efforts in this direction were successful. 
In the mean time private buildings were used 
instead. The courts were held in taverns. 
The court-house was the first to be erected. 
The enterprise of the officials in this behalf was 
accomplished in 1762. The public offices were 



opened in February, 1766.' The court-house 
was not built uj^on an extensive scale. A large 
building was not necessary. The public busi- 
ness of a judicial character was still limited. 
One clerk held all of the five offices at one time 
from the erection of the county till the Revolu- 
tion. A county jail was erected in 1770." 

Markets and Fairs. — In one of the peti- 
tions to the Assembly for the erection of Berks 
County, the petitioners represented that Read- 
ing, in 1751, contained one hundred and thirty 
dwellings, one hundred and six families and 
three hundred and seventy-eight inhabitants. 
By the foregoing assessment, it would appear 
that Reading, in 1 759, contained one thousand 
two hundred inhabitants, — a growth of three 
hundred per cent, within ten years. In 1761 
the town was erected into a separate district 
out of Alsace township. With so large a pop- 
ulation and feeling their importance, the citizens 
quite naturally desired the town to possess the 
privilege of holding markets and fairs. They 
accordingly presented the following petition to 
John Penn, Governor of the province : 

"The petition of the Inhabitants of the Town of 
Reading, in the county of Berks, 

"Most Humbly Sheweth, — 

" That about twelve years since this Tract of Coun- 
try, now known by the Name of Berks County, part 
of the Province of Pennsylvania, by Act of General 
Assembly was made a Separate County, and in con- 
sequence Whereof, by order of the Honorable Pro- 
prietary s, this part of the said County was Located, 
fixed and Surveyed for the County Town, and called 
by the Name of the Town of Reading, and very many 
Lots granted to your Petitioners and others, under 
certain Rents payable to the Proprietarys and their 
Heirs forever. 

" That your Petitioners are Tenants under such 
Grants, and have been at very considerable Expences 
in Erecting Houses and making other Valuable Im- 
provements in the said Town, But humbly conceive 
that could we be favour'd with a Charter of Incorpo- 
ration, granting Liberty to hold and keep Publick 
Markets weekly, and Faira twice in the Year on cer- 
tain Days, it would greatly tend to advance the Value 
of Lotts Lett and to be Lett, encourage many others 
to come and Settle among Us, Increase our Number 
of luhabitants, bring More Wealth and render the 
Town of Reading more happy and abundantly more 
flourishing. 



1 Letter to Pennsylvania Gazette. 

- See p. 463, chapter on Internal Improvements. 



658 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



" W/iere/ore your Petitioners pray your Houour to 
take tlie Premises in your Consideration, and promote 
and forward tlie Prosperity, Happiness and Increase 
of one of the Proprietaries' Towns by Incorporating 
and Granting them the Privilege of Fairg and Mar- 
lins, as aforesaid." 

This petition wa:^ written, in a superior 
handwriting, by James Wiiitehead, Jr., an attor- 
ney, dated at Keadiug, February 10, 1764, and 
subscribed by two hundred and fifteen inhabit- 
ants of the town. The names were mostly 
written in German. Their application was 
favorably entertained, though somewhat de- 
layed, and on the 30th of July, 1766, a charter 
was granted, Ijy which the town was authorized 
to hold weekly markets and semi-annual fairs. 
This charter was as follows : 

CHARTER TO READING FOR MARKETS ASH FAIRS. 

" Thomas Penn and Richard Penn, Esquires, true 
and alisolute proprietaries and Governors-in-Chief of 
the Province of Pennsylvania and Counties of New- 
castle, Kent and Sussex on Delaware, To All to whom 
these Presents shall come, send Greeting: 

" Whereas it hath been represented to Us that the 
Inliabitants of the Town of Reading, in the County 
of Berks, in the said Province, are in great want of a 
Market, for buying and selling Provisions, and of 
Fairs for buying and selling Goods, Wares, Merchan- 
dize and Cattle, — 

"Now know ye that We, favouring the reasonable 
request of the said Inhabitants, and considering the 
flourishing State to which the said Town hath ar- 
rived through their Industry, have, of our free will, 
granted, and do, by these Presents, for Us, our Heirs 
and Successors, grant to the present and succeeding 
Inhabitants of the said Town that they shall and may 
forever hereafter have and keep within the said Town 
of Reading two fairs yearly, and every year, that is 
to say, the first to begin on the Twenty-seventh Day 
of October next, to be held in Penn Street and to 
continue that Day and the Day next following, and 
the other of the said Fairs to begin on the Fourth 
Day of June, to be held in Penn Street aforesaid and 
to continue that Day and the Day after. But in case 
either of those Days shall happen to fall on Sunday, 
then the said Fairs to be held the succeeding Day or 
two Days following together, and no longer, With 
all the Liberties and Customs to such Fairs belonging 
or incident. And Wc do also hereby grant to the 
Present and succeeding Inhabitants of the said Town 
of Reading, that they shall and may hold and keep 
within the said Town, in Penn Street Square, betwein 
Queen Street and Prince Street, two Markets in each 
Week, that is to say, one Market on Wednesday and 
one Market on Saturday in every week of the Year 



forever. And We do also hereoy grant and ordain 
that there shall be a Clerk of the Market for the said 
Town, who shall have the Assize of Bread, Wine, 
Beer and all other Provisions brought for the use of 
the said Inhabitants, who shall and may perform all 
things belonging to the Office of a Clerk of the Mar- 
ket, within the said Town; And that Henry Haller 
shall be the present Clerk of the Market, who shall 
be removable at the pleasure of the Justices of the 
Peace of the said County of "Berks, for the time being, 
or a Majority of them, in their Court of General 
Quarter Sessions of the Peace for the said County of 
Berks ; and another Clerk of the Market shall from 
time to time be by them appointed and removed in 
their said Sessions as often as they shall find neces- 
sary. And Tie do hereby further grant and ordain 
that the Clerk of the Markets, for the time being, 
shall and may erect so many Stalls and Let the same 
at such reasonable rates as the said Justices may 
from time to time direct and see necessary, and that 
such Clerk shall exhibit his Accounts to the said 
Justices, to be by them examined and passed in their 
Sessions, which shall be in the Jlonth of May every 
Year forever, and the Moneys arising therefrom shall 
be appropriated by the said Justices to the erecting 
and maintenance of the said Stalls, the paying the 
said Clerk of the JIarket for his services, and to such 
other Publick Uses within the said Town as they the 
said Justices shall think proper and direct. 

" In Testimony whereof, We have caused 
the Great Seal of the said Province to be 
hereunto affixed. Witness John Penn, Esquire, 
Lieutenant- Governor and Commander-in-Chief 
of our said Province, at Philadelphia, the 
[Seal.] Thirtieth Day of July, in the Sixth Year 
of the Reign of George the Third, by the 
Grace of God, of Great Britain, France and 
Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith and 
so forth, and in the Year of our Lord one 
thousand seven hundred and sixty-six. 
" John Pexx." 

The .semi-weekly markets were instituted iu 
the fall of 1766; a large market-hou.se was 
then erected in Penn Square to the east of 
Callowhill (Fifth) Street ; and then farmers 
and butchers began the sale of vegetables, but- 
ter, eggs, meat, etc., twice a week, in the morn- 
ing of Wednesdays and Saturdays, the articles 
named having been expo.sed for sale iu the 
market-house. 

The serai-annual fairs began iu October, 1766. 
They were held regularly on the 27th day of 
October and 4th day of June during that 
period and they were generally well attended. 
All kinds of goods and merchandi.se were 



READING. 



659 



brought to the market-house and exposed for 
sale. The people of the country and of the 
town doubtless looked upon these fair-days with 
much pleasure. In the beginning their deal- 
ings were mostly of a practical nature. But 
gradually they introduced festivities of various 
kinds. The exhibition continued two days, 
the first by common cpnsent having been taken 
by the farmers and country people generally, 
and the second by the town-people. Dancing, 
with music, produced on the violin, was a 
prominent part of the programme ; and (if we 
may judge of the exhibition then by the 
practices of the people four-score of years after- 
wards) the conclusion was enlivened with 
fighting and revelry. 

CiTIZEXS AGAIXST ChAX(1E OF GOVERX- 

MEXT.^ — Several years previous to the granting 
of the charter to the town, a considerable agita- 
tion prevailed amongst the people of the 
country concerning the question of a change of 
government which had been recommended by 
the Assembly of the province for the reason, as 
it was alleged, — 

" That mischievous disagreements subsist in this 
government, which proceed, as they conceive from the 
very Nature of it, and that a Si)irit of Violence, 
Riot and Confusion prevails among us which cannot 
be controlled by the present Power of Government 
and renders a change of the same necessary." 

But they were generally against a change 
which indicates a "Tory" feeling. Their dis- 
approbation of this movement was expressed in 
memorials to the King. These memorials were 
printed. In them the subscribers represented, — 

" That they had received information that a certain 
petition praying for change of government had been 
drawn to the King; and alarmed at its nature, they 
asked for a copy to know its contents ; that they were 
informed that it had already been forwarded, and 
no copy could be granted witliout leave of Assembly 
at next meeting in September; and, apprehending 
that delay would prejudice them so tliat they could 
not submit their sense of the matter, they represented 
that they held their Frame of Government in the 
highest estimation ; that though disagreements had 
arisen, otliers around them were not exempted from like 
misfortune, and that they were not incident to the 
Nature of their Government ; that the Province en- 



1 Penn Manuscript Papers, pages 90 and 114, in posses- 
sion of Historical Society of Pennsylvania, at Philadelphia. 



joyed'' the most perfect internal Tranquility; that the 
Spirit of Riot and Violence was foreign to GeneralTemp- 
er of the Inhabitants, that disturbances were quieted, 
the Civil Powers were supported and no offenders were 
screened from public justice ; and that if executive 
power were too weak, the Assembly could strengthen 
it — therefore they prayed the King to disregard the 
petition of the Assembly as grievous and not properly 
representing the state of the Province." 

One of them was signed by citizens of Read- 
ing, eighty-six in number; among these, prom- 
uent men, such as James Whitehead, Jr., 
James Scull, Isaac Levan, Abraham Levan, 
John Scull, Nicholas Scull, Conrad Bauer, 
Christopher Witman, Anthony Fricker, Jasper 
Scull, Henry Vanderslice. The gretit majority 
of the signatures were in German handwriting. 

Another from citizens of Reading was signed 
by Jonas Seely, James Read, .lohn Patton, 
Henry Christ, Jacob Weaver, (sheriff), John ^ 
Bishop, Samuel Weiser, (coroner), Jacob Mech- 
lin, Richard Lewis, (commissioner). 

Early Ixn-keepers. — The tavern was a 
prominent public place in the town. Licenses 
were granted by the Governor of the State upon 
the recommendation of the justices of the 
county. In 17()2 over thirty licenses were 
issued for taverns in Reading. The following 
jjersons were recommended : 

Christopher Witman. Jlichael Kraus. 
Alexander Klinger. ' Leonard Rupert. 

Peter Fetter. Frederick Braun. 

Peter Withington. Elias Yungman. 

Henry Kehler. John Hartman. 

Henry Haller. Jacob Shoemaker. ■ 

Jacob Jager. Nicholas Seitzinger. 

Anthony Fricker. Abraham Weidman. 

Jacob Graul. Conrad Longsdorff. 
Jacob Keyser. . Casper Pfatteicher. 

Erhard Roos. Christian Maurer. 

George Albert. Peter Weiser. 

Michael Brecht. Jacob Rabolt. 

Peter Brecht. Ludwig Byerle. 

Andreas Engel. Jacob Moyer. 
William Frymyer. 

A number of the tavern-keepers named 
were prominent, not only in the town affairs, 
but in the county political affairs. The pro- 
portion of taverns to the population was rather 
surprising, having been about one to every 
forty inhabitants. A prominent tavern was 
" Witmau's," now the building occupied by the 



660 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



"Farmers' Xational Bank." This building 
M'as erected in 1763 by Adam Witman, an inn- 
keeper, who, doubtless, ei-ected it for an inn. 
He held it till 1778. In 1799, Michael AYood, 
also an inn-keejier, came to own it. He had 
leased it for some years previously. From his 
possession it took the name of "Wood's Inn," 
and it was so known till 1814, when the 
Farmers' Bank purchased it and took posses- 
sion. The bank has held it for banking pur- 
poses continuously till now, a period covering 
seventy years. This is the second oldest 
building in Reading.' Washington sojourned 
in it whilst visiting Reading in 1793. He was 
very kindly received and hospitably enter- 
tained. He held a levee, and many persons 
called to show him honor and affection. 

Early Occijpatioxs. — The early industiy 
of the town was very diversified. It comprised 
numerous trades. The mechanics were the life 
and development of the town. They were 
happy because they were employed ; and they 
were contented because they supplied their 
wants, not only by laboring for others, but also 
by cultivating lots and out-lots for themselves. 
And many of them were in good circumstances. 
Hat-making was then a prominent employ- 
ment. 

The following list (in connection with the 
previous list, which embraces the patentees ot 
town-lots) indicates the occupations which the 
town afforded and also the pursuits which cer- 
tain meu followed. They were obtained from 
the records in the recorder's office of the county. 
The year indicates the date of the deed in 
which they appear. The persons mentioned 
may have lived in tlie town some time before 
the year given : 

1754. — Martin Kast, inn-holder ; Leonard Rupert, 
baker ; Adam Wagner, baker ; Moses Highman, 
merchant; Conrad Deboy, reed-maker; Andrew 
Steele, blacksmith ; Joseph Chammond, shop-keeper; 
Michael Gretter, slaughterer; Jacob Kern, inn- 
holder; Evan Jones, shop-keeper; George M. Gret- 
ter, slaughterer ; John Jackson, felt-maker; S.amuel 
Jackson, felt-maker; Adam Werterberger, weaver. 



' The oldest building now standing in Reading is situated 
on the northwest corner of Fifth and Washington Streets. It 
was erected in 1760 by Michael Brecht. Then it was a 
two-8tory building; the third-story was added in 1817. 



1757. — Jacob Yeager, carpenter ; Henry F. Degeu- 
hardt, tinner ; Gabriel Shopp, saddler ; George Diehl, 
cordwainer; Nicholas Shopper, joiner. 

1758. — John Shreidt, gunsmith ; Sebastian Grauser, 
carpenter; Martin Kraflt, inn-holder. 

1759.- — Paul Lebo, blacksmith ; Isaac Lebo, hatter; 
Christopher Laman, joiner; David Henderson, law- 
yer; Adam Brosius, tailor; Bernhard Rorebauch, 
cooper; Henry Senger, leather-dresser; John Gross, 
book-binder. 

1760. — Robert Popkins, carpenter; Peter Haas, 
wheelwright ; Jacob Yeager, inn-keeper ; Edward 
Drury, inn-keeper; Nich olas Keim, wheelwright; 
Casper Jost, nailer ; Peter Holtzader, cooper ; Isaac 
Y'oung, shop-keeper; Matthias Hineline, hatter; 
Lawrence Fix, cooper ; Isaac Wickersham, carpenter. 

1761. — Meyer Josephson, shop-keeper; William 
Frick, barber; Jacob Hoffman, inn-holder; John 
Miirchin, carpenter ; William Graeff, lock and gun- 
smith ; Edmund Rose, weaver ; Adam Scheir, carpenter. 

1762.— Francis Ficks, cooper; John Collier, tailor; 
Samuel Weiser, scrivener; Frederick Goodhart, wag- 
oner; Elias Yungman, hatter; David Meyerly, 
mason; Balthaser Bach, tailor; James Whitehead, 
Jr., lawyer; Paul Kerber, cordwainer; Ludwig 
Fil linger, weaver; Edward Biddle, lawyer ; Jonathan 
Worrall, shoemaker ; Andrew Schenck, wheelwright. 

1764. — Jacob Robold, brick-maker ; Adam Schlegel, 
tailor ; John Bingeman, carter ;" Peter Rapp, butcher ; 
George Shultz, hatter ; Thomas Lincoln, mason ; 
Peter Rein, glazier; John A. Gottschall, locksmith. 

1765. — Christopher Neidle, wheelwright; Henry 
Haller, tailor ; Peter Brecht, saddler ; Nicholas Keim, 
shop-keeper ; John F. Mover, cordwainer ; Henry 
Gossler, baker ; Andreas Fuchs, cooper ; John Wit- 
man, cordwainer; Valentine L'rledig, c^ock-maker; 
Matthias Moyer, joiner ; Jost Tietz, miner ; Conrad 
Babb, tinman. 

1766. — Henry Eckert, brewer ; John Spwhn, brewer; 
Conrad Gei.^t, weaver. 

1767. — Peter Zimmerman, mason ; John Morris, 
joiner; Michael Klein, cordwainer; Jonathan Jones, 
saddletree-maker; Jacob Neithack, cordwainer. 

1768. — Alexander Murray, clerk ; Abraham Wit- 
man, cordwainer; Jacob Hoff, chirurgeon and barber. 

1769. — Frederick Stieff, cordwainer; Jacob Graff, 
hatter; AVilliam Miller, pump-maker. 

1770. — Casper Pf'atteicher, cordwainer; Henry 
Printz, stocking- weaver; George Bernhard, skinner ; 
Ja.sper Scull, surveyor. 

1772. — Jeremiah Paul, school-master; Anthony 
Fricker, inn-keeper. 

1774. — Abel Morris, clock-maker; John Mears, 
cabinet-maker; Daniel Levan, lawyer; Daniel Rose, 
clock-maker ; Peter Gross, hatter ; Jacob Gross, 
hatter; John George, butcher ; John Dissler, saddler; 
Jacob Boyer, carpenter ; Jacob Oswald, tailor; Jacob 
Bright, brewer. 

1779. — Baltzer Henri tze, hatter. 



READING. 



661 



A prominent business stand is worthy of 
special mention in this connection. Conrad 
Weiser began a store on the north side of Penn 
Street, above Caliowhill (now Fifth), on lot No. 
3. He obtained the patent in 1751, having 
probably erected the building (two-story stone) 
shortly before. Here Weiser carried on busi- 
ness intercourse with the Indians, in which 
respect the building obtained particular historic 
prominence. This stand has continued promi- 
nent thence till now, a period extending over 
one hundred and thirty years. For many years 
it was commonly known as the "Old White 
Store." It came to be owned by Nicholas 
Keim, in 1769 ; and the Keim family carried 
on business in it through this period and for 
seventy years afterward. 

Three old buildings, which weie erected in 
this period, are still standing, — two-story stone 
tavern-stand, northwest corner of Fifth and 
Washington Streets, erected in 1760 (many 
years afterward imjjroved and enlarged) ; two- 
story stone tavern-stand, on north side of Penn 
Street, below Fifth, 1763 (bank building since 
1814); and two-story stone building, county 
prison, 1770, on northeast corner of Fifth and 
Washington Streets (store building since 1848). 

Eainbow Fire Company. — The town-peo- 
ple naturally, after having erected numerous 
dwellings and buildings in the town, considered 
the necessity of an organization for protecting 
them from fire. It is believed that they organ- 
ized a fire company soon after the town had be- 
gun to be rather compactly built up, though 
there is no record to establish the fact. A reg- 
ular company was, however, organized on 
March 17, 1773, and named the "Rainbow 
Fire Company." And this would seem to have 
been the only company of this kind here for 
thirty years afterward. Their apparatus for 
extinguishing fires was, indeed, simplebut labor- 
ious, especially when compared with the appa- 
ratus of fire companies one hundred years after- 
ward. The fire was extinguished at first by 
buckets of water, hooks and axes. Water was 
carried in buckets and ])assed from hand to hand 
from the nearest j^ump (then numerous in town) 
to the burning building and poured upon the 
fire, and, if not sufficient, the hook and ax were 



applied to prevent the conflagration from spread- 
ing to other buildings. 

Then the force-pump, manipulated by hand, 
was introduced. What an improvement this 
must have been regarded over the slow, tedious 
and too frequently ineffectual and dangerous 
method with the bucket? Instead of approach- 
ing the fire and jiouring on the water, the fire- 
men could stand off one hundred feet and more 
and force the water through a hose and pipe in 
a continuous stream upon the burning building. 

No Newspapers nor Internal Improve- 
jfENTs. — There were no newspapers in Reading 
during its history as a town. The Fennsyhania 
Gazette had a limited circulation among the peo- 
ple. This supplied the news, and this news was 
almost entirely " foreign." The local corre- 
s|)ondence was only occasional. This important 
agent for preserving as well as communicating 
facts and particulars about a growing people, 
not being in existence tlien at Reading, affords 
no assistance whatever in ascertaining the con- 
dition of Reading before the Revolution. A 
" special " to the Gazette reported some of the 
Indian cruelties and wandering bears in the 
vicinity of Reading ; and a correspondent from 
Reading, in 1760, intimated the possible im- 
provement of the Schuylkill for navigation. 
The difficulty of gathering facts concerning this 
early period of Reading, upon which to found 
historical narrative, will therefore be appre- 
ciated. 

And there was no bank nor post-office, 
no public water-works, no bridge nor turn- 
pike, no canal nor railw'ay, no telegraph 
nor telephone, no gas nor electric light! 
How destitute of public conveniences and 
improvements were the inhabitants of the 
town compared with what tlie peoj)le have now 
— in the year 1886 ! We cannot imagine their 
situation. And yet they were satisfied, for they 
knew not of these things. 

Pi'MP. — The pump was an important feature 
in the town ; in fact, it was an indispensable 
feature — and it continued to be for a hundred 
years, till the municipal government discouraged 
its use, for sanitary reasons, especially after the 
valuable water-w^orks had been obtained from 
the " Reading Water Company." It is one of 



002 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the first things mentioned in connection with 
the town, and it occupies a prominent position 
in the growth and well-being of the people. It 
stood in every locality, and was used by every- 
body ; its utility cannot be over-estimated. 
There were some springs in the town, and one 
place was supplied with running water. This 
was the " Fountain Inn," which was located on 
the south side of Penn Street, about fifty yards 
above Tenth. It was conveyed in a wooden 
pipe from the spring at the " Gravel Hole," on 
the " commons," a distance of nearly half a 
mile. Many wells were in use — the water hav- 
ing been drawn up in a bucket by a chain or 
rope attached to a windlass. 

FlTel, Light, ExTERTAiN>rENTS. — The 
only substance which the inhabitants used for 
fuel for heating and cooking purposes was 
wood. The wood-stove was common every- 
where ; and so was the open fire-place. Great 
chimneys were a necessary part of every dwell- 
ing. Coal had been discovered in the upper 
section of the county, along the head-waters of 
the Schuylkill, some years before the close of 
this period, but its usefulness as a substance for 
fuel had not as yet been recognized or appre- 
ciated. 

The light of that period was still in a primi- 
tive state. There was no step as yet beyond the 
lamp; wax and fat and oils were still the sub- 
stances commonly used for this purpose. Gas 
was known abroad ; but it iiad not yet been 
introduced for lighting public or private places. 
Thirty years more elapsed before it was adopted 
for lighting the streets of Westminster and Lon- 
don, in England. TJierewas no demand for an 
improvement in this direction beyond the wants 
of social entertainment. The inhabitants worked 
while it was day, for when the night came they 
found that they could not work, realizing, in- 
deed, the literal significance of the divine in- 
junction. Work-shops closed at six o'clock or 
sun-down. The stores, however, were kept 
open till nine and ten o'clock; and the taverns, 
especially. A dim light enabled the people to 
move around ; but talk, gossip and story-telling 
were carried on more than business. A country 
store or tavern of to-day is a fair sample of 
what the stores and taverns of Heading were 



during the period when it was a town ; indeed, 
its light, produced from improved coal-oil lamps, 
is superior to the light that they had then from 
oil, fat and tallow. 

There were no evening dramatic performances 
— no entertainments of any kind. Balls and 
dancing parties were numerous then as they are 
now. But these were conducted at taverns and 
not at halls specially designed for such a pur- 
pose. The violin was the only musical instru- 
ment used, and the player was an orchestra all 
in himself, his energetic stamping and motions 
keeping the dancers in time and awaking con- 
siderable activity upon the occasion. 

The people had various pastimes, just as they 
have had everywhere, time out of mind. Card- 
playing, racing, quoiting, rolling and throwing 
ball,' running and jumping, ball-playing and 
hoop-rolling were most common. These were, 
however, for men and boys. Tiie women and 
girls devoted their spare time mostly to knit- 
ting, quilting, fiincy- sewing and spinning. They 
did not have any sports which required physical 
exertion. Indeed, with them, such has ever 
been the case. It is even so now — excepting 
one instance, roller-skating. 

Hunting and Fishing. — Hunting and fish- 
ing were especially interesting and successful 
sports in the days when the woods were great 
and wild and the waters rolled onward unpol- 
luted. This was indeed a great section, for 
woods and springs were in abundance. Before 
the town was laid, bears w'ere numerous. in this 
vicinity; and they continued here for some 
yeai-s afterward. Several were shot near by in 
1754, of which special mention was made in a 
letter to the Pennsi/lrania Gazette at Philadel- 
phia. All kinds of wild game were plentiful — 
deer, rabbits, pheasants, partridges, ducks, geese 
and pigeons. The latter were here in flocks, 
estimated by the thousand. Gunning for food 
— if not for a livelihood — was common with 
every man. Traps and snares were used very 
successfully by many for catching game. 

The Schuylkill and its many tributaries aboun- 
ded with fish. Fishers were just as successful as 



^ A ball of iron, varying in weight from seven lo twenty- 
five, and even fifty pounds. 



READING. 



663 



gunners. Tliey were not required to walk more 
than a mile or two at most from their homes. 
The abundance of shad made this locality fa- 
mous as a fishing-ground. Along the "Never- 
sink" and around the "Poplar Neck" they 
were plentiful. The name of the locality — 
Xavesink^ fishing-ground, arose from this cir- 
cumstance. With the Indians it was a chosen 
district above all other districts. The name im- 
ports the preference. Other fishes of various 
kinds were here likewise. Diiferent modes of 
catching them were used — the net and the rod 
and line being preferred. The gig at night was 
frequently adopted. But the first-named was 
used mostly for this purpose. A large propor- 
tion of the food of the early inhabitants consist- 
ed of wild game and fish. 

Indian Invasion. — In the early part of 
this period the inhabitants of the town were 
thoroughly aroused, if not terrified, by the 
horrible cruelties of the Indians along the Blue 
Mountain, just twenty miles away. The safety 
of the community was moi'e or less uncertain 
during the continuance of their invasion from 
1755 till 1763. A military depot was stationed 
in the town. Soldiers were quartered here to 
inspire confidence and the assurance of protec- 
tion, and their movements must have kept the 
people in constant excitement. Conrad Weiser 
was the most prominent citizen by reason of his 
active participation in the warfare, not only as 
a commander of colonial troops, but also as an 
interpreter for the Indians and as a mediator 
between them and the goverument. Many of 
the settlers were murdered in the townships 
along the mountain. But the citizens of the 
town did not suffer any loss at all, for no lives 
were sacrificed, no persons w-ere seized and 
carried away and no property was burned or 
stolen. They were fortunate. The Indians 
feared the town. It was too populous for them 
and too well-guarded. The nearest point to the 
town which they reached was six miles away. 
But then they were not in a squad, not in force 
sufficient to commit outrages if they had been 
so inclined ; only a single Indian was seen, and 
he was apparently fleeing from impending harm 
or imprisonment. It is rather surprising that a 



This name sbould be substituted for " Neversink." 



single Indian dared to venture twenty miles 
away from his associates in and beyond the 
mountain, but, more surprising that he escaped 
with his life after having come so far into the 
coimty. The citizens must indeed have rejoiced 
when the declaration of peace was published in 
1763. 

Revolution. — The rest and quiet which this 
declaration of peace produced were certainly 
very encouraging to them during their efforts 
in developing the town into that degree of 
importance which its position as a county-seat 
naturally demanded. But these had scarcely 
made an impression before a new subject began 
to agitate their minds. This was in reference to 
their personal and political rights as subjects of 
the King. The importance of these rights was 
not wholly understood or appreciated. Infringe- 
ment upon them did not then awaken a public 
spirit of opposition. The people as a community 
were satisfied with the government over them. 
They were not even inclined to unite in a move- 
ment for a change. But in the course of ten 
years their sentiments changed ; and just as they 
were indisjio-sed at the close of the " French and 
Indian War" to consider any subject which 
tended to di.sturb the quiet that was settling 
round-about them, so were they prompt and 
active in preparing the way for the Revolution. 
They enunciated their feelings and principles at 
p)ubli(^ meetings. They expressed earnest and 
bold sympathy for their fellows in the distant 
colony of Massachusetts, and encouraged them 
in the stand which they had manfully taken 
against the encroachments of the British govern- 
ment upon their political rights. " No taxation 
without representation " was a great public 
sentiment to which our community could then 
readily subscribe and about which they could 
formulate a strong and unconquering spirit for 
war. In that time a new leader grew into 
jjopular favor, and they unhesitatingly and 
unanimously looked to him for political repre- 
sentation, just as they had looked to Conrad 
Weiser twenty years before in their alarming 
days with the savage Indians. This was 
Edward Biddle.^ Companies of troops were 

'' He came into Berlts County from Philadelphia in 1757. 
Then was ensign in Captain Conrad Weiser's company, in 



6i;4 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



formed and forwarded. Military supplies of all 
kinds were furnished in answer to all demands. 
Moneys were collected and paid over ; and 
general activity jjrevailed iu the community 
through the entire period of the Revolution for 
eight years. And naturally, this activity, this 
nolile exhibition of patriotism, won the favor of 
the government, for the leaders in the great 
movement, recognizing the loyalty of thecitizens, 
establisiied in the town a large depot for military 
stores, and also a large barrack for prisoners of 
war. Altogether this was quite a centre in the 
movement for independence, though the rolling 
valleys and elevated hills round-about were not 
drenched with the blood of men in actual war- 
fare, though the county was not even invaded 
by the enemy. The nearest point reached was 
Valley Forge. Some of the prominent generals 
of the Revolutionary army were at Reading 
during the war. One of them. General Thomas 
Mifflin, was .so pleased with the laud in this locality 
that he purchased a large farm in Cumru town- 
ship, and remained upon it with his family for 
some time. But it is not known that the 
commander-in-chief. General \Va.shington, visi- 
ted Reading. He was at the "Reading 
Furnace" in 1777, which was near the county 
line in Chester County, about fifteen miles 
southeast from Reading. 

Prominext Mex. — During the first period 
of Reading, from 1748 till 1783, a number of 
its citizens distinguished themselves, .some as 
political representatives, some in the pursuits of 
business life and some in military .service. I 
can mention the following men : 

Pii/ifical. — Conrad Weiser, Edward Biddle, Charles 
Biddle, James Read, Henry Haller. 

Biisiiiesn. — Nicholas Keim, Nicholas Scull, John 
Jackson, Mark Bird, Gabriel Hiester, John Patton, 
Jacob Graeff, Henry Hahn, Samuel Jackson, Peter 
Gross, Henry Eckert, Jacob Bright, Baltzer Henritze, 
Nicholas Lotz, Dr. Jonathan Potts, Bodo r)tto, Adam 
Witman, Michael Bright, Christopher Schultz, George 
Douglass, Anthony Fricker. 

Militanj. — Daniel Brodhead, Joseph Hiestev, George 
Nagel, John Sjiolin, Jacob Moigan, Jacob Graul, 
Jacob Maurer. 



active service in the French and Indian AVar. 2 Penna. 
Arch. i'M seines), 543. And see sketcli in chapter on 
T^evolution. 



Many other men stood out prominently, but 
they were from the several districts, of the ' 
county round-about Reading. 

Sketches of some of the men named appear 
elsewhere in this history. 

Nicholas Keim. — John Keim, the progeni- 
tor of the Keim family, emigrated to America 
in the latter jiart of the seventeenth century, 
and became one of the first settlers in Oley 
township, Berks County, having taken up land 
before 1718, and located in the upper section of 
the township, near the present village of 







NICHOLAS KEIM 

Lobachsville. He carried on farming there till 
his decease, in 1732. He was a " Friend," a 
follower of Pastorius. S^ 

Nicholas Keim, a son of John Keim, was 
born in Oley township April 2, 1719. He 
pursued the life of a fiirmer till 1755, and then 
with his wife, Barbara (Snyder), and an only 
son, moved to Reading, where he then began 
the business of a general hardware-store, and a 
dealer in grain, etc. In 1769 he purchased 
from Mark Bird the " Weiser Store Stand," 
on Penn Street, near Fifth, commonly known 
as the " Old White Store," and there carried 
on business very successfully for a number of 
years. At that period he was one of the prin- 
cipal merchants at Reading, Adam Witman 



READ1N(J. 



665 



having theu also been largely engaged in trade. 
He resided in a large two-story stone dwelling 
on tlie northwest corner of Penn and Ninth 
Streets. He carried on extensive business trans- 
actions with the leading merchants of Philadel- 
])hln and Gerraantown. His receipt-book for 
the years 1763, 1764, 1765 and 1766 includes 
the autogra])hs of the Wisters and Benezets, 
Samuel Miles (afterwards a colonel in the Revo- 
lution), Christopher Saur (the prominent pub- 
lisher), Amos Wickersham, George Dillwyn, 
Owen Jones, John Coxe, Caleb Foulke and 
others. About the year 1785 he transferred 
his store to his only son, John, and retired from 
active business. He was a man of progressive 
spirit, who encouraged everything relating to 
the development of the community in which he 
lived. He died on August 3, 1802, at the ad- 
vanced age of eighty-three years, " after a long, 
lingering consumption, Avhich he bore with 
Christian fortitude and entire devotion to the 
will of the Almighty." [ Weekly Advertiser, 
August 28, 1802.] 

Pound Steeling. — The term " pound sterl- 
ing" arose in England under King Richard I., 
about the year 1190. It is supposed to be an 
abbreviation of the word " Easterling," the name 
of an oriental coin which was introduced into 
England by distinguished coiners from the East. 
It is also supjiosed to have been a small coin 
worth about one jjenuy -which was stamped by 
merchants from Germany called Esterlings dur- 
ing the reign of King John, 1199-1216. 

In the provincial days of Pennsylvania a 
pound was equal to §2.42. The pound sterl- 
ing of England is now represented by a " sove- 
reign," a gold coin valued at $4.84. 

The terms " pounds," "shillings," " pence," 
were used in reckoning for some years after the 
establishment of independence. The county 
records show a change from the use of these 
terms to dollars and cents in the year 1796. 
The early inhabitants of Reading were obliged 
to understand the value of the foreign coins in 
oi'der to carry on satisfactory business inter- 
course with one another. Before the change 
was introduced there were two units of value : 
the English pound and the Spanish milled dol- 
lar, and the values of these standards were not 



common. The matter of reckoning value, mak- 
ing change and exchange, etc., was a complicated 
matter for them, much more so than we, who 
are accustomed to simple units of value, would 
imagine. 

Calendar — Old Style to Neio Style. — The 
old style of reckoning time (Styli Veteris) was 
the Julian Style, derived from Julius Caesar — 
46 B.C. The length of the year by this 
reckoning was afterward found to be incorrect. 
But centuries elapsed before it was changed. 
In 1582 Pope Gregory XIII., issued a brief 
in which he abolished the use of the Julian 
Calendar and substituted a corrected calendar 
according to the calculations of a learned astron- 
omer of Naples, named Aloysius Lillius. The 
correction added ten days to the old style. The 
name of this calendar was called, after the Pope, 
" Gregorian," and came to be recognized as the 
new style. The diflPerence between the two 
styles continued to be ten days till 1700. In 
the eighteenth century it was eleven days. 
The order of the Pope was first recognized only 
by governments under the influence of the 
Roman Catholic religion. But the change was 
gradually introduced into the reckoning of all 
the governments. In 1751 an act of Parlia- 
ment was passed by the British government 
adopting the new style in all public and legal 
transactions, and directing that the next year 
] 752 should begin on the 1st day of January, 
instead of the 25th day of March ; that the 
names of the months (as January, February, 
M^rch, etc.) should be substituted for the num- 
bers (as 1st, 2d, 3d, etc.), and that the day fol- 
lowing the 2d day of September, 1752, old style, 
should be reckoned as the 14th day of Septem- 
ber, new style. Previous to the time that this 
act went into effect in the .American colonies, 
the Assembly of Pennsylvania passed an act on 
March 11, 1752, recognizing the act of Parlia- 
ment, more especially for the purpose of pre- 
venting disputes in reference to the dates of legal 
convevances. 



6GG 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXXSYLVANIA. 



PART 11. 

BOROUGH FROM 1783 TO 1847. 

Charter of Incorporatinn — Eleclion Districts — Xewsp.apei's 
— I'list-Office — Internal Impi'ovenients — Ferries and 
Bridges — Fire Companies, Banks and AVater Supply — 
Light — Public Buildings — Stages, Canals and Railway — 
Manufacturers — Traffic — Merchants of Reading in 1830 
— Occupations in 1839 — Distinguished Visitors — Memor- 
ial Services — Streets, Change of Names — Executions — 
Early Exhibitions. 

Charter of Ixcorporatiox. — After the 
close of the Revohition, with independence not 
only boldly declared bnt admiraltiy won and 
firmly established throughout the United States, 
the town was ready for a step forward into a 
distinct political body, with the powers and 
privileges of municipal government. It then 
contained about four hundred taxables,' or fully 
two thousand inhabitants. Xine-tenths of the 
population were Germans ; and it was generally 
recognized as the largest, most important and 
progressive inland town in the entire country. 
Accordingly, a petition in this behalf was pre- 
sented to the General As,sembly of the State, 
and on the 12th day of September, 1783 — 
thirty-five years after the town-plan had been 
laid out — it was erected into a borough. Tiiis 
length of time would seem to indicate a slowness 
of political action in respect to advancement be- 
yond the ordinary ;uid limited powers of a town- 
ship ; but it would also seem to indicate a good, 
orderly and contented people, who were able to 
get along satisfactorily without the aid of police 
regulations. By that time the county had 
come to contain a population numbering twenty- 
five thousand ; and towns had come to lie laid 
out and established in tiie county round-about 
Reading — Womelsdorf to the we.st, fourteen 
miles, in 1760; Hamburg to the north, sixteen 
miles, and Kutztown to the northeast, eighteen 
miles, about 1 770 ; Birdsboro' to the southea.st, 
nine miles, about 1770;" and Morgantown to 
the south, fifteen miles, about 1770. 



' Some one has fixed the number at three hundred and 
sixty-two. By the assessor's list of the town for 1780 the 
resident taxables numbered four hundred and seventeen. 

^ The year is not known. Bird, the founder, did not 
sell any lots by deed ; hence definite information could not 
be obtained. It is the same as to Morgantown. 



The following letter is worthy of preservation 
in connection with the incorporation of the bor- 
ough : 

"Sir. — I have proposed a few amendments to the Bill 
for erecting Reading into a Borough, which you left 
with me; they are written on the sheet accompanying 
the Bill. If I heard the objections to the Borough 
being bounded by the Western bank of the river 
Schuylkill, I could be enabled to give you my 
opinion better with respect to that matter than at 
present, but as I am now circumstanced I cannot 
divine what they can be ; nor do I perceive the 
particular advantages that may attend it, being thus 
bounded so as to render it a point of moment ; per- 
haps it is intended that the Burgesses shall be Tnie 
Trouts. 

" The question, whether the Burgesses can be con- 
stituted Justices of the peace for the county of Berks, 
has been duly attended to ; and if the majority of the 
freeholders within the town and district incorporated 
request it, I can see no reason to suppose that the 
Legislature cannot gratify them, not only agreeable 
to the spirit but the letter of the 30th section of the 
Constitution. 

" I am. Sir, in haste, 

" Your most obedient, humble servant, 

"ThO. M'KEAJf." 

"I'hila., 

"Aug't 28, 1883, 

"Daniel Clymer, Esquire." 
[Original letter written in neat, legible handwrit- 
ing.] 

ACT OF ASSEMBLY. 

"An Act for erecting the town of Reading, in the 
county of Berks, into a borough ; for regulating the 
buildings, preventing nuisances and encroachments 
on the squares, streets, lanes and alleys of the same, 
and for other purposes therein mentioned, passed by 
the General Assembly September 12, 1783 : 

"Set:. 1. Whereas the inhabitants of the town of 
Reading have represented, by their petition to the As- 
sembly, that the said town has greatly improved, and is 
yearly increasing in buildings and number of inhabi- 
tants ; that a good court-house, jail and four churches'' 
or houses for public worship are erected, and that the 
courts of justice for the county are held there; that 
encroachments and nuisances have been committed in 
the public squares, streets, lanes and alleys of said 
town, and its out-lots ; that contentions happen rela- 
tive to partition walls and fences, and a variety of 
other matter, to the great annoyance and inconven- 
ience of the inhabitants. 

"Sec. 2. And ir/(ei-eas it is necessary, as well for 
the benefit of the inhabitants of the said town as 
those who trade and resort there, and for the advant- 



^ Trinity Lutheran, First Reformed, Friends' and the 
fourth probably Catholic. 



READING. 



667 



age of the public in general, that the encroachments, 
nuisances, contentious, annoyances and inconven- 
iences in the said town and out-lots thereto belong- 
ing, should for the future be prevented. And for the 
promoting industry, rule, order and the better govern- 
ment of the said town. 

" 'Sfee. 3. -Be it enacted, and it is hereby enacted by 
the Representatives of the Freemen of the commonwealth 
of Pennsylcania, in General Assembly wet, and by the 
(lulhority of the snme, That the said town of Reading 
and the country herein after described shall be, and 
the same is hereby erected into a borough, which shall 
be called ' The Borough of Reading' for ever, the ex- 
tent of which borough is and shall be comprised 
with the following boundaries, to wit. : Beginning on 
the westerly bank of the river Schuylkill, opposite 
Lardner's lane of Hockley's outlets; thence across 
said river and Lardner's lane, north sixty-six degrees 
east, six hundred and fifty-nine perches to a post in a 
line of land late of Adam Witman, Esq., deceased ; 
thence with said line, and Philip Sayler's, south 
twenty-four degrees east, one hundred and seven 
jierches to a stone, being a corner of land late of 
Jonathan Potts, Esq., deceased ; then with the lines 
of said Witman and Potts, north sixty-six degrees 
east, fifty-three perches to a stone, being a corner of 
said Potts' land ; thence with the lines of Potts and 
Bright, south twenty-four degrees east, seventy 
perches to a stone, being a corner of said Bright's 
land ; thence across the mountain, south six degrees 
west, four hundred and seventy-eight perches, to a 
post, being a corner of Michael Bright's land ; thence 
south sixty-six degrees west, ninety-three perches, to 
a stone, being a corner of Isaac Levan's lands ; thence 
by the same and Michael Crowser's land, south twenty- 
four degrees east, ninety-eight perches to a stone; 
1 hence by the same, south sixty-six degrees west, one 
hundred and fifty-six perches to a black oak, being a 
corner of said Levan's land, on the eastern bank of 
the said river Schuylkill ; thence across said river to 
the western bank thereof; thence up the said river, 
along the several courses and distances on the west- 
erly bank, seven hundred and forty perdies to the 
place of beginning. 

'' >9ec. 4. And he it further enacted, by the authority 
afor-esaid, That Daniel Levan and William Scull, Es- 
quires, be and they are hereby appointed the present 
Burgesses ; and the said Daniel Levan shall be called 
the chief Burgess within the said borough ; and Peter 
Nagle, John Spoon, Benjamin Spyker, Jr., and 
James May, assistants, for advising, aiding and as- 
sisting the said Burgesses in the execution of the 
powers and authorities herein given them ; and John 
Fry to be High Constable ; and Collinson Reed, Es- 
quire, to be the Town clerk; to continue Burgesses, 
Assistants, High Constable and Town Clerk, until 
the first day of May, one thousand seven hundred 
and eighty-four, and from thence until others shall 



be duly elected and appointed in their place, as here- 
in after is directed. 

" Sec. 5. Style of the corporation. ' The Burgesses 
and Inhabitants of the Borough of Reading with its 
corporate powers and privileges enumerated.' 

"Sec. 6. Election of Burgesses and other officers 
regulated. Time of Election fixed on first of May of 
each year. 

" Sec. 7. Powers of the Burgesses specified. 

" Sec. 8. Qualiticatious of Borough officers enumer- 
ated. 

" Sec. 9. Provisions for markets and fairs. The 
markets to be held twice every week — on Wednesday 
and Saturday ; and the fairs twice every year, — on 
the fourth of June and on the twenty-seventh of Octo- 
ber,— each fair to continue two days. John Hart- 
man is named as clerk of the market, 'who shall have 
the assize of bread, wine, beer, wood and all other 
provisions brought for the use of inhabitants.' 

" Sec. 10. — Penalty on oflicers elected who refuse or 
neglect to act. 

" Sec. 11. — Power to make rules and ordinances for 
the good government of the borough. 

"Sec. 12. — Buildings heretofore erected that en- 
croach on any street shall not be deemed nuisances; 
but they are not to be rebuilt nor shall future en- 
croachments be made. 

" Sec. 13. — No foundation of any party wall shall 
be laid by any person before applying to the regula- 
tors, who are to be appointed by the Burgess, 

"Sec. 14.— Owners not to build on streets en- 
croached upon. 

" Sec. 15. — Parties finding themselves aggrieved in 
respect to foundation wall may appeal to Quarter Ses- 
sions. 

"Sec. 16. — Parties to pay regulator for service. 

" Sec. 17. — Regulator to regulate partition fences, 
etc. 

" Sec. 18. — Freeholders to choose supervisors and 
assessors annually on third Monday in May. 

"Sec. 19. — Notice of their election to be given. 

" Sec. 20. — Supervisors and assessors to levy a tax 
annually, not exceeding one shilling in the pound, on 
the clear yearly value of the real and personal estate?, 
etc., after first being qualified. 

"Sec. 21. — Supervisors, etc., refusing to serve. Bur- 
gess to appoint others ; compensation fixed. 

" Sec. 22. — Burgess to approve tax levied before col- 
lected. 

" See. 23. — Tenants' goods liable to be distrained for 
tax. 

"Sec. 24. — Tenants may deduct tax paid out of 
rent. 

" Sec. 25. — Supervisors to repair streets. 

" Sec. 26. — Supervisors may enter lands adjoining 
to cut drains or ditches for carrying ofl!"the water. 

"Sec. 27. — Supervisors to be fined for neglect of 
dutv. 



<5G8 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



"*S'ec. 28. — Supervisors to present just accounts to 
Burgesses or to settle the same. 

"See. 29. — Borough declared to be one distinct dis- 
trict. 

"<S'eo. 80. — Magistrates empowered to act in all mat- 
ters appertaining to their office. 

"Sec. 31. — Justices of Borough not to determine 
any appeal. 

";S'ef. 32. — Persons who shall make im])rovements 
required to remove earth from the streets, etc. 

"Sec. 33.' — Penalty on persons laying shavings, 
ashes, etc., on any pavement. 

"Sec. 34. — Penalty for casting rubbish in any puli- 
lic street. 

" Sec. 35. — Distillers, etc., shall not discharge nau- 
seous liquor so as to run through the streets. 

"Sec. 36. — Penalty for leaving carrion in any unin- 
closed grounds. 

" Sec. 37. — Penalty for obstructing the common 
sewers. 

" Sec. 38. — Penalty for making pavement contrary 
to regulation. 

" Sec. 39. — Encroachments by cellar doors on streets 
regulated. 

"Sec. 40. — Owners of porches exceeding the limits 
to be assessed till removed. 

" Sec. 41. — Penalty for removing or damaging pipes 
or trunks used in conveying water. 

"Sec. 42. — Persons not to keep more than twenty- 
five pounds of gun-powder in their houses. 

"Sec. 43. — Manner of recovering and apjdying 
fines. 

"Sec. 44. — Act relating to public roads shall not ex- 
tend to the Borough. 

" Sec. 45. — Suits under this act regulated."' 

A new charter was provided by an act pas.sed 
INfarch 29, 1813. This gave the borough en- 
larged powers, and it continued in force till 
1847, excepting several modiiications with re- 
spect to elections and the election of certain 
officials. 

Electiox D1STRICT.S. — In 1789 Reading 
and eleven townships of the county (Alsace, 
Bern, Brecknock, Caernarvon, Cumru, Exeter, 
Heidelberg, Maiden-creek, Oley, Robeson and 
Ru.scomb-manor) were erected into an election 
district. The poll was at the court-house. 
The several townships named were taken away 
during the following fifty years and erected 
into separate election districts. 

' Dallas' Laws of Pennsylvania, Second Volume, pages 
124-240. Set of Reports (4) are in Law Library of Berks 

County. 



In 1817 Reading was divided into two 
election wards, — North and South, — Penn Street 
having been made the dividing line. In 1840 
it was divided into four election wards, — North- 
east, Southeast, Northwest and Southwest, — 
Penn and Sixth Streets having been made the 
dividing lines. And, in 1844, a fifth election 
ward, called Spruce, was erected out of that 
part of Reading which lay between the Schuyl- 
kill River, Philadelphia and Reading Railroad 
and Spruce Street. 

Newspapers. — There was no publication of 
any kind at Reading before 1783. In fact, the 
people of the town were without every great 
agent whose mission is the rapiil development 
of a community. We must indeed wonder how 
they could exist without a newspaper, a post- 
office, a turnpike, a canal, a railway, and, espe- 
cially, without some affiiir upon M'hich to bestow 
much public attention and treasure. The in- 
troduction of municipal goverinnent amongst 
them marked the beginning of real progress, 
and Time thence would seem to have been gen- 
erous in bestowing his ble.ssings upon the com- 
munity. By reviewing the whole period of 
the borough from 1783 to 1847, the newspaper 
occupies a very prominent position. It was the 
first evidence of real advancement by the town- 
people beyond their previous condition. And 
that this instrumentality in a new era of Read- 
ing should be the fir.st was as natural as it was 
reasonable and necessary. The contents of the 
earliest publications were, doubtless, interesting 
to its readers, notwithstanding that they con- 
sisted of advertisements and foreign news 
almost entirely ; but to us of to-day they would 
be decidedly uninteresting, inasmuch as we have 
been taught to expect and to read and to know 
many matters pertaining to persons not only 
round-about us, but distant many miles as well 
abroad as at home. Then these local matters 
must have been considered of no consequence, 
inasmuch as they were carried from house to 
house, and from place to place by speech. Now, 
however, they are, and even before the borough 
had run its course they were, carried by the 
press. 

Nine-tenths of the inhabitants, it is believed, 
were Germans. Naturally the first local ])ubli- 



READING. 



(569 



cation was in the same language.' But an 
Englisli publication followed some years after- 
ward ; and newspapers in both languages 
have continued in circulation thence till now. 
Two are worthy of s])ecial mention for their 
long duration ; one being the Rending Adler 
(German), established in 1796, and the othei', 
the Berks and Schuylkill Journal (English), es- 
tablished in 1816, the former having been the 
fourth and the latter the sixth publication begun 
at Eeading. Many were begun, but they did 
not flourish. From 1820 till 1847 it would 
seem to have been quite fashionable to start 
and run a newspaper, judging from the number 
instituted, but not strongly constituted. Two 
English newspapers in this period are worthy 
of mention, the Berks County Press and the 
Gazette and Democrat, the former established in 
1835 and the latter in 1839. Both figured 
conspicuously for thirty years, and chiefly as the 
advocates of the Democratic party. 

The general development of the borough 
through tliese newspapers cannot be fully esti- 
mated. Their influence was certainly wondei"- 
ful. At first their power over the public was 
trifling ; but it grew with passing years. Long 
before the inhabitants tliought of growing out 
of their boyhood int(j manhood, in respect to 
local self-government, it was felt as a strong 
agency amongst them. And it was as good as 
it was strong.-' 

PosT-OFFiCE. — Several years after the in- 
troduction of the newspaper, the post-office at 
Reading was established. This was in 1793. 
We of to-day cannot imagine what a step this 
was by the people out of the wilderness of in- 
convenience and labor, if not anxiety. The 
nearest post-office, since the establishment of 
this department of public service in the country, 
was at Philadelphia. Letters therefore were 
comparatively few in number. If a letter were 
addressed to a person residing at Reading, it 
was delivered at Philadelphia, and there pub- 
lished in a newspaj)er. Through this publica- 
tion, notice would reach Reading, and event- 



' It was entitled Neue Unpartheyische Zeitung, and first 
issued February 18, 1789. See Rupp's " History of Berks 
and Lebanon Counties," p. 470. 

2 See chapter entitled " The Press," ante, p. 892. 



ually the persons. Correspondence was almost 
entirely indulged in by those who could for- 
ward it by an express messenger. The stage 
was then a prominent institution. It was used 
for transporting letters, as well as persons aud 
goods from place to place. After the establish- 
ment of postal routes the mail-bag was substi- 
tuted for the driver's pocket. There was a 
daily mail between Philadelphia and Reading 
from 1793 till the establishment of the rail- 
road in 1838. In this period of about forty- 
five years the intercourse of the people for social 
and business purpo.ses was stimulated to a high 
degree. During nearly the whole time, letters 
were folded and closed with red sealing-wax. 
There was quite an art displayed in the folding 
so as to admit of opening the letter without 
mutilating certain j)arts of the manuscript. The 
envelope was introduced here shortly before the 
railways. From 1835 for a nuudjer of years, 
mail matter was received twice a day regu- 
larly. 

IxTERXAL Improvements. — Great thorough- 
fares had been established which led through 
this section of country before Reading was laid 
out in 1748. From the Schuylkill at the foot 
of Peun street, roads extended to the west, to 
the north, to the .southeast and to the south- 
west. The Indians had doubtless marked out 
these courses in passing to and from their re- 
spective encampments along the Tulpehocken, 
Ontelaunee, Schuylkill and Wyomissing, and 
they were adopted by surveyors in viewing and 
laying out public roads between the .settlements. 
But, notwithstanding the rapid growth of the 
population round-about and in Reading down 
to 1783, there was no movement towards the 
creation of great highways by either land or 
water to encourage as well as to facilitate the 
business enterprises of the town. This was a 
very important matter to them, but apparently 
they did not feel the need of easy and rapid 
inter-communication. However, soon after the 
town had develojjed into a borough, a pro- 
gressive spirit appeared, and this continued to 
show itself persistently from one decade to 
another till the people came to enjoy turnpikes, 
canals and a railway. These were accomplished 
before 1840. By studying them respectively 



670 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



it would seem that they were plants of slow 
growth. It is possible, if not probable, 
that the demands of trade were not ur- 
gent. Both dealers and people took ample 
time in business transactions, the former in 
supplying and the latter in demanding articles 
for use and consumption in daily life. And 
this may account for the apparent slowness of 
actually realizing their practical utility. Every- 
thing was slow, and competition was com- 
paratively an unknown factor in the market, 
especially that competition w^hich is now recog- 
nized for its energy and keenness, and without 
which a merchant would certainly be left far in 
the rear. These agents were useful to the 
borough in the development of manufactures 
and commerce, and they continued active till 
it was advanced into a city. Before 1810 they 
were of no consequence to the borough. But 
subsequently in every decade they manifested 
their power by an ever-increasing influence. 
In respect to population this is perceptible ; for 
from 1810 to 1820, the increase was twenty five 
per cent ; from 1820 to 1830, it was thirty-five 
per cent ; from 1830 to 1840 it was 43.6 per 
cent.; and from 1840 to 1850 it was 87.2 per 
cent. Allowing the town to have had 2000 in- 
habitants when it was incorporated into a 
borough, and the borough to have had 12,000 
wiien it was incorporated into a city, it would 
appear that Reading increased in population 10,- 
000 during sixty-four years, quintupling itself 
in two generations. A great, if not the greater, 
proportion of this surprising increase is attri- 
butable to internal improvements. 

Ferries — Bridges. — At the foot of Peun 
Street there was a ferry across the Schuylkill 
from the beginning of the town till 1816, when 
a bridge was constructed. The first eiforts of 
the inhabitants in this direction were made in 
1796. The subject of this important improve- 
ment for the convenience and safety of the 
public was constantly before the people during 
a score of years. A stone bridge was first sug- 
gested, and the project was encouraged by lib- 
eral legislation. Even the " Lottery Scheme " 
was brought to the rescue, with the aid of prom- 
inent, influential commissioners. A beginning 
was made by the erection of stone piers and the 



county commissioners paid large sums of money 
on account of their construction. But the " old 
ferry" could not be supplanted. The people 
knew it was unsafe and uncertain. They ex- 
perienced it, especially every spring. What 
was the cause of this inaction ? Was the en- 
terprise of the commissioners too weak, or was 
the stone bridge, as an enterprise, too .strong for 
the times ? What a contest this was ! It amu.ses 
us of to-day. And yet have we not weakness, 
insecurity and uncertainty about ns in the sev- 
eral departments of our daily life wdiich we fail 
to remedy, notwithstanding the .spirit of agita- 
tion on the one hand and our wealth and edu- 
cation on the other"? It would seem that all 
efforts were fruitless till the turnpike was intro- 
duced. And yet stages ran to and fro across 
the ferry daily, for at least thirty years. Im- 
mediatelj- after the turnpike had become estab- 
lished, a strong determination manifested itself 
towards the completion of the bridge. In 
1816 it reached a passable condition, and in 
1818 it was completed. It took the name of 
" Harrisburg Bridge" from the turnpike, the 
eastern terminus of which was at this point and 
the western at Harrisburg. Twelve years after- 
ward a second bridge was erected across the 
river about two-thirds of a mile below. It 
took the name of " Lancaster Bridge" from the 
road which led to Lancaster. It was construct- 
ed also of wood. There was no delay in its 
construction. The county commissioners were 
authorized by an act passed in 1829 to erect it. 
They ])roceeded at once in the matter, and com- 
pleted it in the following year. At this point 
there had also been a ferry for many years. It 
was commonly called " Strohecker's f^erry," 
afterward " Garber's" The first privilege for 
a ferry at this point had been granted by the 
Penns to one Levan, and during his time it 
was called " Levan's Ferry." 

Fire Companies, Banks, Water Sup- 
RIA'. — In the development of the borough, 
special mention must be made of three u.seful 
bodies which contributed much towards the 
general welfare of the community — the first in 
respect to fire, the second to money, and the 
third to water. 

When the borough began its eventful history 



READING. 



671 



the " Rainbow Fire Corapan)-" was the only 
association in the place for the protection of 
property from fire, and it continued alone for a 
number of years. Two other organizations of 
tliis nature were in existence for some time, but 
no information was obtainable to show when 
they began or ended. One was called the 
" Union Fire Company" and the other the 
" Sun Fire Company." They were in active 
operation in 1808. At April term of that year 
they united with the "Rainbow" in a petition 
til tJie judges of the Quarter Sessions asking 
for pecuniary assistance. This jietition was as 
follows : 

" Petition of the Inhabitants of Reading, setting 
forth that a number of the inhabitants of the Borough 
of Reading have at a considerable expense established 
three fire companies, and provided engines, buckets, 
baskets and other necessary articles for saving property 
from destruction by fire, but that they have not funds to 
l)r(ivide buckets sufficient to supply those who are un- 
able to furnish themselves with them ; that the pres- 
ervation of the Court-House and other public build- 
ings is for the advantage of the whole county, and, 
therefore, part of the expense of guarding against 
their being consumed by fire ought to be paid by the 
county instead of throwing the whole burden on the 
borough of Reading. Your petitioners therefore pray 
your Honor to recommend it to Grand Jury to grant 
a sum of money to enable the commissioners to pur- 
chase a competent number of fire buckets to be placed 
in some public place in the town of Reading under 
their care for the use of the inhabitants in case of 
fire. 

" William Moore, 

" Prest. of Union Fire Co. 
" Peter Frailey, 

" Prest. of Sun Fire Co. 
" John Lotz, 

" Prest. of Eaiiiboic Fire Co," 

It ^as laid before the grand jury, and on the 
5th of April, 1808, an appropriation of two 
hundred dollars was recommended. 

Subsequently, during the history of the 
borough, three fire companies were instituted, 
viz.: Junior, December 2, 1813; Reading,' 
July 4, 1819; Neversink, April 14, 1829. 

Several early conspicuous fires which occurred 



'A •'Reading Hose Company' was in existence in 
1815. In August of that year a notice was publislied 
re(iuiring the payment of moneys due. The ofBcers were 
Samuel Baird, Jr., pres. ; William Tilton, sec. ; M. Rich- 
-ards, treas. 



iu Reading are worthy of mention. On Xo- 
vember 5, 1799, between one and two o'clock 
in the morning, a " shocking " fire broke out in 
a stable on " Moravian Alley." The property 
burned consisted of a large stable, including 
seventeen horses, ten dwelling-houses and a 
large warehouse, including a large quantity of 
tea, and a lot of coffee and other articles. The 
cause was not ascertained. It was reported that 
two men, who were sleejiing iu the stable, were 
also burned.^ Some months afterward (March 
31, 1800) another fire occurred, which con- 
sumed a large house (the property of Daniel 
Strohecker), a large burn, including a horse and 
seven pigs (the property of Michael Madeira), 
and a stable, including a cow (the property of 
Jacob Good). The fire began in Strohecker's 
hou.se. 

A costly conflagration occurred on May 5, 
1820, at midnigiit, on Penn Street, between 
Fifth and Sixth. Six valuable buildings were 
burned, five of which were stores, viz. : 

Two-story stone building, occupied as a store by 
Lane & Orrick. 

Two two-story brick buildings, one a store and the 
other a dwelling, the property of William Bell. 

Two two-story buildings, one frame and the other 
brick, both occupied as stores, the property of Wil- 
liam Moore. 

Two-story brick building, occupied as a shoe-store 
by O'Brien & Foster, the property of James Bell. 

The fire was caused by an incendiary. It 
originated in the i)ack building of William 
Bell's store. The loss was great and could not 
be estimated. 

Panic of 1837 — Shin-Plasters. — In 
1837 the " panic " struck Reading. Owing to 
a suspension by the United States Bank, the 
banks at New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, 
and other places suspended specie payments, 
and the banks at Reading were forced to do 
likewise. The suspension here took jjlace on 
May 12, 1837. Notwithstanding this .suspension, 
the business men of the borough published a 
notice of their entire confidence in the banks at 
home, and of their willingneiss to accept the 
notes of the banks in payment of debts, goods, 
etc. 

2 This item was taken- from the Readinger Adler. The fire 
is not mentioned in the Weekly Advertiser. 



672 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The scarcity of money compelled the people 
to resort to an expedient for a circulating 
medium. This was found in the " Shin- 
plaster," commonly so called, and also " Rag- 
Barons," " Hickory Leaves," etc. The Borough 
Council came to the relief of the people by 
authorizing an issue of loan certificates to the 
amount of twenty thousand dollars, in denom- 
inations of five, ten, twenty-five and fifty cents, 
and one, two and three dollars, which were to 
be redeemable on August 1, 1838. These cer- 
tificates were loaned to business men on good 
security to indemnify their redemption and 
afterward redeemed. A public meeting was 
held on June 10, 1837, to denounce this pro- 
ceeding. It was only a noisy demonstration, 
and resulted in a failure. 

Water. — Water was entirely supplied from 
wells and cisterns to the citizens till 1821. Then 
a company was organized fur the purpose of 
supplying good water. It was called the 
" Reading Water Company." This was a great 
improvement, especially for those people who 
did not have a pump upon their premises and 
were compelled to carry water for some dis- 
tance to their homes. This company, by means 
of pipes, conducted water throughout the 
borough into the yards of their patrons. But 
the pumps were not abandoned, notwithstand- 
ing that the water was of a limestone quality 
and not adapted for general household use, 
especially for washing purposes. Throughout 
this period many people from all parts of the 
borough resorted to the Commons, along the 
stream which flowed from the "arched spring" 
near the " gravel-hole," to carry on washing. 
The " Commons " was a great place on " wash- 
day." The most popular portion was at the 
head of ^Vashington Street, within several 
hundred feet from the present entrance into the 
" Fair-Ground." Many women and girls were 
there at a time. The days most commonly de- 
voted to this purpose were Mondays and Tues- 
days. The numerous heads bobbing up and 
down over tubs, and long lines, with " wash " 
fiapping in the breeze, presented an interesting 
sight indeed. The water was heated in large 
iron kettles, suspended from cVoss-bars which 
rested on notched upright posts, or placed on a 



temporary hearth built of stones gathered from 
the vicinity. 

Light. — The light of the town was still the 
light of the borough. Tallow, moulded in the 
form of candles, and oil and camphene in 
lamps were used. The streets were not lighted. 
Public buildings were very seldom used in the 
night for meetings or entertainments ; and 
store keepers could get along with the light 
afforded from lamps. The times did not re- 
cpiire a superior light, for the people had not 
yet come to convert part of the night into day. 

Public Buildixgs. — The public buildings 
of the borough constituted the court-house, 
prison, State-House and market-houses. Tlie 
old court-house was found too small and incon- 
venient, and a fine, large, brick structure was 
supplied in 18-10. The prison of 1770 re- 
mained, and accommodated all the prisoners 
from the county and the county-seat. The 
rooms were not numerous, but the county com- 
missioners and sheriff, nevertheless, found place 
for all the prisoners. 

In 1791 the " State-House " was erected on 
the northeast corner of Penn and Callowhill 
(Fifth) Streets. This important building was 
supplied in order to provide offices fir the 
county clerks, treasurer and commissioners. 
Upon the erection of the new conrt-liouse the 
offices were removed thither, and the building 
was sold. 

When the town was incorporated into a 
borough tliere was only one market-house. It 
stoo<l in Penn Square, above Callowhill Street. 
About 1799 a second was built after tiie same 
plan, below Callowhill Street. They were lioth 
rebuilt at the close of this period. » 

There were no halls for the accommodation 
of public entertainments. Balls, amusements, 
etc., were carried on in large rooms of cer- 
tain inns. Two places were conspicnous : 
Weldy's, adjoining the " Harrisbin-g Bridge," 
or the south side, and Fricker's, on the south- 
west corner of Penn and Sixth Streets. 

Sta(;es — Caxals — Railways. — Reading 
had been an active inland town, and public 
roads had been laid out extending to the north, 
east, south and west, for nearly forty yeai-s be- 
fore the inhabitants were afforded a means of 




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KEADING. 



073 



traii.sportatioa by public couveyauce at regular 
intervals to the surrounding settlements and | 
towns, both near and distant. We are naturally 
inclined to wonder what subjects occupied the 
attention of prominent enterprising men to such 
an extent as to hinder them from devising so 
important and yet apparently so simple and 
trifling a thing as a stage for the accommodation 
of the public in respect to travel, soon after a 
considerable population had settled in the town, 
say in 1760 or 1770. People generally, and 
business men especially, moved about from 
]dace to place to a greater or less extent. Some 
had their own conveyances ; but the majority 
had not. We can therefore readily understand 
that progress was necessarily slow without an 
accommodation of this kind, and that consider- 
able time would have to pass away before any per- 
ceptible improvement was realized. Elsewhci-e 
the stage-coach was then a useful institution and 
in successful operation. At Philadelphia, just 
fifty miles off to the southeast, it had been in 
use for over forty years before Reading was 
laid out. 

The stage was first introduced on the great 
highway between Reading and Philadelphia in 
1789. Several years afterward stage-lines were 
extended to the west, through Lebanon Valley 
to Harrisburg, to the north over the Blue and 
Broad Mountains to Sunbury, and to the north- 
east through Ea?t Penn Valley to Easton. At 
first, weekly trips were made ; afterward, as 
public demands required, they gradually became 
semi-weekly, tri-weekly, and eventually daily, 
the last having bsen reached in 1826 — a period 
in the development of our local affairs about as 
long after the introduction of the stage as it was 
to ol)tain it after the settlement of the town in 
1751. When the daily stages ran to and fro, 
trade and travel were lively. Their constant 
and increasing activity provoked competition. 
In order to " make time," " relays " for fresh 
horses were established at points along the lines 
every six miles, and the horses were urged 
onward over hills and dales under the twirling, 
cracking lash. How the coaches must have 
rocked on their leathern support ! how the horns, 
blasted by long-winded drivers, must have 
sounded on the way in announcing their ap- 
61 



proach and arrival ! The highest point of 
competition was reached in 1830. The fares 
had been cut to half their regular rates, and the 
stage-coaches had come to fly over the turnpikes 
at a gallop — especially to the south and west — 
even racing side by side at times to reach 
prominent places first. Then the court-house on 
Penn Square was the prominent point of obser- 
vation in town to witness arrivals. Betting on 
first arrivals of competing stages was frequently 
practiced. It was common to see fifty and even 
a hundred persons assembled there, to receive 
the stages with a welcome of shouts and ap- 
plause. What times, indeed ! Men now, who 
are beyond the middle age of life, inform us 
that the times were better then than now, 
because more real business life and energy pre- 
vailed through individual enterprise, and be- 
cause men had equal chances in their efforts for 
traffic and success. But legislation was then 
devising, if it had not already devised, a new 
and powerful competitor, and it was then lui- 
wittingly creating a great inequality amongst the 
several agencies in this department of commer- 
cial life. The Democratic party had had the 
reins of government over the affairs of the 
State and the direction of legislative policy for 
over thirty years. By looking back over this 
period it would seem that this great party had 
been developing a creature which was in princi- 
ple undemocratic and which would soon manifest 
a tendency to hinder the development of personal 
enterprise for a time and then eventually drive 
it out of the market altogether. And this com- 
petitor, this creature, was the corporation. It 
did not take hold of the stage-coach as an 
institution worthy of its genius. But it had 
taken hold of the turnpike and afterward of the 
canal, and had struggled hard with them 
through many years till they were put into 
practical and successful operation. And these 
were hardly given an opportunity to display 
their utility before it developed the railroad 
with steam as a propelling power. What a step 
forward this was — a step to speed, to ease, to 
power ! What was the horse in a coach or boat 
by the side of steam on a firm railroad track, 
which the seasons could not render precarious or 
i imjDassable — even four-in-hand, fi'esh every six 



674 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



miles, flying under a lasli and speedy before a 
horn! Xatnraliy, the stage business passed 
away with the introduction of tiiis new agent, 
a factor in our daily life which wind or weather, 
heat or cold, could not aifect, and which was 
tireless and irresistible. 

Hauling over steep hills and bad roads was 
slow and tedious, but it was not discouraging. 
The early settlers kept themselves and their 
strong teams at it in spite of hills and roads and 
weather. Navigation was recommended, but it 
was generally deemed impracticable. Efforts 
were being made to introduce it, but their pro- 
gress was very slow, if not imperceptible. A 
discovery, however, beyond the mountains led 
to a change, and by it, physical energy was to 
be somewhat relieved. One of the great ele- 
ments of nature was to be substituted in the 
place of the common road and turnpike in order 
to satisfy the demands of trade as developed 
by this discovery — water was to become a high- 
way and the boat a conveyance. 

In the upper regions of the Schuylkill coal 
had been discovered as early as 1770. But it 
was not mined successfully till the lapse of 
forty years later. Afler it began to be mined 
in large quantities, the ordinary wagon, capable 
of carrying but a few tons, became impracticable 
for the purpose of carrying it many miles over 
mouutains and through gorges. This process 
was laborious, slow and costly. A way had to 
be found to make its. transportation much less 
laborious and costly, and to hasten its delivery. 
This way was afforded soon afterward by the 
Schuylkill Navigation Company. It came with 
the demand. It began to carry coal, lumber, 
merchandise and produce in 1818, and every 
year, for several decades afterward, demonstrated 
its great utility. Its traffic increased from 
hundreds of tons to hundreds of thousands. 
The canal extended along the Schuylkill for a 
lengtii of one hundred and eight miles, — from 
Mount Carbon to Philadelphia, — and was fin- 
ished for traffic, through from one end to the 
other, in 182o. Its success stimulated a similar 
enterprise througii the Lebanon Valley from 
the Schuylkill to the Susquehanna. This latter 
scheme for a highway by navigation had been 
projected more than fifty years before, but it 



was not completed till shortly afterward. It 
needed a great staple to hasten its development 
and construction. It found this in lumber, and 
it came to be equally successful for a period. 

But the development of the country grew be- 
yond navigation. The demands of the former 
exceeded the capacities of the latter. So a new 
agent had to be supplied to satisfy the one by 
taking the place of the other. This was found in 
steam. It would appear that this great motive 
came to us just when it was a necessity. How 
frequently discoveries succeed each other in a 
natural order to favor the development, the 
convenience, the enrichment and the improve- 
ment of a country ! This is wonderful. Steam 
required a railroad ; and the railroad was sup- 
plied. Its construction began in the county in 
1835, and it was finished from Pliiladelphia 
to Reading in 1838, and to Pottsville in 1842. 

Manufactures. — The various trades com- 
mon to every industrious community were car- 
ried on successfully in Reading from the begin- 
ing of this period. The previous history of the 
town for thirty years had developed industrial 
life to such a degree as to give the people a good 
start under a new political management. Its 
extent, beyond enumeration of the several oc- 
cuijations, could not be ascertained. There was 
no place to look for it. The newspaper — that 
great chronicler of all things, that grand historian 
of events — had not yet-arrived. But the people 
had to prepare the way for its introduction, for 
its utility. Their only thought was to do in 
order to live and grow and thrive. They were 
making history for themselves, but not preserv- 
ing it, being doubtless witliout a thought con- 
cerning it. 

The employments of the people gave them an 
industrial condition with which to begin a new 
period of Reading under favorable auspices. 
They made the borough self-dependent and self- 
sustaining. They produced numerous articles, 
such as hats, i-opes, chains, carpets, coverlets, 
clocks, home-spun material, barrels, castings, 
earthen-ware, boots and shoes, wagons and car- 
riages, etc., and, I must not forget to add, 
whiskey in great quantities. These con- 
stituted a good foundation upon which to 
build a rich and attractive super-structure 



READING. 



675 



during the two generations that were to follow. 
Tiie manufactured articles were produced by 
hand during the entire period. Steam-power 
was introduced about 1836 ; but it was applied 
almost entirely to the manufacture of iron 
articles. Aud about that time the industry in 
iron began with commendable enterprise. It 
naturally followed the introduction of steam. 
And gradually thereafter this important labor- 
saving agent was utilized in the manufacture of 
building materials, hats, ropes, etc. The rail- 
way was the stimulating influence which caused 
the development of this great industrial life. 
Before 1836 the borough contained no strong 
and rich manufacturing enterprises, notwith- 
standing the fact that turnpikes had encouraged 
trade overland for at least twenty years, and 
canals by water for ten years. 

Traffic. — The traffic of the borough from 
the beginning of its history was large. To af- 
ford an idea of the nature and extent of the 
shipments made within the first twenty-five 
years of this period at certain times, the fol- 
lowing statistics are presented. The articles 
named were shipped to Philadelphia from the 
store-house of Garber & StrohecUer, during the 
years and times stated by flat-boats on the 
river .Schuylkill. 

Tiiere wereotherstore-housesinReading from 
which large quantities of goods were also 
shipped to Philadelphia- in the same manner. 
And then, too, teams were busy in transporting 
various articles. 

179.5. 

Flour 3320 barrels 

Iron 105 tons 

Linseed oil 11 " 

Beeswax 4J "' 

Butter 9 " 

Bruiidy 23 gallons. 

Paper 3 tons. 

Hams li " 

Hats 79 dozens 

Wheat : 18,135 bushels 

1796. 

Flour 3150 barrels 

Brandy 1761 gallons 

Linseed oil 886 " 

Iron 22 tons 

Paper 6 " 

Butter 6 " 



Delir Holz 2i tons. 

Beeswax , IV •' 

Hams 1 " 

Hats 178 dozens 

Wheat 10,465 bushels 

1797. 

Flour 2209 barrels 

Brandy 6209 gallons 

Linseed oil 875 " 

Iron 66 tons 

Paper 5 " 

Butter 2i " 

Hats 329 dozens 

Wheat 7957 bushels 

— Reading Adler, February 13, 1798. 

February 15, 1807, to June 1, 1807. 

Wheat 13,198 bushels 

Flour 4695 barrels 

Iron 50 J tons 

Butter and lard 274 casks 

Pork 153 barrels 

Brandy 1256 gallons 

Bread 380 barrels 

Paper 21 tons 

Corn 200 bushels 

jMarch 6, 1802. 

Flour 1201 barrels 

Wheat 1425 bushels 

Bar iron 17 tons 

Whiskey 1492 gallons 

Butter 365 pounds 

Snuff 500 

Hats 500 

March 9, 1809. 

Flour 1655 barrels 

Wheat : 1000 bushels 

Butter 700 pounds 

Brandy 5 hhds 

Merchajjts of Reading, 1830. — A large 
amount of business was transacted in Reading 
about 1830. At that time the greater part was 
done on North Fifth Street. The more promi- 
nent merchants are mentioned in the following 
statement : 

~t' Hardware, etc. 
Benneville Keim, Fifth and Washington. 
John M. Keim & Co., Fifth and Penn. 
John & Daniel Keim, Third and Penn. 
Keim & Drenkel, Penn, above Fifth. 

Dry-Goods, &c. 
Allgaier & Feather, Sixth and Penn. 
Wm. Raiguel & Co., Penn, between Fourth and 
Fifth. 

W. & J. Ermentrout, Fifth, near Washington. 



676 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



John Hanold, Fifth, near Walnut. 
G. & D. Boyer, Fifth, near Washinxton. 
D. & W. Fiihthorn, Fifth, near Washington. 
David Bright, Fifth, near Washington. 
Philip Ziegler, Ninth and Penn. 
Samuel Sholl, Penn, below Ninth. 
Daniel Seifert, Seventh and Penn. 
John Young, Fifth, above Washington. 
Seifert & Mannerbaek, Fifth, above Penn. 
George Repplier, Penn, above Fourth. 
Hain & Green, Penn, below Fourth. 
W. & I. Eckert, Fourth and Penn. 
David Morris, Fifth, below Franklin. 
John Schwartz, Penn, above Fifth. 
William Moore, Penn, above Fifth. 
Elisha Weils, Penn, above Fifth. 
Lewis J. PauH, Penn, below Fifth. 

JVilliam P. Orrick, Fifth and Penn. 

Wm. Jones, Penn, below Fourth. 

Miscellaneous. 

John H. Weitzel, boots and shoes, Penn, above 
Third. 

O'Brien & Foster, boots and shoes, Fifth and Penn. 

Joseph Green, groceries, etc., Penn, near Front. 

Peter Nagle, groceries, etc., Penn, below Ninth. 

William Green, groceries, etc., Si.xth and Penn. 

William Zieber, hats, etc., Penn, above Fourth. 

Samuel Bell, flour and feed, Cherry, above Fifth. 

William Bell & Son, bolting cloths, etc., Penn, 
above Fifth. 

David Rhein, cabinet wareroom, Penn, above 
Second. 

Dr. G. G. Bischoff", apothecary, Penn, below Seventh. 

Mrs. Morris, apothecary, Penn, above Fourth. 

William Mannerbaek, jeweler, Penn, above Fifth. 

Frederick Kellogg, clocks, Fourth and Penn. 

Benjamin Witman, brushes, Penn, above Fifth. 

Lukins & Good, confectionery, Penn, below Sixth. 

Occupations ix 1839. — In 1839 the bor- 
ough contained the following store.?, trades- 
people, mechanics, etc.: 



Stores ')4 

Dry-goods 3 

Hardware 3 

Groceries o 

General 32 

Drugs 4 

H.ats 7 

Shoes 7 

Confections 4 

Carpenters 16 

Blacksmiths 12 

M.".sons 13 

T.iilors 16 

Clock-niRkers 7 

Coach-makers 6 



Saddlers 4 

Tin- workers S 

Butchers fl 

Brick-makers 8 

Plasterers 4 

Cabinet-makers 5 

Boat-builders 4 

Chair-makers 4 

Coppersmiths 2 

Silversmiths 2 

Bakers 2 

Locksmiths 2 

Coopers 2 

Barbers 6 



The dry-goods stores carried on business 
amounting annually to $280,000. 

And in 1839 there were thirty-two licensed 
inn-keepers, distributed as follows : 

Washington Street 1 

Seventh Street 1 

N. Fifth Street 4 



Penn Street 17 

Turnpike 1 

Rolling-mill... 2 

Franklin Street 2 



S. Fifth Street 4 

Oyster-saloons were in abundance. In the 
country districts the licensed places numbered 
195 ; total in county, 227. In 1844, Keading, 
33, and country districts, 190 ; total, 223. 

DLSTIXGUISHED VISITORS. 

J, John Penn. — John Penn visited Reading in 
April, 1788, whilst on his way from Philadel- 
phia to Harrisburg. After leaving the " Black 
Hor.?e " (Inn), now Douglassville, where he 
" baited " his horses, he " passed on thro' a series 
of higher hills, breaking the horizon with le.ss 
harmony, and resembling somewhat more Pelion 
upon Ossa. Near Reading, into which I walked 
for two miles, sending on my horses, I met a 
person on horseback and questioned him con- 
cerning the Manor here, as I had alighted 
chiefly to examine at leisure my own ground. 
He showed the fertile valleys and low place.s, 
which were all settled by encroachers, and the 
rocky and barren mountains they left unsettled. 
The town is finely situated on the Schuylkill, 
surrounded at a distance and sheltered by the.se 
mountains. Dinner was ordered at one Wit- 
man's, who provefl the only tavern-keeper who 
had not lately petitioned against the confirma- 
tion of the proprietary estate. His accommoda- 
tions were worthy of a respectable country town, 
and I dined heartily upon catfish, which the 
river plentifully affords." This was on the 7th 
of April. During the day a number of the 
residents called to pay their respects to him. 
On the 8th he, with the company of Judge 
James Biddle and Daniel Clymer, Esq., both of 
Reading, visited the ferry which the Penns had 
rented to one Levan. " . . . A dinner was 
provided for us at Mr. Riddle's, the honors of 
the table done in part by jNIrs. Collins, his 
daughter, and his unmarried one present. They 
are of low stature, but rather pretty. Mr. Bid- 
die appears an amiable character. It was men- 



READING. 



677 



tinned that a subscription of about £3,000 
currency would remove tlie obstructions of the 
Schuylkill so much that the trade and prop- 
erty of the town would most rapidly increase. 
Another plan much sooner to be executed is the 
establishment of a school. The trustees are to 
allow the teacher £100 currency per annum." ' 

Lafayette. — In 182-4 Lafayette visited the 
United States. His visit occasioned great pub- 
lic demonstrations of affection and esteem for 
him throughout the country. He arrived at 
New York on the IGtli of August. The news 
(if his arrival reached Reading on the following 
day and it awakened great joy throughout the 
town. Ringing bells, martial music and thun- 
dering cannon were heard all day. The borough 
authorities assembled on the 18th and passed 
appropriate resolutions respecting the distin- 
guished visitor, and in the evening the town 
presented a magnificent appearance. Nearly 
every house on the prominent streets was bril- 
liantly illuminated ; it was estimated that ten 
thousand lights were displayed. Triumphal 
arches were erected across the streets at several 
jjlaces, and a large torchlight procession paraded 
about the town, accompanied by the " Reading 
Band" and marshaled by Daniel Rose, Esq. 

A copy of the resolutions which were adopted 
by the borough authorities was transmitted to 
General Lafayette. He acknowledged its re- 
ceipt by the following letter, addressed to the 
president of the Borough Council : 

" Washingtox, February 5, 1825. 

"Sir. — Altho' the expressions of my gratitude to the 
respected citizens and council of Reading have been 
much retarded, I hope they will be received with 
that indulgence and friendly feeling to which your 
kindness has authorized me to apply. The testi- 
monies of esteem and friendship which have been be- 
stowed on me in the borough of Reading have made 
u|>on my heart a deep imi^ression. Be pleased, sir, 
and gentlemen, to accept a tribute of these sentiments 
and of my high respect. Lafayette. 

" To Peter Nagle, Jr., Esq., Reading." 

Whilst Lafayette was at Philadelphia, the re- 
cipient of public welcome and honors as the 
city's noble guest, the Reading Battalion of 
troops partici2:)ated in the great demonstrations. 



'John Penn's Journal, in Pennsylvania Magazine of His- 
tory, vol. iii. p. 286-288. 



Van Buren's Visit. — The President of the 
United States, Martin Van Buren, visited Read- 
ing on Tuesday, June 25, 1839, whilst on his 
way from Harrisburg to Easton. A special 
committee from the borough met him at 
Womelsdorf. Many citizens from different 
parts of the county — some in vehicles, others 
on horse-back and afoot — formed a procession 
on the turnpike, some distance west of the 
" Harrisburg Bridge," and united with the 
committee in escorting the distinguished visitor 
into Reading. He w;is certainly pleased to re- 
ceive a generous welcome from the thriving 
town on the Schuylkill, which three years be- 
fore had given him such a handsome political 
support^ as nearly four to one against Gen. W. 
H. Harrison. The procession paraded through 
the prominent streets. The President rode on 
a handsome cream-colored horse, the property 
of a Mr. Dewees, from Oley, and his graceful 
horsemanship attracted general attention. He 
sojourned at " Herr's Hotel." ' During the 
evening a reception was held for him at the 
residence of Samuel Bell, Esq., and " a highly 
creditable representation " assembled to show 
him honor. He was single then ; for whicli 
reason " the beauty of Reading " comprised the 
conspicuous, if not the major part of the repre- 
sentation, and doubtless made it — as reported — 
highly creditable. He left for Easton via Kutz- 
town on the following morning, a number of 
prominent citizens having accompanied him 
thither. Reading naturally took a high pride 
in this visit ; for Van Buren had, in the pre- 
vious year, paid a great compliment to the 
borough i« the selection of a popular, generous 
and much-loved citizen, the Hon. Henry A. 
Muhlenberg, to be the first minister plenipo- 
tentiary to Austria. 

Scott's Visit. — Gen. Winficld Scott visited 
Reading on Saturday, May 21, 1842, during a 
great " Military Encampment " of the Berks 
County militia, on the " Commons." He was 



2 The vote was in Reading, — Van Buren, fourteen hundred 
and twelve ; Harrison, three hundred and ninety-four. In 
Berks County , Van Buren, — forty-nine hundred and sixty- 
seven ; Harrison, fifteen hundred and eighty-three. 

'Now and for years past called the " United States 
Hotel." 



678 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



accompanied by his aids, Lieutenants Alden 
and Carney. Tiiey were met at the railroad 
station (Seventli and Chestnut Streets) by a 
detachment of military and escorted to Herr's 
Hotel, where they were cordially welcomed and 
])roperIy entertained. Many citizens followed 
the parade. On Monday, the 23d, he 
reviewed the troops at the encampment, and left 
on the next day for Panville, to review a sim- 
ilar encampment. During the day medals 
were awarded for skillful shooting. General 
Scott was much pleased with the discipline and 
appearance of the encampment ; and he paid 
a special compliment to the " Reading Artiller- 
ists." He was particularly and favorably im- 
pressed with their captain, Thomas Leoser, a 
tall, finely-proportioned and charming, social 
man. 

Numerous other ]irominent officials and poli- 
ticians, both national and State, visited Reading 
before 1847, but there was no public demonstra- 
tion. Some spoke at political meetings during 
Presidential campaigns, — including such as 
Harrison, Buchanan, Webster and Dallas. 

MEMORIAL SERVICES. 

AVashington's Death. — Washington, it is 
.said, visited Reading some time before his 
death, in 1799. He sojourned at the Federal 
Inn (now the Farmers' Bank building), and 
was given, whilst here, a " grand reception." 
The event was celebrated by a ball, at which 
numerous citizens presented themselves to show 
their high respect for him. His death was sin- 
cerely mourned by all the people of Reading ; 
tiie newspapers w'ere clothed in heavy black 
borders ; and, to demonstrate iu a public manner 
their great sorrow for his death and great rever- 
ence for his name, they held funeral .services 
on Sunday, Jaiuiary 5, 1800. The following 
report a])peared in the WeeJdy Advertiser of 1 1th 
January : 

" Funeral Procession 

" In honor of Lit'Utenaiit-Goneral George Wash- 
ington, the late illustrious Commander-in-chief of all 
the Armies of the United States of America. 

" On Sunday last, arrangements having been pre- 
viously made by a Committee of the Free Miisons, 
the inhabitants of this borough met at the House of 
Mr. Henry Boyer to make a suitable Mark of Respect 
to the Memory of our Great, Good iwid admirable 



Washington. The Military formed in line, leaning on 
their Arms reversed, to receive the Bier, and about ele- 
ven o'clock the Procession began, moving along Penn 
street, west as far as the corner of the Centre Square, 
where it cro.ssed Penn street and proceeded eastward 
to Prince street; thence to the German Lutheran 
Church, in the following order : 

Masons in form. 
Clergy. 
Bier, with a hat and sword, 
carried by four Masons. 
Judges of the Common Pleas. 
Justices of Peace. 
Attorneys. 
Physicians. 
Citizens. 
Military. 
Music playing dead march 
and Bells tolling. 
" Having arrived at the Church the Bier was placed 
in the Centre. The ceremonies commenced with 
solemn music. The Rev. M. Lehman made suitable 
prayers and afterwards delivered an animated dis- 
course adapted to the Occasion, from Revelation 
2nd chapter, 7th verse. At the conclusion of which 
the Bier was taken through the Church and the cere- 
monies ended with the firing of three vollies over it. 

" The Procession then returned in the same order, 
drums unmuffled and playing Washington's March, 
to the place from whence they started, and dis- 
persed." 

Harrison's Death. — The death of 
General William H. Harrison,' whilst Presi- 
dent of the United States, caused a public 
expression of sorrow. It was the subject 
of a "day of prayer" in Reading on 14th 
May, 1841. The military, literary and benefi- 
cial societies assembled in Trinity Lutheran 
Church to show their public regard for the 
memory of the distinguished general and states- 
man. The church was crowded and many per- 
sons were unable to enter. Rev. R. U. Mor- 
gan, rector of Christ's Epi.scopal Church, 
preached an approjjriate sermon. In the sei'- 
vices he was assisted by Rev. Jacob Miller, of 
Trinity Lutheran Church, and Rev. William 
Pauli, of German Reformed Church. 

Streets, — Change of Names. — Upon the 
laying out of the town the streets were named 

as follows : 

Kasi and West. 

Penn, extending through the centre of town. 



I He died April 4, 1841, having just been inaugurated on 
the 4th of March previous. 



BEADING. 



679 



To the north, Thomas and Margaret. 
To the south, Richard and Hamilton. 
North and South (crossing the streets named at right 
angles). 

King. Earl. 

Queen. Clement. 

Callowhill. Lord. 

Prince. Vigour. 

Duke. 
These names were contirmed till changedbythe 
Borougli Council on 6th of August, 1833. The 
names then substituted were as follows, Penn 
having been retained : 

Niirth of Penn, — Liberty, Washington and 
Walnut. South, — Cherry, Franklin and Chest- 
nut. Across Penn, — Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, 
Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh ; 
and what had been for a time called Bridge 
and Treat were then changed to Front and 
Second. 

A year previous (in 1832) the streets of the 
borough were graded, according to regulation, 
by Enoch Lewis. 

On October 18, 1845, the Councils named 
the follo\\ing alleys, extending, — 



North fruui Liberty 






South from Cherry. 


Pear. 






Oak. 


Thorn. 






Apple. 


Rose. 






Curpenter. 


Ash. 






Wood. 


Church. 






Pear. 


Reed. 






Plum. 


Poplar. 






Lemon. 


Cedar. 






Peach. 


Moss. 






Orange. 


Black. 






JIaple. 


Laurel and 


W 


How 


(south of Bingaman) 


vere also named i\ 


en. 






EXECUTIONS. 



In 17G4 Thomas Fowler was convicted of 
burglary for breaking into the Iiouse of Sarah 
Drury, of Reading, by a special commission 
appointed, and he was hanged at Reading, Fri- 
day, September 7, 1764. 

In 1767 Catharine Kreps was convicted of 
killing her illegitimate child at Reading, and 
she was executed Saturday, Det^mber 19, 1767. 

In 1770 Thomas Procter was convicted of 
burglary for breaking into the dwelling of Wil- 
liam Neal in July, 1769, and he suffered the 
penalty of death on Saturday, July 7, 1770. 



During the Revolution a British soldier was 
hanged at Reading for murdering Jacob 
Hechler, of Exeter township, and afterward 
Samuel Reeves, a negro, suffered death, for a 
ra])e committed upon a woman named Mary 
Sepley, in Alsace township, about a mile and a 
half east from Reading. 

In 1797 Benjamin Bailey was convicted of 
killing Jost Vollhaff'er, and ho died upon the 
scaffold at Reading on January 6, 1798, in the 
presence of over six thousand jieople. 

Execution for Theft. — During the year 
1784, a young man, by the name of Welsh, 
whilst on his way home to Reading, overtook a 
lame countrywoman, who carried a large bun- 
dle. In order to assist her, he carried the 
bundle to town. When she reached home, she 
missed nine dollars which she had deposited in 
the bundle, tied np in a handkerchief. Welsh 
was accused and before the magistrate he 
acknowledged the theft. Notwithstanding 
evidence of good character, he was convi(!ted 
under the charge of Chief Justice RIcKean and 
executed. He behaved with firmness and 
resignation till the last moment. On his way 
to the gallow.s, looking at Pcun's Mount, he 
said, " That is a grand sight ; but I shall soon 
see a much more glorious one." A wretched- 
looking man was executed at the same time. 
Welsh had entered the colonial army in tlie be- 
ginning of the Revolution and served honorably 
during the whole of the war. After the 
declaration of peace he returned, married and 
settled at Reading. He was born at a place 
near by. When he committed the act, his wife 
lay sick and he was unable to maintain her, 
though he was willing to work. He would not 
beg assistance, regarding death less terrible. The 
war having just closed, it was thought that many 
soldiers would infest the roads and commit 
offenses, for which reason the criminal act of 
Welsh received the utmost penalty of the law 
so as to deter others. This is the earliest 
record of an excution at Reading. The hill 
near the gallows was covered with men, women 
and children, who had assembled to witness the 
execution. Many of them came a distance, from 
fifteen to twenty miles. Among these there 
was an old woman who, it was then said, had 



680 



HISTOKY OF BEKKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



walked nearly seventy miles to see the execu- 
tion ; but, having fallen asleep shortly before the 
execution transpired, she did not wake up till 
it was over, when she cried most bitterly.' 

Cox AXD SCHILDT ExECUTIOXS. — In 1809 

Susanna Cox, a young woman under twenty 
years old, was found guilty of causing the death 
of her illegitimate child on the Gehr farm, 
near the " Oley Line Tavern," and hanged for 
the offense. The execution created a profound 
sensation throughout the county. A lengthy 
and graphic account of the proceedings con- 
nected with her trial and execution was lately 
published in the Reading Daily Eagle (January 
24, 188G). The newspapers at Eeading, iu 
1809), contained little relating to the affair. 

In 181. '5 Jqhn Schildt was executed for kill- 
ing, in a brutal manner, his father and mother, 
in Alsace township. This was the most shock- 
ing murder that ever occurred in this county. 

In 1842 Nicolaus Reinhardt was hanged for 
murdering Conrad Christ in Bern township. 

Early ExHiBixroxs. — Exhibitions were 
held at Reading at an early day. Reference to 
some will be made to show their character. 

In January, 1799, a man named Salauca 
gave a "curious exhibition" in Barr's ball- 
room, consisting of legerdemain performances 
by himself, tricks by a learned dog and a dis- 
play of fire-works. Tickets for adults, fifty 
cents ; for children, twenty-five cents. 

In June, 1808, an elephant eight years old 
and seven feet high, was exhibited at the public- 
house of Daniel Feger ; advertised as the only 
elfphant then in the country. Admission, twenty- 
five cents. 

On August 1, 1815, a whale was exhibited 
at the public-house of William Jones, weight, 
five thousand pounds. Admission, twelve and 
one-half cents; children, half price. This whale 
was caught in the Delaware, at Trenton, on 
November 11, 1814. 

In November, 1831, Purdy, Carley & 



1 Autobiograpliy of Charles BiUille, pp. 102-194. On p. 202 
fi cfise is mentioned of a young single woman who murdered 
her child. The evidence at the trial at Reading showed 
that she had thrown the child into the Schuylkill, but she 
was acqui'.ted because the constable, in breaking open her 
trunk, had found a quantity of clothing for an infant. 



Bailey exhibited a menagerie of thirty living 
wikl animals, including a lion and lioness, Ara- 
bian camels (male and female), llamas (male 
and female), hyena, kangaroo, tiger, leopard and 
panther. 

In December, 18.38, William PaiiHii, accom- 
panied by a lady, a.scendcd from Reading in a 
balloon named "Comet," and iu the following 
year he made two successful ascensions. Joshua 
Pusey (a pupil of Paulin's) made an ascension 
September 14, 1850, landing at Piiiladelphia in 
three hours, and on October 5th following he 
made another, landing near Allentown in one 
hour and ten minutes. 

Circuses gave numerous exhibitions and they 
were well patronized, and traveling dramatic 
troupes visited Reading, remaining a week at a 
time. 

PROMIXEXT MEX. 

There were a nimiber of prominent men 
at Reading during its history as a borough 
in the various avenues of business and pro- 
fessional 'life. A number of sketches appear 
in the chapters entitled militia, newspapers, 
politics, judiciary and medical, in which many of 
them came to serve with distinction. 

John Keim. — Among the men who occu- 
pied a very prominent position in the business 
and social affairs of Reading, during this 
period for thirty years, by reason of his success 
as a merchant and of his large accumulation of 
property, was John Keim. He was the only 
son of Nicholas Keim, a merchant of Reading. 
He was born in Oley township July 6, 1749, 
and when six years old accompanied his father 
to Reading. He was married to Susanna, a 
daughter of Dr. George de Benneville, on Oc- 
tober 1.5, 1771. In the fall of 1777 he 
marched with Lieutenant-Colonel Nicholas 
Lotz's battalion to reinforce the army under 
General Washington, and, after serving five 
years, was honorably discharged in 1782. 

Upon his return from the Revolutionary War 
he entered into business relations with his 
father in conducting a general hardware-store, 
and, several years afterward, became sole pro- 
prietor. About the year 1 800 he formed a co- 
partnership with his two sous, Daniel and 



KEADIXG. 



681 



George, and they together conducted the busi- 
ness under the firra-naiue of John Keini & 
Sons for a number of years. 

He served one term as a county commissioner, 
from 1787 to 1790, and filled the office of bur- 
gess of Reading for a time. He took an activ'e 
jiart in the development of Reading through 
internal improvements and the erection of 
dwelling-houses. He was prominently ideuti- 




JOHN KEIM, 

THE YOUNGER, AD. 17/0 

fied with the first steps towards erecting the 
Penn Street Bridge. He built the first three- 
story brick building in Reading. In 1806 he 
leased the three-story brick building on South 
Fifth Street to Charles Evans, Esq., which 
afterwards became the property of Mr. Evans 
and was his residence for many years. 

By his great success in business affiiirs and 
building operations, he came to be one of the 
most wealthy men of the county in his time. 
He died February 10, 1819, and left issue four 
children, — Daniel de B., George de B., Benneville 
and Esther de B. The following highly com- 
])limentary obituary notice was published in the 
Berks and Sckuylkill Journal: 

" Will be interred in the Episcopal burial-ground, 
this afternoon at two o'cloclc, the remains of Mr. John 
Keim, merohant, wlio departed this life on Wednes- 
day mnrning last, in the seventieth year of liis age. 
He had resided iu this borough for six^-ftnir years, 



during whicli time he amassed a large fortune, which 
never caused a widow's tear or orphan's execra- 
tion. . . . 

" What he has left behind him was justly his own. 
As a creditor he was ever lenient, and his numerous 
tenantry can testify to his goodness as a landlord." 

John McKnight was the most prominent 
banker at Reading during this period, having 
been the first cashier of a bank established at 
Reading, and continued active in this business 
till the borough was incorporated into a city, 
and for several years afterward. He was a 
native of East Nantmeal township, in Chester 
County, where he was born May 31, 1774. 
His father, Paul McKnight, came to this coun- 
try in 1752, from the northern part of Ireland, 
and settled in Chester County. At the 
age of twenty-three years he entered the 
service of the Pennsylvania Bank, at Philadel- 
phia, and continued there for ten years, till 
1808. During the latter part of his service he 
acted as assistant cashier. Then a branch bank 
was established at Reading and he was sent 
here to officiate as cashier. He held this re- 
sponsible position till his death, on March 9, 
185fi, a period covering forty-seven years. 
During this time he enjoyed in the highest de- 
gree the resjject and confidence of the commu- 
nity. As a business man and financier he was 
scrupulously exact, impartial and honorable. 
He occupied the bank building (Union Bank) 
as his residence. He was one of the leaders in 
establishing the Presbyterian Church at Read- 
ing, and in the progress of this congregation he 
manifested an earnest interest. The span of 
his life at Reading comprehended the first ex- 
tensive improvements here, and to these he 
gave active encouragement. 

Benneville Keim was also very prominent 
in banking and manufactures, and in the im- 
provements and municipal government of Read- 
ing ; and though he died many years after 
18-1:7 (having reached the age of eighty-two 
years), he is intimately connected with its his- 
tory as a borough. He was a son of John 
Keim, merchant, and was born at Reading No- 
vember 30, 1790, where he died October 30, 
1872. He filled in his native place during a 
long business life many resjiousible positions. 



682 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



He was j)rcsiLlent of the Farmers' Bank and of 
the Reading Water Company for a number of 
years ; and he was a member of the firm of 
Keims, Whitaker & Co., which, in 1830, began 
the first extensive iron-works at Reading. In 
1858 he was elected mayor of Reading, and he 
continued in office for three consecutive terms. 
Upon the establi.shment of the Charles Evans 
Cemetery he was elected by its generous founder 
as one of the board of trustees, and continued 
in the board till his decease. 

James May. — On account of his connection 
with the early internal improvements of this 
section of country, James May occupied 
also a prominent position in the community. 
He was the son of Robert and Elizalieth May. 
He was born jNIarch 20, 1749, in Coventry 
township, Chester County, and died at Reading 
in 1819. He was married to Bridget Douglass, 
daughter of George Douglass, of Amity town- 
ship, and had issue, — Mary, intermarried with 
Geo. de B. Keim ; George ; Sarah, intermar- 
ried with Hon. Samuel D. Franks; Thomas; 
and Elizabeth. 

He removed to Reading before the Revolu- 
tionary War and remained here till his decease. 
He identified himself ]irominently with the sev- 
eral early internal improvements of our county ,the 
Union Canal, Centre turnpike, etc. He was a 
director of the Branch Bank and a member of 
the first Board of Trade at Reading. He was 
one of the two wardens of the Episcopal 
Church, the other having been Marks John 
Biddle, Esq. His business was general mer- 
chandise, having dealt extensively in grain, 
lumber, etc. 

William Henry, a prominent and success- 
ful master-builder during this period, was born 
at Reading in 1801. Many of the finest public 
buildings and private dwellings which were 
erected between 18-30 and 1860 were planned 
by him and bear testimony to his skill as a 
carpenter and to his taste as an architect. The 
graceful spire of the Trinity Lutheran Churcii, 
generally recognized as one of the most perfect 
specimens of architecture of its kind in the 
State, is one of the ornaments of Reading, which 
lias transmitted his name to the present genera- 
tion. Strictly speaking, this spire was designed 



and con.structed under the supervision of his 
father, Conrad Henry, but he gave valuable 
assistance in the work in respect to its durability 
and symmetry. He died on January 8, 1865, 
aged sixty-three years, and left six surviving 
children, — Mrs. H. R. Hawman, IMrs. Joseph 
Wilson, Albert C, John B., William A. and 
Joseph E. 

Besides Mr. Henry, there were also as promi- 
ment builders, Joseph Henry (brother of Wil- 
liam, who together built the jiresent court- 
house), Jacques V. Craig, George Foos, Fred- 
erick Printz, John Printz, Nathan Eisenhower, 
George Call, Jacob Fritz, Nicholas Lott, James 
Qninter, Samuel Yarger and Solomon Spohn. 
And the following men can also be men- 
tioned in this connection, on account of 
having erected many dwelling-houses in Read- 
ing : Philip Zieber, Daniel H. Boas, Chris- 
topher Shearer and Benjamin Fink. 



PART III. 
CITY FROM 1847 TO 1886. 

• Review op Readinu in 1847.' — Reading 
was incorporated by the Legislature of Penn- 
sylvania into a city on the 16th day of March, 
1847. It was then in a flourishing state in 
every department of life, and well prepared to 
enter a new, larger and more responsible period 
of existence. This state was superinduced 
by diversified industry and manufiietures. 
Naturally, this feature of the place stood out 
above every other with great prominence. Shops 
and factories and stores were numerous. These 
gave it activity and thrift, and attracted in- 
creasing trade and wealth. The population 
numbered about twelve thousand. The ten- 
dency of local development in these particulars 
was to the south of Penn Street and to the west 
of Ninth. Necessarily the erection of churches 
followed this development. At that time there 
were thirteen churches: seven north of Penn, — 
Friends, Lutheran, Reformed, Episcopal, Pres- 
byterian (colored), African ]\Iethodist Episcopal 
(colored) and Evangelical (Salem's) ; and six 



' Prepared by the author of this history and published 
in Reading Times, January 10, 1885. 



READING. 



083 



soutli of Penii, — Cathol if, Presbyterian, Metho- 
dist, Baptist, Universalist and Lutlieran. 

The raih'oad deserves especial mention for its 
great and valuable influences in all the local 
affairs of the community. A decade had not 
fully elapsed since its introduction, yet it had 
demonstrated to a remarkable degree its power 
in accelerating the growth of everything. As ai 
stimulating agent it was inestimable, not simply 
for its direct action upon manufactures and 
traffic, but also for its indirect action upon the 
]woplc and their various business enterprises. 
Lands and buildings increased in value. Inter- 
communication was as much facilitated thereby 
on the one hand as it was encouraged on the 
other. It brought villages and towns to the 
north and to the southeast nearer to Reading, 
not in respect to distance but to time ; and this 
was certainly a wonderful accomplishment in 
the onward march of our development. And 
what a teacher it was in quickening the intel- 
lect! Who can comprehend its power in this 
direction ? It would seem to have been the 
forerunner of increased general education — to 
have prepared the way for the grand system 
which was then gradually working its way into 
the affections of the people. This railroad ex- 
tended in a southeasterly direction to Phila- 
delphia, and in. a northerly direction to Potts- 
ville. Another railroad had been projected, to 
extend westwardly from Reading through Le- 
banon Valley to Harrisburg, but it was not as 
yet begun. The canals and stages must be 
mentioned in this connection, for they, too, occu- 
pied still a prominent position. The former 
consisted of two lines, the "Schuylkill" and 
" Union ; " and the latter of three lines, — to the 
northeast to Easton, to the west to Harrisburg, 
and to the southwest to Lancaster. 

A prominent social movement was also then 
perceptible. This was the secret society. Though 
not practically in its infancy, it had, neverthe- 
less, not begun to make a marked impression till 
towards the close of the second period of Read- 
ing. The Independent Order of Odd-Fellows 
M'as particularly active. The beginning of the 
third pericjd was its dawn. As a beneficial or- 
ganization it extended its branches in various 
directions with remarkable activity. People of 



all trades, all classes and all denominations 
fairly ran to it, for the friendship that it en- 
gendered, and especially for the charity that it 
dispensed amongst its members in sickness and 
distress. 

The Building and Saving Association had 
not yet arrived as a great financial institution 
in this growing community. The idea of saving 
money in small sums by numerous menjbers 
of a common society, and erecting dwellings 
from the total accumulations by and for the 
working people was simply formulating. It 
was a public conception which was extending 
itself favorably amongst the laborers and miil- 
dle classes and obtaining a permanent hold ujjon 
them. It was a grand project for providing 
homes through economy in the daily affairs of 
life, just as the "Secret Beneficial Society " was 
also a similar project for providing relief to its 
members and their families. Both were akin. 

The fire company was in an active, if not in 
a flourishing, state. Four volunteer organiza- 
tions were being conducted successfully (Rain- 
bow, Junior, Reading and Neversink), partly 
through pecuniary assistance from the municipal 
government, but mainly from the spontaneous 
efforts of their members. It was a useful body, 
but its usefulness was sacrificed to a considerable 
degree, in the estimation of many property- 
holders by the boisterous, if not the riotous, 
conduct of some of its members about that time. 
It had not yet come to possess friendly unity in 
a common cause, and especially to realize its 
possible importance as a political factor. It was 
still without a head. Each organization acted 
for itself. And all the organizations responded 
to alarms from impulse towards accomplishing 
the object of their existence, in which they re- 
spectively always displayed an earnest and a 
commendable pride in reaching the fire first. 
This performance provided them with amuse- 
ment in a certain sense, but they obtained it at the 
expense of labor and risk of life, if not suffering. 
They still pulled their apparatus l)y hand, and 
after somewhat, if not entirely, exhausting them- 
selves in this manner on their way to the fire, 
they were there compelled to further exert their 
physical powers towards extinguishing the 
flames. When we consider that these four 



084 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



companies were composed of men generally in 
ordinary circumstances, with a limited common 
education, and continued their organizations 
successfully year after year, in spite of gratuitous 
labor and of monthly dues, we cannot help but 
feel a high respect for their disinterested, per- 
sistent devotion in behalf of the common wel- 
fare, and especially so upon comparing them 
with literary societies, which were then in a 
feeble existence and struggling unsuccessfully 
to continue for a little while longer, though 
composed of professional gentlemen who are 
presumed to have possessed a high order of in- 
tellect and to have been in good circumstances. 

The system of common-school education was 
actively condncted in the two school wards of 
the city. There were seventeen schools, thirty- 
one teachers and two thousand and sixty-four 
scholars. The system of 1834 had been ac- 
cepted by the citizens of the borough immedi- 
ately after its enactment, and shortly afterward 
four brick school buildings erected. The fol- 
lowing ten districts in the county besides 
Reading had also accepted the system previous 
to 1847 : Caernarvon, Colebrookdale, Hamburg, 
Hereford, Kutztown, Marion, Robeson, Rus- 
comb-manor. Union and Womelsdorf Its pro- 
gress was pei'ceptible, but public energy was 
necessary to maintain its increasing hold upon 
the citizens. In the beginning it had encoun- 
tered a strong opposition, so strong, indeed, as 
to have been a prominent factor in politics. 
This was especially the case in the country dis- 
ti'icts. About this time the power of the County 
Court was directed, upon petition, towards the 
enforcement of the .system in certain districts in 
which directors had been elected, but who 
failed to perform their duties. Such a spirited 
agitation of the subject naturally increased the 
general movement in its behalf. 

The newspaper was in a flourishing condition 
at that time. When the borough began, in 
1783, there was no publication of any kind at 
Reading. Shortly afterward, however, the 
newspaper was instituted, and, before 1800, it 
was being conducted with energy in both lan- 
guages — English and German. Each decade 
thereafter saw the beginning and ending of 
difi'erent enterprises of this kind. They all 



were more or less important for a time, and 
moulded public opinion, especially of a political 
nature, to a large degree. Advertising was a 
conspicuous feature. When the city began 
there were five strong and well-conducted news- 
papers, viz. : Readinger Adler, Berks and 
Schuylkill Journal, Berks County Press, Liberate 
Beobachter and Reading Gazette and Democrat. 
The political sentiment of the inhabitants was 
favorable to the Whigs in relation to the local 
government, but to the Democrats in relation 
to State and national government. 

The markets were being conducted success- 
fully in Penn Square. The " market-people " 
came to Reading regularly twice a week — 
Wednesdays and Saturday.s — with their produce 
and sold it during the early hours of the morn- 
ing. They stood in the market-houses and 
round-about them through all the seasons of the 
year, without regard to the condition of the 
weather. Convenience to theni and to the pur- 
chaser was not as yet a subject of consideration. 
The Town Council proposed no improvement 
beyond the public advantages first afforded 
four-score years before ; and they still levied 
and collected rents ; and about that time they 
even rebuilt the market-houses, apparently 
indicating thereby that the " old style " should 
prevail for a score of years more, notwithstand- 
ing the wonderful development of the place in 
resjject to internal affairs and population, and 
the increase of its inflaence as a centre of trade 
and wealth. 

The semi-annual "Fairs" were still kept up; 
but they were without profit or advantage of 
any kind. They were useless ; indeed, injurious 
to public morals. Hence, they were not only 
discouraged, but denounced by the press and by 
the people generally. Under such pressure 
their influence was weakened naturally. Amongst 
the customs of the inhabitants its hold was 
almost entirely gone. Dancing, drinking and 
fighting were conspicuous features, these having 
been indulged in by the lower classes of the 
people. Military affairs, however, maintained 
their activity. " Exercise " was carried on an- 
nually in May ; and it was known as " battalion 
day." 

Tiie great majority of the people were still 



READING. 



685 



very domestic in their daily life. Gardening was 
coiuinonly carried on either iu the lots npon 
which the dwellings stood, or in out-lots. 
Fi'iiit-trees were numerous in every quarter. 
Plums, peaches, cherries and apples were plen- 
tiful. Tlie first three were " preserved," not 
canned, as now. And nearly every family 
boiled apple-butter in an open fire-place in the 
fall of the year. And "butchering" was ob- 
served by all. Home-made sausage, pudding, 
scrapple, hams and mince were common in 
every household. About Christmas all the 
cellars of housekeepers were well stocked. 
Wood was still mostly used for fuel, and sawing 
upon the highway was a common occupation. 
It was commonly called "cord-wood,"' because 
it was delivered by the cord on a wagon with 
ladders. It consisted of pieces of hickory, oak 
and chestnut (mostly the first), cut four feet in 
length. These pieces were sawed into two or 
more parts and then split and piled away ready 
ibruse. The "ten -plate "stove was almost wholly 
used for cooking and heating purposes. Coal 
had been known to the community for nearly 
Ibrty years, but it had not yet come to be gen- 
erally utilized, especially for domestic purposes. 
Its consumption was principally in public 
])laces, and shops, factories, etc. 

The light was produced from fluid, oil and 
tallow, even common fat, the first two having 
been used almost wholly in stores, and the last 
two in dwellings, especially of the poorer classes 
of inhabitants. Gas was not yet introduced. 
The streets were not lighted up in the evening ; 
and those people whose business or pleasure 
called them away from their homes during 
the night, had to go — if not grope — in darkness. 
Lanterns were frequently carried to shed light 
upon the roadway. And then this was no easy 
matter, for pavements were comparatively few 
and irregular, and did not facilitate the M'ay of 
jiedestrians. There were no " street-crossings " 
at the intersections of streets. The customs of 
the residents had not yet come to convert night 
into day for amusements of various kinds ; in- 
deed, their morals would not have tolerated 
such a practice, especially on the part of the 
young people. Dramatic entertainments were 
just starting out in earnest, and the demands for 



an improved light were gradually growing 
larger. The town was not large — the principal 
portion lying between Walnut Street on the 
north and Chestnut on the south, Ninth Street 
on the east and Third on the west. Business 
of all kinds was almost entirely done during 
the day-time, and merchants derived their chief 
support from the farmers. The streets were, 
therefore, quiet after sunset. Two constables 
were watchmen of the night, and for several 
hours before and after midnight called out the 
hour and the condition of the weather in a 
monotonous, low tone of voice. 

The pump was still an institution through- 
out the city, notwithstanding the general supply 
of superior water afforded by the " Heading 
Water Company " It was convenient in e\'ery 
block, if not on or near every slreet-coruer. At 
least one hundred were in daily use. Pcnn 
Street was especially well su])|)lied. Ice had 
come to be furnished in small quantities for 
about ten years, but not for drinking purposes. 
Cool water, freshly pun)ped from the wells, was 
satisfactory to all. 

Incorporatiox. — The borough of Reading 
was incorporated into a city by an act of As- 
sembly passed on March 16, 1847.^ This a<rt, 
besides investing the corporation with cer- 
tain powers and privileges common to all muni- 
cipalities, preserved the division of the territory 
into five wards, — Northeast, Northwest, South- 
east, Southwest and Sjiruce. It provided for 
the election of Select and Common Councilmen 
by the people, the former for three years and 
the latter for one year ; and for the annual ap- 
pointment of a solicitor, street regulator, street 
commissioners, market commissioner, high con- 
stable, scavenger, and president and clerks of 
Councils by the Councils ; and for the annual 
election of mayor, treasurer and three auditors 
by the people. It divided the city into two 
districts for aldermen — Penn Street having 
been the dividing line ; and each district be- 
came entitled to two aldermen, with similar 
term of office and powers of justice of the peace. 
The day of election was fixed on the third 
Friday of March. 



' The act of Assembly was prepared by David F. Gordon, 
J. Pringle Jones and J. K. Lonaeuecker. 



686 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



A second charter was provided for the city by 
an act passed on tiie 13tii of March, 1801. In 
it, among other things, the names of the wards 
were changed, as follows : Spruce to First \\ ard ; 
Southwest to Second ; Southeast to Third ; 
Northeast to Fourth ; Northwest to Fifth ; and 
the terms of office of the mayor and treasurer 
w^ere increased to two years, and city auditors to 
three years. 

A third charter was provided by an act passed 
on the 2Gth of April, 1864. The city was then 
divided into nine wards, numbered respectis'ely, 
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. The day of election 
was changed to the second Friday in February. 
And the term of Common Councilman was in- 
creased to two years, one-half of the number to 
be elected alternately every two years. 

And in 1874 the act of May 23, 1874, was 
accepted by the people as a fourth charter for 
the city. It introduced additional changes. 
Each ward became entitled to one alderman. It 
substituted a •' city controller," w'ith a term of 
office for two years, in the place of the three 
auditors. It increased the terms of office of 
engineer and solicitor to two years. And all 
the Common Councilmen were to be elected 
every two years. This charter is now the gen- 
eral law for the administration of the several 
affiiirs of the city. 

Development. — From the time of the in- 
corporation of Reading into a city till now the 
general development of the place from decade 
to decade has been remarkable. Its history be- 
gan whilst the Mexican War was being carried 
on, and in which there was a companj- of vol- 
unteers from Reading, called the " Reading Ar- 
tillerists." ' During the decade from 1847 to 
1857 business affairs grew more active, and 
continued to do so till towards the close, when 
a panic ensued. Gas was introduced for light- 
ing purposes ; and the first large hall was pro- 
vided for the accommodation of the public in re- 
spect to entertainments, dramatic performances, 
etc. The " Charles Evans Cemetery " was 
founded and other cemeteries were established to 
which the dead were then removed from the 
grave-yards in the central portion of the city, and 

' See Chap. XI., Mexican War. 



in which burials were from that time made. 
Numerous buildings were erected, both dwell- 
ings and industrial establishments, the latter 
including prominent enterprises which have 
been continued in operation almost constantly 
till now, affording employment to hundreds of 
men and yielding to the community thousands 
of dollars which have been invested here in im- 
provements of a substantial character. Two 
railroads were constructed, — the East Penn to 
the northeast, and the Lebanon Valley to the 
west, — and these stimulated the energy of the 
people. ^ The militia system was still promi- 
nent, and battalion days were devoted to general 
military exercise ; but the " fair-days " at the 
market-houses passed away without regret from 
any one, and the Agricultural Society substituted 
a county fair for an improved annual exhibition 
of goods, live-stock, etc. About 1850 many 
citizens became excited upon the subject of mi- 
grating to California, and several parties pro- 
ceeded thither, under the hopes of realizing great 
profits from adventure and specidation in the 
golden State across the continent; but their dole- 
ful letters and early return dispelled the charm 
which had been thrown over the community 
and the excitement subsided. And political 
questions also agitated the people. One ques- 
tion, that of slavery, was brought prominently 
to their notice, and caused the Presidential 
campaign of 185G to be particularly enthusiastic. 
In the next decade, from 1857 to 1867, the 
Civil War was the most prominent subject 
which engaged the attention of the people, and 
it is treated at length in this history. ' The 
streets wei-e regulated by a topographical survey, 
which was successfully carried on for several 
years, and which, by the establishment of lines 
and grades, encouraged building operations, 
especially in the northern section of the city ; ■* 
and the houses were numbered by an admirable 



' See Chap. XVIII. Internal Improvements. 

3 See Chap. XII., Civil War. 

*The "Topographical Survey " of Reading was author- 
ize 1 by act of Assembly passed April 2(), 1804, in pur- 
.^uance of which (he City Councils caused the lines and 
grades of the streets to be surveyed, fixed, etc., during the 
years 180-1-5-6-7-8. Duplicate confirmed plans of the 
several sections (eight in number) are on file in tlie Quarter 
Sessions office of Berks County. 



HEADING. 



687 



system along all the streets/ The " water- 
works " became the property of the people ; ef- 
forts were made to improve the city charter by 
two amendments ; the wards were differently ar- 
ranged and increased in number; and a "Fire- 
men's Union " was organized. The people 
were very active and energetic in every depart- 
ment of life and the general wealth of the 
community was increased millions of dollars. 
Weekly newspapers became more thoroughly 
circulated, and the daily newspaper was estab- 
lished. Postal facilities were increased, to the 
great convenience of the people. The fourth 
railroad from Reading was projected and suc- 
cessfully extended, affording direct communi- 
cation with Lancaster and Columbia. Political 
excitement reached the highest point which the 
community was able to bear without resulting 
in a serious social disturbance. 

During the third decade, from 1867 to 1877, 
general enterprise was active in the beginning 
and continued so for several years ; but tl'.en it 
began to decline and finally showed marked 
effects from the panic which prevailed through- 
out the country. Fire elsewhere destroyed 
much property, resulting in enormous losses 
which amounted to many million of dollars ; 
and it seemed that some evil genius possessed 
this community also, by the numerous acts of 
incendiarism in the most populous parts of the 
city. Fortunately for us, the volunteer fire 
companies were not only prompt but vigilant. 
Tiiey were interested in the preservation of 
property and therefore were moved by the 
noblest impulses to prevent losses from fire. 
Then the " Electric Fire Alarm " was intro- 
duced, which soon demonstrated its incalculable 
value to the community ; and the water supply 



' Oa May 30, 1863, eight petitions from citizens of Read- 
ing were presented to Councils, praying them " to pass an 
onlinance providing for the numbering of the buildings in 
tliis city." A special committee was appointed, which re- 
ported June 29, 1863, — " that the public wants demanded 
that it should be immediately acted upon by the Councils." 
Accordingly, an ordinance was passed and approved August 
31, 1863. This provided for the allowance of one hundred 
numbers for each square, on each street running east from 
Front Street, north from Penn and south from Penn. The 
system was first advocated in 1854. Previously a system 
had been in vogue on Penn Street for business convenience, 
the numbers running east and west from Fifth Street. 



was largely increased by the appropriation of 
the water of Antietam Creek, and the construc- 
tion of a lake to be used as a storage reservoir, 
with a ca))acity of many million gallons. The 
"Centennial" was a prominent subject for 
several years, especially during the year 1876 
for six months, from the 10th of May to the 
10th of November, when our people patronized 
the "Great International Exhibition" at Phil- 
adelphia very extensively, having traveled 
repeatedly to and fro in regular and excursion 
trains. The railroads were busy, and their 
activity led others to be extended from Read- 
ing: the Wilmington and Northern, and the 
Berks County. Street railways were also intro- 
duced and operated through the length and 
breadth of the city. The old market-houses be- 
came objectionable, and upon the erection of 
fine, commodious and pleasant buildings in 
the several sections of the city by private enter- 
prise for market purposes, they were removed. 
New and modern halls were provided, not only 
to encourage but to gi-atify the public desire for 
amusement. Foundries and factories were ex- 
tended in different branches of industry, show- 
ing the increasing enterprise and wealth of 
manufacturers, and the employment of a larger 
number of mechanics and workingmen. 
Merchants and business men generally began 
to appreciate more the value and also the neces- 
sity of advertising in various ways, especially 
in the newspapers ; and just as they here en- 
deavored to attract the attention of the people 
of Reading and the districts throughout the 
county, so did the merchants at Philadelphia 
endeavor, through the newspapers, to draw- 
trade away from the growing stores here to the 
business places there. Competition became an 
active feature of business life and a state of 
carrying on trade was produced far in advance of 
previous decades. The city was extended north- 
wardly in 1871, and the total area increased to 
three thousand two hundred acres. And a new 
charter for the city was obtained, by acceptance of 
the general actof Assembly passed May 23, 1874, 
for the government of cities of the third class. 
In the previous decade the militia system was 
obliterated by the Civil War; and though a new 
system was then provided, it did not exhibit 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



any strength daring this decade in our coni- 
mnnity. The feeling and the general situation 
of" the people in this respect are altogether dif- 
ferent. We have had no " battalion days/' 
no military exercis&s. In the beginning of the 
decade before 18(37 there were over fifty com- 
panies of militia which exercised frequently 
every year in the several sections of the county ; 
but in this decade (before 1877) we had only 
two companies, one at Reading and the other at' 
Hamburg, whose exercises were scarcely noticed. 
The building and savings associations had a 
flourishing existence and assisted gi-catly in 
improving the city with numerous dwelling- 
houses for the working people. The political 
feeling of the people throughout the country 
changed very much, and the process of change 
Jiecessarily develoj)ed a high degree of excite- 
ment. The year 1876 was particularly dis- 
tinguished in this respect. Improved postal 
facilities were given to the people, and the bus- 
iness of the post office was largely increased. 

And the fourth, or last decade, from 1877 
till now, has not fallen behind the previous 
decades. It started out with a serious trouble, 
the regulation of which was beyond our wis- 
dom. We could not rectify it ; it broke upon 
us like an explosion ; and then, through fear, 
it subsided. This was the labor question. 
Several years before 1877, the subject was agi- 
tated earnestly and it led to the formation of 
different societies, the most prominent of which 
was the Erotlierliood of Locomotive Engineers. 
Demands for higher wages were madi- ; these were 
not complied with and a strike followed. This 



' In 1869, there were four military companies at Read- 
ing : First Reading Reserves, commanded by Captain Oscar 
R. Christ ; First Reading Rifles, commanded by Thomas E. 
Weber ; Reading Zouaves, commanded by Captain William 
B. Mc.Micbael ; and Veteran Zomives, commanded by Cap- 
tain John Gchring. 

The total enrollment of men for military duty then was 
11,502. 

In August, 1870, a military encampment was held at 
Reading. 

A " Grand Military Parade and Review " took pltce at 
Reading on May 28, 1875, under the auspices of company 
A, Reading Rifles, and company C, Reading Zouaves. 
There were, altogether, fourteen companies in line, num- 
bering si.x hundred men ; some of the companies were 
from Philadelphia, Allentown and Easton. 



Strike was general iu this State and in other 
States ; and it was persisted in until it termin- 
ated in a great riot at Reading, which is de- 
scribed elsewhere in this chapter. Councils in- 
creased the water supply to answer the growing 
demands of our rapidly-increasing community ; 
and they made efforts in the direction of im- 
proved highways. An earnest and a successful 
beginning for a City Park was instituted in 
1878 by private individuals, but the decade is 
passing away and the park is still to be estab- 
lished. 

Numerous other things within the past forty 
years have transpired which are worthy of men- 
tion, but they cannot be detailed without increas- 
ing the size of this history far beyond my inten- 
tions. It would be a difficult matter for me to 
determine just what to include and what to ex- 
clude, what to present in an extended manner 
and what to give only a passing notice. For 
this reason I have only taken a general survey 
of this period. The industries, internal im- 
provements, churches, schools, a.ssociations, offi- 
cials and census of Reading are treated in sepa- 
rate parts of this chapter. All the parts, takeu 
together, give the county-seat a prominent j^lace 
in the history of this county. The reader will, 
therefore, understand that I was compelled to 
confine myself more to the history of past 
events which are not within the knowledge of 
most of the people living, than to the history 
of matters and things which are within the re- 
collection of the present generation. 

The last score of years of this century 
— a century already glorious M'ith prodigious 
results, especially in our own vicinity — has ad- 
vanced only several years beyond 1880. Look- 
ing backward through two .scores of years in 
our municipal life, and realizing what education 
and steam have done for our industrious and 
law-abiding Christian community since 1840, 
or the clo.<e of the second score in this century, 
when these two great forces just began to 
impress themselves forcibly upon our people ; 
and then looking forward through the remaining 
years of the present score to the year 1900, with 
the advantages of our vigorous population, 
education, wealth, manufactures, various internal 
improvements and political freedom, what c.i i 



EEADING. 



(i89 



we uot hope to accomplish in the uext fifteen 
years, in respect to population, wealth and 
influence, with these same forces, the one to 
direct and the other to propel us in the progress 
of civilization? We have here a grand centre 
possessed of inconceivable natural advantages 
which arise from the conjunction of fertile 
valleys and flowing streams. The prospects 
before us for developments on the one hand and 
accomplishments on the other are most pleasing 
to contemplate. But to insure our future pro- 
gress and make it proportionate with that of the 
past, we must fit ourselves to discriminate for 
things, not persons, and so direct our industrial, 
political and moral energy as to subserve the 
public welfare rather than individual aggran- 
dizement. 

Riot IN Readixu, .Jii.y, 1877.' — The great 
riot at Reading was such an extraordinary 
event in the history of our community that I 
give it a special notice. 

On Saturday, July 21, 1877, great excitement 
prevailed at Reading, owing to the general 
strike of railroad train men in the following 
States : New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 
Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Ohio, 
Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. The central 
point of excitement was at Seventh and Peun 
Streets, where many men gathered to discuss 
the situation. At that time the excitement at 
Pittsburgh was intense, ending shortly there- 
after in the great destruction of railroad prop- 
erty, which consisted of buildings, cars, etc., 
and in the loss of at lea.st a score of lives. On 
the next day the situation was, naturally, worse, 
owing to the new-s from Pittsburgh, and more 
men crowded at the point named, but there 
was no disorderly demonstration of any kind 
during the day. By ten o'clock in the evening 
the crowd had moved to the passenger station, 
where the men greeted the last train from 
Philadelphia (10.30) with shouts and yells. 
Then the excitement became uncontrollable. 
The crowd moved westwardly upon the Lebanon 
Valley Railroad, and fire and destruction of 

' See report of committee appointed to investigate rail- 
road riots in July, 1877. Testimony taken in February 
and March, 1878, including witnesses at Reading, and 
read before Legislature ilay 23, 1878, pp. "25-28. 
62 



property followed. It would be utterly im- 
possible to describe liriefly the terrible occur- 
rences of that fatal Sunday night. Railroad 
tracks were torn up, and certain cabooses and 
freight cars were set on fire which resulted in 
a general alarm of fire, and response of the Fire 
Department, and during the terrible excitement 
in and about the " cut," near Sixth Street, 
whither all attention had been directed, the 
costly and handsome railroad bridge, which 
spanned the river within a mile to the west, 
was set on fire and entirely destroyed. The 
bright flames, which flashed high into the dark- 
ness of the night, attracted thousands of people 
to the place. The burning bridge presented a 
sight as grand as it was awful. This condi- 
tion of affairs was extremely alarming; no one 
knew what was next to happen, what was next 
to be destroyed. The news shocked the whole 
community. Crowds had gathered on Satur- 
day, innocently, apparently, but unlawfully ,with- 
out any earnest movement from the policemen 
to disperse them, and property had been de- 
stroyed on Sunday, the next day afterward. 
But what was to follow on the third day ? On 
Monday the newspapers were almost whcjlly 
taken up with vivid descriptions of the excited 
condition of the community and of the 
destructive work of incendiaries. They were 
the centre of attraction. So important were 
they that they were never before in greater 
demand, and so interesting, indeed, that the 
news which they detailed caused shuddering 
hearts and moistening eyes. Everybody dis- 
cussed the fire — everybody wondered what 
next ! Throughout the day great excitement 
prevailed, and as the night approached it grew 
greater. The four corners of Seventh and 
Penn Streets were again crowded hour after 
hour, subject to a weak protest, but without any 
determined eflx)rt from municipal or county 
authorities to clear the highway. Who were 
rioters ? Who were law-abiding citizens ? All 
were disturbers of the peace. Trains were 
stopped there, coal cars were detached and many 
tons of coal were dumped upon the track for 
several hundred feet. Who did it ? Men 
were blind. All was disorder. Hundreds, nay, 
thousands of people were concentrated at that 



690 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENXSYLVANIA. 



point on both sides of Peun and Seventh Streets. 
And with this state of aifairs, then wholly 
uncontrollable, the six o'clock passenger train 
approaclied the city around the bend of " Never- 
sink," and the shrill whistle of the engine never 
sounded in such a piercing manner. The en- 
gineer remained bravely at his post; the command 
was given to proceed forward at full speed, and 
forward indeed he directed his engine at the 
rate of forty-five miles an hour over the block- 
aded track. AMio can imagine what might 
have been the result ? Fortunately the train 
passed through safely, but the jJcople scattered 
pell-mell for their lives, coals were thrown high 
into the air, and a dense cloud of black dust 
obscured everything round-about for a time. 
At the passenger station a great excitement 
took place immediately after the arrival of this 
train. The next down train was stoj^ped in the 
cut, and this unlawful, daring proceeding drew 
the crowd from the depot and intensified the 
excitement at Seventh and Penn Streets. And 
in this state the people remained at that point, 
immovable. Proclamations by the sheriff of the 
county and earnest appeals by the pt)licemen of 
the city did not make the slightest impression 
upon them. It seems that the vast multitude 
were in sympathy with the riotous demonstra- 
tions. And so matters remained for nearly two 
hours, apparently growing worse as the dark- 
ness of night fell upon the community. Then, 
however, a sudden change arose. And what 
agent was this that could, as it were, in a mo- 
ment, in the twinkling of an eye, separate a 
maddened, threatening crowd, when sober, sen- 
sible appeals to citizens who had theretofore 
been a law-abiding people, were wholly unavail- 
ing ? It was the bullet. This acted upon 
them as effectually as the lightning upon the 
restless, thickening clouds in a portentous sky. 

About eight o'clock seven companies of the 
Fourth Regiment' of Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
numbering about two hundred men, under the 
command of General Franklin Reeder, arrived 
at the station in the city, viz. : — 

Company B, Allen Rifles, Allentown ; Com- 



' Company A, Reading Rifles, commanded by Captain 
R. P. Weuricli, was a part of this regiment, but it did not 
report at Allentown for duty, 



pany D, Allen Continentals, Allentown ; Com- 
pany E, Blue Mountain Legion, Hamburg ; 
Company F, Easton Grays, Easton ; Company 
H, Slatington Rifles, Slatington . Company I, 
Catasauqua; Company K, Portland, North- 
ampton County. 

After some consulttition they were marched 
down the railroad and through the " cut " 
towards Penn Street to liberate the train there. 
On the way they were attacked by persons on 
the elevated ])avement.s, who threw stones and 
bricks upon them. They did not fire in self- 
defense, but moved on bravely. Nearing Penn 
Street, the situation became so dangerous that 
some of the men, by some order or mistaken 
command, shot off their rifles. Bricks and 
stones were thrown with increased energy, and 
many shots followed. The crowd immediately 
scattered, and men were seen bearing away the 
wounded and killed. With the dispersing 
crowd the soldiers also became disordered, and 
the companies disorganized. Their conduct 
was disgraceful, and the whole community, and 
especially the management of the Philadelphia 
and Reading Railroad Company, lost confidence 
in them as a means of restoring order or pre- 
serving peace. A battery of United States 
Regular Artillery, equipped as infantry, then 
came here shortly afterward, under the com- 
mand of General Hamilton, and remained till 
peace and order and safety were assured. The 
fidelity of G. A. Nicolls and George Eltz to 
their posts as officials of the railroad at this 
point, in the perilous situation of affairs then 
existing, was highly commendable. 

VERDICT OF coroner's JURY. 

" The undersigned members of an inque-st upon the 
bodies of a number of citizens who were killed dur- 
ing a riot which took place on Monday night, the 23rd 
day of July, 1877, in the city of Reading, after having 
heard a large number of witnesses whose testimony is 
hereto appended, and after due inquiry and consider- 
ation of all the facts and circumstances attending the 
riotous demonstrations, report as follows : 

" 1. The said persous came to their death by a firing 
of the military upon the rioters. 

"2. That the soldiers composing a portion of the 
Fourth Regiment, Pennsylvania National Guard, 
numbering about two hundred men, while marching 
through the railroad cut along Seventh Street, were 
continuallv assailed with stones and brickbats from 



KEADING. 



691 



the time they entered the cut at ^V'^aluu^ Street bridge 
until tliey approached Peuu Street, a distance of two 
si|uares, the assault becoming severer the further they 
nidved, and being accompanied with pistol shots after 
liaving reached VVashington Street bridge ; that dur- 
ing said march many of the soldiers were badly woun- 
ded by the missiles, some of them being knocked down 
two or three times; notwithstanding an order from 
the commanding officer not to fire, a single shot from 
one of the military was a signal for others to fire, 
which soon became general. It would be expecting 
too much of human nature, especially on the part of 
untrained soldiers, to expect them not to fire under 
the fearful peril in which they were placed, and when 
once the firing commenced the volleys of stones and 
pistol shots continuing and especially directed against 
their ranks, the inquest cannot censure them for the 
manner in which they acted. 

"3. That the military werehere asthere]n'esentative 
of public order, under directions of Major-C4eneral Bol- 
ton, who was doubtless acting under the State civil 
authority, said orders having been duly communica- 
ted to General Reeder, commanding the Fourth Reg- 
iment, who was instructed to report to the Sheriff, 
Mayor or Railroad Officials. Having been met, before 
reaching Reading, by several officers of the Railroad 
Company, who informed him that the railroad depot 
was in possession of the mob, he left the cars with his 
command at a short distance above the depot, and 
marched down the railroad to the depot ; upon 
reaching the depot, and finding it in possession of the 
Coal and Iron Police, but meeting neither the Sheriff 
nor the Mayor (the latter official being out of the city), 
he was requested by an official of the railroad com- 
pany to move in the direction of Penn Street to re- 
lease a passenger train then in the hands of the mob, 
and whilst complying with this request the firing of the 
military took place. It thus appears that under the 
evidence as far as it has been laid before the inquest, 
that General Reeder with his command was acting 
within his instructions, and if any blame is to be 
attached to the action of the military, it must be born 
by the superior officer in command. 

" 4. That whilst the deaths were immediately owing 
to the firing of the soldiers who were at the |)roper 
place under proper authority where the disorder was 
raging, yet the responsibility for the terrible tragedy 
of Monday night is directly attributed to those who 
composed the lawless body assembled near the corner 
of Seventh and Penn Streets, who were instigating 
the riotous proceedings; whilst many were present, 
not as inciting to riot, but out of idle curiosity, they 
nevertheless by their presence gave aid and confidence 
to the mob spirit who initiated the disturbance ; the 
latter are the persons primarily responsible for all 
.sul isequent trouble and bloodshed, and if detected and 
arrested should be held to the severest accountability. 

" 5. The absence of the Mayor from the city may be 



a sufficient excuse for the inactivity of the city au- 
thorities at the time. 

" 6. Whilst on the one hand the testimony clearly 
shows that Chief of Police Cullen was faithful in the 
discharge of his official duty, it is a matter of regret 
to the inquest that the testimony does not equally 
commend the Sheriff in the discharge of his duty. 
On the contrary, though telegraphed for early on 
Monday morning, 23d July, and having reached the 
city by special train provided by the railroad company 
at 5 o'clock A.M., he nevertheless made no attempt to 
provide for the preservation of the public peace, al- 
though earnestly appealed to and urged to organize a 
posse by a number of citizens during the day. It is 
well known that during tlie whole of Monday the city 
was under the fewer and in the control of the mob, 
whose progress was hourly gathering strength, and 
that before noon, Messrs. Wootten & Miller ofl'ered to 
furnish a sufficient number of men with arms and am- 
munition, to constitute a /)osse co//«7(f<»(s and suppress 
the riot if the Sherifi' would give the authority for so 
doing. This offer was declined by the Sherifi', who 
significantly remarked that the mob also had arms. 
All that the Sheriff of Berks County did in this fear- 
ful emergency, after wasting the whole day in his 
office doing nothing, was to issue his proclamation 
after 5 o'clock in the evening, calling upon the citi- 
zens to remain at home. 

" In conclusion thereof or in accordance with the 
evidence presented, the inquest believes that theSheriff 
having neglected and refused to perform what was his 
obvious duty, is in a measure responsible for the events 
which followed. 

" In witness whereof, as well as aforesaid Coroner, as 
the jurors aforesaid, have to this inquisition put their 
hands and seals, this 7th day of August, 1877, [Signed] 
William Bland. David Fox, William C. Kelchner, 
S. A. Stout, John H. Kelly, Reuben Hottenstein, 
George S. Goodhart, (Coroner)." 

The jury also rendered special verdicts iu each 
of the cases of the ten citizens killed during the 
riot, as follows : 

" JIiLTON Trace came to his death onSouthSev- 
enth below Chestnut ; died from the effects of a large 
bullet wound enteiung in near the angle of the mouth, 
left side, passing through horizontally, wounding 
large arteries, fracturing the second vertebra of the 
neck and then passing out on the same side of en- 
trance ; wound was received at the time the second 
volley was fired by the military. 

" James J. FiSHEE died near the corner of Penn and 
Seventh Streets, from hemorrhage of the femoral ar- 
tery, caused by a bullet shot which entered on the in- 
side of the left thigh, penetrating the artery and pas- 
sing out on the opposite side, fracturing the bone. 
Shot was fired by one of the military. 

" LuDWiG Hoffman was shot while standing a little 



692 



HISTORY OF' BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



above Esterly's store, on Penu Street, on the evening 
of the 28d ult., and from which he died early next 
morning ; ball entered on the right side of the spine 
immediately above the crest of the ilium, passing 
through the ascending colon to the right and a little 
beiow the umbilicus, where it passed out. 

"JoHX H. Weaver came to his death by a wound 
produced by a rifle ball which entered the left side of 
the chest about the fifth rib, which it fractured and 
then passed downward, wounding probably the aorta, 
the hemorrhage causing death in a short time. Ball 
was shot by one of the soldiers. 

"Lewis Alexaxder Eisenhower came to his 
death by a rifle shot wound while leaving the east side- 
walk of the Ubil House, the bullet entering the out- 
side, passing through horizontally the lower part of 
the upper third of the right thigh, taking with it a 
portion of the thigh bone and wounding the femoral 
artery, the hemorrhage from which caused his death 
in about two hours. AVe are satisfied that the she t 
came from the military. 

" JoHxA. CASSlDYcameto his death nearly in front 
of Shearer's shoe store by a rifle shot fired by the 
military on Penn Street and Seventh, shooting diag- 
onally across and up Penn Street, the ball entering 
in the small of the back near the spine, on the right 
of the spine, making its e.xit near the lower part of 
the brea-st bone, right side, from which wound he died 
in about twenty minutes. 

" John Alvix Wvxder came to his death from 
wounds received from the military near the corner of 
Penn and Seventli Streets, and from which he died in 
about two hours after the receipt of the wounds. 
The wound was that of a rifle ball or slug shot which 
passed the hip and abdomen ; that above named was 
at Seventh and Penn simply as an innocent spectator. 
"Daxiel Nachteieb came to his death at the cor- 
ner of Penn and Seventh Streets; that a bullet-shot 
entered immediately over the right eye, passing 
through the brain and making its exit behind the 
right ear, on about a level with it, causing his death 
in a short time, and that said shot was fired by one of 
the military, who were on Seventh Street, about 
twenty or twenty-five yards above Penn Street. 

" Elias Shafer came to his death on the evening of 
the 23d ult., on Penn Street, near Seventh Street, and 
died of hemorrhage, from a wound of a rifle-ball, 
which entered on the left side of the chest, near the 
nipple, passed in a direct horizontal line backward, 
penetrating the lower part of the lung, and emerged 
at the left side of the spinal column, which was shat- 
tered. We believe tli.it the shot came from the mil- 
itary. 

" Howard Cramp was picked up on Penn Street, a 
little above Esterly's store, about half-past eight 
o'clock, and carried into the drug-store, where he 
died. The boy was no rioter, but a peaceable and 
quiet boy, and was there simply as a spectator. Ball 



entered immediately above the hip, on the left side, 
and passed out on a level on the right side. 

The following citizeus were wounded : 

William Clark, Elam Kissinger, Christian Groet- 
zinger, John Weiler, Patrick Quinn, Samuel Graul, 
Edward Boyer, George W. Palm, Albert Mills, Walter 

Grotf, Edward Heineman, Wentzel, stranger from 

New Jersey, Martin Noonan, Ludwig Rupp (police- 
man), Edward Haggerty (policeman), Daniel D. Hart 
( policeman), Samuel M. Oden waller (policeman), 
Abner R. Jones, Albert S. Hawk, David Buchter, 
Henry Murray, Samuel Bertolet, Isaac Diefenderfer, 
Thomas H. Gwiuii, Valentine Graf, Valentine Long- 
lot, Henry W. Corbit. 

The following soldiers were wounded : 

G. P. Roth, Company B ; C. G. Weber, Company B; 
Josiah Hillegass, ('ompany B; Lewis Heckman, Com- 
pany E; 0. C. Bunting, Company F; Frederick Sny- 
der, Company F ; Charles Leidy, Company F ; George 
McDowell, Company H ; B. F. Hunt, Company H ; 
Albert Kildare, Company I ; H. M. La Bar, Company 
K ; William F. Allen, Company K. 

Trial of Rioters. — Many ineu were ar- 
rested and indicted for alleged implication in 
the riot. Samuel Humphreys aud Edward 
Smith were indicted with five others (including 
Hiram Nachtriel)) for maliciously setting fire 
to Lebanon Valley Railroad bridge, but they 
pleaded guilty and were .sentenced to imprison- 
ment for five years. Of the five other defen- 
dants, Hiram Nachtrieb was the only one tried, 
and after a determined trial on the part of the 
commonwealth, with the assistance of F. B. 
Gowen, Esq., president of the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad Company, from October 2 
to October 6, 1877, he was acquitted. A second 
case, against fourteen men, was tried the follow- 
ing week aud all were acquitted excepting one, 
who was convicted of inciting to riot. A third 
case was called on October 22d, in which forty- 
one persons were intlicted, but it was not tried. 
The trials were attended by many people, espe- 
ciallv the first trial. 



PART IV. 

M ANUFACTURiyO INDUSTRIES. 

The close proximity of Reading to the vast 
coal-fields of the State of Pennsylvania, the 
superior local resources and its location being 



READING. 



G93 



near the great marts of trade and commerce of 
the seaboard States induced enterprising busi- 
ness men to liere establish large manufacturing 
works. They have been the main cause of the 
rapid growth and substantial prosperity of the 
city, aijd have given Reading a name and a 
fame which extends throughout our entire 
country, and into many other countries of the 
civilized world. Small manufactories were first 
started, which were attended by success, and 
then gradually developed into the ))reseut ex- 
tensive ones, which have given employment to 
many people, and have contributed very much 
to the material interests of the city. 

A description and a history of the various 
manufacturing industries of the city are pre- 
sented in the following pages. 

Before 1849 large manufacturing establish- 
ments were very few in Reading ; in fact, only 
one extensive firm is worthy of special mention, 
Keims, Whitaker & Co., afterward Seyfert, 
McISIanus & Co., instituted in 1835. There 
were numerous works, some carried on by indi- 
viduals and others by firms consisting of two 
and three persons, such as furnaces, machine- 
shops, foundries, saw-mills, plauing-niills, 
coach-factories, wheelwright-shops, cabinet- 
shops, etc. The decade from 1840 to 1850 was 
l)articularly prosperous in respect to various 
enterprises. As a consequence, the population 
of Reading increased eighty-seven per cent, 
during that period, and dwellings multiplied 
rapidly to satisfy the great demand for them. 
The growth in these two respects w^as almost 
entirely to the south of Penn Street, which 
district surrounded the industries. 

The first considerable enterprises under the 
act of 1849 were the "cotton-mill" and 
" woolen-mill." But they had not been carried 
on long before they ran into insolvency. The 
sjiirit of a corporation was apparently not 
adapted to industries of this character. Upon 
falling into private management they were 
ojjerated successfully. 

Jones, Darling & Co., in 1837, erected a 
foundry in the western portion of the borough 
of Reading, and began the manufacture of all 
kinds of iron and brass castings for rolling- 
mills, factories, engines, threshing-machines. 



corn-shellers, forge-hammers and anvils, car- 
wheels, platforms and turnouts for railroads, 
pipes and pumps, etc. Brass castings were 
made here, however, at least twenty years be- 
fore, a foundry having been carried on by 
Henry Fellows and Isaac ilyers. 

About the same time Dotterer, Darling & 
Co. established a large machine-shop near by, 
for the manufacture of locomotives and station- 
ary engines, mill-gearing and machinery. They 
manufactured the first locomotive engine at 
Reading. It was made to order for the 
Charleston (South Carolina) Railroad, and tried 
on April 27, 1838, with success. Soon after, 
they finished another for the same road. 

The manufacture of iron tubes was begun at 
Reading by Thomas S. Darling. He converted 
the old machine-works in which he had been 
interested into a tube-works with a daily capac- 
ity of twenty-five hundred feet. 

In December, 1851, a forge company was in- 
stituted, under the name of the Reading Steam 
Forge Company, for the manufacture of iron, 
with a capital stock of seventy thousand dol- 
lars, in fourteen hundred shares. Iii January, 
1853. the stock was increased to two thousand 
shares, and in February, 1854, to two thousand 
five hundred shares. The first subscribers 
numbered fifty-two, and the largest in Reading 
were Farmers' Bank, 100 shares; Lewis 
Kirk, 100 shares; H. A. Muhlenberg, 110 
shares ; Andrew Taylor, 100 shares ; Adam 
Johnston, 80 shares ; M. S. Richards, 80 shares. 

This forge was built in ] 852, adjoining Jack- 
son's ropewalk, and operated some years by the 
company. 

The Readixg Ikox- Works were estab- 
lished in May, 1830, by the firm of Keims, 
Whittakcr & Co., and then named the Read- 
ing Iron and Xail-Works. About one hundred 
thousand dollars were invested in the business. 
The firm was composed of Benneville Keim, 
George M. Keim, James Whittaker and Simon 
Seyfert. A large rolling-mill, a slitting-mill and 
a nail-factory were erected. These works were 
planned on a very extensive scale and gave a new 
impetus to the industrial life of Reading. At 
these works the first large stationary steam-en- 
gine for driving machinery was introduced into 



(!94 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUxM'y, PENNSYLVANIA. 



this county. Two hundred and fifty men 
were employed. Bar-iron was made in very 
large quantities, and cut-nails of many kinds 
and varieties, by twenty-six nail-machines. 
In April, 18.39, George M. Keim retired from 
the firm, and in July, 1844, Benneville Keim 
and James AVhittaker retired. 

From July, 1844, to July, 1846, the works 
were owned exclusively by Simon Seyfert and 
John McManus, (the latter of whom had some 
years prior to the first date become a part owner,) 
each owning a half-interest, under the firm- 
name of Seyfert & McManus. In July, 184G, 
Jacob V. R. Hunter and Nicholas V. R. Hun- 
ter were taken in as partners. Each of the 
four individuals then composing the firm 
owned a fourth interest, and the name was 
changed to Seyfert, McManus & Co. In 
1848 the tube-mill was built, the capacity of 
manufacture greatly increased and more work- 
men employed. In 1852, after the death of 
Simon Seyfert, his interest was disposed of to 
his son, William M. Seyfert, and James Mc- 
Carty. The name remained unchanged, and 
the individuals composing the firm then were 
John McManus, Jacob V. R. Hunter and 
Nicholas V. R. Hunter; In 1853 Horatio Trex- 
ler purchased one-fifth interest in the works. 
Anthracite Furnace, No. 1, was built in 1853- 
54. Its height was fifty-six feet, and it was 
fifty feet square at the base and forty feet 
square at the top. During the first week it 
was in blast one hundred and seventy tons of 
iron were made ; its entire capacity was two 
hundred and fifty tons per week. In Decem- 
ber, 1861, the interest of Nicholas Y. R. Hunter 
was closed out by purchase. 

In 1862 a charter of incorporation was ob- 
tained and approved on April 17th, under the 
present name, Seyfert, MclNIanus & Co., the 
Reading Iron-Works. The names of the in- 
corporators are .John McManus, Horatio Trex- 
ler, William M. Seylcrt, James McCarty, 
Charles H. Hunter, M.D. (son of Jacob,) I. N. 
Hunter, H. A. Hunter, Mary A. Hunter, Lucy 
J. Seyfert, Lnima E. Hiniter and James F. 
Hunter. 

In January, 1 862, the Scott Fi mndry, on North 
Eighth Street, was purchased Itv this company. 



at which large cotton-presses, castings for sugar- 
mills and other large castings have been exten- 
sively made. During the Civil War cannons 
from nine-inch to fifteen-inch calibre were made 
for the United States government. 

In February, 1862, the Reading Steam, Forge, 
situated on North Eighth Street, was purchased, 
and the manufacture of heavy forge-irou was 
begun. No forge in America has exceeded this 
one in the production of immense bars of iron. 
Some years ago a solid shaft of iron, thirty-six 
feet long and three feet in diameter, was made 
here for a large ocean steamer. 

In September, 1865, the siieet-mill was 
bought of Lauth, Berg & Co. It is situated 
at the foot of Chestnut Street. Huge sheets of 
iron and large plates are made at this mill. In 
1874 Blast Furnace No. 2 was built. Its 
capacity is two hundred and fifty tons per 
week. 

The Reading Ir<>n-^^'ork.s, employs, in all its 
departments, alxiut two thousand and twenty- 
five men regularly. When running in full 
capacity, three thousand men have been 
employed. At the present time (1886) about 
one thousand men are employed iu the tube- 
works, two hundred and fifty in rolling-mill, 
two hundred and fifty men in the sheet-mill, 
two hundred and twenty men in the two blast 
furnaces, oue huudred and seventy-five men in 
Scott Foundry, and one hundred and fifty men 
in the steam-forge. From eight hundred 
thousand to one million dollars are paid annu- 
ally to the employees. The company that own 
and operate the Reading Iron-^^'orks o\\n one- 
half interest in the Gibraltar Plate-^Iill and 
lands belonging thereto, and also own the tube- 
works at Camden, N. J. 

SiMOX Sevfert was of German descent, his 
grandfather having emigrated from the prov- 
ince of Alsace. His father, Joseph Seyfert, was 
born in 1752, near Shartlesville, Berks County. 
He was married to Catherine AUweinc, of the 
same township. Joseph Seyfert combined farm- 
ing with the business of a miller and continued 
in the active management of his varied interests 
until his death, in 1821, in his sixty-ninth year. 
Simon Seyfert, one of his seven sons, was born 
June 2, 1786, on the honie.stead. After obtain- 




</V'///.^*£. i/e^/e^^-^ 



READING. 



GU5 



ing a rudimentary education he began business 
as a clerk in the grocery and dry-goods store of 
John F. Eichorn, in Reading, and remained 
several years in his employ. Being ambitious 
for a more extended field than had thus far 
opened to him, he then purchased property at 
tiie northeast corner of Seventh and Peun Sts., 
Reading, and erected a store, where he engaged 
in the grocery and dry-goods business. Here 
he remained until 1826, when, in connection 
with John Schwartz, he purchased the Gibral- 
tar Forges and embarked in the manufacture of 
iron. In 1828 he and his partner purchased 
the Mount Penn property, in Cumru township, 
erected a furnace and operated it in connection 
with the Gibraltar property, under the firm- 
name of Seyfert & Schwartz. This business 
connection was continued until 183-3, when, ou 
a dissolution of the partnership, the property 
was divided, Mr. Seyfert taking the Gibraltar 
Iron-Works, which he managed successfully 
until his death. In connection with George 
^I. and De Benneville Keim and James Whit- 
aker, Mr. Seyfert, in 183(), became interested 
in the original Reading Iron-Works, consisting 
of a rolling-mill and nail-factory, the interested 
parties remaining as above mentioned until 
1838, when George M. Keim retired. In July, 
1844, Mr. Seyfert became owner in connection 
with John McManus, the firm becoming Seyfert 
& jMcManus, which was again changed in 1846 
and became Seyfert, McManus & Co., with 
Jacob V. R. Hunter and Nicholas V.R. Hunter 
as the additional partners. Two years later the 
firm established the wrought pipe and tube- 
works, which are still in successful operation 
in Reading. In 1848, upon his death, William 
M. Seyfert, his son, assumed his interest in the 
concern . 

Simon Seyfert was married, ■ in 1811, to 
Catherine, daughter of William Mannerback, of 
Reading. Their children are eight in number. 
Mr. Seyfert affiliated with the Old-Line Whig 
party in politics, and while active in the 
furtherance of the principles of that party, de- 
clined all proifers of office. He was, aside from 
his private business interests, energetic in the 
organization and support of various corporations 
of which he was director and a leading spirit. 



Gifted with rare business capacity, unerring 
judgment and great energy, his co-operation in 
the establishment of various commercial enter- 
prises was earnestly solicited. Public-spirited, 
liberal and ever ready to invest capital fiir 
the employment of labor, ]\Ir. Seyfert was 
an influential factor in the growth and develop- 
ment of Reading. He died October 26, 1848, 
in his sixty-third year. 

John McManus, a well-known man in his 
day throughout the country, and a resident for 
the most years of his life in Reading, was born 
in September, 1808, in the county of Fermanagh, 
province of Ulster, Ireland. His parents, of 
whom the father was Irish and Catholic, whilst 
the mother was English and Protestiint, oc- 
cupied glebelauds, which his father farmed under 
a lease that had been held and renewed for many 
generations by his people. The father was 
well-to-do in his farming, according to the 
measures of the country, and able to send his 
son to Portumna College, where he had the 
benefit of a good education. At the age of 
nineteen, alone and without acquaintance, he 
came to this country. Owing to the friendly 
interest of the captain of the ship on which he 
made the passage, he was able shortly after his 
landing to get employment in a dry-goods store 
in Philadelphia. But the position of a dry- 
goods clerk was irksome and promised too little 
future advancement. He preferred a sturdier 
and more independent walk in life, and the 
public works at that period, 1828, just begin- 
ning to take great form, under the needs which 
the political and commercial growth of the 
country created, attracted him. He started out 
as a common laborer, though his terra of 
service in that position was but brief, for his 
employer soon discovered that he was fitted by 
natural ability, as well as by education, to higher 
duties, and shortly thereafter he became a " boss" 
or director over portions of his employer's 
work. The step was not then a long one to 
taking contracts for himself, and his first work 
as a contractor was ou the Morris Canal. 
There were but few of the great public enter- 
prises under way between the years 1828 and 
1842 in which he was not engaged, and the 
location of his works in the various and then 



69G 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



remote parts of both the States and Canada, 
compelling him to travel widely, enabled him 
to gain an aquaiutance with public men and 
an intimate knowledge of the country's re- 
sources, which made him a man of j)ractical 
and interesting intelligence, and proved to him 
in after-years valuable achievements. In 1838, 
he built the .section of the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad around Neversiuk Hill, 
just south of Reading and underneath the land- 
mark known as the " White House," where he 
kept bachelor's hall while prosecuting this work. 
During his stay about Reading he met Ca- 
roline Seyfert, daughter of Simon Seyfert,a well- 
known merciiant and manufacturer of Reading, 
to whom afterwards, on January 29, 18.39, he 
was married by the Rev. Keenan, of Lan- 
caster. In 1840 he was at work on the con- 
.struction of the Crotou Dam and Aqueduct, the 
water supjily system of New York City, and a 
stone tablet affixed to the reservoir at Croton 
bears testimony to his important connection 
with this work. As a contractor he did other 
work near and about Reading: to wit, the grad- 
ing of a portion of the line of the Philadelphia 
and Reading Railroad near Shoemakersville, and 
the widening of the Schuylkill Canal and Union 
C'anal. His last work as a contrat-tor was 
tlie building of a section of the Hudson 
River Railroad opposite West Point. 

In the meantime, in 1840, lie had fixed his 
family in Reading as a place of residence, and 
at the urgent solicitation of his father-in-law, — 
for he was loth to leave a field of business 
which had been so profitable to him, and which 
at that time, too, was offering even larger and 
more important stakes by reason of the great 
raili'oa<l and canal extensions just then being 
projected, — he invested a large jiortion of the 
accumulated fruits of his labors and exertions 
as a contractor, then amounting to over §1 00,000, 
in the rolling-mill business, at Reading, of 
Whitaker & Seyfert. In 1844 Whitaker left 
the partnership, and Mr. McManus, who had 
been quietly instructing himself in the iron 
business and the ])rocess of its manufacture, 
took personal charge, and the business thence- 
forward was carried on under the firm-name 
of Seyfert, McManus & Co. Under his 



unremitting and vigorous energy and enterprise 
there were added to the rolling-mill various 
branches, one after the other, of manufacture, 
and the firm made great strides in the expan- 
sion and development of its business. It be- 
came the owner or controller of thousands of acres 
of coal, oreand farm land, in one locality beingthe 
owner of one hundred and sixty thousand acres 
in a block. Bloomaries, furnaces, rolling-mills, 
tube-mills, forges, foundries and machine-shops 
were built or secured and the firm-name became 
nearly as well known on tlie Pacific as on the 
Atlantic coast. Its name and brand can be read 
to-day on many of the largest cannon of our 
national defense ; and vessels of both our own and 
foreign navies, in the guns which man their 
decks, the plates which frame their hulls, as well 
as in the shafts and other heavy parts of the 
ships' interiors, display' the handiwork of the 
firm. The promptness with which he turned 
the resources of his firm, so far as its works 
were applicable, to the aid of the government 
in its trying need for guns and heavy arma- 
ment, at the outbreak of the Rebellion, was fit- 
tingly testified to in terms complimentary to 
him in an autograph letter of General Scott. 
It was due to this letter that one of the firm's 
largest industrial departments was nanied 
the "Scott Foundry." Mr. McManus' early 
experience as a contractor and the inclinations 
bred of that euqiloyment would never wholly 
permit him to give up taking an active part in 
public enterprises, and he was prominently con- 
nected with many of them. His connection 
with the Union Pacific, Kansas Pacific and 
Texas Pacific Railroads is worthy of note. In 
the first he was an incorporator ; in the second 
he was both an incorporator and an active mem- 
ber of its board of management to the time of 
its completion and for some time thei'eafter ; 
in the third he was also both an incorporator 
and a director, and in the construction of the 
road itself, closely allied to it as the president 
of the California and Texas Railway Construc- 
tion Company. When telegraphy was little 
more than a dream, he became satisfied of its 
ultimate success, and for quite a time he held a 
controlling interest in the capital stock of the 
Philadelphia, Reading and Pottsville Telegraph 




y/ 



9 y-^ c^/ ( / //i^^^i^f<^. 



READING. 



(!97 



Compaiiv, nearly the oldest of existing telegraph 
companies iu the country. Letters now in the 
possession of his family, between Professor 
Morse and himself, show an arrangement with 
the great inventor for the building of the line. 
No one took a more active part in developing 
and extending the i-ailroad facilities of Reading, 
either by personal energy or substantial money 
assistance. Heintere.sted himself in the building 
of tlie Lebanon Yalley, the Reading and Colum- 
bia and the East Peunnsylvania Railroads from 
the timeof their inception and building till the ac- 
quisition of each and all of them by the Phila- 
delphia and Reading Railroad. In the building 
of the East Pennsylvania Railroad he made a 
great effort to acquire an independent outlet for 
Reading, subscribing and taking a large number 
of shares of its capital stock. Beyond the benefit to 
Reading in the possession of an independent and 
competitive railroad outlet, there were other 
and very important motives for resisting the at- 
tempts of tiie Philadelphia and Reading Rail- 
road to get control of this line. The East Penn- 
sylvania Railroad had been built and ade- 
quately equipped, and under traffic arrange- 
ments with the Pennsylvania Railroad, which 
had not yet acquired the present line to New 
York. It had becomel the link in a chain 
of roads by which numbers of through trains 
from the West via Harrisburg, passing daily 
through Reading, were enabled to reach 
New York City. It was naturally the short 
and direct higlnvay for freight and passengers 
from the West to New York or vice versa, and 
had tlie road been retained in the control of 
its builders and original owners, the present 
enormous tonnage now carried to Philadelphia, 
and thence to New York over the New Jersey 
system, subscqueutly acquired by the Penn- 
sylvania Railroad, would have passed through 
Reading, much, no one can doubt, to the latter 
city's advantage and prosperity. . It was one of 
Mr. McManus' grievous disappointments in life 
that these arrangements had to be abandoned 
when the East Pennsylvania passed under the 
control of the Philadelphia and Reading Rail- 
road, not alone because he deemed it a blow to 
some of his own business jJrojects, but because 
he knew that Reading, the city of his home. 



had lost an advantage that tended greatly to its 
industrial and commercial advancement, and 
which would never possibly arise again. 

In character Mr. McManus was a man of in- 
domitable will and an energy untiring, quali- 
ties which were well displayed and evidenced 
in the expression of his countenance and the 
erect and sturdy carriage of his person. Fixed 
in his purpose and plan, and certain of its 
honesty, he pursued it to an end, whether suc- 
cessful or not, regardless of criticism or remark. 
He feared no one and respected all who were 
worthy. His truthfulness and sincerity in all 
things no one was able or dared to question. In 
his habits he was correct to severity, yet never 
obtruded on others his own methods of conduct 
and practice. In religion he M'as of the Roman 
Catholic faith, whose principles and obligations 
he strictly followed through life, making them 
a duty and a guiding star to himself iu all 
things. He died June 2, 1875, in the sixty- 
seventh year of his age, after only a few days' 
illness. 

Henry Clay Fi'rnace.s, located near the 
Schuylkill, south of South Street, were built in 
1840 by Isaac and (leorge M. Eckert, as the 
firm of Eckert & Bro. In 1872 Henry S. and 
George B. Eckert, as Eckert & Bro., became the 
owners and are now o])erating them. The fur- 
nace property includes an area of twelve acres. 
Two large stacks are erected and the capacity of 
the furnaces is twenty-five thousand tons of pig- 
iron annually. 

One hundred workmen are regularly em- 
ployed in the production of iron at the furnaces 
and two hundred men in the various ore-mines 
operated by this firm. The mines are located in 
Berks and Lebanon Counties. These furnaces 
are among the important manufacturing indus- 
tries of the city of Reading. 

The Readixg Stove-Wokks. — The large 
enterprise of the firm of Orr, Painter & Co., 
proprietors of the Reading Stove-Works, has 
greatly assisted in giving prestige and character 
to the manufacturing industries of the city of 
Reading. The firm was organized in 1866 by 
Jesse Orr, John R. Painter, William Grauder, 
Peter W. Nagle, William H. Shick, Henry C. 
Posey, Jasper Sheeler, Elijah Bull and Charles 



698 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Egolf. Of this number, Jas[jer Sheeler died 
in 1877, William Grander in 1881 and John 
R. Painter in 1883. Charles Egolf sold his 
interest in the business to William Stautfer in 
1869, and the latter retired from the firm in 
1880. Cyrus Shick purchased the interest of 
William Grauder in 1881, and Enoch T. Pain- 
ter the interest of John R. Painter in 1883. 
The present firm is composed of Jesse Orr, Peter 
W. Xagje, William H. Shick, Henry C. Posey, 
Elijah Bull, Cyrus Shick and Enoch T. Painter. 

From the time the works were started to the 
present this firm lias met with great prosperity. 
Beginning on a small scale, the business grew 
rapidly, and the facilities for manufacturing 
were gradually increased and greatly improved. 
Fourteen moulders were employed at first ; now 
as many as one hundred and five are at work in 
the foundry, and the entire numljer of employees 
is about three hundred. The capital invested is 
four hundred thousand doUai-s. Immense 
quantities of stoves are annually made and sold. 
The product of the past year (1885) was thirty 
thousand stoves of three hundred styles and 
sizes, which were disposed of in various States 
of the Union. They are favorably known for 
their usefulness and durability. Heating fur- 
naces, heaters and hollow-ware are also manu- 
factured at these works. The same firm have 
a branch establishment at 64 North Second 
Street, Piiiladelphia, under the management of 
William Thompson, and one also in Chicago, 
superintended by Charles T. Baal. 

These stove- works are located on Canal Street, 
below Chestnut. They cover a large area on 
both sides of this street. The western side of 
the works extend an entire square in length, 
from Chestnut to Spruce Street, and from 
Canal Street to the Reading and Schuylkill 
Canal. On the eastern side they extend half a 
square below Chestnut Street. Superior facil- 
ities for shipping the manufactured articles are 
afforded by the three lines of railroads which 
intersect the works. Seven distinct buildings 
are occupied. Thei'e are two large five-story 
foundries, with additional buildings for moulding, 
casting, cleaning, grinding and polishing, nickle- 
plating, finishing and mounting. There are 
also shipping departments and offices. A large 



five-story building on the east side of Canal 
Street has seven rooms, each one hundred and 
fourteen feet in length, used as pattern and 
storage-rooms, near an adjoining shipping de- 
partment. The motive-power to run the works 
is furnished by three engines with three duplex 
boilers combining one hundred and thirty-five 
horse-power. 

READiNfi Bolt and Nut- Works. — In 1865 
J. H. Sternljergh came to Reading from the 
State of New York and began the manufacture 
of iron nuts. At that time there were but few 
establishments in the country engaged in the 
manufacture of iron nuts by machinery, and 
although Mr. Sternbergh never had experience in 
any mechanical industry, yet by patient labor 
and close application he succeeded in inventing 
and constructing machinery well adapted for 
the purpose intended, and at the end of the 
second year was .so far encouraged as to consid- 
er his enterprise (|uite hopeful. He erected 
temporary buildings at the foot of Pine Street 
in the autumn of 1805, and having leased 
power from an adjoining establishment, carried 
on his work during the next three years at that 
place with a force of eight or ten men, and 
there laid the foundation of his .subsecpient op- 
erations. 

In January, 1869, he moved to North Third 
Street, above Buttonwood, where, in 1868, he 
had erected permanent buildings adapted to meet 
the requirements of his increasing business. 
Since that date the works have been in con- 
stant and successful operation, having been eu- 
lai'ged at three different times, until now the 
establishment consists of .several large buildings, 
the principal one of which is about two hun- 
dred and fifteen feet long by one hundred and 
thirty-five feet wide, and is supplied with the 
best modern machinery for the production not 
only of nuts of all sizes, but also for the manu- 
facture of every variety of bolts, washers, rivets, 
as well as many other articles made of wrought 
iron. 

In addition to the main l)uilding above men- 
tioned, the works include a rolling-mill build- 
ing one hundred and ninety feet long by seven- 
ty-two feet wide, in which there are three tr'aius 
of rolls and three large heating furnaces, tliree 



READLXG. 



099 



upright steain-engiues, besides steam-shears, 
lathes, pumps and other machinery usually 
tbund in a rolling-mill. The capacity of this 
mill is about ten thousand tons of rolled iron 
annually, embracing all the various sizes of 
merchant iron commonly used, rounds, squares, 
Hats, bands, hoops, etc. ]\Iost of the product of 
this mill is consumed in the works in the pro- 
duction of bolts, nuts, washers, rivets and rods 
for bridges, buildings, etc., and the surplus 
product is sold to merchants and consumers of 
refined bar and band-iron. In 1880 a large 
warehouse, about one hundred feet by fifty feet, 
four stories high, was built, in which is stored 
the stock of goods manufactured, all packed 
in l>oxes and kegs ready for immediate ship- 
ment. So large is the consumption of goods of 
this character that many hundred tons of fin- 
ished goods are constantly kept in stock ready 
for the prompt filling of orders. 

The grounds upon which these works are 
situated embrace about eight acres between 
Third and Fourth Streets, and between the 
Lebanon Valley Railroad and Buttonwood 
Street. Three different railroad tracks run into 
the works, — one for the delivery of coal, an- 
other for the delivery of crude iron in various 
forms, and the third for the shipment of the 
products of the factory and the mill, altogether 
affording very convenient facilities for the 
promj>t handling of materials. About two 
hundred and fifty men have been employed in 
this establishment, but during the past year or 
two only about one hundred and seventy-five or 
two hundred pieu have been employed. This 
decrease in the number was owing to the gener- 
al depression in business. 

Twenty-five years ago bolts and nuts were 
made by hand, and were generally clumsy as 
well as expensive articles. Such works as 
these illustrate the rapid progress in the devel- 
opemeut of machinery and methods for the pro- 
duction of useful articles in new lines with 
remarkable precision, and with great economy, 
and while they contribute to the general ad- 
vancement of the mechanic arts, they are also 
of great importance in coutribnting to the 
wealth and population of the town or city where 
they are located. 



Reading Hardwai:e Company. — The pro- 
prietors of this extensive business are William 
M. Griscom, Matthan Harbster, William Harb- 
stcr and Henry C. England. This is one of the 
leading manufacturing establishments in the 
State of Penusylvania. Their works are 
located in the southern part of the city, adjoin- 
ing the Wilmington and Xorthern, West Read- 
ing and Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley Rail- 
roads. The Reading Hardware Company has 
grown to its present importance from a com- 
paratively small beginning. In the year 1851, 
William Harbster laid the foundation of it in a 
small blacksmith-shop at the foot of South Sixth 
Street. In 1852 his brothers Matthan and 
John became associated with him, under the firm- 
name of Harbster Brotiiers. The goods pro- 
duced soon became favorably known to dealers, 
and the increased demand for them necessitated 
the securing of better appliances, the enlarge- 
ment of their works and the investment of 
more capital. In 1858 William M. Griscom 
became associated with the Harbster Brothers, 
and the name of the firm was changed to 
Harbster Brothers & Co., under which title it 
worked until l<S(i2, when it received its present 
name. By steady yearly increases the business 
of the firm has grown to large proportions. The 
members are practical mechanics as well as good 
business men, have paid strict attention to the 
demands of the trade and have constantly 
introduced new designs in the various articles 
in builders' hardware. They have maintained a 
strict personal supervision of the business in all 
its branches and have continuously produced 
goods of a very superior quality. The magni- 
tude of the buildings indicates the extent of the 
business done. They cover an area of five 
acres. The buildings are substantial brick 
structures, three and four stories high, and are 
specially adapted to the work carried on in 
them. They contain large and commodious 
warehouses for the storage of finished goods ; 
finishing-shops equipped with the most ap- 
proved modern machinery for aiding in the 
work and manned by skilled artisans ; Japan 
building in which are the baking ovens (this 
building has been highly commended by insur- 
ance companies as a model of neatness and 




/? 



^ Lyt'l-^C'e^^f^^y /cf'd I (jL^jyt^h^ 



READING. 



701 



safety ; lock and register buildings ; machine- 
shop ; shops for drilling, plating, bronzing and 
finishing; brass and iron fonudries ; butt and 
brace-factories — all of which are furnished with 
the best mechanical appliances. Every building 
is carefully protected in case of fire. 

In connection with their own works, thus 
described, the firm, in 1878, leased and operated 
the extensive factory at Tenth and Spruce 
Streets (formerly Keystone Hardware Company), 
and in 1885 became the purchasers of said 
property. 

When in full operation the Reading Hard- 
ware Company's force numbers about eight 
hundred and fifty employees, principally en- 
gaged in the manufacture of builders' hardware, 
which includes a full line of locks, latches, 
knobs and lock furniture and the different styles 
of butts, both plain and ornamental. Also a 
complete line of general hardware in Japan, 
German, American, Persian, Albion, (ieueva 
bronzed, bronze metal, royal bronze and plain 
bronze finishes; ditferent sizes and styles of 
warm air registers and Ventilators; and also 
stationery goods. They have lately added de- 
partments for the manufacture of jail ])a(llocks 
and carpenter's bit braces. 

For many of the large business buildings 
erected in New York and other cities within the 
past few years, special hardware furnishings 
have been designed. The Reading Hardware 
Company have unsurpassed facilities for such 
work ; they will furnish designs or will execute 
orders from drawings or patterns furnished 
them. 

The company also manufacture apple-parei-s 
known as Nos. 72, 76, 78 and Gem, Advance and 
Champion, which are among the best-known 
parers made. For the superior excellency of 
their wares the company were awarded medals 
at the Centennial and the Paris Exposition ; but 
a better evidence of the good qualities of their 
productions is found in the steady and increas- 
ing demand for them. They have a large trade 
throughout the Union, an especially large trade 
in the Vt'est. They also have a large and rapidly- 
growing export trade with Canada, Cuba, the 
South American States, Europe and other 
foreign countries. 



During the past year H. C. England, who 
for nearly a score of years so efficiently managed 
the sales department, was, on January 1, 188-5, 
admitted as a partner, and in June of the same 
year William Harbster, the founder and senior 
member of the company, died. The members of 
the company at present are William M. Griscom, 
Matthan Harbster and Henry C. England. Mr. 
Griscom resides in Europe and has special 
charge of the foreign business of the company. 
Mr. Harbster jiresides over the manufacturing de- 
jiartments and supervises the general business. 
Mr. England continues to have charge of the 
selling tlepartment. 

For the convenience of the trade and to 
facilitate business, the company have established 
stores in Xew York and Philadelphia, where 
large stocks of their full line are c;irried. They 
also employ traveling salesmen, who canvass the 
Stiites from Maine to Califoiuiia. 

WiLLiAii Harbstkk is descended from Ger- 
man ancestry. His grandfather, John Harbster, 
on his emigration to America, settled in Albany 
townships, Berks Couuty, Pa. Among his 
children was Henry Harbster, born in the same 
township, from whence he removed to Lehigh 
and later to Montgomery County. He was a 
blacksmith by trade, but subsequently engaged 
in the manufacture of cotfee-mills, and con- 
ducted a thriving business in the sale of these 
articles. He married Mary, daughter of Se- 
bastian Bucherd, whose children were Matilda 
(married to Casper Aman), Hannah (married to 
Jacob Nukerck), Ellen (deceased, married to 
William M. Griscom), William, Henry, Sam- 
uel (who died in youth), Matthan and John 
(deceased). 

William Harbster was born October 20, 
1823, in Albany township, where his school- 
days were spent, after which he removed to 
Boyertown for the purpose of learning the trade 
of a blacksmith. He remained there seven years, 
working, on the completion of his apprentice- 
ship, as a journeyman. Removing at the expi- 
ration of this period to Reading, he found em- 
ployment in a foundry, and, subsequently, en- 
tered the shopsof the Philadelphia and Reading 
Railroad. He next removed to Hamburg, 
opened a shoj) and devoted his skill principally 



ro2 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



to the iron work for carriages. At the eud of 
the second year lie returned to Reading and 
there continued at his trade. In 1851, by the 
advice and assi.stauce of William M. Griscom, 
he projected the Reading Hard ware- Works, 
beginning under very humble cireurastauces, 
and, at first, manufacturing but few articles. 
By energy, excellent management and skillful 
workmanship, the business increased, and Mat- 
than and John Harbster, his younger brothers, 
were admitted as jiartners, under the firm-name 
of Harbster Brothers. Mr. Harb.'^ter was, on the 
15th of June, 1848, married to Ellen, daughter 
of George ^Matthews, of Lebanon County, the 
children of this marriage being Emma R. (mar- 
ried to William Keusel), Cecelia (married to John 
Mohn), John F., Morris G. (deceased), Anne R. 
(married to John Goodman), Howard E. and 
Mary Margaret. 

INIorris G. Harbster was actively engaged 
in the Reading Hard ware- Works, being chief 
designer and manager of the chasing depart- 
ment, where his skill and ability were inval- 
uable. He was married to Miss Kate E. Seivert, 
of Reading. William Harbster was also the 
head of the Reading Xickel-Plating Works. 
He was formerly officially connected with banks 
and other business organizations, but in later 
years I'etired from these responsibilities. In 
politics he is an active Republican. As a 
Mason, he was a member of Chandler Lodge, 
No. 227 ; Reading Chapter, Xo. 1 52 ; Creigh 
Council, No 16, and De Molay Commandery, 
No. 9. He was a member of Trinity Evangel- 
ical Lutheran Church until his death, June 16, 
1885, in his sixty-second year. 

Matthax Harbster, brother of William, 
was born on the 18th of JMay, 1831, in Lehigh 
County, and removed with his parents in earh' 
youth to Montgomery County, attending the 
common schools at Pottstown, in that county, 
and afterward entered the shop of his brother 
William, in Hamburg, for the jiurpose of 
learning the Ijlacksmith's trade. He continued 
this as journeyman for several years in Pottstown 
and later in Hamburg, after which he made 
Reading his residence. In 1852 he became as- 
sociated with his brother, William, in the 
Reading Hardware- Works, and is still con- 



nected with that establishment as its active and 
managing partner. Mr. Harbster was married, 
August 12, 1856, to Susan, daughter of John 
Bingman, of Reading. Their children are 
Ida C. (married to Charles E. Shrader), John 
E. (associated with his father in business), Ellen 
Kate (married to Howard Boas) and Nellie G. 
Mr. Harbster is a director of the Farmers' 
National Bank of Reading, and of the Sixth 
Street Passenger Railway, and is president of 
the Reading Land Improvement Company. As 
a Republican, he has represented his ward in 
the Common and Select Council and has been a 
member of the School Board of the city. He 
is also actively connected with the Masonic fra- 
ternity. He is a member of Trinity Evangeli- 
cal Lutheran Church and director of the 
Young ]\Ien's Christian Association. 

Uxiox Boiler-Works, at the foot of Ninth 
Street, including all the departments, cover an 
area of eight acres. They were established by 
the firm of Obert & Tippets in 1854, at the 
same site. In 1862 Francis J. Obert purchased 
the interest of his partner, Robert Tippets, and 
has since conducted the business as sole pro- 
prietor. These works front on Ninth Street, 
and extend in depth to the Reading Railroad, 
and consist of a main building, warehouses, 
store-house and coal-bins. An extensive busi- 
ness is done here in the manufacture of boilers, 
smoke-stacks, water and oil-tanks, gas-holders, 
cupolas, furnace casings, iron bridges, pulp 
digesters for paper-mills, iron stock cars, iron 
roofing, etc. The number of men employed 
has ranged from fifty to one hundred and sixty. 
The manufactured products of these works have 
been sold in large quantities since they \vere 
originated. 

The Readixg Butt- Works are located 
on north Third Street, corner of Buttonwood. 
The foundry has a frontage on the railroad, 
and is furnished with two large cupolas, with a 
capacity of twenty tons of iron daily. Twelve 
hundred tons of metal of various kinds are used 
yearly in the production of hardware and butts. 
The business was begun in 1867 by the pres- 
ent proprietors, Cyrus, John, Charles, Jr., and 
James Rick, under the firm-name of Rick 
Brothers. 




/fLi? Z^^^IT 



READINU. 



ro3 



The large tack works on the opposite side of 
tiie railroad are also owned and operated by this 
company, and are furnished with thirty tack- 
making machines, which turn out daily one ton 
of finished tacks of all sizes, the yearly product 
being tiiree hundred tons. The firm employs in 
the foundry and tack-works one hundred and 
seventy-five workmen. 

The Maxhattax Haedwake Company, 
ctirner of Ninth and Bingaman Streets was or- 
ganized by gentlemen from New York in 1875, 
who located this foundry at Reading. On Sep- 
tember 22, 1885, it was incorporated under the 
laws of Pennsylvania, with D. H. Fitzgerald, 
president ; William Kerns, vice-president ; and 
J. P. Egan, secretary and treasurer. About 
one hundred thousand dollars are invested in 
tlie enterprise, and over five hundred hands 
employed. The business for the past year lias 
exceeded seven hundred thousand dollars. This 
company is now (1886) building large and ex- 
tensive works, covering the entire block on 
Third Street, between Bern and Richmond 
Streets, North Reading. 

The Pexx Hardware Comi'axy, corner 
of Canal and Spruce Streets, was organized in 
1877 by C. Raymond Heizmann and Albert A. 
Heizmann, who are the present projirietors. 
Capital in 1885, one hundred thousand dollars. 
Three hundred and fifty workman are employed ; 
and in the past year (1885) a lousiness amounting 
to tliree hundred tliousand dollars was done. 
A general line of builders' hai'dware is made, 
and their manufactures are sold over the entire 
United States ; also in Canada, England, Ger- 
many and Australia. To satisfy the increasing 
demand for their goods, the company has estab- 
lished salesrooms in Philadelphia, New York, 
Baltimore and Chicago. 

The Maidex Creek Iron Company, of 
Reading, have their works at Blandon, in 
]\Iaideu Creek township. This industry was 
formerly known as the Blandon Iron-Works, 
and we're erected in 1867 by Jacob Kauf- 
man and Charles D. Geiger, and successfully 
worked in the manufacture of band, hoop and 
pipe-iron until 1876. The works were then 
purchased by the present company, which is 
composed of R. H. Reifsnyder and Z. H. 



Maurer, who have at present thirteen furnaces 
in full blast, which produce four thousand tons 
of manufactured iron per year. They employ 
one hundred and forty men. The full capa- 
city of the works is seven thousand tons per 
year. 

McIlvaixe Irox-Works, on Neversink, 
near Eighth, Reading, were established in 1856 
by William INIcIlvaine, who had for ten years 
previously been associated with Simon and 
Henry A. Seyfert in the manufacture of boiler- 
plate, at Gibraltar, in this county. On the 9th 
of July, 1857, the first sheet of boiler-plate was 
rolled. The works comprised at that time two 
heating furnaces, one pair of plate-rolls, seventy- 
two inches long by twenty-two inches in diam- 
eter, and one Nasmyth hammer. July 1, 1862, 
Morton C. and William R. Mcllvaine, sons of 
the proprietor, were admitted as partners, tlie firm 
takingthe name of William Mcllvaine & Sons. 
During the year 1864 two puddling furnaces 
were built, and subseqently others were added 
of tile same kind, in all making four single and 
two double puddling furnaces. In 1873 the 
rolls were enlarged to eighty-one inches long 
and twenty-five inches in diameter, and the 
third heating furnace was built. A larger engine 
was put in and the hammer increased in weight. 
A train of break-down rolls, for rolling puddled 
bars, was also placed in position, increa.siug the 
capacity of the works, which, in 1886, arc pro- 
ducing between five thousand and six thousand 
tons of plate-iron yearly. 

In 1864 the firm purchased two thousand 
acres of woodland near Duncannon, Pa., and 
erected a charcoal forge, for the manufacture of 
charcoal blooms, which were used by the works 
here in the higher gi'ades of boiler-plates. The 
capital employed in these two establishments 
amounts to two hundred thousand dollars. One 
hundred and fifty workmen are employed. 

Mount Penn Stove-Works occupy an 
acre and a quarter of ground in the northwestern 
part of Reading, corner of North Third Street 
and Lebanon Valley Railroad. The company, 
represented by Samuel H. Kutz as president, 
J. Allison Orr, superintendent, and M. B. Mc- 
Knight, treasurer, was incorporated in June, 
1882, with a paid-in capital of fifty thousand 



704 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



dollars. The works had been operated in 1881 
by Stauifer, McKnight & Co., who sold out to 
the present company. 

Tlie buildings coinpri:^e a large foundry, with 
cupola of fifteen tons' capacity, finishing and 
raachiue-rooms, pattern and carpenter-shops, 
engine and boiler-rooms, polishing and nickle- 
plating rooms, churning-rooms, blacksmith- 
shops, etc., together with storage and packing- 
floors of fifty thousand scjuare feet capacity. 
They employ one hundred hands in the manu- 
facture of stoves, heaters, ranges, furnaces, etc., 
in all their various styles, together with hollow- 
ware and fine light iron castings. During the 
year 1885 this company made over one thousand 
tons of stove-plate, representing ten thousand 
stoves of one hundred and seventy-five different 
styles and sizes. 

Mellert Fouxdryaxd Machine Com- 
pany (Lni ited), on Second and Chestnut Streets, 
is a very important industry, and was originated 
by John Mellert, the father of Arnold, Magnus 
and Otto Mellert, in 1848, for the manufacture 
of stoves. In 1851 he began to make water 
and gas-pipes and discontinued the making of 
stoves. In 1853 he built a lai-ge machine-shop 
in connection with the foundry, and commenced 
to construct machinery for grist and rolling- 
mills. In 1860 he introduced a new business in 
the building of pa.s.senger-cars and coal-cars for 
the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, and 
erected large shops for that purpose. In 1863 
the ciU'-shop was changed into a general foundry, 
and the old foundry was converted into a pipe 
foundry to make water and gas-pipes twelve 
feet in length. In 1876 a new pipe foundry 
was built for the special construction of large 
pipes from twenty to forty-eight inches in 
diameter. In 1880 a stock company was 
formed, the stockholders of which are Peter D. 
Wanner, Arnold Mellert, Magnus IMellert, 
Otto Mellert and Albert Mellert. The chair- 
man is Arnold Mellert ; secretary and treasurer, 
Peter D. Wanner. 

The entire works occupy five hundred and 
forty feet on Second Street, two hundred and 
ninety feet on Chestnut Street and two hundred 
and twenty feet on Grape Street. Four different 
tracts of land, separated by the streets above 



mentioned, are occupied by the different build- 
ings belonging to these works. For loading 
pipes and for lifting purposes in the foundry, 
nine cranes are used ; seven of these have each a 
ten horse power engine attached to them. The 
motive- power to run the machine shops is a forty 
horse-power engine and two tubular boilers 
having a combined power of one hundred and 
ten horses. 

The various kinds of inanufactures are water 
and gas-pipes, flange-pipes, stop-valves, fire- 
hydrants, lamp-posts, structural work, car and 
railroad castings, the Canada turbine, etc. Two 
hundred men are employed. Amount of busi- 
ness annually done, §500,000. The company 
has a branch house at 100 Broadway, Xew 
York City, under the management of .lohn 
Fox. 

The Spectacle-Factory of Thomas A. 
Wilson, on the corner of Second and Wasliing- 
ton Streets, was built in 1871, completed and 
supplied with machinery specially devised by 
the proprietor during the early part of tiie year 
1872. Lenses are here manufactured out of 
sand brought from Berkshire, Mass. ^lany 
varieties are made. This is the only fiictory of 
its kind in the world in which all of the parts, 
glass lens and frames are made under one man- 
agement. Employment is given to two hun- 
dred and forty workmen. The average daily 
production during the year 1885 was three 
thousand eight hundred pairs; one ton of steel 
a month is consumed. Two large buildings are 
now occupied. 

The Franklin Foundry was started by 
Adam Johnston, in 1840, at the southeast corner 
of Eighth and Chestnut Streets, for tlie manu- 
facture of iron castings. He conducted the 
foundry successfully for nearly twenty years. 
In 1844 he increased its caj)acity and added a 
machine-shop, and then he changed the name 
to " Franklin Iron- Works," and began the 
manufacture of iron cars for coal transportation 
on the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. In 
1851 he commenced the building of wooilen 
freight cars for the Pennsylvania Railroad 
Company and other companies, constantly in- 
creasing the business. In 1844 five hundred 
cars were built annually, which by 1851 was 



READING. 



705 



increased to twelve hundred cars annually. 
From 1858 to 1860 Ezekiel Jones and Daniel 
Shaaber conducted the business, but in 1860, 
Adam Johnston, his son Henry and Daniel 
Shaaber became associated under the name of 
Johnston & Son. In 1882 Henry Johnston 
came into possession of the works and has since 
conducted them, filling large orders for castings 
for blast furnaces, etc. The foundry at this 
time turns out twenty tons of castings daily, 
with seventy workmen employed ; when run to 
its full capacity, employment is given to two 
hundred men. 

Central Foundky and Machine-Shops, 
operated by B. W. Grist & Co. (Limited), are 
lociited on the corner of Cherry and Cari)enter 
Streets. They were started in the year 1840 
by L. K. Moore, who conducted them for a 
number of years. Since 1879 the above-men- 
tioned firm has been engaged here in the manu- 
facture of vertical and horizontal steam-engines, 
counter and platform scales and a variety of 
machinery. Forty workmen are employed. 

The Machine-Shops located on the corner 
of ( )range and Bingaman Streets were started 
in 1883 by David GrCth. In 1884 Fred. Ger- 
hart and Mahlon Siiaaber purchased the stock 
of machinery and have since carried on the 
business under the firm-name of (Jerhart & 
Shaaber. They manufacture supplies for ma- 
chinists and a variety of brass and iron-work, 
and do a large business in repairing and refit- 
ting. 

F. S. Nei'doerffer & Co., manufacturers 
of iron railing and locks, are the successoi's of 
Louis Neudoertfer, who established the business 
at 428 Court Street in 1859. At his death, in 
1884, it passed into the iiands of his son, Fred- 
erick S. Neudoertfer, who admitted as a partner 
Charles Frichter. The new firm employ seven 
workmen, manufacturing iron railing and various 
kinds of architectural iron-work. 

The Brass anp Iron Foundry on the 
corner of Sixth and Chestnut Streets was estab- 
lished in 1853 by James L. Douglass. In 1854 
Henry Connard was admitted as a partner in 
the business. Brass castings for machinists and 
manufacturers are made here as specialties. 
Steam-valves, steam-pumps, steam-engines, 



lathes, fans and shaftings are also manufactured. 
Eighteen workmen are employed. The present 
firm-name is Douglass & Connard. 

Eeading Industrial Works originated in 
the year 1871, at their present location. Ninth 
Street below Bingaman, by Joseph H. Miller, 
John C. Print/,, Samuel Davies, William Shaf- 
fer and Adam Shaaber, as the firm of Miller, 
Printz & Co. No changes have taken place in 
this firm, who are engaged in the manufacture of 
brass and iron castings, machinists' and manu- 
facturers' supplies, pipe-fittings, globe valves, 
cocks, pumps, injectors and a variety of other 
products. Thirty-five men are employed. 

Eeadini; Nickel-Plating Works were 
founded during the year 1881, at Sixth Street, 
below Chestnut, by Robert Arhard. The next 
year he sold the works to Kensil & Harbster, 
who, in 1884, removed them to 316 and 318 
Maple Street. In 1885 E. H. Smeltzer became 
the sole proprietor. For a time a brass foundry 
was operated in connection with these works. 
Brass, bronze and German silver castings are 
made and nickel-plating in various forms is ex- 
tensively done. Twenty employees are at work. 

West Readinc; Boiler- Works, on the cor- 
ner of Front and Chestnut Streets, were built 
by the firm of Sterling & Weidner in 1877, 
and have since been operated by them. Boil- 
ers, tanks, oil-stills, pipes for blast furnaces, 
smoke-stacks, etc., are manufactured. About 
forty men are employed and an extensive busi- 
ness is done. 

Reading Engine-Works, on Pine Street, 
between Second and Third, were started in 1885 
by Orr & Sembower (W. Harry Orr and C. H. 
Sembower) for the manufacture of vertical, hor- 
izontal and hoisting engines, from three to 
twenty horse-power. Sixteen workmen are 
constantly employed, and the firm do a large 
business in constructing the marine vertical 
engine, which is of special design, with link 
and reversing lever, and can be utilized for gen- 
eral purposes as a motor. 

The Eagle Bolt- Works were established 
in 1846, at Philadelph.ia, where the business 
was conducted until 1876 by William Golcher, 
who there manufactured the first carriage-bolt 
by machinery in America. During the Centen- 



706 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



nial year G. and J. T. Golchor, sons of the orig- 
inal proprietor, removed the works to a site 
near tlie Lebanon Valley Railroad Bridge. The 
machinery used in making bolts are patented 
inventions, designed by the members of the 
firm. Eighteen men are emplo3'ed and forty 
thousand bolts are made weekly. 

S.XELI. & Meharc; operate tlie engine-works 
on Court Street, above Second; and since tliey 
began, in LS80, have manufactured vertical and 
horizontal engines ranging from tiiree to twenty 
horse-power. In addition, this firm designs and 
constructs various kinds of machinery. About 
a dozen men are constantly at work. The 
proprietors are J. H. Snell and Gecirge F. 
Meharg. 

The Machine-Shops of Muhlenberg & 
West (N. H. Muhlenberg & R. H. West) 
were begun in 1883, at Nos. 26 and 28 
South Fifth Street. This firm manufact- 
ures and deals extensively in machinery and 
machinists' supplies, steam fittings, belting, 
wrought-iron pipes, joints and connections, etc. ; 
they are also agents for Westinghouse steam- 
engines, Worthington steam pump and the 
Rue Little (iliant Injector. Capital invested, 
thirty thousand dollars ; fifteen hands are em- 
ployed ; business extends to several of the 
Northern States, and amounts to one hundred 
and eighty thousand dollars per year. 

The Pexn Boiler-Works were established 
in 1883 on the corner of Front and Pine Streets, 
by George C. ^^'ilson and H. P. Yeager. The 
works are designed for the manufacture of 
steam boilers, tanks, oil-stills, pipes for blast 
furnaces, stacks, etc. They have three thousand 
dollars invested in the business and twelve 
workmen employed ; amount of business, fifteen 
thousand dollars per year. 

Peipher & Leinbaoh, manufacturers of 
steam-engines, boilers and machinery of various 
kinds, are the successors of Hass & Peipher, 
who began the business in 1883. On January 1, 
188(), Daniel Leinbach purcha.sed the interest 
of J. A. ITass, and the present firm was 
formed. Eight employees are engaged at these 
works. 

The Ma(H1NE-Shop.s at 12(5 Carpenter 
Street, owned l)y George ^\'. Fran(,'is, were 



started by him in 1882 for the manufacture 
of light machinery, stocks, taps, dies, planer 
knives, moulding bits and cutters. 

The Greth Machixe-Shops, Nos. 627 
and 631 Franklin Street, Reading, were 
founded by Daniel Greth in 1883. In 1884, 
J. P. INIiller and H. E. Deininger bought out 
the entire stock and machinery, and have since 
conducted the business. They manufacture 
machinists' and manufacturers' supplies, brass 
and iron-work, and do a large business in re- 
pairing engines and machinery. They also keep 
in stock belting, packing, pipe, valves, etc. 
Capital invested, three thousand dollars ; six 
hands employed. 

The Gpn and Rieee-Factory on south- 
west corner of Ninth and Walnut Streets was 
founded in 1870 by Nelson Delany, who 
bought ground and erected tlie factory for 
making small calibre rifles for the Southeru and 
Western trade and special orders. From 1856 
to 1870 he made rifles in small quantities, but 
the in(!reasing demand for his manufactures led 
to the erection of the present works. During 
the War of the Rebellion he took large contracts 
from the government for the manufacture of 
gun-barrels, which were made during the day- 
time, and in the evening his entire force of 
workmen were also engaged in the manufacture 
of cartridges for the army. 

Daxiel Gerhart began business as a gun- 
smith at 12 North Fifth Street in 1876. In 
1878 he removed to 14 North Eighth Street ; 
he manufactures guns and rifles of many kinds 
to order, and has lately commenced to make 
fine fishing-rods, reels, etc., for the trade. 

The Novelty Works, at 308 Schuylkill 
Aveuue, were started in 1881 for the manufac- 
ture of breech-loading guns, rifles, meat-cutters 
and cigar-cutters. The specialty is the New 
American breech-loading rifle, the design of 
which was invented by the proprietor of these 
works, James J. Oakes. 

Wa(;ner's Patent Roller Tr(;s were first 
introduced to the public in 1883, when Julius 
Wagner, the inventor and patentee, began the 
manufacture of them at 276 South Ninth Street, 
Reading. Since 1883 he has secured several 
patents, including boom-tugs, roller rein hook 



READING. 



707 



ami leather clamp, for harness. He has suc- 
cessfully introduced his patents over a large 
territory, and in the past year the sales of his 
tugs have largely increased, thirty thousand sets 
iiaving been sold. 

The Excelsior Galvanizing Wdkks, of 
Reading, were started in 1X78, by Daniel F. 
McCuliough, at No. 546 South Seventh Street. 
In 1884 he fitted up the works at No. 526 
South Seventh Street. He has two Morkman 
employed ; his trade is confined to Reading and 
Berks County. 

John Miller was tiie first locksmith in 
Reading, having started the business at 932 
Penn Street in 1826. He built up a large trade 
in door locks of his own design and manufact- 
ure, which were in great demand in most of the 
counties of the State, and which are still in use. 
Two forges were worked and six hands con- 
stantly employed for many years. After his 
death, in 1872, the shops came into the posses- 
sion of his son, John W. Miller, who still con- 
tiiuies tiie business. 

HATTERS AND HAT->L\KINr;. 

Tlie manufacture of wool and fur hats is the 
oldest, most conspicuous and most continuous 
employment in Reading. This department of 
trade was in a flourishing condition m'Iu'u the 
borough was created. The prominent hatters of 
Reading between the years 1752 and 1782 were 
the following, whose names are arranged in 
the order of priority : John Jackson, Samuel 
Jackson, Isaac Lebo, Matthias Hineline, Elias 
Yungman, George Schultz, Jacob GracflT, Peter 
Xagle, Sr., Peter Gross, Jacob Gross, Baltzer 
Henritze, Frederick Repp, Jr., Charles Bu- 
slianr. 

The tbllowing statistics, in reference to the 
nuumfacture of fine .and coarse hats in Berks 
and surrounding counties for the year 1795, 
appear in an early publication : ' 

Hatters. Fur Hat.s. \Vo(,l Hats. 

Phihulelphiii 68 31,637 7600 

Montgomery 10 800 1000 

Delaware 14 1500 4000 

Chester 14 1300 4000 

Lancaster 16 3000 15,000 

Dauphin 10 1200 4000 

' Coxe's View, p. 158. 



Bucks 12 

Berks 38 

182 



1000 1,000 

2200 54,000 

42,637 90,60(1 



Total State 315 54,237 161,140 

This condition of the trade led the author to 
remark, — - 

" It may be safely affirmed that the counties of 
Lancaster, York and Berks are among the most vig- 
orous in Pennsylvania, perhaps in the Union ; and 
that there are none in the State in which there are 
more manufactures, is beyond all question.'' 

The county of York then had twenty-six 
hatters and produced twenty-six hundred fur 
hats and thirty thousand wool hats. 

Reading contributed almost entirely the hat- 
ters and hats stated in the foregoing table for 
Berks County. The liatters in- Berks County 
were almost wholly devoted to the production 
of wool hats, whilst in Philadelphia they w-ere 
mostlv of fur hats. Every county in the State 
then contained busy factories in this branch of 
industry. 

The wool hat, as then made, was heavy and 
stiff, so stiff that a man (weighing two hundred 
pounds) could stand upon it without crushing 
it. Its weight — well, to us of to-day, who 
carry fine, small, light hats, weighing but two 
ounces, prodigious — was eleven to twelve ounces. 
Its height was from four and a half to six 
inches, with a brim three and a half to four 
inches wide and from one-eighth to three-eighths 
inch thick. The colors were black and white, 
the number of each manufactured being about 
the same. The quantity of wool in each hat 
was about eight ounces. 

In 1824 the borough cqntaiued less than one 
thousand taxables. Of this number, there were 
six master-hatters, who gave employment to four 
hundred and fifty journeymen and apprentices, 
worked up annually sixty thousand pounds of 
wool, and manufactured one hundred and fifty 
thousand hats. A hatter could make, on an 
average, eight hats a day. 

This branch of industry continued to grow in 
strength as the months and years rolled on, 
especially in respect to the number of employees. 
The apprentices were numerous. Their in- 



2 lb., p. 313. 



708 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



freasing number alarmed the masters and 
journeymen. It became a serious matter with 
tliem. Finally they began to consider the ad- 
visability of forming a society for regulating 
the admission of new hands into their employ- 
ment. The subject was discussed till it resulted 
iu a public meeting. This meeting was held in 
the borough on May 13, 1829. But the con- 
clusion of its deliberations was adverse to the 
formation of a society. The following resolu- 
tion was adopted : 

■■ ErKoUvd, That ujioii due reflection we consider 
the object of this meeting entirely premature, and 
indirectly tending to the subversion of those jo/iifaH- 
t/ifojdc views that prompted it, as well iis infringing 
upon the prerogative relatively existing between the 
master and apprentice — that therefore the formation 
of such society be. deemed at present useless and in- 
expedient." 

The persons present were Joseph Homan (presi- 
dent), Jacob Goodhart (secretary), Benjamin Davies, 
Samuel Hitter, .^.bel Levering, John Sherrer, William 
Arnold, Nicholas Lott, Abram Roland, (teorge Ro- 
land, Adam Fesig, Anthony Boyer, George Graett', 
Peter Homan, Jacob Fricker, Frederick Rapp, Henry 
Ritze, David Rightrayer, John Brown, John Kidd, 
Charles Kcssler, George Till, Christian Ritter, 
Daniel M. Keim, William Sherer, Matthias Roland, 
Jacob Maurer, John Keft'er, Daniel Rightmyer, Jacob 
Sauerbier, Jacob Graefl'and John Price. 

In 1854 M. & J. Siegel carried on the lai-gest 
factory in Reading, and one of the largest in 
the State. They employed altogether sixty 
hands, and manufactured daily twelve thousand 
wool hats. They consumed three thousand 
pounds of wool weekly. 

Some years afterward this indu.stry was in- 
jured considerably by the introduction of caps 
and straw hats. ]\Iany journeymen were there- 
by induced, if not compelled, to seek other oc- 
cupations. In 1846 the estimated number 
actively engaged in it was about fifteen master- 
hatters and fifty journeymen. Tlie daily pay 
was about ninety-six cents. Hats were made 
by the piece. This was, indeed, a wonderful 
decrease in twenty years. And it was not re- 
vived until 1852, when hats began to be made 
bv machinery. The colors began to be intro- 
duced about 1 847. Many different colors were 
used in 1851. 

The first soft wool hats in Reading were made. 



in 1847, by Jolu. Lotz and his son David. 
They were from six to six and a half inches high, 
and weighed from four to five ounces. They 
had a wide brim. A linttoii was attached on 
the right and left sides of the hat to enable the 
brim to be looped up, if necessary. The style 
was called " sugar-loaf," having a roinid top. 
Home-made iiats were mostly worn by the 
citizens. 

Wiu.iAAi Arn()I,i>, who was fiir more than 
half a century prominently identified with 
manufacturing, political and business interests of 
Reading and Berks County, was born in the 
year 1798, and died in 1884, in the eighty-sixth 
year of his age. His father, Nicholas Arnold, 
was one of the earliest persons who engaged iu 
the manufacture of wool hats on an extensive 
scale iu Reading, and was also a farmer and 
owned and cultivated tiie land on which the 
southwestern part of the city is uow built. Early 
in life he was married to Barbara Ficlitliorn. 
Both of them lived to an advanced age. ^\'illianl 
Arnold, their son, after serving an apprentice- 
ship and carefully learning the trade, succeeded 
his father in the business on North Eighth 
•Street, between Penn and Washington, and there 
manufactured wool hats for the Southern trade 
in large quantities for a period of twenty-eight 
years. He regularly employed from thirty to 
forty hands, and made many more hats than any 
other person then engaged in the same business 
at Reading. He frequently shipped the hats in 
sailing-vessels to C'harleston, South Carolina, 
which took him three months to make the trip. 
Pro.sperity attended him in his occupation, and 
at the age of fifty years he retired from the 
business with a handsome competence as the 
result of his energy and executive ability. After 
lie discontinued the hat business he took an 
active interest in the administration of comity 
affairs, being a Democrat in politics. He was 
commissioner from 1841 to 1845; treasurer, 
from 1845 to 1847 ; and director of the poor from 
1850 to 1857 ; also for many years a director in 
the Farmer's Bank of Reading. He served as 
executor, administrator, trustee and guardian 
for a period of thirty years, during which he 
settled numerous estates. This attests in a high 
degree the confidence of the community in him. 




'^/cary^ (y/^y-n cY%{f 



IlKADINC;. 



Y09 



He took a prominent part in the Masonic Order 
of Reading, iiaving been a member of liodge 
No. 62. He was a consistent member of" Trinity 
Lntheran Cluirch. He was married twice. His 
first marriage was with Anna Human, by whom 
lie had lour children, two of wiioni are living, — 
William A. and Annie Louisa, married to 
Ferdinand Ritter, of Reading. His first wife 
died in IS.'M, at the age of thirty-four years. 
His second marriage was with Catharine Sauer- 
bier, of Reading, who died in 1877, aged lifty- 
eight years. The children of the last marriage 
are Amanda (married to Frank Markley) and 
Kninia (married to Lewis Dauth). 

William A. Arnold, the eldest child by the 
first marriage, now an influential citizen of 
Reading, was born in 1836, and educated in the 
schools of his native place. Li 1859, after 
having carefully learned the trade of a hatter, he 
engaged in the business of manufacturing hats. 
He was connected with Adam Kutz and Samuel 
Kutz for twenty years, and the firm of Kutz, 
Arnold & Co., during the war, carried on the 
largest factory and trade in the county. They 
were very successful. This firm had located on 
South Eleventh Street, near Chestnut, and there 
erected numerous dwellings, being the first to 
improve that section of Reading. Mr. Arnold 
is president of the Reading Fire Insurance and 
Trust Company, and a director of the Farmers' 
National Bank and the Reading Gas Company. 
When the Reading Savings-Bank suspended 
he was ap[)ointed assignee, and displayed much 
energy and ability in the settlement of its large 
estate to the satisfaction of its many creditors. 
He was married to Ellen L. Rick, with whom 
he has six children. 

Hendel Bros., Sons & Co. own an exten- 
sive hat-factory located on South Fifth Street, 
below Laurel. This is one of the largest and 
most productive establishments of its kind in 
this country. In 1860 John and George Hen- 
del, in partnership with their father, in Adams- 
town, Lancaster County, began to make wool 
hats, and in 1863 the two sons erected a factory 
in Exeter township, Berks County; in 1867 
they moved to Reading, and started the busi- 
ness on a more extensive scale on Maple Street, 
below Chestnut. In 1869 this factory was sold 



to the firm of Reed & Miller. The following 
year John Hendel purciiased a hat-fiictory on 
the corner of Eleventh and Spruce Streets, 
which he disposed of at the expiration of one 
year, and in 1871, in connection with his bro- 
thers, George and Hcmy Hendel, as the firm of 
Hendel Bros., bought the Wyomissiug Woolen- 
Mills, located ou Fiftii Street, below Laurel, in 
the city of Reading, remodeled the building 
■md supplied it with superior mac^hiuery and 
appliances (or manufacturing woolen hats of 
many kinds and varieties. The business rapidly 
dc\'e]o])ed and soon became known as one of 
tlie leading manufacturing establishments in the 
city. In 1879 Levi H., Daniel J. and James 
M., sons of George Hendel, were admitted as 
[)artners of this prosperous firm. In 1883 
Henry B. Hendel retired. The following year 
Cluu-les B. Hendel became a partner. The 
firm is now composed of John and George 
Hendel, the four sons of the latter and William 
•I. Bobst, under the name of Hendel Bros., 
Sons & Co. The building occupied by the 
firm is a large three-story bri(;k factory and all 
the necessary accompanying buildings for full- 
ing, dyeing, storage and finishing-rooms. The 
capacity of this extensive establishment is two 
iunidred and fifty dozen hats per day. About 
one hundred and seventy workmen are regu- 
larly employed. The amount of capital invested 
is one hundred and fifty thousand dollars; 
amount of business done yearly is two hundred 
and twenty-five thousand dollars. Many kinds 
and varieties of hats are made for the general 
trade in this country, and some are shipped to 
foreign countries. All boxes used are manii- 
tactured in this establishment. 

John and George Hendel, the senior members 
of this firm, in 1878 started another hat-fac- 
tory near Shillington, in Cumru township, this 
county, and in 1884 John R. Hendel, Jr., son 
of George Hendel, became a partner in this 
firm, which has since been known as George 
Hendel Bro. & Sou. The same kinds and var- 
ieties of hats are made at this factory as in the 
one at Reading, The number of employees is 
eighty, and yearly production thirty-eight thou- 
sand dozen hats. The amount of capital inves- 
ted is seventy-five thousand dollars, and the 



no 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



amouat of business done yearly is one hundred 
and ten thousand dollars. 

The maiuit'actiired goods of the above- 
named hat-factories are sold through their own 
commission house, managed by Hawley, Hen- 
del & Mohn, on the corner of Houston and 
Green Streets, New York City. 

John Hendbl of the above-mentioned 
firm, is a grandson of John Hendel, of Ger- 
man descent, an industrious cabinet-maker, who 



nes.s of his life. He w;i*i married to Susan, 
daughter of Jacob Bollman, a farmer of Spring 
township, Berks County. Tiieir children are 
John, George, Kate (married to Isaac Lau.sch), 
Henry, Louisa (married to AMlliam Humbert) 
and William. Mr. Hendel's second marriage 
was with Susan Will, whose children are a son, 
Howard, and a daughter, Emma (married to 
Isaac Sjiang). John Hendel was born on the 
7th of December, l<S3.j, in Adamstown, Lan- 





^^ ^^^ 



resideil in .\damsto\vu, Lancaster County, Pa., 
and was married to Kate Amman. Their 
children were Levi, John, and Theresa (married 
to William Fichthorn). 

Levi Hendel was born in Brecknock town- 
ship, Lancaster County, and, being left an or- 
phan at the age of three years, was indentured 
to a farmer until his fourteenth year. He was 
then apprenticed to the hatter's trade under 
Philip Fichthorn, of Adamstown, Lancaster 
County, which he subsequently made the busi- 



caster County, where lie remained until liis 
thirty-first year. After instruction in the com- 
mon English branches he entered his father's 
shop and beciuue proficient in the trade of a hat- 
ter. In 1860 a co-partnership was formed be- 
tween his father, his brother George and him- 
self, which continued for three years. On its 
expiration Mr. Hendel remove<l to Exeter 
township, Berks County, and continued the 
business with his brother (Jeorge, erecting a 
factory, to which, from time to time, various 



READING. 



711 



improvements were added. At the end of the 
second year they removed to Reading, and, 
effecting an exchange of property witii John 
Yerger, embarked in the same business on a 
more extended scale. His brother Henry was 
later admitted as a partner, nnder the firm-name 
of Hendel Brothers. The house was again 
changed, and became, as at pr&sent, Hendel 
Brothers, Sons & Co. Mr. Hendel was, on the 
22d of February, 18r)3, married to Miss Kate, 
daughter of William and Kate Steilf, of Berks 



of the Reading Fire Insurance Company, 
treasurer and director of the Keystone Land 
and Cattle Company and partner in the com- 
mission house of Hawlcy, Hendel tt Mohn, 
New York. He is in his political associations 
a Republican. He is a member of Chan- 
dler Lotlge, No. 227, of F. and A. M. ; 
of De Molay Commandery, No. 9, and 
Chapter, No. 152, all of Reading. Mr. Hendel 
is connected with the Evangelical Association, 
in which he is class-leader, steward and trustee. 




HAT KACIOliV OK UKNIiV li. HENDEL, .li CO. 



County. Their children are Levi H., born 
Noveml)er 30, 185;5; Daniel J., July 8, 1855; 
James M., February 23, 1857 ; John O., De- 
cember 18, 1858 ; Mary A., November 26, 
1860; George W., September 18, 1862; Charles 
W., February 22, 1864 ; Edwin, March 30, 
1866 ; Harrison P., September 12, 1867; Har- 
vey H., December 30, 1869 ; and Kate A., 
September 8, 1871. Three of this number are 
deceased. Levi H., Daniel J., James M. and 
Charles W. are partners iu the house established 
by their father. Mr. Hendel is a director of 
the First National Bauk of Reading, a director 



H. B. Hendel & Co. — The hat-factory of 
H. B. Hendel & Co. is situated on Maple 
Street, between Chestnut and Spruce. It com- 
prises a large and commodious three-story 
brick building, one hundred and thirty feet 
front and forty-four feet deep, and a wing 
addition, in length one hundred and five feet, 
with all the latest improved machinery for 
carrying on successfully the business of hat 
manufacturing. The product is felt hats of 
various colors. The number of hands em- 
ployed averages from one hundred to one hun- 
dred and twenty -five ; and the weekly produc- 



712 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



tion is about one thousand dozens of hats. 
Tliis tirm is comjjosed of Henry B. Hendel, 
his brother, William B. Hendel, and tlu-ee 
nephews, William S. Humbert, Levi H. Lauseh 
and George H. Lauseh. The co-partnership 
was formed in 1882, when this building was 
taken and improved, and it has since been 
occupied. The building is owned by the senior 
member. This firm is composed of enterprising 
and energetic young men, and they have been 
successful in their business operations. 

Hexuy B. Hkxoel was born April 21, 
1843, in Adamstown, Lancaster County, Pa., 
and obtained his early education in the com- 
mon schools, after which he became a pupil of 
the State Normal School at Millersville. He 
then entei'ed tlie hat manufacturing establish- 
ment of his father, and, in 1866, became a 
partner in the business. During the year 18(38 
the partncrshii) terminated, owing to the death 
of the senior member of the firm, and Mr. 
Hendel removed to Reading. Hei-e he j)ur- 
chased a factory located on tlic corner of 
Eleventh and Spruce Streets, and again em- 
barked in manufacturing, but sold at the ex- 
piration of the first year. He next became 
interested as part owner in two factories located 
at Adamstown and Mohnsville respectively, the 
buying and selling for the latter being done by 
him while continuing his residence in Reading. 
Finally, disposing of his interests in both these 
concerns, he became a partner with his brothers, 
John and George, in the present factory on 
Fifth Street, Reading. He was also inter- 
ested in the factory built by his brother George 
in Cumru township. Soiling these various in- 
terests, he established the business now con- 
dui^ted on Maple Street, Reading, enlarging the 
mill and otherwise increasing the opportunities 
for manufacturing, the firm being known as 
Heiny ]i. Hendel & Co., hat manufacturers. 
Mr. Hendel is a Republican in politics and now 
fills the office of school controller, though rarely 
accepting public jiosition from his party. He 
is a member of Williamson Lodge, No. 307, of 
F. and A. M., of Womelsdorf ; of Reading 
Commandery, No. 42, and of Excelsior Chap- 
ter, No. 237. He is also interested in the com- 
mission house of Hawley, Hendel & Mohn, of 



New York. He is a member of the Evangeli- 
cal Association. Mr. Hendel was, on the 5th 
of September, 1876, married to Martha, daugh- 
ter of ]Mrs. Elizabeth Metzger, of Reading, who 
died in 1877. Their only daughter, Estella, 
died in infancy. 

J. (J. Mohn & Bkos.' wool-hat factory, 
located on F)leveuth Street, below Chestnut, 
was originated in 1859 at the same place by 
Kutz, Arnold & Co., who conducted the busi- 
ness until 1878, when the present firm, composed 
of Jeremiah G. Richard and John G. Mohn, 
purchased the entire interests. The buildings 
used are a three-story brick factory, containing 
various departments, and three adjoining store- 
houses. The factory is supi)lied with improved 
machinery for the manutiicture of staple-wool 
hats in many different coloi-s, shapes and forms, 
which are sold to the general trade through the 
commission house of Hawley, Hendel & Mohn, 
corner of Houston and Green Streets, New York 
City. This enterprising firm has about ninety 
employees regularly, manufacturing daily about 
one hundred and fifty dozen hats or forty thou- 
sand dozen yearly. 

John R. Miller & Co.'s wool-hat man- 
ufactory is located on Fourth and Laurel 
Streets. Mr. Miller, who at present is the 
sole proprietor of the business, is a native of 
Adamstown, Lancaster County, and came to 
Reading from I'ine Grove, Schuylkill Comity, 
January 5, 1870, when he began the manufac- 
ture of hats in connection with John Hendel 
and \\'illiam L. Reed in a building located on 
Maple Street, below Chestnut. About twenty- 
five workmen were then employed. In 1871 
the factory burned down which caused a disso- 
lution of the original partnership. ^Ir. Miller 
then leased an old mill on the west side of the 
I^ancaster bridge, and in connection with John 
Shadle embarked anew in the business. This 
partnership lasted but one year, when ^Mlliam 
B. Hendel became a member of the firm, con- 
tinuing one year. At the expiration of this 
time Levi Miller, of Pine Grove, took an inter- 
est, and the firm of John R. Miller & Co. was 
formed. Since 1878 the .senior member of the 
firm has been sole proprietor and has conducted 
the l>usiness with enterprise, acknowledged 



READING. 



713 



ability and success. In 1879 he built his pres- 
ent factory, a large three-story brick building, 
forty by one hundred and forty feet, with an 
office, dye-house addition and a three-story wing 
extending from the middle of the main build- 
ing. The interior is supplied with the latest 
improved machinery, run by a sixty horse- 
power engine, supplied by a one luiiidred horse- 
power boiler. About one hundred employees 
arc regularly engaged at this fac^tory. The 
daily product is one hundred and fifty dozens 
of wool hats, which are sold to the general trade 
through a commission house in New- York City. 
For several years past Henry li. Miller, brother 
of the jiroprietor, has been chief assistant in the 
management of the business. 

J ). F. L( )TZ & C(>. are the pro])rietors of an 
establishment for the manufacture of staple- 
wool hats, on South Eleventh Street, near 
Spruce. The factory was built in 18G() by 
Jacob Sauerbier and soon after operated by 
Eiseubeiss & Co. In 1S78 D. F. Lotz leased 
the factory, and, in connection with Elim Heck- 
ler, John Rehrcr and Samuel Homan, formed a 
co-partnership under the name of D. F. Ijotz tt 
( 'O., the present firm. They also made staple- 
wool hats of various kinds, which are sold to 
tiic general trade through New York commis- 
sion lioiises. The factory is a fine three-.story 
l)ni]ding, with all conveniences and apparatus 
needed. Thirty-seven woi-kmen are employed. 
The yearly production now is seventy-two thou- 
sand dozen hats. The full capacity of the 
works is one hundred thou.sand. 

C. F. Ke-ssler & Son are proprietors of the 
hat-factory on the corner of South Eleventh 
and Spruce Streets, which was established in 
1862 by David Lotz. In 1876 Conrad F. 
Kessler, the present senior proprietor, pur- 
cha.sed the factory, and in 1883 admitted his son, 
William H. Kessler, as a partner. Wool hats 
are made here to the amount of one hundreil 
dozens per day when the full capacity is used. 
Sixty hands are employed. 

Neversink Hat-Fact'ory, owned by 
Robert H. Savage, is at the southeast corner of 
Thirteenth and Muhlenberg Streets. The fac- 
tory was built, in 1883, by the present owner, 
and is a new three-.story brick building, ex- 
64 



tending a long distance on both streets, fur- 
nished with wcll-de.sigued machinery of im- 
proved kinds. Eighty hands are employed 
regularly, and the capacity of tlie factory is 
seventy five dozen staple- wool hats daily. 
Manufactured hats are sold through commis- 
sion hou.ses and to merchants directly from the 
factory. 

Keystone Hat-Factoky, owned by I. W. 
Levau & Son, on Muhlenberg Street, above 
Elev-enth, was established in 186"), by W. & I. 
W. Levan. In 1871 the linn was changed to 
I. W. Levau ct Son, and in 1SS4, Charles Y. 
Levan became a partner of the present firm. 
They manufacture st;i[)le-wa)ol hats for tlie 
West, Southwest and California trade in large 
quantities, as M'eli as other kinds and varieties. 
The factory is a three-story building, extending 
one hundred and twenty-six feet on Muhlen- 
berg Street, well fitted and well furnished with 
machinery and apparatus. The capacity of the 
factory is one luuidrcd and fifty dozen hats 
daily ; capital invested, one hundred and twenty- 
five thousand dollars. The nund)er of hands 
employed is seventy. 

Isaac; W. Levan, the senior proprietor of 
this firm, is descended from Huguenot ancestry. 
His grandfather, Isaac I^cvan, resided in Exe- 
ter township, Berks County, where he engaged 
in farming. He was married to a Miss New- 
kirk, of the same county, and had the follow- 
ing-named children : Isaac, John, Jacob, Cath- 
erine (married to John Inciter), Mary (married 
to Lewis Seider), Nellie (married to William 
Y'ohn) and Phebe (married to William Yohn). 

John Levau was born in Berks County, and 
on reaching mature years engaged in stage- 
driving on the Philadelphia and Pottsville 
turnpike, after which he became a farmer, and 
died at the age of forty-three years. He mar- 
ried Rebecca, daughter of Philip Witz, a lock- 
smith, a soldier of the Revolution and a resi- 
dent of Pottstown, Pa. Their children are 
Isaac W., John (deceased), Su.san (married to 
Henry Hagen), Catherine (married to Jo.seph 
Watt), Julia and Mary (married to Enos Alder- 
man). 

Isaac W. Levau was born on the 22d of 
October, 1818, on the farm in Exeter township, 



14 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and removed, when a youth, to Pottstown, 
where he attended school. In 1827 Reading 
liecanie his home. He was employed in the 
summer on the Schuylkill Canal and in the 
winter found his services in demand to carry 
the local mails. In 1836 he was indentured to 
.lohn Yeai>er, in Philadelphia, as apprentice to 
the hatter's trade, and afiter a service of three 
years he worked as a journeyman. He was, in 
the spring of 1842, married to Catherine, 



well-founded and beautiful Christian character. 
Both ]\rr. and Mrs. Levau were members of 
the Second Ref()rnied Church of Reading, iti 
which the family have been active workers. 

In 1847 Mr. Lcvan returned to Reading, 
and, under the firm-name of Levan & Faust, 
opened a store and began the manufacture of 
hats. This business connection being di.ssolved 
in 1S(J;;, he continued the enterprise as a 
retailer and niaimfa<-turer, becoming, in 1865, 




CI (XO Xi/- <:sLe/irayit 



ole 



daughter of John Yeager, of Pliiladelphiu, who 
died on the 28th of July, 188;}. Their chil- 
dren are John Y. (who died in 1884, married 
to Emma Rowe), Charles Y., Emily (married 
to Thomas Andrews, of Philadelphia), Catii- 
erine, Amelia (deceased) and Harry (deceased). 
Mrs. Levau was a lady of many Christian 
virtues, active in the leading city charities, 
zealous iu the promotion of all benevolent 
interests connected with her church, and exem- 
plifying in her daily walk and conversation a 



a manufacturer exclusively. In this he is still 
engaged. Beginning with little capital, by 
industry and judgment he established au exten- 
sive and successful business and amassed a 
competency. In politics Mr. Levan, until the 
outbreak of the war, was a Democrat. Cir- 
cumstances then influenced a change in his 
views, since which time he has affiliated with 
the Republican party. He has represented 
both parties in the ( 'ity < 'ouneil. He was one 
of the organizers and is now president of the 



READING. 



715 



Penn National Bank. In business circles, and 
ill all tleliberativc asseinhlie.s where experience 
combiiio«l with sound judgment are of coiise- 
(|iu'iice, Mr. Levan's opinions command respect 
and consideration. 

W. H. Reinoeiil & Co. are the owners of a 
wool-hat fai'tory on the southeast corner of 
Tenth and Spruce Streets, Reading. The busi- 
ness was instituted in 1866 by F. D. Naglc tt 
Co., who were succeeded by Nagle & Reinoehl. 
In 1877 the present firm was formed composed 
of W. H. Reinoehl and O. B. AVetherhold. 
The main factory, three-story brick, with 
five other adjoining buildings, are all wi'il 
equipped with good machinery and a[)[)liances. 
A tine grade of wool hats is made here, as well 
as medium grades in black and fancy colors. 
Seventy workmen are employed ; eighty do/en 
hats are daily made. 

G. W. Ai,kx.\ni)f;k tt Co., hat iiiaiiuliictu- 
rers, of West Reading, are the successors of F. 
R. Frill & G. R. Alexander, who began the 
bu.siuess in 1877, and in 1881 the present firm 
became the proprietors. They have invested 
forty-five thousand dollars in the biisinc-^s and 
employ seventy-six hands. Their goods arc 
sold partly from their factory, though principally 
through New York commission houses. 

TriEODoRic Terueij, and Ira W. Tit.vvis 
commenced the manufacture of hat blocks, 
flanges and hatters' tools in ISS], at the corner 
of Franklin and Carpenter Streets. In 1882 
they removed to their present manufactory, 
Ninth and Bingaman Streets. They have three 
thousand dollars invested in the business. 

J5U1CK-M.\KIXG. 

The business of making bricks for liuildiiig 
purposes was an early industry. Tile-making 
is mentioned amongst the first employments of 
the town. It is not known whether or not this 
branch here included bricks. Tradition says 
that the first brick house erected in Reading is 
the one-story small building still standing on 
the southwest corner of Seventh and Washing- 
ton Streets. It was erected about 1800 for the 
German Reformed congregation as a school- 
house. The buildings theretofoi'e erected were 
of stone, log and frame. In 1845 this business 



had reached a wonderful degree of development. 
In this year, in Reading, over seven millions of 
bricks were made by the following-named man- 
ufacturers, who then emj)loyed one hundred and 
twenty-seven workmen : 

Thds. Diehm 444,000 

Henry Graul 450,000 

.liu-oh Young 4.")0,000 

Win. Ycager 575,000 

Hcni. Fink 7.50,000 

II. Wnnilor 3liS,000 

A. 1). Miller 400.000 

.I:icob Geiger 400,000 

.Vilam Dielim 5-50,000 

W'm. Young 350,000 

.tdhn Darrah 1.0(i7,000 

G. D. Levan 580,000 

Jolm Hettic 800,000 

Win. Tobias 340,000 

Total 7,040,000 

lirick iiiaiiiifictnrcd at Reading in 1846 : 

Thos. Diehm 518.000 

.Adam Dielim (340,000 

George D. J.evan 80(j,000 

.John Darrah 1,400,000 

Win. Yager 600,000 

I'.enj. Fink 525,000 

Wni. Young 400,000 

Wni. Tobias 475,800 

.laeob Young 540,000 

.Jacob Geiger 1,0,50,000 

Wun(ler& Bingaman 430,000 

Samuel Filbert 440,000 

Henry Graul 000,000 

Amieh Miller 480,000 

Charles Weiilman 200,000 

Jacob Davies 104,000 

Total 0,208,800 

Building brick then cast four dollars a thou- 
sand. It may be stated in this connection that 
the increase of the population from 1840 to 
1 850 was eighty-seven per cent. This was at- 
tributed to improvements which arose directly 
from manufactures superinduced by legislation 
for tariff in 1842. And, among other things, 
it was said that " immediately after the passage 
of the tariff law of that year the business and 
enterj)rise of the town received a fresh impetus. 
New fiictories were started in various parts of 
the town ; the coal trade was increased ; large 
numbers of hands were employed in the railroad 
shops ; i^eople flocked from all quarters ; houses 



|H5 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



became scarce ; building operations were com- 
menced on a larger scale than during any 
former period in the history of the town to 
accommodate the influx of new citizens." 

Re.\dix(; Fire-Bruk Works, located on 
Canal Street, between Fourth ami Fifth, were 
originated by William A. Wells in 1846, who, 
after carrying on the business for some years, 
sold out to Isaac Bertolett, and by him carried 
on until April, 1857, when Mr. Bertolett .sold 
his interest to Isaac McHose and A. S. Thomp- 
son, who continued the business under the firm 
name of McHose & Thompson. Their annual 
ca[)acity was two million bricks. On January 
1, 1865, I>,evi Quier was admitted as a member 
of this firm. On January 1, 1870, the firm of 
McHose & Co., consisting of Isaac McHose, 
Levi Quier and Jerome L. Boyer, bought the 
interest of A. S. Thompson, and during the 
year 1870 the old works were rebuilt and 
enlarged, stocked with new and most improved 
maehincry, cai)acity increased to three million 
five hundred thousand bricks per annum ; em- 
l)loying from sixty to seventy workmen. The 
material used is all transported l>v railroad and 
canal from the celebrated fire-clay banks (jf New 
Jersey. Principal imirket is supplying the num- 
erous blast furnaces, rolling-mills, foundries, 
etc., located in the Schuylkill and Lebanon 
Valley districts; special orders are often, sent to 
more distant parts of this country. These 
woi'ks are counected by three lines of railroads, 
viz. : Philadelphia and Reading, Pennsylvania, 
Schuylkill Valley and Wilmington and 
Northern, and the Schuylkill Canal, giving it 
the very best of shij)])ing facilities to all parts 
of tlu; country. 

Isaac McHose, who is of Scotch descent, is 
the son of Isaac McHose, who was born in 
Northampton County, I'a., in 178.">, and died 
January 15, 1861, aged seventy-seven years. 

lie married Elizabeth, daughter of Jonathan 
Jvaubach, of Lehigh County, whose children 
are John, Julia Ann, Hannah, Samuel, Jjcvina, 
Isaac, Owen, William, Elizabeth and Josiah. 
Isaac McHose, lately ])resident of the Keystone 
National Bank of Reading, was born in Han- 
over township, Lehigh County, Hecembcr 6, 
1822. He was educated in the public schools. 



His father having followed the occupation of a 
bricklayer, his son learned the trade, making a 
specialty of the construction of anthracite fur- 
naces. In this he reached such perfection that 
iiis contracts always guaranteed a complete and 
satisfactory furnace before its delivery to the 
owner, which gave him a practical monopoly of 
the business throughout the iron region. In 
1852 he removed to Reading, where he has since 
resided, and the same year purchased a small 
fire-brick works in that city; rebuilt, remodeled 
and extended it until it has become the largest 
and most successful manufactory of its kind in 
the United States. His business projects have 
been both diversified and ])rosperous. For 
many years he has been largely interested in the 
manufactiu'c of iron. Upon the removal of the 
Keystone National Bank to Reading, he was 
solicited to take the presidency of the institution, 
though not an owner of its stock, which rerpiest 
he complied with. Mr. McHose is a gentleman 
of great business talent combined with jiractical 
experience. He has been very successful in his 
investments and possesses a competence. His 
name is a synonym of uprightness, strict in- 
tegrity and honor wherever he is known, and he 
has been called by his fellow-citizens to serve 
them in various positions of trust. He has 
been a member of the Select branch of the City 
Council, of the Board of Control, and is also one 
of the Water conunissioners. He was a Presi- 
dential elector on the Republican ticket in the 
campaign of 1884. His name was brought 
prominently before the RejMiblican State Con- 
vention for the office of State treasurer by his 
friends and received a strong support. He is 
()residcnt of tlie Board t)f Trade of Reading 
and |)resident of the Reading Public Library. 
Mr. McHose is an active member of St. Paul's 
Retbrmed Church of Reading, in wliieh he has 
served as an elder for twenty-five years. He is 
nuicli interested in Iwuevolent and charitable in- 
stitutions, aiding in the founding of the Womels- 
dorf Orphans' Home and serving asa director in 
that institution, while every worthy cliarity en- 
lists his aid. A citizen of Reading writes that 
for fifteen years some orphan boy lias received a 
collegiate education through the benevolence of 
Mr. McHo.se, and when one grarluates another 



KEATONG. 



717 



takes his place, some of these proUges having 
risen to honor and distinction. His ability and 
integrity have given him a prominent and lead- 
ing position in his own city, and extended his 
reputation throughout the State. He 1ms ever 
aimed in his business career to so inve.st his 
capital as to give employment to labor. He has 
manifested an active and practical interest in 
the Young Men's Christian Association of 
Reading, and is at present chairman of its board 
of trustees. Mr. McHose w:us, on March 5, 
1846, married to Letitia, daughter of Valentine 
Weider, of Lehigh County. Their children arc 
Susan E. (Mrs. J. L. Boyer), of Reading ; 
Ambrose A., of Columbia, Pa. ; M'ilson \'. and 
Isaac, Jr., of Reading. 

I'ltiN'Tz's BuKK W<ti!Ks. — The large brick 
niaiuifactory on North Tenth Street and 
Pricetown road was owned from 185G to 
]8()'2 bv John Printz and Michael Sands, 
as the firm of Printz & Sands. In 18()2 
tiicy started a new yard on North Fifth Street 
and Centre Avenue. In 18(i5 Michael Sands 
soi<l his interest to Daniel 1). Graul, and in 
1877, J. I J. Mover was admitted as a pai-tner to 
tiie firm, then known as Printz, (Jraul & Co. 
Ill 1880 this firm dissolved, and tiie Inisiness 
has since been continued by Jolin Printz. 
Seventy-five to eighty hands are employed. 
Four million bricks per }-ear are made at this 
yard. 

In 188.") Mr. Printz extended his works to 
cover tiiirty acres, and began to manufacture 
fancy and ornamental bricks for liouse-fronts. 
He is preparing to carry on the kilns to their 
fullest capacity and to manufacture sixty-five 
thousand bricks per day, witli one hundred and 
forty hands em])loyed. 

John H. Puintz. — The Printz family have 
been residents of Reading from the begituiing of 
the town. They are of German origin. John 
II. Printz is the son of John Printz, Jr., and 
was born at Reading March .31, 18;53. His 
father was also born at Reading, carried on the 
trade of a carpenter and afterward the business 
of a contractor, and left seven surviving child- 
ren, — Henry, William, Susan Ann, Christian, 
John H., Levi and Frederick. His mother 
was Rosanna Hill, of Spring (formerly Cumru) 



township, who died in 1866, aged sixty-six 
years. His father died in 1880, aged nearly 
eighty years. Mr. Printz was ecUicated in the 
common schools. In 1844 he became an ap- 
prentice in the business of brick-making under 
John I^arrah, who was then an extensive manu- 
facturer, and after completing his apprentice- 
ship and working as a journeyman till 1855, he 
began business for himself, continuing since 
that time in this department of industry. The 
kilns were then almost entirely south of Penn 
Street, in the vicinity of Eighth and Chestnut 
Streets, and their cai)acity was Irom fifty 
thousand to sixty thousand, excepting Darrah's, 
whose kiln held one hundred and fifty thousand. 
Subsc(piently, as the city developed, the kilns 
were removed farther and farther north of 
Penn Street until they reached their present 
locality. On Ninth Street, in the vicinity of 
Elm and Buttonwood, many thou.sand of l)ricks 
were manufactured about the tiuK' and for some 
years after he began. The single mould was 
then used and it is still used. The double 
mould vva.s tried, but it proved a failure. The clay 
was worked by hand and turned over repeatedly 
l)ya shovel, and this process continued tillafterthe 
war, when horse-power was introduced. A ma- 
chine for manufacturing brick was first tried here 
in 1855, and again in 18(i8, but it was a failure, 
the clay here not having been adapted, on ac- 
count ()f numerous stones. The clay is still 
worked by hand antl tem[>ercd by horse-power. 
Mr. Printz introduced the manufacture of orna- 
mental brick in 1885, being the second 'manu- 
facturer in this State. There are only three 
manufiicturers of them in the United States, — one 
at Philadcl[)hia, one at Reading and one at 
Wilmington. From 1 880 to 1885 the average 
annual prochictioii of bricks at Reading was 
about twenty millions. Mr. I'rintz was the 
largest producer during the last three years, 
having employed seventy-five hands (including 
thirteen brick-makers) and ])roduced four and 
a half million brick annually. He has been 
now thirty years in this industry, and has oc- 
cupied the same stand, along the west side of 
the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad at 
Marion Street, for tiie la.st seventeen years. 
During April, 1886, he employed one hun- 



V18 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



dred and fifty hands and manufactured daily 
sixtv-eiglit thousand brick, including"; orTiarnental. 
He had then five kilns in service, finr at Read- 
iu";' and iine at liirdsbiiro'. IMiey are the 
lari^est in the county, ca[)acity varvinii' from 
one hundred and twenty tliousand to two hun- 
dred and twenty thousand. Altogetiier tiiere 
are five hundred iiands employed in tliis bus- 
iness at Reading. 

Mr. Printz served in the Comnxju ( 'ouncil 



1885 he visited the Xew Orleans Exposition. 
He lia-s traveled altogether through thirty-six 
States and Territories of the LTnited States. 

He was twice married, — first to Matilda 
Totton, who died in 1.S77 ; and then to Catharine 
IJulies. II(' lias six children — John Thomas, 
Alice Catharine (married to George Clouser), 
Harry C, Anna, Jjaura and Bessie. 

The Shenfelder brick-yard at Hockley Lane 
and Kissinger Streets, has ])een in successful 





'U^ .#^/^5^ 



of Reading tlirec times, — tVdm tiicThird \\'ard, 
]8(5!t to 1871 ; from the Fourth Ward, ISSO to 
1882; and again from the Third Ward from 
1884 to 188(3. He also officiated as constable 
of the southern district of Reading (that |)or- 
tion south of Penn Street) for two years, 1865 
and 18(3(j. He entered the order of Free Ma- 
sonry in 186G, being a member of Chandler 
Lodge, No. 227. He was one of the Knights 
Templar excursion |iarty which made a grand 
pilgrimage to San Francisco in 188.'} ; and in 



operation since l.S.")(;. At this date A. Slicn- 
fcldcr and I>. P. Shcnl'eldcr, hissoii, connnenced 
iiiaking pressed, building and paving brick, 
ami continued for twenty-eight years. In 1884, 
I). P. SiicnfMdcr and" H. P. Shenfelder, his 
son, i)urchased the works, and, tnidcr tiie name 
of I). P. Shenfelder A: Son., have continued it 
to date. Tlicy manufacture bricks by machin- 
ery which turns out twenty thousand bricks per 
day. Thirty-two workmen are employed. 
^\^illianl Graul, James Katzermoyer and 



READING. 



719 



Mathias Mover, trading as Granl & Co., com- 
menced brick-making in 1878 at Sixth and 
Hockley Lane. They were the successors of 
Daniel Graul and J. L. Moyer, who started the 
brick-yard in 1876. Graul & Co. burn both 
pressed and common bricks for building j>ur- 
poses. They employ sixty-five hands, turning 
out three million five hundred thousand bricks 
per year. 

Conrad Kaltcniiaeli and Cliarlcs Focht coin- 



France, came to Berks County, and engaged in 
farming. His children were John, Abraham, 
Henry, Adam, Elizabeth, Sarah. Henry, of 
this number, was born in Alsace township, 
Berks County, where he combined the business 
of farming with the trades of a cooper and a 
weaver. He married Magdalena Shmale, 
daughter of John Shmale, of the same county. 
They had children, — John, Catharine (Mrs. 
! William), Adam, Hc^nrv, Abraham, Sarah 




'^^^^^^'^^^^^^-^-^''^C^^i-^j^ 



menced burning house and paving bricks on 
Second Street, near tJie Lebanon N'alley Kailroad 
bridge, in the year 1884, where they continue 
to do a large business. Fourteen men are reg- 
ularly employed. The product of the year 
1885 was seven hundred thousand bricks. 

The other brick maiuifacttu'ers of the city are 
William B. Kline, William Parker and Cor- 
nelius Rotheuberger. 

Simon Kline is the grandson of Henry 
Kline, who, on his emigratiou from Alsace, 



(Mr^. Jacob Brumbach), Daniel, ElizabeHi 
(Mrs. Henry Diehl), Mary (Mrs. Perry Reif- 
snyder), Sophia (Mrs. David Clouser, and 
Simon. Simon Kline was born May 14, 1830, 
on the homestead tlirni in Alsace township, and 
in youth attended the schools of the neighboi'- 
hood, after which he continued his studies in 
Reading. He then assisted his father in his 
various occupations luitil his twenty-first year, 
and, on the 30th of November, 1851, was 
married to Catharine, daughter of Henry Noll, 



720 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of Ruscomb-manor township, Berks Couuty, 
and graiiddaugliter of Peter and Magdaleua 
Keller Noll. Their children are Ezra, born 
September 13, 1852; Henry Adam, May 19, 
1850 (deceased); Rebocea Minerva, May 7, 1858 
(deceased); Mary Magdalena, Angust 23, 1859, 
married to Edmund Schlegel ; Rebecca Cath- 
erine, January 24, 1861, married to William 
M. Fulton ; Simon Sidenham, March 8, 1S()3 ; 
Elias, August 20, 18(55 (deceased); George Oscar, 
July 19, 18(J6and David Milton, August 25, 
1868. Mr. Kline, during the t\vi> years suc- 
ceeding his marriage, was employed in the pur- 
chase of wood-lauds, which he cleai'ed, a ready 
market being found for the wood in the 
couuty. He then removed to Reading and en- 
gaged in contracting, as also in the manufacture 
of bricks. Removing from Reading to Fleet- 
wood, he devoted five years to the; manufacture 
of bricks at this point, and returning again to 
Reading, continued the business combined with 
building and contracting in which he is still 
engaged, and has met with marked success as 
the result of honesty and thrift. He is a Dem- 
ocrat in politics. Pie has been connected by 
memljershi]) with various building organiza- 
tions, but is now identified only with the 
Hampton Building A.ssociatiou. He is a mem- 
ber of Mt. Penn Lodge, No. 65 of Knights of 
Pythias and of Freetlom Circle. 

He is a member, and was formerly an Elder 
of the First Reformed Church of Reading, of 
which his wife and children are also membei-s. 

The Fiiih-Beick Kit,xs of George J. Eck- 
ert, at 458 Canal Street, were built by Miller t^- 
Eckert in 1863. Two years later Mr. Miller 
retired from the business and Mr. Eckert as- 
.sumed entire control. There are now three 
large kilns, the manufacturing capacity of which 
is one hundred thousand bricks per month. 
Twenty men are employed. The works cover 
a large area and a prosperous business is done. 

(rEORtiK J. Ec'KKKT is the graudsou of Philip 
Eckert, who was born June 18, 1756, and died 
September 10, 1828. He was married to Lydia 
Beck, born June 17, 1762. Their children 
were George, born September 9, 1 782 ; ]\Iary, 
born 17.S4 ; Susanna, born 1785; Catherine, 
born 1788: Peter, born 1790; Sarah, born 



1792 ; Margaret, born 1794; Elizabeth, born 
1795; Catherine (2d), born 1799; and Hannah, 
born 180;5. George, the eldest of the.se chil- 
dren, was born near Shaefferstowu, Lebanon 
Couuty, and died on the 1 9th of January, 1854. 
He was married, January 26, 1809, to Sarah, 
daughter of Rudol])h Resley, of South licbauon 
township, Lebanon County, Pa., who was born 
Decend)er 16, 1787, and died January 12, 
1879. Their children were Catherine, born 
1809 ; Elizabeth, born 1811 ; Mary, born 1813 ; 
George, born 1815 ; Cyrus, born 1817 ; Philip, 
born 1820; AVilliam, born 1822; Rudolph, 
born 1825 ; George John, born February 14, 
1827, and Aaron T., born in 1830; of whom 
the survivors arc Catherine, William, Rudolph 
and George J. 

The last-named was born in North Lebanon 
township, Lebanon Couuty, and obtained his 
preparatory education at Lebanon, Pa., after 
which he entered Mai-shall College, ISrercers- 
burg. Pa., and ^^■as graduated on the 6th of Sep- 
tember, 1852. The same fall, on becoming a 
citizen of Reading, he enteretl the law-office of 
Hon. William Strong as a .student, and was 
admitted to practice in the several coni-ts of 
Berks County April 28, 1855. He pin-sue. I 
his profession succes.sfully until 1865, when 
it ^^as abandoned for less sedentary employ- 
ment. Having, in 1863, established a fire- 
brick factory, he devoted his time mainly to 
this enterprise, which has been enlargetl and 
extended, and is .still conducted by him. Mr. 
Eckert was, on the 26th of November, 1857, 
married to Rebecca, daughter of Isaac M. (ier- 
hard, of Sheridan, Ijcbanon County, Pa. Their 
children are Lsixac Gerhard, Rudolph Resley, 
Mintie S., Emma Rebecca, George, William 
(deceased) and Ellen. Isaac G. is married to 
Elizabeth Smith, of Luzerne County, Pa., his 
present residence. 

IVIr. Eckert was one of Reading's most patriotic 
citizens during the late war. He was then ac- 
tive in the raising of recruits and in the equip- 
ment of the soldiery. He was in the military 
service for ninety days, during the invasion of 
Pennsylvania, and on July 6, 1863, was com- 
missioned second lieutenant of Company C of 
the Forty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Vol- 



READING. 



721 



uuteers. He is an active and influential mem- 
ber of the Republioan party in this county ; 
lie was a delegate to the State Republican 
Convention held at Pittsburg in 1863, and 
also a delegate to the National Conven- 
tion of 1868, held at Chicago, which nomi- 
nated General Grant for the Presidency ; he 
was a member of (he Select Council of Reading 
from 1866 to 1869, and of the Common Coun- 



man of the building committee on the occasion 
of the remodeling of the church in 1874-75. 

Reading Tei;ra-Cotta Works began 
operations in 1867, under the proprietorship of 
SbartF, Hagy & Co., who were succeeded in the 
ownership of it, in 1873, by E. S. Fox & Co., 
who now manuiiieture sewer-pipes, water-pipes, 
chimney-tops, heat-pipes, flues, garden, rustic 
and hanging vases, etc. The works are located at 





cil from 1876 to 1878. During this time he 
was instrumental in defeating the bill authoi-- 
izing the making of loans by the city, which 
measure has materially reduced her debt. He 
participated in the organization of the Union 
Bank of Reading, and was for three years a mem- 
ber of its board of directors. He is a member, 
and was for years one of the trustees, of the First 
Reformed Congregation of Reading, and ehair- 
66 



the foot of Franklin Street, and 'cover an area 
of two hundred and thirty by two hundred and 
forty feet. There are two down-draft kilns for 
burning the products of their manufacture. A 
thirty horse-power engine, with a fifty horse- 
power boiler, are usetl to produce a motive 
force to drive the machinery. A steam pipe- 
press, capable of making three hundred feet of 
drain-pipe per hour, is in operation. 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The Reading Pottery. — The mauufac- 
ture of stone-ware, eartlien-ware and glazed 
ware lias been extensively carried on since 
18(J4, on Schuylkill Avenue, by Daniel P. 
Shenfelder. He makes large quantities of 
fruit-jars, crocks and stone-ware for farmers' 
use. Two large kilns are in operation and ten 
hands employed. The machinery is run by a 
large engine. Twenty thousand dollars are in- 
vested in this business. 

BREWERIES, MAI/r-HOt'SES AND DISTILLERIES. 

Frederick Lauer was born in the pro- 
vince of Palatine (now Rhenish Bavaria) Oc- 
tober 14, 1810, and was the son of George and 
Katrina Lauer. He attended school until 
twelve years of age, and during that time be- 
came fiimiliar with the French language. His fa- 
ther had been one of the largest [)roperty-owners 
in the couutry and raised the first liberty pole 
on the French borders. He suffered a penalty 
for his liberal and patriotic views, and for nine 
years was unable to gather any crops, owing to 
the presence of the army. He emigrated to 
America, with his family, and landed in Balti- 
more in August, 1823, and immediately there- 
after came to Reading, where his married 
daughter was tiieu living. Here, for a short 
time, his sou Frederick became a butcher-boy, 
assisting his brother-in-law. He left this em- 
ployment when his father began the brewing 
business at Womelsdorf, Berks County, and 
assisted him there until his removal to Reading, 
where he ctmtinned his calling. During this 
time the lad received four mouths' schooling 
(three of them at a night-school), but many of 
his leisure hours were devoted to study. In 
the spring of 182(5 his father returned to Read- 
ing and established a small brewery in an old 
log house, built many years before by one of the 
founders of the town. Frederick, who was then 
but sixteen years of age, was made foreman and 
clerk, and, with one assistant, did all the brew- 
ing. He built up his first kettle with a capa- 
city of five barrels, which, in two months, was 
increased to ten. He rose at two a.m., finished 
the brewing by daylight, and after breakfast 
would deliver the beer to customers in town. 
In 1835 he became proprietor of the brewery, 



enlarged it, and, with the aid of more assist- 
ants, extended the busine.ss. During the f5rst 
five years nothing was made but what was 
known as " .strong beer." The brewing of ale 
and porter was begun in 1831, and of lager 
beer in 1844. The site of the brewery in 1826 
was in the midst of a swamp. The improve- 
ments which have resulted from Mr. Lauer's 
industry and tact are truly wonderful. In 
1849 he began to buy up vacant lot.s, and 
therein quarried extensive vaults in the solid 
lime-stone rock for the storage of lager beer. 
In 1866 he erected a large brewery on this lo- 
cality, containing all the latest improvements 
and in every respect complete. In connection 
with this brewery was a fine park, with shade- 
trees and other adornments. 

The civic virtues- and public spirit of Fred- 
erick Lauer were justly appreciated by his fel- 
low-citizens. He represented his ward in the 
Town Council, and he was greatly instrumental 
in securing the incorporation of Reading as a 
city, in 1847. In 1867 he was chosen presi- 
dent of the Select Council. He was one of the 
organizers of the Berks County Agricultural 
Society, was its president for several years, and, 
to the time of his death, one of its most ac- 
tive members ; was for many years in the board 
of directors of the Reading and Columbia Rail- 
road Company, a member of the Reading Dis- 
pensary Board, Reading Benevolent Society, 
Reading Relief Society and Readiug Board of 
Trade, and one of the tru.stees of the Keystone 
State Normal School. 

Frederick Lauer was a raeml)er of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, a companion of De Molay Com- 
mandery of Knights Tem|)lar, and a Past 
Master of Lodge No. 62, of Free and Accepted 
Masons. He was a sincere Christian, Lutheran 
by denomination, and for many years a vestry- 
man and trustee of Trinity Church of Reading. 

His business interests forbidding the accept- 
ance of political office, he declined ofle^red Con- 
gressional nomination. As a delegate to the 
National Convention at Charleston, S. C, in 
1860, he tleterminedly opposed secession, and 
earnastly endeavored to secure the adoption of 
a platform and the nomination of a candidate 
for the Presidency that would guarantee the 



UKADING. 



723 



preservation of the Union. True to liis loyal 
principles, wlien the s-trugglc for the mainten- 
ain;<- of the Union came, he equipped, at his 
own expense, a whole com|)any of men, wliich 
served throughout the war in the One Hundred 
aiid l''ourth Pennsylvania Ilegiment. 

lie was an intimate friend of the celebrated 
Dr. Ilebbe, the Swedish revolutionist, who 
was driven from his native land. He was also 
ill i-egular corresjiondence wiiji tlie United 



! ILshraent one of the most successful in the 
United States. 

Mr. Laner was nuirried, May 9, 1838, to 
Mary, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth Guldin. 
The children of the union are George Fred- 
erick, born November 2, 1850 ; Franklin 

1 Pierce, born Novemljer 2, 1852 ; and one who 

I died an infant. 

Mr. Lauer died Septeral)er o, 1883, in the 
seventy-third vear of his age. On the occasion 





States consuls al)road, interchanging views and 
keeping well informed on foreign affairs and in 
advance of the movements whicli afterward took 
place. His efforts in connection with the in- 
ternal revenue tax on fermented liquors were 
invariably crowned with success, and, as presi- 
dent of the Brewers' Congress, he was indefati- 
gable in the service of his trade. Shrewd, 
far-seeing and industrious, he made his estab- 



of his decease suitable resolutions were passed 
by the Lager Bier Brauer Verein, the Ale and 
Porter Brewers' Association of Pennsylvania 
and the United States Brewers' Association. 
The latter association erected, in Reading, an 
imposing monument to his memory, which was 
unveiled on the 2.3d of May, 1885. 

Bakhey's Brewery was built in 1860 by 
Peter Barbey, who admitted his son, John Bar- 



724 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



bey, as a partner, in 1880. The extensive es- 
tablishment whicii tliey now own is located on 
the corner of River and Hockley Streets, and 
was erected in 1869. The buildings are a 
three-story brewery, a six-story brick malt- 
house, two refrigerators and two ice-houses. 
They cover a tract of three acres. 

lu the malt-house are five germinating-floors, 
one storage-floor and two large drying-kilns 
Two engines, producing sixty horse-power, and 
two large duplex boilers, of seventy-five horse- 
power, are used. Thirty hands are employed. 
During the year 1885 twenty thousand barrels 
of beer and porter were manufactured and sold 
by Peter Barbey & Son. The full brewing ca- 
pacity of this establishment is thirty-five thou- 
sand barrels, and the full malting capacity 
seventy-five thousand bushels of barley malt. 

Peter Barbey, the originator of this brew- 
ery, was born November 9, 1825, in Dierbach, 
Canton of Borgzaberii Rhinepfaltz, Bavaria, 
and is a son of Christopher and Katrina Bar- 
bey. He attended the schools of his native 
country until the age of fourteen, when he en- 
tered the brewing establishment of Peter Bar- 
bey, his uncle, for the purpose of learning the 
business of a brewer, remaining three years, at 
the expiration of which time he became thor- 
oughly familar W'ith the art of brewing. He 
sought employment in France and Switzerland, 
in which countries he spent four years, adding, 
meanwhile, largely to his knowledge of brew- 
ing by practical experience. Returning home 
at the age of twenty-one years, he was drafted, 
and served four years in the army as a member 
of a cavalry regiment, at the end of which 
time he emigrated to America, and, proceeding 
at once to Philadelphia, he engaged for two and 
a half years in the pursuit of his trade. Re- 
moving to Reading, he entei-ed the employ of 
Frederick Lauer for one year, and soon after 
opened a saloon. In 1860 he began his pros- 
perous career as a brewer in the city of Read- 
ing, which business he has conducted with 
gratifying success, and is now the senior pro- 
prietor of the above described establishment. 

Mr. Barbey was married to Rosina, daughter 
of Philip Kuntz, of Rhenish Bavaria. They 
had two children, — Katrina, a daughter, now de- 



ceased, and John, at present associated with his 
father in business. In politics Mr. Barbey is a 
Democrat but has never been an aspirant for 
office ; he is a director of the Keystone National 
Bank, and a member of Teutouia Lodge, No. 
368, of Free and Accepted Masons, and of Ger- 
mania Lodge, Independent Order of Odd-Fel- 
lows. 

Deppex's Brewery, on Chestnut Street, 
was established in 1845, by N. A. Felix, who, 
until 1874, a period of twent)'-nine years, made 
lager beer, porter and ale in large quantities, 
and during that time added various improve- 
ments. Mr. Felix died in 1874 and the mana- 
gers of his estate conducted the business until 
1879, when Dr. William P. Deppen bought the 
brewery and has since had an increasing demand 
for the product of his manufiicture. The build- 
ings, which cover a large area, include the 
brewery proper, a malt-house and two ice- 
houses. The establishment is furnished with a 
large engine, a boiler and all necessary appli- 
ances for making beer. 

Keller's Brewery is located on Ash Street 
and is owned and operated by Samuel C. Kel- 
ler and Otto Eyring. The brewery was erected 
in 1850 by a Mr. Hoyer. In 1877 Samuel C. 
Keller purchased it and in 1884 admitted his 
jjresent partner. They now brew what is widely 
known as the " Reading Lager Beer and Por- 
ter." The grounds are an acre in extent and 
five buildings are occupied. Two engines, with 
a combined power of eighty horses, are used. 
Twelve men are employed. The amount of 
yearly business is sixty thousand dollars and 
the interests are prospering. 

The City Brewery is situated at 38 and 40 
South Seventh Street, and was built in 1874 by 
Abraham Peltzer, who then began the brewing 
of lager and Weiss beer. The building is thirty 
by two hundred and fifty feet, and includes a 
brewery, ice-house and storage-rooms. Nearly 
all of his beer is consumed in the city. 

The Malt-House between Laurel and 
Muhlenberg Streets, on the line of Philadelphia 
and Reading Railroad, was built in 1863 by 
Frederick Shouldt and Moses K. Graeff, who 
continued as partners in the manufacture of 
malt from barley, to the amount of thirty-two 



READING. 



725 



tliousand bushels annually, until 1807, when 
Mr. Shouldt sold his interest to his partner, who 
is the present owner. The large buildings now 
used cover an area of an acre and are three and 
four stories higii. The capacity of the establish- 
ment is seventy-five thousand bushels of malted 
grain per year. 

The Malt-House of Hagy & Pott, on Third 
Street, north of Buttonwood, was built in 1882, 
by tlie present proprietors, who then owned a 
malt-house on Orange Street, near Chestnut, 
which they purchased from Frederick Sliouldt, 
who started it iu 1876. The Third Street malt- 
house has eighty feet front and two hundred 
and fifty feet depth. Sixty thousand bushels of 
barley are malted annually. Au eighteen horse- 
power engine and a twenty-five horse-power up- 
right boiler are used. The entire apartments 
are two large drying-rooms, three storage-rooms 
and one large double kiln. Two elevators are 
used. This firm, composed of Walton K. Hagy 
and Benjamin Pott, show evidences of prosper- 
ity. 

NEVEitsiXK Distillery was built on north- 
east corner of Eleventh and Muhlenberg Streets, 
in 1857, by Hill & Wolfkill, and the business 
was begun the same year and conducted by 
them until 1862, when Samuel Buch purchased 
the entire interest and has since manufactured 
whiskies in large quantities. The original ca- 
pacity of this distillery was one hundred and 
fifty gallons per day. When it came under the 
ownership of Samuel Buch, the main building 
was greatly enlarged and five additional ones 
were erected, one of which is a bonded ware- 
house, capable of holding three thousand 
barrels. Improved machinery is used and now 
eight hundred gallons of whiskey are made 
every twenty-four hours. A forty horse-power 
engine and a sixty horse-power boiler are used 
as a motive-power. Eight hands are employed. 

TANNERIES. 

The Keeper Tannery, now the oldest man- 
ufactory of its kind in Reading, was built on a lot 
originally conveyed by the heirs of Penn to 
Conrad Bower in 1753. Isaac Levan pur- 
chased the property, in 1761, of the original 
grantee, and the same year began to manufact- 



ure the first leather in the town. He followed 
his chosen occupation for many years, and sup- 
plied the early cordwainers of the olden time 
in the new town of Reading and its vicinity 
with the necessary leather to make the boots 
and shoes for the industrious populace. John 
Dieffenbach became the successor of Isaac Le- 
van and conducted the business until 1825, 
when Abraham Kerper jjurchased the tannery 
and worked it with great success until 1856. 
The year last named Henry Kerper, the present 
owner, purchased it, made extensive improve- 
ments of various kinds, extended the tanning 
facilities and increased the number of vats to 
one liundred and twenty-five. In 1884, owing 
to its position near the heart of the city, Mr. Ker- 
per discontinued thetannery and is the proprietor 
of a leather and shoe-finding establishment at 
124 South Sixth Street. 

Winter tt Gdetz conducted an extensive 
business in the manufacture of glove kid leather 
at their tannery on Canal Street, at the foot of 
Pine Street. The business was begun in 1869 
on Jeftei-son Street, at the River road crossing, 
by Blatz & Winter. Upon the retirement of 
Mr. Blatz, in 1875, Ferdinand Goetz purchased 
his interest and the ])resent firm was formed. 
Owing to an increasing business, the old tannery 
and site were sold. The firm then purchased 
the present site, and on it, in 1883, erected a 
tannery building, t\vo hundred and twenty-five 
feet front on Canal Street and one hundred and 
forty feet in depth to the canal. The firm 
have forty- four employees. The amount ot 
business done yearly is one hundred and ten 
thousand dollars, and tlie amount of investment 
is sixty thousand dollars. Through a branch 
establishment at No. 180 William Street, New 
York City, the manufactured goods of this 
tannery are sold to the general trade. 

De Loxg Brothers, tanners and curriers, 
own an establishment on the corner of Ninth and 
Muhlenberg Streets. This industry was founded 
by Stroup & Co., in 1860, on the same site. In 
1865 Merkle & Co. became the owners. Ma- 
nasses and Michael De Long bought the tan- 
nery and land adjoining in 18G8 and made 
many important improvements and extended 
the business. One acre is now occupied by this 



726 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



tauneiy lu 1870 John De Long was admitted 
an active partner, and in 1872 Jacolj B. Fricker 
became a silent partner. On January 1, 1886, 
Michael De Long retired and since then ]Ma- 
na.sses and John De Long, with J. B. Fricker, 
have continued the business under the name of 
De Long Brothers. A twenty horse-power 
engine, with a forty horse-power tubular boiler, 
furnish the motive-power for this establishment. 
One hundred vats are used in tanning, having a 
capacity of five thousand sides of hides and four 
thousand calf-skins per year. The tirm em- 
ploys twenty-five workmen. The amount of 
yearly business done is eighty thousand dollars. 
Since 1868 the business has been more than 
doubled. In connection with tannery, this firm 
has a commission house at No. 301 North Third 
Street, Philadelphia, through which most of the 
products of the tannery are sold. 

George F. Winter, tanner and currier, on 
the northwest corner of Second and Chestnut 
Streets, now owns what for more than half 
a century was known as the " ( )ld Dutch 
Tannery," located on the same premises, and 
conducted for many years by Winter & Gabriel. 
The present proprietors purchased the tannery 
in 1864. The capacity is one thousand hides 
per year. One large bark-mill and thirty vats 
are used. 

CIGAR-MAKING. 

The manufacture of cigars began in Reading 
about the year 1800, and from that date to 
1850 the prominent manufacturers of the town 
were James jNIorris, John Eyrich, Samuel 
Eyrich, Isaac James, J. & E. Eyrich, son of 
John, Philip Albright, Gosham Wolf, John 
Maltzberger, J. & G. W. Hautsh, C. Breneiser 
and William Harman. The tobacco used in 
making cigars at first was obtained from Ken- 
tucky ; manufacturers visited that State annually 
and purchased a sufficient supply for the entire 
year. The prices paid ranged from three to 
.seven cents a pound. About 183o tobacco was 
introduced from Lancaster and York Counties. 
Cigar-makers generally made from eight hun- 
dred to fifteen hundred cigars per day. A few 
made as many as two thousand per day. If an 
experienced workman could not make one thou- 



sand per day, he was considered ordinary. The 
wages paid were five, six and seven cents a 
hundred. The cigars were sold at rates rang- 
ing from one dollar and a half to two dollare 
per thousand. The total manufacture in 1840 
was about forty thousand cigars daily. Possi- 
bly of this number, one-half were made in the 
country districts surrounding Reading. The 
country cigars were made mostly for Mr. 
Eyrich. The country cigar-makers would buy 
the leaf tobacco from him and then sell him 
the cigars they manufactured. He had, at 
times, one half a million cigars on hand. 
jNIost of the cigars made, and which ^^•ere sold 
at from three to seven for a cent, were con- 
sumed in Reading and vicinity. There wa.s 
then more smoking, in proportion to the popu- 
lation, than at the present day. On the counter 
of every tavern a box of cigars always stood, 
whose contents were free to all guests. The 
workers in tobacco then were almost entirely 
men and boys, the latter being strippers. The 
employment of females was begun about 1870. 
Chewing tobacco was manufactured by INIorris & 
Eyrich. Since 1840 the business of cigar-making 
has gradually increased, a better (juality of cigars 
have been made, more skillful workmen em- 
ployed, until at the present day it is a very valu- 
able and productive industry in the city of 
Reading. According to the report of the Board 
of Tj-ade of the city for the year 1882, there 
were then eleven establishments, with an in- 
vested capital of §119,000; number of hands 
employed three hundred and forty-eight, who 
received in wages .?54,635 ; the value of the 
product, §271,000. The number of establish- 
ments has lately increased. 

The wholesale tobacco house of Crouse & 
Co., on South Sixth Street, is quite an extensive 
establishment. The business was begun at the 
same site, in 1836, by Hautsch & Bro., who 
were succeeded in order by Hautsch & Lyon, 
Hautsch & Crouse and the present firm, com- 
posed of Daniel W. Crouse, George W. Crouse 
and George W. Hautsch. One hundred and 
fifty hands are employed. A large building is 
used. The same firm has a branch house at 168 
Chambers Street, New York. 

The manufacture of cigars and sale of manu- 



READINC; 



r27 



factnred tobacco, at No. 707 Penn Street, Read- 
ing, was commenced in 1876, by D. C. & H. 
H. Hillegass. In 1879 D. C. Hillegass formed 
a c()-j)artnership with Jolin R. Mast, under the 
name of Hillegass & Mast, as packers and 
wholesale dealers, and established the warehouse 
at Xo. 728 Penn Street, with packing-house at 
Xo. 511 Cherry Street. In 1882 D. C. Hille- 
gass withdrew from the firm and commenced 
business as a wholesale dealer in cigars and leaf 
tobacco, at Xo. 23 South Sixth Street, with ware- 
houses for storing and packing on Cherry, Pearl 
and South Sixth Streets. He employed forty 
hands and purchased the products of twenty 
manufactories in different portions of Berks Co. 

The Cigar Manufactory, at X'o. 728 
Penn Street, conducted by Hillegass & Mast 
from 1879 until 1882, was continued by John 
R. Mast until 1883. He then, with H. B. 
Bausman, commenced the sale of leaf tobacco, 
having a warehouse at Xo. 1)36 Court Street. 
Under the name of Bausman & Mast a large 
business were transacted ; fifty thousand dollars 
was invested and thirty hands employed. On 
January 1, 1886, this firm dissolved, and a 
new one was formed at the same location, with 
J. S. Wisler, John R. Mast and H. El wood 
Reifsnyder as partners, who, in 1886, erected a 
large manufactory on Cherry Street, below 
Eighth Street. 

Glaser & Frame own au extensive cigar- 
factory on Spruce Street, between Eighth and 
Ninth. The same firm, composed ot X. G. 
Glaser and George C. Frame, began business 
on a smaller scale, at Xo. 13 South Sixth Street, 
in 1879, to make a fine grade of cigars, which 
soon were in great demand, and the firm, in order 
to extend their business, moved to their present 
location. In addition to their own factory this 
firm controls the product of twenty other facto- 
ries, located in Berks, Lancaster and York 
Counties. In the Reading factory two hun- 
dred and fifty hands are employed, and amount 
of capital invested is ninety thousand dollars. 
Seven traveling agents sell their goods to the 
general trade. At a branch establishment, 
owned by Glaser & Frame, located at Seneca, 
X. Y., known as the Seneca Cigar Company, 
twenty agents are employed to sell to the 



retail trade through Xew York and the Xew 
England States. The firm also imports Hav- 
ana and Sumatra fine grade leaf tobacco. A 
verv large and successful business is done. 

Some of the other manufacturers of cigars 
who do a considerable business are Paul 
Blackman, Darrah & Co., Glaser & Frame, 
Albert S. Hartman, George Lehr, Beard & Son, 
Henry W. Burky, C. M. Deem, Dibert Bros., 
Francis Gross, Orth M. Hecknian, Marks Heil- 
man, William Heilman, Kalbach & Schroeder, 
Michael A. Krug, Lutz & Swartz, George R. 
Maltzberger, Jacob Xeihart, John H. Riegel, 
Philip Rufe and John Stump. 

MISCELLAXEUUS MANUFACTURES. 

Reading Cottox-Milu. — Soon after the 
passage of the " General Manufacturing Law " 
of April 9, 1849, the capitalists and business 
men of Reading made a secoud eifort to intro- 
duce a cotton manufacturing establishment. A 
meeting was held by them on May 26, 1849 ; 
and a second meeting on 14th of June follow- 
ing, at whi<!h a company was recommended 
under the law of 1849, with the name of 
" Reading Manufacturrng Company," and a 
capital of two hundred thousand dollars, in 
four thousand shares of fifty dollars each, and 
a term of twenty years. On the 18th of Au- 
gust following, at a meeting, a report was made 
that one hundred and fifty thousand dollars 
of the stock had been subscribed ibr ; and on 
the 17th of Xovember a meeting was held to 
elect thirteen directors, which was spirited and 
polled over twenty-two hundred votes. Subse- 
quently a new board was elected, and the char- 
ter and subscriptions thereto were I'ecorded June 
17,1850. The capital stock was fixed at two 
hundred and twenty thousand dollai's, or forty- 
four hundred shares. There were five hundred 
and fifty-five subscribers who took all the stock, 
the largest being Charles T. James, of Provi- 
dence, R. I., one thousand shares ; Farmers' 
Bank, Reading, two hundred shares ; F. A. M. 
Hiester, Reading, one hundred shares ; Samuel 
Bell, Reading, one hundred shai'es ; H. A. 
Muhlenberg, Reading, ninety-eight shares. 

The county commissioners subscribed for 
forty shares. 



728 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The coiupauy shortly before had purchased 
ground and issued proposals. The contract was 
awarded to C. T. James, for one hundred and 
ninety thousand dollars, and mill to contain 
eighty-one hundred and ninety-six spindles. 
The ground was broken May 2, 1850, and the 
building was completed and put in operation in 
December, 1851. The dimensions of the build- 
ing : Width, sixty-eight ; length, two hundred 
aud seventy-four feet ; self-operating mule 
spindles, 11,264; and looms, three hundred. 
Steam engine, two hundred horse-power; and 
daily production estimated at ninety-three hun- 
dred yards. 

In 1852 the production of muslin, in yards, 
was 1,578,859. In 1853 the production of 
muslin, in yards, was 2,186,927. The num- 
ber of hands employed in 1853 was three 
hundred aud twenty-four — men, thirty-six; 
boys, seventy-seven ; women and girls, two hun- 
dred and eleven — and wages paid, §44,832.15, 
During this year the company exhibited manu- 
factured goods at Crystal Palace Exhibition, 
New York, and a bronze medal was awarded 
for fine brown sheeting, its evenness of thread 
and perfection in weaving. The company con- 
tinued operations till February, 1860, when the 
stockholders decided to sell the factory; and 
it was accordingly sold on March 28, 1860, for 
one hundred and fifty-two thousand four hun- 
dred and sixty dollars, to Garner & Co., of New 
York. The total cost was two hundred and 
twenty thousand dollars. The panic of 1857 was 
the direct cause of the sale. This was the first 
large enterprise of the kind started at Reading. 

This extensive establishment, located on South 
Ninth Street, covering an entire square, or seven 
acres in area, is now in full operation under the 
firm of Garner & Co., who employ two hun- 
dred and twentv liauds. Thirty mules, running 
sixteen thousand spindles, are used in the man- 
ufacture of Silesia goods. The product of this 
factory is now shipj)ed direct to the print-works 
owned by the same firm in New York City. A 
three hundred horse-power engine, with three 
accompanying tubular boilers, run the extensive 
machinery. The weekly production for the 
present year, 1886, is fifty thousand yards of 
goods. 



The Reading Woolen-Mills, on North 
Fourth Street, are owned by J. G. Leinbach & 
Co. The mills were built in 1859, by Robert 
M. Shouse, for the manufacture of checkered 
goods and ginghams. In 1864 they were fitted 
up as woolen and cotton-mills and operated by 
Shouse & Leinbach. In 1875 J. G. Leinbach 
rented the mills and took in as partners A. S. 
Leinbach, John Shadle and E. Davis. The 
following year the firm of J. G. Leinbach & 
Co., purchased the mills. Four additional 
buildings were erected, covering an entire area 
of one acre. Sixty hands are employed in the 
mills and six traveling salesmen. Amount of 
capital invested, one hundred thousand dollars. 
The motive force is ]) reduced by a forty-five horse- 
power engine and two thirty horse-power cylin- 
der boilers. One mule and three jacks, run twelve 
hundred and sixteen spindles in this mill. 

Pai'ER-Mills.— Jacob Bushing is the pro- 
prietor of the Reading, Packerach and Tulpe- 
hocken Paper-Mills, all of which are in this 
city. 

The Tulpehockon ilill was built in 1856. At 
this mill a fine quality of Manilla paper is 
made and twenty-five employees are at work. 
The Reading Paper-Mill was built in 1865. 
Book-paper is made at this mill and forty-five 
hands are employed. The Packerach IMill was 
built in 1871. The manufactured product of 
this mill is Ixiok-paper, and fifty hands are em- 
ployed. 

The Artistic GLASS-^^^ORI■:s are owned by 
Joseph Bourniqiie & Co., who do a large busi- 
ness at the factory on the corner of Ninth and 
Laurel Streets. The firm is composed of Joseph 
and Adolph Bournique, L. and J. P. Kremp 
and Augustus Rolland. Fifteen glass-blowers 
are employed. Glass lamps, globes, vases, toi- 
let sets aud many kinds of fancy glassware are 
made. The specialties are gas and electric 
globes, dome shades, white enameled ware. Many 
exquisite designs are made. 

West Reading Plaxing-Mills, on Spruce 
Street, below Third, were built in 1866 by 
Eisenhower, Fink & Co., who were the propri- 
etors until the death of the senior member of 
the firm, in 1877, when the present owners, J. 
Fink and A. Huyett, as J. Fink & Co., sue- 



READING. 



r29 



ceeded. Sixty hands are employed in the man- 
ufacture of sash, shutters, doors, blinds and 
other varieties of building materials. These 
mills extend one hundred and ten feet frout ou 
Spruce and an entire square along the side, to 
Pine Street. A fifty hor.se-po\ver engine, with 
an eighty horse-power boiler, drive the machin- 
ery of these extensive mills. Thirty-nine 
varieties of machines have recently been added 
to increase the manufacturing capacity. 

Ki.ixE & Shuxk (Limited). — On the 2d 
of January, 1884, the firm of Kline t*t Shuuk 
(Limited) took possession of the large steam 
planing-mill located at the corner of Franklin 
and Carpenter Streets, for many years previous- 
ly occupied by J. H. Cheatham. Aaron K. 
Kline, the senior member of this firm, is a son 
of the late David B. Kline, of Exeter township. 
Previous to entering the firm Frederick Shunk 
had been foreman at this mill for thirteen years. 
The firm manufactures and sells in this and ad- 
joining counties, doors, window-sash, shutter- 
])linds, window-frames, door-frames, mouldings, 
brackets, furniture and a great variety of build- 
ers' material of various kinds. They use a sixty 
horse-power engine and employ forty-five me- 
chanics. There is connected witli this establish- 
ment a lumber-yard on Spruce Street, Reading, 
used for the storage and drj'ing of lumber. 

Builders. — Many prominent builders have 
been produced in Reading during the last forty 
years. All of tiiem have sprung from the 
working-class of citizens. Their energy, en- 
terprise and industry have contributed incalcu- 
lable wealth to this community. As the popu- 
lation of the city multiplied, the wants of the 
community for dwellings and buildings in- 
creased, and the builders satisfied these wants. 
Some of the more prominent builders before 
1870 were George Foos, Joseph Henry, William 
Henry, Samuel Summons, John Fink, Nathan 
M. Eisenhower, William B. Hertzel, Benne- 
ville Hemmig, Daniel Spohn, Henr}' Heck- 
man, Samuel Koch, Miller & Craig, George 
Garst, George Mast, Jacob Graeff, Dickinson 
Kutz, John Printz, David Gross, Benjamin 
O-ster, William Wells and Daniel Mast ; and 
since 1870, Daniel C. Roth, Jacob Kline, Wil- 
liam Brison, William Shatell, John Augstadt, 



Herman Rummel, Edward K. Mull, Christian 
Frantz, Daniel Helfricli, Peter Helfrich, David 
Stephan, Jacob D. Shollenberger, Henry D. 
Fishei', Frederick Fisher, William Myers, John 
SchaefTer, Jacob Miller, Gabriel iSIatz and David 
Moser. 

Business men have also erected numerous 
houses in this time, among them being Philip 
Zieber, John C. Maitland, John B. Grissinger, 
Jacob B. Fricker, Jeremiah Benner, Jacob S. 
Livingwood, John R. Bechtel and George M. 
Ermentrout. 

Daniec, Spohn, a prominent and successful 
builder and contractor, born in Reading, Dec. 
15, 1815. He learned the trade of a carpenter 
under his father, Solomon Spohn. At an early 
age he started out for himself without any capi- 
tal, but by well-directed industry and close ap- 
plication he soon developed a large business 
and eventually became one of the most promi- 
nent, progressive and successful builders iu 
Reading. For many years he was a master- 
builder, erecting rows of houses at a time and 
thereby assisting in the rapid growth of the 
city. These houses he disposed of on easy 
terms — mostly to workingmen — as an incentive 
to them to acquire their own homes and become 
practically interested in the welfare and devel- 
opment of Reading. He built some of the 
finest structures in Reading, including several 
school-houses, the city hall and the rear of the 
Reading Fire Insurance Company building. 
The last public building in which he was in- 
terested was the " Reading Relief Building." 
This was erected by him in 1874. Many years 
ago he directed his attention to the improve- 
ment of South Sixth Street, below Franklin, 
and he succeeded in building up many fine 
dwellings, in this way doing more than any 
other persons toward the permanent improve- 
ment of that section of the city. And he was 
not only engaged in improvements of this kind 
in one section of Reading, but in several 
parts at the same time. By his enterprise he 
afforded employment to many carpenters and 
laborers, and patronized business and material 
men of various kinds. He was an earnest 
friend of Building and Saving Associations. 
Communities are created and enriched by men 



r30 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of foresight, energy and determination, such as 
Mr. Spohn. He enjoyed the entire confidence 
of the many prominent men who employed him. 
As an illu.stratiou of thi.s, Hon. W. J. Wood- 
ward (president judge), in proposing to erect 
liis residence on North Fifth Street, selected 
and made a contract with him, providing for 
payments at certain periods during the progress 
of the building. One day Judge Wood- 
ward offered him two thousand dollars in ad- 
vance long before it was due. Mr. Spohn 



council for several terms — 1865-67, and 1868- 
72 — and whilst iu that body performed valua- 
ble public services on a number of important 
committees. 

Mr. Spohn assisted in organizing tiie Mutual 
Fire Insurance Company of Reading, and, for a 
time, acted as one of its directors. He was also 
connected witli the Odd Fellows. 

Notwithstanding his many business engage- 
ments, he found time to become interested iu 
poultry and pigeons. He was passionately fond 




V-^ 




l/j tU^i^l-^^^ (lj%C'^Hy>7^ 



politely declined it, but Judge Woodward in- 
sisted upon his accepting it, saying that he was 
thoroughly satisfied of his honesty. This is an 
evidence of the esteem in which he was held. 

Having been so deeply interested in the prac- 
tical development of Reading, he naturally di- 
rected his attention to its local government, 
and his fellow-citizens were not slow in appre- 
ciating his ability and energy in their behalf. 
He represented the fourth ward in the common 



of the latter, having had on hand for many 
years, and till his decease, a large and valuable 
stock of the finest fancy birds. 

He was a kind and indulgent husband and 
father, a warm friend and good neighbor. 

He died on August 8, 1875, of paralysis, in 
the sixtieth year of his age. He was married 
to Sarah Reiff, the descendant of an old, promi- 
nent and influential family in Chester County, 
with whom he left nine surviving children, — 



READING. 



731 



Annie, Emma (intermarried with John Moore, 
a prominent farmer near Millbach, Lebanon 
County), Kate (intermarried with Henry C. 
Jones, auditor of the Philadelpliia and Reading 
Railroad Company), Llewellyn,. Jacob R., Mary 
(intermarried with Alexander Shartle), Charles 
D., Clara (intermarried with Wallace Wise) and 
Rosa. 

.Jacob Reiff Spohn was born at Reading, 
February 25, 184.5, and educated in the common 
schools. He became an employee of the Phila- 
delphia and Reading Railroad Compan}' at an 
early age, and, by industry, unusual ability and 
remarkable devotion to the interests of the 
company, he rose step by step in the confidence 
of the officials, and was promoted from one po- 
sition to another until he came to fill the posi- 
tion of general division freight agent, for which 
he was thoroughly qualified. He died at Phila- 
delphia on October 9, 188.3, much lamented by 
the highest officials of the company, who at- 
tended his funeral in a body. As a tribute of 
their high esteem, many of the employees united 
in erecting a fine, large monument over his 
grave in Charles Evans' Cemetery. He left a 
widow and son, Harry Reiff Spohn. 

Paper-Box Factories. — Augustus Webe- 
kind began the manufacture of paper-boxes in 
1865 at No. 1240 Perkiomen Avenue. Twen- 
ty-five men are employed at this establishment 
and twenty thousand dollars of business is an- 
nually done. Hat-boxes and hardware-boxes 
of many kinds and varieties are made. 

The paper-box factory at No. 527 South 
Sixth Street, owned by Abraham Trate, was 
commenced in 1872. He makes hat-boxes and 
many varieties of paper-boxes for the shipping 
and handling goods. About a dozen workmen 
are regularly employed. 

Benjamin Mohn established a paper-box 
manufactory at No. 211 Maple Street in 1874. 
His business is quite extensive in the manufac- 
ture of hat-boxes for the trade in Reading. 

Albert Thalheimer established his box- 
factory July 10, 1866, and then employed three 
woi'kmen. As his business increased he inven- 
ted and introduced improved machinery, and 
enlarged his factory, located on Cedar Street, 
near Walnut. He now has sixty-three em- 



ployees, consumes twenty-five thousand feet of 
lumber weekly, and makes cigar-boxes, shelf- 
boxes and boxes for general purposes in lai-ge 
quantities. Seven saws are kept running. The 
printing department is connected with the fac- 
tory. Mr. Thalheimer is also proprietor of the 
" Reading Organ Action Works," established in 
188-5, at Reading. 

Daniel Rapp conducts carriage-shops on 
Poplar Street. He began the same business on 
Court Street in 1867, and removed to his pres- 
ent place in 1872. He employs sixteen work- 
men. 

E. W. Ivreider's shops, on I'earl Street, were 
started in 1855 by Conrad Krebs. In 1872 the 
present (iwner purchased the shops, and has 
since run them. .Vboiit a dozen employees are 
at work, 

IvEYSTONE CoAL-DlMPIXfi-WAGOX FAC- 
TORY, near the Lebanon Valley Railroad bridge, 
was started in 1882 by H. S. Bromhart and 
Isaac R. Ritter, as the firm of Brt)mhart tV: Rit- 
ter. They construct a convenient dumping- 
wagon of their own invention, which is pat- 
ented. This wagon has met with a large sale. 
Nine men are employed in this fiictory. 

Reading Fire Apparatits Works, near 
the Lebanon Valley Railroad bridge, was 
founded in 1881 by the Spawn & Dennison 
Manufacturing Company, who in 1882 disposed 
of them to the present owner, W. W. Wunder. 
Hook-and-ladder trucks, hose-carriages, carts, 
reels, extension ladders, fire extinguishers and a 
variety of other apparatus necessary to extin- 
guish fire are made. Thirteen workmen are 
employed and fifteen thousand dollars of busi- 
ness is done yearly. Among the important towns 
supplied with apparatus from these works are 
Charleston, S. C, Augusta, Ga., Poughkeepsie, 
Jamestown, Salamanca, N. Y., Birmingham 
and Danbury, Conn. 

Thomas P. Kinsey, mechanical engineer and 
solicitor of patents, at No. 102 South Third 
Street, began business in 1876, and makes de- 
signs, drafts, plans, elevations, specifications and 
estimates of bridges, boilers, mills, mines and 
furnace equipments. 

The Furniture and Upholstery Man- 
ufactory of Schrader & Kline, No. 650 Peun 



732 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PPJNNSYLVANIA. 



Street, was established in 1883 for tliemanufiic- 
ture of special articles in the furniture and up- 
holstery line to order. They have a large four- 
story factory, extending from Penn to Cherry 
Street, and employ forty hands iu filling orders 
for dealers' supplies in Pennsylvania and sur- 
rounding States ; with forty-five thousand dollars 
iu vested in tiie business. E. M. Schrader and 
L. S. Kline compose the firm. 

Enterprise Furnitire Manufactory 
was originated in the year 1869 l)y Jacob H. 
Deysher, in a building on South Third Street. 
In 1874 he o]iened a retail furniture salesroom 
at 409 South Fifth Street in addition. Owing 
to thefinancial depression of 1873, the proprietor 
.suffered losses; so that iu 1878, the business 
passed into the hands of his wife, Anna K. 
Deysher, who is the present owner, Mr. Deysher 
still acting as general superintendent. The 
factory covers a half acre of ground and large 
quantities of furniture, packing-boxes and box 
lumber are made. Thirteen employees are 
engaged, thirty-five thousand dollars are in- 
vested and a business of sixty thousand dollars 
is done yearly. 

The Anchor Ben ding-Works, ou Second 
and Franklin Streets, have been in operation 
since 1879, when Jacob A. Leippe commenced 
tiie manufacture of the Anchor shafts and rims, 
which are extensively manufactured and sold. 
An area of an acre is occupied by the works 
and the storage-rooms for prej^ared lumber and 
manufactured jiroducts. Twenty-five men are 
emj)loyed. 

Wheelwrights. — The name of Goodman 
as a wheelwright and carriage-builder has been 
prominently and favorably known to the citi- 
zens of Reading and Berks County since 1824. 
John Goodman then began this business ou 
Court Street, between Seventh and Eighth 
Streets. In 1826 he removed to shops on 
lyemon Street, near Franklin. He enjoyed a 
large trade over an extensive territory. In 1854 
he admitted as a partner his son, Henry Good- 
man. In 1866 the latter was given entire con- 
trol of the business and has since conducted it. 

Shadell & Fegley own a shop at 340 Church 
Street, Jacob Troop at 1-5 North Third St., and 
Christian Bridenstine at 901 Xortli Eighth St. 



George W. Biehl, proprietor of the large 
carriage manufactory on Pearl Street, between 
Cherry and Franklin,. and of the salesroom, at 
No. 31 South Fifth Street, commenced the busi- 
ness in 1877 on Cherry Street, below Sixth, and 
iu 1881 removed to his present location. Mr. 
Biehl makes a specialty of furnishing large 
invoices of manufactured carriage-bodies, wooden 
gear and builders' supplies to the trade in the 
Northern and Western States. His salesrooms 
are filled with carriages, phaetons, sleighs, etc. 
He employs thirty-eight workmen, has fifteen 
thousand dollars invested in the manufactory 
and his yearly sales amount to thirty-five thou- 
sand dollars. 

William H. Wetherholu possesses an ex- 
tensive carriage manufactory on Poplar Street, 
which was originated by him in 1862. The 
departments are wheelwright-shop, blacksmith- 
shop, trimming, paint and storage-rooms, which 
together cover a large area. Many kinds of 
carriages and wagons are made at this factory 
by forty workmen. The annual business done 
is about eighteen thousand dollars. The car- 
riages of this factory are known over a large 
territory. 

The Bard Spoke- Works, owned by Harry 
S. Bard, were established in 1864 by Roland & 
Smith, who made tool-handles and spokes until 
1875, when Mr. Bard purchased the works. 
He has since erected three additional buildings, 
and manufactures Ijanded hub wheels, spokes, 
felloes aud handles. Fifteen men are em- 
ployed. 

The Pipe-Organ Factory at No. 824 
Court Street was established in Reading, dur- 
ing the year 1856, by the present proprietor, 
Samuel Bolder, who for thirty years has built 
pipe-organs for ciiurches. Mr. Bohler is a 
native of Switzerland, learned tlie business of 
organ making under his father, who also was a 
builder of organs. Sixty-seven large pipe or- 
gans, for various churches in the Eastern and 
Middle States, whose prices ranged from three 
hundred to six thousand dollars, were made by 
the Readiug factory. The three-manual-pipe 
organ, with forty stops, now owned by the St. 
John's Lutheran Church at Allentown, is the 
largest one constructed here. First ten-stop 




Va^ 




^"^ 



READING. 



733 



organ made in Reading, by Messrs. Bohler & 
Son, July, 1850. 

The Lumber- Yard of F. P. Heller, at No. 
205 Penn Street, was first opened by Solomon F. 
Snyder in 1850, and purchased by the present 
owner in 1867. His yard on Penn Street is 
one hundred and twenty by two hundred and 
seventy feet. He has another yard on the cor- 
ner of Second and Walnut Streets, three hun- 
dred by two hundred and thirty feet, used for 
storing lumber. Forty thousand dollars are 
invested, and a business of one hundred thou- 
sand dollars per year is transacted. 

Fredeic p. Heller is the great-grand- 
son of William Ludwig Heller, who died in 
Reading, July 7, 1765. His son, Frederick 
Heller, was born July 19, 1763, and died 
October, 1837. He was married to Catherine 
Bright, and had two daughters and twelve sons, 
of whom George Heller was the sixth child. 
The latter was born Januaiy 22, 1800, in 
Reading, which has been his life-time residence, 
his business for more than sixty years having 
been that of a jeweler. He married Catherine, 
daughter of Peter Smith, of Reading, and had 
three sons, — Fredric P., Joseph F. and James 
A., of whom the subject of this biography is the 
only survivor. Mr. Heller's second marriage 
was with Caroline, daughter of Jacob Kern, of 
Reading. Their children are Francis K. (once 
a student at Yale College, and whose death was 
the result of a wound received at the battle of 
Fair Oaks, during the Civil War), Charles H. 
(deceased), Philip K. (of Philadelphia), Mary 
C, Emily C. and Rosa A. 

Fredric P. Heller was born on July 28, 1834, 
in Reading, where his life has been spent in 
active business pursuits. His education was 
acquired in the common schools, after which he 
learned the trade of watch-maker, under his 
father and in Philadelphia. In 1857 he 
opened a store in Reading, at the corner of 
Fourth and Penn Streets, from whence, in 1860, 
he removed to 625 Penn Street, and conducted 
the business until 1867, when it was relinquished 
for his present interest as a lumber dealer. He 
was, February 8, 1859, married to Rose E., 
daughter of S. L. Snyder, of Reading. Their 
children are two daughters, — Kate E., married 



to William A. Hutl', of Greensburg, Pa. ; and 
Carrie S., married to William H. Kesler, of 
Reading. Mr. Heller is in politics a Republi- 
can, and prominent in the various political 
movements connected with his ward. In 1858 
he was elected a member of the School Board, 
and held the office for two years. He served 
during the years 1873 and 1874 in the Common 
Council of the city, and was in the latter year 
elected to the Select Council, in which body he 
officiated until 1877. He was again elected in 
1883, and still fills the office. Mr. Heller was 
the projector of the Reading Board of Trade 
and until recently one of its officers. He was 
also the originator, and has since its organization 
been the president, of the Washington Library. 
He is Treasurer and Past Master of Lodge 
No. 62, of Free and Accepted iMasons, Past 
High Priest of Reading Chapter, No. 152, and 
the projector and among the earliest officers ot 
Reading Commandery, No. 42, as also Division 
Commander of the Tenth Division. Mr. 
Heller has been a leading spirit in various 
building associations in which he is at present 
an officer. He has been active in military 
matters, and for several years previous to the 
war held a commission in the volunteer service, 
which, owing to dissension in the company, he 
resigned before the outbreak of the late war. 
He is a member of Trinity Evangelical 
Lutheran Church of Reading. 

Boat-Builders. — The building of canal- 
boats was an important industry in Reading in 
days of the past. The last factories in opera- 
tion were owned by John A. Hiester and 
Krick & Co., both located at the foot of South 
Fifth Street. A number of boats and barges 
now in use on the Schuylkill Navigation 
and Erie Canal and other inland water- 
routes, have been made at the yards of the 
above-mentioned firms. A large dry-dock is 
attached to the yard owned by Mr. Hiester. No 
boats have been built since 1884. 

Brush-makers. — Peter Stiuell, in 1847, be- 
gan making brushes in Reading, at 945 Penn 
Street. He had a large trade for many vears, 
employing twenty-seven workmen. Three 
teams were constantly traveling to dispose of 
his brushes. In 1861 he selected the eligible 



734 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



site at 837 Walnut Street, and fitted up a new 
factory aud salesroom. By his death, iu 1870, 
his son, John E. Stiuell, succeeded, aud has 
continued the busine.ss. 

AmosDrenkel, in 1863, commenced to make 
brushes at his present place. No. 15 North 
Eighth Street. Iu 1873 he erected a three- 
story brick building. The first floor is used as 
a salesroom. The other brush-makers of the city 
are J. O. Flatt et Co., Adam Nickalaus, 
Micliael Nickalaus and Geortre Resenfuse. 



present owner, on Cherry Street, above Second. 
The present bakery was built by Mr. Licliteu- 
thaeler in 1872. 

Bexjamix Lichtexthaeler was born at 
Lititz, iu Lancaster County, on March 17, 1817, 
wiiere his father, Adolph Lichtenthaeler, settled 
shortly after the Revolutionary War, having 
emigrated from Germany. M'hen a boy he at- 
tended the Moravian school at that place for 
some years, and theu learned the trade of cabi- 
uet-makiniT, under his elder brother. After 




/f O^A^^J^f^^^t^^^l^M^ 



Jacob B., Walter B. aud William F. Shana- 
man commenced the manufacture of brooms in 
1872, at No. 309 North Fifth Street, under the 
firm-name of Shanaman Bros. In 1878 they 
removed to tlie manufactory No. 236 North 
Sixtli Street, where they carry on a large and 
increasing trade. They employ thirteen men. 

The Pretzel Bakery is a manufactory 
worthy of special mention. It is owned by 
Benjamin Lichtenthaeler ; is located at No. 37 
Apple Street, and was started in 1860, by the 



carrying on this business himself for about 
twelve years at Lititz he removed to Reading. 
This was in the spring of 1860. 

Finding that there could be a trade estab- 
lished in the sale of a steam pretzel, he then em- 
barked in that business. During the fii-st year 
he had one workman employed beside himself, 
one team upon the road and dis]wsed of about 
two hundred thousand pretzels. This successful 
beginning was very encouraging to him, and he 
continued iu the business from year to year till 



READING. 



735 



tlie present time, developing his trade and iu- 
creasiug the quantity manufactured. He now 
employs four hauds beside himself, has two 
teams ujjon the road (one delivering in the city 
and the other througliout the county, extending 
his trips into the adjoining counties). Last year 
he manufactured and disposed of one million 
two hundred thousand pretzels — au evidence of 
his success in this undertaking. He was the 
first one to engage in this particular business as 
a s])ecialty at Reading. Since he introduced it 
others have engaged in it, including nearly all 
the bakers; but the sale of his article has not 
been atfected, indicating the thorough manner 
with wliich he has established his trade. 

During his residence here Mr. Lichtenthaeler 
has devoted his attention entirely to his busi- 
ness, excepting for a period of three years, from 
1877 to 1880, when he served as a member of 
the Select Couucil from the Fifth Ward, he hav- 
ing lieen elected to this position without any 
solicitation on his part. He is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church. 

In 1848 he was married to Luciuda E. 
Smith, a native of Bethlehem, and they have 
two children, Edward and Sarah (intermarried 
with William Conwell). 

Farming Implements. — Farming imple- 
ments were made at Reading from an early 
period. Before 1840 this branch of industry 
was carried on extensively by different individ- 
uals, among them, Adam Waid, Jacob Ahrens, 
Matthias Raser and M. Kirkpatrick. Samuel 
Lessig began in 1849. He has continued till 
now. In 1858 Raser invented the first lever 
h(jrse-rake. It was patented. Samuel Lessig 
obtained a half interest in the invention ; and, 
in 1859 he improved it. For about ten years 
he manufactured aud sold large numbers of 
them. 

The first power in threshing was the rotary 
lever power pulling at the centre ; then the 
treading-power. Mr. Lessig, in 1869, improved 
the lever-power by introducing an iron circular 
frame, aud applying the power at a point in this 
frame about twenty inches from the centre. 
This was the first application of this princijile. 
It increased the power aud reduced the exertion. 

He also invented an improved "Threshing- 



Machine" in 1871, for which he obtained a 
patent. He has been conspicuously indentified 
with this industry for over thirty years in Read- 
ing. 

Clock-Making. — Clocks were made at 
Reading from 17(30 for about seventy years. 
The metal parts of the clock were mostly im- 
ported, and then set together by clock-makers. 
Some of the brass wheels were cast at Reading, 
by brass-founders ; which were filed and pre- 
pared for clock-works. Eight-day corner clocks 
only were made at Reading. The cost was 
from sixty to seventy dollars, and with a fine 
high walnut case added, it would frequently 
amount to one hundred dollars. Evidently, only 
a few clocks in proportion to population, were 
in use. The making of a clock required from 
six weeks to two months. This interesting 
branch of industry was foi'ced out of this com- 
munity by the introduction of Yankee clocks, 
which were much cheaper. There were shops 
also for making repairs to watches, clocks, etc., 
in which, however, no clocks were made. 

Among the early clock-makers were Daniel 
Rose, Daniel Oyster, John Keim, Henry Hahn. ^ 
Some of these clocks indicated the changes of 
the moon ; others had moving figures, which 
a})peared aud disappeared. A musical depart- 
ment was even included in the more valuable 
clocks, which produced pleasing tunes. Their 
delicate construction displayed wonderful work- 
manship. Many of them were destroyed be- 
tween 1840 and 1870. Comparatively few 
families now have them. 

Rope-Making. — The manufacture of ropes 
in Reading was one of the first industries of the 
town ; and it has continued regularly from 
the beginning. The rope-walk of Thomas 
Jackson, at the foot of Sixth Street, for many 
years was the most prominent establishment of 
its kind. During the freshet of 1850 it was 
washed away. INIr. Jackson then purchased 
land in North Reading, on " Hockley Lane," 
near the " Kutztown Road" (now Eighth 
Street), and erected a new factory. The " rope- 
walk " was made over fourteen hundred feet 
long. It has been continued in this locality 
since, and in the same name, having at the 
proprietor's death passed to his son. It has 



■36 



HLSTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



been very successfully managed. Ropes of 
many sizes are manufactured and shipped to 
many points. The lirm of Thomas Jackson & 
Son now manufacture Manilla, Sisal and jute 
rope, cordage, twines and packing yarn. 

Marblk-Works. — The marble-works of 
John Frederick Moers were established in 1790 
by the grandfatlier of the present owner, who 
bore the same name. The father of Mr. Moers, 
whose name was also John Frederick Moers, 
owned them for a number of years. They are 
located at 212 and 214 Fenn Street. 

The Reading Steam INIarble-Mill, H. S. 
Getz & Co., proprietors, began business in 
1873, at Spruce and Canal Streets. In 1881 
they erected the large buildings on Canal, foot 
of Second Street. This is the only general supply 
marble-mill in Reading, doing strictly a whole- 
sale trade with about sixty thousand dollars 
invested in the business ; with seven workmen 
employed. 

The Eagle Marblo-^\'orks, at the northwest 
corner of Sixth and Elm Streets, were estab- 
lished in 1875 l\v Penrose F. Eisenbrown. 
In 1877 he opened a granite yard iu connec- 
tion with his business ; also a mantel depart- 
ment, with slate and marble mantels, marbleized 
slates for vestibule, flooring, etc. He has twen- 
ty-five thousand dollars invested in the busi- 
ness and employs from twenty-five to thirty 
workmen; business extends to several of the 
surrounding States. His works are the largest 
and have the finest collection of tombstones, 
monuments and fine sculpture in the city of 
Reading. 

The Reading Marble and Granite- Works 
were established in 1881 by F. F. Bressler 
and i\.mos S. Esterly, at Nos. 418 to 435 North 
Sixth Street, Reading. This firm has invested 
ten thousand dollars in the business, and em- 
ploy teu workmen. Many fine monuments are 
executed. 

The Umbrella Manufactory, No (j39 
Penn Street, is conducted by August Rolland, 
who began the business in 1869 at 2(3 South 
Seventh Street, removing to the jireseut loca- 
tion in 1879. 

Collar Manufacturers. — Christian Gruu- 
der is the successor of Nathaniel Gery, who be- 



gan the manufacture of horse-collars in 1854 
at Ninth and Washiugton Streets, and in 1856 
removed his shops to No. 844 Penn Sti-eet. At 
his death, in 1808, the business was purchased 
by Mr. Grunder and run successfully until 
1881, when he removed to No. 8 North Ninth 
Street. He manufactures and keeps iu stock 
Scotch, Irish and short straw collars. 

The collar manufactory at 903 Penn Street 
was commenced by John M. Kantner in 1878. 
He manufactures all kinds of short straw col- 
lars. The business demands a large and varied 
stock to be kept on hand. 

Basket-Making. — John Cook began the 
manufacture of willow baskets at 219 North 
Tenth Street in 1872; in 1883 he removed to 
his manufactory, corner Tenth and Walnut 
Streets. This branch of industry has rapidly 
declined in Reading by reason of large 
shipments of manufactured willow-ware from 
Philadelphia. Jacob Cook commenced basket- 
making in 1870 at Eighth and Cherry Streets. 
In 1875 he removed to 114 North Eleventh 
Street. 

The Reading Paint Manitfactory. — 
This large establishment extends from 220 to 230 
Poplar Street. It was originated in 1870 by 
A. Wilhelm & Co., and has been in successful 
operation to present time. The company manu- 
facture and fill large orders for dry, ground in 
oil, ready-mixed paints. Their trade extends 
through eight different States, and twenty 
workmen are employed constantly. 

The Paint Manufactory, Nos. 229, 231 
and 233 South Eighth Street, was built iu 1884 
by B. Frank Ruth and Edward Scull, known 
as B. F. Ruth & Co. They manufactured paints 
for cars, bridges, houses, roofs, etc. The trade 
requires these dry, ground in oil and ready 
mixed. They employ five hands. The pro- 
duct of the maimfactorv is shipped largely to 
Northern and Eastern States. 

Michael Schweitzer began the business of 
carpet-weaving in 1851 at his present manufac- 
tory, 139 South Sixth Street. He has two 
thousand dollars invested in the business; runs 
four looms, with five hands constantly em- 
ployed. 

Bottling Establishment. — Christian 



READING. 



737 



Schick and John H. Fett are the proprietors of 
the oldest and largest bottling establishment in 
the city of Reading. Id 1864 they erected two 
large buildings on property to tiie rear of No. 
31 North Ninth Street, and, under the firm- 
name of Schick & Fett, began the manufacture 
of sarsaparilla, soda water, pear cider and birch 
beer. The bottling of porter, lager beer and 
brown stout is also done. In the past year a 
large patent water-filter was placed in the works. 
They employ six teams and a force of ten hands, 
and their trade is extended through Berks, Lan- 
caster, Chester and jMontgomery Counties. 

The Reading Soap and Candle- Works 
were established in 1866 by Frederick Bickel, 
at No. 128 Washington Street. In 1879 W. K. 
Leaman, who had been in the works for some 
years, assumed the entire control, and by the 
aid of improved machinery has extended the 
capacity for manufacturing, and his trade has 
since increased. The amount of capital invest- 
ed is ten thousand dollars; number of hands 
employed, ten. 

Boots and Shoes. — Large ((uantities of 
boots and shoes were manulacttn-ed in tlie bor- 
ough previous to 1839. But this industry was 
also then affected by the introduction oi foreign 
goods. In the year named the borough con- 
tained seven stores, which sold annually many 
cases of boots and shoes, mostly made in and 
shipped from Philadelpiiia and New England. 
The production of the factories at Reading was 
thereby greatly diminished. This result was 
attributed to " the baneful influence of trades 
unions imported from England." The first 
large factory at Reading was carried on by 
O'Brien & Foster. In 1819 this firm had 
three thousand pairs of boots and shoes for their 
wholesale trade, independent of a large stock 
for retail. About 1846 Henry F. Felix began 
tile extensive manufacture and sale of this class 
of goods. 

Walp & Co., comprised of Oliver J. ^A^alp 
and Alonzo R. Leavitt, conduct a shoe-fac- 
tory at 810 Cherry Street. The business was 
begun in 1883 by Mr. Leavitt. January 1, 
1886, ]Mr. AValp became a partner. At present 
eighty-five hands are employed. The capital 
invested is forty-five thousand dollars. 
66 



Dives, Pomeroy & Stewart. — This firm 
has become deservedly popular, prominent and 
prosperous in the dry-goods and notion business 
in the city, and its members are an example of 
what men can accomplish by an active, ener- 
getic application to business, coupled with a de- 
sire to learn the wants of the community and to 
cheerfully supply them. On the 1st of April, 
1876, Josiah Dives, George S. Pomeroy and 
John Stewart associated themselves as partners, 
and started out in business at Reading, in the 
"Globe Store," established by John D. Mishler. 
From the start their business has been remark- 
ably prosperous and noted for its enterjjrise and 
fair dealing. These characteristics and the evi- 
dent purposes that the young merchants enter- 
tained, that "they serve the public best who serve 
it most," secured them a patronage which has 
made the large establishment they now occupy 
an easy possibility. Their extended business 
soon induced them to vacate the " Globe Store " 
and remove to a place of larger capacity. They 
entered the double store in the Aliller building 
in 1879, and, after remaining tiiere three years, 
these also became inadequate. In 1882 they 
erected their present magnificent mercantile 
building and took pos.session on October 12th 
of that year. Its massive proportions and in- 
ternal arrangements are exceeded by but few 
other business houses in the State. The build- 
ing is of brick, with brown-stone trimmings, 
60x155 feet, and four stories high. The base- 
ment is also finished for business purposes, serv- 
ing as another story in the building. The main 
salesroom has an area of more than nine thousand 
square feet, and contains more than six hundred 
lineal feet of counters. It is divided into depait- 
ments, after the manner of the modern store ; 
and, since November, 1882, has been supplied 
with the "cash-ball system," this firm being 
the first in the city to adopt its use. The 
room is admirably lighted by sky-lights in the 
rear, and has the front entrances recessed eleven 
feet, so as to afford additional light, and large 
windows for disi^laying goods. The arrange- 
ment of goods is repeatedly changed, and attracts 
much attention. Projecting from the centre of 
the roof is an observatory seventy-three feet 
above the sidewalk. The building was designed 



r38 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENXSYLVAXIA. 



by Edward Mull, a prominent and successful 
builder of Reading, and erected under his super- 
vision. 

It is very creditable alike to the enterprise 
and progressive spirit of the proprietors, and 
to the taste and judgment of the builder. 



people from all the surrounding districts. 
This firm have extended their business into 
other counties of the State, where they estab- 
lished large and flourishing stores. They have 
in their employ, in their several stores, eighty 
clerks at Readino- fortv-five at Harrisbursr, 




DIVES, POMEROY & STE\\AET, I>RY GOODS. 



The business of the firm has been largely in- 
creased since they have occupied this estab- 
lishment. Its patronage comes from all parts 
of the county, and even from the adjoining 
counties. On holidays the store-room is a 
veritable " bee-hive," almost packed with 



thirty at Altoona and fifteen at Pottstown ; 
altogether, one hundred and seventy. 



George Smith was the second son of the late 
Hon. Frederick Smith, once attorney-general of 
the commonwealth, and at the time of his death 



READING. 



739 



one of the justices of the Supreme Court of 
Pennsylvania, was married to Catharine Leaf, 
of Philadelphia. Siie was of English extrac- 
tion and a woman of large brain capacity 
and power of will and of fine physique. George 
Smith was born at Reading, in the Smith man- 
sion, which stood on the site now occupied by 
The First National Bank. He developed at 
an early age a taste for active, out-door pur- 
suits, and a corresponding repugnance for books, 



still survives and is among the oldest of Read- 
ing's inhabitants, and loved and revered alike 
for her goodness and her years. Young Smith, 
when freed from his indenture of apprenticeship, 
entered upon a business career for himself. He 
evinced a sagacity and foresight seldom found 
in one of his years. Success attended his well- 
directed efforts and he soon became the owner of 
the mill at which he had learned his trade. 
He then extended his operations and sought 





although he acquired a good English education. 
At the age of sixteen, he apprenticed himself to 
learn the trade of a miller, at what was then 
known as Governor Hiester's mill, adjacent to 
Reading, on the west bank of the Schuylkill 
River, at the mouth of Wyomissing Creek. On 
the door-frame of the old mill where he began 
his apprenticeship there can yet be seen, carved 
with his pocket-knife, the following: "George 
Smith, 1818." When but eighteen years of age 
he married Margaret, the youngest daughter of 
the late Jacob Brecht (since called Bright), who 



the markets of Philadelphia and other adjoin- 
ing counties. This was before the era of rail- 
roads, and the extent of his enterprise can be 
judged by the circumstance that in the transpor- 
tation of his cargoes to the mining regions above 
and tide-water below, quite a fleet of barges on 
the Union and Schuylkill Canals were required. 
Subsequently Mr. Smith associated himself 
with the late Lewis Reese, and they, together, 
for many years, operated Rees' (now Krick's) 
mill on the Schuylkill. Their transactions here 
were so large that the mill soon was reputed as 



740 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



one of the leading plants of the kind iu this 
section of the State, and it brought the proprie- 
tors into prominence. It was whilst engaged 
here that Mr. Smith, in 1839, was commissioned 
flour inspector by Governor David R. Porter. 
For this responsible trust he was well prepared 
by experience and practical knowledge of de- 
tails. 

Writing to Governor ^Yolf iu 1829, one of 
his friends, in advocating his appointment as 
register of the county, epitomizes his qualifi- 
cations thus : ■' Among the applicants for office 
from Berks County will be George Smith. He 
is a man of correct morals and excellent habits. 
He will apply and be warmly recommended for 
the register's office of this county. He has ex- 
cellent capacity, stroug sense, a clear judgment 
and most sterling integrity. I believe him in 
every way well qualified for the office." 

He received the appointment, and, in 1830, 
was commissioned and acceptably filled the 
office during the six years of Governor Wolf's 
administration. Prior to this, iu 1828, he went 
as a delegate to the National Convention, at 
which General Jackson was renominated for 
President. He represented the county in the 
State Convention of 1829, where George Wolf 
was nominated for Governor and was by the 
same convention made a niember of the State 
Committee of Correspondence. 

In 1843 he was appointed by the party iu 
Berks to represent it in the State Convention 
of that year to nominate a Board of Canal Com- 
missioners and upon his return, at the ensuing 
County Convention, received a vote of thanks 
for the manner in which he had performetl 
his duties. On two subsequent occasions, in 
1850 and 1857, he was again a delegate to State 
Conventions. 

In 1853 Mr. Smith quit the milling business 
in the vicinity of Reading, and united with his 
son, George Smith, Jr., as a partner in the same 
business at Birdsboro'. They continued at 
that place until 1859, when he permanently 
withdrew from tiie business, and thereafter 
gave his attention to his real estate interests, 
which had grown to large proportions through- 
out city and country. 

Although strangely indifferent to the value 



of education in his youth, he realized his error 
in after years and afforded all his children ample 
opportunity for a liberal training. With great 
((uickness of apprehension and a tenacious 
memory, lie availed himself of every opportun- 
Itv to compensate for his own deficiencies. 

Besides his widow, already mentioned, he 
leaves surviving six children, as follows : ]\Irs. 
Angeline E. Stewart, Mrs. Colonel J. De Puy 
Davis, Judge J. Bright Smith, ]\Iiss Kate A. 
Smith, all of Reading; Major E. L. Smith, of 
Denver, Col., and George Smith, Jr., of Union 
township. 

Although an inflexible Democrat, and, inileed, 
by many regarded as a stanch partisan, he was 
singularly free from i)igotry of every sort, and 
tolerant of the opinions and professions of honest 
political opponents. He believed fully iu the 
utmost freedom of thought and speech and con- 
ceded it as freely to others as he claimed it for 
himself. "Judge not, lest ye be also judged," 
was a favorite Scriptural injunction which he 
habitually quoted and inculcated, and it can 
with truth be said of him, as was said of his 
great ancestor, John Frederick Smith, " that he 
practiced what he preached." 

In his habits and manner of life George 
Smith was modest, plain and unobtrusive. The 
natural and the real were what he affected — the 
artificial and the showy were his aversion. As 
in the affairs of State, so in the household, he 
advocated and insisted upon good husbandry, 
but he recognized clearly the distinguishing 
line between the benefit? of a prudent economy 
and the evils of parsimony. Mingling with all 
classes, he was familiar with the poor and dis- 
tressed, many of whom survive and gratefully 
attest the tenderness of his sympathy and his 
quiet deeds of charity. With these attributes of 
head and heart it is scarcely necessary to add 
that as son, husband and father he was dutiful, 
affectionate and exemplary. On the 29th of 
September, 1878, at his residence, in the city of 
Reading, surrounded by those he loved, he 
quietly passed to his eternal rest. 

John Sallada Peaesox, the son of Elijah 
and Mary Pearson, was born March 10, 1805, 
in the town of Womelsdorf After mode- 
rate advantages of an education he entered 




J.ttC^C/'A 



'^ 



HEADING. 



741 



the dry-goods store of O'Brien & Raigiiel, at 
Reading, and, on attaining his majority, with 
his cousin, organized the firm of John S. & 
Ciiarles IM. Pearson, which was one of the oldest 
and most extensive dry-goods firms in the 
city. After completing a business career of half 
a century, he retired in 1871 from active mercan- 
tile life, having built up not only a successful 
trade, but a character for probity and sterling 
worth. He was a man of strong individuality 
and great industry; was firm in his convictions 
and prominent in the cultivation of a spirit of 
benevolence. Mr. Pearson was agreeable, ac- 
commodating and attentive to his customers and 
just in his dealings. By this means he estab- 
lished a trade which made him a successful 
merchant and gave him high standing and ex- 
cellent credit in the commercial world. It was 
said by one of his friends that lie was the most 
upright and conscientious business man he ever 
knew. Kind and benevolent by nature, he 
contributed to every deserving charity and never 
refused the petitions for the relief of poverty and 
distress. Mr. Pearson was noted for his kind- 
ness to young men about starting in business life. 
During his business career his establisiiment was 
a school for the training of many who afterwards 
became some of the most successful business men 
of Reading. His nature was bright, cheerful 
and buoyant, his form erect and his step elastic, 
even in advancing years. With excellent health 
and a heart always light and joyous, life had for 
him much of happiness and sunshine. Mr. 
Pearson was always in politics a Whig or Re- 
publican, but never ])articipated in the strife for 
office. He was a director of the Union Bank 
of Reading, a trustee of the Charles Evans 
Cemetery, a member of the Reading Relief and 
the Reading Benevolent Societies, and for thirty- 
three years a consistent member of the First 
Presbyterian Church, of M'hich he was both 
trustee and treasurer, and to which he contrib- 
uted with great liberality. He was one of the 
committee appointed to select the site for the 
Widows' and Single AVoraen's Home and the 
first contributor to the Reading Dispensary. He 
was also in earlier days connected with the 
Montgomery Lodge of Odd-Fellows. Mr. 
Pearson was twice married, — first, to Miss Mary 



Jones, and second, to Mary, widow of Captain 
Thomas Leoser. By his first marriage he had 
two children, — Annie C. (deceased) and Almira 
R., married to Henry A. Hoff, whose children 
are Harry K., D. Pearson, Charles J. and Mary 
Peai'son. Mr. Pearson died on the 8th of 
July, 1885, in his eightieth year. As a 
touching tribute to his character and influ- 
ence, the business men of Reading closed 
their stores and offices on the occasion of his 
funeral. 

Cai.eb WiiEELf:R, is of English descent. He 
was born in Sussex County, N. J., on the 1st 
of July, 1805, and at the age of four years re- 
moved to ]Morris County, in the same State, his 
youth having been spent at Denville near Mor- 
ristown. His education was confined to such 
instruction as was obtained at the country 
schools and for a short period at a boarding- 
school in Morristown, after which his time was 
devoted to the management of the business in- 
terests of a relative in the same county. He 
then entered a store and was engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits until his subsequent removal to 
Hackettstown, Warren County, N. J., where he 
remained as an active business man until 1830, 
the date of his advent in Schuylkill County, 
Pa., where he continued his career of a success- 
ful merchant. In 1830 he was married to 
Nancy H., daughter of Silas Riggs, of Morris 
County, N. J., who died in Reading on the 5th 
of April, 1873. Mr. AVheeler soon after his 
marriage engaged extensively in the coal busi- 
ness, being one of the first to develop the coal 
interests of the western end of Schuylkill Coun- 
ty and among the most active operators and 
successful shippers of that product. He meau- 
\\hile for many years acted as agent of the 
Swatara Coal Company, who were large owners 
of coal lands in the county. Mr. Wheeler, in 
April, 1857, removed to Reading, and while 
making that city his residence, still retained 
his extensive business interests and continued 
to manage the finances of the firm. Formerly 
a Whig and later a Republican in his political 
convictions, he has ever been a strong and earn- 
est advocate of the principles of his party, but 
declined all ]iroffers of office. He was a zeal- 
ous supporter of the government during the 



r-t2 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



late war, both with his means and influence. He 
was a former director of the Farmers' Xatioiial 
Bank of Reading, and otherwise identified with 
the business interests of the city. Mr. Wheeler 
is au elder of the First Presbyterian Church 
of Reading. He is greatly interested in the 
benevolent enterprises of Reading, which receive 
from him substantial support. He was one of 
the projectors of the Reading Hospital, is now 
a member of its board of directors, and was 
one of the committee appointed to make the 
purchase of land for the site of the Home for 
Widows and Single Women, of Reading. 
Having retired from active commercial life, he 
finds pleasure in the advancement of these and 
other beuevolent interests. 

James T. Reber, a prominent and success- 
ful hardware merchant at Reading for nearly 
thirty years, was born April 29, 1834, at Sink- 
ing Spring, then in Cumru, now Spring town- 
ship, this county. He is of German descent. 

The progenitor of the Reber family in Berks 
County was Johannes Reber, who emigrated to 
this country in 1742, when six years old, from 
Langenselbold, then in Hesse-Cassel, now be- 
longing to the kingdom of Prussia, having ac- 
companied his parents. His father's name was 
Johaun Bernhart Reber, and his mother's Jo- 
hanna Magdalena, daughter of Conrad Hahn. 
Another sou was included in this party, named 
Ludwig Friedrieli August, who was then only 
two years old. They arrived in the same year 
at the port of Philadelphia, proceeding imme- 
diately to theTulpehocken settlement, and locat- 
ing at the " big bend " of the Tulpehocken Creek 
at a place then and still known as the " Blue 
Marsh," where the father took up a tract of 
laud and began farming. Three sons were af- 
terward born at that place, named Thomas, 
Valentine and Peter. From these five sons 
it is believed that all the persons by the name of 
Reber in this country have descended. Valentine 
and Peter Reber, the last two named, proceeded 
to the West upon obtaining their majority. 

Johannes Reber pursued the life of a farmer 
all his life in the neighborhood where his parents 
first settled. He was married twice, the name 
of his first wife having been Orbengast, and 
of his second, Haas. By the first marriage he 



had two children, — John and INIagdalena (who 
intermarried with John Richards), — and by the 
second three children, — Nicholas, Abraham and 
Michael. 

John Reber, the third, was boru September 
20, 1768, in Heidelberg (now Lower Heidel- 
berg) township, where he afterwards also air- 
ried on farming. By the manuscript papers 
which he left, it appears that he settled up nu- 
merous estates, having acted as a fiduciary for 
many people in his neighborhood. He was 
married to Magdalena Rathmacher, of Macnn- 
gie, in Northampton (now Lehigh) County, and 
had issue fifteen children, namely, — ^Magdalena, 
Barbara, Chri.stiana, Elizabeth, Rebecca, Sarah, 
Anna Maria, Joseph, John, Benjamin, Su.san- 
nah, Jonas, Daniel and Samuel, and one who 
died in infancy. He died May 12, 1844, aged 
nearly seventy-six years. 

Benjamin Reber, the fourth generation, was 
born April 14, 1807. He was a saddler by 
trade, and afterwards, for fifty years, he followed 
farming on the homestead, of which he became 
the owner about 1840. He had seven children 
by the first wife, — Richard T. (married first to 
Sarah Kerschner and afterward to Catharine 
Bickel), James T. (married to Sarah Potteiger), 
Charles (married to Eliza Z. Van Reed), Sarah 
(intermarried with Harrisou Weitzel), Rebecca 
(intermarried with Calvin J. Lorah), Eliza (died 
single) and John (died in infancy). 

James Tobias Reber, the subject of this bio- 
graphical sketch, was raised on the farm of his 
fiither, assisting at general farming labor and 
attending the schools of his native township 
till his sixteenth year, when he went to tii 
select school of Professor Henry G. Stetler, at 
Boyertown, for one term, and afterward the 
Strassburg Academy, in I.iancaster County, then 
conducted by Rev. J. M. Carter, also for a 
term. Upon returning home he became engaged 
in teaching .school, which lie followed for two 
seasons, first in Lower Heidelberg township and 
afterward in Muhleuberg township. In 1853 
he removed to Readiug and entered the general 
hardware-store of George de B. Keira & Co., 
then located at the southeast corner of Third 
and Penn Streets, where he was employed as 
clerk for three years. 




(^y^<^^^^^^ y 



READING. 



743 



In 185(3 he entered into a co-partnership witli 
Adaiu Bard for the purpose of carrying on the 
general hardware business, under the firm-name 
of Bard it Reber, and on October Gth of that 
year began at No. 7-11 Penn Street, where they 
continued to do business under the same name 
for twenty-two years. During this time they 
were very successful, and their business requir- 
ing hirger fticilities for carrying on the same, 
they, in 1877, purchased the property at the 
southeast corner of Eightli and I'enn Streets, 
wiiere they erected tiie present large three-storj' 
brick store building, in dimensions twenty-four 
by two hundred and seventy feet, and into 
which they removed in 1878. The senior 
member, Adam Bard, then sold his interest in 
the business to his son, George W. Bard, and his 
son-in-law, David P. Schlott, and retired from 
active mercantile life. Albert F. Kraemer, 
an employee with the firm tor many years, was 
admitted as a partner, and the firm-name became 
Bard, Reber & Co. Under this name they 
have since conducted the business very success- 
fully, and have extended their trade through- 
out this and the surrounding counties. Not- 
withstanding the active life of Mr. Reber in the 
hardware business, he became interested in the 
development of a superior plumbago mine in 
Chester County, of which he was the gen- 
eral manager for eight years ; and during this 
time the enterprise was an entire success. He 
has acted as administrator, guardian and trustee 
in the settlement of a number of valuable estates. 

Mr. Reber represented the Eighth Ward in 
Common Council during the years 18(53 and 
1S()4, and he served a term of three years as a 
prison inspector, from 1876 to 1870. In poli- 
tics he is a Democrat. 

He is a member of the Reformed Church. 
He has filled various church offices, among them 
being trustee of Synod, of Palatinate College, 
and of Bethany Orphans' Home, a member of 
the Board of Publication and other minor posi- 
tions. 

In 1854 he was married to Sarah Potteiger, a 
daughter of John Potteiger, who served one 
term, from 1850 to 185-3, as sheriff of Berks 
County, by whom he has now living five chil- 
dren — C. Alice (intermarried with Joseph H. 



Tem]>lin), Valeria E. (intermarried with Isaac 
L. Deeter), ^lorris B., Clara R. and James C, 
— one .son, Benjamin F., having died in the 
ninth year of his age, and another son having 
died in infancy. 

AuGUSTUis F. Boas, son of Jacob and Sarah 
(Dick) Boas, was born at Reading in the year 
1813. His paternal grandfather was the Rev. 
William Boas, an emigrant from Germany, who 
became the first pastor of the First Reformed 
Church of Reading. He attended the schools 
of his native town first, and afterward entered 
the Reading Academy, then under the princi- 
palship of Rev. John F. Greer. Some of his 
other teachers in this institution then were Jos- 
eph Barrett, Archibald McElroy and a Mr. Daw- 
son. Under the la.'it- named he received excel- 
lent instruction in the Latin language. At the 
age of sixteen he engaged as a teacher of a 
school in Alsace township. Finishing one 
term there, he was engaged eighteen mouths 
continuously as a teacher in the village of 
Kutztown. At the age of twenty he went to 
Allcntown and entered the law-office of Charles 
Davis, Esq., as a student, remaining two years, 
when he returned to Reading, and completed 
his legal studies under Elijah Dechert, Esq., 
and was admitted to the bar August 4, 1835. 
After practicing law a short time he became 
chief clerk of the Berks County Bank, which 
had just been organized. At the time of its 
coliap.se, in 1842, Mr. Boas settled up the 
affairs of the bank, and, at the same time, en- 
gaged in the lumber business on an extensive 
scale. In 1855 he obtained the charter for the 
Reading Savings-Bank and became the presi- 
dent of it and was the principal stockholder. 
In 1863 he was one of the founders of the 
First National Bank, and was elected its cash- 
ier, serving from the time of its organization 
until 1878. He was also president of the 
Readiug Savings-Bank until its suspension, in 
1877, at which time, in order to protect the 
interest of the bank's creditors as best he 
could, freely .surrendered all of his real estate and 
personal property, and retired from the business 
with an unblemished reputation. In Novem- 
ber, 1883, he was tendered a position in the 
Commonwealth Guarantee, Trust and Safe De- 



7U 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



posit Company, at Harrisburg, and soon alter 
entered upon its responsible duties. 

No person in the city of Reading was a more 
devoted worker in the Sunday-school cause than 
Mr. Boas. lu 1820 he became a pupil of the 
first Sunday-.school in his native city, which 
was organized in the academy in 1819. When 
but sixteen years old he became superintendent 
of the first African Sunday-school of Reading. 
When the church Sunday-schools were organ- 



PART V. 

INTERNAL IMl'EOYEJIENTS. 

City Buildings — Post-Office — Cemeteries — Gas and Electric 

Light — Halls — Private Market-Houses^Hospi- 

tals — Private Parks— Street Railways. 

City Buildings. — The city buildings' in- 
clude the market-houses, water-works, city hall, 
fire company buildings, commons and park. 

MARKET-HorsEs. — Immediatelv after a 




•^.-^^^^^ 



ized he was chosen superintendent of the one 
connected with the First Reformed Church in 
Reading,and continued in that position forthirty 
3'ears. He greatly assisted in establishing the 
Reading Library and in organizing St. Paul's 
Memorial Reformed Church, and in the en- 
couragement of local charities. 

Mr. Boas was married, in 1835, to Emma E. 
Boyer. During the Civil War he associated 
with tlio influential men of Reading in encour- 
aging voluntary enlistment and the raising of 
money for bonuty purposes. 



charter had been granted to the town of Read- 
ing, in 1700, authorizing the holding of semi- 
annual fairs and weekly markets, the town-peo- 
ple erected a market-house on Penn Square, 
east of Calhnvhill Street. It extended from 
the eastern line of the Central Square eastwardly 
about one hundred and twenty feet along the 
middle of the highway. It was about twenty 
feet wide. It consisted of a number of small 

'The buildings of the city government comprise all con- 
structions or improvements established at the public ex- 
pense. 



READING. 



745 



square brick pillars, an-anged in a row on each 
side, covered by a .sJiingle roof with a plastered 
ceiling. 

A similar market-house was erected iu 1799 
in West Market Square, about the same distance 
from C'allowhill Street. A belfiy was on the 
eastern extremity. 

There Avere paved, uncovered extensions to 
the market-houses — from the eastern market- 
house to Sixth Street and from the western to 
Fourth Street. In the eastern market-house 
and extension there were thirty-two stalls and 
fifty-eight stands, and in the western thirty- 
eight stalls and fifty-eight stands. Numerous 
stands were on the outside of and between the 
market-houses. The stalls of the eastern market- 
house were mostly occupied by butchers. Their 
rental was high through competition. The 
income from that market-house was, therefore, 
mucli larger than the western. In the former 
the stalls rented from ten dollars to forty dol- 
lars each ; in the latter, only five dollars ; and 
outside benches were $2.50. From the begin- 
ning till about 1840 many of the stalls M'ere not 
taken. This arose from the supply of country 
produce, meats, etc., delivered to the citizens at 
their homes. And mau}^ of them did not re- 
quire supplies from the country, because they 
had their own gardens in which they raised 
fruits and vegetables. The owners and occu- 
piers of lots on Peun Street generally owned 
and farmed out-lots for this purpose ; and they 
also kept cows and raised and fattened pigs and 
poultry. 

The total revenue from rents in 1 851 was 
$494.62;' in 1857, was $2021.32; in 1869, 
$12,643; in 1870, $5822; and in 1871, 
$1656.86. In the year 1871 the market-houses 
were sold for seven hundred and fifteen dollars. 

These two market-houses were rebuilt — 
western, thirty by one hundred and ninety-two 
feet, in 1846, for thirty-four hundred dollars ; 
eastern, in 1847, for twenty-nine hundred and 
ninety dollars. In the rebuilding, ii-on pillars 
were substituted for brick pillars as supports for 
the roof. They were continued till 1871 ; then, 
by the encouragement of City Councils, private, 

' Hig^hest price then paid was by William Lolz, for No. 2, 
Eastern Market — J43.50. Sold by public outcry. 



commodious buildings, for the purpose of weekly 
markets, were erected in the several sections of 
the city, and the old buildings weredemolished." 

Towx Pump. — In the former market-house 
there was a pump. It was known as the "old 
town pump." About the time that the town- 
lots were sold, a town-pump was projected by 
Richard Peters, agent for the proprietors, " for 
the encouragement of the town," and he con- 
tributed ten pounds towards the expense. Conrad 
Weiser selected the place for the well. It was 
situated in the middle of Penn Square, about 
seventy-five yards east of Callowhill Street. 
Good water was found at the depth of fifty- 
three feet. An order for the money was drawn 
by Peters, in Weiser's favor, dated August 1, 
1750, in which Peters certified that the well had 
been dug, and Weiser acknowledged the receipt 
of the ten pounds. Sixteen years afterward it 
came to occupy the centre of the market -house, 
which was erected over it. And there it stood 
till the market-house was torn down in 1871, a 
period of over one hundred and twenty years. 
What a history it has ! Who, of the many cit- 
izens born before 1860, does not remember it 
with pleasure? Many a thirst was ([uenched 
with a hearty draft of cold lime-stone water out 
of the rusty iron ladle, with a long handle, at- 
tached to the pump by a chain. During the 
.semi-annual fairs, and also during parades and 
demonstrations on Penn Stjuare, it was particu- 
larly convenient and useful. 

At the November .sessions of court, iu the 
year 1806, a petition was presented to the 
judges, which represented "that there is fre- 
quently a great scarcity of water in the town of 
Reading, which is not only a great inconve- 
nience to the inhabitants and farmers passing 
through with their teams, but excites .serious 
alarm in case of any buildings taking fire. 
That a pump of water is particularly wanted 
near the new market, in the said town, which 
would be free to all inhabitants and others;" 
and prayed that the grand jury woidd allow a 
sufficient sum of money for the purpose of sink- 

'■' George W. Garst bought them at public sale on May 13, 
1871 — eastern, three hundred and fifteen dollars; western, 
four hundred dollars. He removed them during May and 
June following. 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ing a well aud puttiug in a pump at the west 
end of said market-house. The prayei' was 
granted, and a sum allowed ; aud the pum[) was 
established at the place designated. But this 
pump was not so popular as the older pump in 
the eastern market-house — the water was not so 
palatable. 

Fair-Days. — By the charter the semi-annual 
fairs were held on the 27th day of October and 
the 4th day of June of each year.' These fairs 
were instituted for the exhibition and sale of all 
kinds of products, mamifactures and merchan- 
dise. And they were not alone for the town 
people, but for the farmers. The eastern mar- 
ket-house was the most popular. Tlie first fair 
was held in October, 176(j. They were held 
regularly for about seventy years, during which 
time they encouraged trade and contributed 
much pleasure to the people. Dancing was 
carried on by men, women and young people at 
certain taverns in the town, the "Green Tree" 
(now the Keystone House) having been conspic- 
uous in this respect. Besides dancing there 
was much general jollification. Two days were 
usually spent in this manner, the first day hav- 
ing been by common consent for the " country 
folks" and the .second for the "town folks."^ 
Fighting was a common practice, and "rowdies" 
and " bullies " were conspicuous. This rough 
and boisterous element in public brought the 
fairs gradually into disrepute. About 1836 they 
began to be objectionable, so much, indeed, that 
the better class of people of the town uttered 
complaints. The noise and disturbance was not 
caused by men alone. Boys took part in the 
demonstration by shooting oif and exploding 
fire-crackers and yelling vociferously till mid- 
night. "What times! What manners!" 
Just then the common school was fighting its 
way into public favor ; and as the school came 
nearer to the people the fair-day, with its hilarity 
and profanity, departed. The following notice* 



■ Tliese ilays were selected — it was said — to celebrate the 
bivtli-days of the King and Queen of Great Britain, who 
reigned in 17U6. 

'' Some of the older residents stated that only one day 
was observed, and that the people colleclod mostly aliout 
the lower market-house. See charter of 1783. 

■■' Berks and Schuylkill Journal, October, 18-17. 



of the " Fall Fair-day " appeared in one of the 
hical weekly newspa|)ers : 

" The semi-annual fair on Wednesday [October 27, 
1847] was a dead failure. A few rowdy-looking in- 
dividuals of both sexes rendezvoused at the lower 
market-house, but elsewhere the streets maintained 
their usual quiet appearance. These fairs are now 
brought down to the lowest standard and must soon 
be entirely abolished by general consent. No one, 
either in town or country, laying any claim to respect- 
ability, will attend them ; and none but the vilest 
grog-shops and dens of iniquity aSbrd them house- 
room to practice their drunken orgies and vulgar 
' hoe-downs.' This is as it should be." 

Year after year the.se great days lost favor 
till 1850, when they were abandoned. A new 
institution arose to take its place, which was 
more adapted to develop respectful behavior 
and encourage agriculture and manufactures. 
This was the Agricultural Society. And from 
the highway at the market-houses the exhibition 
was transferred to the " Commons," which the 
society inclosed and improved for the purpose. 
The selling feature of "fair-day" was discon- 
tinued, and the semi-annual town fair became 
an annual county fair. 

Market-Days. — -The charter establislied 
two market-days for every week — Wednesday 
and Saturday. The weekly markets began 
during the fall of 1766. Butchers and farmers 
attended regularly for the sale of meat, vege- 
tables, butter, eggs, etc., some twice a week, 
others once. The markets opened in the morn- 
ing. No regular hour was fixed at which to 
begin sales. The market people would gener- 
ally be at their stalls very early, some, indeed, 
soon after midnight, and so timely as to be able 
to take a nap in their wagons before the town- 
people came to buy their articles ; and this they 
did with wonderful persistence through all sea- 
.sons of the year. We cannot imagine what 
trials they frequently endured through the cold 
winter mornings for the sake of .selling their 
goods to get a little cash. What labor to pro- 
duce them, what energy to carry them to mar- 
ket, what patience to .sell them ! And this cus- 
tom of selling goods at the market-place in the 
highway, mo.stly without shelter, continued de- 
cade after decade for over one hundred years, 
from the time when the town contained about 



READING. 



747 



one thousand inhabitants till the number had 
jrrown beyond thirty-three thousand. This was 
a long period to continne going to tlie same 
]ihioe tor the same purpose, witliout any im- 
provement in respect to comfort and convenience 
of both the seller and the buyer. The subject 
of private market-houses in the several sections 
of the city was agitated for several years pre- 
viously. The movement met with general op- 
position from the property-holders and business 
men on Penn Square. After considerable dis- 
cussion the Councils passed an ordinance on 
April 30, 1870, favoring the removal of the 
public market-houses. This action encouraged 
private enterprise, and steps were immediately 
taken towards the erection of private market- 
houses to the east and west, and to the north 
and south <jf Penn Square. Their utility and 
excellence were practically demonstrated imme- 
diately after their completion. 

Pexx SijUARE. — The public square of the 
town, ibrmerly called " i\Iarket " and latterly 
" Penn," and its imjirovement, have received 
nuich consideration, without any practical re- 
sults. The old court-house stood In the centre 
from 1762 till 1841, and the old market-houses 
to the east and west of it from 176(5 to 1871. 
Immediately after the court-house had been re- 
moved, in 1841, various suggestions were pro- 
posed for the improvement of the square. The 
"odious market-hou.ses " were to be removed 
and double rows of A merican forest-trees 
planted, and a statue of either William Penn 
or Conrad Weiser was to be erected on the site 
of the old buildings. These improvements were 
proposed to be made by certain generous, })ublic- 
sph'ited individuals, " without a cent of charge 
to the town," provided the Town Council gave 
its consent. Seven years elapsed without suc- 
cess. The centennial year (1848) of the found- 
ing of the town arrived, and again the spirit 
seized the party of improvement. A public 
meeting was held January 22, 1848, with the 
following officers : Hon. Samuel Bell, presi- 
dent; William H. Keim, secretary; and Dr. H. 
H. Muhlenberg, treasurer; for the purpose of 
perfecting theplau and awakening general public 
spirit for the improvement of the square. The 
following resolution was adopted : 



" Resolved, that the jiroposed statue be that of 
William Penn, on account of its appropriate charac- 
ter and feasibility, and to commemorate the centen- 
nial anniversary of the foundation of Reading: in 1748, 
by the Penn family, on ground given by thorn to the 
citizens for public purposes in Penn Street and Penn 
Square, the materials to be of Berks County iron and 
sandstone, and the work executed in Reading." 

Various committees were appointed and the 
.subscriptions were to be not less than one dollar 
and not more than two dollars. The.se com- 
mendable efforts, however, proved unavailing. 
A score of years elapsed l:)efbre the odious mar- 
ket-houses were even removed, and a generation 
has pas.sed away, leaving the square without 
public improvement of any kind. This is 
rather surprising, especially when we consider 
the general education, enterpri.se and wealth of 
the community, and the introduction of a large 
and increasing new element. We are not want- 
ing in distinguished persons or events worthy of 
a monument. If conspicuous places are selected 
for churches, around which certain sects can 
gather and l)ecome enthusiastic' in a religious 
■sense, why cannot the square be ornamented 
with a monument to signalize the nobility and 
generosity of William Penn, the j)ublic services 
of Conrad Weiser, the devotion of our ])eople 
in the cause of independence, the honorable and 
prominent career of Joseph Hiester, the heroism 
of our noble company of men — the Reading Ar- 
tillerists in the Mexican War, or the great 
sacrifices we made in the cause of the Union of 
our States, around which our whole community 
could gather and become enthusiastic in a patri- 
otic sense? It is said that a monument here 
would be a great obstruction. But do we not 
permit obstructions at some places and even 
encourage them at others, notwithstanding that 
they do not subserve a purpo.se to compare with 
that which a monument in Penn Square would 
subserve in the development of a noble local 
pride for that achievement which it would be 
specially designed to signalize? 

Water- WoRKfS. — For over seventy years 
the inhabitants of Reading were almost entirely 
supplied with water from cisterns, wells and 
pinups. The water was mostly limestone in 
quality and generally unpalatable, especially to 
those persons who were not accustomed to its 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



peculiar taste. It was imfit for washing piu'- 
poses and tliose who had no cisterns were com- 
pelled to fetch water from the river Schuylkill. 
After the borough came to possess a population 
of four thousand, these sources became too few 
in proportion for couvenience and certainty of 
supply. Accordingly, in 1819, the subject of 
" Water-Works " was agitated ; and this agita- 
tion resulted in the incorporation of a comjiany 
for supplying the people with water. An act 
of Assembly was passed on March 16, 1819, 
whereby the " Eeading Water Company " was 
created. The commissioners appointed to ob- 
tain subscriptions of stock (four hundred shares) 
,, were John Spayd, Frederick Heller, John 
Addams, George de B. Keim and John Berkiu- 
biue. This enterprise proved a success. The 
comjjany j)urchased land in Alsace township, 
along the western declivity of Penu's Mount, 
to the northeast of Reading, which included a 
large and inexhaustible spring of water, com- 
moidy called " Hampden Spring," and pro- 
ceeded without delay in the construction of a 
reservoir at the head of Penn Street, into which 
they conducted the spring water. Their pro- 
gress was so rapid that by July 19, 1821, the 
water was let into the reservoir ; and by Octo- 
ber following, it was conducted through the 
principal streets.' The spring was situated one 
mile and si.xteeu perches from the reservoir, with 
an elevation of one hundred and sixteen feet 
above it ; and it discharged constantly from 
day to day about seventy gallons of pure, moun- 
tain water a minute, or about one hundred 
thousand gallons a day. The water was con- 
ducted by gravity through earthen pipes two 
and a half inches in diameter, laid three feet 
below the surface. Some of the pipes were of 
logs. The reservoir was constructed of stone, 
with a capacity of one thousand hogsheads. 
From the reservoir to the " Old Court-House " 
(Fifth and Penn Streets) the distance was 
three thousand four hundred and fifty-nine 
feet, with a fall of eighty-eight feet. The 
pipes through the streets were mostly of iron, 



1 Edelman Spring, introduced in 1838 ; Mineral Spi-ing, 
in 1853; Bernlmrt, in 1858; and subsequently, by the 
city, tlie Antietam, in 1874. 



varying from two to four inches in diameter. By 
1833 the money expended in this great im- 
provement exceeded twenty thousand dollars. 
Then two hundred and fifty families were sup- 
plied with water, and the annual income was 
about fifteen hundred dollars. The population 
was about sixty-five hundred. Ai)pareutly 
about one-fourth of the inhabitants were supplied 
with water by the water company. This would 
indicate a considerable encouragement of the 
enterprise. The company increased its capaci- 
ties and facilities with the growth and demands 
of the borough, and continued to supply the 
people till the borough grew into a city, and 
for eighteen years afterward, when (1865) the 
company sold its rights, properties, etc., to the 
" City of Reading" for three hundred thousand 
dollars. The citizens were, therefore, greatly 
indebted to the " Reading Water Company " 
for the introduction of pure, soft, spring water, 
which was suitable for all purposes. Instead 
of being forced, in most cases, to carry water for 
some distance, it was delivered to them at their 
doors. 

In tlie introduction of the water from Bern- 
hart's Creek during the year 1858, the company 
excavated a tunnel in length ten hundred and 
sixty-six feet through the hill upon which the 
Alsace Church is situated. The greater part 
was cut through slate-rock. 

The water-works comprise four reservoirs : 
City Reservoir,' Antietam Lake, Bernhart Lake 
and Hampden Reservoir. 

The City Reservoir was constructed by the 
Reading Water Company, the first basin in 
1821 and the second in 1848, and was included 
in the transfer by the company to the city on 
April 1, 1865. These basins were enlarged in 
1872, at an expense of .«!16,869.21. Their total 
capacity is 5,132,000 gallons, — northern basin, 
2,087,000 gallons; southern basin, 3,045,000 
gallons. This is a superior improvement. 

Immediately before the purchase of the 
works of the Reading AA^ater Company, the 
City Councils, by a special committee, had suc- 
ceeded in obtaining the Ohlinger mill property 
in Alsace township, with the view of eventually 

I See cut p. 4t)B. 



READING. 



749 



coustructiiig water-works at that poiut. It was 
this purchase, eifected principally through the 
careful negotiations of Levi J. Smith,' that 
induced the water company to sell their prop- 
erties for three hundred thousand dollars, having 
shortly before demanded from the city more 
than five hundred tliousand dollars. The price 
paid for the Ohlinger property was seven thou- 
sand dollars. For some years afterward the 
subject of an increased water supply was agi- 
tated very earnestly by Councils and by the 
citizens generally, in order to accommodate the 
demands of our rapidly inci-easing population 
and manufacturing establishments. After in- 
vestigating all the surrounding streams of 
water, Councils determined to appropriate the 
waters of Antietam Creek, and to convert the 
mill-property into a large reservoir, for which 
purpose it was, by its situation, well adapted. 
The improvement was made during the year 
1874, affording to the city a storage reservoir 
with a capacity for thirty million gallons." A 
large sum of money as damages was paid to 
the several property holders situated below the 
lake on the creek. 

The total expense to the city exceeds one 
hundred thousand dollars. 

The Bernhart Dam was included in the 
transfer by the Reading Water Company to the 
city, in 1865, and has since been much enlarged 
and improved. Additional improvements are 
now being made. It is situated in Muhlen- 
berg township, half a mile beyond the city 
limit. 

The Hampden Reservoir is a large storage 
basin in the northeastern section of the city. It 
was constructed during the years 1882, 1883 
and 1884, at an expense of about one hundred 
thou.sand dollars. 



' Mr. Smith was an active and enterprising citizen of 
Reading for many years. He was a millwright by occupa- 
tion and a highly esteemed man for his social and political 
integrity. He represented the Seventh Ward in Select 
Council during 1865 and 186(3, officiating as president for 
a year ; and he served as a water commissioner from 18B7 
till 188.3, a period covering sixteen continuous years. He 
died in 1886. 

' In 1880 the dam was heightened and the capacity in- 
creased to sixty million gallons, supposed by some to have 
a capacity for one hundred million gallons. 



Two springs also afford a water .■supply — Edel- 
man and Mineral. The Edelman Spring is 
situated in Alsace township and is constructed for 
a storage reservoir. It has a flow of fifty thou- 
sand gallons per day, and is conducted by a 
separate pipe to the city reservoirs. And the 
Mineral Spring is situated within the eastern 
city limits, and has a daily flow of one hundred 
and twenty thousand gallons. 

The daily minimum flow of the streams and 
springs of water which supply the city is esti- 
mated to be as fol low's : 

Antietam Lake 950,000 

Bmihart Lake 600,000 

Edelman Spring 50,000 

Hampden Spring 80,000 ■ 

Mineral Spring' 120,000 

Total daily supply 1,800,000 

The total storage capacity in the several reser- 
voirs is 133,182,000 gallons, distributed as fol- 
lows : 

(jaWuns. 

Antietam Lake (50,000,000 

Bernhart Lake 41,000,000 

City Reservoir .5,132,000 

Hampden Reservoir 27,000,000 

In 1882 the total length of main and dis- 
tril)uting pipes was 271,748 lineal feet or 51.47 
miles. This has been much increased since. 
The total cost of the reservoirs, pipe, etc., was 
then estimated at nine hundred thousand dollars. 

Commons and Park. — A large tract of 
land which lay at the base of Penn's Mount 
and contained about fifty acres was known as 
the " Commons " for over one hundred years 
after the town was laid out. By the language 
of an act passed on the r7th of February, 1852, 
it would appear that this tract (in reality about 
eighty-five acres in area) had been " reserved 
by the proprietaries of Penn.sylvania as a free 
and public commons for the dwellers in said 
town" at the time when they laid out the town. 
Notwith.standing the " tradition " that this 
land belonged to the town and had been occu- 
pied by the dwellers as a " commons" for fifty 
years, the authorities of the borough permitted 
a sale thereof, by the attorney for the Penns, to 
the commissionei's of Berks County on Novem- 

^ Not used for some years. 



rso 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



her 19, 1800, for the nominal consideration of 
four hundred and forty dollars. And from 
that time till 1884 the county claimed to own 
it. In 1839 the county commissioners -sold 
thirty-five acres of the tract, comprising that 
portion which lay east of Tenth Street and 
north of Walnut for the distance of one thou- 
sand two hundred and eighty feet. 

In June, 1850, about thirty acres were in- 
closed by a fence, the inclosure extending from 
the " Hill Road" to Washington Street, and 
from J^leventli Street to the eastern boundary 
line. Upon the organization of the Agricul- 
tural Society of the county, the county commis- 
sioners leased the tract to them for the purpose 
of- holding an annual " Fair ;" which then erec- 
ted exhibition buildings, constructed a circular 
race track (one-third of a mile in circumfer- 
ence), etc. In 1865 the track was increased to 
a half-mile in length, and then the remaining 
part of the "commons" to Walnut Street on 
the north was inclosed. 

In 1852, through the enterprise and influ- 
ence of Hon. Henry A. Muhlenberg, then 
State Senator from Berks County, an act of 
Assembly was passed which provided — 

"That it shall be the duty of the commissioners of 
the County of Berks, and they are hereby authorized 
and required to convey in fee, to the mayor, aldermen 
and citizens of Reading, in trust for the use of said 
citizens, for the sole purpose of establishing a public 
park and parade ground forever and for no other pur- 
pose, object or design whatsoever, the ' public com- 
mons,' containing forty-nine acres and one hundred 
and thirty four perches. And that, immediately upon 
such conveyance, ' it shall be the duty of the mayor, 
etc., to cause the whole of said lot to be enclosed for the 
purpose of a public park and parade ground, to fill 
up the water gullies, and otherwise level the surface 
of the ground, so far as may be necessary, to cause 
walks to be laid out, trees planted, and such other 
steps to be taken as will best carry out the true intent 
and meaning of this act, always, however, reserving a 
sufficiently large space of clear ground to enable any 
portion or the whole of the volunteers of Berks 
County to use the same as a parade ground, which 
may also be used for the celebrations of the Agricul- 
tural Society, for public meetings and other similar 
purposes." 

But nothing was done. It would appear 
from this inaction that the public spirit of the 
officials, both of the county-seat and county, 



was utterly unworthy the generous impulse of 
the Penns, and, afterward, of the General As- 
sembly. The expense of this improvement 
would have been insignificant, compared with 
the general benefit to the commnnity. And 
what is rather surprising, was the continued 
public indifference to this commendable pro- 
ject thence till now, a period extending over 
thirty years. We may well ask, where were 
the men of station, of influence, of wealth, of 
culture, of enterprise during this period ? — 
what were their feelings inasmuch as such re- 
markable indifference was constantly exhibited 
toward public improvement ? 

In 1878 a movement was made to improve 
that part of the commons which lay between 
the prison, the turnpike and the Hill road. 
Prominent in this movement were property- 
holders in the vicinity, including Abraham B. 
Bechtel, David F. Lotz, Hiester Clymer, 
Henry S. Eckert, William E. Good, Charles K. 
Hillegass, Adam Schwartz, Charles Breneiser, 
William Arnold, Samuel H. Kutz, Abner K. 
Stauff^er and others. Over six thousand dollars 
were collected and appropriated toward the im- 
provement, and their proceedings in this behalt 
were entirely successful. The sheds of the 
Agricultural Society were removed to the 
northern portion of the " fair-ground," and the 
small tract was inclo.«ed. David F. Lotz, as- 
sisted by John Knabb, was untiring in his ef- 
forts, and he succeeded in having the surface 
prepared, walks and roads laid out, trees 
planted, etc. During the hot summer of that 
year he and Mr. Knabb worked faithfully and 
without compensation, and accomplished much 
toward the improvement of the place. The 
Harbster Brothers presented an iron drinking- 
fonntain, which was placed at the main en- 
trance ; P. F. Eisenbrown |n'esented a fine, 
large and unique marble drinking-fonntain, 
which was placed toward the upper end ; and 
John D. Mishler presented a marble drinking- 
fountiun, which was placed at the southern en- 
trance. And since that time the City Councils 
have taken charge of it, though not kept in the 
same fine and promising condition in which 
they received it. 

Lauer Monument. — A fine bronze monu- 



READING. 



751 



ment of Frederick Laiier was erected iu the 
City Park, iu 1885, by the Brewers' Association 
of the United States. It has the following in- 
scriptions on the four sides : 
[Front.] 
To 
Feederick Lauee, 
of Reading, Pa. 
The United States Brewers' Association, of which he 
was the firet president, has erected this monument 
in grateful remembrance of bis unselfish 
labor for the welfare of the brewing 
trade iu this country. 

[Rear.] 

The 

City of Reading 

Commemorates the public 

and 

Private virtues of an honored citizen l)y the grant of 

this location. 

Erected 

A. D., MDCCCLXXXV, 

The year of the twenty-fifth Convention of the 

United States Brewers' Association. 

[East.] 

His zeal sprung from his firm conviction that in 

striving to advance the brewing trade he was 

working 

for 

the cause of National 

Temperance. 

[West.] 

Let his example lead the brewers of this country to 

maintain Good-Fellowship. 

to 

Preserve their Association 

and 

to defend their rights. 

In 1884 proceedings were instituted by the 
City Councils to obtain a deed for the entire 
tract of land inclosed, and now occupied by the 
Agricultural Society; but the Court of Common 
Pleas refused to award a writ of laandamus 
against the county commissioners to compel 
them to execute the deed which was prayed for. 
The matter was carried to the Supreme Court 
and the judgment was reversed ; but the deed 
has as yet not been delivered to the city of 
Reading, granting and conveying the "com- 
mons" to the corporation, the matter being 
still, as the lawyers say, m fieri. 

City Hall. — The Borough Council organ- 



ized in the old court-house iu 1788, and there 
it as.sembled year after year until the new court- 
house was erected, when it removed its place of 
meeting into that building. In 1847 the City 
Councils organized tiiere — the Select branch in 
the room on third floor, south side, next to the 
stairway, and the Common branch in the oppo- 
site room, on the north side ; and they continued 
to meet in those rooms till the city of Reading 
Ijurcha.sed the property on the northeast corner 
of Fifth and Franklin Streets — then an old- 
fashioned, low, two-story brick building. 

City Hall was erected by Councils in 1870. 
The total expense was about twenty-six thou- 
.sand dollars. It comprises the " lock-uji," the 
battery for the electric alarm, offices for the 
several city officials, Council chambers, and a 
large hall, the latter being occupied by lodges 
of the Masonic order. It is situated on the 
northeast corner of Fifth and Franklin Streets. 
Daniel Spohn, a promiiient and successful buil- 
der in his time, was the contractor. 

Fire Company Buildings. — For many 
years the early fire companies owned their own 
buildings in which they kept their apparatus ; 
but when the city government began to contrib- 
ute more liberally towards their encourage- 
ment, it became the owner of the buildings. 
Now it owns all the buildings of the several 
companies, excepting that of the Liberty Fire 
Company. The buildings are all fine, substan- 
tial structures, elegantly furnished. They are 
situated as follows : 

Rainbow, Eighth and Court ; Junior, Walnut below 
Seventh ; Reading, Franklin above Sixth ; Never- 
sink, Third and Court; Friendship, Franklin and 
Peach ; Liberty, Fifth and Laurel ; Hampden, Elev- 
enth and Greenwich; Keystone, Penn above Front; 
Washington, Muhlenberg above Ninth. 

Increase of Buildings. — The following 
table shows the remarkable and continuous 
growth of Reading in respect to buildings, from 
1842 to 1859.' The columns represent the sev- 
eral wards of the city : 



1 In 1840 seventy-seven houses were erected. In 1841 
the total number of buildings in Reading was one thousand 
three hundred and sixty-five. In 1849, Richard Clark, of 
Philadelphia, published a large map of Reading, four feet 
square, by which it is shown tiiat then two-thirds of the 
city was south of Penn Street. 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 





N.W. 


N.E. 


S.E. 


S.W. 


Spruce. 


Total 


1842... 
184.3... 
1844... 
1845... 












.. ti5 












.. 9.S 












.. 120 


.... 1.3 


12 


50 


46 


61... 


.. l.'*2 


1846... 


.... 24 


43 


61 


51 


67... 


.. 246 


1847... 


68 


69 


71 


72 


85... 


.. 360 


1S48... 


55 


88 


7!i 


61 


65... 


.. 348 


184'J... 


42 


76 


69 


26 


42... 


.. 255 


1850... 


13 


44 


42 


14 


21 J. . . 


.. 1M3 


1851... 


.... 16 


17 


32. 


25 


19... 


.. 99 


1852... 


.... 10 


20 


24 


10 


11... 


/ ■) 


1853... 


8 


20 


17 


9 


25.. 


.. 79 


18.54... 


20 


41 


13 


15 


18... 


.. 107 


1855... 


28 


39 


20 


23 


13... 


... 123 


185(3... 


24 


67 


46 


32 


41... 


... 210 


1857... 


67 


80 


56 


31 


32... 


... 266 


1858... 


28 


39 


31 


38 


21... 


... 1.57 


1859... 


.37 


42 


69 


17 


39... 


.. 204 



448 697 680 470 



3127 



The following figures indicate the total num- 
ber of new buildings erected annually in the 
city since LS(i(): 



I860 


186 


1873 


457 


1861 


115 


1874 


*300 


1862 


114 


1875 


270 


1863 


96 


1876 


123 


1864 


*100 


1877 


113 


1865 


*100 


1878 


38 


1866 


*200 


1879 


175 


1867 


363 


1880 


205 


1868 


509 


1881 


248 


1869 

1870 


488 

466 


1882 


. ..350 


1883 


295 


1871 


448 


1884 


436 


1872 


307 


1885 


396 



■^ Estimated. 

lu 1873 tiie city of Reading had the smallest 
ratio of individuals to each building of all the 
cities in the United States, excepting Toledo, 
the ratio of which was a very small fraction less. 
Our ratio was a little more than five persons to 
each dwelling. 

Persons to 
Families. Dwellings. Each Dwell'g. 

Reading 6,932 

Philadelphia 127,740 

Allegheny 10,147 

Scranton 6,642 

Toledo 6,4.57 

Po.st-OffK'e. — The post-office in Reading 
was established in 1793. Shortly afterward 
other offices were established in ditferent parts 
of the county and the people found them a great 



6,294 


5.39 


112,366 


6.01 


S,347 


(;.37 


5,646 


6.21 


6,069 


5.20 



convenience ; and they have increased fr(jm de- 
cade to decade till now. The total number of 
post-offices now in the county is one hundred 
and thirty.' 

The letters at Reading office were called for 
altogether till about 183-5; then a man by the 
name of Sheirer began to carry letters of many 
individuals not in business throughout the bor- 
ough at a cent a letter. He was succeeded by 
William Taylor, who continued till 184S, and 
earned by his labor in this position about fiv^e 
dollars a week. Hamilton Mills and Joseph 
Barrett then carried for less than a year. Wm. 
Ruckman entered upon this service in 1848 and 
continued to carry letters till 1861, a period cov- 
ering thirteen years. He carried letters at two 
cents for each letter and earned from twelve to 
fifteen dollars a week. Samuel B. Ruth, Al- 
bert Miller, Christian Schultz and Benjamin 
Guinther succeeded him, the latter two carrying 
till 18G4, when the government established the 
free delivery system. These men were recom- 
mended by the po.stmaster and apjjointed l)y the 
department at Washington. 

LirrxER-BoxEs. — Letter-bo.xes were \nn up 
at five places in Reading in August, 18(J4, for 
the purpose of enabling the citizens to drop 
letters to be collected by carriers. These were 
placed at the following stores, inside : 

Yeich's store. Pen n above Front; Ringler's store, 
Fourth and Spruce ; Shalter's store. Seventh and 
Bingaman; Ziebers store. Ninth and Penn ; Hert'el- 
tinger's. Eighth above Walnut. 

The first collection was made on August 22d. 
Two collections were made daily, nine a.m. and 
three p.m. All letters had to be stamped with 
a three-cent .stamp. And there were then two 
letter-carriers — one for delivery north of Penn 
and the other south. This postal accommoda- 
tion .was introduced by the postmaster, Jacob 
Knabb. 

Money Order Sy.stem. — The money order 
system was introduced about the .same time, in 
pursuance of an act of Congress passed May 17, 
1864. In this division of service at Reading, 
the following orders, etc., were issued and paid 
in 188o: 



' See Chap. XVIII., Internal Improvements, p. 471. 



READLNU. 



753 



4809 domestic orders issued $66,647.66 

3262 postal notes issued 6,404.87 

22 Canadian orders issued 232.57 

225 British orders issued 2,.582.21 

313 German orders issued 4,058.92 

8 Swig's orders issued 120.38 

61 Italian orders issued 2,050.90 

12 Freneii orders issued 145.87 

Amount of drafts on postmaster of 

New York 19,200.00 

6751 domestic orders paid $86,216.23 

5081 postal notes paid 10,362.17 

73 Canadian orders paid 931.44 

19 British orders paid 316.58 

73 German orders paid 2,174.03 

8 Swiss orders paid 186.73 

2 Italian orders paid 28.62 

1 Queensland order paid 3.16 

1 Hawaiian Islands order paid 2.00 

Pastal-cards were introduced in 1873; two- 
<!ent postage began October 1, 1883, and special 
delivery October 1, 1885. lu the postal 
service at Eeading there are 17 carriers to 
deliver aud collect letters, etc., and 115 boxes 
distributed tliroughout the city at different 
])oints, and in the ])Ost-office 10 clerks and 1 
special delivery messenger are employed. The 
(^11 boxes number 322, lock boxes 37, and lock 
drawers 6. 

Business for 18.S5. — The business of the 
office for 1885 was : 

Receipts for stamps $41,936.81 

Number of letter carriers 13 

Number of auxiliary carriers ap- 
pointed November 23 2 

Number of delivery trips daily... 5 
Number of coUectioo trips daily, 5 
Number of Sunday collection.... 1 
Number of registered letters de- 
livered 4078 

Number of mail letters delivered 1,126,391 
Number of mail postal-cards de- 
livered 2.56,569 

Number of local letters delivered 130,739 
Number of local postal cards de- 
livered 96,124 

Number of newspapers and cir- 
culars delivered 735,083 

Total number of pieces delivered 

by letter-carriers 2,.348,984 

Number of letters collected by 
letter-carriers 638,006 

Number of postal-cards col- 
lected 244,991 

07 



Number of newspapers and cir- 
culars collected 80,495 

Total number of pieces collected 

Total number of pieces delivered 
and collected by the letter-car- 
riers, 1885 

Total number of pieces delivered 
and collected by the letter-car- 
riers for 1884 



963,492 



3,312,476 



3,098,631 

Increase over 1884 213,845 

Number of through register pouches sent 

to Philadelphia 319 

Number of through register pouches from 

Philadelphia 312 

Number of registered letters received 6,578 

Number of registered letters made up 4,101 

Number of registered letters in transit 6,054 

Total of registered letters handled 15,733 

Number of registered letters in transit 

handled by transfer clerk 20,567 

Total number of registered letters handled 

1885 36,300 

Total number of registered letters handled 

in 1884 26,042 

Increase of registers handled over 1884 10,258 

Postmasters. — The following postmasters, 
by appointment from the President, officiated 
at the Reading post-office from the time of its 
establishment till now : 

Postmasters. Date of ftppointmeiit. 

Gottlieb JuQgman March 20, 1793 

John Walter October 1, 1801 

Samuel Ritter August 11, 1829 

Charles Troxell May 10, 1841 

John K. Wright June 19, 1845 

Henry Rhoads April 17, 1849 

Lewis H. Wunder May 13, 1852 

Philip K. Miller November 6, 18.57 

Jacob Knabb May 17, 1861 

William Briner July 12, 1865 

John Fritz April 9, 18(j;> 

Matilda Fritz March 13, 1S71 

George W. Grant February 26, 1875 

George K. Whitner ' May 31, 1882 

Gottlieb Jungman, first postma.ster, serv- 
ing from 1793 to 1801, was a prominent jiub- 
lislier of several newspapers at Reading. The 
last newspaper which he published here was 
the Weekly Herald, having issued it from 1811 
to 1816, when he discontinued it, and moved 
West. 

1 Calvin Goodman was recently appointed to succeed 
Mr. Whitner at the explication of his term of four yeai-s. 



754 



HLSTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



JoHX Walter, the second postmaster, who 
officiated for twenty-eight years, from 1801 to 
18211, was born at Reading, and carried on for 
a number of years the trade of book-binding. 
He received theappoiutmeut of postmaster from 
President Jefferson in 1801, and he continued 
to hold this position by re-appoiutmeut of the 
succeeding Presidents till the time of President 
Jackson, when he was suspended on account of 
his active efforts for the election of John Quincy 
Adams as President. He lived on North 
Fifth street, near Walnut (now No. 140), and 
there kept the post-office. He died in 1836, 
aged sixty-nine years. He was married to 
Magdalena Lehman, from Germantowu. 

Samvel Kitter, the third postmaster who 
served for twelve years, was born in Exeter 
township on April 3, 1792, and educated in the 
schools of the township. He removed to Read- 
ing about the time he attained his majority, and 
for some years engaged in the grocery business 
at the Southwest corner of Seventh and Penn 
Streets. He served as deputy sheriff from 1821 
to 1823, under Henry Betz, Esq., and then till 
1829 as clerk in the Adlcr printing establish- 
ment. He held the office of postmaster of Read- 
ing during the administrations of Jackson and 
Van Buren, having in this time won the confi- 
dence and esteem of the community by his strict 
integrity and uniform courtesy in the discharge 
of his official duties. The post-office was in 
the Messersmith Building (now Lerch hardware- 
store). Afterward he was a clerk in the dis- 
patcher's office of the Philadelphia and Read- 
ing Railroad Company at Reading. He died 
of paralysis whilst occupying that position, on 
September 8, 18(30, in the sixty-ninth year of 
his age. He was married to Catharine Kast, 
and left nine children — Joseph, Anna (married 
to Charles H. Fritz), Jacob, Henry, Hiram, 
Catharine (married to William Kerper), Amelia 
(married to Michael Locher), Ellen (married to 
Simon Seyfert), and Louisa (married to B. H. 
Brown). 

George K. Whitxer is the great-grandson 
of George Whitner, who emigrated from AViir- 
temberg, Germany, and settled in Berks County 
as a minister of the Reformed Church. Among 
his children was a sou, Abi'aham, who resided 



in Columbia County, Pa., where he pursued the 
business of farming. He was twice married ; 
his only son by the first marriage was George, 
born in Columbia County, who, at the age of 
eighteen, came to Berks County and learned the 
trade of a weaver in Albany township. Later, 
Reading became his place of residence ; but in 
1826 he made Amity township his home, con- 
tinuing to work at his trade in both localities. 
He, in 1827, married Christina, daughter of 
David Kline, of Amity township, whose sur- 
viving children are David, Rebecca, Abraham, 
Hiram, George K., Samuel, Sarah and Calvin. 
The year of his marriage, Mr. Whitner engaged 
in the hotel business in Amity township, and 
became the landlord of the popular hostelry 
known as " The Yellow House." 

George K. Whitner was born on the 28th of 
December, 1837, in Amity township, and at 
the youthful age of four years removed to his 
father's farm in Oley township, where he re- 
mained until 1869, when he located in Reading. 
He received his earliest instruction at the com- 
mon schools of the township, and at the age of 
seventeen continued his studies at the Mount 
Pleasant Academy, Boyertown, Pa., finally be- 
coming a pupil of the Reading Institute and 
Normal School, conducted by Rev. William A. 
Good, after which, for five winters, he engaged 
in teaciiing. In 1863 he was appointed assistant 
asse.s.sor of internal revenue for the district em- 
braced in Oley, Pike and Rockland townships, 
Berks County, which position he held for a 
period of five years. In 1876 he was nominated 
for prothonotary of the county, which honor he 
declined, as he was the incumbent of the above 
office. Removing to Reading, he subsequently 
became associated with Eli S. Fox in the Read- 
ing Terra-Cotta Works, in which he is still 
interested. Mr. Whitner was, on the 26th of 
February, 1864, married to Ellen R., daughter of 
EH S. Fox, of Reading. He is a Republican in 
politics, and has for years taken a decided stand 
in defense of the principles of his party. He 
has, however, held no office other than that of 
postmaster of the city of Reading, to which he 
was appointed May 31, 1882, and served a full 
term of four years. The admirable system 
introduced bv Mr. Whitner into the manage- 



KEADIXG. 



755 



ment of the office has won for hiui the most 
cordial commendatioti from his superior officials. 
He is a director of the Keystone National Bank 
of Reading, and a member of the Reformed 
Church. 

Cemeteries. — The people of Reading were 
accustomed to burying their dead in " burying- 
grounds" included in the several church prop- 
erties during tlie first two periods of the place 
as a town and borough. The grounds conspic- 



Friends', W. side of Sixth, between Washington 
and Walnut Streets. 

Episcopalian, S. E. corner of Sixth and Walnut 
Streets. 

Episcopalian, W. side of Fifth, above Court Street. 

Catholic, E. side of Seventh, between Franklin and 
Chestnut Streets. 

Burials were made in the first, third and 
fourth "grounds" from the beginning of Read- 
ing during a period of one hundred years. The 
several religious denominations buried their 




y^;^.,^^^^^^^^^^Z^J^2-- 



uous for this purpose were rather numerous, 
there having been no less than seven : ' 

Trinity Lutheran, N. W. corner of Sixth and 
Washington Streets. 

Trinity Lutheran, N. W. corner of Sixth and Wal- 
nut Streets. 

German Reformed, N. E. corner of Sixth and 
Washington Streets. 



' The Jews claim to have had an early burying-ground 
on Schuylkill Avenue, near the railroad ; but I could not 
find any deed, record or data on the subject. 



dead in their own grounds ; and this distinctive 
feature was continued until the establishment of 
a general cemetery for the inhabitants. The 
number interred in them was large. In 1860 
the Lutheran congregation removed the dead 
from the ground at Si.xth and Walnut Streets ; 
and in 1870, the Reformed from Sixth and 
Washington Streets. 

Ch.^rles Evans' Cemetery. — Charles 
Evans, a distinguished and wealthy member of 



756 



HISTORY OF BEEKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the Berks County bar, " not having any child of 
the many born to him left to inherit his fortune, 
exercised his mind with devising some such dispo- 
sition of a portion of his property as would re- 
dound to the benefit of the people of Reading. 
He finally determined that the establishment of 
a cemetery would be the practical form of benev- 
olence most beneficial to them and most agree- 
able to himself. Xot postponing the execution 
of his project until after his death, as men too 
frequently do, he proceeded to select the site for 
a cemetery, purchase the land and appoint the 
trustees of his choice. The necessary legisla- 
tion having been obtained to incorporate those 
trustees, the company was organized on !March 
28, ] 846, whereupon Mr. Evans made the con- 
veyance to it of twenty-five acres of land. His 
interest in the institution was not exhausted by 
this liberal gift ; for, besides a further gift of 
two thousand dollars in money, in his will he 
bequeathed to it ten thousand dollars and six- 
eighths of the residue of his estate, which, upon 
final settlement, amounted to nearly sixty-seven 
thousand dollars, making, with the land, an 
aggregate endowment of over eighty-four thou- 
sand dollars — a benefaction to a single object of 
public utility so great as to have been exceeded 
but in a few instances, it is believed, in Penn- 
sylvania." 

The trustees appointed by Mr. Evans were 
John Banks, John S. Hiester, Dr. Isaac Hies- 
ter, James L. Dunn, Samuel Bell, Dr. Hiester 
H. Muhlenberg, William Strong, Matthias S. 
Richards, William Darling, Dr. Diller Luther, 
William Eckert, Benueville Keim and Peter 
Filbert. They were incorporated by an act of 
Assembly, passed 24th of February, 1846, 
under the name of the " Charles Evans Ceme- 
tery Company." On the 28th of ^larch follow- 
ing they organized the company by electing as 
the first officers of the board : John S. Hiester, 
president; Samuel Bell, treasurer ; Matthias S. 
Richards, secretary. Upon this organization, 
Mr. Evans conveyed to the company twenty- 
five acres of ground, situated one mile north of 
Penn Square, on the ea.stern side of the Centre 
turnpike, to be used for the burial of the dead 
forever. The board addressed a letter of 
thanks to him for his liberal gift. In his 



reply, dated July 11, 1846, he said, among 
other things, — 

"... That it is the duty of the living to provide 
for the becoming interment of the dead, is a senti- 
ment whicli seems to liave been cherished by almost 
all nations from the earliest period of time. The 
Greeks, Romans and other nations manifested a laud- 
able desire to establish suitable places for the repose 
of the dead. Associations for these meritorious pur- 
poses liave recently become prevalent in Pennsylva- 
nia. Such establishments afford opportunities for 
all to provide a decent place for the interment of 
their friends and the final repose of themselves. 
Rural cemeteries have long been considered of great 
utility and importance, and are subjects of deep and 
universal interest. Most ancient nations permitted 
no sepulture within their cities. Adrian and Tlieo- 
dosius, and other Roman Emperors, believing inter- 
ments in populous places to be detrimental to health, 
prohibited all burials within the walls of their cities. 
Regulations of this kind, which exempt the living 
from the miasma of the dead, have long been consid- 
ered indispensable to the health and happiness of 
the community. 

" That the ground selected for the cemetery should 
have met with the unanimous approval of the trus- 
tees is to me a source of inexpressible gratification. 
In the hands of gentlemen so well qualified for the 
trust, the march of improvement will be unobstructed 
and the establishment rendered extensively useful. 
That such may be its fate is the sincere and ardent 
desire of him whose humble act has been abundantly 
rewarded by the very gratifying terras in which it has 
been accepted." 

The trustees then adopted a plan for laying 
out and permanently inclosing the ground and 
for a gateway as the main entrance into the 
cemetery. This gateway presents an imposing 
front, and it possesses the enduring merit of 
being thoroughly well built of the best materials. 
Its cost was §18,879.78. It was built in 1847- 
49. Upon its completion they erected the side- 
wings and also a dwelling-house within for the 
superintendent. 

In 1852 they erected a chapel of red free- 
stone. Its cost was §18,818.96. 

Since the death of the founder the area has 
been increased by additional purchases of land 
adjoining the cemetery to the east and north. 
Now it embraces one hundred and twenty-seven 
acres. 

From the opening of the cemetery till Janu- 
ary 1, 1864, the removals from other grounds 
and the burials together numbered three thou- 



EEADING. 



saud two hundred and sixty-three, an average 
of two hundred and four interments per annum. 
During 1861, 1862 and 1863 the average was 
two hundred and seventy. From tlie beginning 
till now it is estimated that fifteen thousand 
liurials have been made in the cemetery. 

The cemetery contains many fine monuments. 
The Evans lot is situated in the central section 
of the cemetery, surrounded by a heavy iron 
railing. In it are four large trees, two graves, 
small plain liead and foot-stones for each grave, 
and a plain marble shaft resting upon two plain 
marble blocks. Near the top of the shaft, on 
the east side, is a medallion bust of Charles 
Evans; and the inscriptions on it are as follows: 



i Charles Evaxs. j 

+ The founder of this cemeter}- which justly bears + 

t his name, J 

+ an Eminent Lawyer + 

t Learned, faithful, eloquent. X 

+ An exemplarv citizen, + 

i Publick spirited and generous, and in every J 

+ sphere + 

J of his long and useful life conscientious, uiiright j 

+ and honorable. + 

I Born 30 of March, 176.S + 

+ Died 6 of September, 18-17. t 

t In the Christian's hope of a + 

+ , . . ,. + 

+ glorious iDimortalitv. + 



+ Mary Evaxs, " + 

+ wife of I 

t Charles Evans. + 

+ Eminent for the powers of her mind + 

+ And the benevolence of her heart. + 

+ She died beloved and lamented, + 

t 30 August, 1838, | 

+ In the seventieth year of her age. + 

.HH-f- -i-f -i-i- -M- +-*■++-(-*■++ 4-fr -t-f +-t •»-+++ ++ +-¥^*^+-^^*-^•t^+-^+^^+^•^^ 

Charles Evan.s was born in Philadelphia 
on March 30, 1768. His parents were David 
Evans, of Philadelphia, and Letitia Thomas, of 
Radnor, both members of the Society of 
Friends. He received a good education, "which 
Friends never failed to give their children," and 
entered the office of Benjamin Chew, Esq., a 
distinguished lawyer at Philadelphia, for the 
purpose of reading law, when he was twenty 
years of age. He was admitted to the bar in 
June, 1791, and two mouths afterward went to 
Reading to practice law. In his profession he 



was faithful, capable and diligent, and " in ten 
years after his admission he had won his right- 
ful place in the front rank of this bar. At that 
day and in that rank his compeers were law vers 
of the severe school, wlio studied law in the 
original sources of statutes and reports." He 
continued in full and active business till 1828, 
and then retired with an ample fortune. Occa- 
sionally afterward he appeared in court to try a 
case or argue a rule. His last elaborate discus- 




sion of a question of law was in 1840, and his 
latest appearance in court in 1843. In 1846 he 
founded the " Charles Evans Cemetery," situated 
in Reading, and established it firmly by large 
donations of money and grants of property. He 
died September 5, 1847, and " was buried in the 
cemetery of his endowment, where a fitting 
monument marks his final resting-place and 
transmits to after-times the features of the man 
and a just and truthful tribute to his worth." 
He was married to Mary Keene, a daughter of 
Reynold Keene and Christiana Stille, both of 
Philadelphia, but had no surviving children. 
He was the first philanthropist at Reading 
whose heart was moved by a generous sponta- 
neous impulse toward the general welfare of 
this growing community. But, strange to say, 
notwithstanding this wonderful incentive to 
others of his day and generation, who were en- 
gaged here in business, accumulated fortunes 



758 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and survived him, "to go and do likewise" in 
some other field in which philanthropy could 
be equally beneficial to the public, not a single 
individual since has been moved to make a lib- 
eral gift, donation or grant for a public cause. 

Other Cemeteries. — Two cemeteries were 
laid out and established in 1849 on the northern 
slope of Neversink, — Trinity Lutheran and 
Roman Catholic. The former was extended by 
the addition of St. John's German Lutheran, 
both being together. 

The Aulenbach Cemetery was established iu 
1851, and was named after Charles Aulenbach, 
who owned the land and laid it out in lots for 
burial purposes. The original tract numbered 
four hundred and thirty-two lots. The ceme- 
tery company was incorporated May 17,1853. 
The cemetery has been enlarged and much 
imj)roved and now numbers one thousand nine 
hundred and sixty lots. It is situated at the 
eastern boundary of Reading. 

The Hebrew Cemetery is a small inclosure on 
South Street, opposite the Roman Catholic 
Cemetery. 

The colored people buried iu the burying- 
ground attached to the African M. E. Church, 
on North Tenth Street, near Washington, and 
also in buryiug-ground attached to the Wash- 
ington Street Presbyterian Church for many 
years; but .since 1874 in Charles Evans' Ceme- 
tery. 

Gas and Electric Light. — Our fore- 
fathers used a very simple sort of light. It 
was produced from tallow and oil. Candles 
were in universal use. And they continued in 
use during the first and second periods of Read- 
ing. The inhabitants did not require a superior 
light, for they performed their labor and trans- 
acted their business during the hours of the day 
iu which the sun shone, — from "sun-rise" to 
" sun-set," — carrying out the divine injunction, 
" work while it is day, for the night cometh 
when no man can work." From this, however, 
we are not to infer that the night was not u.sed 
to some extent, as it is now, for amusement at 
least, if not so much for labor and business. 
" Country life," as distinguished from " town- 
life," clung to the inhabitants with remarkable 
tenacity. This arose from their condition. They 



were mostly of the laboring clas.s. They had 
simple habits. A great proportion also carried 
on agriculture in connection with their trades 
and occupations. Generally inclined, if not 
forced, to exercise economy, they avoided ex- 
pense beyond the necessaries of life. Naturally, 
therefore, a simple, cheap light was sufficient for 
their purposes. A demand for an improvement 
did not arise ; hence, it was not thought of. 
If, perchance, it occurred to some men of enter- 
prise and advanced thought, it was certainly 
during these periods impracticable. The time 
had not yet come, and the population had not 
yet reached the number to justify the experi- 
ment and expense. 

Immediately after the erection of the borough 
into a city an improvement was made. And 
this was by the introduction of gas, for which a 
company was formed in 1848, under the name 
of the " Reading Gas Company." It continued 
to supply many citizens and business places and 
the streets of the city with gas from that time till 
November, 1885, when the " Consumers' Gas 
Company " took possession of its extensive and 
costly plant under a lea.se. This latter company 
is now supplying gas to the community. The 
Reading Company began their enterpri.se with 
five miles of pipes and sixteen lamps in the 
central part of the city, and supplied the gas 
from a gasometer with a capacity of fifty thou- 
sand feet. The works then had only nine retorts. 
As time advanced, the demands for gas increased 
and the retorts multiplied, advancing in number 
from nine to sixty. In 1861 a tele.scope gasom- 
eter was erected with a capacity of one hundred 
thousand feet, and afterward a similar one was 
substituted in the place of the original one. In 
1873 the company erected at Fourth and Elm 
Streets a large distributing telescope gasometer, 
with a capacity of three hundred and sixty thou- 
sand feet. Its works are situated in the south- 
ern section of the city, at the foot of Fifth Street. 
Dr. Lsaac Hiester was the first president and 
Matthias S. Richards the first secretary and 
treasurer. Horatio Trexler has officiated as 
president since 1860; and Edward D. Smith as 
secretary and treasurer since 1859. Its organi- 
zation is maintained notwithstanding the trans- 
fer. In November, 1885, there were thirty- 



READING. 



759 



nine miles of pipes and two hundred and fifty- 
five gas lamps. 

Naphtha gas was introduced in 1879. By this 
process about three hundred lamps are lit, be- 
ing located in the outer portions of the city and 
along the alleys. 

A company was formed in 1883 for the purpose 
of supplying Reading with electric light and 
power, and it has been in successful operation 
since. At present the company has in use four- 
teen miles of wire, and is supplying electric 
light to the city and certain business men ; total 
number of city lamps being seventy-eight, and 
business lights forty-two. The company began 
to suj)ply the city with light at the more prom- 
inent intersection of streets on Sept. 1, 1883. 
This company is now finishing a large and sub- 
stantial brick building on Seventh Street near 
Chestnut, to supply the increasing demands for 
their superior light. The engine is ibur hun- 
dred and fifty horse power, capable of ciirrying 
one hundred and twenty-two arc lights and 
two thousand four hundred incandescent lights. 
The officers of the company are Thomas P. 
Merritt, president, and Joshua K. Righter, 
secretary and treasurer. 

Haij.s. — The people of Reading had a na- 
tural fondness for amusement from its very be- 
ginning as a prominent centre. During its first 
period as a town there were no buildings set 
apart expressly for meetings and amusements. 
Every tavern had a large room, in which the 
landlord encouraged parties to assemble for 
dancing, an amusement which was indulged in 
rpiite frequently during the year by the young 
people, and which was especially conspicuous on 
" Fair-Days." Public meetings assembled at 
the court-house, and also to a certain extent 
in the Reading Academy, a building erected 
in 1810 for educational purposes. And during 
its second period as a borough the situation in 
this respect was not much improved. The 
" State- House " was erected in 1793, at the 
northeast corner of Fifth and Penn Streets, and 
included two large rooms on the second floor ; 
but these rooms were never converted into 
"halls" for dancing, theatres, etc., — the one 
having been mostly used for a Sunday-school, 
from about 1820 till 1846, and the other 



for a lodge-room by the " Masons," when the 
building was sold by the county. Theatres and 
performances of all kinds were still conducted 
in large rooms of certain tavei'u buildings. But 
its third period as a city had hardly begun be- 
fore a change was efiected to accommodate the 
public. The first enterprise for this purpose 
was projected in 1842, when steps were taken 
by the ^Masonic Lodge for the erection of a large 
and commodious three-story hall on the east side 
of South Fifth Street, near Franklin ; but it 
failed, notwithstanding a large room was much 
needed. The academy had been closed to en- 
tertainments, even concerts. 

In 1846 a second etfort was made in this be- 
half. This was by the " Odd-Fellows." They 
purchased the lot on the southwest corner of 
Fifth and Franklin Streets, and began building 
operations in April, 184G. The building — 
three-story brick — was dedicated as the "Odd- 
Fellows' Hall," on October 20, 1847. The i)ro- 
cession of Odd-Fellows upon that occasion pre- 
sented one of the finest pageants ever witnessed 
in Reading. A large number of the members 
of the order from abroad, including the digni- 
taries of the Grand Lodge of this and other 
States and of the United States, were in attend- 
ance ; and the various lodges in this county were 
largely represented. The ceremony of dedica- 
ting the hall was imposing. It took pirce 
between ten and twelve o'clock in the morning. 

The procession was under the direction of 
General Wm. H. Keim, chief marshal. 

Thirty-four lodges were present from Phil.i- 
delphia and surrounding counties, and the num- 
ber in line was fi-om two thousand to two thou- 
sand five hundred. All the banners were beauti- 
ful and attractive and mostly made for the oc- 
casion. Aleveetdok place in the evening. Many 
persons attended. The ball was a splendid affair. 

Concerts and entertainments began to be held 
immediately after its dedication in the large 
auditorium on the second floor. A dramatic 
troupe, under the management of J. H. Pow^ell, 
is worthy of special mention. He opened on 
May 10, 1848, and continued to play to large 
audiences for four weeks. 

The next was the " Keystone Hall " — an ad- 
dition erected at the rear of the Keystone House 



7(;() 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



— northwest uorner of Sixth and Penn Streets, 
by tlie owner, Tobias Barto. Its completion 
was signalized by a " Grand Dedication Ball," 
on Thursday evening, October 19, 1854. Its 
capacity was about five hundred. Many en- 
tertainments, balls and public meetings were 
held in it during its continuance. In 1866 it 
was enlarged and much improved, when it was 
called Keystone Opera-House. It was discon- 
tinued upon the enlargement of the hotel. 

The third was " Auleubach's Hall," on the 
south side of Penn street, one hundred feet 
above Sixth, erected bv John S. Aulenbach in 



by Joseph Mishler, of Reading,'and opened to the 
public October 1, 1872, with an entertainment 
by home talent, consisting of an address by 
Hon. Hiester Clymer, vocal selections by Albert 
S. Boyer, violin solos by A. S. Bowman, zithei- 
solo by Philip Bissinger, the Ringgold Baud, 
under the direction of B. M. Henry, and the 
Germania Orchestra under the direction of Prof. 
J. William Jost. Tickets were sold by seale<1 
proposals which ranged from twenty dollars to 
fifty cents. Col. Eli S. Fox, of the Keystone 
House, was the highest bidder, taking first 
choice of two seats for forty dollars. Hon. 







iSTAGE OF MISHLER ACADEMY. 



1862. Its capacity, including gallery, was about 
eight hundred. 

The fourth was " Breueiser's Hall " on the 
northwest corner of Penn and Eiij-htli Streets 
erected by Charles S. Breneiser in 1869. From 
1879 till now it has been known as Association 
Hall — the second and third floors having been 
occupied b}- the Young Men's Christian Asso- 
ciation of Reading till April 1, 18S6, and since 
then only the second floor. The third floor is 
occupied Ijy societies of Odd-Fellows. 

Misiiler'.s Academy of Music was erected 



Hiester Clymer had four seats for fifty dollars ; 
Isaac McHose had two seats for twenty dol- 
lars, and the following persons had two or more 
seats at five dollars each : Moses K. GraefF, F. 
P. Heller, William M. Griscoiu, H. M. Keim, 
Adam Kutz, H. A. Kauffman, Ambrose Mc- 
Hose, Simon Seyfert, Mrs. Frank Seitziuger, 
Geo. K. Whitner and Dr. W. M. Weidman. 
There were a good many at §2.50, §2, $1.75 
and §1. The auditorium was about two-thirds 
filled the opening night, but the receipts were 
§1,384.50. The prices afler the propo.sals had 



READING. 



761 



beeu opened were : Parquet, five dollars ; par- 
quet circle, $2.50 ; gallery one dollar ; boxes, 
forty dollai's. The first dramatic performance 
was given Octoljer 7, 1872, by a dramatic com- 
])any under the management of Mr. John E. 
McDonougb, which remained four weeks play- 
ing to crowded houses. All the leading Amer- 
ican stars, except Booth, appeared at the 
Academy, and the character of entertainments 
equaled those of any theatre in New York 
or Philadelphia. Among those that had the 
largest recei])ts were Charlotte Cushman, as 
" Meg Mcrrilies," May 15, 1873, and on that 



Compauy(two nights), $1280; Thatcher, Prim- 
rose and West, $685.35; Kiralfy's Around the 
World, $698.50; E. L. Davenport, S613.60; 
Fanny Davenport, $652.70 ; and Thomas' 
orchestra, $1011. A pleasing feature for sev- 
eral seasons was Misliler's course of lectures, for 
which the stage settings were made expressly to 
conform with the subject of the lecture. The 
Mishler Acadenw was the first modern com- 
plete theatre erected in Eastern Pennsylvania, 
outside of Philadelphia. Tiie Academy occu- 
pied a space of seventy by one hundred feet, and 
the auditorium was divided into a parquette, 




AUDITORIUM OF MISHLEK ACADEMY. 



occasion the prices of seats were higher than for 
any other dramatic performance since ; the 
prices were $2, $1.50, $1 and seventy-five cents; 
the receipts were seven hundred and four dol- 
lars, and as Miss Cushman received five hun- 
dred and personal expenses for her own services 
only, there was a loss of several hundred dollars; 
Carncross and Dixey, $646.50; Henry Ward 
Beecher, $761, $1 having been charged for seats 
in every part of the Academy; George L. Fox in 
pantomime, $769.50 ; Furbish's Two Orphans 



raised parquette circle, and one gallery, with a 
total seating capacity of over one thousand per- 
sons. The cost exceeded one hundred thousand 
dollars. The interior arrangements were com- 
plete in all their appointments, and the ceilings 
and walls were magnificently frescoed. 

After a successful career of fourteen years, 
the Academy was closed also by home talent, 
February 27, 1886, — the production of the 
" Drummer Boy of Shiloh," by members of the 
McLean and Keim Posts, G. A. E,. 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The Academy was always under tlie manage- 
ment of John D. Mishler, son of the proprietor. 

Joseph Mishler, the proprietor of the 
Academy, was Iiorn at Reamstown, Lancaster 
County, Pa., March 14, 1820. He located 
at Reading in 1848, and became an enterprising 
and liberal-spirited citizen. He was of a jovial, 
sociable disposition and had an extensive ac- 
quaintance throughout the State. In the 
early progress of the city lie was among the 
foremost in the erection of numerous buildings. 
In 1872 he erected the first modern place of 
amusement in Reading. It was a gratifying 
enterprise to his friends and a substantial evi- 
dence of his liberality and good taste. The last 
six 3-ears of his life he retired from active busi- 
ness. He died August 20, 1880. He was 
married to Rebecca Zimmerman, of Lebanon 
County, Pa., and left a widow and two sous, 
—John D. and William D. 

John D. Mishler was born at Xewmanstown, 
Lebanon County, in 1847, and educated at 
Reading. He was actively engaged as a 
merchant at Reading from 18G8 till 1872, when 
he directed his attention to public entertain- 
ments, in which since that time he has met with 
great success. He has also shown a high degree 
of public spirit in other matters pertaining to 
the progress of Reading. In various charitable 
affairs he has exhibited much liberality. He 
was connected with the construction of the first 
street railway in Reading, the organization of the 
first Board of Health, the agitation of the City 
Park, and the projection of the Widows' Home. 

Grand Opera-Hoise. — In 1871 the West 
Reading Market-House Company erected a fine 
and commodious market-house on Penn Street, 
between Third and Fourth Streets, extending to 
Cherry Street in the rear. Shortly after its 
completion, the company decided to add an 
" Opera-House " to the front part, and accord- 
ingly proceeded in that behalf, finishing the 
building in September, 1873; and in the same 
month it was regularly opened to the public as 
a superior place of amusement with a seating 
capacity for one thousand persons. The cost 
was forty thousand dollars. The decorations 
were admirably executed by FriMlericiv Spang, 
artist, of Reading. 



The front of the parquet circle is in panel- 
woi'k, with handsome life-like portraits of Ru- 
binstein, Mrs. Billington, Lucca, Miss Nielson, 
Jenny Lind, M'lle Xilsson, Handel, Haydn, 
Clara Louise Kellogg, Parepa Rosa, Mrs. Scott 
Siddons, Madame Sessi, Madame Pasta, and 
Meyerbeer. These are interspersed with elegant 
little bouquets of flowers. Above the prosce- 
nium, in a recess, is the head of Apollo, and on 
the ceiling are portraits of Forrest as ]VIacbeth, 
the elder Mrs. Siddons as Lady Macbeth, 
Fanny Kemble, Beethoven, Mozart, Schiller 
and Goethe. In the centre of the dome are 
four figures, representing Spring, Summer, 
Autumn and Winter, which are interspersed 
with wreaths imd bou((uets. Encircling these 
are figures of Music, Tragedy, Comedy and the 
Terpsichorean art. The .stage is thirty-four 
feet deep, with a recess of twelve feet. The fol- 
lowing gentlemen composed the board of direc- 
tors, who attended to the erection of the build- 
ing : Reuben E. Addams, Charles S. Birch, 
George ^I. Ermentrout, John Kissinger, John 
McKnight, Arnold Mellert, John F. Orth, 
John S. Pear.son and A. W. Potteiger. The 
president of the board was John Kissinger, and 
the secretary and treasurer George M. Ermen- 
trout, Esq. 

Mr. George W. INIdler has been the man- 
ager for the past tenyeai'S, successfully providing 
attractive and well attended amusements. 

M.EXXERCHOR Hael. — ^A " Masouic Tem- 
ple " was begun in 1873, on North Sixth Street, 
near Walnut, but the project failed during the 
course of its erection, after the completion of 
the market-house. Subsequently Hon. George D. 
Stitzel and several others purchased the property 
and completed the building. It was opened in 
1877, and named after the prominent singing so- 
ciety of Reading. A small stage was added to 
the auditorium. The capacity is estimated at 
eight hundred persons. The market-house was 
torn down recently, and tiie owners (George D. 
Stitzel, Xolan Brotliers, A^'illiam Shomo, John 
D. ]\Iishler and Garrett B. Stevens) are now 
erecting a commodious opera-house, to take 
the place of the " Academy of Music," and to 
be complete in all its appointments. 

There have been other places of amu.sement 



READING. 



res 



in Readiug, but they were not long in existence, 
anil special mention of them will not be made. 

Private Mauket-Houses. — Immediately 
after the public market-houses were abandoned, 
private individuals erected substantial and com- 
modious buildings to accommodate the market 
people, which were opened the first time on May 
10, 1871. The following three buildings were 
erected shortly before : South Reatling, Sixth 
and Bingaman ; Farmer's, on Penn, between 
Eighth and Ninth ; West Heading, on Penn, 
between Third and Fourth. In 1874 two addi- 
tional market-houses were erected, — Northeast, 
at Ninth and Buttonwood, and the Keystone, on 
Sixth, near Walnut, — and in 1884, a sixth was 
erected at Tenth and Chestnut, by Dr. W. P. 
Deppen. 

Hospitals. — There are two fine hospital 
buildings in Reading, — the Reading, in the 
northern part of the city ; and the St. Joseph's, 
on Walnut Street, above Twelfth. Both occupy 
fine positions and command magnificent views 
of the surrounding country. 

Reading Hospital. — Prior to the year 
1867 Reading had no institution to provide 
medical treatment and medicines for the worthy 
poor. The Readiug Medical Association recog- 
niziug this want, at a stated meeting in Decem- 
ber of that year, appointed a committee, com- 
posed of Drs. D. L. Beaver, J. B. Brooke, S. 
L. Kurtz, Martin Luther, Edward Wallace and 
W. Murray Weidman, to confer with some of 
the leading citizens in reference to this charity. 
On the evening of December 14, 1867, at the 
office of Dr. Martin Luther, the following- 
named gentlemen met the committee : A. F. 
Boas, Isaac Eckert, Wm. Griscom, Dr. Chas. 
H. Hunter, Chas. Kessler, Adam Leize, Frede- 
rick Lauer, H. H. Muhlenberg, John McManus, 
G. A. Nicolls, James F. Smith, Dr. Daniel 
Ulrich and P. M. Ziegler. It was then deter- 
mined to open the " Reading Dispensary." 

A constitution with by-laws . was adopted, 
a charter was obtained, money was subscribed 
and a house rented. Messrs. A. F. Boas, 
Henry Bushong, Hiester Ch'mer, Isaac Eckert, 
Wm. Griscom, Chas. H. Hunter, M.D., Charles 
Kessler, Adam Leize, Frederick Lauer, H. H. 
Muhlenberg, John McManus, G. A. Nicolls, 



John S. Richards, Esq., Daniel Shaaber, Hon. 
Warren J. Woodward, James F. Smith and P, 
M. Ziegler composed the first board of man- 
agers. 

On the 27th of January, 1868, the Reading 
Dispensary was opened at No. 618 Court Street 
for the reception of in-door patients. One sur- 
geon and one physician were appointed to be in 
attendance daily. Out-door patients were pre- 
scribed for every afternoon except Sundays, 
between the hours of two and three. Ward 
physicians were ajipointed to attend patients too 
ill to call at the institution. All this work was 
performed gratuitously by the members of the 
Reading Medical Association. lu February, 
1874, Frederick Lauer, Drs. Brooke, Kurtz 
and Weidman were appointed as a committee 
by the board of managers to purchase a site 
for the erection of a hospital building. The 
spot selected was that on which the Reading 
Hospital now stands and was purchased of 
Michael Hauser. During the financial panic 
of 1874 the demands on the dispensary were 
greatly increased and the collections diminished 
to such an extent that tlie managers were com- 
pelled to close the building on Court Street. 
A room was obtained in the building of the 
Reading Relief Association, corner of Franklin 
and Plum Streets, where all out-door patients 
were attended daily, and the services of the 
ward physicians continued as above mentioned. 
In 1883 the charter was revised and the name 
changed to the " Reading Hospital." The State 
appropriated twenty thousand dollars on condi- 
tion that twenty-five thousand dollars be col- 
lected from citizens. This being accomplished, 
a plan of building, designed by Furness & 
Evans, under the direction of the building 
committee — namely, W. E. C. Coxe, J. B. 
Brooke, M.D., Geo. F. Baer, Harrison Maltz- 
berger and W. M. Weidman, M.D., — was 
adopted, and the building commenced. 

The members of the board of managers at 
present are W. E. C. Coxe, president ; P. M. 
Ziegler, treasurer ; Israel Cleaver, M.D., secre- 
tary ; B. R. Lee, M.D., representative of Read- 
iug Medical Association ; George F. Baer, Esq., 
Elijah Bull, Charles Breneisei", J. B. Brooke, 
M.b., A. B. Dundor, M.D., Henry S. Eckert, 



r64 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



S. L. Kurtz, M.D., Harrison Maltzberger, Esq., 
W. F. Muhlenberg, U.I)., John B. Raser, P. 
It. Stetson and W. Murray Weidman, M.D. 

The hospital comprises a superior and com- 
modious two-story brick structure with a cut 
lime-stone base in a fine, elevated position, 
which commands a magnificent view of Reading 
and the surrounding country. It contains all 
the modern improvements, especially designed 
for a complete sanitarium, with two large wards, 
each having a capacity for twelve beds, a female 
ward for five beds and three apartments for 



P.M.Ziegler 500 00 

Caleb Wheeler 500 00 

George F.Baer 500 00 

John B. Brooke 500 00 

John Endlich 500 00 

Adam Leize 500 00 

John Maltzberger 500 00 

E. J. Deiuinger 500 00 

Hauser Estate 500 00 

W. E. C. Coxe 500 00 

James Jameson 500 00 

George Brooke 500 00 

Mrs. William M. and Mr. Isaac Hies- 

ter .500 00 




KEADIXG HOSPITAL. 



" pay " patients. When finished it will be 
under the care of a jihysician and surgeon, 
mab'on and nurse, witii several assistants. 

The building is situated one mile north 
from Peuu Street, and is accessible by convey- 
ance or by the street railway, the northern ter- 
minus of which is only a short distance from 
the inclosure. The property includes a tract of 
over three acres of ground. 

The following subscriptions have been re- 
ceived towards the Reading Ho.spital to Decem- 
ber 31, 1884 : 

John S. Pearson $500 00 



William Mellvain and Sons 500 00 

Eckert & Bro 500 00 

J. H. Sternbergb 500 00 

Philadelphia Friend 500 00 

Orr, Painter & Co 350 00 

Reading Hardware Co 350 00 

Charles Breneiser 250 00 

G. A. Nicolls 250 00 

Horace Roland 200 00 

McHose&Co 200 00 

Rick Bros 2<I0 00 

Mrs. Sarah Haywood 200 00 

A. Wilhelm & Co 150 00 

Mrs. Catharine E. H. Jones 150 00 

Miss Mary Eckert 150 00 

Mrs. Esther Otto 100 00 



READING. 



765 



Miss Clara Gries 100 00 

Mrs. Susan B. Good 100 00 

Miss Susan E. Benson 100 00 

■T. L. Stichter & Sou 100 00 

Kline & Eppihimer 100 00 

D. H. Wingerd 100 00 

Moses K. Graeft'. 100 00 

H. A. Muhlenberg 100 00 

M. A. DeWolfe Howe 100 OO 

J. V. Craig 100 00 

J. H. Craig, Keystone Iron -Works... 100 00 

Jacob Snell 100 00 

Jesse G. Hawley 100 00 

E. D. Smith 100 00 

W. D. Smith 100 00 

Bentley H. Smith 100 00 

L. Heber Smith 100 00 

W. A. Arnold 100 00 

F. Leaf Smith 100 00 

Thomas P. Merritt 100 00 

Reading Friend 100 00 

J. O. Geise 00 00 

H. H. Muhlenberg .50 00 

J. E. Wootten .50 00 

James F. Smith 50 00 

W. T. Hain 50 00 

Samuel Buch .50 00 

R. T. Leaf. .50 oO 

Mrs. A. L. Campbell .50 00 

Graul & Co 50 00 

Miss S. F. Wharton .50 00 

Samuel H. Kutz 50 00 

Lodge No. 62, A. Y. M 50 00 

Chandler Lodge, No. 227, A. Y. M... .50 00 
St. John's Lodge, No. 435, A. Y. M.. 25 00 

Reading H. R. Chapter, No. 152 25 00 

Christian Ebeu .30 00 

A. Harvey Tyson 35 00 

George Gasser 30 00 

Daniel Borkert, Jr., & Co .30 00 

George W. Greisemer & Bro 30 00 

Douglas & Connard 25 00 

F. P. Howe 25 00 

Samuel Koch 25 00 

Mellert Foundry & Machine Co 25 00 

J. C. Bright 25 00 

Winter* Goetz 25 00 

H. S. Getz & Co 25 00 

John R.Miller 25 00 

W. H. Reinoehl & Co 25 OO 

John Hendel 25 00 

Henry B. Hendel 25 00 

High&Geiger 25 00 

DeLong Bros 25 00 

Cash, H. A. & A 25 00 

S. E. Ancona 25 00 

Mrs. R. T. Leaf. 25 00 

Leymaster & Bricker 25 00 

J. H. Cheetham 25 00 



P. Barbey &Son 25 00 

Martin Streng 20 00 

Christopher Leoser 20 00 

Solomon Weida 20 00 

F.S.Jacobs 20 00 

C. F. Kessler 20 00 

Dr. Joseph Coblentz 20 00 

C. Stolz 15 00 

Miss Marion Baer 10 00 

Penn Hardware Co 10 00 

Levi Rothenberger 10 00 

Sundry subscriptions less than §10, 

Fairs, etc 11,126 00 

Total $26,290 00 

During the year 188-5, — 

Reading Hardware Co .§3.50 00 

M. A. DeWolfe Howe 100 00 

A. Wilhelm & Co 50 00 

Reading Foundry Co 42 00 

Liquor Dealers' Protective Assoc'n 25 00 
Sundry contributions 32 51 

Total .•J.5(»9 51 

St. Joseph's Hcspital.— The laiul on which 
thi.s hospital is located, on the north side of 
Walnut Street, above Twelftli, was long known 
as the VoUmer property. It was purchased in 
1873 for ten thousand dollars and contained 
three and a half acres, on wliich were then a 
two-story brick dwelling, twenty by thirty feet, 
a frame structure and a stable. The dwelling 
was arranged into wards, appropriately fur- 
nished, and the institution was opened as a hos- 
pital in August, 1873, under the immediate 
steward-ship of the Sisters of St. Francis. Im- 
mediately after the organization of the ho.spital, 
the Pathological Society of Berks County, at a 
meeting held for that purpose, appointed a com- 
mittee to tender the .•services of its members as a 
medical board of the institution. The offer was 
gratefully accepted and a board was organized, 
with the following membership: Drs. D. L. 
Beaver, Martin Luther, Jeremiah Breidenbach, 
H. M. Nagle, Henry Landis, J. G. Kalbach, 
Samuel Ermentrout and M. A. Khoads, which 
was subsequently increased by the addition of 
James M. Hotfman and A. J. Crcssman. The 
same medical society is to the present day the 
efficient medical staff of St. Joseph's Hospital. 

The corner-stone of the new St. Joseph's Hos- 
pital was laid in July, 1882, and the building 



?G6 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



placed under roof some time during the follow- 
ing winter. On account of the lack of fund.s, 
the building was not completed until 1885, 
when, on IVIay 25th, it was solemnly blessed by 
the most Rev. P. J. Ryan, Archbishop of Phil- 
adelphia. Soon after this it was properly fur- 
nished and occupied. Since then it has done a 
noble work, as from thirty to forty patients at 
a time have been carefully provided for. The 
main building has a front on Walnut Street of 
sixty-five feet; its depth is fifty feet, with addi- 
tions both in the front and to the rear. On its 
west side it has four stories, on the east three. 
Spacious balconies on the east and west sides aflFord 
patients who can leave the house pure air, a most 
beautiful view of Reading and has surroundings 
and opi)i)rtunity for light out-door exercise. 

The interior arrangements, with all modern 
improvements, are well adapted to the comfort 
and improvement of its suffering inmates. The 
building contains fourteen single rooms, well 
furnished for private patients, and three wards 
with twenty-six beds. 

There are other large rooms and halls that 
can be made into wards for patients, if necessary, 
so as to double the capacity of the institution. 
The hospital occupies an elevated location on the 
western slope of Mount Penn. The grounds 
belonging to the institution are principally oc- 
cupied by productive vineyards, fruit-trees and 
shrubbery, thus affording convalescent patients 
ample opportunity in mild weather for amuse- 
ment and recreation. Easily accessible from 
all parts of the city, with an inexhaustible flow 
of pure mountain spring-water, and affording 
a magnificent view of the city of Reading and 
the surrounding country, it is most eminently 
adapted to the purpose for which it was erected. 

Though conducted by the Sisters of St. Fran- 
cis, a M'ell-known religious society in the Catholic 
Church, it is by no means a sectarian institu- 
tion in the dispensation of its charities. 
The statistics of the hospital show that more 
than one-half of the patients treated were not of 
the Catholic, but of the Protestant persuasion. 
Its doors are open alike to the sick and afflicted 
of every race, color and creed. Comparatively 
few of its inmates are able to pay for their 
board, and most of them are charity patients. 



The institution was built by charitable con- 
tributions. Its greatest benefactor was the late 
Francis A. Drexel, who kindly remembered it 
by a handsome legacy among his most munificent 
charities. Next to him stands the charitable 
George R. Frill, of Reading, who has donated 
to the institution ten thousand dollars' worth of 
stock of the Reading Land Improvement Com- 
pany, on which the hospital may realize at some 
future day a handsome sum for its support. 
Meanwhile, the hospital is supported by the 
charity of the citizens of Reading, solicited from 
time to time by the Sisters in charge. 

Private Parks. — A number of small parks 
are situated in different parts of the city, — 
Lauer's, Third and Elm ; Fairview, Ninth and 
South ; City Hotel and Grand Central, in East 
Reading ; Andalusia (Hertwig's), North Read- 
ing; and the Highland House, on Neversink. 
The first has been prominent in social and con- 
vivial affairs, in political demonstrations, and in 
celebrations of various kinds for many years. 
The last was set apart in 1884 by A. S. Gan- 
ser, who erected thereon a fine, commodious, 
three-story frame building and constructed an 
inclined railway. This place affords a mag- 
nificent view of Reading, and also northwardly 
over the Schuylkill Valley, and westwardly 
over the Lebanon Valley ; and near by are 
" look-outs" (elevated platforms), one at the east- 
ern end of Neversink, looking west and north, 
and two others, on the same mountain, looking 
south and southeast over the Schuylkill Valley, 
in which the " double bend," bridges, " Big 
Dam " and fine farms are conspicuous features. 

The Highland House has one hundred and 
eighteen rooms. It is elevated above the Schuyl- 
kill River seven hundred and twenty-eight feet, 
and nine hundred and seventy-two feet above 
tide-water. The inclined double track railway 
leading to it is one thousand eight hundred feet 
long. The cars are drawn by a double cable, 
and moved by an eighty horse-power engine. 
Eighty acres are included in the property with 
timber of thirty years' growth. An artesian 
well is upon the premises, the depth of which is 
five hundred and sixty feet, with a daily water 
supply equal to fifty thousand gallons. The 
total cost is about sixty thousand dollars. 



READING. 



767 



Mineral Spring. — The property in the 
eastern section of the city, owned by tlie city of 
Reading and commonly known by the name of 
"Mineral Spring," must be mentioned in this 
connection, for, if not a private park, it is a prop- 
erty used as a park by many people on pleasant 
days. It ha.s been much improved lately. The 
place is remembered with pleasure by many on 
account of the " chickens and waffles " furnished 
there for thirty years by Mrs. Roland. 

By a petition for a road presented to court on 
January 4, 1819, it would appear that shortly 
before, a " mineral water " was discovered on 
land of Charles Kessler, about one mile and a 
half to the eastward of Reading, which was con- 
sidered " as an efficacious remedy for many dis- 
orders," having been used for some time prev- 
iously by a great many persons as a medicine. 
On this account the public-house near by, in the 
occupancy of Jacob Schneider, was exjiected to 
become a place of great resort, and not having 
a road to reach it conveniently, the court was 
therefore asked to lay one out, which was done. 
This place has been a resort for the people ever 
since. The Democrats for many years annually 
celebrated the " Fourth of July," drank toasts 
and delivered speeches there. The mineral 
spring is abandoned, not having been suffi- 
ciently strong to be of any profit. 

STREET RAILWAYS. 

Reading City. — In 1873 the Reading City 
Passenger Railway Company was incorporated 
with the following members : George R. Frill, 
James MillhoUand, David McKnight, George 
W. Bruckman and William H. Parvin. The 
railway was laid in 1874 on Sixth Street, from 
Canal Street northwardly to Robeson, and thence 
to the Evans Cemetery, the first cars having 
been run in August of that year. The company 
has continued to operate the road successfully 
since. It owns four miles of track, seventy 
horses and twenty-one cars. In 1884 it carried 
four hundred and twenty-one thousand nine 
hundred and sixty-one passengers. 

PerkiomeiV Avenue. — The company for 
laying this street railway was first incorporated 
in 1873, underthe name of Penn Street Passenger 
Railway Company, the petition having been sub- 



scribed by two hundred and five citizens and 
property-holdei-s along Penn Street; and- the 
right was given to construct a street railway on 
Penn Street from Front to Eleventh, thence on 
Perkiomen Avenue to Nineteenth Street. Then 
an organization was effected and the railway 
laid in 1874. But the road was not operated 
successfully for a number of years ; then it 
passed into the possession of the Central Pas- 
senger Railway Company, M-hich also failed to 
carry it on to advantage. In 1881 the Perkiomen 
Avenue Passenger Railway Company was or- 
ganized, when it purchased the road, cars, etc. 
It has operated the road successfully since. In 
1884 it carried three hundred and seventy-four 
thousand seven hundred and seven passengers. 
The length of the road is two miles ; and it has 
in use fifteen cars and fortv-two horses. 



PART VI. 
CHURCHES. 

LUTHERAN CHURCHES. 

Trinity Lutheran Church. — The records 
of Trinity Church begin with 1751, and the first 
entry is the baptism of Henry, son of Abra- 
ham and Margaret Brosius, born August 20th, 
and baptized August 24th, by Rev. Tobias 
Wagner, who served congregations in a some- 
what irregular manner in this and neighboring 
counties. Religious services, at first, were held 
in private houses, but .steps were speedily 
taken for the erection of a church-building. 
A meeting of members for this purpose was held 
on the festival of Epiphany, January 6, 1752, 
and Peter Schneider and John Oerlin were ap- 
pointed a building committee, and at the same 
time Peter Schneider, Christian Brentzer, Wil- 
liam Marx and Abraham Brosius were re- 
elected church officers, which latter statement 
shows that an organization had previously been 
effected. The building was begun in the spring 
of 1752 on a lot of ground situated on the 
northwest corner of Prince and Thomas Streets 
(now Sixth and Washington Streets). It was 
located on the western part of the ground, 
where the parsonage now stands, was built of 
logs and was surmounted with a steeple having 



768 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



a bell. The patent to the congregation for the 
lots Nos. 40G and 407 was not issued until 
1754. A delegate was sent to the meeting of 
the Evangelical Lutheran Ministerium, held in 
Oetobei", 1752, with a petition signed by 
eighty-two members, praying " that a member 
of that reverend body might be appointed to 
deliver the first sermon in the newly-erected 
church, and also to set things in good order in the 
congregation." Rev. Henry Alelchior Muhlen- 
berg was accordingly appointed, and he preached 
the first sermon in the church on October 15, 
1752. The church was consecrated on Trinity 
Sunday, June 17, 1753, and received tiie name 
" The Holy Trinity Church." On that occa- 
sion the following church officers were in- 
stalled: Peter Sclineider, Philip Jacob Mayer, 
^ Wilhelm Marx, Henry Hahn, Peter Weiser, 
Christian Barchmaun, Eberhard Martin, Henry 
Reitrayer, Frederick Wendisch, Mieiiael Fich- 
thorn, Jurg Sauerbrey, Alexander Klinger, 
Peter Drompor and .lohn Kissinger, together 
witli J. Spengler and A. Reissle, from Alsace, 
and Martin Gerich, from Schartzwald (Exeter). 

Presents to the new church, consisting of 
pulpit and altar coverings, sacramental vessels, 
collection plates, etc., are recorded as having 
been made by Christian Brentzer and his wife 
Catharine, Eberhard Martin, Anna K. Sauer- 
milch, Philip J. Rohrbauscht, Master Trury 
and the congregations at Lancaster and Phila. 

Pastoral changes were frequent in the early 
history of the congregation and the records 
kept are often fragmentary. The following 
served the congregation duringthe last century: 
Rev. H. B. G. AVordman, in 1752; Rev. D. 
Schuhmacker, in 1754-55; Rev. J. C. Hart- 
wig, in 1757; Rev. Hauseil, 175J)-(j2; 

Rev. J. A. Krug, 17(J4-71 ; Rev. Henry 
Moller, in 1775; Rev. D. Lehman, 1779-80; 
Rev. Charles Frederick Wildbahn, 1782-96; 
and Rev. D. Lehman (tiie second time), 1796 
to 1801. Notwitlistanding tiiese frequent 
changes, and the distress wiiich prevailed during 
and subsequent to the Revolutionary War, the 
congregation grew in numbers and wealth, and 
in 1790 determined to erect the large and 
stately edifice now standing on the northwest 
corner of Sixth and Wasliingtou Streets. The 



erection of a building of such dimensions, 
strength and beauty, at that early date, bears 
testimony to tiie enlarged ideas, culture and 
liberality of the congregation and its pastor. 
Rev. C. F. Wildbahn. The subscription list 
was started in 1790, the corner-stone was laid 
in 1791 and the building completed in 179.3, 
with the exception of the spire, which was not 
added until 1831. The dimensions are one 
hundred feet long by sixty-one feet wide, and 
originally the church had but one floor, with 
three doors of entrance on Washington Street 
and one on Sixth Street. 




TRINITY LUTHERAN' CHUKCU (188G). 

In 1803 Rev. Henry A. Mulilcnberg, son of 
Rev. Dr. H. E. Muhlenberg, of Lancaster, and 
grandson of Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg, 
the patriarch of the Lutheran Church in 
America, accepted a call and took charge of this 
congregation. He married into the family of 
Governor Hiester, and his high social position 
and eminent talents gave a new impulse to the 
congregation. His call, still in possession of 
his son. Dr. H. H. Muhlenberg, provided for 
Englisli preaching every fourth Sunday, the 
services previous to that date having been en- 
tirely in the German language. The number 
of worshippers on these occasions was quite 
small, and after several years the German 
language was again used in all the services. 



READING. 



769 



Mr. Mulilenberg was the longest settled pastor 
tlic (■ongregation ever had, his ministry con- 
tinuing twenty-six years, until 1829, when he 
was ehftsen to represent this district in Congress. 

He was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Miller, 
D.D., who took charge of the congregation in 
May, 1829, and died in May, 1850, having 
faithfully serveil the church for twenty-one 
years. 

During Ills pastorate, about 18:51-;i3, the 
very fine s|)ire, which is still the pride of the 
city and its most j)romineut landmark, was 
erected, aud two large bells placed therein ad- 
ditional to the smaller one which had been in 
use whilst the first church was yet standing. 
This first bell was cast by Henry Kapple, in 
Piiiladel|)hia, in 1755, and for many years was 
rung daily at eight a.m. and at noon, the cus- 
tom continuing as late as 1844. When St. 
Lidie's Chapel was built, this bell was placed 
u]ion it and used about ten years, when it became 
cracked and was replaced in the tower of Trin- 
ity Church, where it is kept as a relic of "ye 
olden time." The spire of the church is over 
two hundred feet in height, and for a long while 
was the highest in the State. 

In 1842 a number of members who desired 
services in the English language withdrew and 
organized St. Matthew's congregation. This led 
to the call, in the fall of the same year, of Rev. 
F. A. M. Keller as assistant pastor, who was 
to officiate in the English language. He entered 
iinnicdiately on his duties. From that time 
the morning .services were held by Dr. Miller 
in the diermau language, and the evening ser- 
vices by Mr. Keller in the English language. 
Rev. John W. Riciiards, D.D., w:ts chosen pas- 
tor after the death of Dr. Miller. He was a 
native of Reading, and a grandson of thePatri- 
aii'ii Muhlenberg. As he was able to officiate 
in l)i)tli languages, the services of the English 
assistant were dispensed with, upon which action 
a large number of the friends of Mr. Keller 
withdrew aud organized in 1851 St. James' Lu- 
theran congregation. 

At a meeting of the vestry held Novendjer 
2, 1850, it was determined to make extensive 
altei'ations in the church edifice, fitting it up in 
modern style and making better arrangements 

68 



for the Sunday-.school and weekly meetings. 
The improvements were completed by the mid- 
dle of the following summer and the church 
was recon.secrated on July 27, 1851. 

The building was very materially altered in 
its arrangements, but not in its dimensions, the 
great height of tiie church allowing a basement 
story of eleven feet high to l)e forme<l by put- 
ting a second floor in, and still leaving a height 
of thirty ftet for the main auditorium, and giv- 
ing space on the first floor for a large Sunday- 
school room and a lecture-room. The chancel, 
with pulpit and altar richly furnished, was 
placed at the eastern end of the building, frosted 
glass put in the windows, the walls frescoed in 
a very suj)erior manner Iw an Italian arti.st then 
in this country, and the entire building reno- 
vated and beautified at an expeu.se of about ten 
thousand dollars. 

Dr. Richards entered on his duties March 
16, 1851, and his sudden death on January 24, 
1854, was universally lamented. He was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. John N. Hoffman, who served 
the congregation from Septeml)er .3, 1854, until 
his death, which occurred July 26, 1857. The 
congregation had grown very large, and many 
believed the time had come for a division on 
the basis of language, but various difficulties 
prevented its immediateconsummation. Rev. F. 
J. F. Shautz, who had just entered the ministry, 
wa.s called as a supply aud on November 28, 
1857, was elected pastor. He officiated in both 
languages for two years, wlieu Rev. J. J. Kuen- 
dig was called as assistant to preach in the Ger- 
man language. This arrang(Mueut continued 
but one year, when the division or .separation of 
the Engli.sh and German portions of the con- 
gregation took place. The old grave-yard at 
Sixth and Walnut Streets was sold, and with 
the proceeds the German portion erected St. 
John's German Lutheran Church, and Trinitv 
Church became exclusively English in its ser- 
vices. Siiortly after the separation, Rev. Mr. 
S<^hantz resigned (in January, 1861), and on 
March 9th Rev. C Rightmyer was chosen ]>as- 
tor and served the congregation until the sum- 
mer of 1864, when his resignation was accepted. 

Rev. Jacob Fry, the present pastor, was 
elected on Christmas day, 1864, and entered on 



70 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



V 



his duties February 1, 1865. He is the sou of" 
Huu. Jacob Fry, of" Moutgomery County, who 
I'epreseuted that district iu Congress for several 
terms, and more recently was auditor-general 
of" Pennsylvania. A large number of families 
wlio had left the church on account of the strifes 
and troubles which for some years disturbed 
the congregation, returned, and very large ac- 
cessions were made to its membership. Some 
six hiuidred families are now coiniected with it, 
the communicant members numbering over 
twelve hundred, and one thousand leachers and 
scholars are connected with the Suuday-school- 
Mr. Fry is a graduate of Union College, New 
York, and the title of Doctor of Divinity was 
(•onferred uj)on him by iiis Alma Mater m 1873. 
He has occupied many j)ron)inent positions in 
the Ministerium of Pennsylvania, M'hich which 
the congregation is connected, and has succeeded 
in developing a great degree of enterprise and 
libei-ality in the congregation. His pastorate 
lias extended twenty-two years, and is second 
in duration only to that of Mr. Muhlenberg. 
Diu'ing his time the venerable church has twice 
been renovated, — the first time in 1873, when 
the entire basement was thrown into one large 
room f"or the Sunday-school, and the chapel on 
the noi'th side of the church was erected for 
week-day services, business meetings and the 
Infant and Secondary Departments of the Sun- 
day-school. At the same time the church was 
re])ainted and recarpeted, stained glass put into 
the windows, and the magnificent organ pur- 
chased which is now in use. It has three banks 
of keys, forty-four registers and two thousand 
pi})es, the bellows being operated by a water- 
motor. Tlie cost of the organ was six thousand 
dollars, the chapel about tiie same sum and the 
other improvements brought the total expense 
to fifteen thousand dollars, all of which was 
raised by Dr. Fry's personal efforts. 

The second renovation was made iu 1S81, 
when the walls were re-frescoed, the church re- 
painted, the pews upholstered and new carpets 
laid, stained glass windows put in the vestibules [z^' 
and Sunday-school rooms, and a large ventila- 
tor in the ceiling of the church. The expense 
of tliise improvements was abiiut six thousand 
dollars, all of which was secured at a single 



service before the work began. The congrega- 
tion has manifested also a most commendal)le 
missionary spirit during Dr. Fry's ministrv, 
and has erected no less than tive mission 
churches or chapels in various ])arts of the city 
in this time. 

As a memento of the Seventh Jubik'e of the 
Reformation, the congregation and Sunday- 
school built a chapel on North Niuth Street, 
beyond Button wood Street, in 1867-68. The 
building and ground cost about three thousand 
eight hundred dollars. This was subse<iiieuth 
enlarged and became St. Luke's Lutheran 
Church, of which Rev. F. K. Huntziuger is now 
pastor. 

In 1876, as a memento of the centennial of 
American Independence, (irace Church, a stately 
lirick structure on South J]leventh Street, above 
Franklin, was begun, and in 1878 finished at a 
cost of eighteen thousand dollars for building 
and ground. A congregation was oi'gauized 
in 1878, with Rev. W. H. Myers as j>astor. 

Id 188o three chapels were erected in the 
suburbs of Reading for the a«H)mmodation of 
the three mission-schools of the congregation — 
Peace Chapel in North Reading, Faith Chapel 
in Woodvale in East Reading, and Hope Chapel 
in the northwestern part of the city, on Schuyl- 
kill Avenue, above the Lebanon Valley Rail- 
road. They are exactly alike, built in part of 
brick, beveled siding aud slate, with Gothic roof 
and tower. A large school-room, infant class- 
ro<im, vestry room and vestibule make up the in- 
terior arrangement. The buildings and furniture 
cost about seven thousand five hundred dollars, 
and the grounds two thousand dollars more. 
They were commenced in May and completed in 
September the same year. Although erected 
for mission-school purposes, the deujand for 
preaching services became so great that in No- 
vember Dr. Fry secured the services of Rev. 
\i. .1. Bickel to take pastoral charge of them, 
and public services have since been held in 
them on alternate Stmdays. 

Vestry for 18,S(>.— Polders, Cliarles^_Haluii_ P. S. 
Ermold, L. H. Liess; Trustees, Hon. J. Hiigenman, J. 
K. Grim, William A. Arnold; Deacous, E. Burk- 
holder, E. C. Eben, A. N. Kissinger, E. W. Gilbert, 
J. P. Sellers, J. H. Lutz, H. G. Young, H. J. Fisher 
and H. A. Heckman. 



HEADING. 



771 



Total communicant Lutherans in Reading 
number five thousand. 

A Smiday-school lias been suceessfnllj'- eon- 
ducted in connection with the church since 1830. 
The number of scholars attending school 
averages nine hundred and fifty every Sunday. 
Mr. H. M. M. Richards is the superintendent. 
The three mission-schools number four hinidred 
and twenty-five. 

A beneficial "brotherhood," together witii a 
"sisterhood," was organized by the pastor about 
ten years ago, out of members of this congrega- 
tion, for purposes of mutual relief and su|)- 
port in times of sickness and distress. Members 
of other Lutheran congregations are also ad- 
mitted. It has been conducted successfully till 
now. 

During the past winter unotlier new feature 
was introduced amongst tlie young members of 
the congregation for the purpose of affording 
literary and social entertainment. It was vi'ry 
successful. 

Sr. Matthew's English Luthkuan 
CntiiCH.' — The St. Matthew's Lutheran congre- 
gation was organized in 1.S42. Atthat time Trin- 
ity Chtu'ch was the only Ijutheran Church in 
Reading. The German language wa.s used ex- 
clusively in conducting its services. An applica- 
tion for tlie partial introduction l)y a portion of 
its Kngiisii-spcaking members for Knglisii 
services, which was refused, originated tlic de- 
sire for a separate church. 

Au organization was formed and a room on 

• The estiiblishment of the common-school system in 
Reading, after tlie passage of the act of 18:!4, graclually led 
to the development of a sentiment among the citizens for 
English preaching in the churches where German was used 
entirely. The progress of the English language through 
English education was rapid, for in 184t) articles were con- 
tributed to the local newspapers in which the subject was 
discussed with spirit. Among other things, it was said 
that '' it was one of the first principles of Luther that 
religious services in an unknown tongue were not only use- 
less to the people, but, in fact, a mockery to the Creator ; 
that the business affairs of the town were mostly conducted 
in English ; that the judicial and legal affairs were alto- 
gether in English ; and that the laws were promulgated in 
English ;" and that it was even asserted " that the German 
free school was deserted." This subject was kept before 
the people and agitated. English preaching by Lutheran 
ministers was had, and finally in 1840 an English Lutheran 
congregation w."is organized. 



the second story of the "Old State-House" 
Ijuilding was rented and occupied imtil the 
present church, on Franklin Street, between 
Fifth and Sixth, wa.s finished in 1844. The 
Sunday-school was establisiied in 1842 in a 
rented room on Fi-anklin Street soon after- 
ward. The Rev. James L. Schoch was elected 
minister of the church and he als(5 served as the 
first superintendent of the Sunday-school. He 
continued tt) officiate a,-* ptistor of the congrega- 
tion until 1849, and was followed temporarily 
by Rev. J. Kohler for a time. Rev. J. C. 
Brown (afterv\'ard president of the seminary at 
Gettysburg) became the next regular pastor, and 
after him Rev. 1). Milton Valentine, the latter 
serving the congregation until he was elected 
president of Gettysburg college. The present 
pastor is Rev. T. C Billheimer. 

An interesting fact connected with tlie iiistory 
of St. Mattiiew's Church is that its establish- 
ment was strongly opposed on the ground that 
it was not needed, insisting tliat the Lutheran 
Church was German in her origin, history and 
language, and that she should remain so. With- 
in the period of forty years, six other Lutheran 
Churches have been reared, in all of which ex- 
cepting two the Pjugjish language is u.scd ex- 
clusively, including in the enumeration the old 
Trinity, the mother-church from whence the 
principal opposition was encounted. Partly 
from changes in population — in a large degree 
from the necessity of providing for the young 
English portion of her mem bershi])— site, too, 
found it expedient to tlisplace the (ierman and 
substitute tlie PjUglisii hmgiiage to protect lier- 
self from losses by diversions into churches of 
other denominations. Such have been the re- 
sults of the contest on the question of language, 
in which St. Matthew's Church engaged so 
earnestly and bore so conspicuous a jiart. 

The following-named persons were its first 
officers : 



Dr. Diller Luther. 
Peter Filbert. 
Henry Hahs. 
Marks B. Scull. 
Dr. Solomon Birch. 
Dr. A. H. Witman. 
Solomon Stauffer. 



John Hepler. 
Henry Frey. 
Frederick Fox. 
.latob H. Boyer. 
Nicholas Mason, 
.lesse Orner. 
.Jacob Sallaihi. 



The membership of the church is now three- 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUiNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



hundred and of tlie Sunday-school about the 
same number. 

St. James' liHTiiKRAX Ciiuhch. — On No- 
vember 14, 1850, a meeting was held to oonsider 
the necessity of organizing another English 
Lutheran congregation in Reading. Horatio 
Trexler was appointed chairman and Levi 
Hiester secretary. At that meeting it was re- 
solved to organize a congregation to be known 
as "St. James'," and Rev. Y. A. M. Keller wa.s 
chosen its pastor. Measures were at once taken 
to secure a suitable lot on which to erect a 
church building. Meanwhile services were held, 
morning and evening, in tlie Odd-Fellows' Hall, 
corner of Fifth and Franklin Streets. 

At a meeting held on December 23, 18.50, 
the charter of the congregation was approved, 
and on the ;}()th of the same month the board 
of church officers was elected, consisting ol 
the following members: Trustees, Jacob Ilotf 
and Asaph Slu'nfc]d<>r ; Elders, Peter Shen- 
felder, William Rhode, Nathan jNI. JCisenhower 
and Horatio Tre.xler; Deacons, Ephraim Arm- 
strong, Daniel Weand, Reuben Fichthorn and 
Michael Fritz. The following is a list of the names 
of the original incor|)orators : Horatio Trexler, 
L. Hiester, Michael Fritz, Epiiraim Armstrong, 
Henry W. Moyer, Peter Shenfelder, Reuben 
Fichthorn, Thomas Hill, John Fink, Jacob 
Hoff, F. A. M. Keller, Peter Herman, Nathan 
M. Eisenhower, Walter Shoener, Wm. S. Fisher, 
Peter S. Erniold and F. A. Donahower. 

The lot on the corner of Fifth and Chestnut 
Streets was purchased and the church building 
was then erectc(l. The corner-stone was laid 
May 11, 1S.51, and the building dedicated 
Marcli -Jl, l.S.5-2. In the mean time, Odd- 
Fellows' Hal! not having been regarded as a 
suitable place to administer CDntirination and 
the holy comnuinion, the use of the Presbyter- 
ian Church was requested and kindly given, 
and the first confirmation accordingly took place 
on (lood Friday evening, April 1<S, ISol, and 
the holy communion was administered on the. 
Sunday allernoon following, it Ixung Easter. 
The number communing was ninety, and the 
number confirmed thirty-two. Rev. F. A. M. 
Keller continueil to serve as pastor of this 
church until his death, in March, 1864. He 



was a man of great force of character, warm- 
hearted and generous, and his memory is cher- 
ished with ardent atfection by his surviving 
parishioners and friends. 

The second pastor was Rev. F. C. Ji. Lam|)e, 
who commenced his ministrations to this church 
October 1, 1804. His jtastorate was short, but 
very active. During the three years in wiiirii 
he servetl this congregation he collected ii|)\vai(ls 
of twenty-three thousand dollars, repaired the 
church and had the fine, large organ built, 
which is still in use. 

The third pa.stor was Rev. B. iVr. Schmucker, 
D.D., who took charge November 1, l.StiT. 
His able ministry extended over a ])eriod of thir- 
teen years. The present incumbent is Rev. M. 
C. Horine, who became pastor September 1, 
1881. 

This church has at present a membership of 
five hundred and fifty. At the beginning of 
the congregation a Sunday-school was organ- 
ized, and two sessions every Sunday were held 
for a time, one in the forenoon and one in the 
atternoon ; afterwards oidy one session was 
held, which has been continued since, 'i'lie first 
superintendent was Peter S. pjrniold ; the second, 
F. B. Fichthorn, and the third or present, Chas. 
H. Wells. The Sunday-school numbers in offi- 
cers, teacliers and scliolars, five hundred and 
fifty-six. The library contains fifteen hundred 
and sixty volumes. 

This congregation recently purcha.sed a par- 
sonage at 148 South Fifth Street, at a cost of 
five thousand dollars, for the use of the pastor. 
The j)resent officers of this congrt'gatiun are as 
follows: 

Trustee.s, Hoiatio Trexler and i>avi(l F. Lot/.; 
Riders, John Fink, Henry C. Schroeder, Henry H. 
.lohnston, Charles B. Wells ; Deacons, Philip H. 
Lash, George K. Hawnian, David C. Lotz, Morris 
Kline, .Teremiah N. Hat;'e""i'*"> Charles H. Stieliter; 
Treasnrer, Ephraim Armstrong. 

St. John's German Litiieii.s.n Cm la ii.— 
The first Lutheran Church at Reading was 
erected in 1752 by the German Lutheran r-on- 
gregation. The .services of this congregation 
w(M-e altogether in the German language for 
nearly a huntlred years, excepting upon several 
occasions when the Rev. H. A. Muhleid)ersi 



READING. 



773 



preached in Euglisli. After the common-school 
law of 1834 became operative the use of the 
Enu:lish language began to grow in the com- 
tiiiniity and by 1840 a numl)or of members of 
this congregation manifested a strong desire to 
have English preaching, but not being gratified, 
they withdrew in 1842, organized a congrega- 
tion for English pi-eaciiing, and called it "St. 
Matthew's." In 1844 they succeeded in erecting 
.1 church. Within ten year.s afterward another 
English r>ntlicran congn^gatioii was formed, 
which erected a church in 1851, and named it 
"St. James';" aiifl before 18()(J the old (iernian 
Lutheran congregation became entirely English. 
Etl'orts had been made to carry on successfully 
both German and English, but they were un- 
sncccssful. Rev. F.J. F. Sciiantz was the pastor 
(m young man) who preached in both languages, 
but the labor was too severe for him and an 
assistant was emj)loyed to preach in (icrman. 
Two congregations were thereupon formulated 
out of the old congregation, — one English, 
Trinity Lutheran, whicii remained in the old 
church ])ropcrty with Rev. Schantz as pastor, 
imd (he other German, which witlidrew with 
\{v\. .1. .1. Knendig, also a young man, as pas- 
tor. 

Ivev. j\Ir. Kuendig was called to otKciate as as- 
sistant pastor in October, 1859. He was then 
a student at the Gettysburg Seminary. He 
preached his first sermon shortly afterward in 
Trinity ( "hnrch, and was regularly employed 
witli the consent of the Synod. In June fol- 
lowing he was regularly ordained. His services 
as assistant were continued from November 27, 
18511, to November 1.3, I860, which were very 
successful, having been attended by large au- 
diences. When the separation was agreed upon. 
Trinity Church vestry consented that the Ger- 
man congregation should be permitted to hold its 
sfu'vices for one year in the old church, until it 
could have its own chun^h erected, and that it 
siioidd have the large lot of ground (used then 
as a burying-grouud) on the northwest corner 
of Sixth and \\'aluut Streets (two hundred and 
forty by two hundred and thirty fei't) fur three 
thousand dollars. 

The congregation was formed under the name 
of "St. John's German Lutheran Congrega- 



tion," on December 3, 1860, and a vestry was 
chosen, which consisted of the following mem- 
bers : 

Trustees, Francis B. Bh.alters, Sr., Mich.ael K. Boy- 
er and E. .Jonathan Deininger; Elders. Jacob B. 
Mast, George Ziegler and J. George Geissler, Sr.; 
Deacons, Christopher Fried, Herman Dersch, Valen- 
tine VVilk, Christian Ebon, .lercmiiih T. Fnv and 
Christian Bentz. 

And Rev. J. J. Kuendig was regularly elect- 
ed its pastor. The congregation was incorpor- 
ated under the name adopted, April 8, 1861. 

Proceedings were instituted with earnestness 
looking to the erection of a chtu-ch on the lot 
of ground mentioned, and for that j)urpose a 
building committee was appointed wiiich con- 
sisted of the following ]>roniinent members : 
Francis B. Shalters, Sr., E. Jonathan Deininger, 
Jacob B. Mast, Christian P^ben and ( 'hristian 
Stolz. The corner-stone was laid on June 18, 
1861, in the presence of a nniltitnde of people, 
and the church was dedicated on November 
30 and December 1, 1861. The building is 
a tine, large, two-story brick structure, with a 
capacity for seating twelve hiuidred [)crsons. J. 
Constantine Deininger was the first organist, 
he having served in that capacity in Trinity 
Church for many years. In 1868 the stee])Ie 
was finished, its height being one iiuudrcd and 
eighty-five feet. 

The most liberal mendjcr of this church was 
E.Jonathan Deininger. Ujwn his death, several 
years ago, he benueathed five thousand dollars 
to the congregation in addition to what lie had 
generously given before. 

Rev. Mr. Kuendig is still pastor of the con- 
gregation. He has been very successful in his 
ministrations, which have now continued through 
a period of nearly twenty-seven years. The 
present membership of the church is one thou- 
sand four hundred, and of the Sunday-school 
eight hundred. 

The vestry for 1886 consists of: 

Elders : George Kaufniann, Andreas Muntz, .Tohn 
Mueller ; Trustees : A. Bendel, H. Lettermann, Adam 
Heilman; Deacons : George Nicklas, .John Mueller, 
Adam Reppin, Christian Bauknecht, Fred. Huber, 
Arnold Hamel, George Mast, John Otto and Jacob 
Hiller. 

This congregation, believing heartily in the 



774 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



religious education of children as well as in the 
secular, instituted a parochial school on August 
14, 1865, witli two hundred scholai's. The 
committee for this purpose was Rev. J. J. Kueu- 
dig, E. Jonathan Deininger, Frederick Lauer, 
John Entllich and Michael K. Boycr. A large 
and substantial school building was then erected. 
The first teachers were Prof. Carl Wonnberger, 
James N. Ermentrout, Esq. (now additional law 
judge of Berks County) and Wilhelm Lcesch. 
This school has been conducted very successfully 
since by the congregation. It was instituted 
for the benefit of the children of its own mem- 
bers; but other children are admitted upon tlie 
payment of nominal tuition fees. Prof. Carl 
Wonnberger is still principal of the school. He 
is also the organist. In both positions he is 
very efficient. 

The c(jngregation erected a fine stone chapel 
in East Reading (Thirteenth and Cotton Streets). 
The corner-stone was laid June 7, 1874, and 
the building dedicated November 29, 1874. Its 
seating cajiacity is four hundred. 

A number of societies are carried on by tlie 
members and children of the congregation : Be- 
nevolent (since 1861), Dorcas (since 18G2), 
Youth's, Reading, Brotherliood and Maennor- 
chor. 

St. LrKf:'s Lutheran Church. — This 
church is situated on North Ninth Street, be- 
tween Buttonwood and Green. The luicleus of 
the congregation was from a Sunday-school 
which met in a public school-house on Tenth 
Street near Green. In 1865 the Trinity Lu- 
theran congregation, under whose auspices the 
school was conducted, seeing the necessity of 
providing more ample accommodations for it, 
purchased the lot on which it stands, and, in 
1868, built a frame chapel, thirty by fifty feet, 
at a cost (without the ground) of thirty-six 
hundred dollars. The school was transferred to 
this l)uilding inuuediately after its completion. 

In 186!) Rev. F. K. Huntzinger, the present 
pastor, was called as missionary with the view 
of organizing a congregation at some future 
time, and held his first service in the church in 
October of that year. The attendance at the 
public services for the greater part of the first 
year was small, often not more than ten to fif- 



teen persons being present. That seetiou of the 
city had just been laid out, and only a few 
houses were near the church ; but as the section 
was rapidly improving, the attendance at the 
services increased a<-cor(lingly, and an organiza- 




ST. LllCES ( lirUCH (niiSI- HI II.DINC). 



tion was effected liy Rev. Mr. Huntzinger on 
Thursday, January 12, 1871, when the follow- 
ing-named })ersons were enrolled as members : 

Solomon L. Moser and wife, Jacob Bissikumnier 
and wife, Franklin B. Himraelreich and wife, John 
Ziegler and wife, John Samsel and wife, William 
Rapp and wife, Jacob D. Maurer and wife, Jacob 
Dearolf and wife, .Tames K. Texter, Franklin Gable, 
Josiah Thompson, Daniel P. Dietrich, J. W. D. Whit- 
man and wife, Isaac Masser and wife, John Hassin- 
ger and wife, Ephraim Fink and wife, John N. Hocl- 
lein and wife, .Joel Angstadt and wife, John P. Ball 
and wife, .Jacob Geiger, Abraham Guildin, Joseph 
Gable, Mrs. Henrietta Kretz and Mrs. Christiana 
Weaver. 

The following officers were clioscn to serve in 
the first vestry : 

Elders — John Samsel and Jacob Bissikummer; 



READING. 



775 



Deacons — Jacob D. Maiirer, Franklin B. Himmel- 
reich, Soloimm L. Moser and J. W. D. Whitman. 

The following constitute the pre.seiit ve.stry : 

i'riistees — -Ephraim Fink and Cliarles Dietrich ; 
Elders — Jacob F. Keil and Charles Erb ; Deacons — 
John E. Biehl, William T. Ermold, Jacob D. Yerger, 
Daniel B. Potteiger, Franklin B. Himmelreich and 
Thomas Ra|i|). 

The congregation wa.s iucorpurated in 1.S77. 
Tile services have been comhicteil I'roin the be- 
ginning both in the Engli.sh and tJcrnian lan- 
guages ; in the morning the(Jernian is u-sed and 
at all other services the English. 

The first class of catechumens numbered 
twcjity-five persons and was confirmed on (iood 
P^riday, April 21, 1871. Since then there have 
been confirmed in the church about .seven hun- 
dred and fifty person.s, ami the congregation 
now numbers over eight hundred members. 
The Sunday-school hiis a membershijt of seven 
hundred and about forty teachers. Benueville 
K. (Iruber is the present superintendent; Solo- 
mon L. Moser was the first and Levi H. Liess 
tlie second. The library has neiirly one thou- 
sand volumes. William T. Ermold has been 
librarian since the organization of the scliool. 

The chiu'ch choir lias been under ihe direction 
of Nathan Rohrbac^h since its organization, in 
1S7!. The church was enlarged in 1.S74. On Jan- 
nary 10, 1879, the trustee."? of the Trinity J>u- 
tlicran congregation, for a nominal consideration, 
executed a deed for the church building, together 
with the lot of ground (sixty by one hundred 
and ten feet) on which it stands, to St. Luke's 
Lutiieran congregation in fee-simple. 

Tiie accompanying illustration represents the 
fir.st church, which, in 188(5, was replaced by the 
present two-story brick structure. The dimen- 
sions of the new building are ninety-four by 
fifty feet. The first floor is arranged in three 
departments to accommodate the Sunday-sciiool ; 
and tlie auditorium occupies the entire second 
Hour, including three galleries on the sides and 
rear end, affording a total seating capacity of 
about twelve hundred. The ■building commit- 
tee were Elias A. Bitner, Charles Dietrich and 
David Clouser, Sr. 

Rev. F. K. Huntzinger is also pastor of the 
Alsace Lutheran congregation, which holds its 



services in the Al.sace Church, adjoining the 
northern line of the city of Reading, and of 
St. Peter's Lutheran Churcii, in Richmond 
township. 

Ghace LtTHEU.VN Cin'Rcu had its begin- 
ning in a Sunday-school which was organized 
July 5, 18f)8. The first place of meeting was 
in a public-school house at the corner of Ninth 
and Spruce Streets, and the original committee 
on its organization comprised Henry J. Rhoads, 
Daniel S. Zacharias, John Wise, Amos W. Pot- 
teiger, Sanuiel Ruckstool, Louis Dauth and 
William Rapp. Its affairs were under the con- 
trol of the Trinity Lutheran Sunday-school 
Association. Mr. Daniel S. Zacharias was the 
first superintendent. He served two years, and 
was succeeded by Henry J. Rhoads, who has 
officiated since, a ])eriod of sixteen years. A 
fine brick chajiel, with a view to the forming 
of a congregation, was erected on Eleventh 
neiir Franklin, at an expen.se of seventeen 
thousand dollars, and on the 7th of April, 
1878, the new building was dedicaled. In 
the fall of 1877 tiie Sunday-.school was re- 
moved to its new home, where it was reor- 
ganized with about one hundred scholars on the 
roll. Rev. W. H. Myers had been called as 
the assistiuit to the pastor of l^rinity congrega- 
tion, with a view eventually to form a congrega- 
tion in Grace Chapel. Regular services were 
opened on the 28th of April, 1878. In the 
evening of the 7th of October following an or- 
ganization was effected, when fifty-four signed 
their names to join church ; and on October 
29th a congregational meeting was helil, a con- 
stitution was adopted and the officers and a 
pastor were regularly elected. Tiie congrega- 
tion from the start had a rapid growth, and to- 
day numbers four hundred and fifty active 
members and an equal number of Sunday-school 
scholars. The school has a library of over six 
hundred select books. 

EEFOUMED CHURCHES. 

FiKST Reformed Church (known common- 
ly as German Reformed). — At the same time 
that the Lutherans took steps to establish a 
place of worship for themselves at Reading, the 
German Reformed (or, as they were then mostly 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



called, "German Calvinists") did likewise. 
Their tirtst place of worship is not definitely 
known. 




In 1754 they obtained title to two lots of 
gronnd on tiic northeast corner of Prince and 
Thomas Streets (now Washington and Sixth 
Streets), and it is supposed that about that 
time they eauscil :i small log church to be erect- 
ed tjicreoii, near 'Hiomas Street. 

On one of the lots mentioned, toward the 
eastern end, adjoining the street, they erected a 
substantial slonr <linreh buililing in 1761, and 
worslii])ped in il till it was torn down, in 1S32. 
In the old corner-stone the following artit^les 
were found : a Bible (nnich decayed and entirely 
illegible), a silver coin and a copper coin, and a 
leaden plate, eight inches square. The centre of the 
jilate was mai'kod off to represent the two lots 
of ground, and lines were drawn from the ex- 
ternal angles lo the four corners, dividing it into 
four [)arts, and inscriptions were made in these 
])arts, as follows : 

North. — "To the lligli Geiiuari Relbriiied Congre- 
gation oi' Reading, in Berks County, and privileged 
to build a cluireli thereon, and for the interment of 
the dead for us and our deseendunts." 

SotiTH. — " The corner-stone was hud 27th July, in 
presence of the congregation. A Bible, and the coin in 
silver and copper of our King of Great Britain, France 
and Ireland, were dei)Osited, a.d. 1761." 

East. — "The I'atcnt was recorded in Land-Office, 
Phila., Book A, folio 17, p. 504, l(i Aug. 17.54." 

Wkst. — "These two lots of ground were sold by 
Thomas Penn and Richard Penu, veritable proprie- 
tors of the province of Pennsylvania, 20 May, 1754." 



The reverse side of the plate was also in- 
.scribed,— 

"Conrad Weiser and Isaac Levan, trustees of the 
congregation in the Patent; and Architects are M. 
W. Resser, Abr. Kerper and W. Miller, who arc also 
W'ardens of the Congregation." 

The congregation was incorporated, under the 
name of the " (ierman Kcformeil Congregation 
in Reading," on Augu.st 25, 1785. 

The corner-stone of the second church was 
laid on June 17, 1832, and the following articles 
were deposited in it: a Bilile and hymn-book, 
the leaden plate, with record of events of the 
first church, a new plate, with record of events, 
a medal, .struck in commemoration of the cen- 
tennial anniver.sary of the birth of George 
Washington, and silver and copper coins of the 
United States. 

The building committee was compo.sed of the 
following per.sons: Nicholas Ix)t, Baltzer Smith, 
Daniel Fasig, John Miller, John Y. Cunnius, 
.\braham Kerper. 

This building was extensively renindclcd in 
1876, at an expense of forty-one thuu.sand 
dollars, including a steeple one hundred and 
eighty-nine feet high and a fine three-story 
brick par.sonage. 

For a jieriod of ten years after the foundation 
of ihe first church the congregation had no 
regidarly ordained pastor. In this time, how- 
ever, there was pretiching by mini.sters sup])lied 
for the purpose, among them the Revs. Michael 
Scldatter, John Conrad Sttyner, G. M. Weis, 
Leydick and Waldsmith. In 1771 the congre- 
gation secured their first jiastor in the Rev. 
William Boos, who continued till 17S2. The 
,sid>.se(iuent psustors were, — 

J.W. G. Nebling,' 1782-8-1; Bernhart Willy, 1784-8(5; 



' Hev. .1. W. 0. Neliling (Nevelling), foniKTly cli.-ijitiiii i" 
the Continental ai-niy, became pastor in 1TS2. lie was 
possessed of a valuable estate, amounting lo Iwenly-tive 
tliousand dollars, which he tendered Congress for the re- 
lief of the country's financial embarrassment. A certificate 
of Congress was his only security. Ho was Jevotcil to the 
cause, fuitlifid as chaplain ami was liekl in high esteem by 
General Washington. As an evidence of the influence he 
exerted, it is proper to mention that the British govern- 
ment offered a large reward for his apprehension . ami that 
General Washington on one occasion placed a troop of 
horse at his disposal to secure his protection against those 



READING. 



777 



John William Ingold, 1786-89; William Boos, 
17«l-90; Philip Rhiiiehold Pauli, 1793-1814; Wil- 
liam Pauli, 1814-44; John Conrad Kutlier, 1842-48; 
Aaron S. Leinbach, 1849-63; Iieiijauiiii Liausnian, 
1863-73; Henry Mosser, 1873-8(). 

Five c()Ugrcf;;utions have proceedetl t'roin this 
congregation and erected eliurehe.s, — Second, in 
184.S ; St. John's, in 1870 ; St. Paul's Memorial, 
in 1873; Ziou's (German), in 1881; and St. 
Ste2)hen"s, in 1.S84. All of them have been 
conducted very sucees.sfully. 

A Sunday-scliool was organized on the lOth 
ot'.Januarv, 1841, with one hundred and eighty 
B<liiilar;- ; and it wa.*? decided that the exercises 
siionid ix' conducted in the Englisli hinguage. 
From this it would seem that the " English " 
spirit hatl also taken hold upon this congrega- 
tion. A year afterward (5th of" February, 1842) 
the subject of" English and German 2)reaching 
was submitted to the congregation, and the 
proposition was supported almost unanimously, 
one hundred and forty-five having voted for it 
and only three against it. 

(Communicant members of this church mnn- 
ber eight hundred and forty-five. Estimated 
niembershi]) of all Reformed Churches in liead- 
ing is about tliree thousand. 

The Sunday-.school has eight hundred and 
forty-five scholars and teachers; and St. Mark's 
Mission Sunday-school has one hundred and 
thirty-five. Total scholars and teachers of 
Reformed Sunday-schools in Reading are about 
two thousand nine hundred. 

Tile consistory of the congregation is com- 
posed of the following persons : Samuel Holl, 
Amos Dick, Levi R. Snyder, John Jacobs, 
Harrison Althouse, elders ; Samuel Herbieu, 
Samuel Ijcyinaster, Aaron S. Lea.s, trustees ; 



wbci !^l]lln;llt his life. By some means unknown the certifi- 
cate WHS riiineJ, the money was lost and he was ever afler- 
Wiirils poor. At the close of his first year he rode out of 
town, when the horse stumbled and fell, and the stem of a 
pipe inflicted a severe wound in liis throat. This perma- 
nently Injured his speech He was a man of commanding 
|ioisonal appearance and a popular preacher. After leaving 
Reading he was stricken with apople.\y and remained an 
invalid for sixty years. He died, nearly one hundred years 
old, at Philailelphia, in very destitute circumstances, and 
was burieil in the grave-yard attached to the Reformed 
Church, near Fourth and Race Streets. 



Albert S. Hartman, Wellington D. Dundore, 
Franklin Hinnnelborger, Theodore Maurey, 
Jesse M. Spreclier, Jared B. Faust, deacons. 

The Second Reformed CinTRCH. — In the 
spring of 1848 the Rev. John Casper Bucher, 
pastor of the First Reformed Church, which 
was then the only one in the city of Reading, 
felt that the time had come when the old 
congregation should .send a colony to establish 
a purely English interest. His consistory, ac- 
cordingly, resolved to organize a Second Re- 
formed C'hurch, to have its worship and exer- 
cises altogether in the English language. They 
authorized their pastor to organize a <'ongrega- 
tion, and to in.stall the officers so soon as they 
(•oidd be elected by persons who desired to unite 
themselves with the same. 

At a special congregationtd meeting of the 
First Church, held on July 9, 1848, the 
following twenty-five members, viz.: Ivens 
Benson, John f]rmentrout, A. F. Boas, Andrew 
S. Rhoads, John Hartman, Benneville Dis,sler, 
William Ermentront, Jr., Edmund H. Zieber, 
George B. Snyder, Philip Derringer, Franklin 
Beidlcr, Henry A. Lantz, Charles Fisher, Mrs. 
Susan Benson, Mrs. J. L. Derringer, Mrs. 
Emma Boas, Mrs. Rebecca Andrews, Mrs. M. 
Smith, Miss Anna L. Zieber, Miss Elenora 
Leizc, Mi.ss Leonora Derringer, Mi.ss Seraphina 
Derringer, Miss Catharine Helfeustein, Miss 
Rel)ecca Ijantz and Miss Susan B. Goodhart, 
were dismissed, wiio,\vith five others not mem- 
i)ers of the First Church, were organized and 
con.stituted the Second Church. Rev. Bucher 
at the same time and place in.stalled John Er- 
mentront and Ivens Benson as elders, and 
Benneville Di.ssler, A. F. Boas, John Hart- 
man and Andrew S. Rhoads as deacons. After 
the ct)ngregatiou had been fully organized, the 
Rev. Bucher extended an invitation to the Rev. 
Thomas C. Porter to tiike charge of this con- 
gregation. Rev. Porter accepted the iuvitation. 
A temporary place of worship was secured in 
the " Old Academy," the present ladies' High 
School building, where he preached twice every 
Sunday. In the following spring, however, a 
call to the professorship of natural sciences in 
Marshall College, at Mercersburg, Pa., was 
placed in Rev. Porter's hands, tlie acceptance 



778 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of which compelled him to resign as jjastor. He 
left Reading about the 1st of May, 1849. 

Diiriug the vacancy of the pastorate the 
congregation returned to the mother-church, 
retaining, iKnvever, their organization, witii a 
view toward an independent existence. On the 
21st day of April, 1851, they became 
an incorporated body, under the name of the 
" Second German Reformed Church of Read- 
ing." Although the name may appear at this 
day rather anomalous for an English congrega- 
tion to assume, yet the word "German" was 
used to designate the denomination to whicii 
the congregation belonged, to distinguish it 
from the "Dutch lieformcd." 

At a congregational meeting iield May 11, 
1851, the Rev. Moses Kieffer was chosen pastor. 
He brought new zeal into the congregation. 
On .June .3d, following, a committee composed 
of Rev. Kielfer, John Ernientrout and Philip 
Zieber was appointed to ascertain the expense 
to erect a church edifice, and to devise means 
of securing the money needed to meet such ex- 
pense. They made a report, which was favor- 
al)iy considered, and recommended the purchase 
of a lot on the east side of Sixth Street, between 
Cherry and Franklin. Work on the new 
ciiurch building was inunediatcly commencetl, 
■Mu\ on September 14, 1S51, the corner-stone 
was laid. Tliey, however, soon met with em- 
lian-assments from want of funds, having been 
disappointed in receiving that assistance from 
the mother-church which had been j)romised to 
ihcni. But under the circumstances the work 
was carried on to the best advantage possible 
until February 6, 1853, when tlie church was 
so far finished as to be in a condition to beuseil, 
and was consecrated for divine service amid 
many anxious hopes and fears. 

On the 7th day of August, 1855, Rev. 
Kietfer resigned the pastorate in order to accept 
a call to a professorship in the Theological 
Seminary at Tiffin, Ohio. The resignation took 
iHl^ct October 1, 1855. The jjastorate of the 
cliuich remained vacant for two and a half 
months, at the end of whicli Rev. Charles F. 
j\[c('auley, D.D., entered on the discharge of 
the duties of that position, and has continued in 
the exercise of the same until the present day. 



He found the condition of the congregation 
most discouraging. The membership was 
small and the indebtedness heavy. Tiie burden 
of the indebtedness almost crushed the congre- 
gation. It was only by the j)ersonal effijrts of 
Dr. McCauley that the jirop^irty was saved 
from being seized under an execution. On the 
16th of February, 1860, he went forth on 
a mission of charity, and during a proti'acted 
series of journeys, extending over four thous- 
and five hundred miles, was enabled to pay 
$31!)2.75 into the church treasury. Within 
two years thereafter he wiped out the whole 
indebtedness, having collected !S;725(5.27. 

Not only has the congregation prospered finan- 
cially under the pastorate of Dr. McCauley, 
but also spiritually and in memiiershij). On 
January 1, 1886, the membership had increased 
to five hundred and seventy confirmed mem- 
bers and three hundred and twenty-five uncon- 
firmed members. The congregation has under 
its care two Sunday-schools, having five hundred 
and seventy-seven Sunday-school scholars. The 
revenue of the congregation amounts to yearly 
about three thousand dollars for congregational 
purposes and about eighteen hundred dollars for 
benevolent puri)oses. 

St. Paul's Memorial Rei-'()I!MEL) CHUKCii. 
— This church was founded by a colony of the 
First Relbrmeil Church of Reading. Rev. B. 
Bausman, D.D., had been the pastor of the 
mother-church for nine years. As its member- 
ship had become very large, the consistory and 
many of the members deemed it necessary to 
form a new congregation. The enterprise was 
started under the auspices of the First Church. 
By it the lot was selected, the building 
committee appointed, the erection and style of 
the building decided u])on and subscriptions to 
secure the necessary means were solicited. Un- 
der its direction tiiis committee continued until 
December 26, 1872, when St. Paul's congrega- 
tion was organized. On August 27, 1871, the 
corner-stone of the contemplated building was 
laid. 

On August 18, 1872, the chapel or Sunday- 
school building was dedicated. On the after- 
noon of the same day a Sunday-school was or- 
ganized under the supervision of the school of 



BEADING. 



779 



the First Church. In this relation it continued 
until June 28, 1873, when it became an organ- 
ization by itself, as the Snnday-.'ichool of St. 
Paul's Church. On December 29, 1872, St. 
Paul's Memorial Reformed congregation was 
organized, with a colony of one hundred and 
ninety-eight members of the First Keformed 
Church, and six members were received from 
otJKu- evangelical churches. Otliers were added, 
so that by the end of the first year the congre- 
gation had four hundred and twenty-one mem- 
bers. At an election for pastor held January 
6, 1873, Rev. B. Bausman, D.D., was chosen 
to this office and has continued to serve the 
congregation to this time (1886). The comple- 
tion of the main building was thereafter prose- 
cuted independent of the parent congregation. 
This was dedicated on February 15, 1874. 

The church is situatwl on North Sixtli Street, 
on a plot of ground one hundred feet front and 
two hundred and thirty feet deep, and is a cruci- 
form Gothic structure. The front, with a central 
tower, is of brown sandstone. The rest of the 
edifice is built of brick. The pulpit is a lofty 
Gothic recess, with a large organ at tlie side of it. 
The cost of the building amounted to eighty-two 
thousand six hundred dollars, without the 
ground, valued at twenty thousand dollars. The 
total estimated value of the property at the time 
of dedication, including the organ and furni- 
ture, was one hundred and ten thousand dol- 
lars. 

Since its organization two other Reformed 
churches were founded in Reading, to which St. 
Paul's contributed its proportion of material. 
The congregation has now six hundred con- 
firiiicd members. Its Sunday-school has four 
hundred scholars and sixty-four officers and 
teachers. From its early history various char- 
itable, benevolent and religious societies have 
been organized for the improvement of the 
niemliers as well as for vigorous aggressive 
church work. Its poor are cared for by a per- 
manent committee of ladies appointed by the 
consistory and furnished with the necessary 
means by the congregation. Its systematic 
Benevolent Society is as old as the flock itself. 
Its ward committees canvass the congregation, 
whose members brina; their offerings at the 



monthly meetings. Two beneficial societies — 
the Brotherhood and the Sisterhood — liave done 
excellent work for a period of thirteen years. 
Their object is to cultivate kindly social inter- 
course among the members, to encourage one 
another in temporal and spiritual things, snp])ort 
the members in time of sickness and bereave- 
ment, help them to Ijury their dead and care for 
their orphans. After doing all this each society 
has accumulated considerable invested funds. 
A large society of ladies is actively engaged in 
the interest of such objects, inside and outside 
the congregation, as may claim their attention. 
St. Paul's Young Men's Association, although 
scarcely a year old, has already become an active 
and important factor in congregational work. 

St. John's Rkformed Church is situated 
on the corner of Ninth and Chestnut Streets. 
The congregation that worships in it is the out- 
growth of a mission Sunday-school organized 
under the auspices of the First and Second Re- 
formed congregations of the city, at the instance 
of their respective pastors. Rev. B. Hausman, 
D.D., and C. F. McCauley, D.D. Both took 
the warmest interest in the mission sc^hool and 
tenderly fostered it with their jiastoral care. 
The Sunday-school was organized in the second 
story of the old public school-house on Frank- 
lin Street, above Fighth, on March 6, 1864. 
On the second Sunday seventy-five pupils were 
in attendance. Rev. W. A. Good was identi- 
fied with the interest from the beginning, labor- 
ing with great zeal and self-denial a.s its super- 
intendent until August 12, 1871, when the 
school had already devehjped into a congrega- 
tion. 

On November 23, 1864, Rev. Dr. Bausman 
purchased two of the three lots now in ]iosses- 
sion of the congregation, on his own respon- 
sibility, for the sum of nine hundred and 
fif^y dollars. A chapel, forty-eight by thirtv- 
two feet, was completed then and dedicated 
April 2, 1865. The superintendent. Rev. 
W. A. Good, conducted German services 
for several years. On June 25, 1871, the 
following-named pei"sons resolved to be organ- 
ized into a congregation: Henry R. Eshelman, 
Samuel Savage, John G. Herbine, Conrad Geh- 
rung, John Haruer, Henry Wittich, Adam 



rso 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Dic;s, John Kesslor, Joliii Goodhart, Daniel 
Zimmerman, Piiilip Wittieii, Jacob Dettliofl', 
Isaac Medaiy and Jolm Miller. On May 24, 
lcS72, Rev. Christian Kes.sler was ordained and 
installed as pastor of the congregation. Chronic 
bronohitis coiupelled him to resign on Jannary 
3, 1873. During his brief pastorate he gath- 
ered about two hundred members and the 
chapel was twice enlarged. 

The second pastor, Re%'. James A. Scluiitz, 
began his labors in March, 1873. Ill liealth 
constrained him to resign on the lyth of the 
following October. He coufirined a class of 
twenty-four, and sixty were received Ity certiii- 
eates. An additional lot was purchased for 
eighteen hundred dollars during his pa.storate. 
On ^larch 15, 1874, Rev. J. G. Shoemaker was 
installed. He resigned in less than a year. On 
October 12, 1875, Rev. J. W. Steinmetz, for- 
merly of Danville, Pa., was installed as the 
jiastor. 

Owing to frequent changes of pa.stor and 
protracteil vacancies, the mission had deterior- 
ated. Many of the members had scattered, 
only one hundred and si.xty remained, and but 
eighty-seven communed at the first communion 
on October 24, 1875. But hope revived in the 
hearts of the people and they rallied around the 
new pastor. A larger house of worship was 
needed. One aged member, William Lotz, 
obligated himself to furnish four hundred thou- 
sand bricks for a new church and parsonage, 
whereupon the consistory and the congregation 
resolved to build the present church, which is 
eighty-three by fifty-three feet, with a square 
tower sixty-four feet in height, containing a 
bell of thirteen hundred pounds, donated by 
Mana.sses Delong, Michael Delong, John Delong 
antl Jacob Straub. The parsonage was erected 
with the church and connected with it. The 
w hole church projierty is of brick with sand.stone 
base. The audience chamber, with an end gal- 
lery, will com fortably seat eight hundred people. 
The basement was dediciited on May 13, 1877. 
The audience chamber was dedicated on Octo- 
ber 14, 1877. Chnrch and parsonage were 
erected at a cost of sixteen thousand five hun- 
dred and iifty-f()ur dollars. The property cost 
about eighteen thousand dollars. The present 



value of the proj)erty is about twenty-two 
thousand dollars. 

Nearly five hundred memi)crs constitute the 
present strength of the congregation and four 
hundred and twenty-five pupils are enrolled 
upon the register of the Sunday-school. 

Zion's Reformed Church. — Rev. L. K. 
Derr, under whose ministration and supervision 
this church was organized, was commissioned 
by the Board of Missions of the German Synod 
of the East, to come to Reading and look after 
the German interests of the Reformed people of 
the city. He preached his first sermon on the 
last Sabbath in the mouth of May, 1881, in the 
Young Men's Christian Association Hall, corner 
of Eighth and Penii Streets, to an audience of 
eighteen persons. Here services were held twice 
every Sunday for two months, after which the 
place of worship was changed to Fisher's Hall, 
corner of Eighth and Wasliington Streets. On 
August 14, 1881, the congregation was organized 
with thirty members, by electing the following 
consistory; Polders, Louis Grebe, John D. 
Taenzer and Jacob Hoffman ; Deacons, William 
Keller, Jacol) K. Stubcr and William T. 
Lamm. 

The pastor was assisted on this occasion by 
Rev. Dr. N. Gehr, president of the Board of 
Missions ; a suitable site was selected at the south- 
west corner of Washington and Cedar Streets, 
and in the fall of 1882, the following building 
committee was appointed : L. K. Derr, James 
T. Reber and Jacob B. Fri(^ker, who at once 
made arrangements to build a church. On the 
12th day of November, 1882, the corner-stone was 
laid; on April 1, 1883, the basement was dedi- 
cated, and on August 26th, of the same year, the 
chui'cli proper was dedicated. The congrega- 
tion at this time (1886) has two hundred and 
fifty members. The Sunday-school \vas organ- 
ized in the S])ring of 1883, with twenty -five 
members, and now numbers one hundred and 
sixty. C'. W. Rickenbach is the present su|)er- 
iutendent. In the sunnuer of 1885, the congre- 
gation built a fine parsonage, which is now 
occupied by the pastor and his family. 

St. Stephen's REFomrED Church is situ- 
ated on the corner of Ninth and Greenwich 
Streets. The church building was erected in 



READING. 



781 



the tall i)f 1883, the corner-stone being laid on 
Sniulay, September the 2d, 1883, and the 
church dedicated on December 30 following. The 
building originally cost thirty-seven hundred 
dollars. An addition was made during the fall 
of 1885, at a cost of six hundred dollars. The 
dimensions of the church building are thirty-six 
by seventy feet ; addition, twenty-five by twenty- 
two feet. Size of lot, sixty-one by one hundred 
and ten feet. Services in tiie English language 
have been held regularly twice a Sunday since 
the dedication. The congregation was organized 
March 16, 1884, with fifty-seven communicant 
members. The present communicant memiter- 
ship is one hundred and thirty. 

St. Paul's Memorial (Tenth Street Mission) 
Sunday-school, numbering sixty membere, was 
transferred to this church on the Sundaj' befoi'e 
dedication. Of these, about twenty remain. The 
present number in Sunday-school is three hun- 
dred and forty. The members of the church 
building committee were : James T. Reber, 
Aaron Leas, Solomon Hartman and Jacob B. 
Fricker. Rev. Calvin S. (T(>rhard is jiastor of 
the congregation. The elders are Daniel Bucher 
and Daniel Kline ; the deacons are Samuel 
Palm and Milton J. C'oller. 

SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 

First Meeting-House in Reading. — The 
Friends residing in Reading cflTected an organi- 
zation and erected a small building for a tempo- 
rary meeting-house in 17;'Jl. Where it was 
located is now unknown. On the 30th of De- 
cember, 1756, meetings were ordered to be held 
at Reading every Third Day, the year round, 
beginning at the eleventh hour. November 
29, 1759, a committee reported that they had 
selected lots 402 and 403 as a suitable site 
for a new meeting-house. The committee 
were authorized to purchase the lots, and 
they subsequently rep(.)rted a deed thereof. 
On these lots (west side of North Sixth 
Street, between "Washington and Walnut, where 
the present stone meeting-house is located) for- 
est-trees were cut down and they were used in 
erecting a small building, in which the meetings 
■were then held. At the Elxeter Meeting, held 
October 30, 1760, " Reading reported that meet- 



ings are kept up, though the attendance is some- 
times small ; they are not so well behaved as 
they ought to be ; love and unity subsist in a 
good degree, but the members are not all clear of 
sleeping in meeting." 

On the 27th of August, 1761, the Reading 
Friends asked for a Fii'st Day meeting to begin 
at ten a.m. and at three p.m., and in the fol- 
lowing month a committee i"e[)orted favorably. 

On the 30th of December, 1762, a report was 
presented that " the Friends of Reading are in 
much need of a better hou.se to meet in, and have 
thought of beginning to build one next summer. 




1,( )<; .MKETlNG-lluL .SK — 1 7(i5. 

but their ground (on North Sixth Street) is no 
more than sufficient for a burying-place, and 
that it is advisable to build a house large enough 
to accommodate the meeting when Friends visit 
the place, for which another lot should be 
bought." A special committee reported favora- 
bly January 27, 1763, but desired the advice of 
the Quarterly Meeting which was held in Phila- 
delphia in November, 1764, when the matter 
was referred to a committee of thirteen, who re- 
ported at the Exeter Meeting December 27, 

1764, recommending a Monthly Meeting and a 
new house. The Philadelphia Meeting held May 
6, 1765, recommended the erection of "a meet- 
ing-house of round logs only at present," and 
the Exeter Meeting, on the 30th of the same 
month," concurred in this action. The same year, 

1765, the building of " round logs " was erected, 
on a lot of ground on the corner of Queen 
and Thomas Streets. After the lower logs had 
partly decayed, the building was repaired by 
the erection of a brick wall extending from the 
ground upward a few feet. 

The last wedding which took place in the 
little meeting-house on North Sixth Street, 



r82 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



shortly before its demolition, was that of Solo- 
mou Coles, son of Daniel Coles, and Esther 
Pearson, daughter of Thomas Pearson, of Mai- 
den-creek, May 2, 1765, and the following 
Friends, including the parents of the hride, were 
the witnesses : Thomas Pearson, Elizabeth Pear- 
son, William Boone, Benjamin Pearson, Jere- 
miah Boone, Elijah Peareon, Hannah Pearson, 
George Hughes, Jiidah Boone, David Pearson, 
Jonathan Jones, Hannah Jones, Jonathan Pear- 
son, Sarah Pearson, Barbara Parks, Thomas 
Hiitton, Samuel Imbree, Jeremiah Paul, William 
Jennings, Thomas Wickersham, Edward George, 
James I ml)ree, Richard Penrose, Samuel Parks, 
Moses Embree, Elijah Wickersham, Samuel 
Jackson, Mary Jackson, Aljraham Williams, 




nil. \i:\\ I'KIILVMS MKEI'lNd-lllirsE. 

Joseph Sliitf, Eleazer Jackson, Jane Wiley, Mary 
Chandler, Mavy Hntton, Mary \\'right, Del)o- 
rah Lee and Susanna Parks. 

MEETiNfi-HorsK Used as a Ho.simtal. — 
While the Hessians, captured at Trenton in 1 776, 
were prisoners in Reading, the meeting-house 
was usedasahospit:d,in which many sick soldiers 
were treated. Those who died were interred in 
the lot adjoining the Friends' burial-ground on 
North Si.xth Street. Among the prisoners of 
war were James Forster, master of a transport 
ship, and John Wilkinson, mate of the same, 
Samuel Elphinstone and James Homes, mates 
of a British ship of war ; and there were other 
seamen. One of these, while in the hospital. 



drew' witii a sharp instrument upon the wain- 
scotting of the meeting-house the picture of a 
British ship of war. When the old log house 
was torn down eighteen yeai-s ago, after having 
stootl one hundred and three years, Rachel D. 
Griseom, who bought the house (without the 
lot) for twenty-five dollars, sent to the I'eimsyl- 
vania Historical Society of Philadelphia that 
portion of the wainscot containing the drawing 
of the finest ship. There was found under 
tiie old building several pieces of American and 
a French coin," and the bayonet of a British 
musket, which Miss Griseom keejis as relics. 
A number of citizens have canes made from 
logs and wainscot of the meeting-house. Some 
of the material was hauled to the present meet- 
ing-house property on North Sixth Street, and 
some of the old benches are in the stone build- 
ing. Small locust-trees were in the yard and old 
poplar-trees with immense roots stood along the 
sidewalk at the log meeting-house on Washiug- 
ton Street. 

At the Monthly Meeting held in Maiden-creek 
April 24, 1867, Henry Tyson, Samuel E. (iris- 
com and John H. Reid were appointc^d a com- 
mittee to devise a plan and means to bnild a 
meeting and school-house on cither the Wash- 
ington or the Sixth Street lot. They recom- 
riieuded that a new building be erected on Sixth 
Street. August 21,1867, the Washington Street 
lot, sixty by two hundred and thirty feet, ex- 
tending from Fourth to Ash, was disposal of at 
public sale to Daniel Miller and Giles J. Wil- 
son for nine thousand and fifteen dollars, and 
there are now nine brick houses on that lot 
The deed conveying the title of the property to 
Miller and Wilson is dated March ;'.(), 1868, 
and is signed by Thomas Jjightfoot, Maiden- 
creek ; Samuel E. Griseom, Schuylkill County ; 
Dr. Henry Tyson, Exeter ; William P. Reid, 
Reading; and Thomas Pearson, Pughtown, 
Chester County, as " trustees for the sole use of 
the members of the religious society of Friends 
of Reading in unity and religious fellowship 
with Exeter Monthly Meeting held at Maiden- 



' Drew a fleet of seven British ships of war in a line on a 
smooth horizontal poplar board of the wainscot. They 
were very well executed with the English flag at the stern. 

- There was only one French coin. 



READING. 



783 



creek." Since the demolition of the old log 
Imildiug, in 1868, the Friends have held their 
meetings in the neat stone building they erected 
ou North Sixth Street. 

EPISCOPAL CHUECHES. 

Chkist Episcopal Church.' — The first no- 
tice of Episcopalians in Berks County is in a 
lettei' by Rev. Thomas Barton to tlie Society 
for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign 
Parts, dated December 21, ITTjO, in which he 
said: "In the county of Berks there are a 
uuinijer of peo|)le of the Communion of the 
Church of England, who have never had an 
Episcopal minister among them." He may 
have alluded particularly to the per.sons iu Caer- 
narvon, where there was a new church of this 
denomination erected, a former church having 
existed there, it is said, about twenty years; and 
also to those iu Aiuity, at a place called Mo- 
latton (now Douglassville), who had esUdjlished 
tiieiiiselves there for thirty years. Besides these 
two churches, there was no other in the entire 
(•ounty till the lap.se of sixty-five years, when a 
tliird church was erected at Reading. 

Ill 17(30, William Bird and others addressed 
a petition to the society mentioned, in which 
they stated : " That the said county is a very 
large an<l growing one, situated on the I'rontiers 
of the .said province and hath never yet had any 
English minister of any denomination settled 
in it," etc. That in this distress (of leaving their 
families entirely destitute of religious instruc- 
tion) they invited Rev. Dr. Wm. Smith to 
preach among them, &e. ; and " we have pre- 
sumed to apply for your assistance in sending 
over a missionary to reside in Reading, tlie 
chief town of the county of Berks, and to offici- 
ate also at Morlattin, a place fifteen miles dis- 
tant, where a church has for many years been 
l>uilt by a society of English and Swedes, who 
arc desirous of having a missionary of the 
( 'iiurch of England, and join with us in this ap- 
plication ; that to induce request they have, with 



iSee "Pennsylvania Magazine of History," vol. iv. p. 
66-78, for an iuleresting article on " The Episcopal Cluirch 
in Reafling. Pa.,'' whicli emhraces mostly letters pertain- 
ing to the condition and strength of (he Church of England 
at Reading before lV7o. 



Morlattin congregation, obligated themselves to 
pay such missionary antmally £('}0 Penna. 
money ; that for want of ministers their mem- 
bers are drawn after various sorts of sectaries, 
and which is still worse, the Roman Catholic 
priests are making converts, to great grief of 
petitioners; and that if they have uo particular 
mi.ssionary they wotdd ask for Mr. Jos. 
Mather," etc. 

In 1763 Rev. Alexander Murray wrote to 
the .society and stated tiuit his mission (English 
C-hurch) at Reading comprised seven families, 
or forty-eight souls, of which twelve were luider 
seven years of age ; besides whom there were 
twenty unbaptized Anabaptists who resided iu 
the town and occasionally made u|i part of his 
congregation. Then they liail no cluirch at 
Reading, but they held their meetings in a 
" Dwelling-Hou.se that is hired for holding tlie 
Civil Courts in." At tiiis time he estimated 
the town to contain two hundred and ten iiimi- 
lies, or about thirteen hundreil jier.sons, young 
and old ; of the number of Caiiiiiies, one hundred 
and ten were German Lutherans, about half as 
many German Calviuists and the rest cliiefly 
(iiiakei>, and a few I'apists. The (iermans 
were computed twelve to one of all otiier nation- 
alities together, and they seemed " abundantly 
well provided in teacrhcrs of one denomination 
or another, and as long as they are .so blindly 
attached to their native tongue as they are at 
[)resent, an English minister c:ni be of no service 
to them. For thoiLgh tiiey might be at no lo.ss 
for English schoolmasters, yet they choose to 
send their children rather to (ierman schools, 
which they have everywhere in great plenty." 

Ill 1764 his congregation increased from 
.seven to eighteen families, consisting of one 
hundred and twenty-one souls. He despaired 
then of seeing a church erected for .some time to 
come. But in his despair, without churcii, par- 
sonage or voluntary subscriptions, he hardly 
thought that the " .some time " would be so long 
as sixty years. In 1765 they had the use of 
the court-house to as.semble in for divine ser- 
vice, which place was common to all sectaries. 

The pari.sh iu Reading was called "St. 
Mary's," having been named after the principal 
parish of Reading, England. It was so known 



7cS4 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



till about l<Slo, when it wa.s changed to 
" Christ's." It has since retained the latter 
name. In 1705 the officers were, — Wardens: 
Edward IJiddle ami Janius Dienier ; Vestrymen : 
James Read, John Patton, Jonas fSeely, James 
Whitehead, John Price, Mark Bird, Peter 
Witheringtou and George Hiuton. And in this 
year they made an effort to obtain a lot (No. 306, 
North Fifth Street, near Walnut) for building 
an Episcopal Church upon it, "as the Honora- 
ble Proprietors have given orders for that pur- 
pose." It would seem that they had first 
intended to build on lot No. ."594 (southwest 
corner of Sixth and Walnut) upon which they 
deposited building material ; but the lot was 
rather distant from the centre of town, so it was 
afterward removed to lot No. 71 (North Fifth, 
above Court). They then endeavored to raise 
money by a lottery for a church building. The 
Assembly granted the prayer of their petition 
by giving them three hundred and fifteen 
|)ounds, and the petitioners i)ouud themselves to 
add two hundred pounds. But they foiled to 
accomplish the obj(!ct of tiieir earnest endeavors. 
After the lapse of seven yejirs the rector hojjed 
that they would be in a condition to build a 
church; but his congregation was too weak and 
his hopes were not realized. In a letter of 
March 26, 1772, he alluded to the order and 
quiet of his congregation "amidst the clamor and 
noise, contention and evil-speaking of the Ger- 
man colonists, who are the body of the 
people in this Frontier Comity ;" and he added 
certain remarks wiiich are decidedly interesting 
to the Lutheraus and Calvinists (Reformed) of 
to-day, over a century afterward, these, briefly 
stated, beiug that the Lutherans and Calvinists 
used organs, violins, etc., in worship; that the 
Lutherans of the town were execrating one 
another on an occasion oi" electing a minister, 
which satisfaction they frecpiently indulged 
themselves in, "being fonder of new clergy than 
new clothes, which they are parsimonious enough 
to wear threadi)are, and when they are ripe for 
a change of pastors they make them do so too 
and so starve them out of ])lace with cold and 
hunger." 

The spirit of independence and revolution 
which soon afterward was developed among the 



town-people, and especially in his own little 
patriotic flock, antagonized with the loyalty of 
the Rev. Murray to the English government, 
and so the i-elation of pastor and people was 
seriously disturbed. He was given special per- 
mission by the Executive Council of the State 
to di.spose of his real pro|)erty (which lie had 
come to own here), after which he departed. 
He left about 1 77.S. 

From 1772 for over foi-ty years there is no 
record of the Episcopal congregation nor men- 
tion of a church. In 1815 lot Ntv. 71 (west side 
of Fifth, second lot north of Court) was granted 
by James Dienier to James May, Marks John 
Biddle and George Dougla.s.s, " in tru.st for the 
erection of an Episcopal Church \vhenever it 
should be found convenient, and as a burial- 
place for the Episcopalians within the Town of 
Reading and vicinity, and for such other per- 
.sons, n(jt Ejiiscopalians, as the tru.stees shall 
permit to be buried therein, and for no other 
purpose whatever." But nine years elapsed 
after the granting of this lot before any active, 
successful steps were taken toward the erec- 
tion of a chur(!h thereon. In October, 1824, 
the wardens and vestry advertised for pro- 
posals to be presented on November Sth. In 
the following spring they began the erection of 
a church. The corner-stone was laid on June 
S, 1825, in the presence of a great concourse of 
people, with all the clergy of Re'ading in attend- 
ance, and also Reverends Bull and Allen. 
After the customary .services in tlie l;iying of 
the stone the clei'gy and pi^opie proceeded to 
Trinity Lutheran Church, where sermons were 
delivered approiiriate to this great event. The 
building was completed within a year afterward, 
the con.secration thereof having taken place ou 
May 10, 1826, aud sermons delivered by Bishop 
White. The style of the building was of the 
early Engli-sh Gothic. Its dimensions were 
tliirty-five feet front and fifty feet deep, with a 
seating capacity for three hundred persons. In 
1863 the old building was enlarged and iui- 
proved l>y tlic addition of a recess chancel, 
transepts and spire. The church was enlarged 
again in 1873 by the addition of sixteen feet to 
the depth of the chancel and of rooms for the 
vestry, the rector and the choir. In 1884 a 



BEADING. 



785 



Imiulsoiue and commodious parish building was 
orccted with a legacy left to the church by the 
late Lucretia D. Wood. This building con- 
tains rooms for classes and parish societies and 
a chapel and Sunday-school room. 

The rectors of Christ Church, with their terms 
of service since 1823 have been, — 

1S23 to 1824-Rev. Rober„ Davis. 

1820— Rev. W. C. Mead. 

1827 to 1828— Rev. H. J. Whitehouse. 

1829— Rev. M. Leonard. 

1830 to 1831— Rev. J. H. Cummings. 

1832 to 1833— Rev. S. A. McCuakry. 

1834— Rev. G. W. Cole. 

1834 to 1850— Rev. R. U. Morgan, D.D. 

18.50 to 1861— Rev. M. C. Lightner. 

1861 to 1867— Rev. A. G. Cummins. 

1867 to 1869— Rev. J. P. Lundy, D.D. 

1869 to 1872— Rev. J. P. Hammond. 

1872, Oct. 7th— Bt. Rev. M. A. De W. Howe, D.D. 

1873, Oct. 1st— Rev. W. P. Orrick, D.D. 

Et. Rev. Mark Antony De Wolfe 
HoM'E, D D., LL.D., first bishop of the dio- 
cese of Central Pennsylvania, was born in Bris- 
tol, Rhode Island, on the 5th of April, 1809. 
His parents were John and Louisa Smith Howe, 
the former being descended on the maternal side 
from the De Wolfe family. John Howe was 
graduated from Brown University in 1805; he 
studied law with Judge Bourne and became a 
successful practitioner in Bristol, Rhode Island. 
Mrs. Howe was the daughter of Stephen Smith, 
Esq., and sister to Bishop B. B. Smith, of Ken- 
tucky, late presiding bishop of the church in 
America. John Howe was a member of the 
congregation of St. Michael's Church, Bi:istol, 
in which his son was baptized by Bishop Gris-- 
wold, then rector of the church, as well as 
bishop of the " Eastern Diocese." Mark An- 
tony De Wolfe Howe entered the celebrated Phil- 
lips Academy at Andover, Mass., when about 
eleven years of age and became in 1824 a pupil 
of the college at Middlebury, Vt., where he 
completed his freshman and sophomore years, 
and was transferred to Brown University, mat- 
riculating at that institution under Dr. Way- 
land, and two years later was graduated with 
high distinction. He became a member of the 
Phi Beta Kappa Society and was subsequently 
a successful candidate for a classical tutorship 
in Brown University. 
69 



He entered his father's office as a student of 
the law ; soon thereafter accepted the position 
of usher in the Adams Grammar School, Bos- 
ton, and was the following year appointed ma.s- 
ter of the Hawes Grammar School. With 
great responsibilities resting upon him, and 
with but little assistance, he was eminently suc- 
cessful in maintaining discipline, and winning 
for the school an enviable reputation. He was 
at this time a regular attendant on St. Matthew's 
Church, South Boston, and was then confirmed 
by Bishop Griswold. Turning his attention to 
the ministry, he began his preparation for its 
duties, and was admitted as a candidate for 
holy orders in 1830. Through the influence 
of Dr. Wayland he was elected classical tutor 
in Brown University, and accepted the position 
at pecuniary sacrifice but with increased oppor- 
tunities for .study. In January, 1832, he was 
ordained deacon by Bisliop Griswold, in St. 
Michael's Church, Bristol, continuing his duties 
as tutor at Brown University. In September 
following he was invited to officiate in the va- 
cant parish of St. Matthew'.s Church, Boston, 
and soon after became rector of St. James' 
Church, Roxbury. Tliis congregation was 
then worshipping in a hall, but active measures 
were in progress for the erection of a new church 
edifice, which was built under his successful 
ministry and con.secratod in 1834. He was or- 
dained to the priesthood in February, 1833, in 
St. Paul's Church, Boston, by Bishop Griswold. 
Resigning his rectorship in 1834, he accepted 
the position of associate editor of the Christian 
Witness, his colleague being the Rev. Dr. Stone, 
of St. Paul's Church, Boston, and continued 
his residence in Roxbury, meanwhile minister- 
ing in vacant parishes. In 1835 he was called 
to the rectorship of Christ Church, Cambridge, 
and, while accepting the position, still retained 
his connection with the Christian Witness. 
Recalled to St. James' Church, Roxbury, in 
1836, under peculiar and interesting circum- 
stances, he felt constrained to accept the charge. 
The debt of the church was speedily reduced 
from twenty-four thousand to three thousand 
dollars; and in 1839 a missionary enterpri.se 
was begun at Jamaica Plains, whicli resulted in 
the formation of the present St. Johu's Church. 



786 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



In 1845 he was called to St. Paul's Church, 
Louisville, Ky., but declined the invitatiou. 
Early the followiug year he accepted the rector- 
shijj of St. Luke's Church, Philadelphia. 
In 1847 he was elected a member of the 
standing committee of the diocese of Pennsylva- 
nia and served that body for many years as 
secretary. In 1848 he received from Brown 
University the degree of Doctor of Divinity. 
Having in 1850 taken his seat in the General 
Convention as a deputy, he was at once elected 
its secretary, and filled the office with great abil- 
ity for a period of twelve years, after which he 
declined re-election. Under his rectorship in 
St. Luke's Parish, Philadelphia, various mission 
enterprises were inaugurated, the first being a 
" night-school " for young men. He founded 
St. Luke's Home for Aged Women, then a Sun- 
day-school for coloi-ed children, which was fol- 
lowed by the inauguration of a system of mis- 
sionary work in the southwestern part of the 
city. A hall was engaged, centrally situated in 
the neighborhood, from which the congregation 
was to be gathered in. A Sunday-school, sew- 
ing-school, night-school and the usual forces of 
mission work were put into active operation, 
resulting in the purchase of the neighboring 
Church of the Ascension, which for five years 
was connected with St. Luke's as its mission 
chapel and afterwards became an independent 
church. On the election of an assistant bi.shop 
of Pennsylvania, in 1858, the name of Dr. M. 
A. De Wolfe Howe came prominently before 
the convention. At the death of Bishop Bow- 
man, a feM' years later, he was again placed in 
nomination, but withdrew in favor of llev. Dr. 
Stevens. In 1865 he was elected missionary 
bishop of Nevada (an ecclesia.stieal jurisdiction 
includiiig Utah, New Mexico and Arizona), 
but after mature deliberation he declined the 
office. In May, 1870, the convention of the 
diocese of Pennsylvania decided upon a division 
of jurisdiction, subject to the approval of the 
General Convention. The diocese whicli it was 
j)roposed to erect was to consist of territory out- 
side the counties of Philadelphia, Delaware, 
Chester, Montgomciy and Bucks. This divi- 
sion would leave thirty-seven counties in the 
proposed new diocese. The General Convention 



assented to this division in October, 1871, and 
the new diocese was named the Diocese of Cen- 
tral Pennsylvania at the primary convention 
held at Harrisburg on the 8th of November of 
the same year. In the following day's session 
the Rev. Dr. Howe was elected bishop of this 
diocese by a very gratifying vote. The conse- 
cration took place in St. Luke's Church, Phila- 
delphia, on Innocents' Day, December 28, 1871. 
The bishop's first episcopal duty in his diocese 
was performed in Trinity Church, Easton, on 
the 14th of January, 1872, the city of Read- 
ing afterwards becoming his residence. The 
Diocese of Central Pennsylvania contains twenty- 
four thousand square miles. From 1871 to 
1884 Bishop Howe administered this great dio- 
cese alone, travelling in the visitation of its 
parishes six thousand miles yearly. In that 
period he consecrated thirty-five new churches, 
and the number of the clergy increased from 
fifty-seven to ninety-eight. In the autumn of 
1884 the Rev. N. S. Rulisou, D.D., was conse- 
crated as assistant bishop, since which time 
Bishop Howe has confined himself to general 
administration in the diocese. Amid his proper 
labors Dr. Howe has devoted some leisure to 
literary work, and has published the following : 
" Es.says and Fugitive Pieces in Verse," " A 
pamphlet on the right of the Eastern Diocese 
to elect an Assistant Bishop," " A Review of 
the Report of the Boston School Committee," 
" A pamphlet in vindication of the Missionary 
Association for the West," " Preface to Butler's 
Edition of Bishop Heber's Poems," " Several 
Occasional Sermons," " Sermon before the Con- 
vention of the Diocese of Pennsylvania," "Me- 
moirs of the Rt. Rev. Alonzo Potter, D.D." 

St. Barxauas' Church. — This is a free 
church and had its origin in mission services, 
which were conducted by members of Christ 
Church. On December 5, 1859, Rev. John 
Long became the first rector of the parish es- 
tablished about that time, and he served until 
November 1, 1861. During his ministry the 
present small brick church was built on Sixth 
near Bingaman Street, having been completed 
and first occupied in the fall of 1860. Peter 
Jones, Wharton Morris and David A. Griffith 
were the building committee. The congregation 



■ I'l' ; I ''} i'-i , , "■ r 




-4,^^M<<M.. 




)^ 



BISHOP OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA. 



READING. 



787 



numbers sixty cominunicimt members. The 
vestry for the year 188G coiuprises: Wardens, 
Peter Jones and William Boiichat; Vestrymen, 
Samuel G. Moyer, Wui. K. Yocom, Nicholas 
Jones, Joseph W. Holmes, George Ray, Huys- 
iuga Bouehat and Emanuel Richards. 

After the resignation of Rector Long the 
congregation was supplied with preaching by 
Christ Church until 1864, since which time 
the rectors have been : 

18t)4, Rev. C. J. Weiidley; 1865, Rev. Hiram 
Adams ; 1SG7, Rev. H. S. Gallodet ; 1869, Rev. Jere- 
miah Karcher; 1S7'1, Rev. C. J. Weiidley; 1876, Rev. 
William Burk ; 1881, Rev. Benjamin W. Stone; 188:5- 
86, Rev. Lewis P. Cloves. 

The Sabbath-school is superintended by 
Chester B. Jennings and the membership num- 
bers one hundred and twenty. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHES. 

First Presbyterian Church. — The exact 
date of the organization of the Presbyterian 
congregation in Reading is not known. John 
F. Grier came to Reading in the beginning of 
the year 1811, probably shortly before; when 
he and John McKnight, William Bell, Sam- 
uel Bell, William Moore, Louis Reese 
and others, about that time, or soon after- 
ward, associated together for the purpose of 
organizing a Presbyterian congregation. For 
several years, however, there would appear to 
be no definite information. In 1813, there 
would seem to have been an organization, for 
tnen rulingelders, wereordained, — namelv, John 
McKnight, William Bell, William Moore and 
Charles Snowden. On November 22, 1814, 
INIr. Grier was ordained as a minister liy the 
Presbytery of New Castle in the Trinity Luth- 
eran Church. He had carried on teaching 
in the "Reading Academy" for at least three 
years previously. From the time of his ordina- 
tion he doubtless preached regularly, if he did 
not preach before; and from this time onward 
he exerted himself toward increasing his con- 
gregation and toward obtaining a separate 
church for religious worship. In both respects 
he was successful. His membership comprised 
numerous influential people who were prom- 
inent in the business and social affairs of the 
town. 



In 1823 the congregation purchased lot No. 
526 and half of 525, Penn Street (north side be- 
tween Second and Third Streets), and thereon 
caused a building to be erected. The corner- 
stone was laid on Sunday morning, June 29, 
1823, in the presence of a large number of peo- 
ple. The day was bright and beautiful. Vocal 
and instrumental music was rendered. A Ger- 
man hymn, composed for the occasion, was sung. 
Rev. H. A. Muhlenberg (pastor of Trinity 
Lutheran congregation) delivered a brief in- 
troduction, address and prayer in the German 
language, and Rev. J. N. C. Grier (of Chester 
County) preached an appropriate sermon. The 
ceremony of laying the corner-stone was per- 
formed by the pastor of the congregation. Rev. 
J. F. Grier. In the afternoon, services were 
held in Trinity Lutheran Church (which was 
kindly given for the occasion), the Rev. Mr. 
Dechant, pastor of tlie German Presbyterian 
Church at Pottsgrove (Pottstowu), having 
preached in the German language. And the 
building was dedicated on May 2, 1824. In 
the dedication, eight clergymen from four dif- 
ferent denominations officiated. 

Large circular pillars were constructed in 
the front of the building and painted in imita- 
tion of marble. The budding was painted 
white, for which reason it was commonly known 
as the "White Church." Its dimensions were 
forty by seventy-five feet, and its capacity was 
about six hundred per.sous. 

In 1825 the membership of the congregation 
was sixty-eight. 

In 1847 another site was selected for a new 
and improved building. The last services in 
the "White Church" were held on the 9th 
of May, 1847. On the 24th of June fol- 
lowing the corner-stone of the new building 
was laid. Whilst the building was in 
course of erection, services were held in the 
English Lutheran Church (St. Matthew's), a tem- 
porary association of the two congregations hav- 
ing been carried on successfully, and the alternate 
services of the respective jiastors having been 
largely attended. It was dedicated on the 19th 
of November, 1848, the officiating ministers 
having been Rev. E. J. Richards, the pastor. Rev. 
De Witt,of Harrisburg,andRev. Albert Barnes, 



783 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of Philadelphia. Thi.s building is still standing. 
Upon its completion the cost amounted to fif- 
teen thousand dollars. The dimensions are 
sixty-one by eighty-one feet. A square tower, 
ninety-five feet high, is constructed in front. 
The face of the front and tower is cut sand- 
stone. The style of architecture is " early 
English Gothic." The seating capacity is about 
one thousand persons. In 1883-84 a fine and 
commodious addition was made to the rear of 
the building. 

The pastors who have served this congrega- 
tion were, — 

John F. Grier, 1813-29; Eleazcr Holt, 1832-35; 
William Sterling, 1835-14; E. J. Eiehards, 1846-72 ; 
Wallace Kadcliffe, 1872-85 ; James Leeper, 1886. 

Elders for 1 886 : Caleb Wheeler, James F. 
Smith, James Jameson, J. H. Sternbergh, Frank 
B. Nagle and Joseph V. Kendall. The Sunday- 
school connected with this church numbers three 
hundred and fifty pupils with J. H. Sternbergh 
as superintendent ; and the congregation four 
hundred and seventy members. 

Bethany Mission Chapel. — In North 
Reading, near the terminus of Ninth Street, 
tlie Presbyterians erected a chapel as a thank- 
offering for the reunion of the Old and 
New School Presbyterian Churches, which 
resulted from meetings in the vicinity for Sun- 
day-school purposes, begun on the 28th of 
June, 18()8. The chapel was dedicated on the 
nth of September, 1870. The Sunday-school 
connected with this chapel numbers one hundred 
and thirty-five members, and is superintended 
by Charles S. Foos. 

Certain Presbyterians exerted themselves in 
behalf of establishing a vSunday-school at Read- 
ino- about 1815, and finally succeeded in organ- 
izing a Sabbath-school association in 1819. 
Shortly after its organization the school assem- 
bled in the " State-House," and continued to 
assemble there till the Fifth Street Chui-cb was 
completed, in 1848, when it was transferred 
thither It has been in active, continuous oper- 
ation since. 

In 1858 a " Union Mission Sunday-School " 
was organized, which M'as held in the 
Franklin Street public school building. At 
first it was composed of members of different 



denominations, but it soon became exclusively 
Presbyterian, when the name was changed to 
Calvary Presbyterian Sabbath-School. It has 
been carried on successfully since. 

Washington Street Presbyterian 
Church congregation was organized Ajiril 29, 
1823, by Rev. John A. Grier. A propert}- was 
purchased then on the northeast corner of 
Washington and Mulberry Streets, — a lot sixty 
by two hundred and twenty-five feet, with two 
tenements thereon, which were then converted 
into a "house of worship," at an expense of 
five hundred dollars. The cost of this improve- 
ment w-as paid by Rev. Grier and his widow. 
The following early ministers officiated : 

Rev. Mr. Ward, two years ; Rev. John Gloucester, 
three years ; Rev. John Dorsey, one year ; Rev. Thom- 
as Hunt, two years. 

Rev. Gloucester also served the congregation 
from 1844 till 1849. 

In 1848 a new church was erected on .same 
site for fifteen hundred dollars. The church 
building was improved in 1882 at an expense 
of about five hundred dollars. Rev. William 
R. Tempieton has been the resident pastor since 
1 874. The present (1885) membership of church 
is sixty. 

It is believed that a Sunday-school was 
organized in 1835. The school now numbers 
one hundred and thirty children. Hiram Fry 
was superintendent for over forty years. 

Members of this congregation on 1st of 
April, 1834,— 

Herman Fry (elder), Abraham Fry (elder), Henry 
Jones (elder), Richard Brown (deacon), James Ban- 
ton (deacon), Margaret Clymer, Hester Brown, Maria 
Fry, Catharine .Tones, Elizabeth Bowers, Mary 
Waters, Elizabeth llobbing, Abigail Leader, Eliza- 
beth Fry, Hannah Brown, Mary Goldy, Mary Ann 
Wilson, Margaret Banton, Mrs. Dorsey, Jane Baker, 
Richard Dorsey. 

BAPTIST CHURCHES. 

First Baptist Church. — From the begin- 
ning of Reading for a period of eighty years 
there were persons who were Baptists by pro- 
fession of faith and doctrine ; but their num- 
ber was too small to admit of an organization. 
They attended the religious services of other 
congregations and were somewhat classed with 



READING. 



789 



them till a separate orgauizatioa was effected ; 
but they doubtless occasionally went to Sink- 
ing Spring to participate in tlie worship of their 
own denoruination^a Baptist Church in the 
county having been established there about 
1740. Another church probably earlier was 
also nearer Reading, on the Wyomissing Creek. 

During the year 1828, Revs. John Booth 
and Lioiiard Fletcher, of the Baptist denomina- 
tion, visited Reading occasionally and held re- 
ligious services. Toward the close of that year 
(December 20, 1828), a half-loz^a ba;jtized 
persons met in the dwelling of William James, 
on the northwest corner of Front and Franklin 
Streets, and organized the First Baptist congre- 
gation of Reading. Revs. J. Booth and J. H. 
Kennard were present upon that occasion and 
assisted in its organization and recognition. The 
names of the six constituent members were 
William James, Adam Johnson, Sr., John 
Faulkner, Sarah Faulkner, Mary Ann Lockart 
and Ann Oliver. 

Shortly afterward, in 1820, this little society 
purchased a lot of ground on the south- 
east corner of Front and Cherry Streets, and 
thereon immediately began and soon completed 
a modest church. In this building they con- 
tinued to hold their religious services till the 
summer of 183G, when they removed to another 
church, which they had just before erected, 
situated on Chestnut Street, north side, above 
Fourth. In 1845 this church was found too 
small and inconvenient for them, so they substi- 
tuted a larger building. This has been occupied 
to the present time. It is a plain but substantial 
and comfortable plastered brick building, two 
stories in height, and capable of seating in the 
auditorium about five iuindred persons. For 
some time after the organization of the con- 
gregation there was no regular preaching. But 
during the first six years they obtained their 
first pastor, — when, it is not known, owing to the 
loss of the minutes of the congregation. Since 
its organization about seven hundred members 
were added by baptism. The Sunday-school 
was organized, which has been carried on since 
successfully. 

In 1869 the congregation erected a small 
brick chapel on Ninth Street, beyond Centre, 



and then organized the Second Baptist Church, 
which was known as the Bereau Mission. 

The pastors of the First Baptist Church 
were : 

George Higgius, E. M. Barker, 1S35-38 ; Enos M. 
Philips, 1840-42 ; Samuel Davidson, 1842-45 ; Emer- 
sou Andrews, 1845-46; Joseph Haramitt, 1846-49; 
Isaac Bevan, 1850-58 ; George Frear, 1858-72 ; A. H. 
Sembower, 1872-85 ; Charles .M. Deitz, since June 
1, 1885. 

The present membership is five hundred and 
fifteen ; number of membei's added under the 
present pastor, one hundred and twenty-five. A 
flourishing Sunday-school meets in this church, 
of which Daniel Shaabcr is superintendent. 

The Sunday-sciiool Association has begun a 
mission school in Ricktown, which is superin- 
tended by Jesse Orr. 

Bereax Baptist Ciii'Rch is located on 
North Ninth Street, above Centre. The build- 
ing in which the congregation worships was 
built in 1869 by the First Baptist Church of 
Reading. The congregation was organized 
July 15, 1879, when the building was leased 
and has since been used by the Berean congre- 
gation. The pastors who have officiated since 
the time of the organization were J. P. Mc- 
CoUough, from November, 1879, to September, 
1880 J J. J. Reeder,from October, 1880, to April, 
1882 ; B. G. Parker, from June, 1882, to Sep- 
tember, 1884. The present pastor is J. N. Earle, 
who has served since December, 1885. The 
oi-iginal membership was eighteen; present (1886) 
membership, ninety-two. The Sunday-school 
was organized in 1869 ; transferred to the Berean 
Church in 1879. J. H. Romkin has served as 
superintendent since organization. 

UxiVERSALisT Chukch. — The Uuiversa- 
list congregation was organized in 1831. Sev- 
eral years before, in June, 1829, the Rev. 
Theophilus Fiske preached in the city on the 
doctrine of "the restitution of all things." He 
came here for that purpose upon the invitation 
of certain influential citizens, comprising, amoug 
others, members of the Keim, Boas and Ritter 
families. The Keim family are descendants of 
Dr. George de Benneville, who emigrated from 
Eugland to this country in 1841, and who, it is 
believed, was the first public advocate of Uni- 
versalism on the Western Continent. 



r90 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENXSYLyA:s'IA. 



After the orgauizatiou of the society, steps 
were taken for the erection of a building for 
public worship ; the corner-stone was laid Ang. 
12, 1831, and on the 22d day of April, 1832, 
the church was dedicated. The building is 
still standing. It is situated on the south side 
of Franklin Street, above Fourth ; two-story 
brick, forty by sixty feet, with a belfry, and 
capable of seating about five liundretl people. 
An addition was made in 1870 for Sunday- 
school purposes by the Sunday-school. It 
is the third church which was consecrated to 
this faith in Pennsylvania. 

The society was incorporated on ^lay 29, 
1832. The charter members were, — 

George D. B. Keim, George M. Keini, Chas. Kessler, 
John Taxis, Daniel Seider, John Ritter, John M. 
Keim, Abel Levering, John Walter, Jacob W. Seitz- 
inger, John Green, Christian Eitter, John Boas, Jr., 
Henry Schoener, J. Walter Frill, John W. Tyson, 
Charles Phillippi, Daniel H. Boas, Samuel Fesig, 
George Till, John Brown, Joseph Snyder, Samuel 
Kitter, Samuel Goodman, John Boas, Godfrey Pflieger, 
John H. Beachell, Samuel Levan, Jr., David Medary, 
Daniel M. Keim, William P. Oirick, Jacob Marshall, 
William Cathcart, Frauklin Miller, and John Chris- 
tian. 

The following persons joined the congrega- 
tion soon after the erection of the church : 

Joseph Berrett, Sr., William E. Wilson, John K. 
Wright, John H. Danfield, Lewis Briner, William H. 
Miller, Elizabeth Hatchings, Sarah Berrett, Eliza 
Cathcart, Amelia Christian, Elizabeth Tyson, Mary 
F. Tyson, Catharine Kessler, Mary Elizabeth Ritter, 
Caty Ritter, Mary Pflieger, Joel Ritter, Peter Viven, 
Benjamin Stamm, Catharine C. Schoener, George Al- 
bright, Sarah B. Albright, James Yager, Eliza Bright, 
Robert W. Albright, Lavinia Tyson, Sarah Cheeney, 
Catharine Fincher, Henrietta Finney, Sarah Kessler, 
Rebecca Pflieger, Richard Warner, Lewis Diehl, 
George Bright, Samuel R. Christian, Francis Bright, 
Hannah Phillippi, Juliann Woolison, Elizabeth Mil- 
ler, Susan Pflieger and Mary Auu Taxis. 

The following ministers served the congrega- 
tion : 

Rev. Asher Moore, 18.32-34; Rev. John Perry, 
1835-38; Rev. Samuel Ashton, 1841-4.5; Rev. A. B. 
Grosh, lS4.5-.50; Rev. J. Shrigley, 1850-54; Rev. J. 
T. Goodrich, 1854-56 ; Rev. J. Shrigley, 1S5G-58 ; Rev. 
AVilliam M. Barber, 1S58-C6 ; Rev. T. B. Thayer, D.D., 
1867-68 ; Rev. Bernard Peters, 1868-69 ; Rev. Giles 



Bailey, 18G9-78 ; ' Rev. L. H. Sipiires, 1878-80; Rev. 
S. Gilbert, 1881 ; Rev. Abraham Conkling, 1882-85 ; 
Rev. W. S. Peterson, 1885 ; ' Rev. J. H. Amies, 1885- 
86. 

The presejit membership of the congregation 
is two hundred and seventy-one, and of the 
Sunday-school two hundred and twenty-five. 
The library of the school contains one thousand 
selected books. 

Captain F. S. Boas has officiated as the 
superintendent of the Sunday-school since May 
(), 1861, excepting for a period of nearly four 
years, from 1865 to 1869. He has taken a 
prominent part in the church affairs during the 
period of thirty-five years, having served as 
secretary of the congregation since January, 
1854. 

The vestry is composed of the following 
members : 

A. G. Green, Esq.. moderator ; F. S. Boas, secre- 
tary; William H. Luden, treasurer; W. L. C. Bailey, 
Charles Marsh, Joseph F. Rogers. George C. Frame, 
William S. Ritter and Dr. Harrison T. Witman. 

METHODIST CHURCHES. 

Ebexezer Methodist Episcop.^l Church. 
— Methodism in Berks County is uot an indig- 
enous plant, but an exotic one. Therefore, 
while in other parts of the State it exhibits 
great strength and wealth, here it has been of 
rather slow growth. The first Methodist 
Episcopal class in Reading was formed in 1822 
by Rev. Henry Boehm. This formed the 
nucleus of the first organization, which was 
composed of Henry Goodhart, William Collier, 
Christiau Miller, Daniel Rhiem, John Ilorick, 
Elijah Bull and John Addams. The -society 
worshipped for five years in private houses. In 
1827 the first Methodist Episcopal Church was 
built on Third Street, below Franklin. This 
was a plain structure, where the society wor- 
shipped for twelve years. Samuel Pettit bougiit 
this ground and did much for the church in 
various ways. 

Revs. Christian Miller, Thomas Sovereign, 
David Best, Joseph Ashbrook, James Talbot, 
Allen Johns and John Inskip served this charge 
as pastors. 

The building proving too limited for the 



' Died whilst minister. 



READING. 



Y91 



increasing membership, in 1839, Rev. John A. 
Roach, with a buiding committee, bought a 
large lot on Fourth Street, above Frankl in, and on 
it erected the First Methodist Episcopal Cliurch 
of Reading. This was a two-story brick build- 
ing, with seating capacity for about six hundred. 
It was thoroughly remodeled in 1868, under 
the ministry of Rev. T. A. Fernley. It was 
again renovated and is now well furnished both 
in lecture and audience-rooms, is free of debt 
and is the strongest Methodist Episcopal 
Church in Berks County. It has a member- 
ship of about four hundred. Tlie Sabbath- 
school is large and vigorous, under the direc- 
tion of Walter Davis and William Price. 
There is a large, M'ell-furnished parsonage on a 
lot adjoining the church. 

Two flourishing churches have been formed 
by this charge, viz. : St. Peters, on Fifth Street, 
and Covenant, on Elm Street, near Ninth 
Street. 

The following are the names of the pastors 
who have served the church since 1839, in the 
order of their appointments : 

Revs. John A. Roach, Samuel Hifrgins, Joseph Ma- 
son, Pennell Coombs, Elijah Miller, William A. Wig- 
gins, T. A. Fernley, Gasaway Oram, J. Thomas, Wil- 
liam Elliott, J. Ruth, J. B. MeCullough, J. W. 
McCaskey, J. R. Anderson, William L. Gray, Jerome 
Lindemuth, George W. McLaughlin, J. F. Meredith, 
S. N. Chew, J. Richards Boyle, W. C. Best, R. W. 
Humphries, T. D. Neely, C. W. Bickley. 

The present value of the property is about 
tliirty-five thousand dollars. In the year 1884 
a large pipe-organ was placed in the church. 

St. Peter's Methodist Episcopal 
Church is situated on South Fifth Street, 
opposite Pine Street. The congregation was 
organized in 1848, by Rev. .lames Y. Ashton, 
wlio was appointed by the bishop, at the Phila- 
delphia Annual Conference, for the purpose of 
establishing a second Methodist Episcopal 
Church in Reading. James H. McFarland 
was presiding elder of the Reading District. 
Sixty members of the Ebenezer Church volun- 
teered to start the new enterprise. Tiiey held 
religious services first in the Odd-Fellows', now 
Library Hall, and afterward in Aulenbach's 
Hall, on Penu Street, above Sixth. The same 
year a two-story brick church was built, fifty 



by seventy-five feet, and January 28, 1849, the 
lower room was opened for church and Sabbath- 
school services. The upper room was finished 
and dedicated in 1849. 

Andrew M. Dehart, Isaiah Wells and Jacob 
Sauerbier Avere the building committee. In 
1883-84 the front of the cliurch was remodeled, 
the tower built, twenty-one feet added to the 
length of the church and a one-story infant 
school-room annexed. Henry D. High, Wil- 
liam M. Staufferand Wesley H. Wells were the 
building committee. 

The names of the pastors of the church 
since the time of organization, and term of ser- 
vice, were as follows : 

James Y. Ashton, two years ; G. Dixon Bowen, two 
years; Newion Heston, two years; Thomas A. Fern- 
ley, two years; Arthur W. Milby, two years; John 
H. Alday, one year ; James H. McCarter, two years ; 
Samuel Irwin, two yeirs; John F. Meredith, three 
years ; Peter J. Cox, two years ; Robert H. Pattison, 
one year; Henry R. Calloway, two years; George 
Heacock, two years ; Sainuel Irwin, three years ; John 
E. Kessler, thr'e years ; William J. Mills, three years ; 
Joseph B. Dobbins, two years ; Amos Johnson, who 
has served two years, is the pastor for the year 1886. 

The Sunday-school connected with this 
church was organized, in 1844, in a school- 
house, and moved to the church in 1849. This 
school, on February 1, 1886, had three hun- 
dred and ninety-nine pupils, with an average 
attendance of three iiundred and forty-two. 
There is also a mission school connected with 
this congregation. 

Covenant Methodist Episcopal Church, 
located on Elm Street, above Ninth. — The con- 
gregation was organized in 1869, by Rev. S. G. 
Grove, with thirteen members. Under his 
ministration many members were added. He 
officiated as pastor until 1872. The following 
is a complete list of the pastors who have served 
this congregation : 

S. G. Grove, from 1869 to 1872 ; T. M. Griffiih, from 
1872 to 1873 ; W. K. Macneal, from 1873 to 1876 ; J. 
B.Graff, from 1876 to 1879; L. B. Hoffman, from 
1879 to 1881 ; C. Hudson, from 1881 to 1S82 ; H. A. 
Cleveland, from 1882 to 1884 ; J. D. Fox, from 1884 
to date. 

Since its organization the congi'egation has 
greatly increased. Membershiji, 1886, two 



792 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



liundred and ten. The Suuday-school was or- 
gauized in the same year as the cliurch, and lias 
been very successfully conducted. The present 
number of pupils is two hundred and fifty. 
Mr. J. D. Fox is the superintendent. 

Afkican IMethodist Episcopal Chuhch. 
— The congregation was organized in 1837, and 
soon after a one-story frame building was ob- 
tained, in which religious worship was held 
until the present handsome two-story brick 
church was built in 1869, on Tenth Street, near 
AVasliington, by Samuel Underbill and Aaron 
Eyrick. The meml)er.-^hip of the congregation 
is about forty. The Sunday-school connected 
with it numbers fifty pupils. The superintendent 
is G. T. Hawkins. 

The following pastors have ministered to this 
congregation since the time of organization : 

Richard Robertson, Sampson Peters, George 
Greenly, John Cornish, John Butler, Adam Driver, 
William H. Jones, William Moore, Israel Scott, A. 
W. Wayman, William Winder, Joseph Smith, An- 
drew Till, Jeremiah Young, Richard Barney, Thomas 
Oliver, John L. Armstrong, John R. V. Morgan, 
William R. Norris, Thomas A. Cuff, Joseph Nel- 
son, Henry J. Rhodes, Amos Wilson, H. H. Lewis, 
Jacob Wilkshelm, James Payton, William H. Davis, 
Charles H. Green, J. C. Brock, J. AV. Norris. 
evangelical churches. 

Salem Church of the Evangelical 
Association. — The congregation of this church 
was organized in 184-1 by Rev. Josej)h M. 
Saylor. A house of worship was erected the 
same year on the corner of Eiglith and Court 
Streets. This building was used until 1877, 
when the present large and commodious church 
was erected. The congregation has constantly in- 
creased in membership until it now (1886) num- 
bers five hundred members. The Sunday-school 
was organized the same year as the congrega- 
tion. It now has seven hundred pnjiils with 
Dr. S. L. Dreibelbis as superintendent. 

The following is a complete list of the pastors 
who have ministered to this congregation ; 

J. M. Saylor, Daniel Berger, William Hein, Chris- 
tian Meyers, J. M. Saylor, J. C. Farnsworth, Corne- 
lius Loose, Jacob Adams, Francis Hoffman, William 
Hein, John Koehl, Isaac Hess, Ephraim Ely, Daniel 
Wieand, Joseph Specht, John Schell, George Knerr, 
C. H. Baker, Solomon Neitz, B. F. Bohuer, Solomon 
Neitz, S. S. Chubb, \V. K. Wieaud. 



Ebenezer Church of the Evangelical I 
Association, located on Ninth Street, above 
Elm, was organized by the Rev. John Koehl, in 
1870, with sixty members. The congregation 
first worshipped in Fisher's Hall. The same 
year a one-story church, sixty-eight by 
thirty-eight feet, was built on Ninth Street, 
near Buttonwood. George Gasser, Abraham 
Fry, William R. Heilig, Christian Kolb 
and Andrew Benner were the trustees and 
building committee. In 1885 a large and 
commodious two-story brick building, forty by 
seventy-four feet in size, was built, and a two- 
story brick parsonage which is the property of 
the congregation. The pastors in succession 
were John Koehl, E. Butz, Isaac Hess, F. P. 
Lehr, J. Neitz, S. B. Brown, S. Neitz and Isaac 
J. Reitz, who is the present pa.stor. The con- 
gregation has largely increased ; has at the 
present time (1886) a membership of two hun- 
dred and thirty. The Sunday-school was or- 
ganized May 22, 1870, with forty scholars, and 
has been very successful, having at this date 
three hundred pupils. James H. Miller is the 
superintendent. 

Emmanuel Church of the Evancjelical 
Association is situated on Sixth Street, above 
Chestnut Street. In 1861 a number of the 
members in good standing of the Salem Evan- 
gelical Church, of this city, made a])plicaliou to 
the East Pennsylvania Conference for a separate 
organization, the motive being to establish an 
exclusively English congregation. This was 
granted the same year, and the congregation or- 
ganized at the house of Rev. Seneca Breyfogel. 
Soon after, a hall was rented on the northwest 
corner of Fourth and Penn Streets. The first 
services were held on October 27, 1861, and 
seventeen persons signed the constitution as 
members. In January, 1802, the congregation 
purchased a two-story brick cluu'ch on Chestnut 
Street, below Sixth Street, formerly used by the 
Protestant Methodist congregation. In this they 
worshipped until December, 1884, when they 
removed to the lecture-room of their new and 
large church on Sixth Street near Chestnut. 
This had been in course of erection fur 
several months and was completed at a cost of 
j thirty thousand dollars. The entire amount 



READING. 



793 



was secured on the clay of the dedication, in 
1885. During the dedication ceremonies the 
congregation unanimously decided that the pews 
of this church should be forever free. 
The officiating pastors were, — 

Revs. George B. Fisher, J. A. Apgar, Thomas Bow- 
mau, C. S. Hainan, S. C. Ehoads, S. P. Reinoehl, J. 
G. Sauds, George. B. Fisher, U. H. Hershey, W. A. 
Leopold, James Bowman, J. N. Metzgar and S. C. 
Breyfogel, the present pastor. 

Eight hundred persons have united with this 
church since its organization, and during the 
same period five tiiou.sand dollars were con- 
tributed toward the missionary fund. The 
congregation at the present time numbers four 
hundred members. A Sunday-school was or- 
ganized at the same time as tiie church, with 
sixty-eight jxipils in attendance, and has ba^u 
very successful. In 188-5 the number of pupils 
had increased to five hundred and twenty, witii 
an average attendance of four hundred and ten. 
F. G. Boas is now, and has been for more than 
twenty five years general superintendent of tiie 
school. Mi.ss Klla B. Diinkel is superinten- 
dent of the primary department, with over two 
hundred pupils. 

St. Matthew's Cuur:;ii of the Evangel- 
ical Association is situated at Eighteenth and 
Cotton Streets, and is a mission under the 
supervision of the pastor, Francis Hoffman, and 
trustees of Salem Evangelical Church. It was 
organized in 1883, in a one-story frame build- 
ing, which is still used as a place of worship. 
There are forty members connected witii this 
mission; also a Sunday-school with one hun- 
dred and sixty pupils in attendance. Lewis 
Riegner is superintendent. This chapel was 
erected by the trustees of the Salem Evangelical 
Church. 

VNITED BRETHREN CHURCHES. 

Ziox Church of the United Brethren 
IN Christ was organized in 1847 by Rev. S. 
Noll. A frame house of worship was built 
during the same year, at a cost of six hundred 
dollars. Rev. S. Vonieda took charge in 1848, 
and the next year a mission station was consti- 
tuted, with Rev. S. Noll as leader, for three 
years, during ^vhich time he gathered in seventy- 
eight members. Rev. D. Huffman served the 



congregation from 1852 to 1856, during whose 
pastorate fifty-seven members were added and 
the church now standing was built. 

The pastors in order of succession who fol- 
lowed were, — 

Joseph Young, George W. Ploffnian, Jacob Brewer, 

D. M. Kauflman, Ezekiel (under this pastorate 

a division of the church was made and the Otterbein 
formed), J. Runk, Job Liglit, J. H. linger, J. H. 
Mark, D. Hoffman. Rev. Samuel Etter became pas- 
tor of the congregation in 1881, and in 188(5 is occu- 
pying the position. 

The congregation had one hundred and fifty 
members when he was chosen pastor. There are 
now two hundred and ninety-six members. The 
Sunday-school connected with this church was 
organized in 1854. It has now three hundred 
pupils, with Franklin Ebright as superinten- 
dent. 

Otterbein Chitrch of the United 
Brethren in Christ is the second of that de- 
nomination in Reading. The church building is 
situated on Eighth Street near Elm. The con- 
gregation was organized in 1856, under Rev. 
I. L. Peters as pastor, and the first church 
was built the same year. The church was re- 
built in 1879 while the congregation was under 
the pastoral care of Rev. J. B. Funk. 

The pastors have been, — 

I. L. Peters, \Vm. Evers, Israel Carpenter, J. 
Muma, J. B. Funk, H. Phillips and tlie presL-nt pastor, 
M. P. Doyle. 

The first board of trustees was composed of 
Michael Sands, M. Fishburn, N. Zell and Geo. 
Heffelfinger. The trustees for the year 1886 
are J. Wisler, Emerson Kline, Joseph Kline, 
Abraham Landis and Jacob Stoner. The 
church membership in 1886 is two hundred and 
fifty. The number of pupils in the Sunday- 
school, three hundred. 

MENNONITE CHURCH. 

Faith Chapel, Mennonite Brethren in 
Christ, is situated on North Tenth Street near 
Oley. The congregation was organized in 1884, 
by Rev. Wm. B. Musselman. Thirty-five 
persons became members at the first meeting. 
The chapel was dedicated in January, 1885, 
by the pastor, who has officiated since the or- 
ganizutiou. The present membership is sixty- 



794 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



nine. The Sunday-school was organized in 
April, 1885, with one hundred and ten pupils. 
The .superintendent is Wni. Gamier. 

This is an independent congregation, a branch 
of the Mennonite denomination, whose strongest 
membership is in Canada. 

FREE CHURCH. 

FRIEND.SHIP Home Missiox of the Re- 
formed EvANGELicAE Free Church (Cotton 
Street, above Tenth).— The congregation wa.s 
organized September 1, 188.3, in Sauppe's 
Hall, on Penn Street above Eighth, by the 
Rev. Josepii Kiitz, the pastor and founder of 
tiie church. Eighteen original members joined 
this church, and a Sunday-school was organized 
at the same time on Tenth Street below Cotton, 
with fifteen pupils in attendance. In 1875 Mrs. 
Mary Kutz, wife of the pastor, collected suffi- 
cient funds to enable her husband to build a 
one-story brick churcli, twenty-six by forty-five 
feet, on Cotton Street above Tenth, which is 
now used by the congregation. Joseph Kutz 
acted as their pastor until his deatli, in 1883, 
and was succeeded by his son, J. Addison Kutz, 
the present pastor. The membership of the 
church has been constantly increasing since 
the time of organization. There are at present 
eighty-five members. Tiie Sunday-school has 
two hundred and fifty puj)ils. The pastor, J. 
Addison Kutz, is superintendent of the school. 
Tliis congregation is an independent church or 
ganization. 



ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES. 

St. Peter's.— The Roman Catholic denom- 
ination obtained an early foothold in Berks 
County. An establishment was effected in 
1741 along the eastern border in Hereford (now 
Washington) township, at a place named 
" Churchville," after the church there situated. 
But their number in the county in the early 
history of the church was not at any time 
great. 

There were adherents of thiscliurch in Read- 
ing from the beginning. About 1755, durino- 
the "French and Indian War," the inhabitants 
of the town regarded them with suspicion. 
This superinduced a strong letter, addressed by 
the justices of the county to the Governor of 



the province, dated July 23, 1755, in which 
they expressed the fear that the Protestants were 
"subject to a massacre whenever the Papists are 
ready," and prayed direction " in this import- 
ant business." But, after snbnntting the mat- 
ter to the Executive Council, he, in a reply 
dated Aug. 25th, following, said that there was 
little foundatipn for their representations, and 
this caused the apparently unnecessary excite- 
ment to subside. 

In the letter it would appear that there was a 
priest then at Reading, who preached to his con- 
gregation once in four weeks. His name was 
Ferdinand Farmer. He reported in 1757 at 
Reading the following membership : 

German. 41 males, 39 females 80 

Irish: 5 males, 3 females g 

88 
The first Roman Catholic Church was erected 
in 1791, on South Seventh Street, east .side, near 
Chestnut, on lot No. 321. It was built of brick 
and capable of holding three hundred persons. 
It was called "St. Peter's." Previously, for 
some years, worship was carried on in a small 
log building on same lot. 

With the growth of the town their number 
increased, and after the lapse of fifty years a 
larger building became necessary. Accordingly, 
they removed to the westside of South Fifth near 
Spruce Street, and began the erection of a large, 
improved church in 1845, which was dedicatee;! 
May 24, 1846. Patrick Devlan, a prominent 
member of the congregation, presented a large 
bell to the church on December 12, 1850, which 
is still in u.se. Its total weight was three thou- 
sand four hundred pounds, with a diameter at 
its mouth, four feet eight inches. 

The memljership and services were English 
and German till the ereetion of "St. Paul's," 
in 1860-61, when the German portion with- 
drew. 

The priests who officiated here were, 

Revs. Peter Helbron, Paul Ernsten, George Sheii- 

felder, Edward McCarthy, Nicholas .Steinbacher, 

Gasman, F. A. Marshall. Peter Steinbacher, Basel 

Shorb, Balffe, Peter Lemke, Richard O'Conner, 

P. Carbon, James Powers, Cobbin, J. Ahern, 

Miller, Kuuzer, Francis O'Conner, '■ 

Schroeder, J. J. McElroy, A. D. Filan, P. J. Garvey 



REAPING. 



795 



and Gerald Coghlan, the latter serving since August, 
1882. 

On March 2-5, 1829, W. S. Allgaier first 
moved to organize a separate Sunday-school for 
Roman Catholic children. He went to the 
different families of the congregation and ob- 
tained the names of sixty-two children. Col- 
lections were then made for the purchase of 
books, etc., and soon after the school was formed 
in the Madeira school building. Several years 
afterward the school was moved to the basement 
of the parsonage on Seventh Street, and after- 
ward to St. Peter's Church, on Soutli Fifth 
Street, where it has since been conducted suc- 
cessfully. 

A number of societies are connected with St. 
Peter's Church. Some are beneficial. The 
oldest, St. Joseph's, was organized in 1852, 
Hibernia in 1860, and the Emerald in 18G9. 
St. Peter's Temperance .Society, consisting of 
about one hundred adults, was organized in 
June, 188.3, and is connected with tiie Dio- 
cesan and the National Union. The cadets, 
having a membership of about sixty-five young 
folios, was organized about the same time as the 
adult society. The Sodality of the Blessed 
Mary was organized in May, 1883, and con- 
sists of about two hundred women and men. 
The Society of the Angels also has a member- 
ship of about two hundred, ranging in age 
from twelve to fifteen years, who have made 
their first communion. The Conference of St. 
Vincent de Paul, which includes many of the 
most prominent members of St. Peter's congre- 
gation, and looks after the temporal and spirit- 
ual wants of the poor, was organized in Decem- 
ber, 1884. 

St. Paul'.s. — This congregation was organ- 
ized in 1860. Its members were, prior to that 
year, connected with St. Peter's Roman Cath- 
olic Church, on South Fifth Street. Under 
the direction of the late Most Rev. Archbishop 
J. F. "Wood, of. Philadelphia, the German- 
speaking portion of St. Peter's Church was 
formed into a separate congregation, and the 
late Rev. Charles F. Schrader was appointed 
their first pastor. Under his superintendence 
and by his exertions the St. Paul's Church was 
erected. Mr. A. Felix donated the lot of ground 



on which the church was built. Ground was 
broken on August 8, 1860, and the corner stone 
for the building was laid with great solemnity 
on the 16th of September, following, by the 
Most Rev. Archbishop Wood. The building 
was completed in June, 1861, and .solemnly 
dedicated to the worship of God. Its original 
dimensions were sixty by one hundred and 
twenty feet, with a steej^le one hundred and 
seventy-two feet high. The height of the 
ceiling is forty feet. The members of the con- 
gregation having increased rapidly in number, 
the church became too small, and an addition 
was made ; the steeple's height was also increased 
to one hundred and eighty-seven feeet. The 
present dimensions of the church are si.xty by 
one hundred and sixty-two feet. 

These improvements were completed in 1884. 
The architecture of this church is Romanesque 
in style, and the interior ceiling and wails are 
elaborately decorated with fresco-work and oil 
paintings. The new stained-glass windows are 
especially attractive ; each one of these has 
groups of figures representing scenes from the 
Holy Scripture. They were imported from 
Innsbruck, Tyrol, and are really beautiful w-orks 
of art. They are rare and costly specimens of 
fine workmanship, almost unrivaled in beauty 
of conception and artistic finish. St. Paul's 
Church is at present the largest house of wor- 
ship in Reading. The congregation is very 
large and constantly increasing. Rev. George 
Borneman has beeu the pastor since its organi- 
zation — after Rev. Schrader. Its present 
strength and wealth in church property attest to 
a very high degree his superior management in 
the performance of his duties. 

St. Paul's parochial residence was built in 
1873, beside the church, on North Ninth Street. 
It is large and substantial, and arranged with 
every convenience desirable. 

Attached to St. Paul's Church is a large par- 
ochial school. The .school-house was built in 
1869. It is a spacious structure, sixty by forty 
feet, three stories high, each story fourteen feet 
clear. The daily attendance of pupils has been 
about six hundred ever since its origin. In this 
school both the German and English languages 
are taught. It is entirely supported by the 



r96 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUxNTY, PENxNSYLVANIA. 



members of St. Paul's congregatiou by voluu- 
tary contribiitious. 

In 1881 a lot of ground, thirty by two hun- 
dred and twenty-five feet, with a oue-story brick 
dwelling-house, adjoiuing the church property on 
the south side, was bought, for the purpose of 
building a house for the Sisters of Christian 
Charity, who, together with one male lay teach- 
er, are now the instructors in St. Paul's School. 
A suitable three-story building was accord- 
ingly ei-ected, in 1862, to the rear of the oue- 
story dwelling mentioned, and is occupied since 
then by the Sisters as their residence. 

The following beneficial societies are composed 
of members of St. Paul's Church, and hold 
their meetings in the parochial school building : 
St. Peter's and St. Paul's Society, organized In 
1850; Boniflicius Brotherhood, 1866; St. 
John's Society, 1868; Holy Cross So'eiety,' 
-1868 ; St. Mary's Society (consisting of ladies). 
St. Catharine's Female Orphan Asy- 
lum.— In April, 1872, three Sisters of the 
Order of St. Vincent de Paul came from the 
Mother's Home, Eujmitsburg, Md., and, on 
the loth of that month, opened St. Catharine's 
Female Orphans' Asylum, in an old and small 
one-story building on the south side of Franklin 
Street, between Eleventh and Twelfth. The 
first two orphans were brought from the Berks 
County Poor-House by ^V^ S. Allgaier, executor 
of Mrs. Medary's estate, on April 29th follow- 
ing. The property, one hundred and forty by 
three hundred and thirty-nine feet, was devised 
for the purpose by Mrs. Catharine JMedary, who 
died in May, 1871. The present three-story 
brick building, fifty by forty feet, was erected 
in 1873-74, at a cost of about fifteen thousand 
dollars, contributed by members of St. Peter's 
and St. Paul's Catholic Churches, and by eiti- 
zeus not belonging to the Catholic denomina- 
tion. The corner-stone of this building was 
laid on September 9, 1873, by the Most Kev. 
Bishop AVood, and the building was completed 
and first occupied June 10, 1874. On the first 
floor proper is a beautiful little chapel contain- 
ing a white marble altar that cost three hun- 
dred dollars. The chapel services are conducted 
by the pastors of St. Peter's and St. Paul'^ 
congregations alternately. At the present time 



there are in the institution forty-two orphans, 
who are taught to read, and write, and ciiiher' 
and to do all kinds of house-work. They aie 
neatly attired, have cheerful faces and are well 
cared for. The Order of Sisters of Charity, 
having charge of the asylum, was founded by 
Vincent de Paul, in France, in 1617. 

HEBREWS. 

Ohef Sholem of the City of Readixg. 
—In 1864 (May 1st) the Hebrews of Reading 
assembled together for the purpose of forming 
a Hebrew congregation and of raising a sufficient 
sum by subscription for the encouragement of 
regular preaching by a rabbi. An organization 
was effected on the 8th of May following by tiie 
election of ofiicers, and then a lot of ground for 
burying purposes was reported to have been 
purchased (situated on South Street opposite the 
Catholic Cemetery) and inclosed. On Mav 15, 
1864, they adopted the name of their congre- 
gation. 

Then- first religious services were held in a 
rented room on northeast corner of Sixth and 
Franklin Streets, and continued to be held tiiere 
for a considerable time. In 1885, and for si.me 
years befiire, they conducted services successfully 
I in the building on the northwest corner of 
Eighth and Washington Streets. 

In 1884 and 1885 the Immauuel Evangelical 
congregation erected a new church for tlielr re- 
ligious worship on west side of Sixth Street above 
Chestnut, They then moved into this, leaving 
their old building unoccupied. The Hebrews 
found this building suitable for them as a con- 
gregation ; so they purchased it in 1885 and 
made tiie necessary repairs. They paid four 
thousand two hundred and twenty-five dollars. 
In this commendable undertaking they were 
generously encouraged by business men of all 
denominations. They have a resident rabbi, 
Rev. Simon Levy, who preaches to them re"'- 
uiarly. Their services are held on Friday 
evening and Saturday morning. They also con- 
duct a Sunday-school for their children on 
Sundays. Their congregation comprises twen- 
ty-six members. 

SrxDAY-SCHOOLS. 

By a communication of "A Friend," ULldi'ess- 



READING. 



797 



t'd to the Berks and Schuylhill Journal, dated 
November 25, 1816, it would appear tliat the 
" Suuday-school " as an iustitution at Reading 
began some time before. The meeting for an 
organization of a "Sunday-school" was held in 
the " Reading Academy," and its deliberations 
were presided over by tlie Rev. John F. Grier, 
who was then conducting the academy. He 
doubtless suggested the idea of such an or- 
ganization and oifered the academy as a place 
of meeting for that purpose. About seventy- 
five children assembled. Through the zeal 
and kindly assistance of several ladies, the first 
effort was attended with success. Its object 
was to " instruct children of every class, not on- 
ly in the rudiments of the English language, 
but in those moral principles and religious 
truths, which are acknowledged by all to form 
the basis of human happiness and hope." The 
first suggestion and attempt towards this organi- 
zation " were treated with levit}' by many." 
Upon its establishment the meetings were sub- 
sequently held in the "State-House" building, 
having begun there on October 10, 1819. A 
" Reading Sunday-.school Association " was af- 
terward organized. The officers for the year 
1828-29 were: 

President, Samuel Baird; Vice-Presidents, .Tolin 
HIcKnigbt, Wni. Darling; Treasurer, Elijah Dechert ; 
Secretary, Lot Benson ; Managers, William Addams, 
Philip A. Good, Henry A. Muhlenberg, John F. 
Grier, William Paul, Henry J. Whitehouse, .Jacob 
Hubley, Daniel Rhine, William Bell, Dennis O'Brien, 
William Davis, George N. Eckcrt, Philip Miller and 
Thomas Cruise. 

By the names of these persons, it would aj)pear 
to liave had the support of the best and most 
influential people of the town. In June, 1828, 
there -nere three Sunday-.schools in the associa- 
tion. 

School No. 1 a.s.sembled in the " State- 
House." The scholars numbered four hundred 
and seven — male, one hundred and sixty-eight; 
female, two hundred and thirty-nine ; and the 
teachers twenty-nine — male, twelve; female, 
seventeen. It possessed a library of one hundred 
and fifty volumes. The officers were a president 
and two directresses. 

School No. 2 assembled in the room on the 
first tioor of the Presbyterian Church. Xumber 



of scholars, one hundred and forty — male, sixty, 
female, eighty ; teachers, seventeen — male, seven ; 
female, ten. Library contained one hundred 
volumes. Its officers were a director and di- 
rectress. The larger scholars of the two schools 
formed a " Bible Class," which numbered fifty. 
They met every Tuesday evening. 

School No. 3. — This school was comjwsed 
of colored adults and children. Several years 
before, there was scarcely an African in Read- 
ing who could read the Word of God. But 
they made rapid progress and some were then 
teachers. 

The Methodist Episeoiwl congregation had 
then a flourishing sciiool, which numbered 
seventy children and twelve teachers ; and 
flourishing schools were then also at Sinking 
Spring, Womelsdorf, Rehrersburg, Bernville, 
Hamburg and Kutztown. 

The number of children taught at Sunday- 
schools in the county during the year was 
estimated at about twelve hundred. 

School No. 1 continued to hold its sessions 
regularly every Sunday till September 2G, 
1847, in the "State House," a period covering 
about thirty-one years ; and during all these 
years there was but one sujicrintendent, Thomas 
O'Brien. It was then transferred to the new 
Prebyterian Church-building, then erecting on 
Fifth Street near Franklin. At times the 
scholars numbered three hundred and fifty. 
During its existence, especially for ten years 
after its organization, the teachers were not 
only Presbyterians, but also Lutherans, Re- 
formed, Episcopalians and Catholics. The 
institution during that time had apparently 
been operated for the general welfare, without 
respect to religious feelings and prejudices. 

After the Sunday-school had become an 
established institution, and had been in success- 
ful operation for over twelve years, the mem- 
bers of the Lutheran and Reformed congrega- 
tions of the borough conceived the necessity of 
organizing separate Sunday-schools for their 
own children. This was effected on the 12th of 
AjjHl, 1829, under the name of " The Lutheran 
and Reformed Sunday-school Association of 
Reading." The school was first opened in the 
spacious school-room of David Medary, on the 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



west side of Fifth Street below Peun. The 
jjrospectus of the managers declared " that they 
were not instigated by any desire to projiagate 
particular religious opinions or to impress the 
children confided to their care with sectarian 
principles. ... In the exercises of the school 
no preference will be given to one niode of 
faith or form of worship o%'er any other." 
The association continued there only a short 
time, and then removed to the " Old Court- 
House." E. Jonathan Deininger was the 
superintendent. Several years afterward the 
two denom'nitions separated, and the .scholars of 
each occupied places specially provided by the 
congregations. The Lutheran Sunday-school 
began in a one-story brick building, erected for 
the purpose, on the southeast corner of Wash- 
ington and Ciuirch Streets. 

As other denominations organized congrega- 
tions, Sunday-schools were also formed for their 
respective children. All the congregations have 
Sunday-schools connected with them, as indis- 
pensable parts in the great system of inculcating 
proper conceptions of morality and social and 
religious duty. 



PART VII. 



Education began in Eeading in the very 
beginning of its settlement. The town-plan 
was laid out in 1748, and the first lots were 
sold in 1749. Soon after this time churches 
were erected ; and in connection with the 
churches there were schools. This conjunction 
of the two was common throughout the county 
from its earliest settlements. The oldest build- 
ing used for school purposes for nearly a hun- 
dred years, now standing in Keading, is the 
one-story stone building at the southwest corner 
of Sixth and Washington Streets (the .southern 
half of the building having been torn away). 
This was owned and carried on by the " German 
Lutheran " (afterward Trinity) congregation. It 
was erected, it is supposed, in 1765. The lot 
was purchased in 1763. Two of the early 
teachers were Joseph Fleischer and Paul 
Fujgner. lu 1844 the week-day school was 



still active, though not so numerously at- 
tended as previously. Education was con- 
ducted in German. 

The " German Reformed " congregation ob- 
tained title to a lot on the .southwest corner of 
Seventh and Washington Streets in 1776, and 
about that time erected a brick building and 
used it for school purposes for many years. 
The building is still standing. 

The earliest record of a school is the " Charity 
School," for the establishment of which in 
Reading application was made in 1756. But 
an allowance of only three pounds was made 
three years afterward in 1759." 

One of the early teachers in Reading was 
Philip Jacob Foesig. His name has been 
traced back to 1762. In the year 1778 he was 
still a "schoolmaster." His school was situated 
on Seventh Street, west side, a short tlistance 
above Court. 

The " Fi-iends " were active at a very early 
period in the matter of education. Tlie follow- 
ing statement was copied from an old, well- 
worn folio .sheet. There was no date upon it. It 
related to the Friends' School, which was erect- 
ed on the south side of Washington Street, at 
Wood, about 1787, and stood there many 
years. 

" From an .ap])rehonsion of the advant.iges arising 
to children by having their school education under 
exemphiry, well-qualified tutors, and the necessity to 
encourage such schools, we whose names are hereto 
subscribed do promise and agree to give the sums we 
have thereto annexed towards building a school-house 
at Beading, which house and the masters employed 
while they continue to teach therein shall be and re- 
main under the direction of Exeter Monthly Meet- 
ing, or a number of Friends thereby appointed to 
superintend the same." 

There were twenty-seven sub.scribers, tlie 
largest having been Wm. Green, £15; Samuel 
Jackson, £.1 10s. ; John Mears, £b 10s., and 
James Loure, Richard Lewis, James Imbree 
and Owen Hughes, each £5; Benjamin Pearson, 
£4 ; and Samuel Lee, £.2. 

This school was successfully conducted for 
nearly eighty years, when it was removed to 
the present church building of the Friends; on 

' See Chap. XV. Genenil Education. 



READING. 



799 



Sixth Street, north of Washington. The 
last teaciiers were tlie Misses Grisconi, M'ho are 
two of the oldest surviving teachers in this 
community after a long period of useful service 
in the profession of teaching. 

Reading Academy. — The Reading Acad- 
emy was the most prominent educational institu- 
tion at Reading for about thirty years. The 
association was incorporated as early as March 
10, 1788; but for twenty years its history is 
unknown. 

In 1805 the State made a grant of forty-five 
hundred acres of land to it, and in that year a 
board of trustees was organized. Two years 
afterward, March 11, 1807, tlie board received 
a donation of two thousand dollars from the 
State for the purpose of erecting a suitable 
building. 

In 1805 the following commissioners : Fred- 
erick Schmidt, Matthias Reichert, Nicolaus 
Dick, J. K. Mcsserschmidt, Geo. De B. Keim 
and Wm. Witmau, Jr., were appointed to con- 
duct a lottery for tlie purpose of raising money 
to erect "a building for English worship and for 
a school-house in the borough of Reading." 
They advertised the scheme in the Hcadinr/ Ad- 
let- on the 27th of December, 1805. Five 
thousand tickets were to be sold at three dollars 
each. Prize tickets were 2293; blanks, 2707. 
The prizes were : 1 of $1000, 1 of §.500, 2 of 
$200, 13 of $100, 6 of $50, 10 of $40, 20 of 
$30, 40 of $20, .50 of $10, 150 of $8, 2000 of $4. 

On the 15th of July, 180(J,the commissioners 
published the drawing of the prizes. The higiiest 
prizes were: No. 2577 for $1000, No. 1G7 for 
$500 and Nos. 193 and 3734, each $200. 

On the 26th of June, 1806, they published a 
scheme for second-class, same as the first. They 
presented a petition to the Court of Quarter Ses- 
sions, praying " that the Grand Jury authorize 
the county commissioners to take a number of 
tickets." On the 6th of April, 1808, authority 
was given " to take two hundred tickets of the 
second class of the ' Reading Church and 
Academy Lottei-y,' to hold them for the profit or 
loss of the county." 

The profits to the commissioners on the lot- 
tery enterprise were devoted to the " Reading 
Academy." 



The following notice appeared in the Weekly 
Advertiser of Reading in 1811 and 1812: 
" Reading Academy. 

" A very large, commodioua and elegant building, 
lately erected in the town of Reading, will be opened 
on the 13th of April nest for the instruction of youth 
in languages, mathematics, natural philosophy, as- 
tronomy, chemistry, geography, with use of the 
globes and projection of maps, English grammar 
and common English, etc. 

" Terms of tuition in the higher branches, five dol- 
lars per quarter; the lower in proportion. 

" Perhaps no place in the Union can boast of a 
more advantageous site for such an institution than 
Reading. Its dimensions are sucli as happily to com- 
bine the advantages of a city with those of a coun- 
try place, beautifully situated on the banks of the 
river Schuylkill, in the midst of a rich and highly 
cultivated country, being remarkably healthy — the 
best of boarding to be liad on the most reason- 
able terms ; possessing every convenience, to be de- 
rived from stages running in all directions, from good 
society, well-chosen libraries — it promises a very desir- 
able retreat, especially in the summer seasons, for 
studious young men, desirous of obtaining a liberal 
education. 

" To expedite as much as possible the progress of 
the pupils, sober and experienced assistants will be 
employed, proportional in number to the increase of 
students, and the strictest attention shall be paid, not 
only to their progress in science, but to the preserva- 
tion of their morals. 

" The seminary is under the immediate inspection 
of gentlemen of the first attainments in the different 
professions, and private literary characters, who liave 
resolved upon using every laudable means to render 
this institution worthy the public attention. 

"The subscriber flatters himself, from an opportu- 
nity of a liberal education, and several years' exper- 
ience in conducting an academy, that he can render 
every reaS'inable satisliicti.ni to those who may intrust 
him with the education of their children. 

" JoHx F. Geier. 

"Reading, March 2d, 1811." 

By this notice, it would appear that the build- 
ing was erected during the year 1810. Its 
location was on the southwest corner of Seventh 
and Chestnut Streets. It was opened on Ajjril 
13, 1811, as advertised. 

The donated land was not surveyed till 1818, 
when it was located in Mifflin township, Lyco- 
ming County, and a patent obtained for fifty- 
four hundred and forty-eight acres, eighty-one 
perches. One third of it, however, was allowed 
and granted to the surveyor for his services. It 



800 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



would seem that the academy never realized any 
benefit from this grant, for the remaining two- 
thirds were undisposed of as late as 1838. In 
1832 another donation was received from the 
State, amounting to three tliousand dollars — 
" Upon the condition that four students in in- 
digent circumstances should be educated for 
five years in such a manner as to become 
teachers in common English schools." And it 
is believed that as early as 1820 the trusteees 
had received about thirty-five hundred dollars 
from the estate of Ernest L. Baishc, under his 
last will, wherein he provided that the principal 
should be invested and the interest thereof ap- 
plied to the support and education of poor, 
talented young men. The trustees also received 
considerable mouey from the "Reading School- 
House and Church Lottery." All these several 
sums of money were expended by the trustees ; 
but the institution was left in debt. This 
caused great dissatisfaction in the community. 
Public meetings were held in relation to it. A 
sale of the academy was considered at a public 
meeting on December 22, 1835, and deemed 
inexpedient and improper; and on January 2, 
1836, another meeting was held, when the same 
opinion was expressed, as follows: 

" That the trustees of the Academy hold it merel.y 
in trust for the benefit of the citizens, and that any 
application of its funds for other purposes than the 
Academy, is a violation of the rights of the commun- 
ity ; and that nothing can be done without the peo- 
ple's consent." 

A committee was appointed by the meeting 
to confer with the trustees as to the sale. Com- 
plaint was then made to the State Legislature. 
An investigation was demanded and given. 
This was in 1837. Considerable communica- 
tions appeared in the local newspapers in refer- 
ence to the matter. The academy building and 
one acre of ground was finally sold in 1838. 
Then the trustees of the academy, in 1839-40, 
erected the two-story brick building now stand- 
ing at the northeast corner of Fourth and Court 
Streets.' A school was opened in it May 4, 1840, 
by Rev. J. R. Goodman, assisted by Professor 
Bournes. The course of instruction em- 

1 An addition was made at the rear in 1869. 



braced all the branches of a classical education, 
and scholars were prepared for college. Young 
men from distant parts were accommodated 
with boarding. The cost of boarding and tui- 
tion was one hundred and seventy-five dollars 
a year. Day scholars, for tuition only, was six 
dollars a cpiarter. 

The trustees then held the academy building 
till 1850. By virtue of an act of Assembly 
passed April 8, 1848, they sold it to the school 
directors for the purposes of a " High School,'' 
by deed dated September 8, 1850; and this 
deed, with its conditions, was accepted October 
10, 1850. 

The first effort made to establish a High School 
proved a failure, " through the remissness of 
one of the wards" (Northeast), and it was aban- 
doned for a while. 

A meeting of the directors of three wards 
was held December 6, 1849, and they decided 
to organize a " City Union High School," 
which was to be opened with seventy-five 
scholars, — from Northwest Ward, thirty; South- 
west Ward, thirty; and Southeast Ward, fifteen. 

Military Institute. — A " Military and 
Scientific Collegiate Institute" was then organ- 
ized by Captain Alden Partridge, April 1, 1850, 
and carried on in the !>uilding. He was assisted 
by Professors E. G. Rehrer and J. B. Bachelder. 
The cost of tuition was as follows : 

Primary, under ten years of age: four dollars a 
quarter. Junior, from ten to fourteen years: Eng- 
lish, six dollars a quarter ; classical, seven dollars a 
quarter. Senior, over fourteen years : English, eight 
dollars a quarters; cla.ssical, ten dollars a quarter. 

General William H. Keim was chiefly 
instrumental in its establishment. The insti- 
tute was incorporated under the name of 
"Pennsylvania Military Institute of Reading" 
in 1852. Then it had sixty-nine scholars. 

Batchelder succeeded Partridge as principal. 
He resigned in the s]iring of 1853. Profes.sor 
Alonzo Brown succeeded him. But the institu- 
tion was not carried on long by him. About 
the time of its discontinuance, Rev. William 
A. Good began the " Reading Classical Acad- 
emy." 

Common-School Sy.stem. — Immediately 
after the passage of the act of 1834 the jieople 



READING. 



801 



of Reading exerted tliemselves in its behalf. 
Tlie following extracts are taken from the 
" First Annual Report of Controllers of the 
Reading School District," which was published 
by them in January, 1856. The first organi- 
zation of the school system in Reading began 
in 1834: 

"Surprising as it may seem to those who recollect 
the fierce political opposition it received iu Berks for 
many years suhsequently, two other then members of 
the Legislature, Benjamin Tyson and Adam Schoener, 
voted for the original bill. They were renominated 
by the dominant party the ensuing year, but a ' split ' 
was the consequence; the school 'candidates' were 
defeated by regular old fogies, and from that time 
until within a few years past, opposition to the public 
schools continued to be the main article in the' Dem- 
ocratic' creed. 

" The fir^t meeting which was held in Reading about 
the time the law was passed in favor of the school 
system was called by Wm. Wilson, Joshua Davis, God- 
frey Pfleager, Andrew Martin, Edward Smeck and C. 
Huzzard. After the law was pas.sed the most .strenu- 
ous eflbrts were made by the ' wheel horses ' of that 
day to procure its repeal and prevent the opening of 
schools. Like most laws of a progressive character, 
it was pronounced' unconstitutional,' 'tyrannical' and 
' unjust.' But although the ' no school ' party suc- 
ceeded in the county, they were unsuccessful in the 
city. The ;jeo/)/e took the matter in hand, the system 
was accepted and the schools were opened." 

In May, 1836, a meeting of delegates from 
the various districts of Berks County was held 
iu the court-house, for the purpo.se of accepting 
or rejecting the school system. 

There were twenty-nine districts represented. 
The following voted for it : Reading (two dis- 
tricts), Amity, Caernarvon, Robeson, Ruscorab- 
manor, Union, Wind.sor and Womel.sdorf. All 
the others voted against it. At first the school- 
houses in Reading were small and inconvenient. 
They improved as the poj>ulation and wealth 
increased. 

The first school directors of Reading were 
elected without opposition on the 2()th March, 
1835. They were,— 

North Ward, D.ivid Rightniyer and Benjamin 
Davis. 

South Waid, William Darling and John Goodheart. 

Other pioneers in the cause of education in 
Reading during this year wei'e, — 

North Ward, Henry Rhoads, John Roland and 
Joseph Kendall. 



South Ward, Daniel Ermold, William Wanner, 
Jacob Geiger and Daniel Graeff. 

And the reports for this year show that one 
thousand eight hundred and nine children 
attended school, — 

In North Ward, 579 : 3.57 males and 222 females. 
South Ward, 1230: 860 males and 370 females. And 
teachers in North Ward, 7 : 4 males and 3 females. 
South Ward, 10 : 6 males and 4 females. 

The first school-house in Reading, as a result 
of the advocacy and adoption of the common- 
school system, was the small one-story brick 
building erected in 1838 at the southwest cor- 
ner of Sixth and Walnut Streets. Previously 
the schools were conducted in buildings rented 
for the purpo.se. 

In 1840 there were in Reading seventeen 
schools, twenty-four teachers and one thousand 
five hundred and .seventy -seven .scholars' and 
four public school buildings, each with four 
apartments. These buildings were, — 

1. One-story brick, forty-two by thirty feet, on 
Washington, between Eighth and Ninth, erected in 
1838. 

2. Two-story brick, forty-five by fifty-five feet, on 
Franklin, between Eighth and Ninth, erected in 1839. 

3. One-story brick, forty-five by thirty feet, on cor- 
ner of Sixth and Walnut, erected in 1840. 

4. Two-story brick, forty-five by fifty-flve feet, on 
Chestnut, between Third and Fourth, erected in 1840. 

In 1846 there were seventeen schools, thirty- 
five teachers and one thousand nine hundre<l 
and fifteen .scholars. 

The " Normal School " began in the spring of 
1852, in the Washington Street seliool building. 
Thirty teachers attended. The sessions were 
held on every Saturday morning. Subsequently 
they were held in the High School building. 

The act of 1874, providing a municipal gov- 
ernment for cities of the third class (which in- 
cluded Reading), was accepted by the electors 
of Reading upon the recommendation of the 
City Councils ; but it was not recommended by 
the Board of Controllers, they deeming the man- 
agement of the .school affairs under a distinct 
organization as necessary and as more disposed 



' In Stable's " Description of Reading," p. 53, the uum- 
ber of schools is staled to have been then 22 (13 public 
and 9 private), and of all scholars 2532, in public schools 
013 ; the total number entitled to privilege of free .-cliools, 
2000. 



802 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



to promote the goncral progress of education in 
the city. 

In 1885 an act was pas.sed, directing the 
holding of " City Institutes " in cities of the 
tiiird class. The first institute of this kind 
was held at Reading during the last week of 
November, 1885, in the Grand Opora-House. 

Officers of School District.— On the 
2Gth of Ajjril, 1864, in the revised charter for 
the city of Reading, the five .school districts of 
the city — each ward having then constituted a 
district — were consolidated into one district, un- 
der the name of the " Reading School District." ' 
Each ward became entitled to four controllers, 
with a term of four years ; and two were to be 
elected alternately every two years. The voters 
at the biennial elections were to vote for one 
person, and the two persons having the largest 
number of votes were to be declared elected. 
This provision was made to preserve political 
equipoise in the Board of Controllers. The 
first members were elected at the city election in 
February, 1865. The city charter of 1874 
made provision for school aifairs, but it was not 
accepted. The school district is tiierefore a sep- 
arate organization. Under the provisions of 
this law, the school district was authorized to 
assess and collect taxes for school purposes. 
The management of the school affairs of the city 
since 1865, by the Board of School Controllers, 
has been very successful. Numerous large, 
commodious and handsome school buildings 
have been erected in every section of the 
city, and general education has been so thor- 
oughly introduced as to render the average 
ability of the many children in the city to read 
and write equal to that of any other city ; in- 
deed, in excess of that of some cities which are 
composed, like Reading, of a {>eople mostly de- 
voted to manufactures. The glory of the great 
system of free education provided for by the 
State under the general act of 1854 is therefore 
admirably illustrated by the condition of the 
school affairs in the city. 

'liie organization of the High School influenced the con- 
solitlation of the wards of the city for scliool purposes. 
Tliis was finally effected in 1859, by an Act of Assembly 
and nil the schools of (he city came lo be rcg'dated by a 
Hoard of Controllers. 



The school buildings here and elsewhere 
throughout the State are the pride of the people, 
notwithstanding complaint from some of them 
in respect to cost, style, etc. ; and the .system of 
education which is carried on within them, not- 
withstanding its wcaknes.ses, contributes a well- 
being to the general community that cannot be 
estimated. They are, indeed, monuments which 
celebrate daily the rise and progress of the peo- 
ple — the advancement of children, with little or 
nothing to recommend them to the favor of the 
world, into noble, industrious, law-abiding men 
and women, who come to occupy positions of 
prominence and re.sponsibility in the commer- 
cial, industrial, political, professional and social 
affairs of life, and, by their education there 
obtained, to discharge trusts with such ability 
and fidelity as to win universal admiration. 

The following persons were officers of tlie 
Board of Controllers of the Reading Schoo 
District from 1865 to the j)resent time: 

PRESIDKXTS. 
Name. Teim. 

J. K. McCurdy l,%5-t!7 

John S. Richards 1867-72 

HearyS. Eckert 1872-86 

SECRETARIES. 
Name. Term. 

Lewis Briner 1865-07 

John L. Barnes 1867-70 

Charles Scull 1870-72 

Thomas Severn 1S72-73 

William M. Rightmyer 1873-77 

A. J. Darlington 1877 

Harrison Shultz 1877-79 

James M. Lyons 1879-86 

TREASfRERS. 
Name. Term. 

James Bell 1865-60 

Matthias Mengel 1860-08 

Peter Jones 1808-09 

Wm. Ermentrout 1869-77 

Levi H. Liess 1877-80 

Ephraim Armstrong 1880-80 

Cltii Superintendents. — In 1867 the school 
directors of cities containing a population ex- 
ceeding ten thousand were authorized to elect a 
city superintendent of the common schools for 
the term of three years. The directors of Read- 
ing elected the first superintendent in 18G7. 
Thence, till now, the superintendents were : 



READING. 



803 



Nnme. • Term. 

John L.Barnes 1867-69 

Thomas Severn 1871-78 

Robert K. Buehrle 1878-80 

David B. Brunner 1880-81 

Samuel A. Baer 1881-84 

Joseph T. Valentine 1884-8-5 

Thomas M. Balliet 1885-87 

HraH School. — The subject of a " Reading 
High School " was first agitated in 1851. It 
was organized on November 2, 18-52. AVilliam 
H. Batt was the principal. There were thirty- 
five scholars, all boys, admitted, who were sent 
from the several wards as follows : Northeast, 
5 ; Southeast, 5 ; Northwest, 1 ; Southwest, 10 ; 
Spruce .5. In September, 1853, it opened with 
sixty-three scholars. 

The first "High School Commencement" 
was held on July 3, 1856. The address was 
delivered by Hon. "William Strong. 

The " Female High School " was organized 
in September, 1857. The second floor of the 
building was occupied for this purpose. 

The co-education of boys and girls began 
August 15, 1859, and continued till 1881. The 
Board of Controllers then decided upon a sepa- 
ration, the female department remaining in the 
" High School " building and the male locating 
in the building at the southeast corner of Eighth 
and Penn Streets, third floor. 

The fine commodious " Bovs' High School, " 
at the southeast corner of Eighth and Wash- 
ington Streets, was erected in 18f^3 and 1884. 
The total cost, including equipment in all its 
departments, was $65,500. Possession was 
taken, and the school began to be conducted in 
it, April, 1884. 

High School Pupils since 1852. — The fol- 
lowing table is presented to show the number 
of scholars in the High School department of 
the city annually from 1852 till 1885': 

Male. Female. Total. 

18.52 .35 

185.3 63 

18.54 67 

1855 71 

18.56 69 

1857 75 38 113 

1858 87 63 150 

18.59 85 74 159 

1860 74 84 158 

1861 40 46 86 



1862 66 80 146 

1863 ,53 61 114 

1864 67 79 146 

1865 57 105 162 

1866 64 142 206 

1867 82 110 192 

1868 80 193 273 

1869 99 120 219 

1870 89 108 197 

1871 101 114 215 

1872 106 140 246 

1873 104 136 240 

1874 103 142 24;5 

1876 87 148 235 

1876 78 124 202 

1877 56 127 183 

1878 89 127 216 

1879 94 154 248 

1880 95 181 276 

1881 .57 216 273 

1882 103 204 307 

1883 1.35 236 371 

1884 1.57 241 398 

1885 162 206 368 

Schools, Teachers and Scholars since 

1835. — The following statistics are interesting 
to show the gradual development of education 
in Reading through schools, teachers and 
scholars for a period covering fifty years : 

Schools. Teachers. Scholars. 

18.35 17 17 1439 

1836 15 16 1225 

1837 20 17 1317 

1838 19 23 1368 

1839 16 21 1400 

1840 17 24 1,577 

1841 17 22 1851 

1842 16 24 1848 

1843 15 23 1951 

1844 16 31 1521 

1845 18 31 1917 

1846 17 .35 1915 

1847 17 31 2064 

1848 17 33 2093 

1849 18 34 2327 

1850 26 49 2849 

1851 28 52 2917 

1852 88 56 2848 

1853 39 58 3,541 

1854 37 57 3247 

1855 33 62 4191 

1856 41 66 4325 

1857 40 66 4103 

1858 42 73 5318 

1859 43 76 5606 

1860 43 76 3661 

1861 46 77 5253 



804 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1862 46 80 4852 

1863 43 81 5442 

1864 83 83 5622 

1865 82 83 6449 

1866 84 84 5749 

1867 86 86 5987 

1868 86 80 6412 

1869 93 93 6463 

1870 108 108 5205 

1871 112 112 5359 

1872 112 112 6351 

1873 116 116 5517 

1874 121 121 7217 

1875 128 128 6328 

1876 131 132 6345 

1877 130 130 6159 

1878 126 133 6380 

1879 137 137 7531 

1880 142 142 7474 

1881 145 145 7262 

1882 144 151 8187 

1883 147 154 8221 

1884 148 157 7706 

School Buildings. — The following state- 
ment is presented to show the time of erection 

of the school buildings in Reading, and their 
location : 

1. Southwest corner Sixth and Walnut,' 1838. 

2. Southeast corner Washington and Cedar, 1839. 

3. Southwest corner Chestnut and Carpenter, 18.'i9. 

4. Northwest corner Tenth and Washington, 1842. 

5. Northeast corner Franklin and Peach, 1842. 

6. Northwest corner Washington and Eose,- 1849. 

7. Southeast corner Second and Chestnut, 1850. 

8. East side of Seventh, between Washington and 
Walnut, 1854. 

9. Southwest corner Bingaman and Orange, 1854. 

10. North Tenth, beyond Green (addition 1884), 
1860. 

11. Schuylkill Avenue and Hockley, 1864. 

12. Southeast corner Ninth and Spruce, 1865. 

13. Elm, between Ninth and Tenth, 1868. 

14. Franklin, between Second and Third, 1868. 

15. Si)UthSi.\th, below Chestnut, 1868. 

16. Northeast corner Ninth and Marion, 1870. 

17. South Twellth, below Chestiuit (Richards), 
1872. 

18. North Tenth, beyond Washington (Eckert), 
1873. 

19. Southeast corner Fourth and Elm (Briner), 
1873. 

20. North Tenth, near Walnut (Phillippi), 1873. 

21. Northeast corner Franklin and Peach (Hageu- 
man), 1875. Substituted for No. 5 in table. 



■ Discontinued and property sold. 
'' Demolislied and rebuilt 1886. 



22. Southeast cornerThirteenthand'Cotton (Frees), 
1875. 

23. Seventh below Laurel (Severn), 1880. 

24. Northeast corner Oley and Church (Mc- 
Knight), 1880. 

25. Centre Avenue beyond Exeter (Jacobs), 1880. 

26. Tenth and Centre (Ziegler),1882(addition 1885). 

27. Boys' High School building. Eighth and Wash- 
ington, 1883-84. 

28. Girls' High School building (conveyed by legis- 
lative grant). 

Since 1880 the board has expended for new 
buildings, $154,000. 

Infant School Society. — In 1832 a move- 
ment was encouraged towards the establish- 
ment of a society for the education of the infant 
children of Reading. A meeting was held on 
January 19, 1832, — Jo.seph Kendall having 
been chairman and Samuel B3II, secretary. A 
constitution was adopted, and a report was pre- 
sented, showing the success in this novel experi- 
ment. Over two hundred infants had enjoyed 
the benefits of a school which was being con- 
ducted for this purpose, notwithstanding various 
prejudices were manifested agaiust it. 

The highest number of scholars in the school 
at one time was 103 ; the average number, 50. 
The tuition for a whole term was $3.1 2 j. 
Children of parents in good circumstances, $1 
a quarter; poor children, fif"ty cents a quarter ; 
destitute children, free. 

The salary of the principal teacher was $150; 
and the assistant, $100. 

The whole receipts were reported at §687.79 ; 
the expense, $682.73. 

A resolution was pa.ssed encouraging the con- 
tinuance of the school ; and the following board 
of managers was elected to serve for the ensuing 
year : 

Mrs. N. O'Brien, Mrs. Bell, Mrs. B>-ard, Mrs.Dech- 
ert, Mrs. E. O'Brien, Mrs. Moers, Misses Baum, Shal- 
ter. Beard, Badger, Porter, Coleman, Mrs. Gumming, 
Mrs. Kendall, Mrs. Eckert and Mrs. M. S. Richards. 

Female Seminaries. — The first establish- 
ment of a separate institution at Reading fi)r 
the education of young ladies was in 1835. A 
seminary was then begun by Mrs. M. E. Shaw, 
who came highly recom mended. Her school wa 
in five departments ; and besides English and 
French, her course of education embraced 
music, drawing; and needle-work. Her terms 



READING. 



805 



wero, — board aud washing, twelve weeks, 
thirty-two dollars and fifty cents ; music, French 
and drawing, each eight dollars; use for piano, 
one dollar ; pew-rent in church, fifty cents. She 
was succeeded by a Mrs. Clarke, of Lancaster, 
on October 13, 1835. 

Reading Female Seminary. — In pursuance of 
an act passed April 16, 1838, a female school 
in Reading was erected into a seminary for the 
education of female youth in the arts, sciences 
and useful literature. 

The trustees were Rsv. Jacob Miller, Rev. 
William Pauli, Jacob Sallade, Alv.i Kerper, 
Henry A. Muhlenberg, Geo. De B. Keim, W. 
Darling, John Miller and Peter Filbert. 

The seminary was endowed from the State, 
according to the number of teachers and pupils, 
from three hundred dollars to five hundreil dol- 
lars. Sallade was elected first president ; Kerper, 
treasurer and Filbert, secretary. 

Eighty shares of stock were authorized to be 
issued at twenty-five dollars, and only two 
shares were allowed to one person. An adver- 
tisement was made on June 16, 1838. 

It was opened on September 3, 1838, with 
three teachers and sixty pupils, and successfully 
conducted for some years afterward. 

In 1850 three female seminaries were carried 
on, — one by Mrs. Dechert and daughters, on 
Penn, above Sixth Street ; a second by Mrs. 
Orrick and Mrs. Young, at corner of Fifth and 
Walnut Streets ; and a third by Miss M. Jack- 
son, on Fifth, between Franklin and Chesnut 
Streets, whose course embraced English educa- 
tion, wax, worsted, and zephyr-work, and 
Polish aud silk embroidery. 

A " Winchester Female Academy " was car- 
ried on for some years on Penn above Eighth, 
in the building now used as Union Plotel. It 
was an incorporated body, created in 1867. 

private schools of eeadixg. 

The Academy of the Immaculate 
Heart is a Roman Catholic School, established 
by St. Peter's congregation in 1859. It is 
devoted to the education of young ladies. At 
the same time and place there were established 
a parochial school and a boarding-school, the 
former being still continued. The latter was 



removed to West Chester in 1872 where it is 
now kept up by the church. The academy 
was first in charge of Mother Superior ^lagda- 
lena, but the present Mother Superior is Mary 
Ambrosia. About a hundred students are in 
daily attendance. The parochial school has 
about two hundred and seventy-five pu- 
pils of both sexes, who are taught by 
five Sisters of the Immaculate Heart. Both 
schools are supervised by the Rev. Father 
Gerald P. Coghlan. The buildings at 225 South 
Fifth Street were erected for a residence some 
years before 1859, but were enlarged and 
changed to adapt them to the wants of the 
school. 

The Reading Scientific Academy. — 
In the fall of 1862 Prof. D. B. Brunner located 
in Reading after a thorough preparation for 
educational work and became the owner of S. 
A. K. Francis' Classical Academy, which he 
continued with great success for ten years. In 
1872 he was elected county superintendent of 
public schools, and then he suspended teaching 
till the expiration of his term, in 1875, when 
he revived it with the present name, conducting 
it in connection with Mr. Farr's business 
school one year. In 1 876 the academy became a 
separate institution and -was largely attended 
for the next four years. Prof. Brunner is a 
scientist of acknowledged ability. He has con- 
structed a superior set of philosophical apparatus 
to illustrate frequent lectures on natural 
philosophy to his scholars. In 1880 he sold 
out his interest in one branch of the school to 
E. L. Horning, and under the priucipalship of 
the latter the academy was conducted till 1886. 
In 1885 a commercial department was oi)ened 
by Prof. Brunner in the Scientific Academy. A 
night-school has also been conducted for some 
years. Both sexes are admitted in the course of 
instruction. 

Reading Business College. — The first 
business college in Reading was opened about 
1864, by Clark & Nelson, and was well 
patronized. In the course of a few years there 
were several changes of management which 
affected the attendance so that the school was 
closed. About 1868 a Mr. Folmer attempted 
to carry on another business school, but aban- 



806 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



donetl the project at the end of the year. lu 1872 
C. N. Farr established a new business college, 
which he carried on with much success until 
1876, when he disposed of his interest to E. E. 
Post, to become private secretary to the Gover- 
nor of the State. Mr. Post continued the 
.school until 1879, when it was finally closed. 
In 1881 Prof. D. B. Brunner revived the college, 
with the present name, and has succeeded in 
founding it upon a permanent basis. Under 
his priucipalship the college has become very 
popular, having an annual attendance of nearly 
two hundred students. 

Selwyx Hall is the name of the diocesan 
school of the Protestant Ej)iscopal Church of 
Central Penn.sylvauia, and is situated near the 
northern city limits, in the building commonly 
known as the "Deiniiiger Mansion." It was 
founded in 1875 as a boarding and day-school 
for boys. The property, comprises about four 
and a half acres of land at the foot of Penn's 
Mount. The building is large and conuiiodious, 
well ventilated, warmed by the most improved 
hot-air furnaces and in particular equipped with 
a view to the health and comfort of the ca- 
dets. 

The gymnasium — a handsome brick build- 
ing, eighty by thirty-five feet — has been fitted 
up with a view to encouraging athletic sport.s, 
and contains all the necessary apparatus. 

The course of instruction is similar to that 
of kindred institutions, having in addition the 
influences and advantages of special instruction 
in the doctrines of the Episcopal Church. 

The school is under the immediate direction 
of the Rev. Bishop M. A. De Wolfe Howe, 
D.D., and has as its head master Lot Clarke 
Bishop. In 1885 the cadets on the roll num- 
bered twenty-five. 

Carroll Institute situated on Fourth 
Street, near Walnut, was established in 1880 by 
Edward Carroll, the present principal, to pre- 
pare boys for college. The number of- students 
is limited to thirty-five, and so generous has been 
the patronage of this community that the average 
annual attendance has been thirty-four. Of the 
twenty .students who were prepared for college 
under Prof. Carroll, eight were admitted to the 
Lehigh LTniversity, one to University of Penn- 



sylvania, ten to Lafayette College and one 
to Princeton. 

Schuylkill Seminary was e.stablished by, 
and is under the patronage of, the East Penn- 
•sylvania Conference of the Evangelical Asso- 
ciation, which decided to maintain such an 
institution at its annual meeting in 1881. The 
committee to whom was assigned the work of es- 
tablishing a seminary held its first meeting at 
Reading INIay 9, 1881, when an organization 
waseifected; subsequently the appointment of 
the Rev. S. S. Chubb as general manager and 
the Rev. W. E. Walz as principal was made. 
The seminary was formally opened on the 
evening of August 16, 1881, in the Salem 
Evangelical Church in Reading ; and the fol- 
lowing day the exercises of the school began in 
the building on the northwest corner of Sixth 
and Walnut Streets, where it has since been 
continued. The Rev. W. E. Walz, becoming a 
missionary to Japan, Prof John F. Crowell 
was elected principal and Miss Lizzie F. Baker 
preceptress. Prof. Crowell is now in Europe 
completing his studies in the old universities, 
and Thomas S. Stein, A.M., is serving as prin- 
cipal de facto. The seminary having become 
permanently established and outgrowing its 
present quarters, it will be removed to Freder- 
icksburg, Lebanon County, in August, 1886, 
where one of the most complete college build- 
ings in the State has been erected for its use 
through a generous donation by Col. John H. 
Lick. 

Stewart Academy is an English classical 
and mathematical school for both sexes. It is 
conducted in the fine three-story sandstone 
mansion, late the residence of Henry A. Sey- 
fcrt, situated on the corner of Fifth and Cherry 
Streets. Its ample and elegant rooms have 
been well furnished for .school purposes by the 
present proprietor. The academy was estab- 
lished September 12, 1881, by Prof and Mrs. 
John A. Stewart, both long identified with the 
educational work of the city. The former was 
an assistant in the High School twelve years, 
and .served fourteen years more as principal, 
having been then a.ssisted by Mrs. Stewart (vie 
Greth). Their large experience as edncators 
and recognized popularity have been fully ajj- 



READING. 



807 



predated by the public iu the patronage they 
have received iu their new enterprise. The 
academy was opened with eighty-six pupils, 
and it has since had a yearly attendance of one 
Iiiiiidred and seventy-five students. The num- 
ber attending this year shows an increase over 
the preceding year. 

It has primary, intermediate and academic 
departments, thus enabling children of the same 
family to be educated under the .same system, 
from the first elements to the training for busi- 
ness or the admission into college. Besides the 
principals, the corps of teachers includes six a.s- 
sistants. All the necessary apparatus has been 
supplied to illustrate the course of instruction. 
The first class, of six scholars, graduated June 
2(5, 1884, the exercises upon that occasion hav- 
ing been conducted in the Academy of Music, 
in the presence of a large number of persons. 
The graduating class of 1886 numbers ten 
.scholars. Under the direction of Prof, and 
Mrs. Stewart the academy has been a great suc- 
cess ; it is now one of the principal educational 
institutions of the city, and has aided materially 
in awakening a stronger intore.st in the higher 
branches of learning afforded by local enter- 
jirise. 

Reading Seminary for Young Ladies 
was opened in convenient rooms, on the corner 
of Fourth and Penn Streets, September, 1884. 
Tlie first ])rincipal was Mrs. S. I. B. "Wisener, 
who had charge of the school one year, when 
.'he removed to the South. In September, 1 88.5, 
Miss C. J. Brown became the principal of the 
.seminary, and it has since prospered under her 
direction. It has now four teachers and thirty 
scholars. Special attention is paid to the .study 
of the fine arts and painting. 

Inter-State Commerctat^ College was 
established September 1, 188-5, by the present 
jirincipal, Prof. H. Y. Stoner. It occupies 
commodious and well-arranged rooms on the 
corner of Sixth and Washineton Streets, and, 
though not quite a vear old, has been remarka- 
blv prosperous. More than fifty students, of 
both sexes, have been admitted and twelve have 
completed the course of study. Prof. Stoner is 
a native of Exeter township. For eight vears 
he was connected with the foremost business 



colleges of the country. In addition to the 
studies usually pursued in business colleges, 
English branches and short-hand are taught, so 
that a thoroughly practical education mav be 
obtained in his college. 

Among the select schools of the city continued 
for a term of years, that of the Misses Cooper is 
worthy of notice. It was established in 1874, 
and had a regular attendance of twenty-five 
girls till recently. The common English 
branches, French and German were taught. 
Other select schools have been successfully con- 
ducted for a time, the most prominent, by reason 
of its continuance till now, being that of Mi.ss 
Esther Benade. 

Herman Strecker, of Reading, is one of 
the most eminent specialists in the department 
of science in America. He was born in Phila- 
delphia March 24, 1836. At a very early age 
he evinced a fondness for the study of natural' 
history, and at the age of nineteen centered his 
attention and diligent study during leisure 
hours on the Lepidoptera, a division of the fas- 
cinating science of entomology devoted to but- 
terflies and moths. He is one of the best 
authorities on this subject in the world, and is 
a fiuthful illustration of what wonders may be 
accomplished by one who devotes his leisure 
hours to patient and diligent study on one 
particular department of science. His val- 
uable and truly magnificent collection of but- 
terflies is not excelled by any other collec- 
tion of the same kind in the world. It con- 
tains over seventy tliounand specimens, gathered 
from every corner of the globe. Among the 
great rarities is a specimen of Colias Boothii, 
taken by the second Ross expedition in search 
of a northwest passage, in 1827-29. This is 
the only example of that species in any Ameri- 
can collection. There are also three of the 
great Papilio Antimnchus, from equatorial Af- 
rica, of which only about a dozen are known. 
Then there is the argus moth (Eustera Argus), 
with enormously long, slender, tail-like attach- 
ments to the hind wings ; whole suites of the 
splendid golden Crcesus and Lydius butterflies, 
from Halmeheira ; the curious dead-leaf butter- 
fly, from China and India ; the wouderful Par- 
nassius butterflies, from fifteen to eighteen thou- 



808 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



sand feet elevation in the Himalayas and other 
great mountain ranges ; enormous Cossus, from 
Australia, which are eaten by the natives; the 
owl moth of Brazil, measuring afoot across the 
wivgs ; the resplendent Rhipheus flies, from 
Madagascar, which have no rival in nature to 
their beauty — the brilliancy of the humming- 
bird, the glitter of gems fading in comparison 
with tliem. There are also monsters, half male 
and lialf female, or those with one wing partly 
of one sex and the rest of thc' other; there are 
all>inos, raelanos, hybrids, monsters with an 
extra wing — every imaginable variety or freak. 
There are butterflies that look like wasps, like 
bees, like lichens; moths with peculiar mark- 
ings resembling skulls, anchors and the figures 
88. There are examples collected by trained 
collectors in every quarter of the world, by In- 
dians, by Esquimaux, by explorers and travel- 
ers, by Jesuit missionaries, by any one whose 
services could be enlisted. This truly wonder- 
ful collection is the result of more than thirty 
years of study and systematic collecting. For 
some specimens he has paid as much as fifty 
dollars each. Being endowed with great artistic 
talent, he has published many valuable works 
describing new species, etc., illustrated by finely- 
executed lithographs engraved by himself, and 
in many cases colored in a life-like manner by 
his own hands. He also published a work 
containing a catalogue of North American 
butterflies. 

Mr. Streckcr is an arcliitect, designer and 
scul])tor by profession. He located at Reading 
nearly forty years ago, having then accompa- 
nied his father, who was the prominent dealer 
in marble and marble-worker of Reading at 
that time. He has since followed the pursuit of 
liis father. As a sculptor he gained an enviable 
reputation, and he has produced many praise- 
worthy works of art, among which are the 
large crucifix in the burial lot of the DeLong 
family in Charles Evans Cemetery, cut from 
solid marble and weighing fourteen tons ; the 
monument erected for the family of Judge Don- 
aldson, of Pottstown ; a monument erected to 
the memory of James Nolan, Esi|., — a beautiful 
design; the "angel boy," erected on the grave 
of Sammy Kutz. The above are a few of the 



designs from his master hand. Joseph Drexel, 
of New York, has in his palatial residence a 
superb alto relievo from the chisel of Mr. 
Strecker. It is a grand conception of the alle- 
gory of Poe's " Raven." 

ARTLST.S. 

Art and artists can be appropriately mentioned 
in this connection. Art was taught here for a 
time in the ladie-s' seminaries, especially be- 
tween 1830 and 1850. 

The first artist of distinction at Reading (of 
whom any definite information was obtainable) 
was Genorino Persico. He came here about 
1820, married a daughter of John McKnight, 
banker, and after remaining several years, re- 
moved to Richmond, Va. He was particularly 
expert in crayon drawing. His brother was a 
fiimous artist, having painted one of the prom- 
inent scenes in the Capitol building at Wash- 
ington, and was befriended there by Hon. 
George M. Keim, a great patron of art and 
artists. 

Jacob B. Schorner, .'^on of William Schoe- 
ner, Esq., for many years a justice of the peace at 
Reading, was a superior ])ainter of miniature 
jiortraits before 1845. He was born at Read- 
ing in 1805, and when still a boy took some 
les.sons in drawing under Persico; sub.sequently 
he entered the Academy of Fine Arts at Phila- 
delphia and there devoted himself especially to 
miniature painting, in which he became profi- 
cient. He was successful at Reading till 1845; 
when he removed to Boston, where he died sev- 
eral years afterward. 

James A. Benade was doubtless the fir.=t 
artist at Reading who ac(]uired more than a 
local reputation by his brilliant productions. 
He was the son of Dr. x\ndrew Benade, a dis- 
tinguished Moravian bishop of Bethlehem, 
where he was born in 1823, and educated in 
the superior schools which that place afforded. 
Having a natural inclination to art, he studied 
painting for a time under a noted Moravian artist 
named Griinewald, and afterward prosecuted 
his studies at Philadelphia. When .seventeen 
years old he settled at Reading. His mind was 
active and his brush was busy, and he .soon won 
a high place in the esteem of this community 



READING. 



by his woudorful talent. He was rapidly on 
the way to a national reputation as a landscape 
painter, but in the very midst of his bright 
and encouraging prospects he was stricken with 
paralysis, from which he died shortly afterward 
(February 2, 1853) in the thirty-first year of 
his age. Upon that occasion the Berks and 
Schuylkill Journal contained the following 
highly complimentary obituary notice : 

" As a landscape painter Benade had no superior 
who were natives of this country, and his constant im- 
provement afforded high ground for believing that in 
the course of a few years he would stand at the very 
head of painters in his peculiar branch of art." 

A number of his larger paintings are highly 
valued by certain persons of this community, on 
account of their artistic excellence, prominent 
pieces among them being with his family and 
the flirailies of Dr. H. H. Muhlenberg, William 
H. Ciymer and William H. Strickland. His 
productions indicate a master as well as a genius, 
for he was able to execute what he conceived. 
His sketches include superior vipws of Reading 
and of picturesque localities round about the 
place. 

He was married to Sarah Nagle Moers, of 
Reading, by whom he had four children, — 
James, Henry, Esther and Sarah. 

F. D. Devi, AX, a distinguished artist, who 
succeeded Benade in the order of prominence, 
was born in Paterson, N. J., on the 15th of 
December, 1835, but shortly after his birth his 
family moved to Lambertville, in the same 
State, where they engaged in the iron business. 

In a few years one of those panics which 
periodically seem to paralyze the business 
world, affected them, and they came and settled 
in Reading, Pa. At that time the subject of 
this sketch could not have been more than four 
years old. Subsequently he attended the public 
schools until he was about fifteen years old. 
This story is told of the school-boy, "Dan," as 
he was familiarly called then and through his 
after-life. Hg occupied the same desk with 

George S , now a prominent Democratic 

politician of Berks County. One day the prin- 
cipal of the school, or rather his assistant, caiight- 
" Dan " drawing in George's atlas, while he did 
" Dan's " arithmetical examples. This the teacher 



threatened to tell the principal, when George 
raised his slate (without a frame) and said : " If 
you do, I'll cut your head off." After school 
hours the warehouse in the rear of the store 
kept by his father and his brother, at the south- 
east corner of Fifth and Chestnut Streets, was 
crowded every day by boys watching the em- 
bryo artist covering sheets of pasteboard and 
shingles with pictures done in house-paints, 
furnished by a friend and admirer in the house- 
painting busiues.s. " Dan's" father thought he 
was wasting time and neglecting his studies 
" for the painting craze," as 2)i'to-/or;w7ias char- 
acterized his son's love for painting ; so he sent 
him to a classical school in order to divert his 
mind from a continuance in the work for which 
he had such a marked propensity. His mother 
and elder brother, however, encouraged him in 
his painting, and when he was about seventeen 
years of age he was scut as a pu]iil to Mr. James 
A. Benade, an artist at Reading at that timr. 
Boy as he was, his preceptor always got him to 
paint the animals in his pictures. It was in 
this branch of art that Mr. Devlan excelled. 
He had a poetic feeling, and could im])art to a 
landscape most charming effects. His fir.^t 
jjicture created quite an excitement in the art 
(•ircles of Philadelphia. It was placed on ex- 
hibition in a window of one of the prominent 
art galleries on Chestnut Street, and people went 
in throngs to see the " picture painted by a boy 
up in the mountains." His best pictures are in 
possession of the following individuals: Mr. 
Clark, architect of the National Capitol, Wash- 
ington, D. C; Mrs. Dr. Chas. H. Hunter, Mrs. 
Harry Hunter, Nathaniel Ferguson, Theodore I. 
Heizmann, Mrs. John McManus,Wm.McIlvain, 
Jr., Horatio Trexler, all of Reading, and Mr. Geo. 
Brooke, of Birdsboro'. The picture owned by Mrs. 
John McManus was finished only a few days 
before he died. It is said of him that he was 
so much in love with his art that he had a 
strong inclination to join a monastic order, sd 
as to afford an opportunity for pursuing his 
studies to " his heart's content." From this he 
was, however, dissuaded I)y dear friends. Mr. 
Devlan was one of the most genial companions, 
of unruffled sweetness of temper, and although 
full of humor, there was a deep religious feeling 



810 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



pervading his nature. At one time, during the 
Ijeginning of the Civil War, he drew cartoons for 
Frank Leslie's Illwitrated News, all of whieh 
were published — some of them full-page 
pictures. This field of work he soon abandoned, 
however, because of the poor compensation 
which it yielded. Mr. Devlan died June 6, 
1870, after a somewhat protracted illness, at the 
age of thirty-five. His remains were buried in 
the Catiiolic Cemetery, on the northern slope of 
the Neversink. He was married to a daughter 
of Jacob Sauerbier. 

Amos Gable, portrait-painter, a son of Joseph 
Gable, was born at Reading, February 2, 1840. 
He was educated in the common schools, and 
then pursued the trade of barber for twenty-five 
years, till 1875. About 1860 he began to prac- 
tice painting as a pastime, having taken to it 
from his natural taste; and in 1865 he 
painted his first jiortrait. He has been very 
successful, his patronage coming not only from 
this community, but from other places in this 
State and other States. He visited Dusseldorf 
and Munich in 1867, where he took lessons 
under distinguished artists in this special branch 
of painting. 

J. Heyl Rasek, for many years a success- 
ful druggist at Reading, opened an art studio 
in 1872. He had studied painting when a boy 
at Plainfield, Conn., showmg at that time a 
high order of talent for drawing ; and he had 
continued his studies as a diversion, year after 
year, till he disposed of his business to his son 
in the year mentioned, and then turned his 
entire attention to painting. He soon attracted 
much attention and his sketches were received 
M'ith great favor. In 1875 he visited Europe, 
and upon his return continued at Reading- 
till 1884, when he removed to Philadephia and 
there opened a studio. He painted many fine 
sketches of the picturesque scenery round-about 
Reading. 

Fkederk'K Spang, a descendant of Freder- 
ick Spang, a prominent iron-master of this 
county, was born in Oley township, and edu- 
cated at Norristown, to which place his parents 
had removed when he was a boy. He served 
ibr three years in the Civil War, having been a 
member of Company C, in the Fifteenth Penn- 



sylvania Cavalry. He studied art in Philadelphia, 
and after spending several years in California, 
along the coast, pursuing his profession, he 
came to Reading in 1870. He has since been 
here, producing superior portraits and sketches. 

Christopher Shearer, a native of Read- 
ing, and sou of Christopher Shearer, an enter- 
prising builder at Reading, and farmer at 
Tuckerton, inclined to the study of art at an 
early age. He frequently visited the studio of 
F. D. Devlan whilst that distinguished artist 
was engaged upon some of his noted produc- 
tions, and also the studio of J. Heyl Raser, to 
whom, upon a certain occasion, it is said, lie 
innocently remarked, " I believe I can paint," 
when Raser replied, '' Yes, a man can do any- 
thing if he tries." He tried and he was en- 
couraged to continue. After showing great 
aptitude for the profession, he visited Europe, 
and pursued his studies for several years under 
German masters. Since returning he lias 
established himself at Philadelphia, where he 
has attained, by his industry and skill, a 
national reputation as a brilliant laudscape- 
])ainter. His conceptions are grand and his 
productions are highly appreciated by art critics 
and people of culture. 

SixciiNO. — In 1811 Stephen St. John adver- 
tised a notice that he purposed establishing an 
" English Singing-School " at Reading. Pre- 
vious efforts had been made in this direction, 
but they proved fruitless. And nothing hav- 
ing been mentioned of this effort of 1811 after- 
ward, it can be presumed that this also failed. 
The time for such an uudertaking had not yet 
arrived, though English education had been 
carried on by the Friends for fifty years before. 
Within the past thirty years a number of pro- 
fessors have taught music, some in private 
classes, others in public schools and in churches. 
John Teed and Thomas W. Frescoln have been 
active and successful teachers. 

Dancing. — The accomplishment of "danc- 
ing" is a branch of education which received 
the early attention of the people of Reading. 
A Mr. Hervey, dancing-master, advertised a 
notice In the Weekly Advertiser, of Readijig, 
that he would open a " dancing-school " at 
Wood's tavei-n on the 21st of May, 1706. 



READING. 



811 



Professor A. Bonuaifon opened a daucing- 
school in "Fricker's Hall" (Sixth and Penn 
Streets, southwest corner) on March 25, 1818, 
and carried it on for some years. B. August. 
a professor from Paris, gave instructions for 
some time, about 1822. Charles Seville, a 
distinguished dancing-master, taught for two 
seasons, about 1840. Among his many scholars 
was Professor Frank Stouch. 

Professor Stouch succeeded Seville in 1840, 
and taught dancing at Reading and vicinity for 
over forty years, without interruption. He 
distinguished himself by his successful teaching. 
Every year the average number of pupils at 
Reading and elsewhere was four hundred. He 
taught occasionally at Lancaster, Allentown, 
Pottstown, Lebanon and Philadelphia. He is 
remembered with great respect and affection. 
By his acconiplishment and teaching he con- 
tributed iiuich pleasure to many persons, old 
and young. In many families he taught the 
parents, tiieir children and grandchildren. He 
is still active and successful in the profession. 

Latterly, daiiclng-sciiools have been carried 
on here cjuito extensively and successfully. 
Prominent niiinng the masters are Professors 
John Falirimcli and William K. Drexel. 



PART VIII. 

rROTECTIVE ASSOCIATIONS. 

The associations of Reading which have been 
created for the protection of the inhabitants 
from losses by fire comprise those which are 
called " Fire Companies." The first company 
at Reading for this purpose was the "Rainbow." 
It was organized March 17, 1773. It is said 
that an organization of this nature existed here 
for some years previously; but no definite iu- 
formatiou respecting it was obtainable. The 
" Rainbow " was the only company for nearly 
thirty years. In March, 1800, a second com- 
pany was organized under the name of the 
" Sun." Some time afterward a third was or- 
ganized under the name of "Union." These 
two were disbanded about 1812; possibly they 
merged into a new company, which was organ- 
ized December 2, 1813, and called the "Junior." 



Since 1813 nine companies have been formed, 
namely: Reading, July 4, 1819; Neversink, 
April 14, 1829; Friendship, March 4, 1848; 
Liberty, January 21, 1854; Washington, Sep- 
tember 17, 1855; Keystone, January 19, 1856; 
Ringgold,' June 5, 1856; Ham])den, September 
8, 1867; and Marion, 1884. Tiie "Reading" 
and " Washington" were organized as "Ho.se 
Companies;" but the former became an "En- 
gine Company" in 1860, by the introduction 
of the first steam fire-engine at Reading. The 
" Washington " added a hook-and-ladder 
truck in 1873. The "Keystone" was organ- 
ized as a " Hook-and-Ladder Company " and 
in 1880 it added a "Salvage Corps." These 
several companies are incorporated bodies. 

A meeting of the firemen of Reading was 
held on February 12, 1833, for the purpose of 
considering the propriety of calling uj)on the 
Borough Council "to pay the expenses of keep- 
ing up the Fire Department." Previously the 
companies were compelled to beg assistance from 
the citizens to enable them to carry on success- 
fully the object of their association. But this 
continual begging came to be regarded by the 
people as a nuisance in one respect and as unjust 
and unequal in another, for some citizens gave 
contributions of money and others would not 
give any, yet all wei-e benefited alike by the 
common protection which the fire companies 
afforded. This proceeding was begun in order 
" that the burden should be removed from the 
few." The companies represented at this meet- 
ing were the Rainbow, Junior, Reading Hose, 
Neversink and Protection.^ A committee, com- 
posed of three members from each of the com- 
panies named, was appointed to present a petition 
to the Borough Council, praying for an ap|iro- 
priation to pay the expenses of the Fire Depart- 
ment. This brought a partial relief. The local 
government made annual appropriations and 
subsequently came to own the fire apparatus and 
buildings. 

Ninety years had elapsed before this stej) was 
taken here. The great progress, by comparison. 



'Disbanded in 1871, the principal members having then 
united with the Junior Company. 

^This company must have had a short duration ; nothing 
remains to show when it began or ended. 



812 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



is apparent. Before the next decade bad elapsed 
four additional steam fire-engines were added to 
the Fire Department by the following companies 
in the order named : Rainbow, Junior, Liberty 
and Friendship. From the time of the institu- 
tion of these respective companies the hand- 
engine had been used. In 1872 two more 
steam fire-engines were added by the Neversink 
and the Hampden. There are now altogether 
seven in the service of the department. 

Firemen's Union. — Representatives from 
tlie several companies named assembled in the 
city on the 18th day of March, 1861, and 
formed a Firemen's Union, " in order to pi'omote 
lianiiony and friendly intercourse among the 
firemen, to establish those just relations which 
ought to exist among institutions whose views 
are similar, and to enable them more effectually 
to perform those philanthropic duties which 
devolve upon them." This Union was an ordi- 
nary association for four years, composed of 
five delegates from each company i-epresented. 
Finding its powers inadecpiate for the purposes 
for which it was formed, an application was 
made to the Legislature of the State for a 
charter of incoi-poration ; and it was accord- 
ingly incorporated on the 15th of IVIarch, 
18(30, under the name of the " Firemen's Union 
of the City of Reading." 

It has since acted under this charter, and 
performed its functions in an admirable manner. 
And it has been to the peojile of the city 
through these years a certain and strong assur- 
ance of protection to their property and their 
lives from fire. The management is vested in 
a board of trustees, elected by the Union annu- 
ally in October, and serving from the third 
Monday of January following. It is composed 
of one member from each company represented 
in the Union, and it is authorized to elect such 
officers at such salaries as the trustees shall 
deem expedient. 

The volunteer Fire Department has now been 
an institution here over one hundred and ten 
years. The respective companies have through 
this long time not only defended, but also pro- 
moted the public welfare. They have always 
occupied a prominent place in the municipal 
affairs of Reading, more especially since the 



establishment of the Firemen's Union. How- 
ard F. Boyer, the chief engineer, has been the 
most prominent person in the department for 
the past decade. He has filled his responsible 
position with credit to himself and with satis- 
faction to the public. The firemen have con- 
ceded this place to him year after year with 
remarkable unanimity, by reason of his devo- 
tion, courage, promptness and efficiency in the 
service of the department. Many firemen are 
equally zealous; and they are woi-thv of great 
praise for their self-sacrifices in Itehalf of the 
public safety and welfiire. 

Fire-Alaem. — Immediately upon the break- 
ing out of a fire an alarm was given to summon 
assistance. This alarm was struck on the bells 
of Trinity Lutheran Church for many years, 
till 1840 ; then upon the bell of the court- 
house for the next thirty-three years. The 
locality of the fire was indicated by a number 
of .strokes on the bell to correspond with the 
number of the ward in which the fire was. In 
1873 the " electric fire-alarm " was introduced. 
It has proved invaluable ; and the response of 
the respective fire companies thereto has been 
as prompt as their services were efficient. 

Previous to 1873 the fact that a fire had 
broken out was carried to the janitor of Trinity 
Church or of the court-house, who would 
ascend into the .steeple and strike the alarm 
This was a proceeding slow and tedious, and 
frequently delayed by the absence of the janitor. 
Joseph Ritter, janitor of the court-hotise and 
court-crier of the County Courts from 1840 till 
his death, in 1880, was conspicuous in this im- 
portant service. At all hours of the night, 
as well as during the day, and in all 
seasons of the year, for thirty -three years, 
he responded promptly and willingly to 
the call for the alarm ; and upon sound- 
ing it on the superior, clear-toned bell of 
the court-house, he awakened the whole com- 
munity. Firemen of the several companies 
ran, first to their respective engine-houses and 
then with their engines to the fire ; men and 
boys from all parts ran, many taking hold of 
the ropes attached to the engines and hose- 
carriages and assisting in drawing them to the 
fire. On the way the fireman's horn sounded, 



READING. 



813 



" Roll her, boys ; roll her !" aud excited voices 
cried out repeatedly, " Fire ! fire ! ! " Such 
a demonstration naturally collected a large 
crowd at the fire. When the hand-engines 
were in use many of tlie bystanders assisted, 
and the pumping process afforded them much 
amusement. But progress has brought change. 
Men and boys are no longer seen tugging away, 
nearly breathless and exhausted, or running out 
of rank on account of "stitches" in their sides, 
to rest on the curb-stone half-way to the fire, 
or rolling out of the way after a stumble from 
weak knees to prevent a " run over." Horses, 
with ambitious, fearless drivers, have been sub- 
stituted in their stead, and tiiese now gallop 
onward as if sporting with the heavy engines 
drawn after them ; and excited people are no 
longer heard crying " Firo!" wJiilst running 
to tiie scene of the conflagration. 

During the decade from 1860 to 1870 the 
improvement from the hand-engine to the 
steam-engine was great; but the introduction of 
the electric fire-alarm, in 1873, was a greater 
improvement. By it, many places were substi- 
tuted for one place, at all of which the signal 
could be given with equal facility. These were 
located in different parts of the city, so as to be 
convenient in case of fire, and to enable the 
alarm to be given promptly. Its operation 
came to be understood and its utility recognized 
immediately. In the old way, much valuable 
time was frequently lost in causing the alarm 
to be given, whereby the fire reached a stage 
beyond control ; but in the new way, the alarm 
was transmitted to all parts of the city without 
loss of time, and its promptness enabled the 
chief engineer aud responding department to 
arrive at the place before the fire obtained much 
progress beyond ignition. The alarm was 
struck at first, -for some years, on the Presby- 
terian church-bell, and then fire-gongs were intro- 
duced in the buildings of the several fire com- 
panies. And this electric communication has been 
carried on so far as to open the stable-doors and 
permit the horses to run into position at the 
engines and carriages without assistance. In 
1877 a handsome, substantial brick fire-alarm 
tower was erected on the premises of the Rain- 
ow Fire Company. It is one hundred and 



fourteen feet high, constructed of two hundred 
and sixty-seven thousand brick. The alarm- 
bell weighs over three thousand pounds and is 
elevated ninety feet. The money for this im- 
provement was raised by contributions and 
subscriptions through the energy and liberality 
of its members. 

The system of the fiie-alarm is regulated by 
a powerful battery which is situated in the city 
hall. It is .supervised by a super! ntendeut. 
Wires extend from this battery in three circuits 
throughout the city, and alarm-boxes for public 
convenience are located along these wires at or 
near the intersection of streets, several squares 
from one another. 

Parades, Etc. — The fire companies have 
had numerous parades, in whicii they exhibited 
their respective organizations in full dress. 
Their appearance was fine and won general ad- 
miration. The success of these voluntary as.so- 
ciations for the general welfire was thereby 
satisfactorily demonstrated. Their number was 
an imposing feature. 

An annual ball has been given by each com- 
pany for many years, especially by tlic older 
companies. It is an event which has awakened 
much interest aud afforded much pleasure, and 
the members have displayed energy and ability 
in its successful management. General sociabil- 
ity has always stood out prominently upon this 
occasion. 

Previous to 1860 the general deportment of 
the companies as bodies was not at all friendly 
towards one another. It was rough aud fre- 
quently resulted in demonstrations which elicited 
public concern. In November, 184'J, an affair 
arose which implicated two rival companies. 
" Stones were thrown, heads were bruised and 
pistols were discharged. The row was a pre- 
meditated affair. Seventeen of the rioters were 
bound over to court." Shortly before there 
were " disgraceful pugilistic exhibitions aud 
frequent false alarms." ' Water-fights were oc- 
casionally indulged in after a fire was extin- 
guished. Such battles required much courage 
and perseverance. The water was driven with 
great force into the faces of the respective fac- 



I Berks and Schuijlhll Journal, November 10, 18tU. 



814 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



tions, especially the leaders, who held the branch- 
pipes. The performance uaturally oifered much 
amusement to the by-stauders; indeed, these were 
impelled to give their attendance through 
curious anticipations. Since 18G0 the general 
conduct of the firemen, especially their friendli- 
ness towards one another, has improved very 
much. TJicre have been no fights for many 
years. The "Union" has exercised a large 
beneficial influence over thera. 

The Rainbow Fire Company. — In the 
latter part of 1772 the project of organizing a 
fire company was spoken of, but it was not 
until the year following, 1773, that the repre- 
sentative men of that day came together and 
regularly organized the Rainbow Company. 

A hand-engine was the first ever brought to 
Reading, and was ordered from Philadelphia. 
One of the most important events of the history 
of the early days of Reading was the reception 
of this engine. It was brought by way of the 
Perkiomcu turnpike, and a large number of 
people turned out to witness its coming. The 
engine was housed at the company's headquar- 
ters, then situated on the estate of the Keims. 
It consisted of a small frame building and was 
situated on the north side of Penu Street, near 
Ninth. 

Among the members who organized the com- 
pany (it has been asserted that it was a stock 
company, organized for the protection of mem- 
bers' property first, and others' afterwaixls) are 
found such names as Printz, Lott, Homan, 
Nagle, Dick, Wuuder, Phillippi, Eisenbeise, 
Sheai-er, Boas, Rightrayer, Graelf, Rupert, 
Fichthorn, Miller, Geiger, Graul, Eisenhower, 
Maltzberger, Rush, Riiein, Brobst, Koch, 
Schwartz, Boyer, Arnold, Cunius, Bickley, 
SjMtz, Goodman, Rapp, Roland, Scholl, Sauer- 
bier. Cleaver, Henritze, Hahn, Madeira, Diss- 
ler, Keim, Orth, Moyer, Schultz, Lotz, Rein- 
hart, Borkert, Rhoads, Boyer, Aulenbach and 
others. Who the first officers were it is impos- 
sible to tell, as all the minutes and records, if 
any existed, have been lost, and such members 
as might have remembered have long since 
passed away. 

The company at that time had no regular 
uniform. Each member was jjrovided with 



two buckets, a bag or a basket, to use at fires 
in subduing the flames and carrying out val- 
uable articles from burning buikiings. These 
things were kejit at the private houses, and an 
inspector, who was regularly appointed, visited 
the homes of the members every three mouths 
to inspect the condition of the buckets, baskets 
and bags. At the outbreak of the Revolution 
a great many of the members joined the com- 
pany of Captain Joseph Hicster, who was after- 
ward made a general in the array, and who 
organized the company in Reading at his own 
expense. During the Revolution and for quite a 
nundier of years afterward the Rainbow Fire 
Company was inactive, but always maintained 
its organization. 

Up to the year 1834 very little is known of 
the company. In that year the old building 
was removed from its position and taken to the 
lower })art of the city to do duty as an office 
for the Anderson distillery. Those were the 
days of the great temperance orator and advo- 
cate, Elijah Dechert, and it is said that he made 
the remark after the removal that it was " Hell 
Fire-Engine '' and should so be called. 

A new frame engine-house was built by Car- 
penter Printz, on tlie old location ; the old 
members gave way to their grown sons, and 
Jacob Fricker was elected the first president 
after the re-organization in the same year, 1834. 
Shortly after this the company did excellent 
service at a great fire which took place, burning 
large stores on the south side of Penn Street, 
between Fifth and Sixth, the sites of the Bush- 
ong Bank, the residences of Colonel Joseph L. 
Stichter, Henry Bushong and the Lauman 
jiroperty. About this time the first uniforms 
came into use, and consisted of black oil-cloth 
capes, with a spread eagle and the word " Rain- 
bow "painted on them. The members never 
held meetings at tlie engine-houses, but as- 
sembled at the old hotel at Eighth and Penn 
Streets, and also at a hotel on a site now occu- 
pied by the Farmers' Market- Mouse. 

In 1840 the company moved their head- 
quarters to Noi'th Eighth Street, between Court 
and Penn, and erected a building on property 
deeded to tiie company by Henry Nagle, 
chief marshal of the day. After the removal 



READING. 



815 



the old hand-engine was laid aside and a new 
one procured. It remained in service until the 
arrival of the company's first steam fire-engine. 
The second hand-engine passed into the hands 
of the city and was sold to Douglass & Conard 
for old iron. 

Here they continued to hold fiirth up to 
March 10, 1870, when they removed to the 
pre«ent large and commodious engine-house, 
whose building commenced in July, 1869, and 
was finished in the winter of 1870. Their first 
steam fire-engine arrived in June, 18G3. They 
used it until the fall of 1866, when it was sold 
to the Rainbow Fire Company, of Rome, Ga. 
Their present steamer, which is a second-class 
Amoskeag, was bought for four thousand nine 
hundred dollars, and arrived in this city on 
the 10th of November, 1868. 

All those who yet remain to tell the early 
history of the Rainbow were the youngest of 
the members that belonged to the company at 
its reorganization, in 1834. In 18G7 John 
Printz, then the oldest member of the company, 
died at the age of ninety-six years. 

Fn 1873 the company celebrated the one 
hundredth anniversary of their origin l)y a 
magnificent street parade, at which many com- 
panies from neighboring towns and cities parti- 
cipated. Among the old members of the 
Rainbow then living were Abraham Reinhart, 
Nicholas Lott, William Arnold, Philip Zieber, 
John Gooilhart, Henry Henritze, Francis B. 
Slialter, John Fox, Daniel Graeff, John Fox, 
AVilliara Shearer, Jacob Sanerbier, Abraham 
Clemens, Augustus Whitman, Jt)hn Zieber, 
John Moyer, Jacob Neihart, John Ziegler, 
John Goodman, Daniel Burkhart, Frank Mel- 
len, Samuel Levan, Frederick Printz, Augustus 
Nagle, Peter and Jacob Maltzberger, Christian 
Filer, Francis Roland, William M. Graul, 
Charles Horn, Solomon McCabe, John Drenkle, 
William Lockwood, Henry Eisenbeise, Jacob 
Lott, George Rothenberger, Henr^' Hahn, Jacob 
Drenkle, Peter Lindekugle, Michael Shultz, 
Jacob Roland, Augustus F. Boas and others. 

The first charter of the company is dated 
April 7, 1843, when David Eisenhower was 
president and Henry Nagle secretary. The 
charter was revised and granted by the County 



Court in 1869. The company's house is one of 
the finest in the United States, and the individ- 
ual efforts of the membei's have placed it in a 
prosperous condition. 

The number of active members for the year 
1886 is three hundred and sixty, of honorary 
members one hundred and forty-eight, and of 
contributing members ninety-five. 

Junior Fire Company. — This company 
was organized December 2, 1813. The first 
building used was situated on Fifth Street, 
between Court and Washington. The charter 
members, as far as could be gathered, were 
Dr. Philip Marshall (who was the first presi- 
dent of the company), Wm. Rhoads, John Reiff- 
snyder, Michael Rcitfsnyder, Geo. Weller, Jacob 
Davies, Henry B. Sage, Wm. Frill, Geo. Wile, 
Francis Boyer, William Schoener, Joseph All- 
gaier, George Nagel, Jacob Weizel, Daniel 
Fichthorn, Joshua Davies, Peter Yeager, Jolin 
Diffeubach, John Kidd, Daniel Ermold, John 
K. Boyer, George Phillippi, Daniel H. Otto, 
Charles AVitman, Henry Reinhart, John E. 
Rnhl, John C. Baum, John Witman, Thomas 
Jones, Jacob Stichter, George Reese, John Frill, 
George Strohecker, Benjamin Gicker, Abraham 
Seybert, Isaac Mej'ers, Jacob Gossler. 

The following charter members held positions 
in the company in 1813: 

Key Company. — John Allgaier, John 
Schwartz, John McKnight, Samuel Moore, 
Henry Schoener, William Rehr, I'hilip Smitli, 
Jacob Lehman, Joseph Allgaier, William Row, 
Isaac Young, George Zieber. 

Engineers. — John C. Neidley, Abraham 
Yeager. 

Hnok-Men. — Andrew Fichthorn, Jr., Chris- 
tian Haveracker, Joseph Bright, Jacob Fritz. 

Rank-Formers. — Henry Boyer, William 
Marx, William Jones, Jacob Young. 

Guard Movables. — John Hanold, Benjamin 
Stout, John Schembers, Isaac Pierson, Josiah 
Smith. 

The first building occupied was frame, in 
which the hand-engine was kept. A two-story 
frame building, on the corner of Washington 
and Church Streets, was next used. In 1865 
the first steam-engine used by this company was 
purchased of the Amoskeag Manufacturing 



816 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Company by the city aiithoi'ities, and new quar- 
ters were secured on Washington Street, between 
Reed and Sixtii. In 1876 the city erected a 
fine two-story l)rick building on the corner of 
Walnut and A'^ine Streets, which is at present 
the headquarters of tlie Junior Company. It 
contains various apartments, suited for tlic 
wants of the members of tiie company, ail of 
■which are well furnished. 

The city authorities, in 1881, sold the Amos- 
keag engine, purchased in 1865, to Douglass & 
Couard, the Junior Company having, the year 
previous, bought a first-class steam fire-engine of 
Clapp & Jones, of Hudson, New York. Two 
hose-carriages — one of them made by Spawn & 
Dennison, of Heading, the other by Fraser, of 
Philadelphia — and three horses are the property 
of this company. 

For the year 188() there are three hundred 
and fifty-six active members and three hundred 
■and forty-two honorary members. 

Re.\ding FiiiE Company was organized 
on July 4, 1819. The first place of meet- 
ing was on Court Street, between Fifth and 
Sixth ; at that time it was a hose company. The 
original frame building used as the first head- 
quarters was removed in its entirety to Fifth 
Street, near Franklin, and a hand-engine was 
added to the needed apparatus of the company. 
lu 1839 the building entire and its equipments 
were moved to Franklin Street, above Fourth. 
The old frame building was sold in 1843 antl a 
two-story brick building was olitaincd on 
Franklin Street, above Fifth, which continued 
to be the headcjuarters until 1857, when another 
removal was made to Franklin Street, below 
Sixth. The present headquarters is located on 
Franklin Street above Sixth, where a very com- 
modiousand convenient two-story brick building 
was erected for the company by the city in 
1884. This building is well designed, ad- 
mirably arranged and all of its ai)artments 
well furnished, aflbrdiug the best modern 
comforts and conveniences. 

The Reading Fire Company has the honora- 
ble distinction of having purchased the first 
steam fire-engine ever owned in this city. It 
was manufactured by Lee, Larned & Co., who 
had the engine on exhibition at the Eerks 



County Agricultural Fair. It was bought in 
1860 for the sum of three thousand dollars. 
This steamer was put into effective use for fif- 
teen j-eare in succession, when it was sold, in 
1875, to William Wunder for old iron. The 
beautiful Silsby engine purchased in 1875, for 
the sum of five thousand five hundred dollars, 
was manufactured at Seneca Falls, N. Y. The 
company also owns one Silsby hose-carriage 
and three fine horses. The charter members of 
the company, as far as could be ascertained, were 
John H. Keim, James M. Lewis, Ephraim 
Booth, Valentine Graff, Ephraim Armstrong, 
Isaac Peterman, Richard Bickel, John Warren, 
Marks John Blddle, ^^'illiam Zieber, George 
Heller, Hyde, Hill. The first pres- 
ident of the company was Samuel Bell, and the 
first secretary Jlr. Tilton. For the year 1886 
there are seventy-five active members of this 
company and eighty honorary members. 

Neversixk Fiue Compaxy was organized 
April 14, 1829, with the following name! 
charter members : George W. Oakley, Jere- 
miah Snyder, William H Keim, Henry W. 
Smith, Alex. P. Miller, William Betz, Francis 
Aurand, William Miller, Joel Ritter, William 
Goode, J. Hansey Eichlio, Daniel Slienfelder, 
Walter Frill, Henry High, Solomon A. Stout, 
George E. Ludwig, John F. Aldon, Abner W. 
Davies, William Frantz, Augustus H. Raiguel, 
John Pelliter, Jacob Winsted, Richard M. Ken- 
dall, J. Mannerback, H. Hallowen, George W. 
Hallowen, Charles K. Snell, James E. Frill, 
Jacob M. Bickel, John Shaner, Fred. B. Heller, 
James Walker, John H. Keim, S. B. Shoeuer, 
Washington Richards. 

The company organized the same year by 
electing George W. Oakley, president ; Jeremiah 
Snyder, secretary ; and William H. Keim, treas- 
urer. The headquarters of the company at the 
time of the organization was on Washington 
Street above Fourth, in a small frame building. 
This continued to be the headquarters from 
1829 to 1861. During that period oue of the 
old-time hand-engines was used by the company. 
In 1861 a building was secured on Fourth Street, 
between Washington and Walnut, which was 
used as the headquarters. Soon after their re- 
moval, a small steam-engine was purchased by 



READING. 



817 



the city authorities, and wa.s put into effective 
use on many occasions. 

It was .superseded, in IcSTO, by the present 
beaiitifid and attractive steam-engine which was 
purchased from the exliibitors of it in the Cen- 
tennial buiklings, at Phihidelpiiia, immediately 
after the close of tiie exhibition. This valuable 
engine was purchased by the company and is 
now owned by them. In 1877 the city author- 
ities sold the old steam-engine to Douglass & 
Conard, of Keatliug. 

J II 1883 the city erected for this company a 
large two-story brick building on the corner of 
Third and Court Streets, which has been cle- 
gantl}^ furnished by the company, and contains 
various apartments, including a finely-furnished 
parlor. The equipment is a steam fire-engine 
maimfactured by K'l.ipp iV: Jones, of Hud.son, 
N. Y., and purchaseii, in 187(5, and a hose- 
wagon made by the American Fire-Hose Man- 
ufacturing Company, of Chelsea, Mass. Three 
horses are owned by tlie coni[)any. The com- 
pany was incorporated in IS;')."). 

I<'kikni).siiii' FiKK CoMi'AN^' was organized 
March 4, 1848, at the public-house of Wil- 
liam Rapp, on the corner of Eighth and 
Peim Streets. The charter members of this 
com[)any were A. D. Millci-, Zachariah Maurer, 
l\eiil)en tioodman, l''rank]in J ). Nagle, Thomas 
Bariiet, William Jiapp, Henry Naglc, I.ievi 
Iloman, ( icorge (Jreatf, Charles Breneiser, John 
Drcnkle, Jacob Young, John Miller, Ferdinand 
Hitter, George S. Bickley, ( 'al viu Siiiugle, James 
Orth, Amos (Jeily, William Kricsher, Daniel 
D. Maurer, Benjamin Shearer, .lames Edward, 
Franklin S. Bickley, ^\ illiam Denhard, John 
Shaaber, Matthias Babb, James and INI. Rol- 
land. For many years the building of tiie 
company was on Franklin, above Peach. 

This company received a charter of incorpo- 
ration on March 20, 18(59. The neat and com- 
modious building used as the headquarters of 
the Friendship is located on the corner of 
Franklin and I'cach Streets. The supply of 
fire apparatus consists of one second-class Amos- 
keag steam-engine, made at Manchester, New 
Hampshire, one horse hose-carriage, one hand 
hose carriage. Four hoi'ses are also owned by 
the company. The number of active members 
71 



for 1886 is four hundred and forty-three, two 
hundred and ninety honorary members and one 
hundred and fifty contributing members. 

LiiiERi'v Fiup: Company was instituted 
January 2\, 1854, by the following-named 
charter members : Lewis W. Ilagenman, Mar- 
tin B. Hoffman, James W. Holmes, William 
Hill, Daniel Leeds, Michael McCullough, 
C. Ganscr Miller, De Witt Clint()n Morris, 
Reuben S. Miller, George Newkirk, James S. 
Baumburg, Henry Miller, David L. Murphy, 
William Baumburg, Daniel Rhoads, Marks 
Redmond, Henry D.York, John Keller, James 
Schroeder, Daniel M. Snyder, William Spicker, 
Joseph Sheffer, Henry Sclirt>eder, \\'illiam 
Stott, Robert Toll, Martin Stohecker, William 
B. Williams, William Van liuskirk, Andrew 
S. Warner, Abraham S. Witman, John Wert- 
zel, Jesse B. Yeager, Frederi(^k Buckmyer, 
Philip Albright, George Ashenfelter, William 
B. Albright, Frederick Buckmyer, David Bech- 
tel, George Boyer, Jr., Freilerick S. Boas, 
Henry Goodhart, Rothermel L. Day, Martin 
Dcysher, James H. Di^ysher, Jacob II. Deysher, 
(ieorge W. Durc'll, William (jeiger, Henry 
Fegley, Henry Hofltnan, Ferd. Hofiraaster, 
Daniel Kramer, Jediah Miller and George Mil- 
ler. 

The headquarters of this com])any is on the 
southeast corner of Fifth and Laurel Streets. 
A two-story building is occupied, which is the 
property of the (company. It contains various 
apartments, including a finely-furnished parlor. 
The apj)aratus, which is owned by the city, 
cojisists of one fine second-class Silsby engine, 
purchased at Seneca Falls, N. Y. ; one Silsby 
hose-carriage. Four horses arc also used by 
this company. The number of active members 
is five hundred and ninety-five. There are 
seventy-three honorary membei-s. 

Kkystone Hook-and-Ladder Company 
was organized January 19, 1856, by the fol- 
lowing-named charter members : 

Heury Chrisuian, Irvin Benson, John Kissinger, 
Jofin Resinger, J. 15. ShcafTer, Adam Waid, William 
H. Norton, Ilalbury A. Bartlet, Benjamin Weis, 
J-'eter D. Getz, Jacob Bushong, Henry Bushong, 
Benjamin Steliman, Jonathan Reber, Joseph Fix, 
James Robenson, Jacob Kauffman, John Shoemaker, 
John Heifer, C. D. Geiger, C. D. Bertolette, Daniel 



818 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Klopp, Lewis Hoffman, Amos W. Potteiger, J. M. 
Heller, Jerome Ringler, John Drexel, Thomas Rambo, 
Sr., Albert Boyer, Vincent Bloomdale, Henry Heek- 
enroth, William Yohn, Harvey Birch, Rudolph Hav- 
erstick, Henry Bowman, Joseph B. Smail, Joseph 
Markley, Nicholas Boone, James Honberger, Herman 
Homan, John Horn, Henry Sink, Asphar Truchman, 
William Ehley, Amos Heckler, Samuel Fix, Daniel 
Fehr, Arnold Mellert, Magnus Mellert, Arion Briner, 
Francis Warren, Jacob K. Hoyer, William Wenrich, 
John B. Weidner, .Tames Gregie, Edwin L. Mace, 
Henry Hoffmaster, Henry Graul, John Paff, C. F. D. 
Dweight, Charles Fricker, Edwin Brady, Edward 
Kutz, Charles F. Davis, Francis Bowman, Levi Hin- 
nersheet, Henry McGill, Israel Spayd, Levi Richard, 
Adam Plank, Daniel Dillion, Charles F. Fink, Noah 
Levan, Jeremiah Fisher, D. M. Fox, Jacob Yoe, 
Elijah Briner, Benevile Leader, Jacob Brcisinger, 
George W. Runyeon, William Stump, Henry Brown, 
Samuel Kauterman, Harrison Brady, Hezekiah Andy, 
Samuel Weidner, John Strohecker, Anthony Hupp, 
Jeremiah Boone, John Dearing, Daniel Bricker, 
Andrew Vohl, William Ricker, Sauniel Kissinger, 
John Kochle, J. B. Wentzle, William Savage, Isaac 
Doyle, William R. Yeich, James Robenson, George 
Morgeudale, Daniel Hauerbach, William Homer, 
William Murphy, Albert Dautrich, Daniel Heifer, 
Frederick Dehart, Emanuel Frederick, Charles Hart- 
line, H. M. Hart, Joseph Heifer, William Reoder, 
Reuben Frees, David P. Lash, John A. Sefrick, 
Adam Bickle, William Brown, Adam Waid, John 
Trexler. 

The Keystone owns one liook-and-ladder 
truck, made by Btickley & Merritt, of Brooklyn, 
N. Y. ; one patrol -wagon, made by W. Vt'^. 
Wunder, of Reading ; and three horses. A 
two-story brick building, on Penn Street, north 
of Front Street, erected by the city, is the head- 
quarters of this company. 

Washington Hose Hook-anp-Laddkr 
Company. — Washington Hose Company was 
organizeil February 22, 185G, by the members 
of the Washington Club, of Reading. The 
charter members were William IT. Andrews, 
James C. Brown, Thomas M. Richards, W. P. 
Dodson, James H. Gentzler, Alexander Seigel, 
F. P. Heller, Philip J. Cutler, William G. 
Vonneida, Charles A. Ringel, George L. 
Knopp, William Noble, John F. Boyer, Wil- 
liam R. Priestly, William Kessler and J. R. 
Fritz. The company was incorporated May 2.3, 
1859. 

March 31, 1871, the Spring Garden Ho.^e 
Compauy was consolidated with the Washing- 



ton. In 1873 a hook-and-ladder truck was 
added to the fire apparatus. The Company was 
then reorganized and the present name was ' 
adopted. " 

The two-story brick building on Spruce 
Street above Tenth, is the headquarters of the I 
Washington. Its various apartments are well 
furnished and attractively arranged, so as to 1 
aflbrd all necessary comforts and conveniences to 
the members of the company. The supply of 
apparatus consists of one hook-and-ladder 
truck, made by E. B. Leverick, of New York; 
one hose-carriage, made by W. W. ^^^Inder, of 
Reading. 

The number of active members of this com- 
pany is one hundred and thirty, and the num- 
ber of honorary members one hundred and 
thirty-five. 

The Hampden Fire Company was or- 
ganized September 7, 18fi7. The original mem- 
bers of this company were S. E. Ancona, H. 
A. Hartman, George Rothenberger, Daniel 
Bechtel, AVilliam Border, Adam Bower, Jacob 
Bower, Jr., John H. Clay, Adam Harbold, 
Amos Hinnershitz, C. C. Smith, Henry Hin- 
nershitz, Henry Katzemoyer, Daniel Lee.se, 
Fred. Leese, Amos Madary, William Shirey, 
Joseph Spies, Herman Selig, John Rothen- 
berger, Henry Rothenberger, Samuel Madary, 
Jeremiah Leese, Solomon Leese, James Kutz, 
James Y. Hartman, Samuel Jacobs, Samuel 
Kutz, Lewis Neiman, Christ Gansler, Christian 
Gansler, John Staub, George Kramer, Frank 
Botzum, Jacob Hollenbach, George Reisinger, 
Peter Steigerwald, William Sands, F. W. Gun- 
kle, John Gallagher, A. Auchter. 

The Hampden Company have their heail- 
quarters in a two-story brick building with 
various apartments. The apparatus consists of 
a third-class steam fire-engine made by Klapp 
& Jones, one hose-cart made by Spawn & Deu- 
nison of Reading. Three horses are u.sed. 
There are one hundred and sixty-two active 
members. 

The Marion Hose (>)mpany was organ- 
ized in the year 1881, October 1st, by si.xty- 
nine charter members, at Ninth Street, near 
Spring. The first officers elected were John F. 
Wagner, president ; Ellsworth B. A. Zwoyer, 



RKADING. 



819 



secretary ; Samuel Milmore, treasurer. As yet 
asmall frame building is used as the headquarters. 
Oue hose-wagon and other necessary apparatus for 
extinguishing fire is the property of the com- 
pany. The number of active members in 1886 
is seventy-three. 

The Salvage Cokps was instituted June, 
1879, in connection with the Keystone Hook-and- 
Ladder Company. The first patrol-wagon of the 
Corps was purchased the same year of the or- 
ganization, from Spawn & Dennisou, of Head- 
ing, and was used until 1884, when a larger 
wagon was purchased with more complete 
arrangements, including a hose-reel for carrying 
three hundred feet of hose. The entire fire ap- 
paratus consists of water-proof tarpaulins, fire 
extinguisliers, rubber blankets, respirators, buck- 
ets, axes, brooms, door-jammers, etc. 

LIBRARIES. 

Two libraries were instituted at Reading 
about the year 1809 ; the one was Ger- 
man and the other English. It is probable 
that the former was established first. It was 
organized by tweuty-six prominent citizens of 
Reading, under the name of" Reading German 
Library Company." By-laws were adopted and 
a successful management was carried on for 
many years. It began with six hundred and 
eighty-five volumes ; a first addition of books 
was made, numbering one huudred and forty 
volumes; a second, two hundred and forty-five 
volumes; a third, one hundred and sixty- 
two volumes ; and a fourth, two hundred and 
seventy-five volumes — altogethoi- including one 
thousand five hundred and seven volumes. By 
these additions it M'ould appear that the library 
was well patronized and iu a flourishing condi- 
tion. Tiie company disbanded about 1847 and 
distributed its books among its members. A 
large number of them came to be owned by 
John Ritter, an active member, and they are 
now in the possession of his son, Louis Ritter. 

The " Reading Library " was organized at a 
public meeting held by Joseph Green, Samuel 
Moore, Jaraos Morris, Samuel Morris, Thomas 
L. Morris, John Miller, Thomas Peacock, Ben- 
jamin Davis, Jesse Smith and John Aligaier, 
on March 16, 1808, at the public-house of 



Conrad Foesig. The name then adopted was 
" The Society of the English Library of Read- 
ing." Seventy persons subscribed its constitu- 
tion,' Upon its organization eighty-four vol- 
umes of books were obtained from a " Library 
Company " which had been previously estab- 
lished — the former having evidently taken the 
place of the latter. On the 16th May follow- 
ing, its name was changed to " The Library 
Company of Reading," and on December 
14, 1819, it was incorpurated. In June, 1832, 
the library contained about one thousand vol- 
umes, and it was then kept at the dwelling of 
Hon. Matthias S. Richards. At that time it was 
in successful operation ; but about 1847 it was 
otherwise. Members had failed to pay their 
dues, also to keep up interest in it. Instead of 
taking out one book at a time, they were found 
to have taken out more. One member was dis- 
covered who had taken out twenty volumes, 
and kept them some years. This course had 



^ Tlie names wei'e, — 

Samuel Moore. 
Thomas L. Morris. 
Benjamiu Davis. 
Thomas Peacock. 
John Miller, 
.Josiah Smith. 
.Tames Morris. 
Samuel Morris. 
.Joseph Green. 
John .Algaier. 
William Bell, 
(ieo. De B. Keim. 
i:. G. Bradford. 
Marks J. Biddle. 
Samuel D. Franks. 
James B. Hubley. 
Daniel De B. Keim. 
F. C. Smith. 
William Dundas. 
Collinson Read. 
Joseph Heister Jr. 
Thomas Mills. 
Francis & John Parvin. 
Isaac Thomas. 
Curtis Lewis. 
William Witman Jr. 
(Charles Evans. 
John Berkinbine. 
Joseph Morris. 
John Deifenbach. 
Joseph Hiester. 
Christopher Shearer. 



Jacob Vauneda. 
William Moore. 
Dr. J. Diemer. 
Benjamin Morris. 
Jolni Spayd. 
John K. Messersmith. 
Peter Frailey. 
('onrad Feger. 
John S. Hiester. 
Frederick l^mith. 
H. A. Muhlenberg. 
Robert Adrain. 
Philip Pauli. 
James May. 
James Bell. 
John Addams. 
Jacob' K.Boyer. 
Gabriel Heister Jr. 
John Witman. 
Nenien Lindsay. 
John Pfleager. 
Charles Kessler, 
Thomas Moore. 
Henry M. Richards. 
Lewis Reese. 
John McKnight. 
Frederick Fritz. 
John Wiley. 
William Tilton. 
Thomas Lightfoot. 
Mordecai Wright. 
Gottlob Jungman. 



1 



820 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



caused great dissatisfaction to arise ; and the 
members had, therefore, dwindled away till 
scarcely a dozen remained. A report was pre- 
sented at a special meeting held on July 31, 
1845, by which it appeared that the member- 
ship was thirty-three ; that the books on the 
catalogue numbered eleven hundred and 
eighty-six, though the actual number was 
greater ; and that the library had been under 
the control of a librarian for thirty years, 
during which period it was not closed a single 
time. 

For some time before Reading was incorpora- 
ted into a city the " Reading Ubrary " had not 
been in a flourishing condition ; in tact, it had 
become rather abandoned. The citizens, in re- 
spect to trade, buildings, etc., were making 
great strides onward since the establishment of 
the city ; but, notwithstanding their earnest 
efforts in these directions, ihey could not forget 
this struggling institution whose object was the 
general welfare of the jieople through reading 
and good literature. During the fall of 1849 
efforts were made to revive it into activity. 
A meeting was held on the 23d of November, 
at which the annual dues were fixed at two 
diillars, the price of stock at two dollars a share, 
and twenty-four members were elected. The 
general indifference of the public to the welfare 
of the library was deprecated. At this meet- 
ing it was reported that the " Reading Cabi- 
net'" (a literary society in vogue for some time) 
had dissolved and presented its cases of minerals, 
etc., to the library, and recommended the library 
to take the C'abinet's place in the Reading- 
Academy building. The Ijooks of the library 
were accordingly removed, in December, 1849, 
from the dwelling of Mr. Richards (where they 
had been for 3'ears) to the second story of the 
academy. A year afterward (December, 1850) 
the library contained fifteen hun<lred volumes. 
About 1860 the books were transferred to the 



1 The members present were Dr. J. P. Heister, W. H. 
Keim, Chas. Kessler, Lewis Briner, .los L. Stichter, G. W. 
Oakely, Wm. M. Hiester and.Tohn S. Richards. The design 
of the members of tlie Cabinet was to merge the society in 
tlie Reading Library, an institution of kindred character, 
and embracing nearly all its members. This society was 
first organized in 1837. 



second story of the Journal building, on Sixth 
Street near Penn, where they remained for eight 
years. In 18(58 a reorganization of the library 
conipany was effected, and the company then, 
through A. F. Boas, Esq.,purchased the "Odd- 
Fellows' Hall" for ten thousand dollars. It 
was actively conducted till 1879, then it was 
closed for four years. In 18S3 (September) it 
was reopened and since that time it has been 
open to members on alternate days (excepting 
Sunday), every afternoon and evening. The 
prc-^ent number of volumes is about sixty-two 
hundred. It is also supplied with the weekly 
papers and monthly periodicals. The board of 
directors cotuprises Jacob Knabb, president ; 
William H. Strickland, secretary, treasurer and 
librarian. The latter has otticiated :is treasurer 
since 1S()2. 

The " Franklin Library " and "Mechanics' 
In.stitute " were organized at Reading tibout 
1840. In 1848 they were successfully con- 
ducted, and then the library contained nearly 
one thousand volumes. 

The " Harmonic Ma'iincrchor " jio.ssesses a 
fine library in their hall, wliic li numlxTS twen- 
ty-five hundred volumes. 

WASHimJTON LlHKAIiY CoMP.\NY htld itS 

origin in the fall of 1854 as a social society, but 
after a number of years it was permanently or- 
ganized with the above name. On the 22d of 
October, 1870, it was incorporated. The fol- 
lowing jiersous were members at the time of its 
incorj)orati()ii : F. I'. Heller, William P. Bard, 
H. A. Yimdt, P. X. Heller, W. G. Von Neida, 
C. C. Maltzberger, John D. Mi.shler, Lemon 
Buck, Lyman Shirey, James H. Gentzler, A. A. 
Heizmann, Charles Peacock and Charles A. Rin- 
gel. In 1870 a hall was erected by the company 
and the .second and third .stories fitted up for its 
use, the lower story forming business rooms. 
There are parlors for study and recreation, the 
former containing the nucleus of a lii)rary, which 
is enlarged as the funds of the company permit. 
In all there are one hundred members, of whom 
forty are active. The property of the company 
is valued at ten thou.-iand dollars. 

MUSICAL. 

Musical associations have had an early 



READING. 



821 



beginiiiug in Reading. Music was taught 
here in 1814 and for some years afterward by 
J. Jungaiann, who conducted a musical academy 
in the borough. Tliis class of associations com- 
prises two kinds, instrumental and vocal. The 
instrumental associations were instituted first. 
A band was in existence in 1814. In 1832 the 
" Reading ^lilitary Band " was instituted. Dif- 
ferent bands were organized afterwards, among 
them the " Medianics' Brass Band," which was 
conspicuous in and after 1845. How long these 
several bands continued is not known. The 
"Ringgold Band " was instituted in 1852. It 
was afterward engaged in the Civil War for a 
time. It has continued till now, winning year 
after year higlier popular favor, both here and 
throughout the country, by its proficiency in 
discoursing superior classic music. Latterly, it 
has conducted animal concerts with great suc- 
cess. It has accompanied the " Knights Tem- 
plar" upon long pilgrimages. Wherever it is, 
wherever it goes, it makes a marked impression. 
In parades it is always conspicuous. The con- 
cordance of its marching music thrills the mul- 
titudes through which it ])a.sscs. Joseph Winter 
has l)een the leader for some years, through 
whose superior direction the band has attained 
its eminent position as a musical organization. 

Another band worthy of mention is the "Lib- 
erty Band." It was instituted in 1881. It is 
employed frequently to accompany excursions; 
also to discourse music for balls, festivals, etc. 
It has come to jwssess considerable profieienty 
under the leadershij) of Prof. O. H. Unger. 

The vocal associations began in 1832 ; po.ssibly 
a short time before. The first society was en- 
titled " Beethoven Society of Reading." The 
first public concert was given by this society on 
April 7, 1832, in the State-House. J. Roland 
was the leader. An interesting programme of 
vocal and instrumental music was successfully 
rendered to a large audience. Its subsequent 
history is not known. 

In 1855 a society entitled the "Reading 
Musical Society" was organized. Its meetings 
were held in High-School Hall. Its life was 
short. 

Tlie " Mozart Musical Union " was organized 
by James M. Lyons in the fall of 1862. It 



was composed of about seventy members, ladies 
and gentlemen, from Reading. It practiced 
vocal music for nearly ten years under the lead- 
ership of Mr. Lyons, and gave occasional jniblic 
concerts here and elsewhere. 

H.VRMONIE M.ENNERCHOR. — lu 1847 the 
Reading Miennerthor was organized at Read- 
ing, having been composed mostly of the prom- 
inent Germans then in the city. It continued 
its organization till 1874, when it l)ecame united 
with the Harmonic Majunerchor (an institution 
organized at Reading, in 1870), since which 
time the two organizations have been one, 
under the name last mentioned. The society is 
under the directoi"ship of Professor J. W^illiani 
Jost. It numbers now thirty-eight active mem- 
bers, four hundred and thirty passive, and four- 
teen honorary. It has been located in its pres- 
ent quarters in the hall, on North Sixth Street, 
near Walnut, named after it, since 1878, where 
pleasant rooms have been furnished for meet- 
ings, etc. It has a library of cla.ssical and 
other works, both English and Cierman, num- 
bering twenty-five hundred volumes, and 
moneyed assets amounting to four thou.sand 
dollars, indicating its substantial and flourish- 
ing condition. 

Numerous other societies were organized, but 
they had a short exi.stence. 

The Readixo Choral Society is worthy 
of mention. It was organized in April, 1875, 
with Professor E. A. Berg as director. It has 
had a successful existence since, with the same 
director. The present membership numbers 
about one hundred and forty. Mr. Jesse Orr 
is president of the society. 

historical. 

Historical Society of Berks County 
was organized at Reading on August 5, 1869, 
for the purpose of collecting and perpetuating 
the historical reminiscences of Berks County. 
The first officers were: President, William M. 
Hiester ; Vice-Pi-esidents, Jesse G. Hawley, 
Samuel L. Young, Hiester Clymer and Oliver 
C. James ; Corresponding Secretary, Henry M. 
Keim ; Recording Secretary and Treasurer, 
Charles W. Keira ; and Librarian, Daniel S. 
Zacharias. It was incorporated December 13, 



I 



822 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1869, tlie petition for that purpose having 
been subscribed by twenty-four members of the 
society. Some meetings were liehl, whicli were 
preparing the way for historical investigations ; 
but within a year tiie commendable spirit in 
this behalf passed away, leaving the society 
with solely a legal existence, but without ac- 
complishing its purpose. One paper read 
before it is worthy of special mention, — the 
article by Hon. William M. Hiester, on the 
" Ringgold Light Artillery," showing that this 
company was the first to offer its services to the 
national government in answer to the call of 
President Lincoln for troops and to move to 
the Capitol in defense of the country in the 
Civil War.' 

A society of this nature exi.sted at Reading 
about thirty years before the society mentioned. 
It was an organized body, whose purpose was 
the collection of data pertaining to the history 
of the county and the county-seat. Through 
the decease of certain prominent members it fell 
into neglect. It left no archives of any kind. 
No effort, not even a suggestion, was made till 
1869 to revive a society of this important and 
useful nature here. This total indifference on 
the part of certain prominent, well-informed 
citizens to such an interesting field of knowl- 
edge is altogether inexcusable. Many valuable 
facts, manuscript papers, statistics, etc., which 
could — and doubtless would — have been pre- 
served by a society of this nature, have been 
lost by this neglect. Historical research has 
therefore come to be a most laborious and dis- 
couraging undertaking. 

literary. 
Philomathkax Literary, Mu.sical and 
Social Union was organized January 13, 
1879, with twenty members. It originated as 
a branch of the old Keystone Literary Society. 
Its title indicates its purpo.ses. The Union is 
one of the few societies of this nature which has 
continued beyond a few years. It is now in a 
flourishing condition. There are thirty active 
and twenty associate members. The semi- 
monthly meetings are attended with great 

' Extracts have been taken from this paper by the author 
of this history. See Chapter XII., Civil War. 



interest. The yearly entertainments are occa- 
sions of public concern. The Union has the 
nucleus of a fine library and other valuable 
jiroperty. 

The " Reading Lyceum " flourished for some 
years. It was organized in 1869, and incor- 
porated in 1873, composed mostly of young 
attorneys. For several successive years it gave 
a course of lectures. 

SCIEXTIFir. 

A Society of Natural Sciences was 
organized in 1869, and then incorporated ; and 
in 1870 it opened rooms to the public for the 
exhibition of numerous natural curiosities of 
various kinds. For a time it was located on 
the first floor of the " Library Hall," and there 
gave several successful exhibitions. But it was 
not sufficiently patronized, and in 1884 it was 
disbanded, when the collection was distributed 
amongst its members. 

( 'HABITABLE ASSOCIATIONS. 

Charity has been active and prominent in the 
various public affairs of Reading for over sixty 
years. The citizens, as a whole, have not dis- 
played any noteworthy enterprise whose object 
was the promotion of the common welfare ; 
but throughout their entire history they have 
exhibited active benevolence. It assumed 
definite proportions about the time when the 
common-school system of education was firmly 
introduced ; and as time advanced it ran into 
different useful channels. The several associa- 
tions of this nature which have been established 
are the following: Benevolent, Relief, W^idows' 
Home and Hospitals. 

The first orgtuiization was a " Soup Society." 
It was formed September 23, 1823. A meet- 
ing of ladies of Reading was then held in the 
" State-House " " for the purpose of devising 
means for the relief of sick and indigent per- 
sons within the borough ; " and it was decided 
'' that a supply of wholesome and nutritious 
soup shoidd be pre})ared for distribution twice 
a week during the continuance of the sickly 
season." The families in distress called on the 
following managers for assistance : Mrs. 
Frederick Smith, Mrs. Charles Evans, Mrs. 



READIXft. 



823 



William Darling, Mrs. E. Eckert and Mrs. 
Lydia M. Baird, treasurer. 

Much valuable relief was afforded by this 
organization. One hundred aud twenty gallons 
of soup and great quantities of bread were dis- 
tributed every week. 

This " sickly season " was superinduced by 
the coustruetion of the Schuylkill Canal. In 
Union township whole families were found 
bed-fast, helpless and poor, and assistance, and 
even nurses, were sent from Reading to the 
stricken people. This society terminateil its 
useful career after the prevailing epidemic had 
passed away. 

A meeting was held in the State-House on 
January 27, 18;^5, for the purpose of estab- 
lishing a " Benevolent Society." A constitu- 
tion was adopted, and officers and a board of 
managers were elected. Two days afterward 
the Ijoard organized, divided the borough into 
seven wards and instituted the work of practical 
benevolence. The first annual meeting of the 
society was held on January 1, 183(>. 

Annual meetings have been held since. It 
has now been actively engaged for fifty years in 
carrying out the commendable object for which 
it was instituted. In this time it accom- 
plished much good and relieved many suffering 
families from cold and hunger. The managers 
met mostly, if not altogether, at various private 
dwellings till 1 874. The " Relief Society " then 
granted them the privilege of meeting in their 
fine building free of rent, where they have con- 
tinued to meet till now. Their active work of 
benevolence is carried on almost entirely during 
the winter months. The many good women 
who have been engaged in this noble work can- 
not be too highly commended. The annual 
meetings of the society have been held princi- 
pally in the prominent churches. 

The society was incorporated November 21, 
1849, under the name of " Benevolent Society 
of the City of Reading." 

Officers of the Society. — Presidents : M. S. Richards, 
1835-48 ; Samuel Bell, 1848-60 ; G. A. Nicolls, ISCO- 
71 ; VV. J. Woodward, 1871-79 ; .T. Hageruuan, 1S7!I- 
83 ; D. McM. Gregg, 188.3-86. 

Secretaries : Diller Luther, 1835-.37 ; R. U. Mor- 
gan, 1837-44; James L. Schock, 1844-49; E. J. 



Richards, 1849-70; Jacob Fry, 1870-83; Wallace 
Radcliffe, 1883-85 ; William H. Myers, 1886. 

Treasurers: John M. Keim, 1835-44; Joseph L. 
Stichter, 1844-70; James Millliolland, lS7()-73 ; 
William G. McGowan, 1873-83 ; Thomas D. Stirhter, 
1883-86. 

Readino Dispensary. — An association 
composed of certain physicians and citizens was 
organized December 14, 1867, upon the sugges- 
tion of the " Reading Medical Association," and 
a constitution was adopted January 8, 1868. 
The object of the association was to provide for 
the indigent sick and wounded people of Read- 
ing. A dispensary was opened on January 27, 
1868, and during the first year of its existence 
over four hundred cases of sickness and acci- 
dents were attended to by the iissociation. It 
was incorporated March 10, 1869. The hos- 
pitjil was located at 618 Court Street and was 
conducted successfidly for eight years, when it 
was abandoned for want of pecuniary support. 
In the mean time a society of ladies was 
formed, whose object was to obtain a building 
or hospital for the use of the dispensary. They 
met at the dispensary November 28, 1873, to 
take the necessary steps in this behalf. They 
were Mrs. William A. Good, Mrs. Ebur, Mrs. 
Edward Scull, Mrs. J. T. ("raig, Misses Rachel 
D. Griscom, Kate Leaman and Louisa Filbert. 
Mrs. Oaig was elected president and Miss 
Griscom secretary and treasurer. They held a 
" Bazaar," in which proceeding they were 
assisted by the several churches in Reading, 
aud on February 4, 1874, they reported on hand 
$2125 ; and in November following they held 
a "Fair," from which they realized $941.48. 
Shortly afterward a small tract of land was 
purchased for the purpose of erecting thereon a 
hospital, and from that time onward earnest 
steps were taken to finish the undertaking. And 
in tills the parties particularly interested were 
entirely successful. The name of the first asso- 
ciation was changed to " The Reading Hos- 
pitid" on March 12, 1883. 

The "Reading Hospital" and "St. Joseph's 
Hospital" are mentioned elsewhere.' 

REAi)ix(i Relief Society is a charitalile 
organization which became an incorporated body 

'See Part V. Internal Improvements, p. 744. 



824 



HISTORY OF BEEKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



September 22, 1866. The charter members 
were G. A. Nicolls, John S. Kichards, A. F. 
Boas, James L. Douglas, James Jameson, 
Jacob Knabb, H. F. Felix, Alex. P. Tutton, 
Diller Luther, George W. Blakely, A. B. Wan- 
ner, A. G. Green and J. S. Livingood. 

The object was " to provide means for the 
gratuitous distribution of soup and such means 
of life as may be deemed proper for the poor 
and needy of the city of Reading." In its work- 
ings the society has sustain(!d an auxiliary rela- 
tion to the Reading Benevolent Society, and has, | 
like that body, been a valualile means in allevi- | 
ating the sufferings of many poor and hungry 
people of Reading. In 1874 its usefulness was 
emphasized by the erection of a fine two-story 
brick building on the corner of Franklin and 
Plum Streets, costing five thousand dollars, 
where its charity has since been dispensed with 
great success.' The following persons have been 
the officers for many years, and they are still 
officiating : George D. Stitzel, president ; Reuben 
Hoffa, secretary ; James Jameson, treasurer; A. 
B. Yeager, superintendent. 

Widows' Home. — The assuiation known as 
the " Home for Widows and Single Women of 
Reading " was organized in 1874, and incorpor- 
ated in 1875, for the purpose of affording hu- 
mane and charitable relief, assistance and sup- 
port to widows and single women of Re.adin<r. 
The incorjwrating members were P^liza W. 
Howe, Sarah Briner, Ann E. Craig, Rachel D. 
(iriscom, Mary Eckert, Sarah B. Good, Har- 
riet B. Connard, Maria W. Brooke, Maria B. 
Ritter, Asenath J. Shaaber, Susan E. Benson, 
Margaretta C. Erraentrout, Catharine E. H. 
Jones, Mary H. Pearson, Emily H. Smith, Em- 
ily K. Baer, Sarah C. Mcllvain and Lucretia 
M. Hickman. 

In the first annual report the following 
remarks were introduced, showing the efforts 
exi)ended in behalf of forming this society : 

" For many years the ladies of Reading have de- 
sired to establish a home similar to the one in Phila- 
delphia, for the benefit of the unfortunate aged who 
have lived useful and meritorious lives. Some ladies 
made considerable exertions towards it, and, in Sep- 
tember, 1873, another effort was inaugurated by 



' Building opened December 8, 1874. 



others. Public meetings were held, at which Mr. 
Lewis Briner, His Honor, Mayor Evans, Rev. Mr. Rad- 
cliffe and other friends of humanity made efforts 
towards establishing combined homes for men, 
women and children. A committee was ap|iointed at 
the last meeting to make arrangements, which failed 
again and again to find a quorum, and then disbanded. 
X few ladies then ascertained that a charter could be 
given by the Court of Berks County for a home for 
women only, while the combined homes required an 
act of the Legislature. They therefore resolved to un- 
dertake what could be done in Reading. Applying to 
Mr. Morton L. Montgomery (lawyer) from time to 
time for advice, he guided the actions of the ladies in 
obtaining petitioners, a charter, a constitution and by- 
laws, and the society was formed and in action, and a 
pamphlet published, by the 14th of January, 187.5." 

The membership of this association numbers 
one hundred and eighty-eight, all citizens of 
Reading, to which place membership is re- 
stricted. 

Since the regular organization Mrs. ]\r. A. 
De Wolfe Howe has officiated as first directress, 
Miss Susan E. Benson as treasin-er and Miss 
Rachel D. Griscona as seci-etary. 

The management of this society has been 
conducted very successfully. A " Home " was 
rented for a time ; then a fine prt)perty was 
purcha.sed, in which a "home " was established. 
This is situated on Eighth Street, near Chestnut. 
In 1885 a large lot of ground was obtained in 
East Reading, and there the niembcrs caused a 
superior and commodious stone structure to be 
erected, which is now being finished. In this 
behalf they received liberal encouragement 
from a number of prominent citizens. 

HEMGiors. 

YouNci Me2<'s Christian Association ' 
was organized in the chapel of the Presbyterian 
Church, November 22,1869. The first officers 
were J. H. Sternbergh, president; F. A. 
Shearer, vice-president ; W. < ). Brewster, secre- 
tary ; and H. J. Rhoads, treasurer. 

The first board of managers was not elected 
until December 19, 1870. It w.as composed of 
J. E. I'rice, G. W. Armstrong, Rev. S. Douier, 
D. H. Beideman, J. Dorwort and Georcre W 
Phelps. 



1 .\n organization of same name existed for a tir 
Reading about ten years previously. 



READING. 



825 



On the 1st of January, 1870, the association 
occupied its first rooms in Earl's building, 
northwest corner Fifth and Peun, and siiortly 
afterward removed to the Grouse building, near 
the southeast corner of Fifth and Penn, where 
it remained about six years. Since 1879 it has 
been at its present quarters, corner of Eighth 
and Penn Streets. 

In February, 1S79, the first general secretary 
was employed to look after the work and in- 
terests of the association. The following secre- 
taries have officiated : 

Februaiy, 1879, till September, 1880, C. H. Coon. 
November, 1880, till September, 1882, S. B. Herr. 
September, 1882, till May, 188.5, Johu H. Reid. 
November, 1885, till now, E. Bruce Lyttle. 

The association was incorporated in March, 
1882, and afterwards authorized to own real- 
estate. A movement to ^erect a building was 
made in the fall of 1885, during the Moody 
revival services at Reading, the funds collected 
and pledged being placed in charge of building 
trustees, comprising the following prominent 
citizens : Isaac McHose, Jesse Orr, William 
McElwain, Matt. Harbster, AY. H. Shick, J. 
F. Smith, J. Hendel, S. E. Ancoua. Nearly 
ten thousand dollars have already been secured 
for that purpose. 

The association has spacious and well- 
furnished rooms for worship, recreation and 
literary culture. The reading-room is supplied 
with sixty-five daily, weekly and monthly 
newspapers and periodicals, which are perused 
daily by nearly a hundred visitors. The entire 
membership is four hundred and eighty-three, 
and the yearly expenses of the association are 
about two thousand five hundred dollars. 

The Board of Trade of Reading was 
organized April 21, 1881, to enhance the 
material interests of the city. Its specific pur- 
poses are to promote the trade, commerce, 
manufactures and mechanic arts ; to establish 
and maintain uniformity in commercial usages 
and to inculcate 2)rinciples of justice and equity 
in business relations ; to disseminate valuable 
commercial and statistical information ; to facili- 
tate the adjustment of controversies in trade ; 
and to foster, protect and advance the best in- 
terests of the business community. These aims 
72 



have enlisted the sympathy and secured the co- 
operation of most of the energetic business 
men of the city, who have enrolled themselves 
as members of the association. 

Committees have been appointed in accord- 
ance with the above purposes, and their eiforts 
have produced gratifying results. In 1882 an 
exhaustive report of the board was prepard by 
Mr. De B. Randolph Keim, which served 
a valuable purpose in disseminating informa- 
tion regarding the city as a great business centre. 

The following was the first official organiza- 
tion of the association : 

President: J. H. Sternbergh. Vice-Presidents: 
First — Jesse Orr ; Second — Henry S. Eckert. Direc- 
tors: J. H. Sternbergh, Jesse Orr, Henry S. Eckert, 
John R. Kaucher (ex-officio), Matthan Harbster, 
Thomas A. Willson, Frederick Lauer, Henry Eppi- 
himer, Frederick P. Heller, William H. Reinoehl, 
Charles Breneiser, J. Fred. Moers. Treasurer: John 
R. Kaucher. Secretary : E. F. Keever. 

Standing Committees. 

Finance. — Henry S. Eckert, Christian Stolz, 
Jeremiah G. Mohn, John R. Miller, Louis Kraemer. 

Manufoctures. — Jesse Orr, T. A. Willson, W. H. 
Reinoehl, Matthan Harbster, William M. KaufFman, 
Isaac McHose, Charles Rick. 

Arbitration. — Charles Breneiser, Abner K. Staufl'er, 
Thomas P. Merritt, Nicholas Jones, J. B. Brooke, 
M.D. 

Transjiortation. — Frederick Lauer, A. Wilhelm, 
William R. Mcllvain, De B. Randolph Keim, Jacob 
Knabb. 

Statistics. — ^Henry Eppihimer, J. F. Moers, F. C. 
Smink, Joseph V. Kendall, James L. Douglas. 

City Affairs. — F. P. Heller, George P. Zieber, Louis 
Krenip, Henry D. High, F. S. Jacobs. 

E. F. Keever has continued to serve effi- 
ciently as secretary of the board since its organ- 
ization. 

The present officers are Isaac McHose, presi- 
dent; H. C. England and Peter D. Wanner, 
vice-presidents ; John R. Kaucher, treasurer ; 
Elijah F. Keever, secretary. 

Building, Loan and Savings Associa- 
tions. — These associations of Reading have 
been important factors in promoting the growth 
of the city, and have assisted many worthy citi- 
zens to the ownership of homes or given them 
financial aid in transacting their business. The 
moneys handled by them count into the millions 
of dollars. Being thus matters of pulilic in- 



826 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



terest, a list of the principal institutions is here 
presented.' 

When Orgiinized. 

Reading Gerinau September, 1848 

Berks County January, 1849 

Reading Savings February, 1849 

Franklin Savings 1850 

Columbia 

Reading Building April, 18-59 

Union January, 1866 

National Workingmen's February, 1867 

Franklin Building November, 1867 

Columbia, No. 2 May, 1868 

Homestead May, 1868 

Liberty January, 1869 

Friendship June, 1869 

Schiller August, 1869 

Berks County August, 1869 

Jefferson April, 1870 

Equitable May, 1870 

Germania July, 1870 

Keystone Tanuary, 1872 

Neversink April, 1872 

Lafayette February, 1873 

Reading German February, 1873 

Schuylkill April, 1873 

Berks County, No. 2 September, 1873 

Central October, 1873 

Excelsior December, 1873 

Good Will May, 1874 

Industry May, 1874 

Read. Land and Imp. Co May, 1874 

Schiller, No. 2 July, 1874 

Marion August, 1874 

Franklin, No. 2 September, 1875 

Homestead, No. 2. May, 1876 

National July, 1877 

Columbia, No. 3 .-..January, 1878 

American June, 1878 

Friendship, No. 2 May, 1879 

Harmonie, No. 2 May, 1879 

Washington, No. 2 February, 1880 

Jefferson, No. 2 February, 1880 

Homestead, No. 3 May, 1880 

Union, No. 2 May, 1880 

Neversink, No. 2 May, 1880 

Keystone, No. 2 Marcli, 1881 

West Reading May, 1881 

Germania, No. 2 June, 1881 

Wm. Penn September, 1881 

Keystone, No. 3 April, 1882 

Homestead, No. 4 May, 1882 



' The author endeavored for several years to obtain 
data to show the name and organization of each association, 
membership, moneys received and buildings erected, but 
the information was not supplied. The list presented is not 
complete. 



Northwest September, 1882 

Ringgold October, 1882 

Neversink, No. 3 Atigust, 1883 

East Reading 1S83 

Schuylkill Valley January, 1884 

Northeast March, 1884 

Schiller, No. 3 July, 1885 

Franklin, No. 3 October, 1885 

The building association as an organization 
did not begin to erect buildings till about 1876. 
Previously it simply received moneys and made 
the same profitable by di.«posing of them to 
parties on mortgage securities. When the 
amounts on hand became so large as to be unpro- 
ductive, measures were instituted to make them 
productive, and the directors then turned their 
attention to building operations. During the 
last ten years it is estimated that the several 
building associations of Reading erected alto- 
gether about eight hundred buildings, almost 
entirely dwellings for tiie working people. 
Many men have been active in this matter for 
a number of years, and they have contributed 
greatly to the permanent improvement of Read- 
ing. Louis Kremp, Esq., has been connected 
witli this branch of business in our community 
for over twenty years, and he has served most 
faithfully as secretary and treasurer during tiiis 
long period of time. 

Louis IvREitP was born October 26, 1820, iu 
Saar-Union, Ba.s-Rhin, Alsace, France. His 
grandfather, .John Kremp, had held the office 
of mayor and was a man of more than ordinary 
influence in the community in M'hich he lived. 
His father, Xavier Kremp, was for many years 
city clerk. 

liOuis Kremp obtained his early education in 
the parish school, and finished his studies in the 
seiuinary of Metz. After his return to Saar- 
Union he joined his father as a partner in busi- 
ness. In September, 1847, he was married to 
Miss Caroline Prestat, a daughter of Nicolas 
Joseph Prestat, a gentleman of culture and re- 
finement, holding a responsible office under the 
government. In the spring of 1849 he, with 
his wife, came to America, arriving in New 
York on the 4th of July. Mr. C. "Wagner, a 
friend and school companion of Mr. Kremp, 
Sr., was then teaching Latin in Philadelphia. 
He advised Louis Kremp to remove to Reading, 



READING. 



827 



where he opened a notiou-store. In April, 
1862, he was elected secretary of St. Peter's 
Roman Catholic Beneficial Society, a very large 
organization. In 1863 he was elected secretary 
of the Reading German Building and Savings 
Association, and since then has helped to or- 
ganize one or more associations every year, of 
which he was invariably chosen secretary. Six- 
teen of these associations have successfully run 



second nomination, and at that date received a 
commission as notary public. 

Mr. Kremp has two sons and three daughters, 
named, respectively, Joseph P., Felix P., Ame- 
lia T., Lizzie P. and Caroline E. Kremp. 

Mutual Fire Insurance Company of 
Berks County. — During the year 1S44 the 
citizens of the southeast section of Berks Co. felt 
the necessity of a society whose object was their 





their course, paying the stockholders ten, twelve 
and even thirteen per cent. He is now secre- 
tary of twenty-one associations, one or two of 
which will expire every year. He is also a real 
estate and fire insurance agent. 

In 1873 Louis Kremp was the Democratic 
candidate for alderman of the Eiglitii Ward 
of Reading, and was elected by a large majoritv. 
At the expiration of his term he declined a 



protection against loss by fire, and for this pur- 
pose held a meeting at the " Yellow House," in 
Amity township, on November 2, 1844, at which 
time and place the Mutual Fire Insurance Com- 
pany of Berks County was organized, and, on 
December 7th following, the members elected a 
board of managers as follows : Henry Schaeffer, 
Isaac Bertolet, David Kline, Thomas Snyder, 
John Deturck, Daniel Snyder, Gideon Hoch, 



828 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Joshua Hoch, Jacch Weiser, Jolm Herbein, 
William Kiiahl), Jacob H. Kuiff, TlK.mas P. 
Lee. 

The company was incorporated January 31, 
1845, tor a term of twenty years. The charter 
was renewed in 1863 and made perpetual. Tlie 
first policies of tliis company were issued on 
August 9, 1845 ; tliey numbered fifty-nine, 
with an aggregate insurance of two hundred 
thousand dollars. 

In 1865 new policies were issued to all the 
members under the new charter, which then 
numbered eleven hundred and forty-one, with 
an aggregate insurance amounting to two mil- 
lion five hundred thousand dollars. In Decem- 
ber, 1885, the aggregate insurance was seven 
million eight hundred thousand dollars. 

The officers from the time of organization of 
the company, with their terms of service, are as 
follows ; Presidents — Daniel Snyder (from 1845 
to 184!)), William Knabb (from 1849 to 1869), 
John Francis (from 1869 to 1872), William 
Yocom (from 1872 to 1885) ; Treasurers — Jacob 
H. Reiff (from 1845 to 1862), Wellington B. 
Griesemer (from 1862 to 1871), Jacob Herbein 
(from 1871 to 1885) ; Secretaries — James Berto- 
let (from 1845 to 1849), James Lee (from 1849 
to 1864), George K. Lorah(from 1864 to 1885). 

ReADIXG FiKE IxSfKAXC'E AXIi TlilST 

CoMfANY OF Bkrk.s Cuunty, IS the outgrowth 
of the Ncversink Life and Fire Insurance Com- 
pany of Berks County, which was organized on 
July 8, 1867, by the election of J. Pringie 
Jones, president ; James McKnight, vice-presi- 
dent; and S. L. Ancona, secretary and treasurer. 
The first directors were J. T. Valentine, George 
Rieser, Jacob Shaflner, J. T. Jackson, Henry 
L. Van Reed, Jonas Shalter and Daniel E. 
Stout. In 1868 an applit'ation was made to 
the Court of Common Pleas of Berks County 
to change the name of the corporation to " The 
Reading Fire Insurance and Trust Company of 
Berks County." This application was granted 
April 13, 18(>8. The building owned and oc- 
cupied by the company is situated on the south- 
east corner of Fifth and Court Streets, Reading, 
and was erected in 1870, at a cost of thirty 
thousand dollars, including the lot. The busi- 
ness offices are neat, attractive and well adapted 



to the purposes for which they are used. Up 
to January, 1870, a large home business was 
done, but since that time it has been extended 
into other counties in Pennsylvania and various 
States of the Union. At the close of the year 
1885 the paid-uj) capital of the company was I 
two hundred and fifty thousand dollars, M-ith 
four hiuidred thousand dollars assets. The 
])resent officers are William A. Arnold, presi- 
dent; Adam Bard, vice-president; S. E. Ancona, 
secretary and treasurer. 

Sinking Si'KiXG Mutial Fire I.\str:AxcE 
Company. — This company was organized un- 
der an act of the Legislature, a])proved Febru- 
ary 10, 1843, and had its principal office at 
Sinking Spring until 1864, when it was remov- 
ed to Reading, where it has since been main- 
tained. The original corporators were Solomon 
Kirby, William Peacock, Aaron Mull, John 
Van Reed, James C. Livingood, Andrew 
Kurr, Isaac H. IVIohr, Ge()rge Whitner, John 
Kemp, Peter Kershner, John W. Gloninger, 
C. O. Meiley, Edward Kern. The company is 
purely mutual, issues perpetual policies on or- 
dinary risks and its management is safe and 
conservative. Since its organization three hun- 
dred and thirty-ninethousand eight hundred and 
fifty d<)llars insurance has been paid. The in- 
surance carried at ])rcscnt aggregates nearly 
fourteen million dollars. The principal officers 
are James Y. Shearer, president; Wellington 
Van Reed, secretary; Philip R. Ball, treasurer. 

AjtERiCAN Protective and Detective 
SofTETV OF Readinc;, was organized 1885. It 
was chartered on the 9th of March, of the same 
year, with a paid-up capital of twenty thousand 
dollars, with the privilege to extend the same 
to one hundred thousand dollars. It issued its 
first policy March 25, 1885, since which time 
the business has rapidly increased. The number 
of members is two hundred and thirty, the 
amount of insurance taken is two hundred 
and sixty-five thousand dollars. 

SECItET ASSOCIATIONS. 

Free and Accepted Masons. — The first 
lodge of Masons in the county was instituted at 
Reading ]\Iarch 31, 1794, with five members. 
Its meetings have since been regularly held as 



READING. 



829 



Reading Lodge, No. 66. It has at present 
more tliau three Imndred and twenty-five mem- 
bers. Hundreds more have been initiated by it 
into the doctrines of Masonry. Chandler Lodge 
is the strongest, numerically, in the city, having 
al)(»ut four hundred members. 

Tiie appended list shows the Miusonic organ- 
izations of Reading : 

Lodges. 
Reading, No. 66, iustituted March 31, 1794. 



Chandler, ' 
Tentonia, ' 
St. John's, ' 
Reading, ' 



227 
367', 
4.35, 
.549, 



ilay 4, 1848. 

" .30, 1867. 

March 1, 1869. 

Dec. 28, 1876. 



Chapters. 
Reading, H. R., No. 152, iustituted Nov. 20, 

1827. 
E.xcelsior, No. 237, " 1870. 

Commanderies. 
De Molay, No. 9, instituted March 25, 1854. 
Reading, " 42, " Sept. 24, 1871. 
Fraternal Temple, No. 2, Masonic tie, insti- 
tuted . 

Creighton Council, No. 10, instituted June 
25, 1863. 
Indepexdkxt Order of Odd-Feli^ows. — 
The Independent Order of Odd-Fellows was 
established in the United States April 26, 1819, 
and the first prominent lodge in Reading was 
instituted in 1839. From that time the growth 
of the order has been steady, both in the city 
and the county. In 1 849 there were 1613 mem- 
bers ; increased to 1707 in 1855. 

The condition of the order in the county ou 
the Lst of October, 188-i, is shown in the fol- 
lowing lists : 



Montgomery . . . March 
Symmetry .... JFeb'y 

Salome iMnrch 

Bernville July 

Leesport 'Dec. 



Metallic 



{Jan. 

Feb. 
Feb'y 



|De, 



Golden Rule . 
Emblematic . 
01ey». . . . 

Reading I Feb'y 

Jlonocacy . . 
Continental f . 
Neversiuk . . . 
Mouut Penn . 
Lougswaiiip . , 
Caernarvon . . 

LyoiM 

Bethel . . . , 
Wernersville , 
Vigilance. . , 



May 
Dec. 
April 
Sept. 



1838 
, 1845 
1845 
1845 
1845 
, 1845 
, 1846 
1846 
1840 
1.^40 
1840 
18.->1 
IS.IS 
18,i4 
1863 
1837 
18,i9 
1809 
1872 
1873 
1884 



Rending . . 
Hamburg . . 
Reading . . 
Bernville . . 
Leesport . . . 
Reading . . 
Reading . . 
Womelsdorf . 
Reading . . 
Iteiidiiig . . 
KeadinK . . 
Douglnssville 
Reading . . 
Birdsboro'. . 
Heading . . 
Luugswamp . 
Morgantown 
Lyons Station 
Bethel . . . 
We 



Reading 



ville 



* Removed from Pleasantville to Boyertown, thence to Reading, 
t Formerly Rehrersburg Lodge ; removed to Reading and reorganized 
anuary 30, 1807. 



The nine lodges in the city had seventeen 
hundred and twenty-five members, and the out- 
side lodges six hundred and forty-eight mem- 
bers. 

The above lodges have assets amounting to 
seventy thousand seven hundred dollars and 
pay out about fifteen thousand dollars annually 
for the care of the sick and the burial of the 
dead. The assets of the lodges in the city alone 
are nearly forty-one thousand dollars, and its 
lodges are carried on at an expense of a little 
more than fifteen thousand dollars per year. 

The following are the encampments in the 
city and the county : 



Hebron . 

Reading 

Hamburg 

Longsuan 

Mt. I'enn 

Birdaboro' 



Date of Charter. 


Member- 


Locatio 




ship. 




April .-J, 1841 


2(17 


Reading . 


July 13, 1646 


215 


Reading . 


Jan'y 21, 1851 


41 


Hamburg . 


Nov. l!l, 1856 


22 


Longswanip 


Feb'y 16, 1807 


71 


Reading . 


Oct. 23, 1809 


47 


Birdsboro' 



The Odd-Fellows' Mutual Life Insurance 
Association, of Berks County, was organized 
December 1, 1869, and has been fairly prosper- 
ous. Its office is in Reading. 

Temperance Societie.s. — The Reading 
Temperance Society was organized on July 2, 
1829, and two years later it had one hundred 
members. Prior to 1831 there were ten distil- 
leries in and near the city which were ahout 
that time discontinued, so that but one remained 
in 1832. The following year there was organ- 
ized the "Berks County Temj)erance Society," 
auxiliary to the State Society, for discouraging 
the use of ardent spirits. Its purpo.ses were 
shown in its constitution : 

"Article 10. The members of this society, believ- 
ing that the use of distilled liquor is, for persons in 
health, not only unnecessary, but injurious, and that 
the practice is the cause of forming intemperate ap- 
petites and habits, and while it is continued the evil 
of intemperance can never be prevented, do, there- 
fore, agree, that they will not, except as medicine, 
in case of bodily infirmity, use distilled spirits our- 
selves, or procure them for the use of our families, or 
provide them for the entertainment of our friends or 
for persons in our employment ; and that, in all suit- 
able ways, we will discountenance the use of them in 
the community." 



830 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The officers for 1 833 were, — President, Garriek 
Mallerv ; Vice-Presidents, Isaac Heister and 
Jolin P. Rutter ; Secretary, Heurv Rhoads ; 
Treasurer, Lloyd Wharton; Executive Com- 
mittee, Isaac Heister, Wm. Darling, John P. 
Rutter, James L. Dunn, Evan Evans, Elijah 
Dechert, Joseph Kendall. 

In 1S45 the Sons of Temperance established 
a flourishing division' in Reading, and the fol- 
lowing year there were six hundred members in 
the county, most of them in the city. On the 
18th of January, 1847, John B. Gough lectured 
on temperance in the Reformed Church, the 
tickets of admission being sold at twelve and a 
half cents. " His lecture excited the most 
astonishing sensation," according to the report 
of a local paper. In October, 1853, Neal Dow 
lectured on the INIaine Liquor Law in St. 
Peter's Methodist Church, his address creating 
a favorable impression. 

The first lodge of Good Templars in Read- 
ing was organized January 1, 1855, and was 
called Keystone, No. 254. About a year later 
Esmeralda Lodge was instituted, but both 
ceased to- exist in a few years. Next came 
Reading and Norma Lodges of (iood Templars, 
which were very flourishing for a number of 
years ; and in later years other lodges were 
established which had a short existence. 

American Protestaxt Associatiox. — 
This order has the following organizations : 
Reading Lodge, No. 74, instituted July 31, 
1857 ; Germania Lodge, No. 1, instituted June 
1(), 1870; Esther Lodge, No. 2, instituted 
Marcii 1, 1871 ; Aaron Lodge, No. 95, insti- 
tuted Aug. 2.3, 1871 ; Mount Sinai Encamp- 
ment, No. 4, instituted Jan. 1, ISlifi ; Friend- 
ship Lodge (Junior Order), No. 7, instituted 
September 21, 1868. 

BiiOTHERHOOi) OF THE Uxiox. — This Order 
has the following organizations : Freedom 
Circle, No. 7, instituted April 31, 1864 ; Friend- 
ship Circle, No. 17, instituted May 1, 1866; 
Lady Jefferson Home Commission, No. 5, in- 
stituted Oct. 8, 1867 ; Deborah Franklin Home 
Commission, No. 6, instituted May 19, 1868. 



PlMpnix Division, No. 41, institiited Jlay 1, 184.5. 



Order of American Mechanics. — The 
Senior Branch has four councils, namely: Osceola, 
No. 34; Reading, No. 46; Seminole, No. 88; 
and Pocahontas, No. 235. The Junior Branch 
of the order has two councils : Perseverance, No. 
19 ; and Re.solute, No. 27. 

Patriotic Order Sons of America. — 
The camps of this order in Reading are Wash- 
ington, No. 61, in,stitated Feb. 3, 1860 ; Wash- 
ington, No. 89, instituted March 13, 1868 ; 
Wa.shingtou, No. 163 ; Lexington Command- 
ery. No. 2, in.stituted in May, 1868, and reor- 
ganized February 22, 1880. The order has more 
than seven hundred members in Reading. 

Knights of Pythias. — This organization 
has the following societies at Reading : Friend- 
ship Lodge, No. 5, instituted August 24, 1867; 
Mt. Penn Lodge, No. 65, instituted March 17, 
1868; Allemania Lodge, No. 204, instituted 
October 14, 1869; Neversink Lodge, No. 313; 
Endowment Rank, Section No. 9, instituted 
December 1, 1877. 

German Order of Harfgari. — This order 
has the following lodges : Herman Lodge, No. 
16, in.stituted June, 1849; Muhlenberg Lodge, 
No. 27 ; Goethe Iiodge, No. 60, instituted 
March 3, 1857 ;Yereinigungs Lodge, No. 132, 
instituted July 31, 1866 ; Cherusker Degree 
Lodge, No. 11 ; German Manuie, No. 7, insti- 
tuted in 1857. 

Order of Red ]\Ien maintains the follow- 
ing tribes in Reading : Juniata, No. 74, insti- 
tuted August 22, 1867 ; Opekassett, No. 122, 
instituted April, 1870 ; Mahala, No. 34, O. R. 
M. 

ORDERS NOT CLASSIFIED. 

Reading Lorlge, No. 14, Knights of Birmingh.ira. 

Alpha Castle, No. 1, Knights of the Mystic 
Chain. 

Koerner Conclave, No. 7, Order of Seven Wise 
Men. 

Reading Castle, No. 49, K. of G. E., instituted 
March 27, ISS-""). 

Reading Council, No. 1021, A. L. H., instituted 
August 1, 1SS2. 

Mt. Penn Council, No. 495, Royal Arcanum. 

Fidelia Chamber, No. 5, K. of F., instituted Feb- 
ruary 4, 1880. 

Cavendish Lodge, No. 127, Sons of St. George, in- 
stituted September, 18S3. 



READING. 



831 



Semlukie Tent, No. 26, D. of F., instituted June 5, 
18G(i. 

Reading Grove, No. 15, A. O. of D., instituted Au- 
gust IS, ISoS. 

Mistletoe Grove, No. 20, A. O. of D., instituted Oc- 
tober 27, 1847. 

Cliapter No. 2, United Order of Pytliagoreans, in- 
stituted February 6, 1S67. 

Reading Conclave, No. (57, I. O. of Heptasopbs. 

Division No. 1, Railroaders' Brotberhood, instituted 
October 12, 1873. 

Reading Division, No. 75, B. of L. E., instituted 
Marcb, 18(i6. 

Jochebed Lodge, No. 1306, G. U. O. of O. F. 

Herniania Association, No. 32, Philozatliians, insti- 
tuted 1849. 

Star of Hope Association, No. 16, Philozatliians, in- 
stituted November 30, 1848. 

United Eneampment, No. 6, Philozatbians, insti- 
tuted July 6, 18.54. 

True Friends Lodge, No. 6, L. of P., instituted 
August 10, 1868. 

United Sons of America, instituted 185.J. 

Beneficial Society, No. 3, American Workingraen's, 
incorporated January 20, 1872. 

Beneficial Society, No. 2, American Workingmen's. 

Equitable Beneficial Society, chartered January 17, 
1882. 

Washington Beneficial Society, instituted January 
22, 1835. 

Unterstuetzungs Verein, No. 1. 

Mutual Relief Association, organized November 8, 
1866. 

Abigail Lodge, No. 8, instituted November 9, 1865. 

Samaritan, No. 32, Ancient Order Good-fellows, in- 
stituted January 1, 1867. 

Bricklayers' Union, instituted October, 1883. 

BANK.S AXD BANKING. 

The first j)ublic financial institution of this 
country was tlie "Bank of Xorth America." It 
was incorporated by the United States Congress 
on December 31, 1781. The idea of such an in- 
.stitution was suggested by Robert Morris, and 
he also submitted a plan for its management. 
It aro.se from a conviction that the public 
finances would be supported thereby, and that 
the exigencies of the government rendered its 
establishment indispensable. Its operations 
began on January 7, 1782. Robert Morris then 
wrote to the president of the Executive Council 
of Pennsylvania " that it would have a tendency 
to increase both the internal and external com- 
merce of North America, and would undoubt- 
edly lie infinitely useful to all the traders of 



every State in the Union, if properly con- 
ducted." 

This project necessarily stimulated the idea of 
a State bank. After the lapse of a decade, leg- 
islation was induced in this direction, and on 
the 30th of March, 1793, the "Bank of Penn- 
sylvania " was incorporated. It was empowered 
to establish " Branch Banks." 

Reading Branch Bank. — The directors 
were authorized to establish a branch at Read- 
ing. Subscriptions of the stock were directed 
to be made on the 3d of June, 1793, at Phila- 
delphia, Lancaster and Reading. The amount 
to be subscribed at Reading was two hundred 
shares, and the subscription was to be conducted 
by James Diemer, Joseph Hicstcr, James May, 
Jacol) Bower and Thomas Duudas. The efforts 
of these men w^erc not successful at that time. 
But the opportunity of establishing such an in- 
valuable agent for public progress was not 
laid out of sight, though fifteen years elapsed 
before it came to be permanently instituted. On 
the 26th of July, 1808, it was opened to the 
public, and it was commonly known as the 
" Reading Bank of Discount and Deposit." 
The directors were Daniel Udree, George Ege, 
John Addams, Peter Frailey, George De B. 
Keirn, John Smith, Marks J. Biddle, Gabriel 
Hiester, Jr., Charles Evans, Joseph Hiester, 
AVilliam Bell and William Moore. 

It ^vill be observed tliat only one of the ac- 
tively interested persons at the beginning sur- 
vived, and this was Joseph Hiester. The busi- 
ness of this bank was carried on in the building 
now occupied by the " Union Bank " from the 
beginning of its career till its suspension in 
1857. This building has been used for the pur- 
poses of a bank for nearly eighty years. 

Farmers' B.^nk. — This was the secoiad 
bank instituted at Reading. It was authorized 
by an act of Assembly passed on the 21st ot 
March, 1813, creating a general system of bank- 
ing for the entire State, divided the State into 
twenty-seven districts and provided a bank for 
each district. Tiie counties of Berks and 
Schuylkill were made one district and given a 
bank, to be called the " Farmers' Bank ot 
Reading; " and the directors were authorized to 
establish an office at Orwigsburg, in Schuylkill 



832 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



County, for the purposes of discount and de- 
posit only. Tiie number of siiares — at fifty 
dollars each — which were to be subscribed for 
was ten thousand five hundred in Berks County 
and fifteen iiundred in SeiuiylUill County. 
Governor Simon Snyder was opj)oscd to legis- 
lation on this subject, and especially to the 
system jiniposcd. He therefore returned the 
bill with liis objections, which, it can be added, 
were expressed with great force and sense, if not 
with effect.' But a year afterward (21st of 
March, 1814) it 'was passed over his veto by 
two-thirds of both Houses. 

The introductory steps towards establishing 
this iii.>.;titution were taken on the 11th of No- 
vember, 1813, at a public meeting which was 
held in the public building;- the officers were 
John Spayd, chairman, and Frederick Smith, 
secretary. 

The following resolutions, among others, 
were adopted ; 

"That a well regulatoil Bank, with a coniiioteiit 
capital, under the direction of Persons in whom the 
Citizens of the County of Berks and of the State at 
larjie would place confidence, established in the Bor- 
ough of Reading and authorized by Law, would 
greatly promote internal improvements and the Agri- 
cultural, Commercial and Maiiufaftin-ing Interest of 
the County. 

"That it is highly imprudent, unsafe and would 
speedily subvert every principle of good government 
for Banking Associations in Pennsylvania to com- 
mence operations contrary to the Laws of this Com- 
monwealth, and to oppose the constituted authorities 
of our Country in violating the Act of the IPth of 
March, 1810, on the subject of Banks, by establish- 
ing or organizing Banking Companies without jire- 
viously obtaining Charters. 

"That S. D. Franks, John Spayd, John M. Hyne- 
man, Frederick Smith, Esqs., and Matthias Ludwig 
be a (\)mmittec for the purpose of dralling the Mem- 
orial, and that they be authorized to eoiifer with a 
similar Committee should such Committee be 
appointed in Schuylkill County, and to embrace 
Schuylkill and Berks in the Petition for a Charter 
should the Citizens of Schuylkill County deem it 
I>roper. Capital, $500,000, with privilege of extend- 
ing it to $1,000,000." 

The first directors were John Spayd, \\'illiam 
Witman, Jr., John M. Hyueman, Jacob K. 



' Smitir.s Lfiws. 

' The Stiite-Housc was commonly us 



'1 ill this work. 



Boycr, Lewis Reese, Daniel Kerper, Samuel 
Bell, Benneville Keim, Conrad Stanch, John 
Good, Ludwig ^^'orman, John Wiley, Daniel 
Graeff. These individuals met at the court- 
house on the 14th of June, 1814, for the pur- 
po.se of effecting an organization, and on tlie * 
22d of June, following, they elected William 
Witman president and John S. Hiester cashier. | 
Having shortly before purchased the building 
now occupied by the bank, at 445 Penu Street, 
they began business on the day named. 

A " Branch Bank " was not established at 
Ch'wigsbiu'g. 

As a matter of general interest, and lieingthe 
earliest baid<ing statistics whicii could be ob- 
tained, the following statement is presented : 
Profits of Bank. 

From June, 1S14, to April, 181.') $18,770 

From May, 181.5, to Nov., 181o 19,026 

From Nov., 1815, to May, ISlti 18,901 

Fnmi May, 181(3, to Nov., 1816 17,221 

From Nov., 1810, to May, 1817 20,075 

From May, 1817, to Nov., 1817 18,.544 

From Nov., 1817, to May, 1818 15,001 

From May, 1818, to Nov., 1818 16,225 

Condition of Bank. 

Nov., 1815. Oct., 1818. 

Notes of bank $40,475.00 $168,142.00 



Western notes 21,508.00 

Philadeli)hia notes.. 23,ll.S.0O 

Foreign gold 7,899.49 

Anieriean notes 8420.00 

Silver 30,820.90 



3235.00 



1,678.83 

2,847.50 

16,988.74 

$182,892.17 



Total $127,290.39 

This will afford an idea of the extent 
of the business of the borough then. The 
Reading Bank had transactions as great, it 
not greater, in amount. Till Septcnil)er, 181!), 
the business had increased to five hmidred and 
eighteen thousand seven hundred and fi)itv-iine 
dollars, having Itecn almost trebled. In Xo- 
vember, 1840, it was six hundred and nine 
thon.<and .*eveu hundred and .-ieventv-onc ilol- 
lars. 

This institution has continued to prosper from 
the time of its organization to the present. 
The names of the presidents and cashiers, to- 
gether with their terms of service, are as fol- 
lows : 

Presid(Ht.< : William Witman, 1814-15; Lewis 



BEADING. 



833 



Reese, 1815-19; Frederick Smith, 1819-25; Benne- 
ville Keim, 1825-36 ; Isaac Eckert, 1836-7- ; Henry 
S. Eckert, 1873. ( W«Vrs .• John S. Hiester, 1814- 
16; Jiimes Wilson, 1816-18; Benjamin Davis, 1818- 
19; John S. Hiester, 1819-27; George M. Keim, 
1827-36; Ben neville Keim, 1836-42; H. H. Muhlen- 
berg, 1842-86 ; Cyrus Rick, 1886. 

The cash capital at pre.seut is four Imndred 
thoiLsand dollars ; surplus, two hundred thou- 
sand dollars. 

Hiester H. jNIuhlexberg was boru at 
Reading January 15, 1812. His father, Rev. 
Henry A. Muhlenberg, was pastor of Trinity 
Lutheran Church of Reading ; afterwards 
member of Congress and ambassador to Aus- 
tria, and at the time of his death the candidate 
of the Democratic party for Governor of Penn- 
sylvania. His mother was Rebecca Hiester, 
daughter of Governor Joseph Hiester. He 
acquired a preliminary education under the 
instruction of Rev. John F. Grier, in the Read- 
ing Academy. In 1826 he entered the sopho- 
more class of Dickinson College, from which 
institution he was graduated with the class of 
1829. He .selected medicine as a profes.sion and 
began the study of it in the office of Dr. Thomas 
Harris, a physician of excellent reputation in 
Philadelphia. He attended the medical lectures 
at the University of Pennsylvania during the 
winters of 1831 and 1832, and was graduated 
from that institution with the class of 1832. 

Dr. Muhlenberg began the practice of his 
profession in his native city and continued eight 
years. During this period and for .some years 
following he took an active intere.st in politics, 
and until the breaking out of the Civil War he 
remained a firm and consistent Democrat. 
During the panic of 1837 the aifairs of the 
Farmers' Bank of Reading became very much 
involved, and the com[)lete ruin of the bank 
seemed close at hand. The integrity, capacity 
and financial ability of Dr. Muhlenlierg were 
well known and he was placed temporarily in 
charge of the bank in order to restore its aifairs 
to a sound and healthy condition. His manage- 
ment of the affairs of the bank was in the high- 
est degree successful, so that he was induced to 
give lip his intention of resuming the practice 
of medicine and urged to accept the position of 
cashier of the Farmers' Bank in March, 1842. 



He has been annually re-elected and has served' 
continuously in that position until this date 
(1886), a period of forty-three years. The in- 
tegrity, capacity and financial ability of the 
cashier preserved the l)ank from embarrassment 
during the panic of 1857, the financial troubles 
incident to the the Civil War and of the finan- 
cial crisis of the year 1873. During all these 
periods of financial depression the Farmers' 
Bank of Reading has always maintained the 
highest reputation for great financial strength 
and for the sounde.st business management. 
The success and reputation of the bank are 
mainly due to the ability and high character of 
its cashier. 

Dr. Muhlenberg was for ten years a mem- 
ber of Councils of the borough of Reading, and 
a member of the first Councils after the city 
corporation in 1850. 

Prior to the Civil War he took great interest 
and an active part in the volunteer military or- 
ganizations of his own county. He entered a 
noted company, cidled the Washington Grays, 
as a private, and afterwards became lieutenant. 
During the Catholic riots of 1844, in Philadel- 
phia, as lieutenant of the Washington Grays he 
formed part of the force sent to that city to as- 
sist in quelling the riot. During the Civil War 
he twice enlisted in the Pennsylvania State 
Volunteer.s — once before the battle at Antietam, 
and again after the battle of Gettysburg. 

Dr. Muhlenberg was one of the original trus- 
tees of the Charles Evans Cemetery Company, 
and for many years was the president of that 
corporation. He was a director and president 
of the Reading Water Company. 

Dr. Muhlenberg has been twice married, — first, 
to Amelia Hanold, and .second, to Catherine S. 
Hunter, both of Reading, Pa. By the last 
marriage he has had seven children. He be- 
came a member of the Lutheran Church in 
1830 and was a member of the vestry of 
Trinity Church for many years. 

Dr. Muhlenberg has always been a public- 
spirited and enterprising citizen, and his gener- 
osity is well-known. He has favored and assisted 
the growth and development of his native city 
by every proper means within his power. He 
died May 5, 1886. 



834 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Isaac Eckert, ironmaster aud bank presi- 
dent, was born in the town of Womelsdorf, 
Berks Cminty, iu January, 1800. He was a 
sou of Peter Eelcert, a farmer and merebaut of 
that neighborhood, and a grandson of Valentine 
Eokert, who rejDresented Berks County as one 
of tlie delegates to the first Constitutional Con- 
vention of Pennsylvania, in 1776, aud who 
served in the Revolutionary War as captain of 
a troop of cavalry. The maiden-name of his 
mother was Brown, a member of a well-known 
family near Erie. Pa. He was educated in the 
schools of his native place and iu the grammar- 
school of the University of Pennsylvania. 

Before attaining his majority, he and his 
elder brother, "William, succeeded their father 
iu the mercantile business at Womelsdorf, aud, 
about 1828, they removed their business to 
Beading, where they continued the same busi- 
ness at tiie northwest corner of Fourth and 
Penu Streets until 1836, when he retired and 
became associated with his younger brother, 
Dr. George N. Eckert, in the manufacture of 
iron. In 1842-44 they erected at Reading the 
" Henry Clay Furnace," which was one of the 
largest anthracite furnaces in the State at that 
time; and, in 1855, a similar furnace was 
erected upon an adjoining site. Upon the 
death of Dr. Eckert, he became the sole owner 
of these iron-works, aud continued to operate 
the same until 1873, when he retired, passing 
them over to his .sous, Henry S. aud George B. 
Eckert, by whom the furnaces have been since 
successfully carried on under the firm-name of 
Eckert ct Brother. 

In 1838 he was elected president of the 
Farmers' Bank of Reading, and he held this 
ofiice without intermission until his death, in 
1873, covering a period of thirty-five years. 
His eldest son, Henry S. Eckert, succeeded him 
iu this position. He also .served as president of 
the Country Bank Association for eight years, — 
this association having been composed of the 
national banks east of the Allegheny jNIoun- 
tains. In 1852 he was chosen president of the 
Leesport Iron Company, and he continued to 
act as the executive officer till the time of his 
decease, a jieriod of twenty-one years. He was 
one of the lary;est stockholders of this extensive 



industry. Through his enterprises he l)ecame ' 
a large land-owner in Berks and Schuylkill 
Counties. 

ISIr. Eckert was one of the founders of the ' 
Berks County Agricultural aud Horticultural 
Society aud served for many years as president, I 
having been well fitted for this position. He 
took great interest in the introduction of the | 
best breeds of horned cattle aud other live stock 
aud also of standard fruits; aud during his ad- 
mini.stration superior specimens of such stock, 
fruits, etc., constituted the chief attraction of 
the annual fairs of the society. 

In 1867 and also in 1873 he made extensive 
tours through the principal countries of Europe 
aud acquired much practical information upon 
many subjects. Iu the latter year he served as 
one of the commissioners to the Vieuna Expo- 
sition, having been ajipointed by President 
Grant, and he also served as one of the two 
commissioners from the Berks District for the 
organization of the Board of Finance, under 
which the Centennial Exposition was succes.s- 
fully conducted. 

j\Ir. Eckert took a strong interest iu the suc- 
cess of the political principles in which he had 
been educated and to whicii he adhered through 
life, first as a Whig and afterward as a Repub- 
lican. His influence and wealth were freely 
used for the benefit of Jiis party. During the 
Rebellion he contributed liberally of his means 
to encourage the national administration in 
successfully prosecuting the war for the preser- 
vation of the Union, and in this behalf he took 
an active part with the prominent men of Read- 
ing at public and private meetings to develop 
proper sentiments in the community favorable 
to the great cause. In 1860 he was a delegate 
to the National Convention at Chicago, when 
Abraham Lincoln was nominated for President 
on the Republican ticket, and in 1864 he served 
as one of the Presidential Electors for the State 
of Pennsylvania. Politically he was univer- 
sally respected and personally he was highly 
esteemed for his many admiralde traits of char- 
acter. 

Mr. Eckert was a member of Christ Episco- 
pal Church at Reading, aud a liberal contribu- 
tor to the endowment fund of the diocese ot 





t^. 




f 





'^ ?S-^— «— ^ — 




READING. 



835 



Central Pennsylvania. He was distinguished 
for clieerfulness of disposition, and he possessed 
])le:ising manners in his social and business 
intercourse. He died on December 13, 1873, 
aged neai'ly seventy three years. He was mar- 
I'ied to Judith, a daughter of Dr. Hahn, of 
Montgomery County. He left a surviving 
widow and three children, — Henry S. Eckert, 
George B. Eckert and Rebecca (intermarried 
with P. R. Stetson, of New York). A full 
cliime often superior bells, weighing over five 
tuns, were presented to Christ Church in his 
name as a memorial by them and placed in the 
Gothic spire of that elegant and costly struc- 
ture. The appropriateness of this tribute to 
him is increased by the fact that he had, upon 
various occasions during the latter years of his 
life, expressed a desire to see the original design 
of the architect carried out in the construction 
of a bell-tower over its facade. 

Hexry S. Eckert, banker and iron manu- 
fiicturer, was born at Reading, Pa. He is a 
son of Isaac Eckert, who was also a prominent 
banker and iron manuflicturer. After a careful 
preparatory education, he attended Marshall 
College, at Mercersburg, Pa., and was graduated 
from that institution. Upon his return home 
from college he became interested with his 
father in the iron business, and, shortly after, 
took the active management of the iron-works 
ujton himself. For this position he manifested 
a high order of ability, and his management of 
the business interests of his father was very suc- 
cessful. He continued to serve as manager until 
July 1, 1873, a few months before his father's 
death, when he and his brother, George B. Eck- 
ert, formed a co-partnership under the firm 
name of Eckert & Bro., for the purpose of car- 
rying on the same business, and then they be- 
came the proprietors of the iron-works. Shortly 
before that time, however, he became interested 
in a separate enterprise, as a member of the firm 
of Eckert, McHose & Co., which had been 
fornaed for the purpose of carrying on the roll- 
ing-mill business. The panic of 1873 was at 
that time disturbing the financial and manufac- 
turing relations of the country, but the firm of 
P^ekert & Bro. conducted their operations suc- 
cessfully, and they have continued to do so from 



that time till now — a period covering thirteen 
years — w-ithout reducing the number of their 
workmen or diminishing the amount of their 
production. The firm own extensive iron-mines 
and carry on mining operations for the supply 
of iron-ore, and they employ altogether at the 
mines and iron-works about two hundred and 
fifty men. 

Mr. Eckert has taken an earnest interest in 
political matters for many years. His valuable 
business interests naturally inclined him to ad- 
vocate the principle of protection to home in- 
dustries, and he has therefore been an ardent 
Republican. During the Civil War he was 
active in sustaining the national government by 
his personal means and efforts, and enlisted as 
one of the " Emergency Men " during Lee's 
first invasion into Pennsylvania, and in 1866 
the Republican party of the county gave him 
the nomination for Congress against J. Lawrence 
Getz, the Democratic nominee. His popularity 
was shown by obtaining a majority in the city 
over Mr. Getz. 

The cause of education has received the ac- 
tive attention of Mr. Eckert for many years, 
and not f)nly have the tax-payers of his ward 
(the Eighth) appreciated liis devotion to the 
common-school system as one of their control- 
lers for many years, but also the school con- 
trollers have I'ecognized his able services by 
.selecting him repeatedly to be their president, 
having served in that office with distinction frt)m 
1872 continuously till now. As a mark of their 
esteem for his services as a controller, the " Eck- 
ert Pubhc School," erected in 1873, was named 
after him. This is a superior and commodious 
two story brick structure, situated on Tenth 
Street above Washington, and one of the finest 
school buildings in the city of Reading. He 
was the author of the plan for funding the debt, 
and succeeded in having it carried out, notwith- 
standing much opposition had been shown 
against it. 

Art has been patronized by Mr. Eckert, 
especially the productions of home talent. At- 
tached to his elegant home he has an art 
gallery, which contains a choice collection ot 
paintings, including a superior cattle piece by 
Devlan (considered the best of that artist), 



8:!(; 



IIISTOKV OK I5KKKS (!(>IINTY, i'KNNSYLVANIA. 



Shearer'.s great ])ieces, known as " Schwartzbach" 
and " ITfiid-wators of tho Maiden Creek," and 
stndics liy ]5enade and Spang. 

Intrin;il iiiiprovenients in this vicinity liave 
alsii liccn cnciiiiragcd by Mr. Hckert. He took 
a priiiiiitienl part in jirojecting the Berks 
Ciinnty Ivailroad flora Reading to Slatington, 
and ii|iMn its coniijletion served as a director in 
thi' liiiard of managers, and also in VVilming- 
tcin and Ndrllii in liaib'oad. Afterward, when 
the iii:i(l liccaine tiie pro])erty of tlio " Sehnyl- 
kill and liciiigh llailroad ( 'onipany," lie was 
eiiosen one of tiie directors, an<l lie lias Ijeen 
serving as such since tiiat time lie was tiie 
l)rincipai projector of the Peiin Street I'assenger 
Railway, and l)y his eiiter])rise and persever- 
ance; this railway came to be eonstriu^ted and 
operated in 1874, an(] it has been operated 
since to the great advantage of the citizens and 
property- holders along the Perkiomen Avenue 
and the vicinity of that prominent thorough- 
fare. It has contributed much towards improv- 
ing Kast Reading. 

Ilis father, Isaac lOckert, served as presitlent 
of the Farmers' I5anl< of Reading from 1840 
till his decease, in 187.'), and then lie, the .son, 
was clioseu as tlie successor to tliis important 
position. He lias acted as president of this 
bank till now, a period of thirtei'ii years. 

In the cause of religion and of advancing the 
Protestant Episcopal Church, Mr. Eckert has 
been active, zealous and liberal. !T(,' is now 
and has been for some time a vestryman of 
Christ Epi.scojial Church. Mr. iv'kert is now 
holding and serving various prominent and re- 
sponsible positions : director of Charles Evans' 
Cemetery, and also of Reading Hospital; trus- 
tee of the Union Trust ( 'ompaiiy, and of the 
Penii Mnlnal Life Insurance Comiiany, at 
Philadelpliia ; president of the Eastern Pig- 
Iron Association (since its organization in 1883); 
president of the Toptoii Furnace Company at 
Topton, and of the Pennsylvania Bolt and Nut- 
\A'orks at Twebanon. The numerous positions 
which he fills indicate the high character of the 
man, and the confidence of the people in his 
judgment and integrity. 

Ill isr)7 Mr. Eckert was married to Carrie 
Hunter, a daughter of Nicholas Hunter, a 



prominent and successful iron-master of Read- 
ing, with whom he had four children, — Isaac, 
married to Eliza, daughter of William M. 
Kaufman ; Helen, intermarried with Herman 
Meigs; Hunter; and Kate M. His wife was a 
lady of superior culture, and highly apj)reciate<l 
in this community for her fri{;ndship, her 
charity and her devotion to Christ Clinrch. 
She died March 28, 1 «80. 

National Union Bank of Readino was 
chartered by the State May 5, 1857, as the 
" Union Bank of Rf'ading," with an authorized 
capital of one hundred thousand dollars. The 
first election for directors was held October 8, 
1857, when the following-named jiersoiis were 
cho.sen: John S. Pearson, Henry P. Robeson, M. 
A. Bertolet, Joseph Mishler, Josei)li Shomo, 
Charles H. Hunter, Joseph Henry, Levi J. 
Bertolet, David 10. Stout, Jacob Bushong, Reese 
Davies, Jeremiah Hagenmau and Peter G. Ber- 
tolet. The bank was organized October 1 4, 1857. 
John S. Pearson was elected president, and 
Charles B. M(d\iiight cashier. 

The presidents in snecessidii have been Jnhn 
S. Pearson, October 14, 1857, to November 23, 
1857; David McKiiight, November 23, 1857, 
to August 29, 1873; Horatio Trexler, September 
9, 1873 (still serving). The cashiers have been 
Charles B. ^NIcKnight, October 14, 1857, to 
July 17,1878; Fdwiii Bo.)ne, July 23,1878 
(still serving). 

The national charter granted by the L'nited 
States government was obtained December 27, 
18(j4, good for twenty years, and the institution 
was then named the "National Union Bank of 
Reading." This charter was renewed Decem- 
ber 27, 1SS4, to extend to December 27, 11104. 

The location of the bank building has always 
been at 448 Penn Street. The cost of the 
property was fifteen thousand dollars in 1857. 
The capital stock was increased, in ls(;5, to 
two Inmdicd thousand dollars by a stock divi- 
deii<l of one hundred per cent., which was made 
in addition to the regular dividends each si.x 
months. This banU made its first diviilend 
November, 1858, and every six months since, 
and never missed one to this date; its undivid- 
ed ])rofils are now two hundred thousand 
dollars, being etpial to the capital, making its 




^^O^l^ 



RKxVDING. 



837 



stock sell over one hundred per cent, above 

1«''- 

J)avii) McKnk.iit was i)orn in Reading 
May 2, 1814, and died August 29, 1873, in the 
sixtieth year of his age. His father, John Mc- 
Knight, was of Scotch-Irish descent. He was 
a son of Paul McKnight, who lived and died 
in Chester County. When tiie Bank of Penn- 
sylvania 0|)(!ned a branch at Reading, in 1808, 
Joiin McKnight,' who was at that time a (;lerk 
in the employ of the bank in I'hiladelphia, re- 
moved to Reading for tiie purpose of taking 
charge of the institution. Tiie bank was 
o])ened in the building now occupied by the 
National Union Rank of Reading, into which 
Joiin M<'Knight moved with his wife, whose 
maiden-name was Catiiari lie Staid, and his family, 
consisting at that time of Elizabeth, born in 
lMn2: Sarali, born in 1803; Mary Ann, born 
in is(i'); and Kleanor, born in 1807. Here he 
lived until his death, in 18o.5. During his resi- 
dence in Reading the ibllowing children were 
born : John, in 1809 ; Catharine,in 1811; David, 
in 1814; Charles, in 1818 ; and James, in 1820. 
All these children lived to mature years. Eliza- 
betii married John Kennedy, and after his 
death, (ienerino Persico ; Sarah married Dav- 
en[)ort Orrick ; Mary Ann married Jacob 
Graeff; Eleanor married Milton B ray ton ; and 
Catliarine married Oliver Hause. All of the 
(laughters are now deceased except Mrs. Jacob 
(iraetf, who is a widow, still living (188(5) in 
Cincinnati, Ohio. 

John, the oklest son, began a business career 
in l'hiladcl|)hia, and died early in life; Charles 
lived ill Reading, where he died on the 17th of 
July, 1.S7.S. James, the youngest son, is still 
living at his residence in the subui-bs of 
Reading. 

David McKnight, after sjiending some time 
at Colonel Rouml'ort's Military Institute, near 
(ierniantown, Pa., completed his education di- 
rectly under the supervision of his father. At 
the age of fifteen years he was employed as 
clerk in the J]ranch Bank of Pennsylvania, 
where he actpiired the excellent habits and 
superior business qualifications which afterwards 



'Seep. 681. 



distinguished him in life. He remained in that 
institution, rising step by step, until, upon the 
tleath of his father, in 1855, he was elected 
ca.shier of the Branch Bank of Pennsylvania. 
This position he held until 1857, when, in the 
financial panic that swept the country in that 
disastrous year, the Bank of Pennsylvania, with 
its numerous branches, wius compelled to suc- 
cumb. In the later years of his life John Mc- 
Knigiit, who had never been of a robust consti- 
tution, was unable to perform all his official 
duties, though with that tenacity of purpose and 
infiexible devotion to duty which characterize 
the Scotch-Irish race, he still gave personal 
attention to the business when actually unfit 
physically so to do. In these later years the 
responsible and arduous duties incident to the 
management of the institution fell largely upon 
David McKnight, and so well did he perform 
them, that when the Union Bank of Reading 
was incorporated, in 1858, he was atoni^e elected 
president of the institution. This office he held 
until his death. Inheriting the strict jirinciples 
of integrity that so prominently distinguished 
his father's character, and enjoying at the same 
time the blessings of a kindly heart and genial 
disposition, he soon beame prominent in business 
and social circles. In adtlition to his duties as 
a banker, he was freipiently called upon to ac- 
cciit trusts of importance and difliculty, and tiie 
public records of the county disclose the fre- 
(pieucy with which he was called upon so to act, 
and the fidelity and integrity with which all 
his trusts were executed. He was a puiilic- 
spirited citizen, and participated actively in 
every enterprise, whether of busiue-ss or social 
enjoyment or charity, which was calculated to 
enhance the welfare of our city and her peojile. 
In 18t)2, during the absence of the mayor, Maj. 
Joel B. Wanner, in the army, he was elected by 
the City Councils tus acting mayor of the city, 
which office he filled until the expiration of the 
terra. In 1863, during the absence of post- 
master Knabb in the I'ennsylvania militia, he 
also acted as postmaster pro tcm. 

He was called upon from time to time to fill 
many other positions of honor and confidence, 
his selection to which was evidence of the es- 
teem in which he was held by his fellow-citizeu.s. 



838 



HISTORY OF IJERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Scarcly an organization existed in this city for 
public or private benevolence with which he 
was not associated, either as an officer or mem- 
ber. 

While never obtrusive in his political opinions, 
he was in earlier days an Old-Line Whig. 
When that party was merged into the Repub- 
lican party his views and sympathies naturally 
led him into that political faith, and he remained 
a stanch Republican until the day of his death. 
His patriotism was fervid and throughout the 
whole war he gave his time, his labor and his 
pecuniary aid generously to his country's cause. 
The records he left behind bear ample evidence 
of the great amount of time, labor and money 
he expended in the early days of the conflict in 
the maintenance and care of the vvives and 
children left at home by our devoted soldiers, 
to become in many cases widows and orphans. 

The same rigid integrity w^hich distinguished 
his business career also characterized his private 
life. 

For many years he was one of the leading 
members of Christ Itlpiscopal Church, but in the 
later years of his life he connected himself with 
Trinity Lutheran Church, which he regularly 
attended with his family till his deatli. 

In person Mr. McKnight was a genial, com- 
panionable man. There was ever a smile upon 
his frank and open countenance and a kindly 
word for all. He was a person of warm friend- 
ships, social'disposition, fine conversational abil- 
ities and of perfect manners. He lived a useful 
life and left the impression of his character upon 
his day and generation. He was married, April 
13, 1837, to Elizabeth, daughter of Joseph 
Hiester, of Reading, Pa. Their children are 
John McKnight, who died in 1882; Mary A., 
wife of John A. McClenegan ; Joseph H. ; 
Amelia M., wife of Charles H. Shaeffer, Esq. ; 
William S. ; and ATilton B., a member of the 
bar, all residing in the city of Reading. 

At the breaking out of the Rebellion but two 
of the sons were of sufficient age to do military 
duty, both of whom served in the army, John 
having been captain of a company ; Joseph H. 
served with the Ringgold Battery and afterwards 
with the One Hundred and Twenty-eighth Reg- 
iment, participating in the battles of Antietara, 



Chancellorsville and many of the other most 
notable engagements of the war. 

Charles B. McKsight was born January 
18, 1818, in the building occupied as a branch 
of the State Bank of Pennsylvania, more 
familiarly known at the time as the Office of 
Discount and Deposit of the Bank of Pennsyl- 
vania. His early education was obtained in 
the schools conducted by Joshua Davies, David 
Medary and Mr. Haslem. 

In 1833 he entered as a clerk the mercantile 
establishment of E. T. Lane, at Mercersburg, 
Franklin County, Pa. The following year a 
position was offered and accepted in the stock 
exchange and broker office of B. W. Hewson, 
Cincinnati, Ohio, where he remained until Sep- 
tember, 1837. Upon his return to Reading 
he served as a clerk to the late John McManus, 
contractor on the Reading Railroad. Upon the 
opening of the railroad between Reading and 
Pottstowu for business, he entered the office of 
the railroad company in Reading as freight and 
ticket clerk. 

Upon the reopening of the Branch Bank of 
the Bank of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ior 
business, after the financial crisis of 1837, he 
was appointed recei\ing and paying teller by 
his father, who was cashier of the institution. 
When the bank suspended in 1857, he imme- 
diately inaugurated a movement for the organ- 
ization of a new bank, and during that year the 
Union Bank was organized, and he chosen as 
cashier. Subsequently, when the bank accepted 
the provision of the National Banking Act, and 
became the National Union Bank of Reading, 
he was elected cashier of the reorganized bank, 
retaining the position up to the time of his 
death, July 17, 1878, closing the management 
of a bank conducted by the McKnight family 
on the site of the present National Union 
Bank for nearly three-quarters of a century. 

EinviN BooxE, one of tiie descendants of 
George Boone, Esq., prominent in the early his- 
tory of Berks County as a justice of the peace 
and surveyor, and as the grandfather of Col. 
Daniel Boone, the famous " Kentucky Pioneer," 
was born in Exeter township, on the old Boone 
homestead, January 14, 1846. He is the son of 
Ellis Hughes Boone (who was also born on the 



READING. 



839 



homestead iu 1818) and Ann Cleaver, his wife 
(a daughter of Derricit Cleaver, of Oley town- 
ship, a descendant of one of the early settlers 
of that section). He was educated in the 
public schools of Reading, and when a boy 
fifteen years old came to be employed in the 
Union Bank of Reading, on March 4, 1861, 
four years after the bank was organized to take 
the place of the Branch Bank of Pennsylvania. 
From that time till now, a period covering 
twenty-five years, he has continued iu the ser- 
vice of the bank, rising from one position to 
another till he, in 1878, eventually was chosen 
its cashier, which position he has since filled 
with great success and to the entire satisfaction 
of its board of directors. 

Mr. Boone was married in 1868, to Mary 
Jane Buchanan, of Reading, and has two chil- 
dren, Mary and Annie. He is a memljer of the 
First Baptist Church. 

HoHATK) Trexler was born in Longswamp 
township, Berks County, Pa., in the year 1812. 
Engaged in the mercantile business in 18.'50 ; 
continued in same until 1834, after which he 
superintended his father's iron-works, consisting 
of a charcoal blast furnace, located in Long- 
swamp township, Berks County, known as 
Mary Ann Fm-nace; also two forges situated in 
District townsliip, same county; the production 
of the forges was exclusively bar-iron. In the 
year 1837 he succeeded his father in the furnace 
business, became the owner of the Mary Ann 
Furnace, which continued in operation every 
successive year up to 1869, since which time it 
has been out of bla.st ; the property remains in 
his ownership. 

Mr. Trexler moved to Reading in 1848. In 
1853 he bought one-fourth interest in the Read- 
ing Iron-Works, and has been interested and 
actively engaged in said works up to this time; 
was elected a director in National Union Bank of 
Reading iu 1864, and president of said bank iu 
1873, which position he now holds; was elected 
president of Reading Gas-Works in I860 and 
fills that position now. He has been interested 
and actively engaged in the iron business since 
1837 up to present time. Mr. Trexler is a lead- 
ing Lutheran and a representative citizen and 
is a descendant of one of the oldest families. 



First National Bank of Reading was 
organized under and according to the require- 
ments of the act of Congress "to provide a 
national currency by a pledge of United States 
stocks and to provide for the circulation and re- 
demption thereof." This act was approved by 
President Lincoln, February 25, 1863. An 
association of individuals of Reading, having 
complied with the requirements of the act, ob- 
tained a charter for and organizetl " The First 
National Bank of Reading " on November 
12, 1863. The original cash capital was one 
hundred thousand dollars, which in 1879 was 
increased to two hundred thousand dollars. 

The first directors were Levi B. Smith, A. F. 
Boas, Edward Brooke, \Vm. Mellvaine and 
Wni. Clymer, wlio, upon organization, elected 
Levi B. Smith president, and A. F. Boas 
ca,--hier. At the next election the number of 
directors was increased to nine. Levi B. Smith 
continued as president of the iu.stitutiou until 
his death, iu 1876, when Wm. H. Clymer was 
electtd to fill the same position. Upon his 
death, in 1880, George Brooke, of Birdsboro', 
was chosen president, and continues as such to 
date. A. F. Boas, who was chosen the first 
cashier in 1863, occupied that position until 
1878, when the present cashier, John R. 
Kaucher, was elected. 

Second National B.\nk op Reading was 
chartered August 10, 1881, with capital paid in, 
one hundred thou.sand dollars. The following- 
named directors were chosen at the first election, 
which was held July 23, 1881 : Isaac Hiester, 
Thomas D. Stichter, John H. Sell, Israel M. 
Bertolet, Wm. Mellvaine, J. H. Sternbergh, 
John R. Miller, L. M. Kaufman and R. T. 
Leaf The first meeting of directors was held 
Jtdy 23, 1881, and Wm. Mellvaine was elected 
president, and Christopher Leoser, cashier. 

October 1, 1881, Frederick A. Roland was 
elected teller, and on April 8, 1882, Isaac 
Hiester was elected vice-president, since which 
time there have been no changes in the officers. 
The bank was opened for business September 3, 
1883, at 511 Penn Street, where its business has 
since been conducted. 

Penn National Bank of Reading was 
organized March 3, 1833, chartered March 



840 



HISTOKY OF BEKKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



12th, aud began business March 14th. The 
authorized capital of the bank was $100,000. 
The first election was held on the day of organ- 
ization, when the following-named directors 
were chosen : I. N. Levan, Adaiu Bard, F. S. 
Beruhart, A. J. Bruiiibach, Geo. F. Baer, Jacob 
S. Hillegass, Aug. W. Hoff, David Reiser, 
Jeremiah G. Mohn, Jacob Herbine, Samuel 
H. Lenhart, George K. Ijorah and Samuel B. 
Kuabb. At the organization of the board, on 
the same day, INIr. Levan was elected president; 
Calvin D. Moser, cashier; and Samuel H. 
Fulmer, teller. The bank was opened in the 
room previously occupied by the Commercial 
Kational Bank, Xo. 748 Penn Street. Liberal 
patronage from the merchants of Reading and 
the farmers of the county afforded the bank fine 
prospect for success. The building in which it 
was started and still is kept was purchased, 
including a large Corliss burglar-proof safe, 
which cost $17,000. In January, 1884, the 
new quarters were first occupied. No change 
has been made in any of the officers or clerks 
since the organization. 

Keystone National Bank. — This bank 
was organized March, 1883, in a building at 624 
Penn Street, with a cash capital of $100,000. 
Surplus and undivided profits of the year 1886 
are $19,500. The officers of this institution 
are A. Wilhelm, president ; Jacob Holl, cashier; 
Joseph W. Wanner, teller. 

Suspended Institutions. — Among the 
monetary institutions of Reading that have had 
an existence for a luunber of years are the fol- 
lowing : 

Berks County Savings Association was in- 
corporated April 23, 183.5. The incorporators 
were David Hottenstein, M. S. Richards, H. 
A. Muhlenberg, G. M. Keim, Lloyd Wharton, 
Frederick A. Shulze, Jos. H. Spayd, Thomas 
Morris, Elijah Dechert, Geo. Bieber, John 
Fister, John Beitenman, Daniel Keim, Geo. 
Fox, John Bailey, Lewis W. Richards, Wm. 
Arnold, Geo. Malsberger, Peter Filbert, John 
F. Smith, John Bickle, John Ritter, John 
Miller, Jacob Long, Wm. Schoener, David 
Bright, Geo. Zieber, Jacob Goodman, Anthony 
Bickle, Daniel H. Boas, H. W. Smith, John M. 
Keim, Jas. L. Dunn, Wm. Darling, W. Hamil- 



ton, David Finger, Geo. Leaf, Henry McKin- 
ley and Henry Flannery. 

Capital not to exceed $.50,000 ; par value of 
stock, $25. Interest on deposits allowed. 

In operation June, 1835. The charter of thi.- 
saving-bank was revoked by an act passed in 
1836, incorporating the Berks County Bank, 
which was to succeed to all rights, etc., and 
authorized to increase stock to $200,000. 

Bank went into operation April 25, 1836, 
with the following officers : President, Lloyd 
Wharton ; Secretary, J. M. Keim ; Treasurer 
Samuel S. Jackson ; Notary, Jeremiah Snyder. 

Elijah Dechert succeeded as president. It 
continued in operation several years. Its organ- 
ization having been effected in doubtful times, 
little financial strength could be imbibed from 
the community, wliich was then supporting two 
well-established banks. In 1844 the bank fig- 
ured somewhat conspicuously by an over-issue 
of relief notes. These notes were redeemed. 

Reading Savings-Banh was incorporated by 
act of Asisembly in 1855 for twenty years, with 
a capital of fifty thousand dollars. A share of 
stock was fifty dollars. The charter was ac- 
cepted at a meeting of interested citizens on 
June 16, 1855, and all the stock was taken by 
subscription. The first directors were Augus- 
tus F. Boas, William Umbenhower, Hiram C. 
Ritter, William C. Ermentrout, E. Penn Smith, 
Jacob Dick, Joseph A. Schneider. Officers 
elected : A. F. Boas, president ; Adam Leize, 
cashier. Began business on October 22, 1855, 
in building now occupied by Second National 
Bank, on Penn, above Fifth Street. This bank 
suspended November 16, 1877, after having 
been in successful operation for over twenty 
years. 

Commercial National Bank was organized 
in 1880, with a cai)ital of one hundred and 
fifty thousand dollars, by William Young and 
B. F. Young, of Mifflinburg, Pa., and a num- 
ber of business men of Reading. Business was 
begun in the building of I. W. Levan, at No. 
748 Penn Street, April 22, 1880. William 
Young was the first president and B. F. 
Young the cashier. During the summer of 
1882 a handsome brown-stone building was 
erected at No. 758 Penn Street. Before the 



READING. 



841 



completion of the new bank building an outside 
business matter alienated nearly all the friends 
of the institution, who withdrew their support, 
and soon after organized the Penn National 
Bank. The Commercial National Bank re- 
mained in the new building until October, 1883, 
when the Reading stockholders sold their stock 
to the Messrs. Young, and took in p.art pay- 
ment the bank building from the latter, aud the 
bank went into voluntary liquidation. 



PART IX. 

OFFICIALS. 

Burgesses axd Mayoiis. — The principal 
executive officer of Reading, during its history 
as a borough, from 1783 to 1847, was a " Chief 
Burgess." He was elected annually at the reg- 
ular spring election. His duties were prescribed 
by law and these he was sworn to execute. They 
pertained to the peace of the borough, aud the 
regulation of its several affiiirs pursuant to the 
rules and ordinances adopted by the " Town 
Council." He was also ex officio a justice of 
the peace. The following list comprises tlie 
names of those who served from 1815, those 
who served previously not liaving been obtain- 
able. The election was held annually in ]\Iay till 
1838, when it was changed to March. 

In 1847, upon the incorporation of the bor- 
ough into a city, the chief officer was named 
mayor. His term of office was one year. In 
1861 it was increased to two years, since which 
time it has remained the same. 

The office of treasurer was filled annually till 
1861, when the term was increased to two 
years. 

CHIEF BURGESSES. 
Name. Term. 

John Spayd 181.5-23 

William Witraan 1823-25 

Peter Nagle, Jr... 182.5-31 ; 1832-33 ; 1837-39 

Henry A. Muhlenberg 1831-32 

..^George M. Keim 1833-34 

Anthony Bickel 1834-35 

Thomas Kepple 1835-36 

William Schoener 1836-37; 18.39-43 

William High 1843-14 

William Betz 1844-47 

7-3 



MAYORS. 
Name. Term. 

Peter Filbert 1847-48 

_p William H. Keim 1848-49 

George Getz' 1849-53 

Daniel R. Clymer 18.53-54 

John S. Richards 1854-55 

William M. Baird 18.5.5-56 

Joel B. Wanner lS.56-57 

A. Jordan Swartz 1857-58 

, Benneville Keim 1858-61 

Joel B. Wanner- 1.S61-63 

.Joseph S. Hoyer 1863-65 

Nathan M. Eisenhower 186.5-67 

William H. Gernand 1867-71 

Samuel C. Mayer 1871-73 

Charles F. Evans 1873-79 

Henry A. Tyson 1879-81 

William G. Rowe 1881-85 

James K. Getz 188.5-87 

CITY ELECTION RETURNS FOR MAYOR, AND 
MAJORITIES. 

1847. 

Peter Filbert, Dem 632 

Wm. H. Keim, Whig 605 

Majority for Filbert 27 

(W. A. Wells had a vote of 210.) 
1848. 

Wm. H. Keim, Whig 936 

Daniel R. Clymer, Dem 926 

^Majority for Keim 10 

1849. 

George Getz, Whig 956 

Andrew M. Sallade, Dem 746 

Majority for Getz 210 

(Peter Filbert had a vote of 262.) 

1850. 

George Getz, Whig 1130 

Andrew F. Sallade, Dem 749 

Majority for Getz 381 

1851. 

George Getz, Whig 746 

Peter Filbert, Dem 670 

Majority for Getz 76 

(Scattering, 203.) 

1852. 

George Getz, Whig 738 

Daniel R. Clymer, Dem 683 

Majority for Getz 55 

1 Mr. Getz died February 10, 18.53, aud Genev.al Geo. - 
M. Keim was elected to fill the short vacancy. 

2 Mr. Wanner enlisted in the Civil War before the expi- 
ration of his term, and David McKnight was elected to fill 
the vacancy. 



842 



HISTORY OF BERKS 

1853. 

Daniel R. Clymer, Dem 975 

John S. Richards, Whig 923 

Majority for Clymer 62 

1854. 

John S. Richards, Ind ()54 

Daniel R. Clymer, Dem 614 

Majority for Richards 40 

(John C. Myers, Ind., had a vote of 5G2 ; 

William Mason, 71.) 

1855. 

William M. Baird, Amer 1544 

Samuel L. Young, Fusion 840 

Majority for Baird 704 

1856. 

Joel B. Wanner, Dem 1197 

Peter Filbert, Amer 1173 

Majority for Wanner 24 

1857. 

A. Jordan Swartz, Dem 1373 

Charles K. Robeson, Fusion 1005 

Majority for Swartz 308 

1858. 

Benneville Keim, Amer 1519 

Jacob M. Sallade, Dem 1075 

Majority for Keim 444 

1859. 

Benneville Keim, Amer 1703 

John K. McKurdy, Deiu 759 

Majority for Keim 944 

I860. 

Benneville Keim, People's 1420 

Michael Kraemer, Sr., Dem 12S5 

Majority for Keim 135 

18G1. 

Joel B. Wanner, Dem 1773 

Benneville Keim, Reji 1129 

Majority for Wanner 644 

18G3. 

Joseph S. Hoyer, Dem 1512 

David McKnight, Rep 1269 

Majority for Hoyer 243 

1865. 

Nathan N. Eisenhower, Rep 1590 

Matthias Mengel, Dem 1448 

INIajority for Eisenhower 142 

1867. 

William H. Gernand, Dem 2101 

Henry Van Reed, Rep 1775 

Majority for Gernand 226 



COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1869. 

William H. Gernand, Dem 2305 

J. Pringle Jones, Ind 2146 

Majority for Gernand 159 

1871. 

Samuel C.Mayer, Dem 2972 

William Geiger, Rep 2521 

JIajority (or Mayer 451 

" 1873. 

Charles F. Evans, Rep 3304 

William H. Gernand 3013 

Majority for Evans 281 

1875. 

Charles F. Evans, Rep 3677 

Henry M. Keim, Dem 3303 

Majority for Evans , 374 

1877. 

Charles F. Evans, Rep 3735 

J. George Seltzer, Dem 3351 

Majority for Evans 3.S4 

1879. 

Henry A. Tyson, Dem 4114 

Charles F. Evans 2933 

Majority for Tyson 1181 

1881. 

William G. Rowe, Rep 3868 

Henry A. Tyson, Dem 3831 

Majority for Rowe 37 

1883. 

William Ct. Rowe, Rep 44o5 

George S. McFarlan, Dem 4154 

Majority for Rowe 251 

1885. 

James K. Getz, Dem 4629 

William G. Rowe, Rep 41(i6 

Majority for Getz 523 

City Vote Compared.— The total vote of 
the city iu 1847 for mayor was 1237. This was 
in the spring of that year. The total vote for 
Governor in the fall of that year was 2273, a 
difiereuce of 1036 ; and in 1848, for President, 
it was 2945. 

In 1883 the total vote for mayor was 8659 ; 
in 1882, for Governor, 9110; and in 1880, for 
President, 9047. 

The taxables of the city and the total vote for 
President for two periods are compared to show 
the proportion of taxables who voted, — 

Taxables. Vote. Per Cent. 

1856 4,775 3287 69 

1880 10,679 9047 85 



READING. 



843 



The proportiou of taxables iu the whole 
county- Mho voted in 1880 was eighty-six per 
ceut. 

Aldehmex.' — In 1847 the city was divided 

' Justices of the Peace. — The following list of justices 
of the peace of the borough was copied from the record at 
Harrisburg. 

Valentine Eckert 1784 

Henry Christ 1784 

John Otto 1785 

James Diemer 1788 

Peter Nagle Augusts, 1791 

James May (does not act) August 31, 1791 

John Christ October 3, 1799 

Peter Frailey 

Matthias Richards. 

Henry Hahn April 1, 1806 

Frederick Heller January 1, 1807 

Jacob Miller November 13, 1811 

John M. Hyneman September 3, 1813 

Christopher Scherrer September 17, 1813 

John Addanis May 13, 1816 

Wm. Schoener March 24, 1818 

John Frantz March 24, 1818 

(Vacated by accepting office under U. S. Gov- 
ernment ; recommissioned October 17, 1820.) 

Frederick Fritz June 28, 1821 

John Spayd June 28, 1821 

Matthias Richards November 8, 1823 

Edward B. Hubley Decembers, 1823 

Joseph Tyson December 8, 1823 

Curtis Lewis Decembers, 1823 

Peter Aurand December 12, 1823 

John Miller December 12, 18^3 

Henry Betz December 12, 1823 

Matthias Richards .\pril 4,1827 

Jonathan D. Uiester June 5, 1827 

(Removed out of town.) 

Peter Nagle, Jr August 1, 1828 

Jacob Sallade March 5, 1830 

David Rightmyer July 25, 183-1 

Lloyd Wharton October 19, 1831 

Lewis Rees April 2, 1832 

Thomas Morris January 4, 1836 

Jacob Fritz , February 12, 1838 

Henry Tothers September 22, 1838 

Henry Bowman March 26, 1839 

In 1840 Reading wras divided into two wards for justices, 
Penn Street having been the dividing line. 
North Ward. 

Wm. Schoener Aprill4, 1840 

Henry Betz April 14, 1840 

Wm. Betz April 13, 1841 

Wm. Schoener April 15, 1845 

Wm. Betz April 14, 1846 

South Ward. 

Charles Troxell April 14, 1840 

^Resigned.) 

Wm. A. Wells April 14, 1840 

(Resigned March 16, 1844.) 

Marks B. Eckert April 12, 1842 

David Medary April 9, 1844 

. Matthias Mengel April 15, 1845 

On December 5, 1803, pursuant to the act of April 4, 
1803, the county commissioners divided the county of 
Berks into fifteen districts for justices of the peace. 
Reading was made one district, called First, and given 
four justices. Their names were Peter Nagle, James May, 
John Christ and Peter Frailey. 



into two districts for aldermen, that poition 
north of Penn Street comprising the Northern 
District, and that portion south, the Southern ; 
and each district was given two aldermen \vith 
a term of five years. An additional alderman 
was given to the Northern District by a special 
act of Assembly, passed Jaimary 31, 1873, by 
reason of its extent and large population. In 
1874 the new charter created nine wards in the 
city and gave each ward an alderman. Two 
wards were erected in 1876 and two more in 
1885 ; and thence the electors of each ward also 
elected an alderman. 

FROM 1847-75. 

yarthern District. 
Name. Terra. 

William IJetz 1847-51 

William Schoener- 1847-51 

Frank B. Miller 1851-65 

William B. Schoener 1851-75 

Wasltington Richards 1865-73 

Lewis Kremp 1873-75 

Israel C. Becker 1874^75 

Southern iJhstrict. 

David Medary 1847-55 

Matthias Mengle 1847-60; 1868-73 

George Printz 1855-75 

John Quimby 1860-63 

Peter Cleaver 1863-68 

Ezekiel Jones 1873-75 

UNDER CHARTER OF 1874. 

First ward. 
Name. Term. 

Enos Morris 1875-78 

John B. Maxton 1878-84 

John W. Ringler 1884— 

Se&tiid yjard. 

Joseph R. Pawling 1875-80 

Christopher M. Deem 1880-85 

George Ritner 1885-90 

Third ivard. 

Ezekiel Jones 1875-83 

John Hippie 1883-88 

Fourth toard. 

Matthias Mengel 1875-85 

Edmund Sheetz 1885-90 

Fifth ward. 

Daniel Potteiger 1875-85 

Robert L. Keith 188-5-90 



2 William Schoener died whilst serving the office. He 
officiated as an alderman for thirty-three continuous years, 
— from 1818 to 1861 — and enjoyed the entire confidence of 
the community. He was seventy ^ears old at the time of 
his death. 



844 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Sixth icard. 

Jonathan L. Reber 1875-77 

George M. Ermentrout 1S77-S7 

Seventh irard. 

William B. Schnener 1875-81 

Israel C. Becker 1875-78 

John G. L. Brownwell 1881-86 

(Re-elected, 1886.) 
Eighth ward. 

Lewis Kremp 1875-78 

William L. Graul 1878-83 

John Denbarcl 1883-88 

Xintli ward. 

Isaac R. Fisher 1875-85 

(Re-elected, 1885.) 
Tenth vard. 

Henry H. Holl 1876-86 

(Re-elected, 1886.) 
Elerenth irard. 

Israel M. Bertolet 1876-80 

David Rink 1880-81 

George H. Long 1881-86 

(Re-elected, 1886.) 
TieeJj'th ward. 

John K. Howden ' 1886— 

Thirteenth irard. 
Peter T. Phillippi ' 1886— 

PRESIDENTS OF .SELECT COUNCIL. 
Naiue. Term. 

Henry Nagle 1847-50; 1854-55 

JoelRitter 1850-52 

Peter F. Nagle 1852-54 

Samuel Frees 1855-58 

Hiram C. Ritter 1858-59 

John D. Morris 1859-60; 1861-62 

Frederick S. Boas 1860-61 

Jacob C. Hoft: 1862-64 

Jacob Bushong 1864-(i5 

Levi J. Smith ]86.5-<!6 

George W. Garst 1866-67; 1868-70 

Frederick Lauer 1867-68 

Geo. W.Morgan 1870-71; 1872-73 

Frederick W. Lauer 1871-72 

Henry S. Eckert 1873-75 

James L. Douglas 1875-76 

Frederick P. Heller 1876-77 

Jesse Orr 1877-79 

Joseph Ganser 1879-80 

William H. Kelly 1880-82 

F. S. Jacobs 1882 

Levi J. R. Krick 1882-83 

John L. Lawrence 18.83-84 

Michael McCullough 18.S4-86 

Henry H. Heckjiian 1886-87 

' Elected for five years. 



CLERKS OF SELECT COUNCIL. 

Name. Term. 

John L. Rightmyer 1847-51 

James L. Rightmyer 1.851-52 

Nathan M. Eisenhower 1852-61 

A. Lucius Hennershotz 1861-62 

Adam Waid 1862-64 

B. Frank Haas 1864-73 

Edward A. Howell 1878-79 

John H. Keppelman 1879-.84 

George H. Felix 1884-87 

PRESIDENTS OF COMMON COUNCIL. 

Name. Term. 

Lewis Briner 1847-49 

Samuel Frees 1849-50 

William A. Wells 1,850-51 

Augustus C. Hoff. 1S51-.53 

Adam Waid lS.>3-.")4; 1859-60 

Hiram C. Ritter 1854-55 

Joseph A. McLean 18.55-56 

John Fink 18.56-57 

Henry A. M. Filbert 1857-59 

J. Timothy Jackson 1860-61 

Samuel M. Fillman 1861-62 

William B. Hertzel 1862-63 

James Donagan 1863-64 

William S. Ritter 1864-65 

George B. Connard 186.5-66 

Levi VVunder 1866-67 

Michael McCullough 1867-69 

Addy Gehry 1869-71; 1874-75 

Lew. Wanner 1871-73 

Abner K. Stauffer 1873-74 

Charles B. Wells 1875-76 

Wesley C. Hall 1876-77 

William G. Rowe 1877-78 

HiesterM. Nagle 1.878-79 

Christian W. Geissler 1879-81) 

Edward O. Immel 18.S0-81 

James K. Getz 1.881-82 

Amos B. Wanner 1882-83 

Ellis L. Castor 1883-84 

Lewis Heilman 1884-.S5 

James A. O'Reilly 1885-87 

CLERKS OF COMMON COUNCIL. 
Name. Term. 

John W. Tyson 1847-52 

A. L. Hennershotz 1852-58; 1859-61 

Michael P. Boyer 18.58-59 

B. Frank Haas 1861-62 

Nathan M. Eisenhower I862-<53 

John Ralston 1.863-72 

Solomon A. Stout 1872-73 

Charles S. Butler 1873-74; 187.5-76 

John C. K. Heine 1874-75 

Jonathan Holt 1876-78 

Henry H. Holl 1878-79 

Luther Seiders 1.879-80 

George H. Feli.\ 1880-83 



READING. 



845 



Charles J. Tyson 1883-86 

John H. Focht 1886-87 

TREAsrREKS. 
Name. Term. 

Peter Nagle 1815-28 

JohnHahn 1828-36 

William Ermentrout 1836-43 

George Feather 1843-47; 1847-55 

George R. Frill 1855-56 

Daniel S. Holl 1856-57 

George W. Bruckman 1857-58 

Michael Kraemer 1858-59 

Peter Cleaver 1859-61 

Peter Shaneman.. 1861-63 

William Heidenreich 1863-71 

John E. Arthur 1871-85 

Horatio Jones 1885-87 

AFDITOE.S. 
Name. Term. 

Lewis J. Hanold r 1847-18 

Nathan M.Eisenhower 1847-49; 1859-61 

John L. Reifsnyder 1847-49 

Frank B. Miller 1848-49 

Jaeoh B. Smith 1849-50 

Z. H. Maurer 1849-51; 1854-55 

Jeremiah Bitting 1849-50 

John Darrah 1850-52 

George Heckman 1850-51 

James L. Rightmyer 1851-52 

John F. Evans...." 1851-54 

John F. Moers 1852-53 

A. W. Nagle 1852-53 ; 1854-55 

John Pfleager 1853-54 

William Briner 18.5.3-54 

John J. Tyson 1854-55 

Peter Cleaver 1855-56 

AVilliam Geiger 1855-56 

John A. Banks 18.55-56 

Matthias Babb 18.56-57 

William Henry 1856-57 

Albert G. Green 1856-57 

William Umbenhower 1857-58 

Wharton Morris 1857-58; 1861-62 

James Van Horn 1858-59 

Amos B. Wanner 18.58-59 

John O. Schoener 18.58-.59 

Peres Hain 1859-60 

Charles Scull 1859-60 

Henry Eppihimer 1860-61 

James A. Fasig 1860-61 

B. Frank Haas 1861-63 

Charles F. Smith 1861-64 

Lewis Briner 1862-66 

Henry Kerper 1 863-66 

Isaac R. Fisher 1.S64-67 

John S. Aulenbach 186.5-68 

William M. Goodman 1866-69 

John E. Arthur 1867-71 



Hiester M. Nagle 1868-71 

W. Murray Weidman 1869-72 

Levi H. Liess 1871-74 

John Keppelman 1872-73 

Jacob Lenhart 1872-75 

Isaac T. James 1873-75 

Henry M. Keim 1874-75 

CONTROLLERS. 

Name. Term. 

William Briner ' 

Chester N. Farr, Jr 1875-76 

Henry A. Tyson 1876-79 

William A. Runkel 1879-81 

Joseph Housum 1881-87 

.SOLICITORS. 
Name. Term. 

James Donagan 1847-48 

George G. Barclay 1848-50 

J. Bright Smith 1850-.52 

William F. Filbert 18.52-53 

Edmund L. Smith 1853-55 

Charles K. Robeson 18.5.5-57 

Albert G. Green 18.57-59 

A. Lucius Hennershotz 1859-61 

Wharton Morris 1861-62 

George J. Eckert 1862-63 

James B. Bechtel 1863-64 

Edward H. Shearer 1864-65 

J. Glancy Jones 1S65-67 

Daniel Ermentrout 1867-70 

Edwin Shalter 1870-73 

J. Howard Jacobs 187.3-74 

William M. Rightmyer 1874-75 

Daniel H. Wingerd 187.5-79 

Christian H. Ruhl 1879-81 

Benjamin F. Dettra 1881-83 

Wayne Hay man 1883-85 

William J.Rourke 1885-87 

ENGINEERS. 

Name. Term. 

Matthias S. Richards 1847-48 

Aaron Albright. ..1848-57; 1859-61 ; 1862-63 

William Davis 1857-.58 

Christian Stolz 1858-59 

D. S. Zacharias...l861-(32; 1863-68; 1874^-76 

Samuel M. Rea 1868-74 

Henry T. Kendall 1876-79 

Levi'Wunder 1879-81 

A. Harvey Tyson 1881-85 

Daniel Housum 1885-87 

CHIEF.S OF POLICE. 
Name. Term. 

John L. Morris 1847-49 ; 18.58-59 

Henry Seitzinger 1849-51 

John' H. Nagle 1851-54 

1 Mr. Briner did not accept the office to which he was 
elected in 1875, and Governor .J. F. Hartranft appointed 
Chester N. Farr, Jr., until the election of a successor. 



846 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Reuben Goodhart 1854-05 

William Y. Lyon 1855-57,- 1860-61 

Samuel Folk.." 1857-58 

Henry Wunder 1859-60 

Howard L. Miller 1861-63 

Jacob B. Mast 1863-65 

Joseph Deysher 1865-67 

William McNall 1897-71 

Peter Cullen 1871-70 

Daniel Housum 1870-81 

Rayffiond B. Lewis 1881-85 

Frederick H. Fleck 188.5-87 

Water CoiiMissiONERS. — The city was divi- 
ded into four districts for the election of com- 
mis.sioners of water by an act passed ^larch 21, 
1865. Sixth Street and Penn Street were made 
the dividing lines ; and the City Councils 
were required to elect four persons, one from 
eacli district. Of the first board two were to 
hold office for two years and the remaining two 
for four years ; and thereafter every two years 
Councils were~ to elect two members for four 
years. Like the office of City Councilman, this 
office is without compensation. In pursuance 
of the act mentioned, the following persons 
served as commissioners : 

Name. Term. 

Jacob Bushong 1865-67 

Joseph Mishler 1865-67 

David A. Stout 1865-73 

John Maltzberger 186.5-67 

Thomas L. Addison 1867-73; 1877-85 

Jacob C. HofF. 1867-71 

Levi J. Smith 1867-83 

William R. Mcllwain 1871-83 

Solomon L. f^nyder 1873-77 

Augustus C. Greth 1873-77 

Addy Gehry 1875-79 

George K. Levan 1877-80 

Charles Melcher 1877 

Matthias Mengel 1880-81 

Charles K. Hillegass 1881-83 

Jacob Holl 1883-89 

F. S. Jacobs 1883-87 

Isaac McHose 1883-87 

Albert A. Heizmann 1885-89 

Board of Health.' — Initiatory steps to- 
wai'd the formation of a body, whose express 
duty it was to look after the healtli of the city, 
were first taken in July, 1872, but a satisfac- 
tory organization was not eftected till 1874. 



' The aiithor is indebted to Edward A. Howell, clerk of 
the Board of Health, for the names of the members. 



An act of Assembly was passed on April 22, 
1873, specially authorizing the establishment of 
a Board of Health for Reading, with powers 
for the preservation of the public health. The 
board was made to consist of seven members, 
with an indefinite term of service and without 
compensation, who were to be appointed by the 
presidents of the City Councils. The city was 
divided into four districts, with Sixth and Penn 
Streets as the dividing lines. One member was 
to be appointed from each district and one from 
the city at large ; and these five were to select 
two physicians. And provision was made for 
the annual appointment of a health commis- 
sioner by the board, with a compensation to be 
fixed by Councils. 

The Board of Health effected the first per- 
manent organization on March 10, 1874. The 
following persons were members : 

First District. 
Name. Teri.i. 

Charles Breneiser 1874-80 

Dr. William F. Marks I.SSO— 

Second District. 

David Ermentrout 1874-82 

Garrett B. Stevens 1.S82-83 

Charles H. Schaeffer 188.3— 

Third District. 

Dr. W. JIurray Weidman 1874-82 

Thomas P. Merritt ISsi'— 

Fourth District. 

Dr. S. S. Steven.s 1874-82 

David; P. Schlott 1882— 

At Larr/e. 
Dr. Martin Luther 1874 — 

Physicians. 

Dr. Israel Cleaver 1874-7i> 

Dr. Frank Rieser 1874-80 

Dr. M. Albert Rhoads 1870— 

Dr. William F. Muhlenberg 1.S80-83 

Dr. Adam B. Dundor 1883 — 

Note. — The dash after the year indicates contin- 
uance in office. 

HEALTH COMMISSIOXERS. 
Name. Term. 

Charles F. Frick 1874 

Howard L. Miller 1874-82 

Roland Laing 1882-87 

The following are interesting statistics of 
marriages, births and deaths in the city for the 
years named : 



READING. 



847 



In 1881 there were 620 marriages, 1283 
births and 895 deaths. 

In 1882 tiiere were 594 marriages, 1316 
births and 890 deaths. 

In 1883 there were 63-1 marriages, 1384 
birtlis and 869 deaths. 

In 1885 there were 628 marriages, 1447 
births and 917 deaths. 

The board for the year 1886 is constituted as 
follows : M. A. Rhoads, M.D., ' (president), 
Martin Luther, M.D., William F. Marks, M. 
D., D. P. Schlott, Thomas P. Merritt, A. B. 
Dundor, M.D., C. H. Schaeffer, Esq., E. A. 
Howell (secretary), R. J. Laing, (health com- 
missioner.) 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF MAYORS. ' 

Peter Xagle, Jr., was born at Reading 
June 11, 1782. He was well educated, and 
wrote a fine hand. He was a superior musi- 
cian, and officiated as organist in the First 
Reformed Church during his early manhood. 
His business was hat manufacturing, in which 
he became both prominent and successful. Sub- 
sequently he removed to the northern part of 
Amity township, where he owned several fine 
farms, including the " Yellow House " proper- 
ty, and carried on tavern-keeping for some 
years. He returned to Reading, engaged in the 
grocery business for a time and then in the dis- 
tilling business at the northwest corner of Tenth 
and Chestnut Streets. He was a superior busi- 
ness man. 

He officiated as chief burgess of Reading for 
nine years,— 1825-31, 1832-33 and 1837-39. 
General Lafayette visited the United States 
during that time, and he addressed a letter to 
Burgess Xagle, February 5, 1825, thanking 
the Council and citizens of Reading for their 
kind invitation to him to visit Reading.^ His 
father, Peter Nagle, served as treasurer of the 
borough from 1815 to 1828. This continuous 
service indicates his integrity as a man and his 
prominence as a citizen. 

Mr. Nagle was a large man, over six feet in 
height, and weighed about three hundred and 



■ Besides the sketches of the mayors given in this chapter, 
sketches of all the other mayors appear elsewhere in this 
history. 

' See p. 677. 



twenty-five pounds. In disposition he was 
genial and unpretentious. He was married to 
Susan E. Filbert December 28, 1802, by whom 




peter nagle, jr. 

he had one daughter and seven .sons, four of the 
latter surviving him, — Filbert J., Peter F., 
Augustus W. and Henry. 

Joseph S. Hoyer was born in Robeson 
township, this county, September 10, 1817. 
He was educated at Myerstown, Lebanon 
County, and taught public .schools for a number 
of years in addition to his duties as a farmer. 
Removing to Reading, he conducted a general 
store for a time and held various offices of tru.st. 
He officiated as mayor of Reading for one term 
— from 1863 to 1865 — and afterwards served 
for a number of years as a clerk in the prothono- 
tary's office of this county. He died in Reading 
June 16, 1880. 

Nathan M. Eisenhower was born in 
Reading in 1811, and, after reaching nearly 
three-score and ten years, died very suddenly 
on September 2, 1879. 

He was well known as a builder, and was the 
senior member of the firm of Eisenhower, Fink 
& Co. In his business relations he was a care- 
ful and conscientious man, and a very highly 
esteemed citizen of this community. He served 
some years as clerk of the old Borough Coimcil. 
He was a member of the Odd-Fellows and also 
of the Masonic order, in the progress of which 
he took an earnest interest, and these societies 
buried him with honors. He officiated as mayor 



848 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENXSYLYANIA. 



for one term — from 1865 to 18G7, liaviug been 
elected to this position by the Republicans. 

William H. Gernand was a son of Abra- 
ham and Catherine Gernaud, of Cumru towu- 
shi]), and died at Reading Nov. 22, 1874, aged 
over fifty-five years. In early life he was a 
farmer ; he afterwards became a school-teacher, 
and pursued the profession ofteaching for many 
years. 

He officiated as mayor of Reading for two 



a time he was the senior member of tlie firm of 
]\Ioyer & Hart, on Penn Street, in the dry- 
goods business. With the exception of a few 
years spent at Philadelphia, he has resided con- 
tinuously in Reading since 1841. He officiated 
as mayor of Reading for one term — from 1871 
to 1873. 

Daniel R. Clymkr, the eldest son of Ed- 
ward T. Clymer, was born at the Clynier home- 
stead, in Caernarvon township, Berks County, 






terms — from 18(i7 to 1871. He was a prom- 
inent and very active member in a number of 
secret orders and took a warm interest in their 
affairs. In manner he was quiet and unpreten- 
tious, and his exemplary life won the iiighest 
I'egard of his fellow-citizens. 

Samuel C. Myer was born in the city of 
Lancaster, Pa., April 17, 1824. At the age of 
seventeen years he became a citizen of Reading, 
where he engaged in mercantile pursuits. For 



on March 31, W19. After receiving his edu- 
cation at liititz, in Lancaster County, he came 
to Reading, and was employed as a clerk in 
the store of Messrs. William & Isaac Eckert, 
with whom he remained for some years. He 
tlien went to Philadelphia, where he wa.s en- 
gaged in a wholesale dry-goods house until 
1840, when he returned to Reading, and, in 
connection with his brother, William H. Cly- 
mer, opened a general dry-goods store in the 



READING. 



849 



" Old Seyfert Building," now 518 Penn Street. 
Here they conducted business for a couple of 
years, when they removed to the huildiug at the 
southwest corner of Fifth and Peun Streets, 
which they had purchased. His brother Wil- 
liam withdrawing from the firm in 1845, he 
continued the busine.?s alone until 1852. 

]\Ir. Clymer always took an active interest in 
the welfare and progress of Reading. In 1848 
he was the Democratic candidate for mayor 
agaiust General William H. Keim, the Whig 
candidate, but was defeated by a small majority. 
At that time the city was Whig in political 
sentiment, and continued so for some years. In 
1852 he was again the Democratic candidate for 
mayor against Major George Getz, on the 
Whig ticket, who was then mayor and had held 
the office since 1849, and he was again defeated. 
The next year the party nominated him a third 
time, with John S. Richards, Esq., a prominent 
attorney, as his opponent on the Whig ticket, 
and he was elected. After serving in this posi- 
tion for one year, the party nominated him for 
a fourth time, aud against the .same candiilateon 
the Whig ticket, who was run as an Independ- 
ent. In that year there were four candidates in 
the field, and an Independent Democrat caused 
Mr. Clymer's defeat. 

In 1854 Mr. Clymer became interested in the 
forwarding and transportation business on the 
Schuylkill Canal, continuing in it for some 
years. Upon the completion of the East Penn- 
sylvania Railroad (with the construction of 
which his brother, Edward M. Clymer, was 
prominently identified) and the establishment 
of a ticket-office at the " Junction " (the pres- 
ent site of the Philadelphia aud Reading main 
station), Mr. Clymer was appointed ticket agent, 
holding the position until 1869, when he re- 
signed. In the interval that occurred after dis- 
continuingthe forwarding business and becoming 
ticket agent, he studied law, and was admitted to 
the bar August 20, 1857. He never engaged in 
active jjractice, however. He was also interested 
in the militia system of the county, and was for 
a time captain of the " Reading Artillerists." 

Mr. Clymer was married, in 1846, to Miss 
Delia Piersou, daughter of Silas Piersou, Es<|., 
and a granddaughter of Hon. Benjamin Pier- 



son, of Morristown, N. J. She was born Jan- 
uary 8, 1824, and died June 14, 1861. They 
had issue five children, all of whom are dead 
excepting one (Annie M. Clymer), who was 
intermarried with Mr. Edward Brooke, de- 
ceased, late of Birdsboro'. 

Hexey A. Tysox, mayor of Reading from 
1879 to 1881, is of English descent. His an- 
cestors were members of the Society of Friends, 
who came to America early in the eighteenth 
century. The American branch of the family 
is confined, with few exceptions, to the city of 
Philadelphia and the counties of Bucks, Ches- 
ter, Montgomery, Berks and Schuylkill, in 
Pennsylvania, and to Baltimore, in Maryland, 
and it has taken a prominent stand wherever its 
members located. Cai)tain Tyson was an Arctic 
explorer, Dr. Henry Tyson is professor of 
medicine in the University of Pennsylvania, 
and Robert and Jesse Tyson are prominent in 
the shipping interests at Baltimore. 

Jo.seph Tyson, grandfather of the subject 
of this sketch, was born at Skippack, Mont- 
gomery County, Pa., March 22, 1771, aud was 
married to Elizabeth Ivcvering, who was born 
March 19, 1772, on North Second Street, 
Philadelphia. In 1798 he located at Reading, 
where he engaged extensively in the tan- 
ning business, at the head of Franklin Street, 
becoming a prominent owner of real-estate in 
that vicinity. He retired from business in 
1826 and died in 1842. His wife died iu 
1857. Mary Snyder, of Philadelphia, aged 
eighty-three years, is the only survivor of his 
nine children. 

John W. Tyson was the fourth child and 
only sou. He was born at Reading July 3, 
1801, aud learned his father's business, which 
he continued for a time. He afterwards be- 
came a clerk in Eckert's store, at Fourth aud 
Penn Streets, and there, for many years, he also 
carried on the occupation of ganger, being the 
only one in Reading who understood the busi- 
ness at that time. In 1844 he ran for the of- 
fice of county recorder on an independent 
ticket ; was elected and served his term of three 
years with great acceptance to the people. He 
was married, October 13, 1822, to Mary Fasig, 
daughter of William Fasig', of Reading;. Of 



850 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



their nine children, four survive, — William F. 
Tyson, eldest son, at present and for many 
years foreman of the RearJinger Adler ; two 
daughters (]\Irs. Emma C Redgrave and Mrs. 
Mary E. Walker, of Philadelphia), and Henry 
A. Tyson. Albert L. Tyson, the second son 
(now deceased), was for many years, until his 
death, foreman of the Philadelphia Press and 
tiie Washington Chronicle, under John W. 
Forney. 



until 1876, when he was elected on the Demo- 
cratic ticket to the office of city controliei", to 
fill a vacancy. In 1877 he was elected at the 
regular election for a full term of two years, 
and served in the position with acknowledged 
ability. In 1879 he was nominated for the 
office of mayor, and elected by a majority of 
eleven hundred and eighty-one, the largest ever 
given to any candidate for that office. During 
his incumbency in the mayoralty many im- 




y^V^V^ 



Henry A. Tyson wa,s l)orn December 14, 
1832, at Reading, on Franklin Street, near his 
present residence, in the vicinity of which he 
has resided all his life. He was educated in 
the public schools. In 1847 he went to live 
with his uncle, John Brown, of Reading (now 
living at the age of eighty-seven years), and 
under him le;irned the trade of a chair-maker, 
remaining with him until 1860. He was after- 
wards engaged in this occupation with Jacob 
R. Ritter and Sohl, Seidel & Co., of Reading, 



portant ordinances were passed by tlie City 
Councils, new regulations instituted, and the 
government was so administered as to be con- 
ducive to the best interests of the city. During 
his official career, among other things, he ap- 
proved the ordinance granting the right to erect 
a soldiers' ■ monument in Penn Square ; the 
Antietam Reservoir was greatly enlarged ; in a 
special message he recommended jaublic action 
looking to the erection of a public building 
here by the national government, since which 



BEADING. 



851 



time particular efforts have been made in tiiat 
behalf. Upon his retirement from political 
life lie became interested in introducing the 
present satisfactory system of lighting the 
streets by electricity, having acted as secretary 
and treasurer of the company for a time, and 
all the original stock having been sub-scribed 
through his solicitation. He is now connected 
with his son, A. Harvey Tyson, Esq., in con- 
ducting, as a specialty, " Tyson's Real-Estate 
Title-Briefs." 

He is a prominent Mason, being connected 
with Chandler Lodge, No. 227, of which he is 
a Past Master, and of which, also, he has been 
secretary for the last twenty years, and is now 
District Deputy Grand Master of the Seventh 
District, comprising Berks and Lebanon 
Counties. He has officiated as recorder of 
Reading Commandery, Xo 42, Knights Tem- 
plar, since 1872. 

Mr. Tyson was married, December 23, lS-55, 
to Miss Anna Shultz, of Reading, and has 
three children now living, — A. Harvey Tyson, 
Esq., a prominent civil engineer at Reading, 
■who served as city engineer from 1881 to 1885 ; 
Charles H. Tyson, Esq., a practicing attorney 
at Reading, who was admitted to the bar in 
1884 ; and Estelle L. Tyson, now the youngest 
pupil in Reading High School. 

Mr. Tyson has always been an earnest advo- 
cate for progress in his native place, and in pub- 
lic life acquired a high reputation by his con- 
scientious administration of the trusts which 
the people had committed to him. 

WiLLiAXf G. Ro^VE, mayor of the city of 
Reading from 1881 to 1885, was born August 
13, 1841, at Newburg, in Cumberland County, 
Pa., to which place his parents had removed 
from Reading in 1840, and returned in 1846. 
His father was Henry B. Rowe, a blacksmith, 
who carried on that trade for many years at 
Reading, having made the shoeing of horses a 
specialty ; and was married to Elizabeth Zerbe. 
Both of his parents were born at Reading; the 
father died July 4, 18(36, aged nearly fifty-four 
years, leaving a widow and two sons, William 
G. and Joseph Z. 

Mr. Rowe was educated in the common 
schools of Reading, and learned the trade of 



blacksmith under his father. During that time 
the Civil War broke out, and he enlisted as a 
private in Company G, commanded by Captain 
George W. Alexander, in the First Regiment 
Pennsylvania Volunteers. Upon returning from 
active military service he became a partner with 
his father in the blacksmithing business, and con- 
tinued with him till his decease ; then he took 
sole control of it, and has since carried it on 
successfully at the old stand, on Cherry Street, 
below Fourth, where his father had been located 
for many years. 

In 1874, Mr. Rowe became actively interested 
in the political affairs of Reading. Previously 
he had identified himself with the Republican 
party, and as he grew in years he became more 
and more a stanch advocate of its principles. 
Whilst a resident of the Fifth Ward he M'as 
solicited to run for Common Council, but he 
declined. Upon removing into the Sixth Ward 
his many friends, of both political parties, urged 
him for the same office, and consenting, they 
placed his name upon the Republican ticket and 
elected him over the Democratic nominee. This 
was a high compliment to him, for the ward was 
then largely Democratic. He was re-elected in 
1876, serving altogether three years. In 1881 
he was nominated upon the Republican ticket 
for mayor and elected over Henry A. Tyson, 
who at the previous election had been chosen to 
this office on the Democratic ticket by the un- 
precedented majority of 1181 ; and in 1883, he 
was re-elected. This election and re-election of 
Mayor Rowe exhibits in a high degree the pop- 
ularity which he enjoyed in Reading, the city 
having been, during that time and for some 
years previously. Democratic by about four hun- 
dred majority. 

Mayor Rowe advocated earnestly numerous 
measures tending to develop the city in its 
various internal affairs. He issued permits for 
the erection of over two thousand new build- 
ings; he co-operated heartily with both branches 
of Councils in encouraging the entrance of the 
Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley Railroad into 
Reading; the proceedings for recovering posses- 
sion of the " Commons " and for instituting a 
public park received his earnest attention, re- 
commending in this behalf the raising of the 



852 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



taxes to pay the costs and expenses incurred 
rather than borroAv money and create indebt- 
edness for that purpose; he strenuously opposed 
the movements of the " Consumers' Gas Com- 
pany " in the city towards hiying down gas- 
pipes under special legislation, acting in har- 
mony with the wishes of the business people ; and 
he was progressive in the matter of improved 
highways, investigating the question of a "steam 
road-roller " in conjunction with a special com- 



making the shoeing of horses a specialty, 
for which he enjoys a high reputation, and has 
since followed it successfully at the old stand. 

Mayor Rowe was married to Miss Sallie B. 
Kimes, of Philadelphia, with whom he has two 
daughters, Lizzie and Sallie. 

jAAfEs K. Getz, the present mayor of the 
city of Reading, was born on the 19th of Jan- 
uary, 1 848, in Albany township, Berks County, 
Pa., and in 1854 removed with his parents to 




^ ^^€^^ 



mittee appointed for that purpose, and recom- 
mending its introduction. He had a superior 
police force and preserved the general order of 
the community in a very successful manner; 
and as a magistrate he was firm and dignified 
on the one hand, but kind, just and sympa- 
thizing on the other. During his administration 
he enjoyed the high respect antl confidence of 
the community, was popular in every section of 
the city and by his upright course won unto him- 
self many friends. Upon his retirement from 
office be resumed his business of a blacksmith, 



Reading, where he became a pupil of the pub- 
lic school, and later spent a year at the Phila- 
delj)hia Classical Academy. He then entered 
the store of his father (who was a wholesale 
grocer) as book-keeper, and acted in that ca- 
pacity until 1869, when he succeeded his father 
in the firm of Getz ct Grim. In 1874 he sold 
his half-interest to his partner and retired from 
the business. He then became interested with 
his father in the Reading steam marble-works, 
under tiie firm-name of H. S. Getz & Co., to 
which he devotes his almost exclusive attention. 



READING. 



853 



Mayor Getz has been affiliated with the Dem- 
ocratic party in politics since he cast his first 
vote and has been an influential factor in local po- 
litical measures. He was elected by a flattering 
majority, and in a district strongly Republican, 
to rejjreseut the Fifth Ward of Reading in the 
City Council in 1880, the second year filling 
the office of president of that body. In the 
spring of 1885 he was elected mayor of the city 
and is the present incumbent of the office While 



Mayor Getz was married, in 1873, to ilary 
Agnes, daughter of John H. and Margaret 
A. Jones, of Sinking Spring, in Berks County. 



PART X. 

CEXSUS OF READING.' 

Location of Population. — The followinsr 





& 



€^<fo'z.^^ 



<i^.§^ 



his executive ability and business training I 
eminently fit him for public life, he has i 
heretofore refused to accept political office, 
preferring to devote his energies to his 
private business enterprises. Mr. Getz is an i 
active Free-Mason, being a member of Lodge | 
No. 62; of Reading Chapter, No. 152; of De j 
Molay Commandery, No. 9 ; and of Creigh 
Council, No. 16. His religious creed is that of I 
the Reformed Church, with which he is con- 
nected by membership. I 



table is interesting to show the locality of the 
population. The major part of the population 
of Reading has been south of Penn Street since 
1840; but from 1850 till 1880 there was a 
gradual decrease, owing to the tendency of im- 
provements in northern sections of the city. 
Now the major part is north of Penn Street. 
Five wards are situated south of Penn Street 
and eight wards north : 

' See Census of Berks County, G44. 



w 



854 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1S3IJ. : 181(1. i IS.'id. 



South of Penn... 2162 4091 'JOOl 13,113| 17,912 
Korth of Peim...34(i9' 3419|5S42 10,049 16,018 



1572 4059 3,004) 1,894 



22,111 
21,107 



Population in 1847. — In 1847, when the 
borough of Reading was incorporated into a 
city, the enumeration was made by J. Lawrence 
Getz, publi.sher of the Readimj Gazette and 
Democrat, and publisiied by him in a small 
pamphlet, whicli he then offered for sale at ten 
cents a copy. The result of his enumeration 
was as follows : - 





1 1 1 


1 


1 

355 
396 
416 
573 
398 


i 


N. E. Ward 

N. W.Ward 

S. E.Ward 

S. W.Ward 


10771014 
12911252 
1282 1203 
1875:1906 
1116:1028 


2,091 
2.543 

2,485 
3,781 
2,144 


402 
409 
489 
685 
413 






North of Pent! St 


6641 6403 

2368 2266 
3273I4137 


13,044 

4,634 
8,410 


2138 

751 
1387 


2398 
811 


South of Penn St 


1587 



Population in 1876. — Edgar M. Levan, 
Esq., publisher of the Reading Sunday Revieic, 
caused a census of Reading to be taken in De- 
<^ember, 1876, from the 18th to tiie 23d. The 
result was as follows: 





MALES. 


FEMALES. 






£ 


i 




i 






1 




>» 


^ 






r" 




" 




T- 


"^ 




fM 


t! 











& 


3 


c 


1 


^ 


^ 


1st ward 


682 692 


1,374 


816 703 


1,519 


2,893 


2d " 


1249 1382 


2,631 


1,39211357 


2,749 


5,380 


3d " 


1097 994 


2,091 


1,20111128 


2,329 


4,420 


4th " 


676 521 


1,197 


871 1 581 


1,452 


2,649 


5th " 


8101 755 


1,565 


9111 760 


1,677 


3,242 


6th " 


921 959 


1,880 


9621 876 


1,838 


3,718 


7th " 


999, 766 


1,765 


1,135 840 


1,975 


3,740 


8th " 


1012 932 


1,944 


1,018 953 


1,971 


3.915 


9th " 


908 1022 


1.930 


1,010! 945 


1,955 


3,885 


10th " 


527 638 


1,165 


5301 590 


1,120 


2,285 


11th " 


884,1126 


2,010 


938 


1034 
9773 


1,972 


3,982 


Total.... 


9765 9787 


19,552 


10,784 


20,557 


40,109 



Buildings: Stores, 1044; occupied dwellings, 7732 ; 

'Colored, 192. In 1840 it was 221; in 1850, 3-3 
1860. 285 ; and in 1870. .311. 

'' Reading Gazelle and Democrat, August 17, 1850. 



vacant dwellings, 454; manufactories, 117; places of 
amusement, 6. 

Number of persons to each inhabited dwelling, 5.19. 

Se.xes of Population. — The population of 
Reading by sexes was as follows : 

Male. Female. 

1.S30 2,785 2,846 

1840 4,098 4,837 

1850 7,760 7,983 

1860 11,183 11,979 

1870 16,525 17,405 

188U 21,099 22,179 

CENSUS OF READING, 1790 TO 1880. 



WARDS. 


1790 
2235 


1800 
2386 


1810 

'. '. 
3462 


1820 
4332 


1830 
5856 


1840 

'. '. 
. . 

8410 


1850 

2,962 
:i,774 
3,165 
3,204 
2,638 


1860 

4,019 
4,189 
4,905 
6,760 
4,289 


1870 


1880 


Firet .... 
Second . . . 
Third. . . . 
Fimrth . . . 
Fifth .... 
Sixth .... 
Seventh . . . 
Eighth . . . 
Ninth. . . . 
Tenth .... 
Eleventh . . 


2,834 
5,5:iO 
3,732 
2,611 
3,205 
2,763 
3,.541 
3,6110 
6,024 


3,044 
0,563 
4,456 
2,826 
.3,399 
.3,762 
4,130 
3,874 
4,200 
2,834 
.^.lO.'i 


Total . . . 


15,743 


23,162 


33,930 


43,278 



Note.— In 18C1 the names of the wards were changed from names to 
numerals. The Spruce Ward to Firet Ward, the Southwest to Second, 
the Southeast to Third, the Northeast to Fourth, and the Northwest to 
the Fifth. In 18G4 the city was divided into nine wards ; in 1876 two 
wards were added,— the Tenth Ward having heen taken from the Second, 
and the Eleventh from the Ninth ; and in 18So the Eleventh Ward was 
divided into three wards. 

Taxables in 1886.— The following state- 
ment contains the ta.fable citizens of Reading in 
January, 1886, according to a computation or- 
dered by Hon. James K. Getz, mayor of the 
city, for the purpose of ascertaining the number 
of Councilmento which each ward is entitled. It 
includes not only men, but also \voiuen and 
minors who are ta.vable : 

Resident * Single 

WAKjis. Owners. Tenants. Men. Total. 

First 288 555 46 8X9 

Second 508 777 70 1,355 

Third 498 575 150 1,223 

Fourth 251 450 133 834 

Fifth 283 564 81 928 

Sixth 351 702 116 1,169 

Seventh 462 538 138 1,138 

Eighth 464 552 157 1,173 

Ninth 541 573 106 1,220 

Tenth 370 501 41 912 

Eleventh 282 405 44 731 

Twelfth 201 365 38 604 

Thirteenth 169 324 52 545 

Total 4668 6881 1172 12,721 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



855 



CHAPTER XXiy. 

BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 

The following nine boroughs have been erected 
in Berks County, and the historical narrative of 
each appears in the order mentioned : Kutztown, 
Womelsdorf, Hamburg, Boyertown, Bernville, 
Birdsboro', Fleetwood, Toptou and Centreport. 



KUTZTOWN. 

The borough of Kutztown is situated on Saeony 
Creek, in the southern part of Maxatawny town- 
ship. The lands in this locality were patented 
April 10, 1728, to Peter Wentz, and embraced a 
tract of one thousand acres, of which five hundred 
and fifty acres were devised to his son Jacob. On 
June 16, 1755, Jacob Wentz and his wife, Eliza- 
beth, conveyed one hundred and thirty acres of 
this land, lying along the Saeony, to George Kutz, 
a farmer. Twenty four years later, in February, 
1779, the latter laid out a town to which he gave 
the name of Kutztown. The plan embraced one 
hundred and five acres in-lots and a like number 
of out-lots, all of which were subject to a perpetual 
ground-rent. The lots located on Front, or Main 
Street, were fifty feet wide and one hundred and 
sixty feet deep, subject to a rental of 5s. Sd. On 
the lots on White Oak and the other streets of the 
original town the rental was 28. 9d., and on the 
out- lots 5s. Towards the close of the last century 
Henry Kohler became the proprietor of Kutztown, 
and such lots as have not been released of this 
ground-rent are still subject to the demands for its 
annual payment. The first payment was made on 
May 27, 1779. South'of the original plan and 
beyond the lane called " Baldy's (after a black- 
smith who lived there) an addition was laid out 
without any ground-rent, which, in consequence 
received the name of " Freetown." The place 
grew slowly. Dr. John D. Schoep, who traveled 
through this part of Berks County in 1783, 
expressed himself as follows in reference to the 
naming of Kutztown : "A wealthy German, in 
order to tickle his ears with the agreeable sound of 
his name, gave the land for this place, which was 
first settled three years ago, and which has only a 
few small houses." '' 



' 5 Penna. Mag. of History, p. 75. 



Among the first transfers of lots were those 
made in 1785 to Adam Deitrieh and Henry 
Schweier (an inn-keeper), the former having 
bought seven in-lots and ten out-lots, and the latter 
six in-iotsand eleven out-lots, and then part of the 
Kutz farm (seventy-four acres and one hundred 
perches, embraced in the one hundred and thirty 
acres) was sold to George Kutz, Jr. These persons 
having bought a number of lots, it is likely that 
they had speculative purposes in view. The first 
house was a one-story log building, near the Saeony 
Creek, on the lot now occupied by the residence of 
Daniel Sharadin. It was demolished about 1850. 
Half a mile south of it, on Main Street, where is 
now the residence of J. Daniel Wanner, Esq. , the 
log house of Jacob Baldy was situated — i-emoved 
about thirty years ago. 

The Esser house is one of the oldest buildings 
standing, and was put up about a century ago b}' 
Jacob Esser. The Captain Daniel Bieber house, 
on Main Street, also ranks as one of the oldest. 
Most of the old landmarks have given way to fine, 
substantial buildings. The progress of the village 
is thus noted by Prof Ermentrout : 

" Our esteemed friend, Fayette Schoedler, informs 
us that, in 1817, from the stone house next to Baldy's 
Lane, clear out to the southern limits of the town, and 
far beyond, nothing but woodland greeted the eye of 
the traveler; whiLst the people not unfrequently 
gathered in their strength to assist some luckless 
horses in dragging out of the deep mud the farmer's 
wagon and the laborer's cart. In Freetown, on that 
side of the street where now stands the new erected 
mansion of J. D. Wanner, Esq., down to 1830, there 
were built three houses only, those of Messrs. Baldy, 
Sander and Strasser, — a tract of land which is now 
beautified by private residences of every description, 
whilst farther out stand the residences of Jonathan 
Biehl, William Kutz, David Sharadin, the splendid 
houses of John G. Wink and Colonel Thomas D. Fis- 
ter, and, towering above them all, the Keystone Nor- 
mal School, whose cupola, during a crisp winter's 
night, seems almost a globe of crystal suspended in 
mid-air. In 1800 was built the stone house now known 
as Siegfried's by Adam Kutz, who owned the laud on 
both sides of the street, from Baldy's Lane to where 
now lives William Hein.' In Kutztown, in 1817, 
taverns were kept by George Pfister, Daniel Levan 
and Isaac Levan." 

Incorporation. — Kutztown was incorporated 
as a borough March 1, 1815, by an act similar to 
the act of 1783, by which Reading was incorpor- 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PEXX.SYLAAXIA. 



ated iuto a borough. Henry Heist and Jacob 
Levan were appointed to supervise the first elec- 
tion at the house of Daniel Levan. The first 
burgess was Henry Heist. The other officers 
were: Town Council, Jacob Levan, Esq. (presi- 
dent), Moth AVilson, Dewalt Wink, Peter Gift, 
George Fister, Jonathan Grim and John Kutz ; 
Jacob Levan (merchant), treasurer; James 
Scull, town clerk ; Solomon Kutz, collector ; 
Jacob Humbert and George Breyfbgel, supervis- 
ors ; George Bieber and Thomas Lightfoot, regu- 
lators ; Jacob Gratf, High Constable. 

The following list comprises ihe chief burgesses 
and town clerks since 1816: 

Term. Burgecss. Ck-rk. 

1816-17 Dewalt Bieber James Scull. 

1818 Daniel Levan John Fister. 

1819 George Breyfogle John Fister. 

1820-21 George Breyfogle James Donagan. 

1822 Henry Heist James Donagan. 

1823 John Kutz James Donagan. 

1824 Jonathan Prime Loyd Wharton. 

1825-2(5 John Palsgrove James Donagan. 

1827 Jacob Esser James Donagan. 

1828 Geo. A. Odenheimer James Donagan. 

1829 John Fister , James Donagan. 

1830 Daniel Bieber James Donagan. 

1831 John Palsgrove James Donagan. 

1832 John Fister James Donagan. 

1833 Peter Gift Henry Heist. 

1834 John Fi.-iter James Donagan. 

18.35 John Fister George Bieber. 

1836 William Heidenreich... .George Bieber. 

1837 Peter Gift Wm. F. Sellers. 

1838 George Bieber Wm. F. Sellers. 

1839 Daniel Bieber Wm. F.Sellers. 

1840 John V. Houck Wm. F. Sellers. 

1841 Dr. William Bieber David NefF. 

1842 William Heidenreich. ..David Xeff. 

1843 William Heidenreich. ..George Hortzell. 

1844 Jacob Graefl'. Wm. S. Bieber. 

1845 George Bieber Wra. S. Bieber. 

1846 Daniel Bieber Wm. S. Bieber. 

1847 William Heidenreich. ..Wm. S. Bieber. 

1848 Daniel Bieber Wm. S. Bieber. 

1849 David Fister Wm. S. Bieber. 

18.50 Daniel B. Kutz Wm. S. Bieber. 

1851 David Levan Wm. S. Bieber. 

1852 Jacob Graeff. Henry C. Kutz. 

1853 Reuben Sharadin Wm. S. Bieber, 

1854 .John Fister Tames M. Gehr. 

1855 Daniel B. Kutz H. B.VanScheetz. 

1856 Fayette Schaedler J. D. Wanner. 

1857-58 Hiram F. Bickel J. D. Wanner. 

1859 J. S. Tre.xler Tames M. Gehr. 

1860 B. H. Kutz J. D. Wanner. 



Term. Burgess. Clerk. 

1861 William Helfrich J. D. Wanner. 

1862 Jacob Sunday J. D. Wanner. 

1863-64 C. H. Wanner J. D. Wanner. 

1865-66 David Fister J. D. Wanner. 

1867 David Fister A. C. Beidelman. 

1868-69 Paul Hilbert H. H. Schwartz. 

1870 John Humbert H. H. Schwartz, 

1871 David Fister J. D. Wanner. 

1872 Lewis Hotteastein Jonas Hoch. 

1873-74 J. D. Wanner H. H. Schwartz. 

1875 Daniel Hinterleiter E. D. Bieber. 

1876 S. S. Schmehl J. H. Marx. 

1877 John M. Graeff. J. H. Marx. 

1878 R. Dewalt J. H. Marx. 

1879 Walter B. Bieber J. D. Wanner. 

1880 Walter B. Bieber J. H. Marx. 

1881-82 D. W. Sharadin J. D. Wanner. 

1883-84 D. F. Bieber J. D. Wanner. 

For the same time the following have been the treas- 
urers : 

1815-19, Henry Heist. 
1820-22, Jacob B. Levan. 
1823, Isaac B. Levan. 
1824-54, Joseph Heist. 
1855-56, Charles W. Esser. 
1857-59, Charles Kutz. 
1860, Henry Ege. 
1861-64, C. W. Esser. 
186.5-66, Henry Biehl. 
1867-68, Richard Dunkel. 
1869-N. S. Zimmerman. 
1S7U-71, S. S. Schmehl. 
1872-74, D. B. Snyder. 

1875, Isaac K. Rahn. 

1876, John Humbert. 
1877-78, S. S. Schmehl. 
1879, Lewis A. Stein. 
1880-84, William Stein. 

In 188.5 the borough officials were : 

Burgess, W. B. Bieber; Councilmen, A. B. Urich 
(president), William Sanders, Benneville Levan, 
James Herman, James De Turk, Edward Hottenstein ; 
Clerk, J. D. Wanner; Treasurer, VV. W. Stein; Reg- 
ulators, John Humbert, David K. Hottenstein ; Jus- 
tices, James Marx, John Humbert. 

Other justices have been the following : Heury 
Heist, Jacob Graert" Charles AVauuer, W. S. Bie- 
ber, John B. Van Scheetz, James 31. Gehr, J. D. 
Wanner and Charles W. Esser. 

The following statement comprises the first 
assessment roll of the borough for the year 1817: 

Angstadt, Joseph, gunsmith 20 

Baity, Jacob, Sr., blacksmith 592 

Biehl, Daniel, tinman 905 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



857 



Baity, Jacob, Jr., blacksmith 32 

Bryfogel, George, Sr., farmer 032 

Busby, Samuel, shoemaker 20 

Bieber, Dewald, merchant 1617 

Bast, Dewald, farmer 2904 

Becker, Ephraira, doctor 705 

liariier, Michael 3'JO 

Benjamin, John, hatter 20 

Cup|), Conrad, town-crier 600 

Cupp, Andrew 150 

Cupp, Christian, cabinet-maker 20 

Dennis, John, shoemaker 752 

Dum, Thomas X12 

Deisher, John 350 

Dennis, Jacob 

Ernst, Nicholas, farmer 1122 

Essert, Jacob, cabinet-maker 1 384 

Essert, Daniel, cabinet-maker 20 

Essert, George, cabinet-maker 20 

Fister, George, inn-keeper 1572 

Fister, John, sa<ldler 20 

Fritz, Peter, cabiuet-maker 532 

Gross, Joseph 92 

Geehr, Philip, Esq., justice 32 

Gitft, Peter, clock-maker 102 

Geehr, Benjamin, saddler 20 

Graft; Jacob, blacksmith 760 

Grube, Christina 350 

Glasser, Daniel, hatter 420 

Geschwind, John 

Geehr, Samuel, andLevan, Jacob 580 

Grim, Jonathan 2852 

(ieisweit, Peter, laborer 32 

Herbine, Samuel, cooper 954 

Humberd, Jacob, carpenter 32 

Hottenstiue, Catharine 682 

Heist, Henry 962 

Heninger, John, shoemaker 882 

Heirst, Hannah, widow 500 

Harmony, Benjamin, tailor 32 

Jung, John, laborer 20 

Kutz, Peter, tinman 1272 

Kutz, Adam, carpenter 1762 

Kutz, Jacob, mason 32 

Knoske, John, minister 772 

Keatier, Joseph 302 

Kutz, John, tailor 1077 

Reiser, Joseph 1037 

Kutz, Peter, llevolutionary soldier 1209 

Kutz, Daniel 462 

Kemp, George, Jr 900 

Kohler, Henry, propr. of Kutztown H'1..1600 

Klein, Philip 500 

Kaup, Andrew, wheelwright 20 

Klein, Jacob, tailor 20 

Klein, Isaac ; 430 

Keller, Israel, shoemaker 20 

Kutz, Solomon, butcher 722 

Kister, George, tailor 820 

74 



Keiser, Jacob, weaver 432 

Levan, Jacob, Esq 1107 

Levan, Daniel, inn-keeper 1602 

Levan, Jacob, inn-keeper 1923 

Lehman, Jacob, tinman 20 

Levan, Charles, innkeeper 95 

Levan, Isiuic, inn-keeper 44 

McCandless, Robert 

Neff, .John, mason 1494 ^^ 

Nevel, Jacob, laborer 

Neff, Henry, mason 692 

Nett; Peter 1464 

Neudorf, Susanna, widow 420 

Owerbeck, Jacob, tobacconist 140 

Old, (rabriel, carpenter 32 

Paltzgrove, John, weaver 854 

Rudcnauer, Samuel 52 

Reifsnyder, Abrani 20 

Rever, Adam 7(J0 

Sharodin, John, hatter 1072 

Sander, Henry ><20 

Strasser, Michael, carpenter 70 

Seigfried, John, Sr 490 

Seigfried, John, Jr 50 

Sel fridge, Mathias, merchant 32 

Schotield, Ebenezer, shoemaker 232 

Smith, Catharine {estate of) 300 

Till, Jacob, teacher 40 

Woltt; Peter, laborer 20 

Wickert, Jacob, tailor 20 

Wilson, Mothcral 2110 

Winck, Dewald, hatter 744 

Wanner, Abram, hatter 1052 

SiiKjle Freemen. 

Bast, Jacob. 

Becker, Samuel. 

Becker, Benjamin. 

Essert, Jacob. 

Glasser, Jonathan. 

Harmony, Jonathan. 

Mehrman, William. 

Owerbeck, Henry. 

O'Neal, David. 

Odenheimer, George. 

Smith, James, each 75 cts. 

Total valuation ^iy\,^SS?) 

Rate, \\ mills on dollar. 

Geokge Bryfogel, Amenor. 

Houses 69 

Horses 47 

Cows 63 

Progress of the Borough. — After the iacor- 
poratiou of the borough, in 18L5, its progress was 
uneventful but steady. The condition of affairs in 
1835 was as follows : 

" In Maxatawny, in 1835, there were three hundred 
and sixty-four taxables, and in Kutztown one hun- 



858 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



dred and fifty-nine. These latter lived in one hun- 
dred and five houses, and represented eight hundred 
persons. In the town there were four stores, five 
taverns, three esquires, one German and two English 
schools, and one church. They owned five hundred 
and fifty acres of out-lots, whilst the borough proper 
occupied twenty-rive acres. On three hundred and 
seventy acres of the former grew corn, potatoes, flax, 
hay, etc. ; and one hundred and seventy-two acres 
yielded eight thousand and two shocks of grain, of 
which five thousand five hundred were wheat. Com- 
puting these (8002) at five and a half bushels to the 
hundred sheaves, they thrashed four thousand four 
hundred bushels, or twenty-five and a half bushels to 
the acre. If now we suppo.se that each of the eight 
hundred inhabitants needed for living five bushels, it 
follows that, in 1835, the town owned four hundred 
bushels of grain more than it consumed. The re- 
maining three hundred and seventy-eight acres pro- 
duced more than plenty of the other necessaries of 
life, while the land within the borough proper poured 
into the lap of its owners a rich supply of the delica- 
cies of each returning season. 

" During the same year wheat commanded $1.20 per 
bushel ; rye, 80 cts. ; corn, 75 cts. ; oats, 35 cts. ; po- 
tatoes, 50 cts. ; rye whiskey, 35 cts. per gallon ; apple 
jack, 35 cts. ; hams, 11 cts. per pound ; pork, 10 cts. ; 
beef, 6 cts. ; firkin butter, 1 1 cts. ; hickory wood, $3.00 ; 
oak, $2.25; coal, $5.00; eggs, 8 cts. per dozen. 

" For the year ending March 31, 1835, the post-office 
of Kutztown paid over to the department at Wash- 
ington $153.68, and of Rothrocksville, $17.12. It 
must not be forgotten, however, that many citizens of 
Maxatawny made use of the postal fiudlities of the 
borough. 

"From April 17, 1835, to April 15, 1830, the income 
and expenses of the town were each $381,375." ' 

During the next fifteen years few material 
changes took place. In 1850 the number of 
houses was one hundred and fifteen, occupied by 
one hundred and thirty-one families. The male 
population numbered three hundred and thirty 
and the female three hundred and seventeen ; the 
children of school age numbered one hundred and 
sixty-three. Certain customs and forms of enjoy- 
ment were then encouraged with great spirit, 
which caused the name of Kutztown to become 
widely known. It was the era of fairs, battalions 
and frolics. 

On February 1, 1837. a daily line of stages from 
Reading, by way of Kutztown to Easton, was sub- 
stituted for the tri-weekly stages, and a line was 
then also established from Kutztown to Norristown 



via Boyertown. The borough was on the princi- 
pal highways, south and west, and it was visited 
by men of distinction, who passed from one point 
to another. In 183fi, during the first week in 
October, Governor Joseph Rituer, the Hon. H. A 
Muhlenberg and General AVilliam Henry Harrison 
were among the distinguished men who visited the 
borough. In 1839.. Martin Van Buren was ten- 
dered a reception by a delegation which went out to 
meet him and e.scorted him to town with martial 
music. He dined at the present Ulrich Miller 
house. He was on his way to Easton from Read- 
ing, amid the huzzas of the assembled multitudes. 
In 1840, during the Presidential campaign, one of 
the most stirring events was the political speech of 
the Buckeye Blacksmith, an orator of great power 
and success in advocating the Whig doctrines of 
that day. He made a horseshoe in the shop of 
Nathan Wink, and then spoke to an immenes 
crowd of people assembled in front of Fauber's 
Hotel, keeping it in good humor in spite of a pur- 
pose on the part of many to molest him. 

Fairs and Battalions. — As early as 1831 
that peculiar institution, the " Y'early Fair," had a 
popular existence in Kutztown. It was not a dis- 
play of mechanical and agricultural products, but 
an occasion for hilarious sport, as will be seen from 
the following announcement : 

" The Yearly Fair will be held Aug. 12 & 13, 1831. 
Persons fond of military parade will see Capt. Grim's 
comjiany of Horse, and Capt. Bieber's company of 
Infantry, aud the Kutztown Band of Music parade on 
these days. Shows and pastimes of all kinds will be 
exhibited. Hucksters will be well jirovided with 
Beer, Mead, Sweet Meats and all the Fruits in Season. 
The Youth are informed that there will be an abun- 
dance of good music and plenty of pretty girls to 
dance to it." ' 

An example of tiie fairs at a later ilay is 
given in the following circular : 

" GL.ENZENDE FAIR IN DER STADT KDTZTAUN. 

" Am Freytag und Samstag, den 2ten und 3ten 
naechsten September, wirdinderStadt Kutztaun eine 
glaenzende Fair gehaltcn werden. Unter den vielen 
ansiehenden Gegenstaonden, welche dieses glaenzende 
Fest zieren werdcu, brauchen wir nur anzufuehren, 
dass ein gauzes Regiment Freiwilliger zur Parade aus- 
ruecken werden — Cavallarie und Infanterie, und dass 
verschiedenartige militaerische Manoever ausgetuchrt 



^Berki and Schui/lkill Journal, July 13, 1831. 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



859 



werden sollen. Dir Wirthe haben sich nebenbei mit 
den besten Getraenken versehen ; stark und seh wach, 
vom besten Braendy bis aufs klare Wasser, so dass 
audi Temjierenz Leute accommodirt werden koennen 
— wie aiich mit den besten Si)eisen fuer Van Buren 
und Harrison Leute — wie audi mit Platz fuer 8000 
Mann, denn man erwartet, dass diese Fairungewoehn- 
lich zahlreicb beaucht werden wird. Fuer gute Fid- 
dler ist ebenfalls gesorgt worden. Dass aueh Pf'erde 
Wettrennen stattfinden werden, versteht sich von 
selbst. Namentlich wird das beruehmte Virginien 
Pf'erd Bucephalus gegen das vollbluetige importirte 
PfeidRosinante springen. Auch werden einige kleine 
Ballons in die Hoehe gelasseu werden. 

" P.S.-Es wird erwartet, dass die Laedies vom Lande 
sich ein wenig schoen aufdressen werden — indem die 
Kutztauner Laedies sich von Kopf zum Fuss mit den 
praechtigsten neuen StoflTen aus unsern Stohren verse- 
hen haben. 

" Kutztaun, August 17, 18:W!." 

At first the battalions and the militia trainings 
were one and the same thing. When the latter 
were abolished, the festivities originally connected 
with them were continued under the name of the 
former. These were held in the month of May, 
the fairs in September, and the frolics whenever 
the humor of the people and the wishes of land- 
lords required them. About forty years ago fairs 
died out. These became so unpopular that it 
sometimes happened that no sufficient notice of the 
time of their holding was given. As a result of 
this, the lovers of fun who lived in the remoter 
parts of the county, occasionally made their ap- 
pearance in Kutztown a day too late. From this 
fact originated the well-known phrase " a day after 
the fair." 

The battalions were the occasion of immense 
gatherings. Not only did the militia turn out, 
but the volunteer organizations swelled the ranks 
until more than a thousaud men were in line. 
General Jeremiah Shappell is best remembered as 
a brigade inspector who ably handled this body of 
citizen soldiers, and his military bearing is still re- 
membered by the old citizens. These gatherings 
were seldom bloodless. Men of brutal disposition 
looked forward to them as the time when they 
would meet kindred spirits, and in sanguinary 
combats determine who should be entitled to 
homage as the " bully " the ensuing year. Hence 
fights and brawls were of constant occurrence, and 
the whole influence was debasing. The battalionss 



were not inclined to elevate life, and it was not 
until the Normal School, with its refining influence, 
had made them obnoxious in the sight of the 
respectable element of the community that they 
finally succumbed in 1873. The " Frolic " has 
also been relegated to the past, and its departure 
should cause no regrets. It was a low form of 
amusement, whose existence is not possible among 
refined people ; and those who regarded it as a 
form of enjoyment in their youth looked upon it 
as mad folly in their maturer years, and so severely 
discountenanced it that it died for want of 
patronage. 

Railroad. — " The tendency toward public and 
social improvement was now also greatly aided by 
the branch railroad which connects Kutztown, by 
way of Topton, with the chief centres of American 
civilization. Failing in their plans to have the 
East Pennsylvania Railroad pass through the 
borough, the people bent their energies upon the 
completion of what once bore the name of the Allen- 
town and Auburn Railroad, but is now known as 
the Allentown Railroad. To this had been sub- 
scribed by Kutztown and vicinity more than 
twenty thousand dollars. Work was commenced 
on it in IH.")?, but the financial panic that ensued 
put a stop to the project. Meanwhile the Phila- 
delphia and Reading Railroad Company obtained 
control of the stock. In 1868 our citizens, in 
public meeting assembled, drew up a petition, in 
which they requested the company to complete the 
road from Topton to Kutztown. Their petition 
met with a generous response. On June 9, 1869, 
work was begun. Mr. Fayette Schoedler had the 
honor of digging up the first earth. Under the 
direction of Engineer G. W. Hoover, Conductor 
George Snodgrass and Baggage-Master Theodore 
G. Faber, the first train was run on January 10, 
1870."' 

The depot building was completed in 1870, and 
the telegraph line constructed in February, 1873. 
Half a dozen trains each way are daily maintained, 
enabling the borough to have rapid communica- 
tion with all points in the country. Population 
and all forms of industries increased rapidly. In 
1870 there were 945 inhabitants, an increase of but 
30 during the preceding decade. In 1880 the in- 

1 Ermentrout. 



S(!() 



IIlSTOllY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



habitants numbered 1198, and in 1885 tiie popu- 
lation was estimated at 1500. 

Public-Houses. — Kutztown lias always had a 
liberal supply of inns and hotels. One of the first 
was that of George W. Fister, which occupied the 
site of the present" Pennsylvania House." Later, 
he kept the " Washington House " many years, 
and made it the headquarters for a Hue of stages 
in which he was interested. At this place he 
entertained James Buchanan, Martin Van Buren 
andother noted public men. He was succeeded by his 
son David, and a later landlord was Ulrich Miller- 
The " Black Horse " tavern is also an old stand' 
the first house then having been a weather- boarded 
log building. The keeper was Killian Borst. The 
present house was built by Jacob Fisher in 1845 
and ke|)t by him until 1858, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Daniel Zimnicrniaii, who has since that 
time been its popular landlord. 

Where Isaac Hottenstein now resides, IMichael 
Ilciidil jivcil in 182.'?-24, and his swinging sign, 
witii Andrew Jackson emblazoned on it, told the 
weary traveler, as he trudged or rude up the street, 
that he could be accommodated with refreshments 
to warm his freezing body in winter and to cool 
himself in summer. Farther up, the ' Full Moon " 
shed its mellow beams on tlic belated wanderer, 
and invited him in to "Apple Jack" and ])ure 
"Ohl Rye." lis JMndl.inl, David Moyer, it is 
said, astonished tiie natives by the erection of a 
clover-mill, which was operated by ox-power. More 
than seventy years ago a man named Lesher had 
an inn on the site now occupied by the John 
Kohler mansion. It was a yellow frame building 
and quite ])<ipular in its day. The Levan family 
furnished many of the first landlords, at one time 
three i)er.sons by that name having conducted 
taverns in the borough. In 1.SS5 Kutztown con- 
tained six public-houses 

Business Places. — It is believed that Jacob 
Herman sold the first goods at Kutztown, in a 
regular store, which was in a building on the lot 
now owned by John Gonser, and a little later 
George Fister was in trade. Mothcral Wilson was 
a successful merchant in the borough for many 
years ; he was succeeded by his nephew, Matthew 
Selfridge. They last occupied the present Walter 
Bieber stand. Grim & Odenheimer were in trade 
in the house of Rev. J. S. Herinau, lonir since 



converted into a residence. Dewald Bieber was an 
early merchant of prominence, at the present 
Reinhart stand. Heidenreich & Kutz and M. 
Arnold a'so had stores after 1825. In later years 
the Bieber, Fister, Fisher, Hinterleiter and Stein 
families furnished rejireseutative merchants, whose 
busine.ss was a credit to the place. Schmehls had 
the pioneer hardware store, the Breningers the drug 
store and I. F. Christ one of the first book-stores. 

The first grain warehouse was built in 1869, by 
John R. Gonser and James S. Heffner, which has 
been occupied by the latter since 1873. Near by, 
George Ludwig built the second warehouse, in 
1870, in which Fogel & Zimmerman carried on 
business a nund)er of years. Since 1885, William 
H. Hefiiier has been engaged in this business. 
Both firms transact a heavy business. 

Protection urom Fire. — From the town rec- 
ords interesting extracts, relating to jimtection 
from fires and the improvement of the .-streets, 
show that in 181() fire-laddei-s were provided. 
William Henninger was authorized to take the 
same to the shop of Jacob Baldy and liave thi^m 
.shod. As early as 1820 steps were taken to secure 
a fire-engine, but none was purchased until 18;$0, 
when Dr. Christian L. Schlemm, George Bieber 
anil William Heidenreich, as a committee, pur- 
chased an engine. The following year an engine- 
house was built by Benjamin Bachman for $44.75. 
In 1836 the fire company then in existence com- 
plained that the engine was out of repair. In 
1840 another engine was bought, and January 1, 
1841, Dr. Bieber was appointed a committee to 
procure a fire bell for the use of the 

American Fire Company. — This company 
became an incorporated body A))ril 2, 1844. Its 
members were, — 



Charles W. Esser. 
Samuel Schneider. 
Wm. Heist. 
Isaac K. Strausser. 
.lonathan Fritz. 
.Tanies M. Leidy. 
Elias Fegely. 
I'eter Angstadt. 
Harrison Ohl. 
John Sclineider. 
David Jjcvan. 
Abraham Levan. 
Charles H. Gehr. 
William Sohleui. 
Reuben Hast. 



Henry G. Henniiiirer. 
John Kover. 
John a. Wink. 
Joshua Bieber. 
tJohn H. 1-^sscr. 
Jacob Dieter. 
Jonathan S. Grim. 
David Nett: 
John Y. Houck. 
Edward G. Knoske. 
Levi Reppert. 
David Fegely. 
Edwin H. Bieber. 
Daniel Gift. 
Isaac Baldy. 



BOROUGHS OF COTTNTY. 



861 



In 1854, there being no fire company in exist- 
ence, owing to the engine being out of repair, the 
young boys of the borough petitioned the Council 
for permission to organize a company. Tlie re- 
quest was not allowed. The engine was repaired 
by Paul Hilbert and Henry Glasser, but not thor- 
oughly, it would seem, for in IH'yH two hundred 
dolhii-s more were expended for this purj)ose, 
through D. B. Kutz & Co. 

hi 18(10 the Borough Council di>cided to liuild 
an engine-house, but the Civil War caused the 
matter to be suspended. Tlic building was not 
put up until 1871. It is a two-story brick, twenty- 
one by thirty feet, and cost one thousand three 
hun<lred and forty-nine dollars. In it are housed 
the old fire-engines, but no company to man the 
same is now maintained. 

Street Imtkovembnt. — In US;").") an ordinance 
was passed to grade Main Street, which was op- 
posed by many property-holders as not conducive 
to the public welfare, and as tending to increa.se 
the taxes unnecessarily. " But we are in favor of 
having the pavements made, every man's according 
to his neighbor's." 

This year the wages for working on the roads 
were, for men, eighty-seven and a half cents ; for 
boys, forty-three and three-fourths cents. This 
exactness and regard for the fraction of a dollar 
finds a counterpart in the report of the treasurer 
in 1829, which indicated a balance in the treasury 
of $30.31 1. 

For a long while the borough maintained the 
office of clerk of the market, a position which was 
filled first by C!onrad Ckpp an<l many years by 
John Baer. 

In 1857 the first lock-up was built by Nathan 
Levan, by contract, for one hundred and forty- 
nine dollars. The principal street of the borough 
is well paved and fairly well lighted. The public 
irajirovements were much retarded by the Civil 
War. The borough was at great expense during 
that period in procuring volunteers and filling 
quotas. The following table shows the men fur- 
nished and approj)riations niade : 

Firstcall, Oct. (), 1802, nine men volunteers. $927.33 
First call, June 29, 18(i3, thirty men, State 

defense 100.00 

Second call, Feb. 5, 18G4, seventeen men 

for quota .")100.00 



Second call, Apr. 7, 1864, four men addi- 
tional 1155.00 

Third call, Sept., 1864, fifteen men for 

quota 7180.00 

Third call, Sept., 1864, two men additional 400.00 

Fourth call, March, 1865, thirteen men 3900.00 

Expenses in filling third and fourth calls.... 157.88 

Expenses in filliugfourth call 15.00 

Total amount $19,00.^21 

" Of this sum, $1810.00 were raised by private sub- 
scription, and $3,000.00 by county bounty ; the re- 
mainder by the borougli. 

" The bounty tax in Maxatawny amounted to 
$48,000.00." 

Manukactures. — One of the first iu<lustries of 
the place, aside from the ordinary mechanic pur- 
suits, was the building of pipe-organs by the Open- 
heiraer Brothers, who removed to Reading where 
they followed the same occupation. 

In the lower part of the borough a tannery was 
operated i'uv w number of years, with success, l>y 
Nathan Levjui, who was also a currier by trade. 
It was removed about twenty-five years ago. 

The Kufzforvn Tannery was establisbed in 1870 
by the present proprietor, J. D. Sharadin. It con- 
sists of a main building, thirty-three by seventy- 
two feet, two stories high, with an extension thirty 
by thirty feet. The power is furnished by a 
ten horse-power engine. The product is chiefly 
oak-tanned harness-leather, although kipp and 
calf-skins are also prepared. From five to six 
men are employed. 

The Kutztmvn Shoe-Factory was established in the 
fall of 1883 by a company composed of Hon. H. H. 
Schwartz, Dr. J. S. Trexler, Nathan Levan, Wil- 
liam F. Stimmel, Lewis A. Stein and A. A. Lentz, 
under the firm-name of Levan, Stein & Co. Lentz 
withdrew in 1884. The business has since been 
carried on successfully by the firm. The factory 
occupies a large building, formerly used by 
Davied Saul as a brewery, but not operated for 
many years. The firm employ thirty woi'kmen in 
the factory, and manufacture shoes for ladies, 
!nisses and children. An increasing trade indi- 
cates the prosperity of their enterprise. 

Eck\ Hodery- Factory was established in the fall 
of 1882 by J. L. Eck. He began operations with 
three machines, and has steadily increased his bus- 
iness, until now there are thirty weaving and knit- 
ting-machines in the factory. A new building 



862 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



was fitted up in 1884, with steam for motive- 
power. The operatives are girls and boys and 
the products are plain and fancy hose, chiefly for 
women and children. About three hundred 
dozen pairs are manufactured weekly. 

Carriage- Factory. — The carriage-factory of R. 
Miller's Son, on Main Street, was established by 
R. Miller in 1837. The present building has beeu 
occupied since 1873. It is of brick, sixty by sixty- 
four feet, two stories high, with a blacksmith- 
shop, thirty by sixty feet, attached. From twelve 
to eighteen hands are employed on light vehicles 
and sleighs. 

Kutztoum Foundry and Machine- Shops. — This 
industry was established in 18.'!)1 by Daniel B. 
Kutz and Elia-s Jackson. In 18(}5 the Zehni 
Brothers became the proprietors, who, four years 
later, moved to the present site. The foundry was 
burned down in 1870 and the present shops were 
erected the same year. The main shop is of brick, 
forty-two by one hundred and two feet, two stories 
high, and is well supplied with lathes and iron- 
working machinery. The motive-power is fur- 
nished by a thirty horse-power engine. The plant 
embraces about one and one-fourth acres, which 
include smaller work-shops and buildings for stor- 
age purposes. A track from the railroad, close at 
hand, affords easy shi])nient for the products of the 
establishment. Twenty hands are employed in 
the manufacture of engines, boilers, steam-pumps, 
mining, milling and slate machinery. A specialty 
is made of the Keystone Turbine Water-Wheel. 
The present proprietors are Chas. G. and Fred. S. 
Zehm. 

Isaac Wenlzcl & Sons built a machine-shop 
near the Sacony in 1873, consisting of a two-story 
frame building, thirty by forty-five feet, with steam 
for motive-power. They mauufacture general 
farming implements. 

Cigars. — In the borough the manufacture of 
cigars is carried on by Fritch & Merker, Harvey 
Bast and C. W. Keiter, the latter employing six- 
teen hands. 

Bricks. — John H. Molir and William Weaver 
each have large and well-appointed brick-yards, 
just outside the limits of the borough, which give 
employment to a large number of hands. The 
clay is of fine (juality and the bricks manufactured 
bv them are very durable. 



Lime is manufactured extensively by John D. 
Deisher, Neff Bros., Lewis Brown, A. W. Fritch 
and William Wessner. The first-named has a 
dozen kilns. This business affords occupation for 
a large number of men. 

Kutztown Creamery. An association with forty- 
nine members was organized in the si)ring of 1881, 
for the manufacture of butter and cheese ; and in 
the following summer a fine two-story brick build- 
ing (thirty four by forty-four feet) was put up, 
and the other necessary buildings provided to 
carry on the business. The entire outlay was 
about four thousand dollars. The creamery has 
been carried on sueces.sfully, having about seventy 
patrons who supply milk daily. In 1885 William 
S. Kutz was president ; David S. Schaefl'er, treas- 
urer ; and J(juathan Biehl, secretary. 

Kutztoivn Furnace was erected by the Kutztown 
Iron Company, which was incorporated in l'H72. 
Most of the stockholders lived in Kutztown and 
vicinity, although some persons from abroad were 
interested. A tract of five acres of land was 
secured from the D. S. Kutz farm, near the l)or- 
ough, and thereon the furnace was built in 1873, 
the first ground having been dug July '2d, by Henry 
Boyer. The contractors were Lee, Noble ct Co. 
The furnace was first operated under a lease by 
Charles H. Nimson & Co., with Henry C. Cooper 
as the manager. In the course of a few years the 
furnace became the property of the Philadelphia 
and Reading Coal and Inm Company, who leased 
it to difierent parties. William M. Kauffman A' 
Co. have beeu the most succe.ssful operators. lu 
July, I8S3, the boiler of the furnace exploded, 
upsetting the smoke-stack, which fell across the 
casting-house and demolished it. Several work- 
men were fatally injured. Since that time the 
property has laid in ruins. The capacity of the 
furnace was nearly two hundred tons per week. 

Chi'RCHES. — St. John's Church, commonly called 
the old Union Church, from its being the joint 
property of Lutheran and Reformed Congrega- 
tions, ranks with the oldest in the county. Its 
early history is somewhat obscure, owing to the 
loss of the records ; but from the history of con- 
temporary churches, its organization took place 
some time about 1755. The first meeting-house, 
built of logs, stood about a mile east of the present 
site. The church property included twenty-four 



B0R0UGH8 OF COFNTY. 



863 



acres of land. The ministers were Revs. Daniel 
Lehman and John Henry Helfrich. In 1788 the 
congregation determined to erect a church in 
Kutztown. 

" On the 9th of November, 1789, the present 
congregations were reorganized ; and on the 24th 
of May, 1790, the corner-stone of the church was 
laid. It was dedicated August 7, 1791, with 
Rev. Daniel Lehman, Evangelical Lutheran 
preacher, and Rev. John Henry Helfrich, Evan- 
gelical Reformed preacher, as officiating ministers 
on that occasion. The earliest officers were : Trustees 
on the Lutheran side, Jacob Herman, 17!*9-1801 ; 
Jacob Schweirer, 1789 ; Michael Weortrlein, 1789 ; 
and, on the Reformed side, George Pfister, 1789- 
1889; Jeremiah Kolb, 1789; Peter Christmau, 
1789-1818; as elders on Lutheran side, George 
Kistler, 1791 ; Peter Mathern, 1791 ; and, on the 
Reformed side, Nicholas Kieff'er, 1791 ; George 
Kemp, 1791 ; as deacons on the Lutheran side, 
M. Bast. 1791 ; Abraham Biehl, 1791-9.^) ; Nich- 
olas Kutz, 1791-99 ; Jacob Esser, 179(i-99 ; John 
Bieber, 1799; John Kutz, 1799; Abraham Eer- 
kel, 18()() ; and, on the Reformed side, John Sieg- 
fried, 1791 ; Simon George, 1791 ; John Levan, 
Jr., 1791 ; Philip Michael, 1795 ; Philip Klein, 
1797-98 ; John Funk, 1801. 

" In 1812 there was expressed a desire to com- 
plete the building. Up to that time it had cost 
S3807.38J. On January 2, 1813, it became free 
of debt. In 1816 the building was weather- 
boarded, at an expense of $515.98. In 1842 the 
church-yatd was completed, and in 1846 a new 
pulpit was constructed. The total cost was about 
six thousand dollars. 

" The real estate of the congregation consists of 
seven lots. The first three, on the corner of which 
the building stands, were deeded to it September 
8, 1820, for the consideration of one dollar, by 
Henry Kohler, the owner of them, and the then 
proprietor of Kutztown. On May 9, 1804, was 
delivered to it the school lots, Nos. 87 and 88, for 
five shillings, by Jacob Herman, lessee, and after- 
wards one of them for school purposes, gratuitously, 
by Henry Kohler. On one of them must still 
be paid a yearly ground-rent of thirty seven and a 
half cents, and on lots li^os. 85 and 86 a yearly 
ground-rent of seventy-five cents. 

" For eighty-six years the Lutheran and Re- 



formed people worshipped Almighty God in this 
venerable edifice. But the time came when they 
required a temple that would more worthily rep- 
resent their zeal and devotion in Divine things. 
So on April 4, 1876, at a meeting of the joint 
vestries, they passed the following resolution : 
' That the question whether a New Union Church 
shall be built, shall be submitted to the members 
of the Lutheran and Reformed congregations of 
Kutztown, to be decided at an election to be held 
on April 17th, after service, to be voted upou with 
written or printed tickets as follows : for building 
a New Union Church and against building a New 
Union Church.' The result was two hundred and 
seventy-nine votes for and seventy-seven against 
building. There was immediately appointed a 
committee on subscription, — Charles Rahn, Charles 
Deisher, George Bieber, David Schaefier, Jacob 
Sunday, Charles Kutz, Jonathan Richer, John 
Christmau, George Kutz, John Kemj), W. Rahn 
and Jac. Rahn. 

" In the presence of a great multitude of pe(jple, 
on Whit-Sunday, June 4th, the corner-stone was 
laid. The exercises were continued on Whit- 
Monday, 1876." ' 

The house was so far completed that the base- 
ment was used for worship in the fall of 1876, but 
the church was not fully completed until the 
following year, when it was formally dedicated. It 
is of brick, forty-nine by seventy-six feet ; the main 
room is on the second story. The basement is 
divided into four rooms. The church is supplied 
with a fine bell, the sound of which can be heard 
many miles away ; and also with an excellent pipe- 
organ. 

The Lutheran congregation had, in 1885, about 
two hundred and fifty members, with Rev. J. J. 
Cressman as pastor. His predecessors in the min- 
istry of the church were the Rev. Daniel Lehman, 
until 1808; Rev. John Knoske, tiin837 ; Rev. 
Daniel Kohler, from 1839 to 1851 ; Rev. G. A. 
Hinterleiter and Rev. George F. Spieker. 

The first minister of the Reformed congregation 
was the Rev. Henry Helfrich, who was suc- 
ceeded by Revs. Charles G. Herman and J. Sassa- 
mau Plernian The present pastor is the Rev. 



864 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Joliii H. Leiubach. The membership of the con- 
grogutiuii is more than three hundred. 

The Union Sunday-school maintained in the 
c'iuirch had as its superintendents Mihun J. 
Bieber and ("harles Christman. The membersliij) 
of the scliool was more than two hundred and 
fifty. 

" About 182(1 the Hrst Sunday-school was organ- 
ized under the name of The Kutztowii Snnday- 
Schoid Union. It occupied an independent posi- 
lioo. riiiir to liiat lime religious instruction wiis 
iiupaited to the young by the jweachers, and 
during the suuniier, on the Lord's Day, by the 
organists, who also taught the daily parochial 
school. In ilie Fatherland it was, and still is, the 
custom for the pastor, on every Sunday afternoon, 
to explain tiie catechism to the children assembled 
in the church. But, as the pastors here were 
overbunlened with work, ii became necessary to 
organize the Suntiay-school. The opposition to it 
was at first earnest, but it soon gave way. 
in addition to the one just mentioned other Sun- 
day-schools were established, — the ' German Re- 
formed and Lutheran Sunday-School ' and the 
' German Reformed Sunday-School.' Thus, at 
one tiuie three schools vied with one another in 
training up the children in the way in which 
they shoukl go. The last-named school having 
drained the first named of its members, on April 
24, liS(J8, there was established in place of the 
' ( icrniau Reformed and Lutheran Sunday- 
School,' an exclusively Lutheran one. Of the 
latter, the first superintendent was E. D. Bieber. 

"The first Union Sunday-school (Reformed and 
Lutiieran) was organized by Rev. J. S. Herrmann, 
who .served as superintendent for a number of 
yeais. Even before he l/ecame pastor in Kutz- 
tciwu, he had taken a deep interest in the religious 
education of the young." 

Of this Sunday-sch(xil John (i. Wink was the 
sui)erintendent from 1846 to 1857. Many others 
took a warm interest in its support. 

Trinity EraHtjeHcal Lutlierau Church is the oH- 
s[)ring of the Lutheran Sunday-school, which was 
organized April 24, 1868. After meeting in the 
old church for some time, the conviction was 
forced on the minds of those interested in its main- 
tenance that its welfare would be best promoted in 
a house of its own. At the same time the orjran- 



ization of an exclusively Lutheran Church was 
suggested, and on the 12th of February, 1874, 
definite action in this direction was taken by the 
Sunday-school deciding then that it would raise 
live hundred dollars towards the erection of a 
building, providing a room therein would be set 
aside for its use. This proposition wtus received 
with favor, and the work of building was begun 
in earnest, on a lot on the west side of Main Street. 
The corner-stone of the chapel of the pro})osed 
church was laid August 2, 1874, and December 
25th of the same year the building was dedicate.d. 
It is a neat brick edifice, having a capacity for 
about five hundred jjeople, costing about six thou- 
sand dollars. Nearly one-fourth of this aiiiouiil 
was contributed by the Sunday-school. In April, 
1876, the Rev. George T. Sjiieker became the 
pastor of the new congregation, and since May, 
1884, the Rev. W. A. C. Mueller has served in 
that capacity. In the spring of 1885 the chapel 
was beautifully frescoed and otherwise improved. 

In January, 1X86, the congregation numbered 
two hundred anil fifty members, and then it had 
the following cijnsistory : 

Trustees, Abraham Bieber, Isaac Fegeley, Ileiiry 
I'etersOM, W. B. Bieber ; Klders, Jacob B. HeUiier, 
ftichard Miller, 1). H. Hiulerleiter, John Humbert; 
Ueacons, 1). K. Spreiiger, .\. B. Johnson, N. S. 
Schmehl, (Charles B. Herman. 

W. B. Bieber is sui)erintendent of the Sunday- 
school, which has about one hundred and seventy- 
five membeiTj. 

T'he Kulztiiivii, licjOrtuvd ShiuIuii-^-IuhiI was or- 
ganized May 17, 1863, and hatl for first jjresitient 
J. S. Herman, and first sujjeriuteudent H. R. 
Nicks. Its meetings were first held in the old 
Union Church, later in the Evangelical Church 
and the j)ast live years in the public school build- 
ing. The superintendent, in 1886, was E. L. 
Kemp. Like Trinity Lutheran Sunday school, 
this Sunday-school has led to the formation of a 
separate congregation to be known as First Re- 
formed Church, which will erect a building on 
White Oak Street. The style of architecture will 
be Gothic, the material brick, and the co.st about 
six thousand dollars. The building committee is 
comprised of Lewis Butz. president ; Edward 
Hottenstein, secretary ; David H. Hottenstein, 
treasurer ; J. D. Sharadin, Alfred Neff, William T. 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



865 



Stiinmel and Nathan Kemp. Most of these mem- 
bers formerly had a connection with the St. John's 
Church. 

Sidcm Chnrch of the Evnnijellral A'^'ocintioii. — 
The pioneer minister of this persuasion was the 
Rev. Bisho]) John Seybert, who preached the first 
sermon, April 12, 1828, at the house of Peter 
Neff. From that time until 1848 occasional 
preaching was held at the houses of such as ac- 
cepted the faith, but no regular congregation was 
formed until about two years later, when meetings 
were held statedly. In 1850 a lot on Main Street 
was bought, and a meeting-house built the same 
year, which was placed in charge of Trustees Jacob 
Stoudt, Solomon Ely and Benncville Klein, who 
were also among the principal members. The 
building was of brick, thirty-five by forty-five feet, 
and cost eleven hundred dollars. It served as a 
place of worship until May fi, 1885, when it was 
demolished, and the present fine edifice erected 
by a building committee composed of I). B. Sny- 
der, John R. Gonser, Rev. W. H. Weidner, Silas 
K. ?Ioch and H. B. Moiir. It is a two-story brick 
building, with a very fine steeple, in which is a 
bell weighing five hundred and sixteen pounds. 
The bell on the old church weighed but eighty 
pounds. The lower part of the church was occu- 
pied in the fall of 1885, and the auditorium will 
be consecrated in the summer of 1886. Its cost 
has been six thousand dollars. The trustees are 
J. C. Gehr, Silas Hoch and D. B. Snyder. The 
membership of the church is small, numbering 
only thirty. Their pastor was the Rev. W. H. 
Weidner, preacher in charge of Kutztown Circuit. 
Other Evangelical preachers at Kutztown have 
been the Revs. McLane, Hess, Serm, Wieand, 
Leopold, Neitz, Ziegenfuss, Gingrich, Schultz, 
Sechrist, Stauffer, Miller, Yeakel, Overholtz, Ster- 
mer and Speicher. The Sunday-school has Elias 
J. Hoch for its superintendent. The first Evan- 
gelical Sunday-school was organized May 26, 
1851. 

Religious meetings are also held in the chajiel of 
the Normal School, but they are non-sectarian in 
character. The principal of the school and visit- 
ing clergymen officiate at the services. 

Schools. — The Parochial School, one of the 
first organized schools, was established by the con- 
gregations of the old Union Church, and measures 
76 



were early taken to make the instruction effec- 
tive and thorough. " In the rules which they 
framed on November 9, 1789, it is stated, that as 
the education of the young in reading, writing, 
and other branches, is of the highest importance, 
there shall be built as soon as [jossible a schot)l- 
house ; that the school-hou.se shall be located near 
the church ; that when built, there shall be 
elected a man who is not only competent to teach 
and to sing, but also bears a good moral charac- 
ter ; that the preachei-s, elders and deacons shall 
have a care that good order prevails in the school, 
that each child receives proper attention and that 
no partiality be shown. 

"The .school-house was built 1804-5. Its first 
trustees were Jacob Levan, .Jr., Jacob Kutz, Jr., 
Henry Heist and John Bicber, Jr. The trustees 
had charge of the school-house and were required 
to hold quarterly examinations of the pupils, in 
the presence of the teacher, and with the co-opera- 
tion of the preachers, elders and deacons. The 
teacher lived in the building. His duties were to 
lead the singing in church, to play the organ, to 
teach the children how to pray, to S[)ell, to read, 
to write, to sing, to cipher; also, during the sum- 
mer, on the Sundays when there was no divine 
service, Kinder h-hre zu halten, and from time to 
time to confer with the trustees. 

"On May 15, 1805, it was resolved that in the 
school-house there should be a room for the accom- 
modation of an English teacher ; that the follow- 
ing autumn there should be employed one who 
bore a good character, and who could instruct well 
in speaking, reading, writing and ciphering ; and 
that the trustees shall have a care that there be 
English teaching at least every winter." This 
school was kept up with satisfactory results until 
after the free school system was introduced. 

Common-School System. — In the year 1838 Kutz- 
tow-n accepted the common-school system. On 
the ground where the present school-building 
now stands, David Levan erected the first school- 
house, and on its site, under the supervision of the 
directors — Hon. H. H. Schwartz, Dr. Charles A. 
Gerasch, A. Manderbach, Aug. Sprenger and 
H. F. Bickel — there was built in 1862, at a cost 
of $3300.00, the building which now ornaments 
the borough. In it taught, at different periods, 
J. B. Van Scheetz, William Detweiler, John G. 



S(i(j 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Wink, Aug. Wink, Dr. Ed. Bieber, William 
Kelley, George Shinn, J. Vansickle, John Hum- 
bert, George Hertzell, R. T. Barnville, James M. 
Gehr, Jacob Humbert, J. K Steven, G. W. Long, 
Daniel E. Schoedler, Allen Hottenstein, Lew 
Wauucr, Thomas A. Strasser, P. S. Umbenhauer, 
Eugene D. Biebor, L. F. Sprenger, Irwin W. 
Bieber, Zach. C. Hoch, W. W. Kistler, James H. 
Marx," and a number of others. The schools are 
maintained at an outhiy of sixteen hundred dollars 
per year and the attendance is about two hundred 
and fifty. 

The Franklin Academy. — An interest in and 
desire for higher education was manifested in 
the borough at an early day, and as the parochial 
school did not supply this need, it was determined, 
in 18.'56, to found an academy. For this purpose 
an association was formed to establish this institu- 
tion. It was dopeudeut upon the general public 
for sui)i)ort A new building was provided and 
the institution was opened on September 1, 18;56. 
The number of students was limited to thirty- 
three, and no student was received for a less term 
than six months, the tuition fee for that period 
l)ciug ten dollars. In order to secure the State 
appro]. riation of four hundred dollars per year, 
ottered to any academy which had twenty-five 
students im its rolls, the academy was incor- 
])orated in 18.'!.S. Its first trustees were Daniel 
B. Kutz, Daniel Bieber, Colonel John Wan- 
ner, David Kutz, Dr. C. L. Schleinm, David 
Deisher and Henry Heftuer. Among its teachers 
were Alexander Rani.sey, Rev. Charles Lukens, 
Messrs. Murphy, Wanner, Kohler, Hill, Bitler, 
Salter and Woodbury. Its first teacher, Alexan- 
der Ramsey, migrated to Minnesota, and in time 
became Governor of the State, and its representa- 
tive for several terms in the United States Senate. 
On invitation of the Keystone Agricultural So- 
ciety, Senator Ramsey visited Kutztown October, 
l!S74, and delivered an able and eloquent address. 

The academy flourished for a number of years, 
but when interest in the public schools was in- 
creased its sui)port diminished, and it was allowed 
to go down. It had a good library. 

The desire for better schools and higher educa- 
tion, however, still existed, and, in 1847, Prof. G. 
Dering Wolff opened a select school at the solici- 
tation of a number of citizens. It was numerously 



attended, and served its purpose a number of 
years. 

Muxalaioiij Se»i.inari/ and Kei/.<ti)ne State 
Normal School. — Toward the close of 18()() a 
more important educational movement was inaug- 
urated. Rev. J. Sassaman Herman now applied 
to the Rev. Dr. Gerhart, president of Franklin 
and Marsliall College, for a teacher, and Prof. H. 
R. Nicks, A.M., a graduate of that institution, 
was recommended. On November lo, 1860, this 
gentleman came to Kutztowu, and opened Fair- 
view Seminary, in the house now occupied as a 
residence by Col. Thomas D. Fister. His assistant 
teachers were John Humbert, Esq , and Harry 
Weand. In the spring of 186:^, Mr. Nicks moved 
his school into the borough. Through the influ- 
ence of the professor, a man of fine scholarly at- 
tainments, some of the citizens of Kutztown and 
Maxatawny were induced to purchase five acres of 
land at two hundred and seventy-five dollars per 
acre, and to erect ou it a liuilding at a cost of tour 
thousand one hundred dollars. This building 
(fifty by forty feet) became in time the ndrtiieru 
wing of the present Keystone State Normal School. 
In the consummation of this work Prof. Nicks 
was greatly assisted by the Rev. Dr. Gerhart, 
who spent several days in Kutztown and vicinity, 
visiting our citizens and urging the importance of 
the undertaking. He suggested the plan ou 
which the wing just referred to was erected. In 
consideration of the fact that the people of the 
township had manifested a very deep interest in 
the success of the project, the name of the school 
was changed from Fairview to Maxatawny Semi- 
nary. Prof. Nicks moved into his new home iu 
September, ]8(!4. His chief assistant was Prof. S. 
Transue, A.M., a graduate of Franklin and Mar- 
shall College. During several months of the year 
1865, Prof. John S. Ermentrout also assisted in 
teaching in the .seminary. Ilis chief object in 
doing so was to prepare the way for carrying into 
ettect a project which, as superintendent of the 
common schools of Berks, he had h)ng entertained. 
This project was the establishment of a State Nor- 
mal School in Berks Count}' for the education of 
teachers. 

As he was journeying from Lyons to Kutztowu, 
in the discharge of official duty, the superintendent 
of schools in tiie county, .saw in the distance the 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



867 



building known as Maxatawny Seminary. It 
occurred to hira that, if the people of that section 
had taken sufficient interest in the cause of educa- 
tion to erect that building, they might be induced 
to assist hira in carrying out his project of estab- 
lishing a regular State Normal School for the 
Third Normal District. On consultation with Prof 
Nicks, he found that the project was favored. In 
I860 the teachers of Berks County were collected 
in the seminary, for the purpose of normal in- 



Susannah Hottenstein, Solomon Christ, each three 
hundred dollars ; D. H. Hottenstein, Jon. S. 
Bieber, Isaac Roeller, B. E. Kramlich, C. A. 
Gerasch, A. R. Nicks, E. Butz, Susannah Hotten- 
stein, AVm. Hottenstein, G. Dietrich, Sol. Christ, 
David Schaeffer, J. D. Wanner, Jno. Kieffer, 
John Rahn, each two hundred dollai-s ; H. R. 
Nicks, one hundred and fifty dollars ; Ulrich Mil- 
ler, David Fister, G. Bieber, George Kutz, D. H. 
Hottenstein, each one hundred dollars ; H. R. 




MAXATAWNY >I:M1NAI;V AM) KEYSTONE ST.\TE NOIiMAI. 



struction but it was found too small to accommo- 
date the students who flocked thither from every 
])art of the county and from adjacent districts. 
The success of this movement inspired the people 
of Kutztown and Maxatawny to erect such build- 
ings as the school law required, and to establish a 
regular Normal School for the district, and to the 
generous and enterprising citizens of that section 
of the county belongs the honor of having pro- 
vided the " material means " which were needed to 
purchase grounds and put up necessary buildings. 

The contributors to the fund for building Max- 
atawny Seminary were Jacob Sunday and G. 
Bieber, each five hundred dollars ; C. A. Gerasch, 
D. H. Hottenstein, Lizzie E. Bieber, E. Butz, 



Nicks, fifty dollai-s, — total, six thousand five hun- 
dred dollars. 

Maxatawny Seminary, which was started as a 
private enterprise, disappeared. For the furniture 
with which Prof Nicks had provided it, and for 
any necessary improvements he had made, he was 
compensated. Its stock, building and grounds 
were transferred to a new board of trustees, who 
purchased five additional acres of land, and began 
to procure subscriptions with which to erect what 
is now known as the Keystone State Normal 
School. Within a year, to the building formerly 
known as Maxatawny Seminary were added a 
centre building, one hundred by fort}' feet, and 
two wings each fifty by forty feet. 



HIST(3RY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



These improvements were made possible in con- 
sequence of subscriptions by the following, who 
were also the original stockholders of the Normal 
School : 

"Lewis K. Hottenstein and Susannah Hottenstcin, 
each §1200; G. Bieber, D. H. Hottenstein, Dr. E. 
Hottenstein, each .IflOOO ; Jonas Miller, Jon. Bieber, 
Sr., Jacob Sunday, Dr. C. A. Gerasch, Dav. S. Levan, 
Horace Trexler, eacli $500 ; David Fister, $400 ; Da- 
vid Schaoftor, 8. Bernhardt, A. Stein, D. Melot, D. 
Kemp, E.Butz, Jonathan 8. Bieber, each $300; Danl. 
Dietrich, Danl. Christ, Dr. L. Thompson, Joel Hoch, 
W. W. Kemp, W. De Turk, C. F. Kutz, Jas. Weiler, 
Jacob Grim, A. C. Kiefter, Hon. J. G. Jones, David 
Levan, each $200 ; Henry Williams, Jon. Bieber, H. 
Stein, Hon. Jno. H. Fogel. S. H. Lease, Dan. Clader, 
Hon. H. H. Schwartz, Jno. S. Ermentrout, D. Shara- 
din, John Eahu, Jr., Mrs. M. J. Rahn, D. L. Gable, 
E. De Turk, Jno. Herbine, Jac. F. Kntz, David Kemp, 
Jonas Hoch, Ulrich Miller, Jos. Stichtcr, Fred. Lauer, 
Dr. D. Luther, D. L. Wenrich, H. Bushong, Isaac 
Eckert, Dr. L. Trexler, Jonas Ritter, J. Nich. Hun- 
ter, Jas. Bushong, W. B. Bensinger, J. Mover, W. B. 
Fogel, M. Arnold, S. W. Arnold, A. N. Raub, J. C. 
Wanner, John Ebner, Isaac McHose, Ed. Clymer, 
Rich. Dunkel, C. Lesher, Nathan Levan, Jon. B. 
Grim, each $100,— total, $18,300." 

They selected as the first bourd of trustees, — 

"L. K. Hottenstein, Pres.; David H. Hottenstein, 
Sec. ; Lesher Trexler, M.D., President of the Board 
of Stockholders ; Jonas Hoch, Secretary of the Board 
of Stockholders; Chas. Gerasch, M.D., Treasurer; H. 
Bushong, E. Butz, D. Dietrich, John S. Ermentrout, 
D. Fister, Hon. Jno. H. Fogel, Edward Hottenstein, 
M.D., Hon. J. Glancy Jones, Rev. B. E. Kramlich, 
D. Luther, M.D., J. Miller, H. R. Nicks, Hon. H. H. 
Schwartz, D. SchaeH'er, A. Stein, J. D. Wanner, Esq. 

"The individual who first conceived, suggested 
and urged the erection of a Normal School at Kutz- 
town was Prof John S. Ermentrout, then Superin- 
tendent of Common Schools in Berks Co. The Hon. 
H. H. Schwartz, a graduate of Franklin and Marshall 
College, Lancaster, Pa., procured the architectural 
design. He, Profs. Nicks and Ermentrout, and the 
Rev. B. E. Krandich deserve great credit for the zeal 
with which they encouraged the great work toils final 
completion. 

"The corner-stone was laid Sept. 17, 1805, by the 
County Superintendent of Berks County ; .and ad- 
dresses were delivered by Hon. .1. Lawrence Getz, 
William Rosenthal, Esq., Hon. Daniel Ermentrout, 
Llewellyn Wanner, Esq., and Prof Albert N. Raub. 

" On September 13, 180(5, the school was recog- 
nized by the State Superintendent, Hon. Chas. R. 
Coburn, and the Committee of Inspection, as theState 
Normal School for the Third District, which em- 



braces the counties of Berks, Schuylkill and Lehigh. 
The Inspectors were the Hons. W. Worthington, G. 
Landon, S. Elliott, Thaddeus Banks and the County 
Superintendents, John S. Ermentrout, of Berks, Jesse 
Newlin, of Schuylkill, and E. J. Young, of Lehigh." ' 

On the 15th of September, 186(i, the building 
was formally dedicated, " with the celebration of ap- 
propriate religious and literary exercises, to the 
honor of Almighty God, to the service of a sound 
Christian morality and to the educational interests 
of the State of Pennsylvania." 

The first principal of the Keystone Normal 
School was John S. Ermentrout, A.M., Professor 
of Mental and Moral Science, and of Theory and 
Practice of Teaching. From 1866-71 he dis- 
charged the duties of this position. During the 
first year of its existence there were enrolled tliree 
hundred and eighteen students. 

During the first year the following teachers were 
employed: H. R. Nicks, A.M., Associate Princi- 
pal, and Professor of Mathematics and Physics; 
Albert N. Raub, A.M., of English Language and 
Literature and Vocal Music ; Samuel Transeau, 
A.M., of Ancient Languages and History ; Ed- 
ward T. Burgan, M.E., Superintendent of Model 
School ; Rev. G. F. Spieker, of German Language 
and Literature; Lesher Trexler, M.D., of Anat- 
omy, Physiolog}' and Hygiene ; Miss Julia E. 
Bullard, M.L., of Instrumental Music, French, 
Painting and Drawing ; jMary Morrison, of Read- 
ing, Geograpliy ; and P. S. Umbenhauer, Pupil 
Assistant. 

In 1871 the Rev. A. R. Home, A.M., was 
elected as the principal, Professor Ermentrout hav- 
ing gone to another field of labor ; but he did not 
take charge of the school until JIarch, 1872. 
Meantime Prof N. C. Schaefler was the acting 
principal, and, upon the retirement of Professor 
Home, in the summer of 1877, he became princi- 
pal, which office he has since filled with great suc- 
cess. 

Professor Schaefler was born in Maxatawny in 
1849, educated at the Keystone Normal and grad- 
uated from Franklin and Marshall College in 1867. 
Studied theology, was ordained to the ministry and 
pursued a course of study in the Univei-sities of 
Berlin, Tubingen and I^eipzic from 1873 to 1875. 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



869 



Returning to this country, he taught several years 
in Franklin and Marshall College and then re- 
signed his professorship to become principal of the 
Keystone Normal School. 

In 1885 the organization of the school was as 
follows : 

Trustees representing the stockholders : John Hum- 
bert, Esq., Daniel Dietrich, U. J. Miller, J. Howard 
Jacobs, Esq., Hon. H. H. Schwartz, Nathan S. Kemp, 
I. L. DeTurk, David H. Hottenstein, Rev. B. E. 
Kraiidich, Dr. J. S. Tre.xler, David Schaeffer, Prof. 
Henry R. Nicks. 

Trustees representing the State : John (J. Wink, 
Joseph N. Shomo, Col. Thomas D. Fister, George J. 
Kutz, Rev. A. J. G. Dubbs, Gen. J. A. M. Passmore. 

Officers : Rev. B. E. Kramlich, president of board 
of trustees ; John Humbert, secretary of board of trus- 
tees ; David H. Hottenstein, president of board of 
stockholders; Dr. Edward Hottenstein, secretary of 
board of stockholders ; Prof John J. Hottenstein, 
treasurer; Dewalt F. Bieber, steward. 

Board of Instruction: Rev. Nathan C. Schaefier, 
Ph.D., principal; Rev. George B. Hancher, A.M., 
vice-principal ; Henry F. Bitner, A.M., secretary ; 
EUwood L. Kemp, A.M., librarian; J. J. Hotten- 
stein, M.E., book-keeper; Miss Katharine A. Find- 
ley, preceptress. 

Allen Hottenstein, James H. Mar.K and F. K. 
Berndt have been superintendents of the Model 
School. 

In 1868 the first class was graduated, consisting 
of six young men, namely, — W. M. Achenbach, 
George H. Heffner, R. N. Lehman, J. H. Marx, 
A. D. Rowe and F. F. Springer. Since that time 
the number of graduates annually in the elemen- 
tary course has been as follows : 



1869. 
1870. 
1871. 
1872. 
1873. 
1874. 
1875. 
1876. 
1877. 



1878 


10 


1879 


18 


1880 


21 


1881 


17 


1882 


16 


1883 


24 


1884 


30 


1885 


36 



The following have been the graduates in the 
scientific course : 

1871, Rev. W. J. Andres, M.S., Rev. T. K. Bernd, 
M.S., Rev. Jacob G. Neff, A.M., Jairus G. Nefi', A.M. ; 
1874, Rev. U. P. Heilman, M.S.; 1876, F. P. Matz, 
Ph.D. ; 1877, F. K. Flood, Esq., M.S., Mrs. Clara 
J. Mohr Webb, M.S., Alice Hottenstein, M.S. 

Of the two hundred and seventy graduates. 



ninety were from Berks County. A majority of 
the graduates have devoted themselves to teaching. 
Fourteen of the graduates have been awarded 
State certificates . 

The total enrollment of students in 1885 was 
five hundred and forty-four. 

The Normal School buildings are located upon 
an elevated campus, ten acres in extent, which 
have been highly beautified. The observatory of 
the main building commands a magnificent view of 
the surrounding country. In addition to the origi- 
nal buildings, a building for the ladies' depart- 
ment of the school was erected in 1880-81. 

In 1884 the trustees erected another building, 
which contains a dining-room and kitchen, a com- 
modious chapel and four recitation-rooms, and a 
number of dormitories. 

The building presents a front of three hundred 
and fifty feet and a depth of one hundred and 
ninety feet. The property is estimated to be worth 
one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Two 
literary societies, connected with the school, con- 
tribute to the progress and culture of the students. 
Each has a library of one thousand volumes. 

The school is well supplied with illustrative 
philosophical apparatus, geological and ornitho- 
logical cabinets, and an extensive herbarium, con- 
taining tiie entire flora of the county. 

Centennial Monument. — On the 4th of July, 
1876, a fine monument was erected in the inclo- 
sure of the Keystone State Normal School, before 
the main building. 

Tlie base is a granite stone, weighing two tons 
and a half. On this rests an octagonal die 
which supports an octagon spire, both of Italian 
marble, and upon the spire there is an octagonal 
cap, surmounted with an eagle. The whole work 
reflects great credit on the sculptor, Mr. Philip 
Wentz. The cost was two hundred and fifty dol- 
lars. Of this sum, Mr. Wentz himself subscribed 
seventy-five dollars, and the remainder was col- 
lected in town and in the Normal School by Mrs. 
Dr. Charles H. Wanner and the Misses Alesa 
Helfrich and Harriet B. Swineford. On the four 
larger sides of the die the following mottoes are 
inscribed, which were selected by a committee 
consisting of Rev. Professor Home, Professor John 
S. Ermentrout and County Superintendent Sam- 
uel A. Baer. 



870 



H1ST(3RY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



On the north side,—" Unser Frei Schul Wesa- 
kurat fun da Pennsilfbwnish Deitslia har. Der 
Govaner Wolf hat's geplant uu g'start uu der Rit- 
ner iin der Shunk hen's ausg'fuehrt." 

On the south, — " Nee scire fas est omnia." 

On the east, — " Wie gott mit unsern Vaetern 
war, so sei er auch mit uns." 

On the west, — " Virtue, Liberty and Independ- 
ence." 

Tiie following articles were deposited in that 
part of the monument on which the sjiire rests : 

The history of Kutztown and Maxatawny ; the 
latest newspapers of the county ; ancient coins ; 
almanacs and coins of 1876 ; a catalogue of the 
Normal School for 1876; the names of contribu- 
tors to the monument ; and the late census of Kutz- 
town, continental scrip, and a silver quarter dated 
1776, donated by A. J. Fogel. Professor John S. 
FIrmentrout deposited these articles, and delivered 
an aj)propriate address. The chairman of the 
monumental committee, County Superintendent S. 
A. Baer, presented the moiniment to the chief 
burgess of the borougli, and the chief burgess tf) 
the trustees of the Keystone Normal School, who 
received the same through their president, tlie 
Hon. H. H. Schwartz. 

Banks. — Kufztorvn Savin gx-Ba)ik was chartered 
in 1869, with a capital of twenty-four thousand dol- 
lars in twelve hundred shares at twenty dollars each. 
It began business with a paid-up capital of six thou- 
sand. The first president was J. H. Fogel, and 
Edward Hottenstein was the first cashier. The 
bank suspended business in November, 1876, on 
account of the general stagnation of trade which 
crippled its loans. In 1876 W. C Dietrich was 
the cashier. 

Peabody Sav!ni/.-<-Bank was organized a year 
later, with J. D. Wanner as cashier. It met a 
similar fate after being ten years in business. 

National Bunk of Kutztown obtained its charter 
under the general banking laws, of the United 
States in 1871. Its authorized capital was sixty 
thousand dollars, with the privilege of increase to 
two hundred thousand dollars. John H. Fogel 
was the president, and Thomas I). Fister the 
cashier. J. () Wink succeeded the former as 
president, and held that position until the bank 
was removed to Reading, in the spring of 1883, 
when the name wus changed to Keys/one National 



Bank. A branch of this bank for receiving de- 
posits is still nuiintained in the Trexler Block at 
Kutztown. 

Pres.s. — The history of the press of the borough 
is noted in detail in Chapter XVII., Newspapere. 

In 1886 there was a finely-equipped office, the 
property of A. B. Urich, from which he regularly 
published the Journal and tiie Patriot, German 
and semi-English papers, edited by Conrad Geh- 
ring, both of which were well patronized. 

Post-office at Kutztown was established in 
1805, and had for many years poor mail facilities. 
Henry Heist was one of the first postmasters, and 
was succeeded by his sou Joseph, who held the office 
until after 1850. His successors were George 
Fister, Reuben Bast, Charles Helfrich, Jonathan 
Bieber, Cliristiau Bieber, and since A])ril, 1885, 
Williaui Sander. The office is supplied with half 
a dozen mails per day, and distniiiites a large 
amount of matter. 

Physicians. — Among these who first practiced 
medicine at Kutztown was a Dr. P^phraim Becker, 
of whom but little more than the name is now re- 
membered. The Baums, Drs. David and William, 
came soon afterward, but did not remain long, 
both removing to the West. At a hiter date Dr. 
Christian L. Schlemm (ulm died in Riciimond 
township) was a practitioner of liigh repute. Dr. 
James Donagan was long in practice, serving also 
as town clerk. He removed to Reading where he 
studied law, and in tlie latter years of his life fol- 
lowed that profession. Dr. Evan Slough came 
from Easton, to which place he returned after a 
few years' stay. 

Dr. Charles A. Gcraseh came to the county in 
1829, settled first at Mertztown, hut later at Kutz- 
town, where he became one of tlie foremost physi- 
cians of the county. He died July 22, 1876, and his 
funeral was the largest ever held at Kutztown. 
Dr. Reuben Haines was in the borough from about 
183(i until his death, eight years later. Dr. AVilliam 
S. Bieber was in the place about the same time, 
and died two years afterward. He was the father 
of Dr. Lewis Bieber, of Phillipsburg, N. J. Dr. 
Edward Hottenstein first practiced in Maxa- 
tawny township, and since 1870 in the borough. 
Dr. Elmer K. Hottenstein is also in practice at 
Kutztown Dr. Jeiemiah S. Trexler succeeded 
Dr. Charles A. Gerasch, and is now in active 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



871 



practice. Dr. Charles H. Wanner practiced at 
Kutztown till his death, November 12, 1869, at 
the age of forty -two years. Dr. Cyrus AVanner 
has been at Kutztowu in active practice since 
l'S75. Dr. L. C. Berkenieyer came to the place as 
a druggist, but has been professionally engaged the 
past few years. Additional physicians have been 
Drs. J. H. Helfrich, I. N. Shoemaker and Solo- 
mon Becker. 

In dentistry may be named H. L. and A. B. 
Johnson, Samuel and James O'Boyleaud William 
Steller, A. B. Johnson and James O'Boylc con- 
tinuing to the present. 

As graduates from medical colleges, who re- 
moved from Kutztown and vicinity, may be named 
David Hottenstein, Levi Thompsson, Charles 
Schlemra, W. S. Bieber, Edward Hottenstein, W. 
Reichard, Thomas Strasser, L. Bieber, A. C. 
Hottenstein, E. N. Bieber, W. Reber and T. T. 
Thompson. 

Lawyers. — Among the attorneys at this place 
were Silas E. Buzzard, John K. Longenecker, 
Henry Kutz and Frederick John Haller, who was 
also a teacher. 

H. H. Schwartz was an attorney at Kutztown 
I'rom 1860 till 1883, when he was elevated to the 
otMce of Orphans' Court judge of Berks County. 

James H. Marx has been a successful attorney 
in the borough since 1878. 

Farmers' Mutual Fire Lnsurance Com- 
I'ANY OF Berks and Lehigh Counties was or- 
ganized in 18.")7. Its directors in January, 1886, 
were Benneville Smith, president ; William Sieg- 
fried, treasurer ; Jonathan Biehl, secretary ; C. H. 
Dietrich, Thomas D. Mohr and Stephen Smith. 
Tlie office of the secretary is at Kutztown. The 
comjiany carries twelve hundred risks, represent- 
ing three million dollars, in farm and detached vil- 
lage property. The average cost of insurance, up 
to this period, has been about $1.25 per thousand 
per annum. 

Secret Soc'Ietie.s. — The Odd-Fellows organ- 
ized the first secret society in the borough. 

Brotherly Love Lodge, No. 77, was instituted in 
October, 1842, and for many years flourished. 
The war and removals decimated its numbers to 
such an extent that its meetings had to be discon- 
tinued in January, 1879. 

Kutztown Council, A'o. 48, Order of Senior Amer- 



ican Mechanics, instituted March 22, 1858, was 
the next in the order of time. It, too, was weak- 
ened by the war and by the stagnation of business 
which followed the panic of 1873. At one time it 
had a membership of one hundred and twenty, 
but it weakened so that, in 1876, it was forced to 
disband. 

Friendship Link, No. 6, Daut/hlers of Liberty, 
was instituted February 21, 1807, with thirty-sis 
members, as a beneficiary society for ladies, to pro- 
vide a fund in case of sickne.ss or deatli. The or- 
der proved highly befteficial so long as it was kept 
up, but lack of interest and changes in the social 
relations of the ladies belonging to the society 
forced it to disband March 30, 1876. 

Kutztown Lodijc, No. 307, Kniijhts of Pythias, 
was instituted in 1872, but, after a few yeare of 
successful existence, in which period more than 
one hundred members were enrolled, it was 
obliged to surrender its charter in 1 878, on account 
of lack of interest in the welfare of the order. 

Tuscaledo Council, No. 116, Jtnrior American 
Mechanics, was instituted in 1870, and disbanded 
in 1878. 

Maxatawny Grange, No. 14, Patrons of Husban- 
dry, was instituted in the fall of 1873, and had for 
its first Master George Kutz. His successors 
were William DeTurk and Lewis Wagenhorst. 
The meetings were first held at Kutztown, but 
later in the township, where a sort of co-operative 
store was also maintained. At one time there 
were more than fifty members, but their interesir 
in the good of the order declined to such an ex- 
tent that the meetings could no longer be ke]>t up, 
and it was discontinued in 1876. 

Huguenot Lodge, No. 377, F. and A. M., was 
instituted November 29, 18()6, as a lodge of the 
Ancient York Masons, by J. L. Stichter, of Read- 
ing. It has had a flourishing existence, the mem- 
bership being more than a hundred. 

Kidztown Lodge, No. 21 4, Z).0. Harugari, whose 
motto is " Freundschaft, Liebe und Humanitiit," 
was instituted May 20, 1870. Unlike most lodges 
of this order, the membership is composed largely 
of native-born citizens, only a few Germans of 
foreign birth belonging to it. In the first five 
years of its existence the lodge had more than a 
hundred members, but the panic of 1873 reduced 
the number to sixty-three. In January, 1886, 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ninety members were reported. The lodge has an 
invested fund of two thousand dollars and holds 
its meetings in a very fine room. On the 4th of 
July, 1876, the lodge dedicated a lot in Fairview 
Cemetery for the use of its members, upon which 
it planted an oak-tree as its symbol. 

Adonis Cadle, No. 70, Knights of the Golden 
Eagle, was instituted January 14, 18S6, with 
thirty-seven charter members. 

Cemeteries. — Hope Cemetenj Compantj was in- 
corporated September 17, 1861. The cemetery 
was consecrated June 22, 1862. The subscribers 
were Samuel Shearer, Daniel Bieber, John W. 
Bieber, AVilliam Heine, David Kutz, Jacob R. 
Heflher and Charles W. Esser. Purchasers of 
lots in the cemetery obtain a mutual membership 
in the company, whose affairs are controlled by 
nine trustees. In 1886 these were George J. Kutz, 
president; John Humbert, secretary; Jonathan 
Biehl, treasurer ; J. R. Heffner, Reuben Kutz, D. 
8. Kutz, David Schaeffer, Willirm Shaedle and 
William Sanders. The cemetery consists of about 
three acres of land, near St. John's Church. A 
neat iron fence was erected along Church Alley, 
at a cost of sixteen hundred dollars. The lot- 
owners number about two hundred. The first 
burial was John D. Bieber, December 30, 1861. 

Fairview Cemetery was consecrated June 15, 
1861. It consists of five acres of finely-located 
land, lying beyond the campus of the Normal 
School. It is also controlled by an associa- 
tion, having no ecclesiastical connection. This 
body was organized April 12, 1861. In January, 
1886, it had one hundred and ninety-two members. 
The officers then were : President, Isaac F. Christ ; 
Secretary, Jonathan Hoch ; Treasurer, J. D. 
Wanngr. The cemetery has been inclosed with a 
substantial stone and iron fence and presents an 
attractive appearance. Isadore Woiser was the 
first person interred. 

Key.stone Acricultural and Horticultu- 
ral Society was chartered in 1870, with forty-one 
stockholders. Its first officers were Elijah De Turk, 
president; John R. Gouser, secretary ; and L. K. 
Hottenstein, treasurer. Fifteen acres of land, near 
the borough limits, were purchased and improved 
for fair purposes. A race-course was constructed 
and substantial buildings were erected for the display 
of textile and manufactured goods. The outlay 



was nearly fifteen thousand dollars. Notwithstand- 
ing the exhibitions first held were successful, the 
receipts were inadequate to defray the amounts 
expended, which embarrassed the society to such 
an extent, in the course of a few years, that a fore- 
closure was inevitable. At a sale of the same, 
Jacob R. Heffiier and Joshua A. Levan became 
the owners, and by a subsequent transfer the prop- 
erty passed into the hands of W. H. Heffner. The 
society attained its zenith in 1876. 

From that time on the business depression 
which affected Kutztown caused a diminished in- 
terest in the affairs of the society ; and, although 
the annual exhibitions have been maintained, they 
have not reached the high standard of the first 
meetings. In 1872 Horace Greeley visited Kutz- 
town and delivered the annual address before the 
society ; in 1874 the orator was the Hon. Alex- 
ander Ramsey ; and in 1875 Judge Humphreys, 
of Washington, I). C. The meetings are now 
held under the direction of the owners of the 
pro[)erty. 

Berks County Poultry Association was or- 
ganized at Kutztown, in the latter part of 1875, with 
L. C. Berkemeyer, president ; C'onrad Gehring, sec- 
retary; J. H. Marx, corresponding secretary; S. S. 
Schmehl, treasurer. Its first and only exhibition 
was held January 11-14, 1876, the a.ssociation dis- 
banding soon afterwards. 

biooraphical. 

Nathan Levan is descended from Huguenot 
stock, and the great-grandson of Jacob Levan, who 
resided in Maxatawny township. His son John, 
who later occupied the homestead, married a Miss 
Schwoyer, whose children were Daniel, Gideon, 
John, Samuel, David, Perry, Harrison; and 
daughters, Mrs. Levan, Mrs. Kahl, Mrs. De Turck 
and Mrs. Houpt. 

John, of this number, was born in the year 
1800, and resided on a farm adjacent to the home- 
stead in Maxatawny township. He married Susan, 
daughter of Jacob Ghisser, of the same township, 
and had children, — Nathan, Jacob (deceased), 
Joshua (deceased), Susan, Mary (deceased) and 
Louisa. John Levan died in 1850 His son 
Nathan was born on the 12th of November, 1828, 
in Maxatawny township, and remained at the home 
of his parents until his seventeenth year. 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



873 



He meanwhile attended the academy at Kutz- 
town, and on completing his studies entered the 
tannery of William Hine, of Kockland township. 
On the completion of his apprenticeship, he 
removed to Philadelphia, and pursut d his trade 
in that city for five years. Returning to his 
rative county, he built a tannery in KutztowD, 
and for five years conducted a successful business. 
Selling the property at the expiration of this 



and attention. Mr. Levan, in politics, is a Demo- 
crat, and, during the war, was president of the 
Borough Council of Kutztown, manifesting then 
great patriotism, by his efforts to fill the required 
quota and by earnestly supporting the Union cause 
during that eventful period. He is a member of 
the Reformed Church of Kutztown, in which he 
is an elder. Mr. Levan was, on the 24th of No- 
vember, 1880, married to Ella F., daughter of 




0^oc/Mci4:^^ C>U^^^.€^-.^^\^ 



time, he built a distillery for the manufacture of 
rye whiskey, and managed it for six years 

Mr. Levan had meanwhile evinced a practical 
interest in the Keystone State Normal School, at 
Kutztown, and contributed largely both by means 
and personal efibrt to its completion He was, 
in 18(57, elected steward of the school, and filled 
the office for seventeen years. 

On tendering his resignation, which was ac- 
cepted with regret, he, with other citizens, estab- 
lished a shoe-factory, under the name of Levan, 
Stein & Co., to which he at present gives his time 



Samuel and Harriet F. Berlin, of Cherryville, 
Northampton County, Pa. Their only child, a 
son, John Nathan, was born in August, 1884, at 
Kutztown. 



WOMELSDORF. 

The borough of Womelsdorf is situated on the 
" Berks and Dauphin Turnpike," fourteen miles 
from Reading and about a mile north of Womels- 
dorf Station, on the Lebanon Valley Railroad. It 
contains three churches, a fine public school build- 



874 



HI8T0RY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ing, four hotels and about a dozen places of busi- 
ness- It is an old town, laid out iu 1762 by John 
Womelsdorf, from whom it takes its name. The 
town-plan comprised seventy-five lots. Until sixty 
years ago it was known and designated iu the re- 
cords as Middletown, probably from its location 
midway between Reading and Lebanon. In 1885 
the population was nearly eleven huudred, but as 
three hundred were reported iu 1800, the increase 
since that time has been only about ten per year. 
The })lace has been substantially improved and con- 
tains a number of fine buildings. 

Among the first settlers of the borough were 
families bearing the names of Seltzer, Sallade, 
Bressler, Sicherthaler, Beunethum, Moyer, Sim- 
mons, Reed, Pliny, Hersch, German, Stouch, 
Lesher, Ermentrout, Petree, Brownell, Arnold, 
Yeiser, Smith, See, Vanderslice, Diehl, Livingood, 
Voueida, Stephens and Kiutzer. 

The old landmarks have nearly all been re- 
moved. No direct descendants of John Womels- 
dorf remain. Jacob Seltzer, grandfather of Mich- 
ael Seltzer, built the first house in 1762. It was 
long used as a tavern and well adapted for that 
purpose. It was constructed of large limestone 
blocks and stood on the lot now occupied by the 
mansion of Harry A. Fidler. It was demolished 
about fifteen years ago. It was at this house that 
Washington sojourned all night November 13, 
1793, and where John Pliny addres.sed him in be- 
half of the citizens. The road at that time passed 
direct by the Conrad Weiser house, along the rise 
of ground, and at the tavern turned northwest in 
its course across the mountain. 

The following list comprises the taxable inhabi- 
tants of JMiddletowu (Womelsdorf) for the year 
1790: 



Wm. IJcrgenhofl'. 
Christian Brickeii. 
-Iinhofl' Benedict. 
John Bonawitz. 
George Bodle. 
Jacob Egle. 
John Fleisher. 
John German. 
Daniel Graefl'. 
Henry Hersh. 
John Henry. 
Christian Miller. 

Elizabeth 



Jacob rleini. 
George Rapp. 
John Rose. 
George Seidle. 
Courad Stnuch. 
John Smith. 
Jacob Seltze. 
Weyrich Seltze. 
Maria Sherman. 
Nichola Saladin. 
Andrew Saladin. 
Mich.nel WoKbrd. 
Newman. 



Incorporation. — In 1833 the town of Womels- 
dorf was incorporated into a borough. The first 
election was held iu 1833 and resulted iu the 
choice of the following officers : 

Burgess, Lewis Richards ; Council, Win. Gries, 
John Schwalm, Michael Seltzer, David Benuethum, 
Peter Womelsdorf, George Keiaer, Jr. ; Clerk, Joseph 
D. Biles i High Constable, George Sallade. ' 

Since that time those named below 
ser\'ed a.s bury-esess and clerks. 



have 



1834-S8 John Vanderslice Francis Wessels. 

1839-43 Peter Womelsdorf Francis Wessels. 

1844-45. .....Henry Kendall David Steach. 

1846 George Voneida David Steach. 

1847-50 John Miller David Steach. 

1851-52 James Moore David Steach. 

1853 William Bennethum David Steach. 

1854 Joseph Smith David Steach. 

1855 Henry Brinkley David Steach. 

1856 J. A. Claus David Steach. 

1857 William Anderson David Steach. 

1858-59 Martin Manderbach David Steach. 

1860 Henry Binkly David Steach. 

18G1 Henry H. Manderbach. .David Steach. 

1862 John G. Reiser David Steach. 

1868 William Smith David Steacli. 

1864-65 E. Penn Smith David Steach. 

1866 William G. Moore Franklin Zerby. 

1867 Isaac Y. Kintzer Wm. M. Sallade. 

1868 William G. Moore Wm. M. Sallade. 

1869 E. Penn Smith Wm. M. Sallade. 

1870-71 B. Frank Shortell Isaac Y. Kintzer. 

1872 John A. Matthew Wm. M. Sallade. 

1873 Charles B. Fisher Isaac Y. Kintzer. 

1874 James Moore Isaac Y. Kintzer. 

1875 Michael Kolbach Isaac Y. Kintzer. 

1876 Jacob A. Wolf. Isaac Y. Kintzer. 

1877 Samuel Mowry Isaac Y. Kintzer. 

1878... George K. Valentine.... Isaac Y. Kintzer. 

1879 B. Frank Shortell Isaac Y. Kintzer. 

1880 Franklin S. Haak Isaac Y. Kintzer. 

1S81 Franklin S. Haak Isaac Y. Kintzer. 

1882 Frederick A. Fidler Isaac Y. Kintzer. 

1883 Simon P. Moyer Isaac Y. Kintzer. 

1S.S4 Sanuiel Kurtz Isaac Y. Kintzer. 

1885 John F. Petree Isaac Y. Kintzer. 

John M. Sndth aud Isaac Y. Kintzer were the 

justices of the peace in 1885, the latter having 

served during the past seventeen years. 



' In 183-J the Rev. William Hendel was elected high con- 
stable, his name having been placed upon the ticket '' as a 
good joke upon the reverend gentleman." But to the 
surprise of all the citizens of the borough, he accepted his 
commissiou and enforced the oi-dinances stricily. He was 
still in the ministry at the time. 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



875 



Post-Office. — The post-office at Womelsdorf 
was established July 1, 1807. 

lu 1844 Womelsdorf contained a population of 
nine hundred ; one hundred and twenty-five 
houses, three stores and three taverns ; three 
churches, — Lutheran and German Reformed, Pres- 
byterian and Evangelical Association ; three 
schools, and an academy, built in 1834, of which 
Rev. Morse was the princijial. [Rupp.] 

In July, 1850, the borough contained — 



Dwelling-houses... 


.. 159 
.. 3 


Hotels 

Coach manufactories 
Distillery 


3 

9 


Academy 


.. 1 


1 
1 


Grist-mills 

Saw-mill 


2 
.. 1 


Segar manufactory... 


1 



Phy.sicians. — A number of physicians of more 
than ordinary prominence have resided and prac- 
ticed in Womelsdorf Among those who made a 
name in that pi-ofessiou were Drs. John Livin- 
good, John Lesher, William Gries, Wm. Moore, 
Daniel B. D. Beaver and John M. Stephen. Later 
practitioners are Drs. James C. Livingood, Lewis 
A. Livingood, Horace F. Livingood and Franklin 
L. Sallade. 

Taverns. — The present Seltzer House was orig- 
inally a two-story building, erected before 1800. 
For nearly fifty years Michael Seltzer served the 
public as a landlord. Contemporary with him for 
some years was Conrad Stouch at the present Cen- 
tre Hou.se (which was then the stage-office). 
Where John H. Spatz has kept an inn the past 
twenty years Jacob Moyer " fed man and beast " 
in the pioneer days of Womelsdorf The patron- 
age of taverns was then large, and all of them 
were great centres for the exchange of news and 
the transaction of business. 

In the neighborhood of these inns a riot took 
place during the building of the Lebanon Valley 
Railroad, in 1856 For some cause the workmen be- 
came disaffected and desired to show anger against 
the paymasters, who had an office in the lower end 
of the borough. But before they could do great 
damage the Ringgold Light Artillery, from Read- 
ing, restored order by planting its guns at various 
points in the streets and overawing the mob. 
Several of the leaders were arrested, but nearly all 
of them managed to escafie, and the excitement 
soon subsided. 



Industries. — The first settlers of Womelsdorf 
were supplied with flour made by Seltzer's mill, 
on the Tulpehocken, at the lower end of the bor- 
ough. This was an old landmark, which gave 
way to a new mill built by David Lauks, in 1862, 
and which was supplied with steam as an auxiliary 
power in 1877. Mahlou Fogelman is the present 
proprietor. Northwest of the borough Adam 
Brown had another grist mill, which, in an im- 
proved condition, is still running. A distillery was 
there carried on for a time by John Longenecker 
and others, but it has long since been discontin- 
ued. 

The making of hats was a profitable occupation 
of some of the people at Womelsdorf in the early 
part of this century.' Among others, Michael 
Petree and John and Samuel Ermentrout had 
shops where they manufactured all kinds of hats. 
A tannery was carried on by David Bennethum 
on Second Street, and John Palm made guns, 
whose reputation was not confined to the immedi- 
ate neighborhood. These industries have passed 
away. The usual shops of mechanics are carried 
on in the borough. The place has never encour- 
aged manufacturing; hence its lack of work-shops. 
Several general stores in the borough are afforded 
a large and thriving business. Pliny had a store 
on the Filbert corner and was in trade about the 
same time as Henry Hersch, whose store was 
where is now John Long's undertaking shop. 
Near by, at a later day, Peter Eckert was in trade 
and was followed by Lott Benson. Huff & Deck- 
ert and Seibert were also early merchants. 

Valentine's Cigar-Factory is the most note- 
worthy industry in the borough. It is carried on 
in the Seibert mansion, and with its spacious 
grounds is one of the finest factories in the State ; 
and in the extent of its business it ranks with the 
leading cigar-factories in the country. The head 
of the firm, A. S. Valentine, began the manufac- 
ture of cigars at Womelsdorf, in a very small way, 
in 1852. As his business prospered he extended 
his facilities. In 1885 nearly four hundred hands 
were employed by his firm. Of this number, 
about one-third found occupation in the home fac- 
tory, the remainder being employed in smaller 
factories, at Womelsdorf and Stouchsburg, con- 

'See Rupp, page 194. 



876 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



trolled by the firm. In 1876 George H. Valen- 
tine became associated with his father in carrying 
on this business. A number of buildings have 
been occupied by the firm, but since 1882 the 
factory has been at its present quarters. The 
trade of the firm is chiefly iu the South and the 
West, the products being distributed through job- 
bing-houses, for whom special grades of work are 
made. 

Schools. — It is said that Baron Stiegel, the 
unfortunate iron-master, tauglit a school at Woiu- 
elsdorf in 1765, having been brought to that place 
by the Rev. John Nicholas Kurtz. Among other 
pioneer teachers, Walker Stephen is best remem- 
bered. He made teaching a profession and fol- 
lowed it with success for a period of sixty years, 
teaching at Womelsdorf as late as 1862. He also 
started the fii-st Sunday-school at that place. In 
1828 the High Schools found encouragement in the 
building of an academy, which was successfully 
carried on until about 1855. Among those active 
in promoting this object were Dr. William Gries, 
Dr. John Liviogood, Andrew Taylor, John Selt- 
zer, John Smith, George Keiser and Jacob Sal- 
lade. In time it was found necessary to enlarge 
the building and to place the academy iu charge 
of an incorporated ' board of directors. Prof. 
Howell, Robert Kerr and William Reynolds are 
best remembered as successful teachers. 

In a few years after the academy was aban- 
doned the building became the property of the 
Public School Board and was used until 1880, 
when the present High School building was erected. 

In the eastern part of the borough a select 
school was established iu 1866, through the eflbrts 
of Elias Fidler and others, and in which Miss 
Moore, Miss Quimby, Chai-les F. Evans and John 
S. Grumbein were successful teachers, the latter 
teaching last in 1875. The following year Mr. 
Grumbein opened a school in a building at the 
railroad station, which was discontinued soon 
afterward, iu consequence of his death, March, 
1877. He was a teacher of rare ability, and also 



1 Incorporated 11th of April, 1834. Charter members : 
William Gries, Joseph D. Biles, Lewis W. Richards, 
Andrew Taylor, Philip Schwalm, Samuel Petree, Jlichael 
Seltzer, Jacob Salladij, John Seltzer, George Keyser, Jr. 
Capital stock, §2400. 



richly endowed with inventive skill. He was 
particularly known as a superior mathematician. 

In 188U the High School building at Womels- 
dorf was erected, at a cost of about four thousand 
five hundred dollars. It has an eligible location 
on the site of the old academy, and is a fine two- 
story brick building. It composes four rooms, 
occupied by Primary, Secondary, Grammar and 
High Schools. The average attendance is over two 
hundred. At the time the building was erected 
the board of directors was composed of Rev. T. C. 
Leinbach, president ; Isaac Y. Kintzer, secretary ; 
John Haak, treasurer ; Dr. H. B. Hamaker, C. 
P. Moyer and C. P. Kreitzer. An additional 
school is occasionally maintained in the old Uni- 
versalist Church, making five public schools in 
the borough. 

Churches — Zion's Lutheran and German Re- 
formed Church.— In 1792 adherents of the Evan- 
gelical Lutheran and German Reformed Churches 
residing at Womelsdorf and vicinity determined 
to jointly build a house of worship. The corner- 
stone of the church was laid June 30, 1792. The 
building was completed some years afterward.^ 
It was constructed of stone, and possessed the fea- 
tures peculiar to the church architecture of that 
day. The mason-work was done by Thomas 
Millerd ; the carpenters were Christian i\Iiller, 
Philijj Webber and George Strickler. The build- 
ing committee was composed of Heiuiich Seltzer, 
Philip !Moyer, Jacob Seltzer, Frederick Bechtold, 
Daniel Graetf, Johaimes German, Adam Ruth, 
Conrad Weiser, Conrad Stouch, Heinrieh Hersch, 
Johannes Keiser, Jacob Eckert. 

Originally the building had a floor of brick. 
In 1867 the church was rebuilt. Peter Althouse, 
Samuel Filbert and John Moyer acted as the 



- In reference to the erection of this church, an act was 
passed February 1, 1805, and Nicholas Eckart, Henry 
Hirsh, George Ege, Jr., Conrad Stouch, John Keiser, John 
Weisser and Daniel Graetf were appointed commissioners 
" to raise fifteen hundred dollars by lottery, to be applied 
in defraying expenses of erecting Zion Church and two 
school-houses at Womelsdorf, Berks County." 

The following prizes were given to numbers drawn : 
§600 to Xo. 2.528 ; $300 to No. 2444 ; $200 to No. 1383 ; 
§100 to Nos. 5, 1162, 1795; $50 to 18 numbers; $25 to 
40 numbers ; $10 to 70 numbers ; $8 to 100 numbers ; 
$3 to 800 numbers. Altogether there were 1034 numbers, 
of the value of $7200. 



BOROUGHS OF COUXTY. 



877 



building committee. It remains substantially as 
they delivered it to the congregations. It is a 
large two-story stone edifice, supplied with a 
steeple and bell. In 1885 the trustees were John 
Mover, iMichael Heltzer and Charles P. Kreitzei*. 
The loss of records will not permit us to give a full 
history of the congi-egations, but when the church 
was first built the Lutheran preacher was the Rev. 
Emanuel Shultz, and the Rev. Daniel Wagner the 
Retbrnied. 

The Reformed congregation was served in 1 88.5 
by the Rev. Levi D. Stambaugh, in connection 
with other appointments. Some of the interme- 
diate pastors have been the Revs. Lewis I). Stickle, 
George Wolf, D.D., Zehring Pauli and Wil- 
liam Heudel, D.D. In 1885 this congregation 
had two hundred and seventy-five members, and 
Enoch Gaul John M. Smith, Levi Manderbach, 
John and William Yoder as its consistory. 

The Lutheran congregation at the same time 
had the Rev. Aaron Finfrock as pastor, he having 
served the church since September, 1865. He 
succeeded the Rev. Eggers. The congregation in 
18S5 numbered two hundred and twenty-five, and 
had Thomas E. Haak, Charles Geisler, William B. 
Filbert and Frank Haak as elders and deacons 

Intermi:n't.s — Among the numerous interments 
in Zion's Church Cemetery the following are noted : 

Philip Schwalra, born 1790 ; died 184!). 
Magdelen Erinentrout, born 1774; died lS4i;. 
Jacob Mover, bom 1770 ; died 1851. 
John Nicholas Moyer, born 1769; died 1828- 
Johanu Bennethum, born 17(35; died 1828. 
Rev. William Hendel, born 1768; died 1846. Re- 
formed minister fifty years. 
Jabez Weiser, born 1753; died 1820. 
John Seltzer, born 1790; died 1858. 
Joseph Kendall, born 1779 ; died 1826. 
Conrad Stoueli, born 1757 ; died 1840. 
Peter Womelsdorf, born 1787 ; died 1843. 
George Bennethum, born 1789; diedlSol, 
Philip Lash, born 1774; died 1853. 
John Dietrich Gries, born 1754; died 1833. 
Christopher Ermentrout, born 1754 ; died 1825. 
Frederick Schultz, born 1776 ; died 1836. 
George Ege, born 1748; died 1829. 
Johannes Kasper Reith, born 1778 ; died 1847. 
Michael Reith, born 1800; died 1829. 
Adam Ruth, born 1759; died 1824. 
John Vanderslice, born 1770; died 1846. 
George Ulrich, born 1797 ; died 18-t4. 
Johaun Hoffman, born 1759; died 1835. 
Margaret Sholter, born 1739; died 1815. 



Robert Woods, born 1/65 ; died 1840. 

AnnaSallade, born 1727 ; died 1806. 

John Lebo, born 1779 ; died 1805. 

Andrew Stoucb, born 1780; died 1864. 

John Jacob Schoenfelder, born 1762 ; died 1829. 

Frances Moore, born 1777 ; died 1858. 

John Salladc, born 17(i8; died 1855. 

Johannes Filliert, born 1777 ; died 1857. 

Peter Neff. born 1779; died 1854 

George Ege, born 1779; died 1812. 

The monument of the Ege fan]ily in this ceme- 
tery is worthy of special menti(;n. Tlie cemetery 
is kept in fine order. 

Keiv Lutheran Church. — In 1858 a number of 
persons at Wcjmelsdorf associated for tlie pur- 
pose of maintaining worship according to the cus- 
toms of the new school Lutherans. For this pur- 
])osc they secured the use of the old Presbyterian 
meeting-house, and they have met there statedly 
since. The congregation, as originally composed, 
has as elders, Elias Fidler and Absalom Fisher ; 
Deacons, Peter Spang and Williafu M. Salladii ; 
and Isaac Fidler, Isaac Womelsdorf, John M. 
Schonour, John H Sell and Jacob Stout were 
among the other members. The Rev. J. M. Ditz- 
ler became the first pastor, preaching about ten 
years, and was followed by the Revs. Uriel Graves, 
G. J. Mortz, E. Lenhart, P. C. Croll and Isaiah 
B. Christ. At one time the congregation had 
eighty members, but as no regular service has been 
maintai ed the past si.\ months, the interest in the 
work has declined, and not more than half that 
number retain their profession. 

Emanuel Evangelical Church — jNIembers of the 
Evangelical Association worshipped at Womels- 
dorf more than fifty years ago at the houses of 
those who bad accepted that faith, and later in a 
small brick meeting-house, standing at the lower 
end of the town. This was demoli-shed in 1867, 
and the present neat church edifice erected on an 
adjoining lot. It is thirty-eight by si.^ty-five feet, 
two stories high and constructed of brick. The 
building committee were Zachariah Burns, Isaac 
Deppeu, Isaac j\Iiller, Ezra Price and John Yost. 

In 1869 a parsonage was built on the old church 
lot, which is the home of the preacher in charge of 
Womelsdorf Circuit. This circuit embraces, be- 
sides the church here, appointments at Beruville, 
Bern, Centreport and Leesport. In 1885 the 
resident pastor was the Rev. J. Savitz. His pre" 



878 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



decessors during the past twenty years were as fol- 
lows : The Revs. J. L. Ginther, D. W. Bixler, 
Isaac Hess, F, Sechrist, John Koehl, I. E. Knerr, 
A. Leopolt and C. Breyfogle, the latter having 
been in charge when the church was built. In 
1885 the trustees were Samuel E. Dundore, Isaac 
P. Deppeu, Samuel Murama, John C. Bickle and 
A. Bauct. The membership of the church was 
about fifty and its service was alternately in the 
English and German languages. 

Preshyteriaiu. — The Presbyterians in this com- 
munity were always weak numerically ; but, in- 
spired by a zealous purpose to provide a place for 
English worship, a meeting house was built in 
July, 1834, on a lot of ground set aside for this 
purpose by Misses Frances Moore and Lydia 
Moore. In this house the Rev. Mr. Morse and 
others expounded the gospel, the most of the 
ministers being supplies from neighboring Presby- 
terian Churches. Preaching was conducted regu- 
larly and successfully for twenty years. Then, 
owing to the death of those mostly interested in 
the society, the congregation weakened and the 
preaching was afforded only at intervals. The 
Presbyterian Synod still retains its title to the 
church property, and, in 1885, it was held in trust 
for the Synod by William Livengood, William G. 
Moore, James Moore and John M. Stephen. 

Universalis^. — The Universalists also had the 
nucleus of a society at Womelsdorf, nearly half a 
century ago, and, through the efforts of the Louge- 
neckers, Manderbachs and others, a meeting-house 
was built, in which preaching was maintained at 
irregular periods for several years. The building 
was then sold to the board of school directors and 
is still used for school purposes. 

Union Cemetery is controlled by an association 
organized in 1858, which had as directorsElias 
Fidler, pi-esident ; William M. Sallade, secretary ; 
Peter Spang, treasurer ; and Dr. William Moore 
and John M. Schonour The association bought 
three acres of land on the hill north of the 
borough and west of the Union Church, which 
was improved for cemetery purposes, and, in 1883, 
purchased an addition of three acres. The whole 
is neatly inclosed. It is the burial-place of many 
of the oldest families of that part of the county, 
and contains a number of fine monuments. On 
the death of Elias Fidler and Dr. Moore, Adam 



S. Valentine and William G. Moore became direc- 
tors. With the exception of these changes, the 
board of directors remains the same as when first 
organized. 

Societies. — Williammn Lodge, No. 307, F. and 
A. M., was instituted at Womelsdorf, April 1, 
1857, with the nine charter members named be- 
low : John M. Stephen, E. Penn Smith, William 
Moore, John M. Schonour, John H. Obeily, John 
H. Sell, Charles Phillips, William A iloyer and 
Thomas S. Searle. Dr. Stephens was the first 
Master of the lodge. In 1885 it had eighty-eight 
members. 

Golden Rale Lodge, No. 159, /. 0. 0- F., was 
instituted February IG, 184(), with the following 
charter members : Jacob H. Boyer, Samuel .Stites, 
Jeremiah Clouse, Jonathan Klopp, Elijah P. Smith, 
H. Vauderslice, William Yerger, Jacob Sutter, 
Daniel Smith, H. C. Dewalt, Joseph Smith, .lacob 
F. Peters, Edward Walborn and Benj. Spatz. In 
1885 the lodge had a membership of seventy-nine. 

Washington Camp, No- 67, Patriotic Sons of 
America, was instituted on August 6, 1869, with 
twenty members. It is still an active organiza- 
tion. In 1885 it reported a membership of one 
hundred and thirty-seven. Previously a camp 
had been in existence at Womelsdorf for a time, 
but it was allowed to go down. 

Neversink Council, No. 127, United American 
Mechanics, was instituted at Womelsdorf, in 1851, 
W'ith twelve charter members. The meetings of 
council have been held with continued interest. 
The present membership is seventy-three. The 
council has had an aggregate membership of three 
hundred and seventy-five. 

Military Encampment. — A military encamp- 
ment was held at Womelsdorf in August, 1842, in 
which five militia companies participated,— 
Reading Artillerists, National Greys (Reading), 
Beruville Troop, Womelsdorf Rifles, Lebanon 
Company. 

A large number of people visited the encamp- 
ment, and the customary amusements were exten- 
sively patronized. 

General Washington's Visit. — The follow- 
ing account of Washington's visit to AVonielsdorf 
has been taken from the " Life of Captain Samuel 
Dewees," which was published by John Smith 
Haunain 1844: 



BOKOUGHS OF COUXTY. 



879 



" The young men of Womellsdorff and adjoining 
country, fired with the same undying spirit of true 
patriotism, organized themselves into a volunteer com- 
pany, and chose me for their Captain. In 1793, if my 
memory serves me right, General Washington, when 
President of the United States, made a tour through 
tlie eastern part of Pennsylvania, passing through 
Reading, Lancaster, Harrisburg, Carlisle, Chambers- 
burg, etc. After leaving Reading, he came to Wom- 
ellsdorff, where he stopped for the night. He arrived 
late in the evening, and put up at the public-house of 
my brotlier-in-law, Stouch. Hearing that Washing- 
ton had arrived, I ran around and collected about 
thirty of my men, and placed them under arms, each 
man having in accordance with my orders, provided 
himself with a powder-horn containing powder enough 
to fire fifteen or twenty rounds as a salute to President 
Washington, First Father and Saviour of his country. 
By the time we were in readiness it was nearly dusk, 
I had a capital Drummer but no Fifer, and I could 
not think of marching my men to salute the great and 
good Washington without having music as it should 
be. I resolved that I would play the fife myself. I 
therefore sheathed my sword, appointed my First 
Lieutenant Captain, in part, and myself Fifer jaro tern. 
I then placed myself by the side of my Drummer, on 
the right of my company. When matters were thus 
arranged, we marched up to Stouch's Hotel, then the 
quarters of President Washington, and drew up in 
line in front of the house. I then brought my men to 
an order, and as soon as President Washington ap- 
peared at the door of the Hotel, I quickly commanded 
my men to shoulder arms, and then ordered them to 
|)resent arms. I had then to assist the Drummer (by 
playing a tune on the fife for him) to beat the appro- 
l)riate salute. It was common in those days, and I be- 
lieve it is still done, when beating a salute, for the 
ensign or flagbearer to wave the fiag at certain rolls 
of the drum. By the time that the musical salute 
was ended, President Washington had gained a posi- 
tion on the steps in the front door of the Hotel. He 
then asked for (or who was) the captain of the com- 
l)any. I drew my sword and stepped towards him and 
saluted him with the usual salute of the sword. I then 
stepped up to him, and, with my sword in one hand 
and my Fife in the other, observed to him as follows : 

" ' Sir, I am both Captaia and Fifer. I liave a good Drmiiiuer, sir, but no 
Fifer, and could not tliink of tendering military lionoi-s to you in a 
patched up or lame way, and concluded, in the absence of a Fifer, to play 
the Fife myself, and told him my name was Dewees.' 

"Washington smiled and .said, 'Captain Dewees, 
you have been in the Revolutionary War.' ' Yes, sir,' 
said I. He then said, 'You have played the fife dur- 
ing the war.' I told him that I had. He said that he 
knew by the tunes we had played, and by the manner 
in which they were played, that I had been in the 
Continental .service. He then complimented me upon 
my having sacrificed my station (that of Captain) to 
gratify his ear with the well-to-be-rememberedairs so 



often heard during the Revolution in the camps of his 
country. He then observed : 

" ' Captjvin Dewees, you are disposed to pay great respect to me, for which 
I am extremely obliged to you, as also to the othcere and men composiug 
your company. IJut there has been so much respect paid to me on my 
whole route, at Iteadibg especially, that I feel rather unpleasant when 
in receipt of it. I know, sir, that it is earnestly done. Although I have 
not (lone less than any man, I have always tried to serve my country 
faithfully, fearlessly and nobly, whether when in the field or out of it, 
and in doing this, I have but done my duty to my country and country- 
men, posterity and to my God. Still, sir, I do not wish to damp your pa- 
triotic aniour, nor the jjatriotic ardour of a single member of your com- 
pany. Nor am 1 to be understood, sir, as wishing to damp the generous 
and patriotic feelings of the men and women, citizens of Womellsdorff 
now present as spectators ; nor do T wish, Captain Pewees, to be viewed 
as despising your tender of honors. Nor do I wish you, sir, to under- 
stand me as forbidding you to fire a salute, bnt I would respectfully re- 
quest that it ntay be dispensed with, and if it will be agreeable to you 
and your men, that of granting my rei|uest, I hope that a salute will not 
be fired.' I replied, ' Geneml Washington, if it is your desire that we 
shall not fire a salute, there shall not be a gun fired.' I then addressed 
myself to my men and stated that not a man would be permitted to fire a 
gun. 

" President Washington then requested me to march 
my men into the house. I did so. He then ordered 
different kinds of liquor to be set out, and invited us 
to partake with him of whatever kind of liquor we 
should choose to drink. I then asked my men to come 
forward and partake of the President's treat, and ob- 
served that they should take a civil drink, and for 
each to do so in a quiet and respectful manner. After 
all had drank, I gave them strict orders also that no 
man should behave in an uncivil, rude or noisy man- 
ner; that we had called, out of respect, to render re- 
spect and honors to his Excellency, the President, and 
all things should now be conducted in a respectful and 
quiet manner. The President told the landlord to 
charge the liquor he had ordered to his bill, thanked 
us in a kind manner for the honors we had done him, 
bowed to us, bade us good-night and then retired to his 
room. I do not pretend to state that the President's 
language was in the precise words I have used, but it 
was tantamount thereto. 

" As soon as the President retired, I then ordered 
my drummer, and I may add myself (for I assisted), 
to beat up the long roll ; this done, the men paraded 
at their posts and formed ranks immediately. We then 
marched down to the lower tavern, in Womellsdorf, 
kept by Wierech Seltzer, where we enjoyed ourselves 
in dancing awhile. We dispersed (I suppose) at a 
late hour, but the orders which I gave, that mirth and 
sociability should reign throughout the evening, were 
most happily obeyed. Xothing transpired to (not even 
the President's wish as regarded a .salute; this of itself 
was not a disappointment, for he was a lover of quiet, 
and every man yielded spontaneously what he so anx- 
iously desired) to mar the patriotic pleasure which 
each member of my company set out determined to 
enjoy." 

Aud the following Germau report of this visit is 
published in Rupp's " History of Berks County," 
page 194. 



880 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLYANIA. 



" WoMMELSDORF, DES 14seu Nov. 1793. 

" Gestern Abends batten die Einwohner dieserStadt 
das Verguuegen deu Presidenten George Washing- 
ton, der Vereinigten Staaten von America zu bewir- 
tbeu, und ibm bey dieser Gelegenbeit folgende Ad- 
dresse zu ueberreichen. 

" Ihro Excellentz ! 

"Moechten .sie unsere aus Dankbarkeit luid Gehor- 
sam entstehende Freudensbezeugungeu, in dieseni 
gluecklichen Augenblick da wir die persoenliclie Ge- 
gewart von Ihro Excellentz geinessen, in Dero ange- 
bornen und gewoehnlicheu Guete auzunehinen belie- 
ben. 

"Diekluge und mit gluecklichera Erfolg gekroeute 
Thaten, die Sie unter dem Scbutz des AUerhoechten 
Weseus in dem letzten glorreichen Krieg ausgefueh- 
ret haben, dan Glueck und Zufriedenheit- das wir 
unter Dero Regierung seithin in Friedenszeit geuissen 
und des letzhin sowohl ueberlegte zum rechten Zeit- 
punct auempfohlne Neutralitaete System, ermuntert 
all Mensehen aufs Neue zur Hochacbtung und Liebe 
gegen sie. Die Einwohner dieser Gegeud werden 
niewals unterlassen. langes Leben and Gesundheit 
von Gott fuer sie zu erbeten." 

To which General Washiugton sent the following 
very aj)propriate rejily : 

" Die Aufmerksamkeit die sie niir erzeigen, und 
der Beifall von raeinen Beuuiebungen, giebt mir das 
groeste Verguuegen." 

A company of voluuteers assembled, and amidst 
repeated firing of guns, near the door of the house 
in which he lodged, exclaimed, — 

" Lang lebe George Washington I Lang lebe George 
Washington ! ! " 



H.\MBURG. 

The thriving borough of Hamburg is situated on 
the Schuylkill River, near where it passes through 
the Blue jNIouutains. It is favorably located in 
a good farming country, and having communica- 
tions Viith points north and south by means of the 
caual and two principal lines of railway — the 
Philadelphia and Reading and Pennsylvania, — as 
well as being a projected station on other railways 
under construction, it has become a business point 
in the county, with varied industries, second in 
importance to Reading only. In LS85 there were 
about two thousand five hundred inhabitants, five 
churches, twcfsclu'ol-houses, a bank and other in- 
terest.'. 



The locality in which Hamburg is situated was 
known by that name before the town was laid out, 
the nature of the country and the nationality of 
the first settlers no doubt suggesting the ai)pella- 
tion. The records of this section indicate a land- 
warrant, dated in London, May 12, 1732, for six 
hundred and twenty six acres, situated east of the 
Schuylkill and north of the mouth of Maiden- 
creek, which was divided into three parts by Dep- 
uty Surveyor James Scull, and one part 
surveyed November 25, 1772, for Martin Kaercher, 
Sr. This survey was confirmed to him by a deed, 
December 23, 1772, in which it is spoken of as "a 
certain tract of land called Hamburg, and situate 
in Windsor township, containing two hundred and 
fifty acres. Seven years later, on the 23d of Jan- 
uary, 1779, Martin Kaercher, Sr., and Elizabeth, 
his wife, of Longswamp township, granted this 
tract of land to their son, Martin Kaercher, Jr., 
who, at that time, lived on it. The consideration 
was two thousand five hundred pounds. About 
this time Martin Kaercher, Jr., laid out the town, 
for on the 1st of December, 1779, he executed a 
deed to Michael Lindenmuth for lots Nos. 17, 19, 
32, 45, 87 and 110, and out-lots 59, 60, 88, 89, 
125 and 126. These lots were subject to a ground- 
rent, payable on the 27th day of May of each 
year, at the rate of two pounds five shillings for 
corner-lots and twenty-two shillings six pence for 
other lots. This ground rental has been the source 
of much vexatious litigation, and many of the lots 
of Hamburg are not yet clear of this claim. Its 
existence has, in a great measure, retarded the 
growth of the borough In 1780 Martin Kaercher, 
Jr., deeded back a part of the Hamburg tract to 
his father, but reserved the lots laid out, and made 
sales as follows : 

July 20, 1781, to John Zone. 

November 27, 1782, to Frederick Pouch. 

October 28, 1782, to Christopher Tin. 

May 2, 1783, to John Meyer and Frank Levenberg. 

April 3, 1783, to Peter Fornwalt. 

July 19, 1784, to George Benzemau. 

April 19, 1784, to Andrew Hehvig. 

January 27, 1785, to George Miller, Jr., for corn- 
mill and tract of forty acres. 

January 8, 1785, the tract called the "Shoup," 
fourteen acres (which had been patented to Kaercher 
the previous year). 

March 1, 178o. to John Mover (tavern-keeper and 
trader). 



BOROUGHS OP COUNTY. 



881 



September 1, 1785, to Martin Kaercher, Sr. 

May 25, 1786, to Andrew Lytle. 

May 6, 1786, to John Myer and Philip Shatz, lots 
for school and church purposes, they being trustees 
of Lutheran and Reformed congregations. 

October in, 1786, to Daniel Eothermel (paper- 
maker). 

1702, to Andrew Fors^'th. 

March 16, 1793, to William Kaercher. 

March 17, 1703, to George Kaercher. 

January 1, 1794, to Daniel Kaercher. 

March 20, 1794, to Samuel Winters. 

Martin Kaercher, Jr., lived ou a farm on 
Kaercher's Run. He also owned the mill on that 
stream, which is now the mill-site on Main Street. 
He conveyed this property to George Miller in 1785. 
He appears to have been financially embarrassed, 
and some of his property was sold by the sheriff in 
1787. The elder members of the family died at 
Hamburg, and others removed to other parts. The 
village grew very slowly, and, after the custom of 
that time (naming towns for their founders), was 
called, in the common vernacular," Kaerchertown," 
which some people earnestly suppose to have been 
the original name of the borough ; and some 
people, to give the place an English name, called it 
Church town. The first buildings were built of 
logs. Some of them, weather-boarded or rough- 
cast, may still be found in the older parts of the 
town. The first brick house was built by John Miller, 
ou the upper part of Main Street, which is still 
standing as the residence of E. M. Miller. It is a 
one-story building. After the manufacture of 
l>ricks was begun at this place the larger portion 
of the buildings were put up of that material. One 
of the oldest large houses was built of stone, in 
1811, by Abraham Bailey, and even now has the 
appearance of a mansion. The masonry and the 
wood-work indicate skill and care of no mean order 
ou the part of the workmen engaged iu its con- 
struction. 

After the first meeting-house was built, iu 1790, 
the population increased more than in former 
years, and, in 1800, the place had three hundred 
and twenty-nine inhabitants. 

Among the citizens of Hamburg from 1800 to 
1820 were the following . 



John Meyer, broker. 
Henry Heinly, tailor. 
Jobn De Wald, batter. 
Jobn Sbomo, Jr., teacber. 
Piiviil Newhart, tobacconist. 



Jobn Moyer, tobacconist. 
John Shomo, Sr., inu-keepei 
Andrew Smith, blacksmith. 
Joliu Derr, tanner. 
Rottert Scott, store-keeper. 



George Miller, miller. 
Charles Guss, mason. 
William Feather, tanner. 
Bloees Levy, store-keeper. 
Daniel Levan, tavern-keeper. 
Jacob Snell, butcher. 
Joseph Shomo, Sr., tinsmith. 
Abraham Wolff, saddler. 
Henry Groh, yeoman. 
Adolphus Hatzlield, justice. 
Dr. Klein, physician. 
Philip Sousley, cordwainer. 
Andrew Helwig, yeoman. 
Henry Schoener, chair-maker. 
William Coulter, chair-maker. 
Henry Lewers, tinsmith. 
Henry Fister, hatter. 
John Schenk, tailor. 
John Beidenmn, clock-maker. 
Mrs. Peter St-batz, cake-baker. 
Henry Lindenmuth, shoemaker. 
.\hraham Bailey, tavern-keeper. 
William Schau, tailor. 
Abraham De Wald, cigar-maker. 
Dr. Benj. Becker, physician. 
Philip Hummel, fanner. 
Frederick Feli.x, shoemaker. 
Michael Reese, cooper. 
John Ebcrbard, carpenter. 
W'illiam Machemer, dyer. 



Jacob Glatt, laborer. 
John Miller, cabinet-maker. 
Andrew Forsyth, merchant. 
Jacob Fisher, coffee-mill maker. 
Capt. Leithoiser, Revolutionist. 
Sebastian Leonard, blacksmith. 
Daniel Kern, store-keeper. 
David Davidheiser, tavern-keeper. 
.\ndre\v Hummel, laborer. 
.Jacob Hains, carpenter. 
Christian Lochman, weaver. 
John Stiller, cooper. 
Peter Dile, laborer. 
Henry Roi, watchmaker. 
Wm. Lochman (Hessian), laborer. 
John Scharff (Hessian), hostler. 
Abraham Shollenherger, potter. 
John Shollenherger, blacksmith. 

Hetrich, cooper. 

Sillimau, ferryman. 

Fred'k Shollenherger, butcher. 
Abraham Keiser, butcher. 

Kennedy, mason. 

Killian May, cooper. 
Joseph Miller, farmer. 
Wm. Williamson, wheelwright. 
Casper Diehl, tavern-keeper. 
Jeremiah Shappell, farmer. 
Ab'm Williamson, spinning-wheel 
maker. 



The building of the turnpike and the canal, 
and later of the Philadelphia and Reading Rail- 
way, through this place, each promoted the growth 
of the borough — each event forming a period of 
prosperity in its history. But more especially was 
a building boom inaugurated when it was sup- 
posed that Hamburg would become the entrepot 
for the shipment of the vast quantities of coal now 
loaded on the boats at Port Clinton and Schuylkill 
Haven — a belief which was strengthened when 
the railroad company bought up all the property 
available along the canal, with a view of erecting 
immense warehouses thereon for shipment pur- 
poses. It was about this time that the fine Heinly 
Block, on ^laiu Street, was erected, and a little 
later, in 1871, the massive four-story building, on 
the corner of Main and State Streets, now known 
as the Fenstermacher Block. This inaugurated 
the era of better buildings in Hamburg. The 
last event, which quickened the business life of the 
borough, was the building of the Pennsylvania 
Railroad, in 1885, and the erection of the attrac- 
tive depot building ou State Street, near the canal. 
It is of brick, elegantly finished, and has few 
superiors anywhere. Its architecture has been the 
means of causing other buildings in the town to 
assume shapes practical and pleasing, though much 
at variance with the styles prevailing fo.' sixty years. 
The depot building was opened in December, 1885. 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



To this new order of buildings belongs ttie busi- 
ness house of N. A. Confer, erected in l.'S3o-iS6, 
on the southwest corner of White Oak and State 
Streets. It is a high, nne-story building of brick, 
sixty by one hundred and twenty feet, forming 
one room, to be devoted to general mercantile pur- 
poses. The building is ornate, and having a high 
roof with raised skylights, is not unattractive in 
appearance. Mr. Confer has been in trade at 
Hamburg since 1868, and ranks as one of the 
foremost nerchants of the county. Robert Scott, 
on the corner of Main and Pine Streets, had one 
of the first good stores ; and soon after came John 
Beitenman. At the upper end of the town John 
Miller had a good trade. Later, Joseph Shomo 
and Samuel ShoUenberger carried on a large busi- 
ness in what is now the Item office. After 
some years George and Joseph ShoUenberger were 
associated and opened a store on the corner where 
is now the Xathan Bear stand, where had been 
David Nice and Daniel AVolffi Shomo opened 
the stand on Main and Pine Streets, now known 
as the D. A. Heffuer store ; William D. Shomo 
also conducted business very successfully in 
the same place. Among the earlier stores was 
that of Daniel Kern, on ilain Street, next-door to 
the " Swan " Hotel, which he also kept. Joseph 
Filbert and others were in the same locality. 
Charles Shomo was in trade in the Item build- 
ing, and Joseph Seidel in the building now occu- 
pied by Fister's drug- store. Charles A. Seidel 
was on the opposite side of the street. David 
Heinly put up the building where is now the gen- 
eral store of James L. Merkel James Fenster- 
macher has been in trade at Hamburg since 18(i'2, 
occupying his present building since 1871 ; and 
next-door is the Kotion-store of James L. Bauni. 
John Beitenman was an early dealer in hardware. 
Peter C. Baum had the first store wholly devoted 
to that line of trade, his place being on White Oak 
Street. David Heinly opened the next store, on 
Main Street, which is now occupied by Walter 
Raubenhold. 

Nathaniel J. Hatzfield was one of the first dealers 
in cabinet-ware, and Jacob Laub had an early 
furniture-store on Main Street. Sheradin Men- 
gel and others were also in this business. It is 
now successfully carried on by Peter Burkey, who 
operates a small furniture-factory in connection 



with a store. Other stores devoted to specialties 
were opened lately, among them being the grocery 
business of R. T. Lenhart and the fine jewelry- 
store of W. W. Appel. On State Street and the 
canal is the fine grain warehouse of J. A. Baus- 
cher, erected in 1876 ; and farther down the 
canal, at the old Loose & ShoUenberger place, 
Lenhart & Co. have been coal and lumber dealers 
since 1882. Near this point the river was first 
crossed by ferries, one of them being operated 
many years by a man named Silliman The first 
bridge across the stream was swept away by a 
freshet in July, 1850, and broken to pieces. The 
present wood-covered bridge is over two hundred 
feet long. After being a toll-bridge for many 
years, it was recently declared free. 

Among the chief public-houses, the John Bailey 
stand, on Main Street, lately demolished, is one of 
the best remembered. It was partly log and 
partly brick, and in its time was a good house. 
Daniel Kern's inn, on the opposite side of the 
street, was the headquarters for stages. At the 
head of the street John Shomo, Jr., had a public- 
house, which has since been demolished. The 
present house was built by John Confer, but kept 
by him as an inn only a short time. Joseph 
Shomo had an old-time hotel on the site of Rau- 
benhold's store, which was kept at a later day by 
Daniel Levan. The present " Washington House " 
is on the site of an inn formerly kept by John 
Shomo. The frame house was removed, and in 
the house now standing Charles Keller, Jacob - 
Boyer and Joseph N. Shomo have entertained the 
public, — the latter since 1870. The present three- 
story brick American House was built by Isaac 
Thompson, and has been kept by him and the 
landlord now in possession, David H. Fink. 

Ham:bur(4 Incorporated. — In order to secure 
better streets and to promote the general welfare 
of the village, an eftbrt was made to incorporate 
Hamburg more than fifty years ago. To this end 
a number of special acts were passed, the first bear- 
ing date April 5, 18-30. In accordance with one 
of the provisions of the act, a survey and plat of 
the town was made September 8, 1830, by Mathias 
S. Richards, Philip A. Good and George Heisler. 
But, owing to a non-compliance with some of the 
terms of the act, no organization was effected, and 
it was not until after the passage of the act of April 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



883 



3, 1837, that Hamburg became possessed of cor 
porate powers and privileges, whicK were extended 
and enlarged by the following special acts: April 
16, 1838 ; January 12, 1840 ; March 18, 1852 ; 
August 24, 1864; March 22, 1865; June 2> 
1875 ; and by the general act of May 5, 1876' 
The bounds of the borough were changed in Feb 
ruary, 1876,' and further modified, in 1877, by 
regular surveys. 

The first borough election was held in 1837, and 
resulted in the choice of Daniel Sheiffley as presi- 
dent of the Council, and P. C. Baura clerk. The 
loss of the records for the first thirty years of the 
corporate history renders the task of compiling a 
com])lete list of officials impossible. 

P. C. Baum served as clerk for a number of 
years, and others who filled the same office were 
George Shenk, B. E. Shollenberger, Charles Ben- 
zeman, Bennewell Derr, JIahlon F. Wolf and 
George A. Xander. 

Some of the presidents for the same period were 
Augustus Shultz, E. M. Smith, Edward H. Mil- 
ler, Charles Faust, Rufus D. Wolff and Benjamin 
Goodman. 

Since 1867 the principal officers have been : 

1807-68. — John Sunday, burgess; Jacob Geiger, 
president of the Council; George A. Xauder, clerk. 

1869-71. — James Prutzman, burgess; Benjamin 
Goodman, president of the Council; Geo. A. Xander, 
clerk. 

1872-73. — R. Seidel, burgess ; Benjamin Goodman, 
president of the Council ; Geo. A. Xander, clerk. 

1874-75. — -John Sunday, burgess ; William K. Mil- 
ler, president of tlie Council ; J. Jerome Miller, 
clerk. 

1876. — Jacob Geiger, burgess ; Levi Williamson, 
president of the Council ; J. Jerome Miller, clerk. 

1877. — Fred. Gordfleck, burgess; James Prutzman, 
president of the Council ; J. .Jerome Miller, clerk. 

1878.— Fred. Gordfleck, burgess; R. D. Wolff, 
president of the Council ; B. S. Gardner, clerk. 

1879.— J. A. Tobias, burgess ; R. D. Wolff, presi- 
dent of the Council ; B. S. Gardner, clerk. 

1880. — Reuben Seidel, burgess ; R. D. Wolff, presi- 
dent of the Council; B. S. Gardner, clerk. 

1881.— Wm. Harris, burgess; J. L. Merkel, presi- 
dent of the Council ; R. J. M. Miller, clerk. 

1882. — Wm. Harris, burgess ; J. L. Merkel, presi- 
dent of the Council ; B. S. Gardner, clerk. 

1883. — Solomon K. Dreibelbis, burgess ; J. L. Mer- 
kel, president of the Council . B. F. Bean, clerk. 

1884. — A. F. Luburg, burgess; J. L. Merkel, presi- 
dent of the Council ; R. J. M. Miller, clerk. 



In 1885 the officers were, — 

Solomon K. Dreibelbis, burgess ; William K. Mil- 
ler, assistant burgess ; Members of Council, James L. 
Merkel (president), D. K. Nies, J. C. Bear, J. J. Mil- 
ler, C. A. Seidel, John S. Smith, Christian Baum, 
Wm. H. Grimm, Jacob Hallenbach ; R. J. M. Miller, 
secretary of Council; O. J. Wolff, treasurer; O. J. 
Wolff and Jackson Levan, justices of the peace ; Geo. 
M. Witters, constable ; Charles Williamson and 
Franklin N. Fichthorn, policemen. 

The office of justice was also held by Israel 
Derr, Henry Lcwars, Benjamin Shollenberger, 
Jeremiah Wolfingcr, Henry K Burkhalter and 
Mahlou F. Wolff. 

Jackson Levan was the first notary public, re- 
ceiving his commission in 1870. 

Measures for protection against fire were taken 
before Hamburg became a borough, a number of 
buckets having been procured and distributed 
among the citizens. 

The Hambur(t Fire Company was organized 
in 1838, audit had, among others, the following 
members : 



Henry Fister. 
Henry Levan. 

Shappell. 

Henry Groh. 
Robert Scott. 
Andrew Smith. 
Adam Keiser. 
Moses Levy. 
Abr. Bailey. 
John DeiT. 
Peter Miller. 
B. R. Xyce. 
H. F. Hold. 
John Shenk. 
William Feather. 



Joseph Shomo. 
Jacob Shollenberger. 
John Miller, 
.lesse Dewald. 
William Shomo. 
(xeorge Miller. 
John Shollenberger. 
William Smith. 
Abraham Williamson. 
Andrew Smith, Jr. 
John C. Thiell. 
Daniel Feather. 
Daniel Shollenberger. 
Adolnh Hatzfield. 



A small engine, worked by a crank, was pur- 
chased, and every member of the company was 
supplied with a leathern bucket and a sailcloth 
bag. In 1866 the borough erected a substantial 
engine-house, of brick, twenty-two by forty feet, 
part of which is two stories high. This building 
also serves as a place for the meetings of Council. 
About the same time a larger hand-engine was 
purchased, which was used until 1877, when a 
Silsby steam fire-engine was purchased and the 
department again reorganized. Fireplugs were 
placed at the upper end of ]Main Street, and at 
other jilaces on the canal and creek, where a good 



884 



HISTORY OF BERKS COU.NTV, PENNSYLVANIA. 



water supjily luight be obtained, and from these 
plugs nearly every point in the borough can be 
reached with several hundred feet of hose. 

The Union Fire Company, No. 1, was formed 
in January, 1886, with the following organization : 

Oliver J. Wolfl" president; Wm. G. Sheradiu, 
vice-president ; Douglass D. Seidel, recording secre- 
tary ; Dr. John R. Wagner, assistant recording secre- 
tary ; Abraham J. Seaman, financial secretary ; Hon. 
Charles A. Seidel, treasurer; William Heinley, Chas. 
F. Jones, William F. Burkey, trustees ; Douglass D. 
Seidel, janitor; William G. Sheradin, foremac; Albert 
Seivert, first assistant foreman ; J. W. Heinly, second 
assistant foreman ; John H. Smith, engineer; Daniel 
A. Burkey and B. Frank Bean, assistant engineers; 
Charles Williamson, fireman; Franklin il. Seaman and 
Franklin V. Fichthorn, assistant firemen ; D.ivid Fin- 
ady, William Heinly, Irwin Leuhart and Solomon K. 
Hoffman, engine directors; Reuben A. Dietrich, Dr. 
John R. Wagner, John Burkey and Franklin Kauft- 
man, hose directors; L. K. Saul, David Beard, Chas. 
Reinhart and James Kelchner, pipemen ; George 
Spindler, Charles F. Jones, John Spareley, John 
Williamson, Daniel Tobias, Arthur Fesig, George H. 
Seaman, Samuel Lunglow, Calvin F. Miller, W. Wil- 
liam Ap;)cl, John Shadier, Joel E. .Seaman, hook-and 
ladder-men. 

West Hamburg. — The .station on the Phila- 
delphia and Reading Railroad, at Hamburg, is on 
the west side of the river, about half a mile fi"oni 
the borough. The depot building was first sixty 
rods north of the present site, and Henry S. Kern 
became the agent, holding the position eighteen 
years lu 1867 the present location was selected, 
on the farm of N. S. Schock. S. K. Krauip is 
the present agent. 

The first store in the hamlet, by the depot 
(sometimes called West Hamburg), was opened at 
the old station, in 1853, by Moses S. Schock. 
Since 1867 N. S Schock has been in business at 
his present stand. He was the first postmaster of 
the Berks post-office, established there in 1S79. 

In 1870 John Williams and Solomon Seaman 
erected a large brick block, which was arranged 
for hotel and store purposes. There Williams 
opened what is :io\i' the National Hotel, and 
Solomon Seaman & Sons established a mercantile 
business, which is now carried on by Seaman & 
Brother. 

The Hamburg Rolling-Mill is situated at the 
lower part of the hamlet, and comprises sjiacious 
])uildin«;s with convenient connections with the main 



tracks of the railroad. The enterprise was begun 
in 1865 by an association composed of William D. 
Shonio, Benjamin H. Lenhart, Gideon Sunday, 
George Merkel and John Bickley. The following 
year the business wa.s carried on by Merkel, 
Spang & Co., and in 1871 by the Hamburg Iron 
Company, composed of William A. Shoemaker, 
John Shoemaker, John Raud.son and H. C. 
Beam. Afterward, it was carried on for a time 
by Richard Dunkel and others. In 1881 the 
present firm of Nevegold, Scheide & Co., of Bris- 
tol, Pa., took possession of the works and began 
operations under a lease for five years. They 
employ seventy-five men and make a specialty of 
the manufacture of band and hoop-iron, produc- 
ing from eighty to one bundled and fifty tons 
daily. The property belongs to the Philadelphia 
and Reading Coal and Iron Company. 

Industries!.— One of the earliest industries at 
this place was the mill of Martin Kaercher, Jr., 
on Kaercher's Run, wheie it crosses Main Street. 
He sold out to George Miller in 1 785, who put up 
the first substantial mill. The old building was 
burned down in 1875, and the present fine mill 
was erected liy William D. Shomo, who operates 
it still. 

The next mill was built in the northern part of 
the borough by Jonas Kern ; but, after it became 
the property of the Reading Railroad Company, it 
was allowed to remain idle. 

Near State Street, a steam-mill was built by 
Thomas Sieger, which was supplied with good ma- 
chinery, but which has had many owners, among 
them being Daniel Kern, Jacob Geiger, Fink & 
Co., Motes & Bufiington and the present George 
Walters. 

In this locality the boat-yard of Benjamin 
Meinder was situated. He was the successor of 
Frederick Albright, the first boat-builder, whose 
yard was in the southern part of the borough. 
Meinder was succeeded by Miller & Baltzer, and 
they by Jacob Wolff, the last boat-builder, to any 
extent, in the borough. 

Among the smaller industries were the hat- 
shops of Henry Fister, who employed a number 
of hands, and that of George & Peter Stam- 
baugh, on the corner of ilaiu and State Streets, 
both long since discontinued. The chief products 
were wool hats. 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



East of the old mill the distillation of liquor 
was carried ou in early times. Jacob and Wil- 
liam Kalbach put up a large distillery near the 
canal, in the lower part of the borough, which was 
in operation about 1860. An extensive business 
was at one time carried on, but no liquor has been 
made there within the last twelve years. The 
building is the property of the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad Company, and latterly has been 
used for warehouse purposes. 

On White Oak Street, where the office of J. 
Levan, Es(j., is now situated. Dr. Augustus 
Shultz had a brewery in opei'ation several years, 
about 1832. On ]Main Street, in the southern 
part of the borough, another brewery had a short 
existence. It was the property of Benjamin 
Meiiiders. 

The principal brewery in the place was on Main 
Street, in the central part of the town. It 
was built by William D. Shonio, about 1840. 
John Rothlauf filled the position of brewer 
many years and was succeeded by Joseph Popp 
and others. The building has not been used for 
brewing purposes since 1880. No liquor is now 
manufactured in the borough. 

The manufacture of bricks was commenced on 
the Sciiuylkill flats about forty years ago by John 
Tobias, and the laisiness which he established is 
still carried on by Tobias Brothers & Co. Fine 
bricks are made and a number of men afforded 
employment. At this point Wilson Rothenberger 
was an early brick-maker. John Schrayer had a 
yard near the distillery for a time, but which is 
now idle. 

On Main Street, on the site of the Savings- 
Bank, William Fetter had a tannery, which 
passed from him to Wilson Motz and then to 
Michael Richards. Latterly, steam-fiower was 
employed and an extensive business carried on. 
Leather was fipished for the market. 

Near the canal Eli Kummerer built a tannery, 
in 186!), with twenty vats. It was operated until 
1883. 

The tannery of Joseph Kummerer, on Washing- 
ton Street, was built in 1858 by J. & E. Kum- 
merer, and has been operated since 1861 by 
Joseph Kummerer. It has twenty-one vats, and 
eleven hundred hides are prepared annually for 
the market. 



The shoe-factory of R. S. Appel and J. A. 
Spangler was established in 1881, on Main Street, 
near State. From twenty to thirty hands are era- 
ployed in the manufactui-e of infants', children's 
and misses' fine and medium grade shoes. 

Cordwainers were in the town at an early period 
of its history ; these were shoemakers. 

As early as 1790 Andrew Smith began the 
manufacture of chains in a shop which stood on 
State Street, on the site of the residence of E. M. 
Smith. In 1825, when E. M. Smith was fourteen 
years of age, he continued the trade of his father 
and afterward added the manufacture of shoot 
nails, for use in coal-breakers. In 1877 E. M. 
Smith & Son's Chain and Nail-Works were 
established in a large frame building on Main 
Street. The shop now has thirteen fires and the 
necessary machinery for making all kinds of 
wagons and mine chains as well as shoot nails. 
Most of their production is sold to the Philadelphia 
and Reading Railroad Company. 

In the immediate locality Israel Derr carried ou 
a tannery in the early part of the present centurv. 
It was erected on the site of an abandoned oil-mill. 
The tannery was converted into a foundry about 
1850 by Benneville Derr, who added a brick 
building. This was the beginning of the " Ham- 
burg Stove- Works," in which were made the 
'■ Day-Light Heater " and cooking-stoves ; also the 
" B. De r Plow." ^Ir. Derr employed from 
twelve to fifteen men. The name of this industry 
has been changed to the Hamburg Plow- Works, 
operated by a firm composed of S. A. Loose, C. F. 
Seaman and P. M. Shollenberger, trading under 
the name of Loose, Seaman & Co., which obtained 
possession of the property November 26, 1881. 
Since the decease of Benneville Derr this firm has 
carried on extensively a general foundry business 
and the manufacture of specialties. Water-power 
was used at first alone for a time, then steam-power 
was added and the works enlarged to accommodate 
the growing business. At present four spacious 
buildings are occupied by the firm, and more than 
twenty men are aftbrded constant employment, 
chiefly in the manufacture of the Hamburg Cham- 
pion Plow and Bowers" Patent Slip Point Plow- 
shares. The latter article is sold in almost every 
State of the Union, where reversible plow-shares 
are used. 



886 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENXSYL^N-AMA. 



The Keystone Foundry of Hamburg was estab- 
lished on State Street, near Canal, in 1841, by 
Reuben Lias. In 1848 a large brick building was 
erected and steam-power supplied to operate the 
machinery. The establishment was devoted to 
manufacturing agricultural implements, rolling- 
mill castings and stoves. After 1850 the business 
amounted annually to fiteen thousand dollars. In 
1852, Charles Egolf became a partner, and the 
firm of Lins & Egolf carried on the business till 
1858, when they transferred it to G. & W. Deisher. 
Afterward, Henry Diesher became the sole owner. 
The works were then operated nine years, under a 
lease by Sivert & Stonecker. In 1881, Henry 
Seivert became the owner, and he is the present 
proprietor. Eight men are employed in the 
manufacture of mill castings, kettles and the 
Hamburg chilled plow. 

Carriage-shops have been maintained at Ham- 
burg from the beginning of its existence as a busi- 
ness point. In 1885 there were three establish- 
ments of this kind, carried on by Lewis C. Roraich, 
Christian Baum and W. A. Scott, all situated on 
State Street. Baum has been in business since 
1868, and Scott since 1866. The three shops em- 
ploy about thirty hands. 

Post-Office. — The Hamlnirg post office was 
established July 1, 1798. Among the first post- 
masters were Henry Fister, who had the office at 
Lis hat-shop, and John Sheuk, who kept it at his 
tailor shop. Later, another tailor, John Kirkpat- 
rick, was the postmaster, and among his suceessoi-s 
were Charles Benzemau, John F. Rhoades, Daniel 
Wolff, George Sholleuberger, Peter S. Hains, 
IMilton S. Ludwig, M. M. Leuhart, Elias Shomo, 
Henry Rothenberger, and since October, 1885, 
Dr. AVilliam Harris. The office has been on 
State Street for some time. It is graded as fourth- 
class, and has been a money-order office since 
July 1, 1874. There are seven mails in and an 
equal number out of this office. It is the dis- 
tributing point for mails to offices on the Allentown 
and Strausstown stage-route. 

Legal and Medical Professions. — In the 
leained professions' J. Ed. Miller has been the 
only attorney to open and maintain an office at 
Hamburg for the practice of law. Other attorneys 
have visited Hamburg at stated periods for many 
years. Dr. A. Klein was one of the first medical 



practitioners at Hamburg, continuing until his 
tragic death at the hands of Adolph Hatzfield, a 
prominent German compatriot, whose plea was 

justifiable homicide Dr. Baum was another 

early physician, whose stay wa.s not of long dura- 
tion. Dr. John B. Tryon was in successful practice 
until his death ; and Drs Killiau, Becker, Shultz, 
Kendall, Benzeman and Medlar were each here 
for short periods. Dr. John Seiberling had a good 
practice until his removal to Philadelphia, and 
Dr. Herman Seider until he went to Schuylkill 
County. Dr. Benjamin F. Isett succeeded Dr 
Seiberling, he being the father of Dr. Joseph T. 
Isett, a horaa?opathist, still in practice. Dr. 
Benjamin Nice was in practice at Hamburg before 
1820, but he removed and did not locate here 
permanently until 1830 ; upon his return he con- 
tinued in active practice until his death, July 14, 
1862. His son, Dr. Franklin B. Nice, began his 
professional career at Hamburg in 1851, and is 
still in active practice. Another son, George 
Nice, studied medicine the same time, but he 
removed to Port Clinton, and died there in 1877. 
Other resident physicians are Dr. John Potteiger, 
who came to this place from Lenhartsville in 
1870; Dr. John R. Wagner, since the spring of 
1884; and Dr. Joseph Hatsfield, homceopathist, 
since 1882. 

In the drug business John Beitenman was the 
pioneer, having his apothecary-store on Main 
Street. His succesior was Major John A. Beiten- 
man, who pursued this avocation a number of 
years. Since 1868 William Harris has conducted a 
drugstore successfully at Hamburg. Later, stores 
were opened by Adam Bodenhorn and Thomas 
Fister, the former being now known as the Stein 
store. 

Hamiurg Savings-Bank. — This bank was 
established under a charter granted March 24, 
1870, and was opened f «r business in November, 
1872. The authorized paid-up capital was fifty 
thousand dollai-s, but business was begun with ten 
thousand dollars, which was increased to forty 
thousand dollars in 1877, and the capital fully paid 
up in 1884. The bank organized by electing 
Benneville Derr president, and Charles M. 
Schomo cashier. From 1877 to 1885 Nathan 
Bear was the president, when he was succeeded by 
Peter Burkev. The cashier since 1877 has been 



BOROUGHS OF COTNTY. 



887 



J. Jerome Miller. The present directors are 
Peter Burkey, Nathan Bear, A. R. Sholleuberger, 
Daniel Beyer, Samuel C. Boyer, Nathan Schock, 
Samuel Merk and Solomon H. Leuhart. 

The bank occupies a substantial building on 
Main Street, especially jirepared for its use in 
1877. Previous to that time business was done 
in the Shomo Block. Though organized as a 
savings-bank, a general banking, collection and 
exchange business is also transacted, thus making 
the l)auk a great accommodation to Hamburg and 
vicinity. 

Churches. — <Si. John's Church is the oldest in 
the borough, and the one around which the most 
historic interest centres In 1790, on February 
12th, the first church at Hamburg was consecrated 
as a German Lutheran and Reformed United 
( Gemeinschaftliche) Church. 

The land on which it was erected, and which at 
that time was the old churchyard {Gotte«-acker) 
of this congregation, had been given as a gift by 
ISIartin Kercher in 177.i, for the use of the 
Lutheran and Reformed inhabitants of Hamburg 
and vicinity, to bury their dead and to erect on it 
a United Lutheran and Reformed Church edifice. 

At that time Hamburg resembled a desert ; 
the vicinity was a forest, the inhabitants were few 
and poor, and could uot erect a church ; they 
therefore worshipped God in private dwellings, 
aud used the lower part of the laud as a burying- 
grouud, reserving the upper part for the church. 
In time they were enabled to build a church of logs, 
using the lower story as a school-room and the 
second story as a place of public worship. On the 
day mentioned the church was solemnly conse- 
crated as a church of God under the name, style 
and title of " The United Evangelical Lutheran 
and Evangelical Reformed St. John's Church in 
the village of Hamburg." 

Pastors, Rev. Daniel Lehman (Lutheran) and 
Rev. Henry Hertzel (Reformed). 

After 1800 the influx of population at Ham- 
burg was rapid, and the church became too small 
to accommodate the growing congregations. As 
all the means to erect a new church could not be 
raised by the ordinary methods of collections and 
subscriptions, the Ijcgislature was invoked to grant 
the church privilege to raise funds by lottery — 
}iy no means an unpopular method of raising 



money in those days for various enterprises. An 
act was passed in 1807 authorizing them to raise 
by lottery three thousand dollars, with which to 
build a church at Hamburg for the use of the 
Lutheran and Calviuist congregations. Robert 
Scott, George Miller, Philip Kiein, Philip Seidel, 
John Mayer and Abraham Bailey were appointed 
commissioners to conduct the lottery. Five thou- 
sand tickets, at one dollar each, were issued, seven- 
teen hundred and fifty entitling the holders to 
prizes, aud three thousand two hundred and fifty 
being blanks. The final drawing was published 
for June 15, 1813, from which it appeared that 
there were two prizes of twenty-five dollars, two of 
twenty dollars, two of fifteen dollars, five of 
ten dollars, seventy of five dollars, aud others 
at smaller amounts. It is not known what 
amount was actually realized by this lottery. The 
corner-stone of the new church was laid June 16, 
1811, and a very substantial stone building erected, 
— in dimensions, thirty-five by forty -five feet. It 
was finished in 1814, aud consecrated in March, 
1815. This building stood on the site of the pres- 
ent edifice. After the new church came to be 
occupied the old church was set apart for school 
purposes. The upper room was used as a public 
hall. Upon its removal the logs were used in the 
construction of a one-storv school-house on the 
same lot. When the stone church was consecrated 
the Lutheran congregation was without a pastor, 
but the Reformed had Rev. Philip jNIayer. The 
trustees at the time were George Schumacher and 
Henry Lewers (^Lutheran), Jacob Stitzel and 
Henry Fister (Reformed). Abraham WolflT was 
the treasurer, and Robert Scott the secretary. The 
mason-work was done by William Adam and 
Jacob Gehret, and the carpenter-work by Philip 
Altenderfer. In the church thus provided the 
congregations flourished forty-six years, when it 
was found too small aud " its inner arrangements 
too inconvenient to accommodate all the members 
and to be in harmony with the spirit of the times." 
A proposition to build a new church, as urged 
upon the members by Pastor A L. Herman, June 
1, 1857, was received with much favor, and meas- 
ures to build it were at once instituted and 
diligently prosecuted. 

The necessary list of subscription was filled in a 
few weeks, the trustees chosen and a resolution 



888 



HISTORY OF Bf:RKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



adopted to erect the building that summer, which 
was to be known by the same name. The corner- 
stone was laid August 16, 1857. 

Prior to the building of this church the brick 
school-house was built and the upper room set 
aside for the use of the congregations until the 
present edifice would be occupied. The old walls 
of the stone church were used in building the 
foundation of the present church, and the other 
materials removed. The steeple of the old church 
had a vane in the shape of a fish, and upon which 
was the date 1811. The pulpit, also, was a novelty, 
very closely resembling a tulip. The new church 
is of brick, very commodious, being sixty by eighty 
feet, and a fine building throughout. The bell, 
with which the steeple is supplied, is one of the 
best in the county. The lot upon which the build- 
ing stands indicates careful attention. In the rear 
of the church there is a new cemetery, a iew acres 
in area. The trustees iu 1885 were George Wal- 
ters and J. B. Pottinger (Lutheran), Lewis C. 
Romich and William G. Sheridan (Reformed). 
The pastor of the Reformed congregation was the 
Rev. Perry Y. Schelley, and the members num- 
bered three hundred. Among other pastors may 
be named the Revs. Moses Peters, William F. P. 
Davis and A. L Herman. The Lutheran congre- 
gation, also, has about three hundred members 
under the pastoral care of the Rev. Oscar Miller. 
Among his predecessors were the Revs. Drum- 
heller, laeger, Klein and Jaeger. The latter served 
the congregation many years. 

Since the Rev. Herman was connected with the 
church, the pastors have been superintendents of 
the Sunday-schools. The first Sunday-school 
was started in the old log church by Henry 
Lewers, Robert Scott, John Shenck, Henry Fister, 
Andrew Smith and John Bailey, kept up for some 
years The present school was instituted after- 
wards. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Rev G. F. I. Iaegek, who was for sixty years 
a minister of the Lutheran Church in Berks 
County, was born July 20, 1790, iu Illingeu, iu 
the kingdom of Wiirtemberg. His jiarents were 
Rev. Charles F. laeger and Catherine Commerell. 

He was baptized in infancy, and iu due time 
confirmed and received by his father as a com- 
municant member of the Lutheran Church. After 



attending the schools of his native village, and 
also the Latin school at Maulbrun, six miles from 
lUingen, he entered the University of Tiibingen, 
where he remained several years 

But at this juncture came a turning-point in his 
life. The war between France, under Napoleon the 
First, and Russia had just ended, and of the eighteen 
thousand soldiers that left Wiirtemberg, only three 
thousand returned. A heavy draft must, of con- 
sequence, be made to fill up the ranks of the army, 
and he having no desire to enter military life, in- 
formed his parents that he should make his future 
home in America. He left his father's hou.se in 
July, 1817, ana coming by way of London, visited 
his relatives, the Commerells. On the 8th of 
September he took passage for New Y'ork and was 
forty-nine days crossing the ocean. It was a 
strange coincidence that thirty-eight years after 
this, in 1855, on the 8th of September, he again 
took passage from Liverpool to New Y'ork, after a 
pleasant visit to his old home, and to his brother 
and sister, this time making the trip, by steamer, 
in eleven days. After remaining a few days in 
New Y'ork, he came to Philadel|)hia, and from 
there went to Northampton Cciunty, where he 
taught school near Bethlehem duiing that winter 
and summer. In 1818 he came to Hamburg, 
Berks County, and joined Rev. John Engel, pastor 
of a number of Lutheran congregations, wiio soon 
found him a diligent student. He ofi'ered him a 
home in his family, instructed him in the doctrines 
of the Lutheran Church in this country, and pro- 
cured a school for him near Hamburg, at St. Paul's 
Church, where he taught during the winter of 1818. 
He also cotumenced preaching as Rev. Mr. Engel's 
student, and at times officiated in that minister's 
congregations. He delivered his first sermon at 
Plunkel's Church October 18, 1818, iu Greenwich, 
six miles from Hamburg, and from that date con- 
tinued preaching for fifty-one years to this people. 
In the spring of 1819 he, with three other young 
men. Dr. Demme, Dr. Krauth and Henry Kurtz, 
was received as a member of the old Pennsylvania 
Synod at Baltimore, Md. On his return from 
Synod to Hamburg, Rev. Mr. Engel gave him 
two congregations, — White Church iu Albany and 
St. Jacob's in Lynntown. This was the beginning 
of the pastoral work in which he engaged as a 
faithful shepherd for fifty-five years. 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



889 



On March 14, 1820, he was united in marriage 
to Mary, daughter of Lewis and Anna A.udenried, 
from McKeausburg, Schuylkill County. In April, 
1820, they commenced house-keeping in Lynutown, 
near St. Jacob's Church, where they remained 
tive years. In 1825 they removed near Klines- 
ville, seven miles east of Hamburg, and resided 
at this point until 1876, when, on account of the 
infirmities of old age, Mr. laeger gave up his con- 
gregations and moved to Hamburg, where he con- 



heart-disease, which often gave him great pain. He, 
however, endured his sufferings with Christian for- 
titude and patience, until the Head of the Church 
called him to his eternal rest. He died Novem- 
ber 16, 1879, aged eighty-six years, three months 
and twenty-six days. His widow still resides at 
Hamburg, and is now in her eighty-ninth year. 

Emanuel Church was built in 18-54, at a cost 
of eleven thousand dollars, for the accommodation 
of Evangelical Lutheran and German Reformed 




C^^ ^ l/ iy^iLMi^ 



tiuued active in his Master's work, visiting the 
sick and the aged, and occasionally preaching 
funeral sermons. He was an able sermonizer, a 
pleasant speaker and a beloved and faithful pastor. 
He, with his devoted wife, reared a family of 
eleven children, seven of whom are still living, — 
William, in West Virginia ; Lewis, in Yuma, 
Arizona ; Rev. Thomas T. and Samuel, in Read- 
ing ; Mrs. Levan, in Hamburg ; Mrs. Berger, in 
Philadelphia ; and Mrs. Salade, in Tamaqua. In 
the fall of 1879 Mr. laeger began to suffer from 
77 



Congregations, most of the members having with- 
drawn from St. John's Church, on account of a 
difficulty which arose from the opposition of many 
members to preaching in the English language. 
The building committee was composed of Dr. John 
Seiberling, John Lubarg, Wm. E. Shollenberger, 
Jacob Geiger, Reuben Lins, George Shollenberger 
and Daniel Kern. The united congregations oc- 
cupied the church under favorable auspices for 
some years, and at one time had a joint member- 
ship of two hundred and fifty. Their services were 



890 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



conducted wholly in the English language. The 
Reformed congregation had as pastore the Revs. 
Moses Kiefter, Joseph H. Appel, Uriah Heilman, 
D. B. Albright and William H. Reilly, some of 
them preaching as supplies. On the part of the 
Lutherans, the ministers were the Revs. Scheide, 
Keller, Gable and B. D. Zweitzig. On July 5, 
1877, the church was badly wrecked by a tornado. 
The expense attending the repair of the building 
proved so burdensome to the congregations that the 
Rev. B. D. Zweitzig assumed the settlement of it 
on behalf of the Lutheran congregations, and he 
now holds the church in trust. No services of any 
kind have been held in the church during the past 
year, and most of the members have again con- 
nected themselves with St. John's Church. A flour- 
ishing Sunday-school was maintained by the con- 
gregations, and superintended by H. R. Shollen- 
berger, but it has been discontinued. 

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church was built 
in 1853. It is a plain brick building ; in 
dimensions, forty by seventy feet. The congrega- 
tion has never been large, and without a resident 
priest, its interests have not received proper 
encouragement. Lately monthly meetings have 
been held by a priest from Schuylkill Haven, with 
preaching in the English language. The member- 
ship does not exceed a dozen persons. 

Hamburg Methodist Episcopal Church. — In 
the spring of 1859 the Rev. H. H. Davis be- 
gan preaching Methodism iu Hamburg and met 
with so much opposition that a building could not 
be obtained in which to hold the meetings Strong 
in his purpose, however, he continued his labors, 
and on May 15th preached on the door-steps of a 
Mr. Epler in the morning, and in the afternoon iu 
Shollenberger's lumber yard. These services won 
several members, and three months afterward he 
was encouraged to rent Kern's hall, at a rental of 
fifty dollars for seven months. He began preach- 
ing August 27th, and held semi-monthly meetings. 
On November 6th an extra meeting was conducted, 
which produced great excitement and not a little 
opposition iu the town, and on November 25th he 
organized a class with the following members : James, 
Geiger, Gleasoner, Dewalt and Long and their 
families. They met statedly in the hall, till its 
further use was refused. May 5, 1860. A lot was 
then bought for church purposes, and iu June a 



tent was procured and services held in it until a 
church was erected, in the fall of the same year. 
On July 15th a Sunday-school of twenty-two 
scholars was formed, with H. H. Dove as superin- 
tendent, this having also been organized in the 
tent. The church was dedicated on November 
29, 1860, and Sunday-school was first held in the 
building on December 2d following, each pupil 
having been presented wifh a card to commemor- 
ate the occasion. The building was improved in 
1870, and again in 1884, the latter repairs involv- 
ing an outlay of five hundred dollars. It is cen- 
trally located, on White Oak Street, and is a neat 
and inviting brick edifice. The congregation has 
about fifty members, and the Sunday-school one 
hundred and thirty five. S. A. Loose is superin- 
tendent of the school. The ministers of the church 
since its organization have been the following : 
1859-61, H. H. Davis. 
18(53, A. Fisher. 
1864, Joseph Schlichter. 
18G5, William Manlove. 
18(>6, Jacob Hughes. 



1867, Benjamin Christ. 

1868, M. Barnhill. 

1869, S. G. Grove. 
1870-71, John ^\^Sayers. 



1872, A. L. Urban. 
1873-74, L. M. Hob'os. 
1875, W. A. Macnich. 
1876-77, Geo. W. North. 
1878, C. Hudson. 
1.S79, George A. Wolfe. 
1880-81, A. L. Hood. 
1882-83, S. H. Evans. 
1884-86, A. A. Arthur. 



St. Paul's Church {Evungelical Association) was 
built in 1872, under the direction of the Rev. Thos. 
Bowman and the Rev. B. Miller, for the accom- 
modation of fifteen members. ^ Among these were 
Jonas Mengle. Henry Gessley, Henry Lenhart 
and Jesse Rubright. The present trustees are R. 
T. Lenhart, Jesse Rubright and Allen Savage. 

The membership of the church is still small, but 
the Sabbath school, under the superintendence of 
R. T. Lenhart, has seventy-five scholars. This 
cougregation is included in the Kutztown Circuit, 
of which Rev. Wm. H. Weiduer is pastor. Other 
ministers serving here have been Revs. J. Stermer, 
D. Lentz, D. S. Stauffer, B. Miller and I. Hess. 

Schools. — When the first St. John's Church 
was built it was so arranged that a part of it could 
be used for school purposes, and therein instruction 
was imparted as early as 1791. After 1815 the 
building was wholly devoted to secular uses and 
English schools were taught in it ; and afterward 
the one-story log house upon the same lot was used 
for the same purpose. The present brick school- 
house, in the same locality, was built after 1855 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



891 



by the united efforts of the school board aud the 
members of St. John's Church, who used the upper 
part of the building as a place of worship until 
their new church was completed, iu 1858. The 
large brick school-house on the upper part of 
White Oak Street was erected at a later day. 
The first English school iu Hamburg was taught 
in a log building, near Sillimau's Ferry, by a lady 
named Miss Shinnius. Some few years later, 
about 1820, John Shomo taught English school 
at his residence on Main Street. About the time 
Hamburg accepted the free-school system, in 1838, 
a stone school-house was built on State Street, 
near the canal, which was used man}' years. The 
building stood until 1885, when it was demolished 
by the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, to make 
way for its track. Joseph Barr Tyson (who after- 
wards became a noted lawyer in Philadelphia, 
taught school for a time at Hamburg ; also Philip 
Ellinger, of the same city, and Charles Smith and 
P. C. Baum, of Hamburg. The Rev. R. S. Appel 
taught a select school with success, several years, 
in the basement of Emanuel Church, soon after 
the completion of that building, in 1854. R G. 
Hunter and D. S. Keck conducted the High 
School successfully for some years. 

In 1885 there were eight public schools in the 
borough, graded as three primary, two secondary, 
two grammar aud one High School. The average 
attendance was about four hundred. The school 
board was composed of R. J. M. Miller, president; 
O. J. Wolff, secretary; J. Jerome Miller, treas- 
urer ; A. B. Shollenberger, D. A. Bauscher and 
Walter M. Raubenhold. 

Associations. — Company E, Fourth Regiment, 
National Guards of Pennsylvania, was organized 
April 13, 1875, with one hundred men aud E. F. 
Smith as captain. The company owned its private 
uniforms and kept up the standard of its member- 
ship to one hundred for three years. In 1878 it 
accepted the State uniform for its guards aud re- 
duced its membership to a maximum of sixty en- 
listed men. Captain Smith remained in command 
until 1882, when Charles F. Seaman was elected 
his successor, who has since retained that position. 
The company has kept up its organization to the 
legal standard. The other officers of the company 
then were B. F. Geres, first lieutenant ; William 
S. Scott, second lieutenant ; William Fesig, order- 



ly sergeant; Lewis Faust, color sei-geant. The 
company then served as color company of the 
Fourth Regiment. In May, 1885, the company 
secured an armory on White Oak Street, forty by 
one hundred and ten, feet, aud fitted up the same 
for meeting purposes. This company has won a 
high reputation for coolne-ss and devotion to duty 
w^hen in actual service. It was out three months 
during the Scranton strike and ten days during 
the great strike of 1877. At Reading the company 
led the march through the railroad cut. In pass- 
ing through Penn Street upon that occasion. Cap- 
tain Smith was knocked down three times and Pri- 
vate John Roller seriously injured. The soldierly 
conduct of the company was warmly commended 
by the superior officers of the regiment and their 
bearing was generally commended by all law-abid- 
ing citizens. Connected with the company is a 
drum corps of three men. There is also in Ham- 
burg a well-trained corps of nine members, of 
which Samuel Shollenberger is the drum-major. 

Hamburg has long been noted for the excellence 
of its musical organizations. As early as 1825 a 
band of nineteen members was organized, which 
was instructed by W. W. Wright, of New York, 
nud played difficult music in so superior a style 
that the band was held up as a model for Reading 
to imitate. One of the most popular bands was 
the Hamburg Brass Baud, organized in 1845. 
Under the instruction of Prof. J. B. Robotham, of 
Philadelphia, it attained a proficiency which made 
it the most noted band iu the county at that time. 
Perry R. Shollenberger was the leader, and among 
the members were Peter Burkey, Edwin Shollen- 
berger, Geo. Seaman, Isaiah Derr, Geo. Shenk, Al- 
exander Shollenberger, John Derr, Elias Rum- 
mer, Nathan Bear and H. R. Shollenberger, the 
last-named having been its last musical director. 
The band visited Easton, New York City and 
Philadelphia, where it attracted great attention by 
its superior rendition of the most difficult music. 
It was disbanded during the late Civil War, many 
of its members having entered the military service. 

The Hamburg Cornet Band was a musical body 
of note. It was organized iu 1872, with twenty- 
five men, under the leadership of William Harris. 
Its standard was kept up until 1879, the band at- 
taining a popularity which caused its services to 
be in great demand. Engagements were filled at 



892 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the Lititz Springs, on the Fourth of July, for four 
successive years ; at the Firemen's Tournament at 
Reading ; at the Grand Commaudery of the 
Knights Templar at Philadelphia, one week, hav- 
ing then had the right on the line of march ; and 
at the meeting of the Grand Lodge of Odd-Fellows 
in Philadelphia in 1876, four days. In 1879 the 
membership of the band was decreased, and after 
the inauguration of President Garfield, in 1881, it 
was wholly disbanded. In 1883 six members of 
the old band, under the leadership of Peter 
Burkey, formed a new baud. This has maintained 
its existence since, with a membership increased to 
eleven musicians. 

Symmetry Lodge, No. 103, J. 0. 0- F., was in- 
stituted in 1844, with John F. Rhodes, William 
E. Sholleuberger, Charles Lochman, Peter C. 
Baum and A. S. Fesig as members. In 1885 
the lodge numbered one hundred and thirty -two 
members. Of this lodge H. R. Sholleuberger has 
been secretary the past thirty-seven years. The 
meetings are held in a hall owned by the lodge. 
Its entire property aggregates twelve thousand 
dollars. 

Hamburg Encampment, No. 106, 1. 0. 0. F., 
was instituted in 1850, with seven members. In 
1885 the number was thirty-two. 

Its organization was kept up during the Civil 
War, and notwithstanding the loss of members by 
removals to the West. The encampment has funds 
invested, which indicates its flourishing condition. 

Vatuc Lodge, No. 406, A. Y. J/., was instituted 
March 18, 1868. 

In 1885 the lodge reported fifty-eight members. 

The meetings are held in a rented hall. The 
lodge has been prosperous. 

Hamburg t'oimcil. No. 74, Order U. A. J/., was 
organized on February 8, 1848. Its meetings 
have been regularly held for the past twenty-five 
years in the Shomo Block. The hall is well fur- 
nished, and the property of the council is valued 
at four thousand dollars. In 1885 there were 
seventy-three members. 

Washington Camp, No. 78, P. 0. S. of A., was 
instituted in 1866. In 1885 there were seventy- 
three members, and it had two thousand one hun- 
dred and eighty-nine dollars invested. 

The meetings are held in Mechanics' Hall. 

Arcadia Chamber, No. 20, Order Knights of ' 



Friendship, was instituted January 26, 1885, with 
thirteen charter members. Since that time forty- 
seven additional names have been added to the roll. 
General John A. Rawlim Post, No. 157, G. A R., 
was instituted in 1868, and attained a membership 
of forty-five. William R. Smith was one of the 
first Commanders. Owing to loss of members by 
removals from Hamburg, the post surrendered its 
charter in 1872. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

William Harim.s wa.s born February 8, 
1843, in Hemlock to\vu>-hip, Columbia County, 
Pa., and is the oldest son of Jacob Harris, who, 
during his lifetime, was a prominent citizen of 
that county, having served as trea.surer two 
termsB, and as a justice of the peace for twenty- 
five years. The subject of this sketch was edu- 
cated in the common scliools, at Greenwood 
Seminary, in Columbia County, and Dickinson 
Seminary, at Williamsport, Pa. He is also a 
graduate of the Iron City College, of Pitts- 
burgh, where he taught book-keeping and pen- 
manship for two years. 

He was a successful teacher in the common 
schools and received a professional certificate 
from William Burgess, the first county superin- 
tendent of Columbia County. From his boy- 
hood he was engaged in mercantile business in 
his father's store, at Buckhorn, Pa., and upon 
attaining his majority was made a member of 
the firm. 

He read medicine with Dr. M. Reynolds, 
but, preferring the drug business to the practice 
of medicine, chose that as his vocation, and re- 
moved to Hamburg, Berks County, in 1869 
where he has since resided and estaiilished a 
prosperous business. 

He was one of the first members of the 
Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Society, and has, 
at various times, served on important commit- 
tees. Dr. Harris has become widely known as 
chairman of the Democratic Standing Committee 
of his county, to which position he has been 
chosen for seven successive years. He has 
ability as a public speaker, an organizer and 
leader. 

He conducted the Hamburg Band, a well- 
known organization, for seven years. At the 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



893 



formation of the Berks County Merchants' As- 
sociation lie was chosen its president. He has 
served as school director, and has been for four 
years burgess of the borough of Hamburg and 
is now acting as postmaster. 

Dr. Harris was married, February 20, 1868, 
to Ella, daugiiter of Robert Hagenbush, of 
Bloomsburg, Pa., and has three children, — two 
sons, James Albert and Charles Caleb, and a 
daughter, Mary Elizabeth. Dr. Harris is a mem- 



the villages of Brooklyn, Beidlertown, Lincolu- 
ville and Silverton It is ou both sides of Hay Creek. 
It was formed out of parts of Union and Robeson 
townships ; and, though founded nearly one hundred 
and thirty years ago, it has had the most of its 
growth within the last three decades. In 1850 
the population was two hundred and fifty, and in 
188b the inhabitants numbered fully two thousand 
7nore. This increase was brought about mainly by 
the development of the iron business at that place, 




ber of Symmetry Lodge, No. 103, of Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd-Fellows, and of the 
Grand Lodge. He is connected by member- 
ship with the Reformed Church of Hamburg, 
and conducts the music of the Sunday-school 
as its organist. • 



BIRDSBORO. 

The flourishing borough of Birdsboro is ou the 
southern bank of the Schuylkill, nine miles below 
Reading, aud iucludcs, within its corporate limits. 



through Messrs. Edward aud George Brooke, and 
Ijy becoming a station ou three lines of railways. 
The oldest station is on the Reading Railroad, on 
the opposite side of the river, where new and 
attractive buildings were erected in 1883, by 
L. H. Focht, contractor for the company. On the 
Wilmington Railroad, Raymund Moore erected a 
superior station in 1885, as contractor for the com- 
pany ; and during the same year the handsome 
station of the Pennsylvania Railroad was built. 
The architecture of these buildings has had a 
wholesome effect upou the place, causing a pleasing 



894 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



diversity of style io the new homes erected, in 
which respect Birdsboro surpasses all the other 
boroughs in the county. 

FiKST Settlement by William Bird. — 
Iron-works were established at Birdsboro among 
the earliest in the country. In 1740 William 
Bird bought a tract of land lying along Hay 
Creek, where it empties into the Schuylkill River, 
including several water-powers. Here he built the 
first forge, and took out warrants for adjoining 
lands, until at the time of his death, about 1 760, 
he owned three thousand acres of laud, three 
forges, a grist-mill and saw-mill. His son, Mark 
Bird, succeeded him in the bu.siner-s, built Hope- 
well Furnace and increased his boundaries, until 
in 17S5 they included eight thousand acres. He 
also built a rolling and slitting-mill, which was 
one of the first mills of the kind in the country, 
and .-^tood upon the same ground that the present 
rolling-mill occupies. A nail-factory was also in 
operation here at an early date making nails, by 
cutting them from plates of iron and heading them 
by hand. Mark Bird became embarrassed in 
business, and in 1788 transferred the greater jiart 
of his property to John Nixon, who sold to Cad- 
wallader Morris and James Old, and, after passing 
through other hands, James Wilson, in 1 794, became 
pos.«essed of nearly all the estate. He was the 
brother-in-law of Mark Bird, and a signer of the 
Declaration of Independence. James Wilson sold 
the forges, with two thousand two hundred acres of 
land, in 1796, to John Louis Barde, the grand- 
father of the present proprietors. He came to 
Birdsboro in the year 1788, and had been running 
the forges under a lease. John Louis Barde was 
born in Geneva, Switzerland, in 17.56, and edu- 
cated in England at the Royal Military Academy 
at Woolwich. He entered the English army and 
accompanied the expedition to this country with 
the troops sent to operate against the Spaniards 
in their attack on Pensacola, in 1779, where he 
married the daughter of Major Robert Farmar, 
the English Governor of West Florida. He came 
North in 1782, sold his commission, and became 
a citizen of the United States. He died at Birds- 
boro in 1799, and the property came into the 
hands of Matthew Brooke, who afterwards married 
his daughter, and was the father of Edward and 
George Brooke. 



Matthew Brooke had purchased the Birdsboro 
farm in 1796, and in the year 1800 he, together 
with his brother, Thomas Brooke, and Daniel 
Buckley (who was married to their sister), pur- 
chased Hopewell Furnace from Judge Wilson. 
The forefathers of the Brooke family came from 
Y'orkshire, England, in 1698. 

Development of Bird.sboro by the Brookes. 
— John Brooke and Frances, his wife, with their two 
sons, James and Matthew, arrived in the Delaware 
River in the above year, but in consequence of a 
contagious disease on board the vessel, the pass- 
engers were not permitted to couie to Philadelphia, 
but disembarked lower down the river, where the 
parents died soon after lauding and wer^ buried 
in the grave-yard at Haddonfield, N. J. I'hey 
were of the Society of Friends, and before leaving 
England John Brooke had purchased of William 
Penn one thousand five hundred acres of land, to 
be taken up anywhere between the Delaware and 
Susquehanna Rivers, where vacant land should be 
found. James and Matthew took up the lancHn 
Limerick township, Jlontgomery County, and 
settled there. Matthew Brooke, of Birdsboro, 
was the grandson of this Matthew, and the third 
of that name. The old mansion-house, which was 
built by William Bird in 1751, and still standing, 
was the residence of all the early proprietors of 
the works. It was in its time one of the finest 
country-seats in the State. The front, which was 
of cut sandstone, faced the Schuylkill, with a lawn 
stretching to its banks. On the side along Hay 
Creek stood a grove of large old trees which ^lark 
Bird had fenced up and used as a deer-park. When 
the canal was built in front of the house it became 
unsuitable for a residence, and one near the lower 
forge was used for that purpose. The latter was 
torn down in 1879 to make room for the enlarge- 
ment of the rolling-mill. 

Matthew Brooke left two sons and three 
daughters, two of whom died young, and the third 
married the Hon. Hiester Clymer, of Reading. 
His sons, Edward and George Brooke, took charge 
of the property in 1837. The works then consisted^of 
two forges, one of which was called the " refinery," 
where the pig-iron was converted into what were 
termed " Anchovies," being blooms hammered 
down into a bar at one end for convenience of 
handling and taken to the other forge, called the 







r^- - 



x^< 




"-T^^^ -^^^s-e?-/e. 



."-> 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



895 



" chafery," where they were heated and hammered 
into various kinds of bar-iron. The whole pro- 
duction was only about two hundred tons per 
annum. 

After building the residence now occupied by 
Mre. Edward Brooke and a large flour-mill, they 
turned their attention to enlarging the production 
of iron. In 1846 they built a charcoal furnace 
where old Hampton Forge had stood, with the 
object of using their wood to make pig-iron in place 
of operating the forges. In 1848 they commenced 
building the rolling-mill and nail-factory, which 
were put in operation the next year. No. 1 
Anthracite Furnace was built in 1852, and two 
other furnaces in 1870 and 1873. The furnaces 
are supplied with ores chiefly from the French 
Creek, Warwick and Jones' Mines, in which the 
firm own nearly one-half interest. These mines 
are situated ten to fifteen miles south of Birdsboro, 
and are connected with the furnaces by the Wil- 
mington and Northern Railroad. In 18(54 E. and 
G. Brooke, in connection with Seyfert, McMauus & 
Co. and Samuel E. Griscom, opened the William 
Penn Colliery, near Shenandoah, Schuylkill 
County, Pa., which has since come into the 
sole possession of Edward and George Brooke. It 
is one of the best mines in the coal region, both 
for quality of coal and large production. It has 
for a number of years been managed by William 
H. Lewis. 

Edward Brooke was born at Birdsboro, and 
died there, deeply regretted by all who knew 
him, on Christmas day, 1878. He was distin- 
guished for his business ability and ambition, and 
united boldness and foresight in projecting enter- 
prises with carefulness and prudence in their exe- 
cution. To his success in life his extended scientific 
knowledge largely contributed, and in all business 
affairs he manifested great industry, perseverance 
and sound judgment. He was by nature kind and 
genial, honorable in all his dealings and generous to 
every one in word and deed. The welfare of Birds- 
boro was always a matter of interest to him, and, 
in co-operation with his brother, he was wise 
and liberal in devising and effticting its advance- 
ment. Tlirough his efforts the Wilmington and 
Reading Railroad was constructed, passing through 
Birdsboro, and he was its first president. He was 
one of the original projectors of the First National 



Bank of Reading, and one of its directors until his 
death. He married Annie M. Clymer, daughter 
of Daniel R. Clymer, of Reading, and left one 
daughter, Annie C, and three sons, — Robert Ed- 
ward, George Clymer and Frederick Hiester. In 
order to continue the business after his death, it 
was organized into two companies, under the title of 
the Edward and George Brooke Iron Company and 
the Edward and George Brooke Land Company, all 
the property remaining in the same ownership. Geo. 
Brooke was made president of the two companies, 
and Geo. W. Harrison, treasurer, and Richard T. 
Leaf, secretary. Under this arrangement the busi- 
ness has since been conducteil, and kept up fully to 
the progress of the times. A steel plant is now being 
erected at No. 2 Blast Furnace, with the intention 
of converting the molten iron directly into steel, 
which will be used to make nails. A new train of 
rolls will also be put into the rolling-mill and other 
alterations made to work steel. 

The capacity of the works has been gradually 
increased until now they are capable of producing 
fifty thousand tons of pig-iron and two hundred 
and fifty thousand kegs of nails per annum. About 
six hundred and seventy-five men and boys are 
employed at the works and iron-mines, who earn 
about twenty-eight thousand dollars per month. 
One hundred and seventy houses belonging to the 
firm are occupied by workmen employed, and about 
one hundred other houses are owned by the em- 
ployees, who have built them out of the savings of 
their wages. At the William Penn Colliery five 
hundred and seventy-five men are employed, earn- 
ing about twenty-two thousand dollara per month, 
and about two hundred and forty thousand tons 
of coal are mined annually. 

George Brooke was also born at Birdsboro, and 
has always taken the same interest with his brother 
in the substantial and moral improvement of the 
place. He is a member of the Town Council and 
School Board, giving his assistance and advice in 
their deliberations. Beside his engagements in the 
iron business, he is president of the First National 
Bank of Reading, a director in the Wilmington 
and Northern Railroad and in the Schuylkill 
Navigation Company, president of the Penn- 
sylvania Diamond Drill Company, and treasurer 
of the Keystone Coal Company of West Virginia. 
In 1862 he married Mary B. Irwin, the grand- 



89G 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLYAxVIA. 



daughter of Captain Stephen Baldwin, a well- 
known and highly -respected ship-owner and mer- 
chant of Philadelphia, and daughter of John H. 
Irwin, a grandson of Frederick Augustus Muhlen- 
berg, the first Speaker of the House of Representa- 
tives. They have two sons, — Edward and George. 

General Industries, Stores and Hotels. — 
The present Brooke fiouring-mill is the third 
occupying that site. It was begun in 1844 and 
completed the following year. In the fall of 
1844 a Henry Clay meeting was held in the 
building, there being at that time no hall to ac 
commodate such a gathering. In 1879 and 1882 
the mill was remodeled and supplied with modern 
machinery and steam-power. Its capacity has 
been much enlarged. Another mill was started 
in the borough in 1876, when J. R. Ker.st supplied 
the old Bland building with mill machinery. It 
was operated till 1885, when work was discontinued, 
and the machinery removed the following year. 

In 1867 the Birdsboro Iron Foundry Company, 
a joint-stock association, was formed, with David 
Knaur as president, and Edward Parlaman as 
secretary. In 1868 they erected a large building 
for manufacturing purposes, and this was enlarged 
in 18(39 by the addition of a wing, when forty-five 
men were afforded employment. Stoves were 
manufactured, a specialty being made of the 
" Enterprise " pattern, and machine-castings were 
also produced. In 1869 the works were leased to 
A. R. Young and Joseph R. Kerst. Soon after- 
ward they were operated by the former alone ; 
and he then began the manufacture of fine cast- 
ings for the Boston market. In 1871 work was 
discontinued and the buildings were sold to E. and 
G. Brooke. After standing idle till 1885, they 
came to be then occupied by the Pennsylvania 
Diamond Drill Company, which removed their 
works to that place from Pottsville The company 
is engaged in the manufacture of diamond drilling- 
machines, mining tools and high-speed electric 
light engines. Thirty-five men are employed. 

The first store, independent of the iron-works, 
was opened about 1829, by Geiger & Umstead, in 
a building which stood on the site of the j)resent 
mill-shed. In 1837 the Brookes opened a store 
in the mansion, in the same locality, but soon 
afterward occupied a store-room which they erected 
at the canal lock. In 1875 a fine busiue.ss-staud 



ojjjDosite the mill was erected by the Brookes, but 
it was burned out when nearly ready for occu- 
pancy. It was immediately rebuilt. The third 
story contains a large auditorium, known as 
" Brooke Hall." The lower stories form spacious 
business rooms, now occupied by Brooke & Co. 

In 1850 Caleb Harrison erected a business 
house on Schuylkill Street, which was occupied 
as a store for six years by John Bland. In 1876 
it was converted into a steam grist-mill by J. R. 
Kerst. 

Opposite this place Jacob E. Hook erected a 
business house, where L. R. Bland was long in 
trade, and where Harry E. Hook & Bro. are now 
merchandising. In a jjart of the block is situated 
the Washington House, now the oldest hotel in 
the place. For many years the public-house of 
Birdsboro was in the old Bird mansion, and since 
1882 it has been occupied by I. G. Steinrock. 

In 1859 George Brinley established a business 
and it is still carried on by John H. Brinley. 
Other business men, prominent in the borough, 
are F. B. Kern, James S. Brusstar, Raymond 
Moore and A. S. East. 

The Birdsboro co-operative store was in opera- 
tion from 1875 to 1886, I. L. Pauling being the 
president of the association. 

The borough has had three building and loan 
associations, two of which, the " Birdsboro " and 
the " Keystone," have closed up their business with 
satisfactory re.sults ; the third, the " Enterprise," 
is now in operation, having one thousand shares at 
four hundred dollars each. Its officers are George 
W. Harrison, president ; James S. Brusstar, sec- 
retary ; and C. K. Rlioads, treasurer. 

The Birdsboro post-ofEcfi was established Jan- 
uary 6, 1851, and has had S. B. Hafer as post- 
master since July, 1885. There are six mails 
per day and since July, 1884, the office has been a 
postal money-order office. Other postmasters have 
been William Lincoln, Sarah Evans and Reese 
Evans. 

Incorporation. — On the 11th day of July, 
1872, sixty-five freeholders and forty-four tenant 
citizens of Birdsboro and its outlying villages 
petitioijed the Court of Quarter Sessions of Berks 
County for a decree of incorporation as a borough ; 
and, on the 14th day of August of the same year, 
the grand jury recommended that the prayer of 



BOROUGHS OF COIXTY. 



897 



the petitioners be granted. The court made the 
decree on Kovember 23, 1872, and directed that 
the first election of officers should be held ]\Iarch 
11, 1873, having appointed Joseph R. Kerst 
judge, and Levi R. Bland and Benjamin Grubb 
inspectors. The first election resulted in the choice 
of George W. Hain as burgess ; Edward Brooke, 
Henry A. Beaudencup, George W. Harrison, Geo. 
R. Brinley, B. F. Bunn and John j\Iock, Coun- 
cilmen. Caleb K. Rhoads was appointed the clerk 
and treasurer, and he has since been annually ap- 
pointed to the same offices. The following have 
been the burgesses : 1874-75, James Liggett ; 1876, 
George Beard ; 1877, D. K. Miller ; 1878, George 
W. Hook ; 1879-80, H. B Brusstar ; 1881-82, C. 
B. Beard ; lfs,s3, Cyrus Painter ; 1884, Michael 
Hoffinan ; 1885-86, A S. East. The presidents of 
the Council for the same period have been Edward 
Brooke, B. F. Bunn, John Mock, George Brooke 
and A. S. East. The clerk and treasurer from 
1873 till now has been C. K. Rhoads. The Coun- 
cilmen in 1886 were George Brooke, George E. 
Hook, I. G. Steinrock, Isaac Huyett and Isaac 
March. The justices of the peace have been J. R. 
Keri-t and J. S. Brusstar. 

The borough was incorporated with the following 
bounds : S. 24° 15' W., 5118 feet ; S. 74° 40' E., 
7128 feet ; N. 14° 13' E., 6349 feet ; thence up the 
Schuylkill River to the place of beginning, con- 
taining eight hundred and five square acres. The 
survey was made by Kendall Bros., and the entire 
incorporation cost 8133.50. 

From the records of the borough the following 
extracts, relating to its affairs, have been taken : 
George R. Brinley and George W. Harrison were 
aj)pointed a committee to name the streets. The 
latter, B. F. Bunn and John Mock, were appointed 
a committee to secure fire-ladders and other means 
of protection against loss from fire, which were 
ordered to be purchased April 19, 1873. 

On the 5th of March, 1873, the first ordinances 
were adopted. 

On the 6th of June, 1873, George W. Harrison, 
on behalf of the committee on a "lock-up," reported 
a plan, which was adopted, and Moses Stubblebine 
was awarded the contract for building the same, 
a two-story building, which was ready for occu- 
pancy December, 1873. The upper story has been 
fitted up for the business meetings of the borough 



officers, and the expense of the building was 
§1275. 

In December, 1878, Edward Brooke died while 
holding the position of president of the Council, 
and that body passed appropriate resolutions of 
condolence, and ordered his chair in the council- 
room to be draped in morning. 

On the 27th of January, 1883, the council pre- 
sented a purse of fifty dollars to the Reading Hose 
Company for its assistance in putting out the fire 
in the De Witt shop. 

In September, 18X3, Kendall Bros, established 
the grade of the streets of the borough. October 17, 
1883, resolutions of condolence were passed upon 
the death of Jacob E. Hook, a member of the 
Council ; and December 29th, of the same year. 
President George Brooke reported that the system 
of water supply, established by his company, was 
completed to allow the water to be put in the 
mains for the use of- the borough. Twenty-seven 
fire-plugs were erected at convenient points in 
the borough, to afford protection against fires, 
the Council agreeing to pay two hundred and fifty 
dollars for the use of the first twelve hydrants, and 
fifteen dollars apiece for the use of the remainder. 
The reservoir is in the n)ountains, two miles from 
Birdsboro,on Indian Run, and is fed by springs of 
pure water. It has an area of about eight acres, 
and a capacity of thirty-seven million gallons. 
The pressure is eighty-four pounds to the inch, and 
a stream of water can be thrown two hundred 
feet high in the lowest part of the borough. The 
water is conducted to the borough in a ten-inch 
main and thence distributed through three miles 
of smaller pipes to the different parts of the village. 

December 31, 1884, the Council contracted with 
the Pennsylvania Globe Gas-Light Company, to 
erect twenty street lamps in the borough, at a cost of 
eighteen dollars per lamp ; and the same were put 
up and have been used since the spring of 1885. 

The principal streets of the borough have been 
curbed and some substantial sidewalks built. 

Churches — Methodist Episcopal Church. — The 
first Methodist Episcopal Church in this locality 
was erected in the Mt. Airy neighborhood in 1839, 
and had as its first board of trustees, J. Beard, 
David Gilmore, John Kupp, Daniel Fox, John 
Harrison, John Rorke and Chas. Hoyer. The 
building was of stone, one-story high, and dimen- 



898 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



sions, twenty-five by forty eight feet. It well served 
its purpose a number of years. In 1869 the 
present edifice was erected iu Birdsboro by a 
building committee composed of John Rorke, L. 
R. Bland, L. L. Bush, Wm. Morris and Joseph R. 
Miuker. It is a spacious brick structure, with 
basement, forty-four by seventy feet, and cost 
eight thousand dollars. It was dedicated Novem- 
ber 7, 1869, and on the 16th of May, the following 
year, the society became an incorporated body 
with the following as trustees : John Rorke, Jos. 
R !Minker, William Morris, Charles Hoyer, Adam 
Hoyer, L. R. Bland, Jeremiah Beard and Daniel 
Oilman The church has a membership of three 
hundred, with the Rev. Thomas S. Mutchler as 
pastor (he serving also the Monocacy Church). 
A Sunday-school of two hundred and eighty 
members is connected with the church, and has 
J. Beard as the superintendent 

St. Michael's Episcopal Church. — The congrega- 
tion occupying this house of worship had its origin 
in missions, which were established at Birdsboro 
and Mt. Airy by St. Gabriel's Church, of Doug- 
lassville, of which the Rev. Edmund Leaf was at 
that time rector. The interest thus developed led 
to the building of a small church at Birdsboro, 
the corner-stone of which was laid by Rev. Leaf, 
May 81, 1852, and the building consecrated Feb- 
ruary 12,1853, by the Rev. Alonzo Potter, D D. 
Rees Evans and Joseph R. Kerst were chosen war- 
dens ; and Edward Brooke, Levi E. Hook, George 
Briuley, George Brooke and David J. Lincoln, 
vestrymen. Some time afterward, through the lib- 
erality of E. and G. Brooke, a chapel was built on 
the same lot, in which a well-attended Sabbath- 
school has been maintained. For a few years a 
mission Sabbath-school was maintained at Mt. 
Airy, in the building which was formerly the 
Philomathean Academy, discontinued ten years 
ago. In 1877, E. and G. Brooke built a rectory 
at a cost of six thousand five hundred dollars, and 
presented it to St Michael's Church It is built 
of cut sandstone and presents a fine appearance. 
In 1885 the Brookes again manifested their interest 
in the welfare of St. Michael's Church by remodel- 
ing and rebuilding the church, at a cost of twelve 
thousand dollars, making it one of the finest 
churches of its size in the county. Its e.xterior 
has been made very substantial, and the interior is 



beautifullj' decorated, containing also memorial 
windows, perpetuating the remembrance of Ed- 
ward Brooke, Caleb Harrison, Rees Evans, the 
family of Hiester Clymer and others. 

The last improvement was the erection of a li- 
brary hall, in 1884, which contains a reading room, 
free to all, upon the payment of a very small 
membership fee. It has been supplied with eight 
hundred standard books, and is under the direc- 
tion of the church officials. In 1886 they were : 
Wardens, David J. Lincoln ' and William Young ; 
Vestry, George Brooke, George W. Harrison, H. 
G. Hunter, James King and William Brusstar. 
These also control St. Michael's Cemetery, in 
Union township, which includes the old Philoma- 
thean Academy property. The building has 
been fitted up for a chapel, for use when inter- 
ments are made, and the ground has been en- 
larged, so that it now includes about six acres. 
Thus far, two hundred and sixty lots have been 
laid out, and upon which about four hundred in- 
terments have been made. In the past sixteen 
years it has been open to the public. About two 
thousand five hundred dollars have been expended 
in the improvement of the property, which is becom- 
ing one of the handsomest cemeteries in the county. 

The parish, when the first church was built, in- 
cluded the churches at Pottstown and Douglassville 
but has for many years been limited to the church 
at Birdsboro, and the Rev. Edmund Leaf has 
been the only rector. Through his efibrts the 
work has grown from a small mission to a well-es- 
tablished church, having one hundred members. 

St Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church was 
built in 1877 by a committee composed of Ray- 
mond Moore, Harry E. Hook, C. K. Rhoads and 
F. B. Kern. It is a plain brick building, with 
the rear wall recessed to form pulpit space, and 
cost two thousand three hundred dollars. The 
congregation was organized in 1875, with forty- 
five members (the first services in this behalf hav- 
ing been held in November, 1873) ; at present it 
numbers one hundred and fifty. Rev. Z. H. Gable 
has been the only pastor. A flourishing Sunday- 
school, numbering two hundred members, has C. 
K. Rhoads as its superintendent. It was organ- 
ized in 1878. 

iDied in 1886. 



BOKOUGHS OF COUNTY. 



899 



Birdtboro Evangelical Church is a plain frame 
building, erected in 1874 in South Birdsboro. It 
is part of a charge called the Birdsboro Circuit. 
The membership was at first small, and the con- 
gregation has had many obstacles to contend with. 
It has, howes'er, prospered, and numbers one hun- 
dred and ten members, with the Rev. N. A. Barr 
as pastor. The Sunday-school superintendent is 
William Homau, and has one hundred and thirty- 
eight members. 

St. Paul's Reformed Church. — The congregation 
which occupies this church was organized in 
March, 1880, with thirty members, most of whom 
had previously belonged to the Schwartzwald con- 
gregation, in Exeter township. S. R. Hofer and 
E. R. Hain were chosen as the first elders. The 
following year a building was commenced by Sam- 
uel R. Hafer. John Wunch and Frederick De 
Turk, as a committee appointed by the congregation, 
consecrated it in the fall of 1882. It is a rough stone 
structure, thirty-five by fifty feet, plastered on the 
outside, and cost three thousand dollars. The 
church has no settled pastor, having been supplied 
by ministers residing at Reading, the Rev. W. J. 
Kerschnor being the present supply. The mem- 
bership has been increased to sixty persons, and 
there is also a Sunday-school, having an attend- 
ance of a hundred, of which S R. Hafer is the 
superintendent. 

Schools— In the locality of Birdsboro, com- 
mon pay-schools were maintained soon after 1820 
Among the teachers there were Samuel Bard, 
Thomas Graham and John Paulding. After the 
free schools had been established, so that a general 
interest was awakened in educational matters, a 
demand arose for a local High School. This feel- 
ing received material encouragement at the hands 
of Henry S. Kupp, who was instrumental in secur- 
ing the services of B. F. Boyer, a graduate of 
Yale College, and opening a select school in a 
building on the Kupp farm, east of Birdsboro, in 
Robeson township, and near the Mount Airy 
neighborhood. His success as a teacher encour- 
aged the building of the Philomatheau Academy, 
on the same farm, in 1855, in which Prof Boyer 
taught four years. Other teachers continued the 
school until 1865, when the building was vacated 
and set aside for religious uses. St. Michael's 
Cemetery was opened on adjoining lands. 



The following year another school, called the 
" Birdsboro Academy," was opened, and Prof. J. 
H. Swindell, of North Carolina, became the first 
teacher, receiving a salary of one thousand dollars 
per year. This school was discontinued in 1871. 

Iq 1866 the borough maintained nine schools, 
in five buildings, which were attended by four 
hundred and fifty pupils, whose instruction cost 
about ten dollars per pupil. These schools were 
under the principalship of Prof. H. D. Hunter 
the past twelve years, and were graded by him 
into primary, secondary, grammar and high 
schools. The board of directors at this time is 
composed of William K. Young, president ; Dan- 
iel K. Miller, secretary ; L. E. Hook, treasurer ; 
George Brooke, John I. Reeser and David Watts. 

The old public-school building on Mill Street 
was demolished by the Pennsylvania Railroad 
Company when its road was built through the 
place in 1884, and in its place a spacious build- 
ing, coating eight thousand dollars, erected. The 
school building in the Brooklyn addition, which 
was erected in 1873, was enlarged also in 1884, 
and the edifice on First Street was built in 1881, 
at a cost of about three thousand five hundred 
dollars 

Physicians — In the ))ractice of medicine Dr. 
Caleb Liggett (who located here about thirty- 
eight years ago) may be regarded as the first. 
Dr. Jonathan Pounder, an Englishman, who suf- 
fered shipwreck on his voyage to America, and 
who died at Morgantown a very aged man, was 
also an early practitioner. Dr. B. F. Bunn has 
been in Birdsboro continuously since 1867, having 
come from Chester County. He opened the first 
drug-store in 1867. Dr. J. B. Holman, a Scotch- 
man, was in practice from 1865 till his death, in 
1873. Dr. H. B. Brusstar, who graduated in 
1873, located in Birdsboro in 1875, and since 
1883 has carried on a drug-store in connection 
with his* profession. Dr. James Lincoln, after 
being in practice three years in Chester County, 
located at Birdsboro in 1880, and since 1881 has 
also been in the drug business. Dr. M. A Hengst 
has been in practice there since his graduation in 
1877. 

Secret Societies. — JS'eversink Lodge, No. 514, 
/. 0. 0. F., was instituted December 16, 1854. 
Amouy; the survivintr members are Levi E. Hook, 



gno 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Hcuiy Y'eager and Jacob Bower. In 1886 there 
were one hundred and seven members, having a 
fund amoimtiug to two thousand four hundred 
dollar.*. 

In IfiiH iSemitiole Council of American 3Iechriincs 
was instituted at Birdsboro. In June, 1850, a 
hall was built for its accommodation, and dedi- 
cated September 28th, the same 3'ear. After a 
season of prosperity it went down. 

In 1868 Council No. 37, Order of Junior 
American Mechanics, was instituted, and its meet- 
ings are still continued with succeess, the members 
in April, 1886, numbering one hundred and 
twenty-two. 

Fire Company. — Friendship Fire Company, 
No. 1, was incorporated August 2, 1883, and is 
the first distinct fire company organized in Birds- 
boro. In 1886 it had eighty-six members and 
occupied a very handsome building, which was 
erected in the fall of 1884 and delivered to the 
company January 20, 1885, by the contractor, L. 
H. Focht. The lot was donated by George 
Brooke. The building is two stories high, twenty- 
three by forty feet, of very pleasing architecture, 
and cost three thousand dollars. The upjier 
story forms a neat parlor, and in the lower the 
apparatus of the company is kept, consisting of 
five hundred feet of hose and a carriage for the 
same, which was presented by Friendship Fire 
Company, No. 4, of Reading, on the 12th of May, 
1883. The present property of the company is 
valued at four thousand five hundred dollars. 

lilOGRAPHIC'AL. 

Levi H. Focht is descended from German 
ancestry. His grandfather, George Focht, was 
born February 1, 1773, and died March 1, 1839. 
He resided in Robeson township, and devoted his 
life to farming. By his marriage with Catherine 
Huyett, the following children were bora : John, 
June 14, 1804 ; Samuel, August 8, 1805 ; Daniel, 
April 20, 1807 ; Mary, January 18, 1809 ; Charles, 
January 5, 1812; George, January 1, 1814; and 
Jacob, July 18, 1815. Jacob, the youngest son, 
is the only survivor, and now resides in Reading. 
Daniel Focht, the third son of George Focht, was 
born on the homestead in Robeson township, and 
from his boyhood until his death, October 14, 



1871, gained a livelihood by working upon the 
Schuylkill Canal as a repair man, and by culti- 
vating the homestead farm after the death of his 
father. He married Catherine, daughter of David 
Hemmig, and had the following children : ISIary 
Ann, born May 12, 1834, and now the wife of 
Raymond Mohr ; Sarah, born November 12, 1835, 
married to Lewis Fritz ; Catherine, born Septem- 
ber 19, 1839, married to David Mock ; David, born 
October 30, 1841, now deceased, leaving a widow, 
Martha Lincoln ; Elizabeth, born March 21, 1845, 
married to Jeremiah Weidner ; Hannah, born April 
17, 1846 ; and Levi H., the subject of this sketch, 
who was born August 3, 1850. The last-named 
is a native of Robeson township. He obtained Ills 
education in the public schools of Birdsboro, and 
at the age of thirteen secured employnient with 
the Schuylkill Navigation Company, and worked 
upon the repairs to the canal for two years. He 
was next apprenticed to learn the trade of a car- 
penter with his brother-in-law, Raymond Mohr, 
of Birdsboro, and was then employed on the 
Perkiomen Railroad, and afterward entering the 
service of Berton & McDonald, bridge-builders, of 
Philadelphia. He assisted them in the erection of a 
numlser of bridges in New York, New Jersey and 
Pennsylvania. When the large wooden bridge 
spanning the Pomptou River, on the line of the 
I\Iidland Railroad of New Jersey, was built, he was 
given charge of the construction of it, then being 
but eighteen years of age. On the 23d of May, 
1874, Mr. Focht was married to Alice, daughter 
of Jeremiah Beard, of Birdsboro. They had two 
children, — George ^Valterand Levi Roy, deceased. 
In 1873 Mr. Focht established himself in Birdsboro 
as a contractor and builder, and has prospered 
through his energy and determination to make the 
excellence of his work a guarantee of success. His 
most important orders include the stock-farm 
buildings of Mr. A. J. Cassatt, the majority of the 
stations on the line of the Philadelphia and Read- 
ing Railroad, and many large and elegant resi- 
dences along the line of the Pennsylvania Railroad. 
He has recently completed an addition to the 
Haverford College buildings, at Haverford Col- 
lege, Pa. ; also the Wood Memorial Chapel, adjoin- 
ing Christ Cathedral, Reading, Pa. Mr. Focht 
has done the major ])art of the building in the 
town of his adopticm, and is the projector of 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



901 



that jwrtion of Birdsboro knowu as Lincolntowu 
addition, in which the greater part of the many 
attractive residences were erected by him in con- 
formity with his own plans and designs. Mr. Focht 
is a Republican in politics, and has represented 
that party in the Borough Council. As a Free and 
Accepted Mason, lie is connected with Chandler 
Lodge, No. 227, of Reading,with Excelsior Chapter, 
No. 237, and with Reading Comniandery, No. 42, 
K. T. He is also a member of Nevei-sink Lodge, 



section of Berks County, and near the Montgomery 
County line It is the most important station on 
the Colebrookdale Railroad. The inhabitants are 
wide-aw-ake and intelligent, having numbered 
about fifteen hundred in the year 1885 ; and the 
place contains an unusual number of large and at- 
tractive buildings. 

In 1769 Henry Staufter became the owner uf a 
large tract of laud on part of which Boyertown is 
now located. He sold off from this tract to Jacob 





Independent Order of Odd-Fellow's, No. 514, and 
of Mount Pleasant Council, No. 37, Jr. O. U. A. M. 



BOYERTOWN. 
The borough of Boyertown is comparatively 
recent in point of political existence, yet it has a 
degree of prosperity which places it amongst the 
most thriving and enterprising towns of Eastern 
Pennsylvania. It has a charming and healthful 
location, in Colebrookdale township, in the eastern 



Latshaw in 1775 ; to Jonathan Rhoads in 1786 ; 
and to Henry Baer in 1795. But upon part of 
this land John Salter lived as early as 1720; and 
he was, probably, the first resident of that imme- 
diate section of country. Henry Stauffer was a 
son of Jacob Stauffer, one of the first settlers of 
Hereford township, and died in 1803. His son 
Jacob, born in 1754, died in 1839, and was the 
father of Henry and John Stauffer, both of whom 
lived on the homestead until their death. The 
Shaner family was also one of the first to settle in 



9112 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



that vicinity. Soon afterward came Henry Boyer 
and the Schaefters, who settled on the Latshaw 
place. Boyer secured a central location on the 
above farm and opened a public-house, and his 
sons engaged in other business at the same point, 
which, through them, received the name of Boyer- 
town, long before it was laid out in town lots in 
1835. 

Borough Incorporation. — The first attempt 
to incorporate Boyertown into a borough was made 
in 1851 ; then thirty-three persons signed a petition 
for such a purpose. But it was not succes.sful. A 
second effort was made in April, 18r)(), which 
received the consideration of the grand jury, a 
favorable report having been made October 20, 
1866, and then the decree of incorporation was 
accordingly made. An election was held and the 
first Council was organized at the Union Hotel 
November 19, 1866, with William Fegley, presi- 
dent; Samuel Shauer, treasurer; H. B. Rhoads, 
clerk ; Dr. John Todd, Samuel Leaver, William 
Binder and Philip Gabel," Councilmeu. Jonathan 
Kepler was the first burgess. 

Since that time the following have been the 
burgesses, clerks, treasurers and presidents of 
Council : 

Term. Burgess. Clerk. 

1867 Jonathan Kepler H. B. Rhoads. 

1868 Jonathan Kepler Jacob L. Fritz. 

1869 Samuel Shaner Jacob L. Fritz. 

1870-75 Thomas J. B. Rhoads.. .J. K. Grant. 

1876 W. K. Grim J. K. Grant. 

1877 W. K. Grim J. K. Grant. 

1878 W. K. Grim J. K. Grant. 

1879-80 W. K. Grim L. M. Koons. 

1881 W. H. Grim L. M. Koons. 

1882 W. H. Grim C. F. Emes. 

1883 John Stautter C. F. Emes. 

1884-85 John Stauffer C. F. Emes. 

In 1886 the officers were, — 

Franklin Hartman, burgess ; C. F. Emes, clerk ; 
Levi H. Lefever, treasurer; Jeremiah Romig, presi- 
dent. 

Councilmen, George E. Bleim, Samuel G. Sands, 
Zep. Gottshall, John Schaefler. 

The justices since the organization of the 
borough have been William K. Stauffer, L. M. 
Koons, William Fox, J. B. Haukey, Henry B. 
lihoads and C. F. Ernes. 

The solicitors for the borough have been B. 



Frank Boyer, Daniel and James Ermentrout and 
J. K. Grant, the last-named serving at present. 

In 1867 the grades of the streets were established 
by D. S. Zacharias and William K. Stauffer. Since 
that time several of the principal streets have been 
graded in a very substantial manner, and the 
benefits sought by the incorporation have been 
generally realized. 

Industrie.s — Iron-ore. — The oldest and most 
important pursuit of the citizens of Boyertown has 
been iron-mining, an employment engaged in with 
more or less activity the past one hundred and 
sixty years. 

As early as July 29, 1718, David Powell 
obtained a patent for two hundred acres of laud, 
which afterward became known as the " Furnace 
Tract," and a source of great profit to the pro- 
prietors. On June 4, 1719, Powell sold this land 
to Thomas Ruter, and on May 22, 1733, Samuel 
Potts obtained an interest in the same. These 
parties were the first to develop the mineral re- 
sources on the land. The Colebrookdale Furnace 
was erected about 1720 ' in that locality, and sup- 
plied with iron-ore obtained from the land nearby, 
where mining operations are still carried on. When 
they sold the land to Henry Stauflfer, December 
29, 1769, they reserved the mineral right, retained 
one acre where the iron vein cropped out and 
exacted a condition whereby they might have the 
privilege of mining at the '• Red Bank," holding 
themselves liable for damages resulting from 
mining operations. In later years, a claim for con- 
sequential damages having been made, the owners 
of the mineral right purchased six acres of land at 
that point, including the " Red Bank." This land, 
including the mineral right of the old " Furnace 
Tract," is now the property of Robert and Morris 
Lewis, of Philadelphia, but is worked under a 
lease by the Phrenix Iron Company, which was 
the first to carry on operations on an extensive 
scale and to employ machinery to increase the 
product. Before this the owners of the Colebrook- 
dale Furnace, the Eckerts at Reading and others, 
had mined at the " Red Bank " in the old way. 
After working the mine on a limited scale, from 
1852 for a few years, the Phoenix Iron Company 
began using steam-power in 1855, and so continued 

' See Early Furnaces, etc. 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



903 



at the ' Red Mine " until 1881, since which time 
operations have been confined to the lower mine, 
or the acre lot. At that place steam-power has 
been employed since 1869. At the lower place 
slope-mining is carried on, the slope at present 
l>eing four hundred feet long and running at an 
angle of forty degrees. The ore is black magnetic 
and yields fifty-five per cent, of pure iron. 

The lands contiguous to the " Furnace Tract " 
have the same vein of iron, though at much 
greater depths, and generally having a horizontal 
position. On the Binder lot, tests made for the 
Warwick Iron Company, in 1873, gave proof of 
the presence of rich ore, which has been developed 
and mined by that company- The shaft has a 
depth of six hundred and seventy feet. Sixty 
men are employed. 

Gabel, Jones & Gabel are extensive miners on 
the Ritter tract, having operated since 1877. Their 
shaft has reached the depth of six hundred feet. 
They employ forty-five men and mine large quan- 
tities of first-class ore. 

The fourth mine is on the John Rlioads tract, 
and has been worked by the present operators 
since October, 1883. Fifteen men are employed. 

The united product of these mines is about six 
thousand tons per month, all of which is readily 
moved by direct tracks or sidings of the railroad 
from the mines. 

Cigars. — The manufacture of cigars is another 
industry which has quickened the business life of 
the borough, and affords employment to hundreds 
of persons. The pioneer manufacturer is D. S. 
Erb, the proprietor of the 

Keystone Cigar Factory. — Mr. Erb began busi- 
ness at Boyertown as a tobacconist in 1864, employ- 
ing two hands, but increased the force from year to 
year until, in 1883, he had five hundred hands em- 
ployed. About that time he changed the grade of 
of his work, and has since produced fine cigars only, 
employing at present two hundred hands. His fac- 
tory is one of the most complete in the county, 
occupying the greater part of a three-story brick 
building, seventy-five by seventy-five feet, which 
he erected in 1882. 

Enterprise Ciffar-Factory is conducted by Wil- 
liam M. Riegner & Brother. It was established 
in 1<S80, and also had a small beginning. In 1882 
sixty persons were employed, but on raising the 



grade of the work, the number was reduced to 
thirty two. 

Boyertown Cigar Factory (P. A. Brauss & Co., 
proprietors) was established in the summer of 
1884, and enlarged to its present size in the spring 
of 1886, — a frame factory, two and a half stories 
high, sixty by fifty-three feet. It contains eight 
rooms, heated by steam, and afibrds working 
space for one hundred and seventy-five men. This 
factory is operated with other factories elsewhere. 

Cigar-Box Factory. — William W. Wren and 
Oliver Engel established this factory in 1881, — a 
two-story frame building, is supplied with first- 
class machinery, o])erated by steam-power. Eight 
hands are employed. 

Boyertown Machine-Shop was established in 
1878 by Daniel Schlegel, and has since been car- 
ried on by him. The motive-power is steam and 
the products are general farm and mining ma- 
chinery. Four men are employed. 

Churches. — Mennonite Church. — The Mennon- 
ites were the first to establish a place of worship in 
what is now Boyertown. In 1790 Henry Staufter, 
a member of thi^ sect, granted one acre of ground 
to Abraham Bechtel and Henry High, in trust 
for the use of the " Mennonite Congregation of 
Colebrookdale,'' an organization some twenty 
years old at that time, and worshipping m a 
meeting-house in the eastern end of the valley. 
Upon this lot a log church was built the same 
year and a cemetery opened, which is still kept 
up, though in the borough. This log meeting- 
house was used as an auxiliary place of worship by 
the old Colebrookdale congregation, meetings being 
held every four weeks, until 1819, when it was re- 
placed by a more commodious brick church, sus 
taining the same relation as the old house. For a 
number of years John Gehman and Christian 
Clemmer were the ministers, and the congregation 
had a harmonious existence until May, 1847, when 
a dissension arose on account of a change in the 
time-honored dress of the ministry and a modifica- 
tion of some of the cardinal doctrines of the sect, 
causing a division into old and new measure 
parties The latter held that Menno Simon, the 
founder of the sect, did not lay down an impera- 
tive rule in regard to dress, or one which 
should for all time be unchangeable, but 
that the essential required was simplicity, a 



904 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



condition which could be obtained as well by the 
use of buttons as of hooks and eyes, or by modify- 
ing the cut to adapt it to the wearer instead of fol- 
lowing an arbitrary cut. They claimed that a revi- 
sion of the catechism had also been made necessary, 
and that the rule forbidding marriages outside of 
the pale of the church should be amended. They 
did not think that the use of musical instruments, 
as a means of worship, was sinful, and advocated 
the necessity of having a printed or written consti- 
tution instead of relying entirely upon the tradition- 
ary customs which so long governed them. They 
claimed, further, that the times demanded an edu- 
cated ministry, and that the aids to progress and 
social and religious advancement should be ac- 
cepted and used to the honor of the Divine 
Master. These innovations, introduced and de- 
manded by John H. Oberholtzer, were too sweep- 
ing in their nature to be accepted by the Menno- 
nites generally, and a determined opposition to 
them was aroused on the plea that they were inimi- 
cal to the best interests of the church, and that, if 
entertained, the disruption of the sect would fol- 
low. The old party held that wjiile the new coat 
of Oberholtzer, rounded to suit his person and 
provided with buttons, was not sinful by . itself 
considered, it symbolized a rebellion against the 
usages which had been a distinguishing character- 
istic of the sect, and brought with it a change of 
principles which would destroy all the traditions 
of the church. A vital issue having thus been 
made, a spirited controversy ensued which caused 
Oberholtzer to sever his connection with the Fran- 
conia Conference, in which body the title to the 
church property was vested, and to whose rul- 
ings the old Mennonites loyally held. Hence, 
when the new measure Mennonites demanded an 
interest in, or possession of, certain church prop- 
erty, the courts decreed that their claims had 
been forfeited. At Boyertown and Colebrook- 
dale Clemmer became a follower of Ober- 
holtzer, and was seconded by a large num- 
ber of members, to whom he preached as a 
separate congregation. They used the old 
brick meeting-house alternately with the old 
congregation until 1877, when the latter pro- 
ceeded to demolish it with the purpose of erect- 
ing a new house. They gave the new congre- 
gation notice of their intention and invited it to 



co-operate with them in building a new church, 
the title to which should remain in the Francouia 
Conference. They declined to do so, and had an 
injunction served on the old congregation to re- 
strain the demolition of the old building A long 
and costly litigation ensued, and, at the end of six 
years, the courts finally decreed as above stated. 
Meantime, the old congregation completed a new 
brick meeting-house forty-five by fifty feet, which 
was occupied in the fall of 1879. The building 
committee was composed of Samuel H. Landis, 
Jacob Bechtel, Joel B. Bauer and Henry G. 
Gabel. This building has since been used in con- 
nection with the old church in Washington town- 
ship, meetings being held every four weeks. 
There are about forty members, and John B. 
Bechtel and Andrew Mack served as ministers. 

The courts having decided that the new Jleu- 
nonite congregation had no interest in the old 
church property, a new church edifice was be- 
gun by it on July 20, 1883. The building com- 
mittee was composed of J. H. Borneman, Isaac 
Borneman and George Bleim, and the build- 
ing was dedicated January 7, 1884, by the Rev. 
Andrew Schelly. It is a brick edifice, in dimen- 
sions, forty by sixty-five feet, situated in the 
southern part of the borough. The trustees, in 
1886, were John Bechtel, Samuel Landis and J. 
H. Borneman. The Rev. Christian Clemmer 
preached for the congregation until his death, in 
1882. The present minister is Bishop Moses God- 
shall, who is assisted by Abraham Godshall. 
There are about forty members and services are 
held semi-monthly. 

Old Union Church. — The members of the 
German Reformed and Lutheran congregations 
of the Swamp Church, living in Colebrookdale 
township, erected a house of worship in 1811, upon 
a lot of ground donated by Henry Stauffer, ad- 
joining that of the Mennonites. It was a plain 
edifice, forty by fifty feet, and contained galleries 
on three sides. It was arranged similar to the 
churches of that period. In 1851 a small steeple 
was added to the building, which was consecrated 
on April 26th. A bell was introduced at the same 
time, this having formerly been on the court house 
at Reading. The bell was cast in England in 
1764, and weighed three hundred pounds. The 
congregation paid fifty dollars for it, which was a 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



905 



low price for a bell of such a quality. After the 
old house was demolished, as the property of the 
Reformed congregation, the bell was stored away 
for future use on a chapel or lecture-room. In 
1853 the stone wall inclosing the cemetery was 
built by the united congregations., Dr. Charles 
Keeley having bequeathed two hundred dollars 
for that purpose. In 1854 lamps and chandeliers 
were supplied, and these were lit for the first time 
January 28th of that year. In 1873 the Re- 
formed congregation became the owner of the 
property, and the old church building was taken 
down and the present Reformed Chui'ch of the 
Good Shepherd erected in its place, the meetings 
of the congregation having, in the mean time, been 
held in the Mennonite Church. The corner-stone 
was laid April 30, 1874, by the Rev. A. S. Leiu- 
hach, of Reading, and contained, among other 
things, a leaden plate, upon which were engraven 
the names of the building committee, — Jacob 
Kuser, L. M. Koons, Jeremiah Sweinhart, Joseph 
Young, J. H. Funk and Henry Leh, Sr. ; the 
consistory, Jacob Kuser, Daniel Leidy, F. H. 
Stauffer, Daniel Borneman, W. Schealer, H. Will, 
Charles Hagy and John K StauHer, and the 
pastor. Rev. L. J. Ma3'er. 

It is a two story edifice, with a front of Piiila- 
delphia pressed brick. The building is fifty-two 
by eighty feet, with the rear wall recessed nine 
feet more to afford pupil space. In front is a 
tower, one hundred and forty feet high, the upper 
])art presenting an octagonal appearance. The 
building contains a number of fine memorial win- 
dows, presented by the friends of the church. The 
auditorium is finely finished, and has a seating 
capacity for six hundred persons. It was dedicated 
on December 25, 1876. The cost was thirty-five 
thousand dollars. 

The following pastors of the Reformed congre- 
gation officiated : Revs. Frederick Herman, Henry 
S. Bassler, Samuel Siebert, N. S. Strassburger, 
Augustus S. Dechert, R. A. Van Court and L. J. 
Moyer, the last being the present pastor. Rev. 
Mr. Dechert introduced English preaching every 
four weeks. The congregation has four hundred 
members, and a consistory of which L. P. G. 
Fegley is the secretary, and L. H. Lefever the 
treasurer. 

St. John's Lutheran Church. — The Lutheran 
78 



congregation, organized about the time the Union 
Church was built, had as its first pastor the 
Rev. Jacob Miller, who served it eighteen years. 
He was succeeded by Conrad Miller, whose pastor- 
ate extended through twenty-four years. Revs. 
Nathan Y'eager and A. H. Groh officiated for a 
short time. Since December 9, 1865, the Rev. L. 
Groh has been the pastor, and during his ministry 
the history of the church has been the most event- 
ful. Soon after his accession the question of 
building a new church was agitated, to accommo- 
date the growing congregation ; but it was not 
until 1870 that definite action was taken. On the 
last day of that year a meeting was held, at which 
it was decided that a charter should be procured 
and a new church built. It was then reported that 
ten thousand dollars had been pledged for a new 
church, one-fourth of the amount having been 
tendered by Samuel Shaner. The charter was 
procured the following January, and in it the 
congregation was designated by the present name, 
having been known up till then by the locality 
only. Dr. Thomas J. B. Rhoads, Jeremiah 
Romig, William Binder and Aaron Mory com- 
posed the building committee. The corner-stone 
was laid September 2, 1871, and the church was 
formally dedicated August 18, 1872. It is a well- 
proportioned, two-story brick edifice, fifty-five by 
ninety feet, with a high auditorium, having galleries 
on three sides, and affording seating capacity for 
one thousand persons. The church is finely 
finished and contains a pipe-organ of twenty -four 
stops. A steeple one hundred and sixty-nine feet 
high is attached to the building, and includes 
a fine bell, weighing two thousand six hundred 
pounds. The total church improvement cost 
about thirty-five thousand dollars. 

A Lutheran Sunday-school has been conducted 
since September, 1872. In 1885 it had five hundred 
members, with David S. Erb as the superintendent. 
The congregation has about eight hundred 
members. The services are conducted in the 
German and English languages. 

Ebenezer Methodkt Episcopal Church.- — The cor- 
ner-stone of this church was laid August 10, 1875, 
and the church was completed for consecration the 
following year. It is a brick edifice, with a seating 
capacity for four hundred persons. The building 
committee were composed of James Wren, Joseph 



906 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA. 



Tyrrell and Richard Richards, the latter serving 
as treasurer. When the congregation was organ- 
ized there were fifty members, but owing to re- 
movals only thirty-eight were reported in 1882. 
During Rev. Martin's ministry there was an in- 
crease of memberehip, so that at the close of 1884 
the entire number was seventy-two. On March 1, 
1886, there were one hundred full and thirty-five 
probationary members. 

There is a flourishing Sunday-school of twenty- 
one teachers and officers and one hundred and 
eighty- one scholars, supported by the church, Wil- 
liam W. Wren being the superintendent. 

Educational — Public School. — The first 
schools at Boyertown were taught by German 
teachers in the school-house standing on the Union 
Church lot. When the free-school system was ac- 
cepted, in 1838, English instruction began to be 
imparted in the octagonal school building, which 
was used until 1860, when the board of directors 
— composed of Amos K. Strunk, Daniel K. Ritter, 
Isaac Ritter, John IMurkel, Jesse Pennypacker 
and William Ritter — purchased a lot in another 
part of the town and erected a two-story brick 
building to accommodate two schools. This build 
ing was enlarged and remodeled in 1876 by the 
directors of the borough, who had controlled the 
school since 1866. It contains four rooms, neatly 
furnished. The schools were graded in 1878 and 
have achieved a good reputation. Tlie four de- 
partments had an average attendance of one hun- 
dred and forty-one in 1885, and the schools were 
under the priucipalship of Henry B. Yorgey. At 
the same time the directors were J. H. Funk, pres- 
ident ; William H. Fox, secretary ; O. P. Grim- 
ley, treasurer; L. M. Wootmau, D. B. Bauer and 
Daniel H. Fox. 

Mount Pleasant Seminary had its origin in a se- 
lect school, established in 1842 by Hon. John 
Staufler. Its success encouraged him to erect a 
building for a school on a more extensive scale, 
and in 1849 the present seminary building was 
put up. Prof. Jacob Whitman was the first prin- 
cipal, in 1850, he having been a very able teacher 
and especially skillful as a botanist. The course 
of instruction he provided embraced the common 
English branches, the classics and higher mathe- 
matics. After occupying a professor's chair at the 
State Agricultural College he removed to Kansas, 



where he now resides. Henry Dechert and Charles 
Albert were later teachers. In 1854 Prof P. D. 
W. Hankey took charge of the seminary and ably 
conducted it for thirteen years, and was assisted, 
part of the time, by his brother, Isaac B. Hankey 
In 1855 the building was enlarged and its facili- 
ties much increased, so that it aflTorded accommo- 
dations for fifty resident scholars, besides having a 
number of day scholars. In 1867 Prof L. M. 
Koons became principal and continued until the 
school was closed, in 1880. He was an able teach- 
er, but his failing health caused him to relinquish 
a work which had become a part of his nature. 
The school afforded instruction for both sexes and 
supported a literary society, which had a library 
of several hundred volumes. The building has a 
fine location on spacious grounds, and is at present 
the property of Fred. H. Stauffer. Since the school 
was closed it has been used as a residence. 

Kallynean Academy was established in 1866 by 
Prof. Isaac B. Hankey. He erected a large brick 
building, which had accommodations for seventy- 
five scholars, and had a corps of four teachers. 
The library contained about one thousand volumes. 
For a number of years the academy was highly 
prosperous. This school has also been recently 
discontinued and the property is now occupied as 
a private residence. 

Taverns. — A public-house was opened about 
1805 in a long, log building, which stood upon the 
site of the present " Union House," and of which 
Michael Boyer was the landlord. Prominent 
among the early landlords was Samuel Hartranft, 
the father of the ex-Governor. The present build- 
ing was erected in 1855 by W^illiam Binder, and 
has been owned by D. D. Boyer since 1861. The 
recent landlords have been Frederick GraeflT, 
Charles Grant, Nathaniel Erb and the present, M. 
K. Grant. In the days of stage travel this house 
was the headquarters at Boyertown for several lines. 

In the lower part of the town Jacob Neidig had 
a small beer-shop, which afterwards became a pub- 
lic-house. The building has been torn down. 

The present " Keystone House " was the second 
hotel of any size. It was built in 1850 by Henry 
Boyer, and has been enlarged several times, the 
last time by George K. Ritter. It is now an at- 
tractive, four-story building, kept hx Jacol) 
Schaeffer. 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



907 



The third public-house of note was built as a 
residence by William Shauer and changed to a 
hotel by Charles Fegley in 1870. It was then 
known as the " William Penn Hotel," but after 
having been enlarged by the present owner, Sam- 
uel Sperry, in 1884, it was called the " Mansion 
House." 

Stores. — Some time after the year 1805 Daniel 
Boyer opened the first store in the place, occupy- 
ing a part of the old log tavern ; and some years 
later he built a brick store on the corner opposite, 
which has ever since been known as the " Boyer 
Stand." In 1835 Samuel B. Boyer opened another 
store, on the corner diagonally opposite the hotel, 
and Daniel B. Boyer engaged in trade the follow- 
ing year. In 1875-76 D. B. Boyer erected a 
three-story brick block, seventy by sixty-nine feet, 
on the site of the old stand, the upper story form- 
ing two public halls. In this building his sons, 
James and Horace K. Boyer, are now carrying on 
bu.«iness. 

Grim's Block, adjoining, was erected in 1873, 
by William K. Grim. It is sixty by eighty feet, 
three stories high, with large halls in the upi)er 
story. 

The buildings on the opposite side of the old 
Boyer stand were removed and the present fine 
block built in 1879 by D. B. Boyer, and the ad- 
joining block was built by him in 1884. Part of 
it is occupied by Levi E. Lefever, who started the 
first general hardware-store in the borough. In 
the lower part of the town L. H. Lefever put up a 
large business house, in 1868, and he has since 
been engaged there as a general merchant. Op- 
posite is the Rhoads Block, erected in 1885, by 
Dr. Thomas J. B. Rhoads, in dimensions forty- 
eight by one hundred and fifty-seven feet, and four 
stories high. An opera-house is in the second- 
story front, with a seating capacity for five hun- 
dred persons. It was formally opened December 
26, 1885. In the lower story are three fine store- 
rooms. 

D. C. Brumbach's furniture establishment is in 
the same neighborhood and was erected in 1882. 
The building is forty by ninety feet, three stories 
in height, and is entirely occupied by him. H. 
IM. Houck is the pioneer in this branch of trade, 
having established himself about twenty years 
ago. His present large warerooms have been oc- 



cupied since 1883. Charles A. Mory and Baker 
& Weller are also general merchants ; J. K. Him- 
melreich and A E. & H. Leidy, dealers in milli- 
nery ; D. H. Fox, clothier ; J. S. Case, shoe deal- 
er ; I. J. Renuer, harness ; B. M. Yost, coal and 
feed. 

Among the early inhabitants of the place were 
Lewis S. Worman, who established himself as a 
harness-maker in 1842, which business he still con- 
tinues; David K. East, a watchmaker, for the 
same length of time; Hugh Borneman, a watch- 
maker, in 1841 ; Benjamin Riegner and John 
Deysher, blacksmiths ; Abraham Eshbach, John 
Staufler, John Stcinrook and Israel R. Laucks, 
tinsmiths ; John Maurer, Daniel Sands and D. H. 
Fox, tailors ; John Fegley, shoemaker ; William 
Whitman, Josiah, Frederick and Jeremiah Swein- 
hart, wheelwrights ; Reuben Prile and John 
Stauffer, cabinet-makers; and Daniel Cressman, to- 
bacconist. Aside from a few stores and shops, 
with the general interests of a country town, the 
borough had nothing to distinguish it as a business 
point until the building of the railroad, in 1869. 
The depot buildings were erected in 1869 and 
Daniel Spare was appointed the first agent. Since 
January 1, 1879, the agent has been L. M. Wart- 
man. The principal shipment is ore, about two 
hundred tons being moved daily. Cigars follow 
next as an article of shipment. 

Keystone Fire Compaky. — Before the incor- 
poration measures had been taken to secure pro- 
tection against fire, and a small hand-engine had 
been bought at Pottstown by means of a popular 
subscription. This engine was manned by a volnu- 
teer company whose organization was not kept up 
very strictly, and, in 1867, it was in debt to such 
an extent that the borough bought the apjjaratus 
and thenceforth appropriated a small sum of money 
each year to keep the same in order. In 1873 a 
good No. 2 Silsby steam fire-engine was bought, 
as well as a hose-carriage and a hose-truck, with 
six hundred feet of leather hose, which were 
placed in care of the newly-organized Keystone 
Fire Company. For a nu mber of years a house was 
leased to store the apparatus ; but, in 1878, a desir- 
able lot was purchased, on which a good two-story 
engine-house was built the following year. In 
1884 a part of this building was arranged for a 
borough look-up. The upper story has been 



908 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



handsomely fitted up for the use of the fire com- 
pany. 

The company was organized January 27, 1873, 
and became an nicorporaied body May 6, 1873. 
Its first officers were I. B. Hankey, president; S. 
N. Bucher vice president ; il. K. Grant, secre- 
tary ; D. G. Gabel, assistant secretary ; William 
Binder, treasurer ; John Schealer, chief engineer. 

The company adopted as its motto : " When 
duty calls, 'tis ours to obey," and selected a full 
board of hose and engine directors. On the 4th 
of July, that year, it made the first public exhibi- 
tion of the engine, the department parading on 
that occasion. Since its existence the company 
has demonstrated its usefulness on several occa- 
sions, subduing fires wheu general conflagrations 
were threatened. It has acquired property to the 
amount of four hundred dollars and receives a 
yearly appropriation of one hundred dollars from 
the borough Its active membership in 1886 was 
about forty, embracing only about one-third of 
the persons enrolled Officers for 1886 : John 
Leaver, president ; William Wallace, vice-presi- 
dent ; William H. Sperry, secretary ; Frank 
Bucher, treasurer ; Jacob Sassamau, chief engi- 
neer; James Anderson and Wilson Geyer, fire- 
men ; John Schealer, D. H. Fox and F. G. 
Binder, trustees. 

Friend.ship Hook-and-Ladder Cojipany 
was organized May 5, 1882, and had as its first 
officers George Endy, president ; Franklin Dey- 
sher, secretary ; and John Deysher, treasurer. 
A membership of thirty was reported in 1886, 
who manned a good outfit, consisting of hooks, 
ladders and trucks. Officers for 1886 : Charles 
Bird, president ; Charles Deysher, secretary ; and 
Jacob Freed, foreman. 

Post-Office. — The Boyertown post-office was 
established February 14, 1828. The following 
persons have been the postmasters : Daniel Boyer, 
1828-36 ; Daniel B. Boyer, 1836-41 ; Jacob K. 
Boyer and D. B. Boyer, 1841-6-5 ; J. H. Funk, 
1865-69 ; D. B. Boyer, 1869-85 ; W. K. Grim, 
1S85-86. The office is kept in a commodious room 
in the Grim Block, which has been especially fitted 
up for it. There are thirty-eight lock and two 
hundred and sixteen call boxes in addition to the 
general delivery. The office has twelve mails per 
day, one being direct from Philadelphia. Since 



August 1, 1880, it has been a postal money-order 
office. For many years the nearest office was 
Pottstown, and when established but one mail per 
week was afforded. 

Physicians. — The first practitioners were Wil- 
liam and Joel Bryant and a Dr. Wagenzeller, 
after 1830. Dr. Charles Keely is remembered as 
one of the most prominent of the early physicians, 
practicing here from 1840 for ten years, when 
he removed to Reading. Dr. Erastus P. Schull 
succeeded him, and he by Dr. John Todd, Dr. 
Samuel Todd, Dr. Addison Schultz and Dr. L. K. 
Francis, the latter being still in practice. The 
other resident jshysicians now are Dr. Thomas J. 
B. Rhoads, since 1863; Dr. T. H. Leidy, since 
1878 ; Dr. Wilbur Hankey i-ince 1881 ; and Dr. 
John S. Borueman, since 1882. Dr. J. Funk is 
a resident physician, but not in practice. Dr. 
Henry Johnston, who died at Boyertown in 1861, 
had been a successful practitioner for fifteen 
year.^. 

The first drug-store was established in 1865, by 
Dr. J. H. Funk, and is now continued by J. 
Gieger. Another drug-store was opened in 1882 
by J. H. Borneman. The latter was the first to 
practice dentistry at this place, a profession which 
has also been followed by Dr. Joel B. Bower since 
1862. 

Prixtinc;. — Frank-Un Pruiluuj-Hmise. was 
opened, in the fall of 1878, by Clinton S. Miller, 
who here published the Boyertown Weekly Messen- 
ger. In the fiUl of 1880, M G. Oberholtzer pur- 
chased the office and di-scontiuued the paper, de- 
voting his attention to job work. In the spring 
of 1884 he sold out to J. H. Stauffer and C. F. 
Emes, who continued until September, 1885, when 
I. T. Ehst bought out Stautter's interest, and the 
firm became Ehst & Emes. 

Boyertown Democrat, a semi-Germau-English 
weekly, is published by the Charles Spatz Com- 
pany. (See chapter on Newspapers.) The office 
is well equipped to do job printing. 

Banks. — National Bank of Boyertown began 
business in March, 1874, with a capital of fifty 
thousand dollars, which, in 1875, was increased to 
one hundred thousand. The business was first 
conducted in Aaron Mory's building. In 1882 a 
spacious and substantial banking-house was 
erected for its exclusive use, at a cost of nine thou- 





^f^ ^//JO^. 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



909 



saud dollars, which has been occupied since 1883. 
The bank was organized with a board of stock- 
holders composed of Tnomas J. B. Khoads, D. B. 
Boyer, Aaron ]\Iory, Milton A. Mory, William K. 
Grim, J. W. Hillcgas, Daniel L. Rhoads, Thomas 
Christman, William Weand, Jacob B. Bechtel, 
Andrew B Bauer and Jeremiah R. Guldin. The 
fir.st-named became the president and Milton A. 
Mory the cashier, the latter serving since. The 
business of the bank has been very successfully 
conducted. The total resources March 1, 1886, 
were §453,690.89, with undivided profits amount- 
ing to nearly ten thousand dollars. 

Farmers' National Bank of Boyerlown was or- 
ganized March 20, 1883, with the following direc- 
tors : Dr. Tliomas J. B. Rhoads, president ; Wil- 
liam K. Grim, vice-president ; Hiram Burdam, 
J. William Hillegas, E. G. Fegley, Joseph H. 
Moyer, Dr. R. B. Rhoads, John Sabold, William 
H. Schneider and A. Y. Yoder. The capital 
stock is $50,000, and its total resources March 1, 
1X86, were $179,361, of which $103,848 were owing 
to depositors. An office is occupied on Philadeljihia 
Avenue, and W. B, Grim is the cashier. 

Thomas J. B. Rhoads was born September 
26, 1837, on the Rhoads homestead, now in- 
cluded in the corporate limits of Boyertown, he 
being the youngest sou of John Rhoads and his 
wife, Catharine. His progenitors emigrated from 
the Palatinate early in the eighteenth century, 
and took up their abode in what is now Amity 
township, this county. His great-grandfather, 
Mathias Roth, became a resident of Colebrook- 
dale township about the year 1760, and twelve 
years later became the owner by purchase from 
Rutter and Potts of several hundred acres of 
land, with improvements, in what is now Morys- 
ville, near Boyertown. His grandfather, Jonathan 
Roth, became the owner of the mill property and 
farm at Morysville by inheritance. To this he 
added by purchase several tracts, which became 
the property of John Rhoads upon the death of 
Jonathan Roth. The orthography of the name 
was changed from Roth to Rhoads through the 
instrumentality of the instructors of the children 
of that period, in the ])eginniug of the nineteenth 
century. ,,- 

Before the adoption of the public school sys- 
tem in Berks County he was chiefly under the 



instructions of that precise, veteran school-teacher, 
Henry G. Stetler, who is still living. Later he 
became a student in Mount Pleasant Seminary, of 
Boyertown, when that institution was in the 
height of its success ; and later he was for a time 
a pupil of Hon. Augustus S. Sassaman, under 
whose instructions he acquired a knowledge of the 
higher branches of English literature and mathe- 
matics. 

At the age of eighteen he was selected by the 
school director of Colebrookdale township to 
take charge of the Wise School, and during the 
three succeeding school terms he was teacher of 
the Gabeltown School, and closed his experience 
as a teacher of public schools in the spring of 
1859. In his leisure hours, during 1857 and 1858, 
he commenced the study of medicine, of which he 
acquired considerable knowledge, until the spring 
of 1859, \vhen he entered the office of his brother, 
Dr. R. B. Rhoads, then a physician in successful 
practice at Zieglersville, Montgomery County. 
He prosecuted his studies with diligence until 
October, 1859, when he became a matriculate of 
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia ; from 
this institution he was graduated in March, 1861, 
and on May 23d following he opened an office at 
Gilbertsville, Montgomery County, where he soon 
gained the confidence and esteem of the commu- 
nity, and acquired a good paying practice. 

On May 10, 1862, he was married to Theresa 
F., only daughter of Captain Henry S. Leidy, 
which union was blessed with two sons and two 
daughters, of whom one son and one daughter 
only are living. 

In September of the same year, responding to 
the call of his country for assistant surgeons of 
volunteers, he proceeded to Harrisburg, and after 
having passed a creditable examination by the 
State Board of Medical Examiners, he was commis- 
sioned as assistant surgeon, with the rank of first 
lieutenant, and assigned to the One Hundred and 
Sixty-ninth Regimeut Pennsylvania Volunteers, 
then stationed at Gloucester Point, opposite York- 
town, Virginia. During the winter of 1862 he 
and his brother, Dr. R. B. Rhoads, had medi- 
cal charge of all the forces then stationed at 
Gloucester Point, Fort Keyes, and a large settle- 
ment of " Contrabands," as well as the brigade 
hospital connected therewith, his brother being 



910 



HL'JTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the senior officer. The onerous duties connected 
with his calling, in conjunction with the unavoid- 
able exposures incident thereto, brought on an 
attack of typho-malarial fever, which laid hira up 
for several weeks, and came nigh putting an end 
to his career, but an iron constitution and an in- 
domitable will at last triumphed, and he became 
convalescent, although the disease left him a sub- 
ject to rheumatic attacks thereafter. 

Upon the opening of the campaign of 1863 he 
shared the trials, dangers and vicissitudes of his 
regiment until it was mustered out of service, on 
July 28th of that year. Upon returning from the 
army he settled down in Boyertown to continue 
the practice of his profession. His varied experi- 
ence in medical and surgical practice whilst in the 
army gave him a leading position among the 
medical fraternitj' of his section, and he was soon 
overrun with practice. 

He has been in continuous practice for a period 
of twenty-five years, with the exception of about 
six months during 1882, when he was laid up with 
a compound fracture of the right leg, the result of 
a runaway horse and several attacks of inflamma- 
tory rheumatism previously. 

He was one of the projectors of the National 
Bank of Boyertown, when it was organized in 
1874, and became its first president, which position 
he held until January, 1883, when he peremptorily 
declined a re-election. In March, 1883, he was 
one of the projectors of the Farmers' National 
Bank of Boyertown, which was organized on 
March 20th, becoming its president, which posi- 
tion he is holding at the present time. 

On January 2, 1886, he became treasurer of 
the Boyertown Mutual Fire Insurance Company, 
upon organization of that coiporation. He has 
held various offices of trust and honor, indicating 
the high estimation in which he is held. Besides 
carrying on his practice, in which he is still 
actively engaged, he is interested in real estate, 
principally in Boyertown. 

Other Companies. — Boyertown Mutual Fire 
Insurance Company was projected at an informal 
meeting, held December 5, 1885, by L. P. G. 
Fegley, Dr. Thomas J. B. Rhoads, AVilliam K. 
Grim and William D. Kehl, and it was then de- 
cided to open subscription books and solicit in- 
surance. At another meeting, held December 28th, 



it was ascertained that a pledge of $216,500 of in- 
surance had been secured. A charter was obtained 
January 2, 1886. 

The first jjoliey was issued on February 20, 
1886, for three thousand dollai-s insurance, in favor 
of Jacob W. Leaver, of New Berlinville. On the 
1st of March, 1886, the policies numbered eighty, 
all of which are perpetual and limited to safe risks, 
none exceeding five thousand dollars. 

Boyertown Water Company was incorjiorated 
under an act of the Assembly, approved April 8, 
1856, on the petition of George Mull, Samuel 
Shauer, Daniel B. Boyer, "William Binder, Fred. 
H. Stauffer, Dr. Charles Keeley, William K. 
Staufter, Lewis S. Worman, Benjamin Riegner, 
Jeremiah Sweinhart, Aaron K. Struuk, Henry 
Borneman and David H. Fox. The company 
supplies the borough with pure water, from springs 
in the neighborhood. The direct supply is from a 
reservoir of large capacity, in the rear of the Mount 
Pleasant Seminary, on an elevation which will 
afibrd a flow higher than the tallest building in the 
borough. An additional supply of water can be 
pumped into the reservoir from springs at the 
Ironstone Creek, distant one-fourth of a mile, by 
means of a steam-engine located there. The town 
is supplied with water-mains and eight fire-plugs. 

Fairvimv Cemetery. — A company was organized 
March 2, 1859, with the following trustees : Jacob 
Merkel (president), William K. Stautter (secre- 
tary), Samuel Shaner (treasurer), Samuel Witman, 
Thos. Shaner, Fred. H. Staufier and Peter Fryer. 

Five acres of land adjoining Boyertown were 
first purchased, and afterward five acres more — 
the present area being ten acres. One thousand 
lots, each fourteen by sixteen feet, have been laid 
out and many sold. A number of substantial and 
attractive improvements have been made, includ- 
ing a .sexton's residence. The association has a 
fund of three thousand dollars unexpended. 

Union Cemetery is southwest of the borough and 
has an attractive location on an elevated tract of 
land. It embraces several acres, much of which 
was donated by the iron-mining firm of Gabel, 
Jones & Gabel. 

Secret SociETiE.s. — Freedom Council, No. 2 5, 
American Mechanics, was instituted January 5, 
1854, at Boyertown. 

The meetings were held with interest until 1862 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



911 



when they were discontiuued for the time being, 
and soon wholly given up. The last trustees were 
H. B. Rhoads, L. S. Worman and B. Riegner. 

Some years later a lodge of the Brotherhood 
Society was established, which had a flourishing ex- 
istence for a few years. 

Washington Camp, No. 104, P. 0. S. of A., was 
instituted in the fall of 1869, and flourished until 
a determined local opposition caused the meetings 
to be discontinued. There were at one time eighty 



causes led to the dissolution of the society. It 
was purely beneficial and entirely local. 

Miners' Beneficial Society was organized Feb- 
ruary 18, 1882, for the purpose of affording the 
miners of Boyertown mutual assistance, in case 
of sickness or death. It has some sixty members 
in good standing. 

Salah Castle, No. 46, ^1. 0. K. of M. C, was in- 
stituted February 15, 1873. It has a membership 
of sixty-seven, and a fund approximating S700. 




RESIDENCE Of FRANK U. BINDER, BOYERTOWN, PA. 



members in good standing, some of whom remained 
faithful to their obligations, and still retain posses- 
sion of the camp propertj', hoping some day to 
revive the meetings. 

Oley Lodge, No. 218, 1. 0. 0. F., was organized at 
Pleasantville, in Oley township, but removed to 
Boyertown in 1874. Its meetings were continued 
three years ; then the lodge was transferred to 
Reading, where it still exists. 

Boyertown Beneficial Association was instituted 
in 1847. At one time there were one hundred 
menibere, and the meetings were kept up with ben- 
eficial results until 1857, when removals and other 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Frank G. Binder was born January 29, 1860, 
in Boyertown. William Binder, his father, was 
born in New Hanover township, Montgomery 
County, November 18, 1820, and had four brothers 
— Samuel, born October 19, 1822 ; Jesse, born 
September 2, 1824 — Benjamin, born July 13, 
1831 ; and Franklin ; and three sisters, — Esther, 
Magdalena, born December 23, 1827 ; Emma, born 
May 6, 1834; and Maria Ann, born June 23, 
1837. Benjamin died from wounds received in 
the army and Franklin died when but seven years 
old. 



912 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



AVilliam Binder died February 25, 1880. He 
had three children, — Henry M., with first wife 
and Clara G. and Frank G., with second wife. 
Clara was married to Frank Hartman, and died 
February 13, 1885. 

Jonathan Binder, father of William, was born 
in JNIontgomery County, June 14, 1789, and was 
married to Joanna Bickel, born June 9, 1794. 
Jonathan Binder, father of Jonathan, was born in 
Germany, came to this country early in the eigh- 
teenth century and settled in Montgomery County. 
He and his son Jonathan were fullers by trade. 

In 1854 William Binder came to Boyertown and 
moved into the old log hotel, then located on the 
corner of Philadelphia and Reading Avenues, upon 
which site, in 1857, he erected the three-story brick 
hotel, and remained there eight years, and for 
sixteen years dealt extensively in horses. 

In 1859 he purchased fourteen acres of land 
from James Ellis. March 6, 1872, he leased a part 
thereof to H. and J. Gabel, Griffith Jones and 
Jacob and Isaac Fegley for twenty years. June 6, 
1874, the lease was extended to fifty years. Rich 
ore was discovered. Since ] 878 this " Binder 
mine " is extensively operated by Fegley & Co., 
and is called the " Warwick Mines," superintended 
by Jacob Shupp. This property was inherited by 
Frank, Henry and Clara, and is still owned by 
them. 

William Binder was one of the first Councilmen 
of the borough, treasurer of Fire Company, build- 
ing-master of St. John's Church and director of 
the Boyertown Building and Loan Association. His 
good council was often sought. 

Frank G. Binder, in early youth, attended the 
common public school and in early years com- 
menced going to Mount Pleasant Seminary and 
Kallynean Academy of his native town. In the 
fall of 1877 he entered Muhlenberg College, Allen- 
town, Pa., and took one se-ssion in that institution ; 
returning, he remained with his father until the 
latter died. 

In the spring of 1883 he entered into co-partner- 
ship with his brother Henry, engaging in the trade 
of their father— dealing in horses — under the firm- 
name of H. M Binder & Bro., doing an extensive 
business, and commanding the esteem and confi- 
dence of their customers, and, like their father, 
true in their dealings. December 23, 1884, Frank 



married a daughter of Hon. Isaac F. Y^ost, ex- 
associate judge of the Montgomery County Courts. 
Mr. Binder is very popular and a young, influen- 
tial citizen. He is president of the Keystone Fire 
Company of Boyertown, and was a director of the 
Boyertown Building and Loan Association at its 
close, in 1884. 

John Scheaffer, of Boyertown, Pa., was born 
August 26, 1859, in Earl township, Berks County, 
Pa. , at the place known then as " Scheaffer's 
Tannery," now " Rapp's." 

His father, Jeremiah Scheaffer, was born on the 
"Scheaffer farm," at Boyertown, November 12, 
1818, and died on the same farm April 27, 1880, 
leaving an only son. John Scheafler, father of 
Jeremiah, was born in Philadelphia, February 
28, 1788. Christian Scheaffer, grandfiither of 
Jeremiah and great-grandfather of John Scheaffer, 
Jr., was a Hessian ; came to this country when but 
fifteen yeai-s old and served in the Revolutionary 
War. He first settled in Exeter township, and 
by economy became possessed of three farms, — one 
in Exeter township, still known as the " Captain 
Scheaffer Farm," one in Oley, and the Scheafler 
farm at Boyertown. 

The accession of this Boyertown farm records 
an exceedingly important history. A pile of old 
deeds, written on parchment, are in possession of 
the present owner of the farm, John Scheaffer. 
The tract first consisted of two hundred and forty- 
five acres, and comprised then also the Landis 
farm adjoining, at New Berlinville. The oldest 
records show that by a claim of right of proprietary, 
Thomas Baylie, of the city of Bristol, England, 
obtained it September 26 and 27, 1601. March 
4, 1707, the commissioners of property, by war- 
rant, granted the same to Edward Roberts in 
right of .said Thomsis Baylie, who. May 8, 1713, 
sold it to Edward Roberts, Jr., for four hundred 
and sixty-five pounds, who had a part patented 
in 1717, and November 31, 1725, sold the whole 
farm to Nicholas Scull, who the same day, sold it to 
Thomas Rutter, of Philadelphia, who sold it, 
December 14, 1727, unto Henry Keyler, who 
died intestate, and his heirs afterward sold it 
to George Keyler. George Keyler, December 
4, 1754, sold if to Matthias Holsbough, who 
sold it, August 19, 1762, to Stephen Crumrein 
(Krumrein), for " seventeen hundred pounds in 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



913 



good gold and silver." (At this period the Landis 
farm was sold oft", leaving in the Scheatter tract 
the present number of acres — one hundred and 
forty-two.) In 1785 Krumrein sold the one hun- 
dred and forty-two acres to Jacob Latshaw, 
who sold it, March 19, 1801, to Abraham Latshaw, 
who, April 2, 1810, sold it to Christian Scheafter, 
the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, 
for three thousand seven hundred and fifty pounds, 
and from this it was inherited fi-ora father to son 



borough, and for nine years Councilman, holding 
that office at the time of bis death. 

John Scheaffer's early years were spent on his 
father's farm. He attended the borough schools 
and in 1875 and 1876, Kallynean Academy, at 
Boyertown. In 1885 he was elected a member ol 
the Borough Council. Mr. Scheafter is an enter- 
prising young man, and is highly respected. He 
is married and has one child. 




down to John Scheafter, Jr. In 1874 fear arose as 
to the patent, and in that year it was patented to 
George Landis, P. Y. Brendlinger, James Focht 
and the trustees of the St. John's Lutheran congre- 
gation, of Boyertown, Pa. A part thereof is with- 
in the borough limits, and fine building lots have 
l>een sold, the St. John's Church being erected 
on one of the lots in 1872. The old log farm- 
house still stands and was the first in the vicinity. 
Jeremiah Scheafter was the third burgess in the 



BERNVILLE. 
The borough of Bernville is situated iu the 
western part of Peuu township, on the North- 
Kill, near its confluence with the Tulpehocken 
Creek, and about ten miles from the nearest 
railway station, Mohn'ille, on the Philadelphia 
and Reading Railroad. Many substantial im- 
provements have been made lately and the bus- 
iness men are enterprising ; but there has been 
no increase iu the population. In 1885 the in- 



9U 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



habitants numbered about five hundred. Bern- 
ville was laid out in 1819 by Thomas Umben- 
hauer, who owned the farm on which it is 
located. On the 24th of August of the same 
year Peter Bennethum bouglit the first lots, 
six in all. The old tannery occupied this 
ground, and near by he built the first house. 

The place was named January 22, 1820 by 
Thomas Umbenhauer, after the native place of 
his fathei', Stephanas Umbenhauer, which was 
Bern, in Switzerland. Number of lots laid out 
was sixty-two. 

On ISIarch 7, 1820, sales of lots were made to 
the following persons : 

Philip Filbert No. 10 

John Umbenhauer Nos. 12 and 14 

Mathias Stoudt No. 15 

Henry Waters No. 16 

Peter Filbert Nos. 18 and 20 

Philip A. Good No. 21 

Samuel Umbenhauer Nos. 22 and 24 

Catharine Stoudt No. 51 

Joseph Seybert No. 29 

Samuel Seybert No. 31 

Nicholas Haas No. 35 

Samuel Filbert No. 37 

John Heck, Jr No. 41 

John Miesse Nos. 8 and 46 

Jacob Wagner No. 50 

John Wagner No. 52 

Daniel Strause No. 53 

John Allenbach, Jr No. 57 

John Heck, Sr No. 49 

All of the lots mentioned were not im- 
mediately improved. 

The first houses were occupied by 

Henry Witman tinsmith 

William Runkle merchant 

Abraham Reber merchant 

Andrew Greth blacksmith 

John Haag wheelwright 

Jose])h Burkhart chair-maker 

Jacob Allenbach hatter 

Rev. Boyer minister 

Peter Bennethum tanner 

Michael Parst paper-box maker 

Benj. L. Kerschner coach-maker 

Jacob Wagner butcher 

Joseph Kauflfman hatter 

Catherine Stoudt cake-baker 

Lewis Perr tailor 

John Umbenhauer weaver 

William LTmbenhauer tavern-keeper 

Daniel Klopp tavern-keeper 

John Daniel tinsmith 



Incorporation. — Bernville was incorpo- 
rated as a borough in 1851 in order to secure 
better scliools and roads. The latter at that 
time were in a very poor condition, and measures 
were taken, as soon as the power was vested 
with the Council, to improve them. To more 
fully encourage the authorities in this matter, 
the following persons, on the 17th day of 
August, 1852, agreed to sustain the Council 
in the expenses necessary to improve the streets 
and gutters : 

A. R. Koenig. Joseph B. Conrad. 

Jacob Riegel. John F. Burkhart. 

Wm. E. Huber. John Runkle. 

Adam Snyder. Josejih Woltinger. 

John Miller. Jacob Strauss. 

Elijah Richardson. Samuel Hix. 

Jonathan Miller. John Greiner. 

Joseph Renner. John Yeager. 

Adam Bohn. Benj. Lins. 

A. B. Kerschner. Jacob Werner. 

Henry Witman. John Herback. 

Albert Hine. John Haag. 

Henry Kline. Wm. B. Noll. 

S. W." Miller.. A. A. McDonough. 

Daniel Bentz. Jonathan Kline. 

John S. Rick. Henry Beyerle. 

John Spengler. Wm. Grime. 

David R. Faust. Benj. Himmelberger. 

Abraham Andrews. John Hetrick. 

Jacob Rieser. Daniel Umbenhi^uer. 

Joseph Burkhart. Wm. Runkle. 

John Hix. John Daniel. 

E. B. Filbert. John Wenrich. 

These objects were secured in the course of a 
few years, and Bernville has since been noted 
for its well-paved and neatly-kept streets. 

The burgesses and clerks since the incurpor- 
ation have been the following : 

Term. Burgess. Clerk. 

1851 E. B. Filbert A. R. Koenig. 

1852 A. R. Koenig John S. Rick. 

1853 William Runkle John S. Rick. 

18.54 Henry Witman John S. Rick. 

1855 Abraham Andrews Harrison Harner. 

1856 Josejih B. Conrad Harrison Harner. 

1857 H. Harner Wm. H. Kintzle. 

1858 Adam Stoudt H. Harner. 

1859 Paul Wenrich H. Harner. 

1860-61 Levi M. Gerhart H. Harner. 

1862 D. D. Deppen H. Harner. 

1863 John F. Burkhart H. H.arner. 

1864 A.M. Bright C. W. Hetrich. 

1865 David R. Koenig Peter Sands. 

1866 Adam M. Dundore C. W. Hetrich. 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



915 



•I 



1867 Jefferson Haag L. W. Rentschler. 

1808 D. D. Deppen C. W. Hetrich. 

1869 Abraham Witman C. W. Hetrich. 

1870 F. M. Harbaugh C. W. Hetrich. 

1871 Adam M. Dundore John H. Riegel. 

1872 Joseph B. Conrad John H. Riegel. 

1873 Ephraim Witman John H. Riegel. 

1874 Jacob S. Werner C. W. Hetrich. 

187.5 Charles F. Rentschler...C. W. Hetrich. 

1876 John A. Hiester C. W. Hetrich. 

1877 Lewis Kerschner H. S. Machraer. 

1878-80 LeviLudwig H. S. Machmer. 

1881 Levi Berger C. H. Hetrich. 

1882-84 John S. Wenrich C. H. Hetrich. 

In 1885 the officers of the borough were a.s 
follows : 

Burgess, John S. Wenrich ; Clerk, C. H. Hetrich ; 
Councilmen, Benjamin Pleise, Ephraim Bentz, Exeriel 
Lengel, F. R. Schroeder ; School Directors, W. George 
Beyerle, Charles F. Rentschler, D. D. Deppen, Benj. 
Klahr, Levi Berger, Christ. Schweikert ; Assessors, 
J. M. Bordner, Joseph B. Conrad, J. B. Miller ; Au- 
ditors, C. W. Hetrich, N. P. Stoudt, Edwin Umben- 
hauer; Constable, William Fidler; Justices, Benj. 
Klahr and C. W. Hetrich. 

In 1880 the borough contained 86 dwelling- 
houses, — 45 brick, 28 frame, 12 log and 1 
.stone ; also 6 frame shops, 1 bending-works 
and 1 foundry. 

Stores. — After tlie Union Canal was com- 
pleted to this point the place beainie a trading 
centre for grain and lumber, and then a ware- 
house was erected by Henry Witman and Wil- 
liam Runkle for this business. David Rcnno 
built the .second warehouse about 1839, about 
ten years later than the first. Philip Filbert 
had one of the first stores in this locality at his 
tavern-stand, just outside of the borough. In 
Bernville proper a man named Uhlman first 
traded, near the present Miller store. Reber 
& Penrose came next, closely followed by Wm. 
Runkle, Michael Boyer and Charles Heine. 
In 1885 there were six stores in the place, 
representing all branches of trade. Of these, 
several are noteworthy. The hardware busi- 
ness has been cai'ried on by John F. Burkhart 
since 1848; the drug trade by Dr. H. H. 
Suavely since 1877. The mercantile business 
of the ]\[illers was established at Bernville in 
1847 by S. W. Miller, the father of the present 
proprietor. In 1864 the firm became S. W. 
Miller & Son, and so continued until 1878, 



when the father retired, leaving the son, Jona- 
than B. Miller, in charge of the business. In 
1849 this stand was established in a store-room, 
twenty by thirty feet. A new room was found 
necessary in 1867 and accordingly supplied, 
twenty by fifty-five feet. In 1884 an addition 
of thirty-five by fifty-one feet was made, giving 
a room one hundred and six feet in depth. 
The main building is fifty-five feet square and 
three stories high. Tlie extension has well 
arranged sky-lights and the entire building is 
heated by steam and lit by gas, generated on 
the premises. In its arrangement and general 
appearance this store is regarded as one of the 
finest in Eastern Pennsylvania, and the volume 
of business is not excelled by .stores outside of 
large cities. 

Jonathan B. Miller traces his ancestry to an 
early member of the family who emigrated from 
Germany. His great-grandfather was Johannes 
Miller, who resided in Tulpehocken township, 
where he conducted a tannery. His children were 
John, Samuel, Henry, Matthew and four daughters. 
John was a native of the same township, and suc- 
ceeded his father as a tanner. He married Eliza- 
beth Wagner, and had one son, Samuel W., who 
was horn in the same township, January 15, 1816. 
Afler receiving a rudimentary education he entered 
his father's tannery, and became familiar with 
the business, in which he continued until 1847, 
when, on removing to Bernville, he engaged in 
mercantile pursuits with such limited capital as it 
was possible to command. He continued in busi- 
ness alone until 1864, when his son was admitted 
to an interest, under the firm-name of S. W. 
Miller & Son, and the enterprise thus managed 
until the retirement of the senior partner, on the 
1st of March, 1878. Mr. Miller married Sarah 
Brossman, of the same township, born December 
4, 1821, whose children are Monroe (deceased), 
Isabella B. (wife of Dr. D. D. Deppen) and Jona- 
than B. The death of Samuel W. Miller occui-red 
November 23, 1885. The only surviving son, 
Jonathan B., was born on the 21st of November, 
1841, at Bernville, where his life has been spent 
in mercantile pursuits. After some attention given 
to the English branches at the i)ublic schools, he 
entered his father's store as a clerk, having before 
this time become familiar with the business ,by 



91G 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



occasional assistance rendered when a lad. In 
1868 the trade liad reached such proportions as to 
make larger quarters necessary, and a new store 
was erected on tlie present site. This also in a 
few years proved inadequate to the demands of 
customers, and a very spacious and attractive ex- 
tension was added, the total length of the building 
being one hundred and six feet. It is now one of 



ceased, born May 27, 1865 ; Harry Grant, De- 
cember 12, 1867 ; Benjamin F., August 17, 1870 ; 
John S., July 4, 1872 ; Catherine E., June 11, 
1874 ; Amelia I., June 16, 1876 ; Mary M., June 
27, 1878 ; James Garfield, deceased, June 21, 
1882; and Emily N., June 13, 1885. A Re- 
publican in his political associations, Mr. Miller 
has not been an active worker in the party ranks. 





'-^1^, 



the most attractive and perfectly equipped stores in 
the county, requiring, beside the services of the pro- 
prietor, the aid of six clerks, which number on 
Saturdays is increased to eight. The heating ap- 
pointments are supplied by steam to the store, as 
also to the dwelling adjacent, and the illuminating 
power manufactured on the premises. Mr. Miller 
was married, on the 24th of December, 1863, to 
Eliza L., daughter of Gabriel Dundore, of Bern 
township. Their children are Sarah Lvdia, de- 



He has, however, held for eight years the office of 
school director and various minor positions in the 
borough. He is an influential member of the 
Berks County Merchants' Association. Both he 
and Mrs. Miller are members of the Lutheran 
Evangelical Church of Bernville, Mr. Miller dis- 
played his patriotism by enlisting for the emergency 
period of the late war in Company I, Forty- 
eighth Regiment Pennsylvania State Militia. He 
varies the routine of trade by superintending the 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



91T 



cultivation of a productive farm he owns, located 
in the suburbs of Bernville. 

The store of Albert F. Scbock is of large 
proportions. He has been in trade since 
1872. He took possession of his present fine 
room in the fall of 1884. The main room is 
twenty-seven feet wide and one hundred feet 
long, including a wing eighteen by twenty- 
five feet. The second story is used for sto- 
rage purposes as well as a large brick ware- 
house in the rear of the building. The 
store is well arranged for a large and varied 
stock. Seven clerks are employed. 

Post-Offices. — Philip Filbert was tlie first 
])ostmaster in 1832, keeping the office at his 
inn. Wm. Euukle had the office many years 
at his store. The present postmaster is C H. 
Hetrich. The office has a daily mail from 
Reading and a tri-weekly from Mohrsville ria 
Centreport. 

Tavkrns. — In this locality the old Filbert 
tavern is best remembered as an old-time inn, 
kept before the pre.sent century. On this site 
a tavern is still kept. In the borough Samuel 
Umbenhauer opened the first inn about 1821, 
in the house now occupied by Dr. John A. 
Brobst. The second inn was kept by Daniel 
Bentz and is now known as the upper tavern. 
The Eagle Hotel was first a store and was 
changed to a tavern by John Runkle. The 
lower tavern was built for hotel purposes by 
Samuel Hix and has been kept by different 
landlords. 

Physicians. — Dr. Enoch Bricker, wlio died 
about 1835, was the first practicing jihysician at 
Bernville, and he was followed by Dr. Daniel 
Deppen. 

Dr. George Beyerle was one of the pioneer 
physicians of the place. He was born at Read- 
ing in 1804, studied medicine with Dr. John 
Livengood, of Womelsdorf, and located at 
Bernville in 1828. Here he practiced forty- 
five years. He died in 1875. Then came 
other physicians, — Dr. A. A. McDonough till 
1857, Dr. Philip R. Palm and Dr. George W. 
Ditzler, all removed. 

Dr. W. G. Beyerle since 1853, but more 
actively since the close of the War for the Union, 
when he succeeded to his father's practice. 



Dr. Darius D. Deppen has been here since 
1855, having practiced in Penn township two 
years previously, after his graduation from the 
Pennsylvania Medical College in 1853. 

Dr. John A. Brobst since April, 1857, hav- 
ing followed his profession here continuously 
since his graduation. 

Industries. — The oldest industry in the 
place is tanning. As early as 1820 Peter Ben- 
nethum engaged in this business, and continued 
until his death, fifteen years later, when John 
Miller began operations. Since 1872 the tan- 
nery has been carried on Iw Charles F. Rentch- 
ler, using steam-power. Tiie plant is well ar- 
ranged and capacitated to work up two thousand 
five hundred hides per year, oak tanning. 

West from this point a foundry was built by 
Painter A- Embieh, but converted into a tannery 
by Elias Stoudt, and carried on as such a short 
time. Stoudt had also a distillery, which, in 
the course of a few years, was changed into a 
grist-mill, and is still in operation. 

In the same locality, about thirty-five years 
ago, Zadoch AVeaver carried on a foundry on a 
small scale, using steam-jjower, but the build- 
ings have long since been removed. The foundry 
in the upper part of the borough was built by 
Joel Haag, who used the waters of the North- 
Kill for motive-power. Changes of ownership 
followed, Haag, Kline & Co. being the last to 
operate it, in 1875. The buildings are large, 
and at one time employment was given to fifty 
men in the manufacture of farm machinery. 
Among other articles manufactured was Klahr's 
boring and sawing-machine, a very ingenious 
contrivance, patented January 31, 1865, by 
Benjamin Klahr, of Bernville. Since 1883 Mr. 
Klahr has carried on a pottery, operated by 
steam. It was established in 1873 by Levi 
Yonson. 

The Bernville Handle- Works is an import- 
ant factor in the industrial history of the vil- 
lage. They were established April 1, 1868, by 
Klahr & Son, and succe.ssfully carried on until 
their destruction by fire, September 24,1882. 
The loss also included more than one hundred 
thousand feet of lumber. They were immedi- 
ately rebuilt by Joseph Klalir, the present 
owner. The works use steam-power, and are 



DIS 



HLSTOllY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



well supplied with good maeliiuery, much of it 
patented by Joseph Khihr. Employment is 
given to six men. 

Benneville has mechanics of all kinds, and in 
addition half a dozen small cigar-shops, in ^vhich 
about forty men are employed. 

Churches — North-Kill Church {Lutheran 
and Reformed. — This is an old stone church, 
situated on a lot of ground adjoining the 
borough on the north. It was built in 1791, 
and is essentially the same as when put up, 
.some few modifications having been made in the 
inside of the building. 

The first house of worship at that place was 
constructed of logs, and stood in a corner of 
the old cemetery, which was part of one acre of 
ground given for church purposes by Gottfried 
Fidler, in an agreement bearing date December 
25, 1745, and about wliich time the l)uilding 
was erected. 

This document was witnessed by Rev. John 
Casper Stoever, the minister in charge, Jacob 
Hoffman, John George Haag, and Albrecht 
iStrause. In 1768 Stephen Fidler confirmed 
this gift, on the part of his father, by a deed, 
and John Nicholas Haag was appointed trustee 
of the property, in an instrument attested Ijefore 
Justice Peter Spycker, of Stouchsburgh. A 
year later Samuel Filbert gave a lot of ground 
to the churchj and in 1770 conveyed the same 
to Christopher Minnich and Jacob Strause, as 
trustees. The old log church was used until 
1791, when it had decayed so much that a new 
house became necessary, which after much effort 
was built that year. The membership at that 
time was small and the people poor, so that aid 
was sought from adjoining districts through 
Helfricii Kolb, who was appointed collector to 
visit neiglil)oring churches. His credentials 
were signed by the pastor, Emanuel Shultze, 
D.D., Nicholas Haag, Thomas Long, Samuel 
Strause, Thomas Umbenhauer, Philip Filbert, 
Frantz Umbenhauer and Michael Guiss. In 
1795 the church was supplied with an organ, 
which is still in use. In March, 1834, the 
church ceased to be exclusively Lutheran ; then 
persons of the German Reformed faith obtained 
an interest which has been maintained since. On 
February 26, 1870, the church was incorporated. 



In 1885 the Lutheran congregation had two 
hundred and forty members ; the Rev. J. J. 
Cressman as pastor. 

The Reformed congregation then had two 
hundred and sixty members, and the Rev. 
Thomas C. Leinbach as pastor. 

In the old North-Kill Cemetery are interred, 
among others, the following : 

Jolin George Geihers, born 1738, died 1811. 
Benjamin Adam Reif, born 1725, died 1784. 
Johannes Fidler, born 1734, died 1784. 
Nicholas Haag, died 1797. 
Johannes Brossman, born 1768, died 1830. 
Christopher Witter, born 1759, died 1808. 
John Nicholas Umbenhauer, born 1799, died 1823. 
Samuel Umbenhauer, born 1790, died 1S26. 
Johannes Thomas Umbenhauer, born 1762, died 
1832. 

John P. Heyler, born 175(5, died 1832. 
George Bellman, born 1739, died 1813. 
Jacob Gerber, born 1784, died 1813. 
Johannes Haag, born 1776, died 1826. ^ "~^ 

Melchoir Tiegel, born 1754, died 1822. ' \^ 

Michael Sibert, born 1761, died 1831. -^ 

Philip Filbert, born 1770, died 1829. ,-' ;- 

John George Haag, born 1758, died 1845. ' 

Christian Gruber, born 1712. J-' ■■ -i '7F/ "-^ 
John Adam Gruber, born 1752, died 1781. '^ 

Valentine Rcber, born 1742, died 1818. ' ' 

Conrad Reber, born 1778, died 1817. V 

John Peter Haas, born 1750, died 1816. 
John Philip Filbert, born 1743, died 1817. 
Albrecht Strauss, bom 1760, died 1832. 

This old lot is small and inclosed by an old 
stone fence. The new cemetery is spacious, 
well-kept and contains a large number of 
modern headstones. 

Salem Church of the Evangelical Association, 
just outside of the borough limits of Bern- 
ville and forming a part of the borough, is a 
brick building, with spire and bell, and a seat- 
ing capacity for four hundred persons. It is 
the third church erected on this site. The first 
was erected in 1852 and the second in 1872. 
The latter, a commodious brick building, was 
burned September 24, 1882. The congregation 
immediately proceeded to rebuild the church. 
It was dedicated by Bishop Bowman in Febru- 
ary, 188.3. Among the first members of this 
faith in the vicinity of Bernville were the fam- 
ilies of John Daniel and John Henry Kline, 
Benjamin Klahrand a fewotliers. The member- 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



919 



ship has never been large, numbering at present 
about thirty. They are served by ministers 
assigned to the Womelsdorf Circuit, which con- 
nection has been maintained many years. H. 
H. Swavely is superintendent of the Sunday- 
school. 

Schools. — One of the first English teachers 
iu this locality was Michael Borsch. The first 
school-house was of logs, on the present school- 
ground. The second was a brick building, and 
this becoming too small, another was built on 
the same lot. In 1878 these were removed and 
the present two-story brick building was then 
erected. It has four well-arranged rooms and 
presents a neat appearance. Ever since the 
incorporation of the borough, in 1851, a com- 
mendable interest has been manifested by the 
people of Bernville in their schools and the 
education of their children. 

Societies. — Bernville Lodge, No. 122, J. 0. 
of 0. F., was instituted on September 6, 1845. 
In 1885 there were twenty-seven members. A 
hall was dedicated June 7, 1851. 

Washington Oxmp, No. 113, P. 0.8. of A., 
was instituted May 6, 1869, with twelve char- 
ter members. In December, 1885, there were 
fifty-eight members. Weekly meetings are 
held in a neatly-furnished hall in the Miller 
Block. 

Bernville Association for Detection of Horse- 
Thieves was incorporated on April 14, 1862, 
with following members : 

Joseph B. Conrad. 
William N. Potteiger. 
Adam H. Potteiger. 
John S. Wenrich. 
Joseph M. Stoudt. 
Samuel'Stump. 
Peter Umbenhauer. 
David Luckenbill. 
Aarou 31. Bright. 
Peter Bright. 

This society has maintained a successful ex- 
istence since its organization. 

Military Encampment. — A large military 
encampment was held at Bernville on August 
27, 1841, comprising seventeen companies of 
militia, almost entirely from Berks County. 
Several companies were from Lebanon and 
Schuylkill Counties. At that time Berks 



Abraham R. Koenig 
Exereal Lengel. 
Daniel Beutz. 
William Rishel. 
John R. Koenig. 
H. F. Grotf". 
Moses Scheffer. 
D. D. Depijen. 
Elias Obold. 
John B. Reber. 



County had altogether twenty-three companies, 
indicating that the majority of the local com- 
panies were j)resent upon that occasion. 

Tlie principal officer in command was Gen- 
eral William H. Keim. The grand review of 
all the companies in dress parade was witnessed 
by Governor David R. Porter. Many persons 
were in attendance. The encampment was a 
great success. 



FLEETWOOD. 

The borough of Fleetwood is situated on the 
East Pennsylvania Railroad, in the southeastern 
part of Richmond township. It is located 
principally on the old Wanner, Schlegel and 
Ely farms, and the town here, prior to the 
building of the railroad, in 1857, was known 
by the name of Coxtown, which also was ihe 
name of the post-office until the railroad station 
was established. As Coxtown the place ante- 
dates the century. In 1800 there were five 
log houses, one of them occupied by the 
Cox family, which came into notoriety in 1809 
on account of the hanging of one of the 
daughters, Susanna, for the murder of her 
illegitimate child. The family removed at an 
early day, but the house is still standing, with 
an addition, as the property of Solomon 
Schlegel. For a few years after 1810 the 
place was locally known as " Crowtown," a term 
applied to it by a wag who passed through the 
town, lying on the bottom of his wagon and 
cawing like the crow to express his disgust with 
the place. Coxtown was not favorably situated, 
before the railroad was built, to become a busi- 
ness place ; and in 1856 it contained but twenty- 
five buildings, three of which only were of 
stone, all the i-est being one-story log houses, 
occupied by mechanics or laborers. The stone 
houses are still standing as the residences of 
George Sholl and Isaac Mertz. The other 
building is part of the present Schaeffer tavern. 
All of them were built about 1825. The log 
cabins have nearly all given place to more 
substantial structures, while the old-fashioned 
sweep-well which was almost invariably found 
in the back-yard, has been replaced by the 
modern pump. 



920 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Among the early I'esidents of the place were, 
Michael Moyer, carpenter; Peter Hill, blacksmith ; 
Jacob Sholl, shoemaker and inn-keeper ; John Mes- 
sersmith, tailor ; Joseph Reifsnyder, carpenter ; Jacob 
and John Widmau, hatters; Christian Schlegel, 
farmer ; Peter Wanner, farmer and miller ; George 
Merkel, hatter ; John Lehman, hatter ; George 
Young, weaver ; James Maxim, wheelwright ; Benja- 
min Parks, store-keeper ; and George Heckman, 
school-teacher. 

Many of" the early citizens of the place at- 
tained great age. Isaac Koch died aged eighty- 
three years, and his wife, Elizabeth, was 
eighty-six. Among those living at present, 
whose length of years borders ou the four-score 
list, are George Scholl, Solomon Schlegel, 
Samuel Schlegel and Mrs. Hannah Hoch, the 
latter being eighty-five years ()ld. 

In 1868 Thomas Mellon laid out the town- 
plan and acknowledged the .same on the 11th of 
May, in the year named. About that time some 
very substantial improvements were made, and 
the future of the place was assured by the erec- 
tion of several prosperous manufactories. Since 
then there has been a steady increase of fine resi- 
dences and business houses. The town, in 1885, 
numbered about one thousand inhabitauts. 

I>'coRi'OR.\Ti()N OF BoROUGii. — Fleetwood 
was incorporated as a borough by a decree of 
the court October 4, 1873. The first election 
was fixed for October 31, 1873, and George D. 
Schaeffer was appointed judge ; Daniel Melot 
and Samuel Dumm, inspectors. The election 
resulted in the selection of John Swartz as bur- 
gess, and the following Council: Daniel Koch, 
president; Jacob S. Kelchner, secretary; Edwin 
M. ShoUenberger, treasurer ; Jonas Weaver and 
Amos Melot. Conrad Nill was the first high 
constable. Since that time the following have 
been the borough officials: 

Term. Burgess. Clerk. 

1874 LeviTemplin Thos.J. Kreidler. 

1875 John E. Maurer Thos. J. Kreidler. 

1876 John E. Maurer C. F. Reifsnyder. 

1877 Lewis Schaetfer C. F. Reifsnyder. 

1878 William H. Madeira C. F. Reifsnyder. 

1879 William S. Merkel C. F. Reifsnyder. 

1880 William S. Merkel C. F. Reifsnyder. 

1881 .....Cosmus Schwoyer E. M. Mill. 

1882 A. C. Kemp E. M. Mil!. 

1883 E. M. ShoUenberger Adam W. Haag. 

1884 John Herbein S. K. Cleaver. 



In 1885 the officers were, — 

Burgess, J. P. Koch ; Council, George B. Schaetfer 
(president), George D. Schaetfer (secretary), William 
S. Schaetfer (treasurer), Samuel Cleaver, Henry 
Schlegel, Henry Reider; Justices, James F. Dumm, 
William Bernhart; High Constable, Jacob Keim. 

The first justices of the borough were George 
D. Schaeffer and Samuel Dumm. 

On the .3d of September, 1874, the Ken- 
dall Bros., of Reading, who had laid out and 
surveyed the streets and alleys of the borough, 
covering an area of three hundred acres, reported 
the following names for the streets: 



Willow. 


Richmond. 


Locust. 


Buttonwood. 


Chestnut. 


Main. 


Laurel. 


Maple. 


Washingt 


Walnut. 


Cedar. 


Arch. 


Franklin. 


Spruce. 


Race. 


Green. 


Poplar. 
Elm. 


Vine. 



All streets were made fifty feet wide, fnun 
house to house, except Main Street, from J. 
Deisher's to Hannah Scliaeffer's house, and 
Richmond, between Main and Arch Streets, 
which were made wide streets. Forty-three 
alleys were located, with widths of twelve, fif- 
teen and twenty feet. A numl)er of the above 
streets have been much improved. No action 
leading to the formation of a Fire Department 
has yet been taken, excepting to purchase the 
old Xeversink fire-engine, of Reading, but 
which has never been used. 

Store.s. — Benjamin Parks, Esq., had the 
first store in the place, in a building which stood 
opposite the Farmers' and Drovers' Hotel, and 
which, in a remodeled condition, is now occu- 
pied by Samuel Schlegel. A man named Bach- 
man was the next in trade at that place, and 
John Messersmith in 1830. The latter soon 
opened another stand in the present Fleetwood 
House, keeping both store and tavern. In 
1837 he was succeeded by Benjamin Messer- 
smith, who continued there until 1851, when 
he built the store on the opposite corner, still 
known as the Messersmith stand. In that 
building Daniel J. Wanner first traded and the 
successive merchants were John ShoUenberger, 
]\Ielot & Kline, Melot A: Schaefier, C. A. [Mes- 
sersmith, Schaeffer & Reifsnyder and since 1880 
the present firm, Schaeffer, Me.ssersmith A Co. 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



921 



The next stand was opened in a building put 
up by Daniel Schaeffer, Philip SchaefFer and 
Israel Kline, who occupied it for trading pur- 
poses. This place i.s now occupied by Daniel 
Melot, Oscar IMelot and Nathan Schaeffer as a 
general store. 

In 186<J William Sholl put up the business 
house on the corner of Main and Franklin 
Streets, which is at present used by Isaac Mer- 
kel and C. F. Reifsnyder as a general store. 
In this period John Siiollenberger had a store 
opposite the foundry for a time. The stand on 
Main Street, occupied by Kelciiuer Brothers, 
was built by Samuel Kelchner and is the fourth 
liusiness place in order. 

The first distinct hardware-store was opened 
in 1885 by Albert Kline. 

The first to engage in the furniture trade was 
Joseph Reifsnyder, and Joseph Schlegel was 
the next. This business is now carried on by 
Edwin M. Mill. 

In the general produce business Schaeffer & 
Co. were the first firm, at the railroad, estab- 
lishing a large trade, which is still carried on 
by Lewis A. Wanner, Joel M. Schaeiier and 
othera. Large quantities of iron-ore have been 
shipped from Fleetwood station, the shippers of 
the more recent period being the Schaeffers, 
James F. Dumm and Samuel H. Rothermel tt 
Brother, the latter also being miners, operating 
on an extensive scale. 

Taverns. — Opposite the old Parks store the 
Sholls had a tavern, — the first in the place — 
which is still continued as the property of that 
family. 

From 1837 to 1851 Benjamin Messersmith 
was the proprietor of the present "Fleetwood 
House," and which lias been kept for a number 
of years by the present landlord, George D. 
Schaeffer. The original building has been much 
enlarged. 

The " Union House " was built by Levi 
Templing about the time the railroad was com- 
pleted, but was enlarged by George Dewees, 
and is at present kept by Samuel Dewees. 

A fourtii hotel was built by its present occu- 
pant, Jacob Knoll, in the neighborhood of the 
depot. 

Post-Office. — The post-office at Fleetwood 
79 



was established in 1852 as Coxtown, and Ben- 
jamin ^lessersmitli was the first postmaster. 
Subsequently the office was held by D. J. Wan- 
ner, John Shollenberger, Daniel Melot, Lewis 
Schaeffer, C. F. Reifsnyder, C. A. Messersmith 
in 1880, and since January, 1886, by Daniel 
Schaeffer. Since August 15, 1881, it has been 
a postal money-order office. Six mails per day 
are supplied, and it is the distributing office for 
INIoselem Springs and Pricetown. 

Physiciaxs. — In the practice of medicine 
Dr. James ^Matthews, now of Temple, was lo- 
cated at this place about four years. Among 
other practitioners who were here a short time 
may be named Drs. Heiser, Ixmg, Evans, 
Maury, Nagle and Thompson. 

Dr. Edward Bieber was located at Fleetwood 
on the breaking out of the war, and joined the 
army from this place. Dr. L. R. Lentz has 
been in successful practice since 1865, and has 
as contemporaries Dr. A. N. Fretz and Dr. M. 
O. Grenawalt. Dr. Fretz carries on a drug- 
store in connection with his practice. Dr. (Jren- 
awalt located in the fall of 1885. 

Dr. Peter H. Gehris is the dentist of the 
borough. 

Societies. — Fleetwood Council, No. 20, Or- 
der of American JTrchanics, was instituted in 
August, 1858, and has maintained its meetings 
regularly since its organization, convening every 
Saturday evening. In 1885 there were fortv- 
four members. 

The council has an invested fund of .?2100, • 
$800 real estate and S600 widows' and orphans' 
fund. 

Willow Valley Lodge, No. 142, K. of P.— 
This body was instituted in March, 1868, and 
reported ninety-two mend)ers in 1885. 

An invested fund of two thousand dollars is 
evidence of the prosperity of the lodge. 

Wmhington Camp, No. 103, P. 0. S. of A., 
was instituted September 22, 1868, with twenty- 
seven members, as a junior camp. On the 
24th of January, 1 880, it was re-chartered with 
its present title, the membership at that time 
being thirty-five. In 1885 the number belong- 
ing was thirty-nine. 

Graded School. — In 1877 the graded 
school building was erected at a cost of more 



922 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



than six thousand dollars. It is a fine, large 
brick edifice, standing on a spacious lot, shaded 
by young, thrifty trees. The building is well 
supplied with apparatus, and a literary society, 
which meets regularly in it, maintains a library. 
The schools are graded into four departments, — 
primary, secondary, intermediate and grammar, 
— having a total enrollment of two hundred and 
nine pupils. Since 1883 William ]M. Zecliman 
has been the principal. 

Churches. — St. PauFs Church (German 
Reformed and Lutheran) is located a short dis- 
tance west of the borough, in Richmond town- 
ship, but continues to be the principal place of 
worship for many of the people of Fleetwood. 
It is a plain stone edifice, erected in 1841, and 
has the architecture peculiar to that period. 
The grounds embrace two acres of land, cut 
from the farm of Benjamin Hoch, and most of 
which constitutes a cemetery. The church was 
built by a committee composed of Reuben 
Sholl, Joseph Reifsuyder, Abraham ^lertz and 
Henry Seidel. 

The Rev. Isaac Roeller became the pastor of 
the Lutheran congregation and served it until 
1860, when the Rev. B. E. Krumlich took 
charge and still continues the pastoral relation. 
His congi'egation number's more than three 
hundred members. The Reformed element of 
the church has a smaller membership, and has 
had two pastors, the Rev. Charles Herman Ijeing 
the first, with Rev. J. Sassaman Herman as his 
• successor. 

A Sunday-school, organized in St. Paul's 
Church, had William Sholl as its first super- 
intendent, and after being continued here some 
time, was moved to the borough, where it is 
kefjt up in St. Paul's Chapel. 

St. Paul's Chapel is a uou-sectarian house of 
worship, dedicated in 1884, " for the use of any 
denomination professing the teachings of Christ 
and His followers, on proper consent obtained 
from the board of trustees controlling the 
house." The building is to be forever inde- 
pendent of synodical connection, but as it was 
erected mainly by the members of St. Paul's 
Church, to afford a more convenient place of 
worship in the village, the meetings of the 
foregoing congregations are most frecpiently 



held in it. The movement to erect this build- 
ing was set on foot at a public meeting in 
August, 1883, when a number of the leading 
citizens were appointed to solicit subscriptions, 
conditioned upon a purpose to build, if funds 
sufficient could be secured. Their success led 
to the organization of a building society, Sep- 
tember 1, 1883, of which C. F. Riefsnyder was 
president ; T. J. Kreidler, secretary; and George 
B. Schaeffer, treasurer; and a building commit- 
tee was appointed, composed of Lewis Schaeffer, 
A. H. Madeira, George Knoll, C. F. Reifsnyder 
and Levi Boyer. At the same time a board of 
trustees wa.s selected, consisting of George B. 
Schaeffer, Lewis Schaeffer, C. F. Reifsnyder, 
George Knoll and Amos H. Madeira. A lot 
of ground was secured on Franklin Street, 
where the corner-stone was laid, September 28, 
1883, by the Revs. N. C. Schaeffer, B. E. 
Kramlich and others. Upon this was built an 
attractive superstructure of brick, forty by 
seventy feet, and crowned with a steeple more 
than a hundred feet high. In this is a bell of 
fine tone, weighing two thousand and thirty-four 
pounds. The building was completed at a cost 
of about seven thousand dollars, and is a worthy 
monument to the public-spirited citizens who 
erected it. The property is in charge of a 
board of control, from whose numbers a body 
of trustees is selected, as the executive body of 
those who have contributed to the building 
of the chapel, and they also select the controllers. 

Eniaiiud Church of the Ecanf/ilical Asso- 
ciation, at Fleetwood, was built in 1866. 
It is a brick building of respectable appearance, 
with about five hundred seats. Among those 
interested in its erection were Dr. L. H. Thomp- 
son, George Kline, Levi Templin, Samuel 
Heckman, William Bernhart, Henry Gehris, 
Peter Gehris and George Haight. The mem- 
bers number fifteen hundred and seven, consti- 
tuting three classes. 

The Sunday-school connected witli the church 
was organized with Peter H. Gehris as superin- 
tendent, and is at present in charge of Edwin 
M. Mill. It is well attended. The pastor in 
1885 was the Rev. H. J. Glick, serving the 
church in connection with other ajipointments 
on the Friedensburg Circuit. 




<:^dMi^ 7ly&7^^' 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



923 



The United 3Iennonite Church was built as 
the Church of God, by Daniel Koch and others, 
iu 1868. The same year the few members at 
this point connected themselves with the United 
]\Ienuouites, a relation which has since been 
maintained. The society has not been strong 
at any time, and in 1885 there were but sixteen 
members, who had C F. Hill as elder and Dan- 
iel Koch as deacon. Among the pastors have 
been the Revs. S. H. Fry, Gaman, Shelly and 
Samuel Musselman. No regular minister serves 
at present, but ]\Ir. William Gaman, of Lehigh 
County, is the presiding elder of the district to 
which this church belongs. 

Industries. — The oldest industry, in the 
place, and the only one operated by water-power, 
is the grist-mill of Franklin Fritch, situated on 
AVillow Creek. The power was first improved 
by the Wanner family. Samuel Wanner has a 
pioneer grist-mill. The mill now standing was 
built in 1844 by William Schaeifer, and has 
bad as intermediate owners to the present, Jacob 
Wanner, Daniel Hoch and Daniel Koch. The 
capacity is small and the milling is done by old 
methods. 

Daniel Koch is of German descent and the 
grandson of William Koch, who resided in 
Schuylkill County, where he was both a miller 
and a successful fiirmer. He was twice married, 
the children by the first alliance being Mrs. 
Knoskey, Mrs. Haller, Mrs. Rouse and Mrs. 
Hunsicker. By a second marriage, to Miss Nei- 
phon, were children — William, Jacob, Henry, 
John, Hannah (Mrs. Benjamin Bensinger) and 
Sarah (wife of Daniel Fultz, M.D., of Schuyl- 
kill County). Henry Koch resided in his native 
county of Schuylkill until his death, at the age 
of seventy-six years. A miller by trade, he 
afterward adopted agriculture as a pursuit. He 
married Su.sannah, daughter of Baltzer Bock, 
of the same county, whose children were four 
sons and one daughter. The children of Henry 
Koch and his wife are Daniel, Benjamin, Hugh, 
Henry, William, Charles, Maria (wife of Eli 
Miller), Catherine (wife of AVilliam Schuman), 
Sarah (wife of Charles T. Bowen) and Amanda 
(wife of Jacob H. Pile). 

Daniel Koch was born on the 24th of De- 
cember, 1816, iu Schuylkill County, where, 



after a common-school education, he engaged in 
work on the farm. At the age of seventeen he 
decided learning the trade of a miller, and with 
that purpose in view, entered the mill of his 
father, where, after an ex|)erience of four years, 
he became thoroughly proficient in the miller's 
art. Soon after he engaged in the purchase and 
sale of produce and later ojiened a country store 
at McKeansburg, Schuylkill County, from 
whence he removed to Middleport, iu the same 
county, and conducted a prosperous business for 
a period of thirteen years. He next became a 
farmer, having purchased a farm in Auburn, 
Schuylkill County, and removed to it. Eight 
years later he repaired t(i Monocacv towoshijj, 
Berks County, and purchased a mill, which, after 
managing a short time, he sold, and, removing 
to Fleetwood, in 18()(), again engaged in milling. 
At the expu'ation of an extended career of six- 
teen years Mr. Koch retired from business. He 
was elected, in 1860, to the State Legislature as 
a Republican; has also filled several borough 
offices. He has frequently been appointed to 
such responsible offices as that of administrator 
and executor and filled them with a scrupulous 
regard to duty. 

Mr. Koch and his family enjoy a record for 
patriotism which can be equaled by few fami- 
lies in the State. He enlisted in the Twenty- 
seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers 
for the emergency period and served for t\\^o 
months iu defense of his State, engaging in the 
skirmish at Wrightsville, Pa. Three of his 
brothers also enlisted and were in active service. 
Mr. Koch was, on the 24th of October, 183H, 
married to Mary Ann, daughter of Emanuel 
Beck, of Columbia County, Pa. Their children 
are Harriet (Mrs. Benjamin Jacobs), born Jan- 
uary 17, 1841 ; Francis D., born August 21, 
1842; Allen, February 10, 1844; Jeremiah, 
October 27, 1845; Albert, November 27, 1847; 
Sarah (Mrs. L. R. Lentz), March 26, 1850; 
Richard Henry, April 2, 1852; Emanuel, 
March 3, 1854; Areneus, April 3, 1856; 
Catiierine (Mrs. Oscar Melot), January 8, 1859 ; 
Ambrose E., January 24, 1864. 

All of this number survive but Albert, who 
died April 6, 1853. Francis Koch joined the 
Forty-eighth Regiment Peuusvlvania Volnn- 



924 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



teers and served until the close of the war, par- 
ticipating in many important engagements, in 
one of which he was severely Mounded. He 
was promoted to the office of captain before his 
discharge. Allen enlisted as a drummer-boy, 
at the age of seventeen, and during his three 
years of service particij^ated in many battles. 
Jeremiah accompanied his father during the 
emergency period. Mr. Koch's religious creed 
is that of the Evangelical United Mennonite 
Church, of which he is a member. 

In 1807 George Cox, William Cox and \yil- 
liam S. Young built a wadding-mill, which 
was enlarged in 1869. The Messrs. Cox came 
from New York to engage in this business. 
Later, C. A. Messersmith became interested in 
the factory, employed from ten to twenty hands 
and transacted a yearly business of one hundred 
thousand dollars. On May 5, 187.3, the factory 
was totally destroyed by fire, involving a loss of 
forty-five thousand dollars, and it has never 
been rebuilt. 

Amandus Kern began the manufacture of 
mill-picks in 1868, and in 1885 he carried on 
a shop with two fires. 

About the same time E. C. Weston began the 
manufacture of cigars, and he has since contin- 
ued the business in a factory which affords em- 
ployment to fifteen hands. Small fiictories are 
also carried on by Oliver Hoch and the Gehret 
Bros. 

Coach-making is followed by Daniel Fi)cht 
and Moses Foulk. 

William B. Melot has a small shop for the 
manufacture of a seamless base-ball, which was 
[)atentod by him November 27, 1883, and 
which has been received with great favor by the 
several leagues in the country. 

Creamery. — The Fleetwood Creamery was 
built in March, 1885, by Cleaver & Moyer, 
and has been operated since by them. They 
occupv a fine building supplied with steam, and 
manufacture butter, cream only being delivered 
by the farmers who patronize it. The operations 
of the first year were very successful. 

Foundry. — The most important industry in 
the borough, which more than any other has 
given growth to the place and quickened its 
business activities is the 



Fleeticood Fuimdry and Machine Works, car- 
ried on by Schaeffer, Merkel & Co. The busi- 
ness was established in 1864 by Lewis, George 
D., Daniel and Jonathan Schaelfer in a sliop 
which is now the main building of the works, 
and this was enlarged as the business expanded. 
In 1885 the works embraced a machine-shop, 
foundry, wood-working shop, a blacksmith- 
shop and pattern-house, buildings for the stor- 
age of machinery and sheds for housing lum- 
ber, all conveniently provided with sidings from 
the railroad. The firm occupy three acres of 
ground. The motive-power is steam. The 
cupola of the foundry has a capacity for eight 
tons at a casting. From eighty to one hundred 
men are employed; capital invested, one hun- 
dred thousand dollars. The products embrace 
all classes of general farm machinery ; mining 
machinery, since 1869 ; stationary engines and 
mill machinery, since 1876 ; and the celebrated 
Reliance Turbine Water-Wheel since 1873. 
The latter machine was invented by Adam W. 
Haag, a member of the firm, and is reputed one 
of the best wheels of the kind now in the mar- 
ket. The engines manufactured here are also de- 
servedly popular. In 1867 George D. Sehaefter 
retired from the firm, his successor being 
Charles Melcher, when the title became Schaef- 
fer, Melcher & Co., and so continued until 1S72, 
when Wm. S. Merkel took the place of Melcher 
in the firm-name. The present memljers of the 
firm of Sehaeffer, Merkel tt Co. are Lewis 
SchaefTer, William S. Merkel, Adam W. Haag, 
C. F. Reifsnyder and John B. Bertolet. 

Lewis Schaeffer. — The Sehaeffer family 
comprises numerous members in Richmond and 
adjoining townships of this county. The pro- 
genitor was George Schaeffer, who emigrated 
from Germany about 1750, and upon arriving 
at Philadelphia, proceeded to " East Peun Val- 
ley," and settled in Richmond township, where 
he took up land and carried on farming. He 
had four children — two daughters (one married 
to Dewald Bieber, and the other to John Bicber, 
a brother), and two sons — Philip and Peter, the 
latter of whom moved towards Philadelphia, 
where many of his descendants are now living. 

Philip Schaeffer was born in Richmond town- 
ship), and there carried on farming. He was 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



925 



married to a Miss Fetherolf, a descendant of that 
old family in Northampton (now Lehigh) 
County, by vshom he had issue twelve children 
— eight sons (George Jonathan, Peter, Isaac, 
Daniel, Philip, William and David), and four 
daughters — Sarah (married to Jacob Delong), 
Elizabeth (married fiist to Isaac Siegfried, and 
tiien to Solomon Yoder), Anna (married to 
Isaac jNIerkel) and Esther (married to Francis 
Delong). 

The second son of the eight named, Jonathan 



(married to Joel Hoch, of Richmond), Mary 
(married to Peter L. Diener), Amanda (married 
to John B. Bertolet), Susanna (married to Amos 
Rothermel and Caroline. He died in 1869, 
aged seventy-seven years, and his widow died 
in 1884, aged sixty-seven years. 

Lewis Schaeffer, the eldest son of Jonathan 
SchaefFer, and the subject of this sketch, was 
born in Richmond township in 18.38. He was 
educated in the schools of his native township, 
and was then engaged at farming for a time. 




Xc.,^ -^^^^^'^^^ 



Schaeffer, was born in the same township, and 
there carried on farming for a number of years. 
He then became the senior partner of Schaeffer 
& Co., a firm organized at Fleetwood for the 
purpose of carrying on the manufacturing busi- 
ness, iu which he continued till his decease. He 
^vas a man of enterprise and highly esteemed by 
the community. He was married to a Miss 
Barto, by whom he had issue ten children, — 
Lewis, Reuben, Adam, George, Jacob, Sarah 



In 1864 he became interested with his father 
in the manufacturing business at Fleetwood, in 
which he has continued successfully till now, 
being the senior member of the firm of SchaefFer, 
Merkel & Co., and owning the major part of 
the interest iu its business and property. Mr. 
SchaefFer is recognized for energy and success 
in business affairs, and he has contributed great- 
ly toward the development of the borough of 
Fleetwood. In 1877 he officiated aschief burgess. 



92(5 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



He was married twice ; first to Caroline jMes- 
sersmitli, daughter of Benjamin Messersmith, 
who died in 1881, and by whom he has two 
daughters, Mary and Alice, and then to Mrs. 
Sallie Schaeffer (nee Kaufman), a daughter of 
David Kaufman, of Oley township, by whom 
he has a daughter, Alice. 



TOPTON. 



The borough of Topton is situated at the 
junction of the Kntztowu Railroad with the 
East Penii Railroad, near the northwestern line 
of Longswamp township. Its name was derived 
from its location, at the highest point of the East 
Penn Railroad between Reading and Allentown. 
Althougli tiie railroad was opened in 1859, the 
place made but slow progress until within the 
past five years, when some substantial improve- 
ments were erected. 

Incorporated into a Borou(;h. — On the 
11th of August, 1875. a petition, signed by 
forty-five persons, was presented to the Court of 
Quarter Sessions of Berks County, praying for a 
decree authorizing the incorporation of the town 
as a borough, and on the 12th day of the same 
mouth the grand jury reported favorably. Excep- 
tions having been filed October 12, 1875, object- 
ing to the incorporation, on account of including 
too much farming lands, action in the matter 
was stayed. Subsequently tiie plan was modi- 
fied to exclude these lands, and on January 18, 
1877, the decree of incorporation was finally 
granted. At the first election, held in that year, 
the following borough officers were elected : 

Burgess, Peter W. Fisher ; Councihnen, Benjamin 
Pott (president), C. D. Trexler, T. DeLong, David 
Merkel, J. D. Sanders, Peter L. Diener; Secretary, 
E. J. S. Hoch; Treasurer, B. C. Baer. 

Since that time the following have been the 
burgesses and presidents : 

Terra. Burgess. I'rcsiJeiit. 

1878 John Henning B. C. Baer. 

1879-81 John Henning C. D. Trexler. 

1882 John Henning Jesse Fisher. 

1883 S. H. Fisher.. Peter W. Fisher. 

1884 S. H. Fisher Josiah H. Fisher. 

The secretaries f(jr the same period were E. J. 
S. Hoch, W. D. Tre.xler, L. F. Moll and .James 
W. Sallade. 



In 1885 the officers were, — 

Burgess, S. H. Fisher; Councilmen, M. H. De Long 
(president), Ephraim Butz, C. D. Trexler, Philip De 
Long, Josiah H. Fisher. 

The borough justices then were ^Yilliam D. 
Trexler and John H. Miller. These offices had 
been previously filled by Levi F. Kuhns and 
B. C. Baer. 

The population in 1885 was estimated at si.x 
hundred. 

Stores. — One of the first business houses in 
the place was carried on in the Butz building, 
now occupied by the Topton Bank. There a 
store was kept in 1860 by Jerome Tidlow ct Co., 
and three years later by Peter L. Diener and 
Smith Ubil. The next stand was opened in 
1866 by Peter W. Fisher, being the building 
now occupied by C. B. Trexler as a general 
store. In 1875, Michael H. Miller built another 
store house, which was first occupied by David 
H. Merkel, and where Peter L. Diener is now 
in trade. 

Hotels. — The first hotel in the place was 
the Topton House, built in 1859 by James 
Butz, which became the property of Peter W. 
Fisher in 1866. The following year James 
Butz built the present American House, which 
is still owned by his family. The Washington 
House was built in 1874 by James George. It 
contains a hall, used for lodge purposes. 

In February, 1886, the first shoe-store was 
erected, which was occupied by Daniel Heist. 
An extensive business in lumber, grain and coal 
is carried on by A. S. Heffiier. 

Topton Post-Office was established in 
Augu.st, 1861, and J. D. Haas Was the first 
postmaster. His successors have been Peter Ij. 
Diener, C. D. Trexler and Levi F. Moll. The 
office is supplied with four mails per day. 

Physicians.— Dr. W. D. Trexler lias fol- 
lowed his profession successfully the past fifteen 
years; and since 1881 Dr. A. C. S. Herman has 
also been located at Topton. 

Dr. C. H. Rives was located at Topton a short 
time befoi-e 1870, but soon removed. In 1875-76 
Dr. D. S. Bruner was at this place as a prac- 
ticing physician; and others have lived here for 
short periods. 

Topton Fcrxace was built in 1871 by a 



BOROUGHS OF COUNTY. 



927 



company organized for this purpose, which had 
Isaac McHose as president, John H. Miller, 
secretary, and Thomas Berker, treasurer. Wil- 
liam H. Berlin was the first manager. The 
company failed in 1873, and for some time the 
property lay idle, when Jacob H. Huntzinger 
became the owner. In 1879 the furnace was 
again put in blast and operated by William M. 
Kauifmau & Co. until March, 1885, when that 
firm was succeeded by the Topton Furnace 
Company, of which Henry S. Eckert is presi- 
dent and Isaac S. Eckert superintendent. The 
))lant embraces about twenty acres of land. Six 
good tenements are included. 

ToPTON Roller-Mill was built in 1885, 
and set in motion in August of that year, by 
Sylvester Rohrbach, Oliver Rohrbach and 
Albert F. Kutz, the firm-name being Rohrbach 
Brothers & Kutz. The mill building is a tliree- 
story brick, forty-five by fifty-five feet, with an 
engine-house attached, and a sixty-five horse- 
power engine. The mill is supplied with twelve 
pair^i of Odell rollers and operated on merchant 
work only, one hundred barrels per day being 
produced. 

T. & M. H. DeLong's Furnituiie-Fac- 
TOiiY was established in 1880 by T. DeLong. 
The power is furnished by a .steam-engine, and 
fourteen men are employed in the manufacture 
of furniture. In 1883 the present warerooms 
were occupied, which are well stocked with first- 
class furniture. 

R.\iLR()AD Station. — The present depot 
building was erected in 1875. It has ample 
accommodations and is well conducted by the 
station agent, G. F. Motzer. Large quantities 
of ore are shipped, but the output is only one- 
fourth as large at present as ten years ago, 
owing to the depression of the iron trade. 

ToPTON National Bajstk was organized 
under the National Banking Laws, June 1, 
1885, with a paid-up capital stock of fifty thou- 
sand dollars. The old Butz building was fitted up 
for this purpose, and the business has been 
highly prosperous. At the close of the first six 
months the assets were $93,859.29, and the 
undivided profits $1683.19. The erection of a 
new bank building is contemj)lated, a lot for 



this purpose having been purchased opposite 
the Topton House. 

The president was .lohu N. Jacobs, the cashier 
James M. Slifer. The other members of the 
board of directors were John H. Miller, Levi 
F. Mall, ]M. S. Long, D. H. Schweyer, George 
B. Schaeifer, William F. Stirarael and Ben 
Smith. 

Schools. — The chief object aipied at, by the 
incorporation of Topton was obtained in the 
improved condition of its schools. A superior 
building was erected in the fall of 1885, at a 
cost of nearly five hundred dollars, it being an 
imposing two-story brick edifice, thirty-four by 
seventy-two feet in dimensions, surmounted by a 
belfry, which contains a fine bell. There are 
four recitation-rooms, three of which have been 
occupied by schools since October 12, 1885, 
under the principalsliip of S. W. Kline. The 
enrollment of jnipils was one hundred and 
thirty-five. At the time the building was 
erected the board of directors was composed of 
A. S. Heffner, D. D. Hinterleiter, J. H. Moll, 
H. C. Roth, W. D. Trexler and Levi F. Moll. 

Societies. — Topton Stamm, No. 201, Red 
Mm, was instituted in 1873. It is a beneficial 
order, paying five dollars per week in case of 
sickness of members, or one hundred dollars in 
the event of their death. In 1885 there were 
thirty-five members, and the .society had a 
reserve fund of nine hundred dollare. 

Centennial Castle, Xo. 80, Knic/hts of the 
Mystic Chain, -was instituted at Topton in 1876, 
flourished a short time, but after three years the 
meetings were discontinued. 

Topton Lodge, JVo. 437, A', of P., has been 
in existence since 1873, having forty-six mem- 
bers twelve years later. It has a fund of five 
hundred dollars invested for the good of the 
order. The meetings are held in a good hall, 
in the WashiuiJ-ton House. 



CENTREPORT. 

The principal town in Centre township com- 
2)rises several hundred inhabitants, three 
stores and one public-house. It is located 
in a very rich section of country, two miles 



928 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



from ^lohi'sville. The locality became a busi- 
ness point as early as 1818, wheu a public-house 
was opened by Job u Haag, whose family owned 
a farm covering the site now occupied by the 
town. This house has since been open for the 
entertainment of the public, and it was kept for 
a long time by John Peffermau and Beunewell 
Loose. In a part of the building John Faust, 
George Haag, Samuel Perry and others kept 
small stores. The first building for mercantile 
purposes was put up near this house in 1856, 
by Jacob Haag. AVilliam Borkey occupied it 
first in 1857, and after a period he was fol- 
lowed by James E. Roller and the present 
Kantner & Eentschler. The post-office is at 
tliis store. It was established in 1868, with 
James R. Roller as jiostmaster. The present 
po.stmaster is J. H. Spatz. It is supplied with 
tri-weekly mails from Mohrsville. 

At the upper end of the town Perry Ludwig 
and John Roenig opened the first store, where 
John E. Pautsch and James T. Rline are now 
carrying on business. William Haag has a 
furniture-store. 

The first mechanics, etc., at Centreport were : 

Daniel H. Noecker, saddler ; Joseph F. Seaman, 
shoemaker; Michael Rentschler, tailor ; Joshua Re- 
ber, blacksmith ; Emanuel Pleiss, coach-maker ; Isaac 
H. Reber, undertaker; John Ricgel, cigar-maker; 
George P. Rentschler, butcher. 

Physiciaxs. — Doctor J. H. Spatz is the 
oldest phy.sician of the place. He located in 
"\^^est Leesport in 1848, and north of Centreport 
in 1874. Since 1881 he has resided in tlie 
borough. 

The first doctor at Centreport was Dr. ^\'il- 
liam Palm, who came in 1860 and remained 
until 1875. Dr. C. G. Loose was here from 
1876 till 1882, when Dr. James A. Hoffman, a 
native of Rutztown, located in the practice of 
his profession and still remains. Dr. C. G. 
Either located here in the spring of 1885. 

Inx'oeporatiox. — Centreport became a bor- 
ough in 1884, mainly to obtain the benefits 
which such bodies have in regulating their own 
affairs. The bounds are small, including only 
the town proper. The first registry-list showed 
only thirty-two voters. The first Board of 
Councilmen was organized April 10, 1884, with 



W. W. Haag, president ; J. H. Moll, secretary; 
Henry Stoyer, treasurer ; David Stcpp, ^\^ R. 
Rline, G. W. B. Rauffman. 

Morris Eeeserwas the first burgess; William 
Dewees, constable ; and G. W. B. Rauffman 
and James W. Rlopp, justices. 

The first Board of School Directors was com- 
posed of John E. Pautsch, David ISIyers, Henry 
Stoyer, A. A. Lesher, John Stepp, George P. 
Eentschler. 

A well-conducted school is maintained in the 
borough. 



CHAPTEE XXV. 

TOWNSHIPS OF BERKS COUNTY. 

BouxDARV OF County. — Berks County is 
bounded on the northwest by Schuylkill Coun- 
ty, the Blue Mountain forming the natural 
boundary line, in length about thirty-six miles ; 
on the northeast by Lehigh County, the line 
extending X. 49° W. 24 miles — ; ou the south- 
east by Montgomery and Chester Counties, the 
line along the former county extending S. 33i° 
W. 16,! miles, and the line along the latter S. 
53° W. Hi miles; and on the southwest by 
Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, the entire line 
extending N^. 49i° W. 39 miles— along the 
former couuty 19 miles, and along the latter 20 
miles. These lines inclose 526,000 acres, or 
822 square miles. 

The Schuylkdl Eiver divides this territory 
into two nearly equal divisions, — the eastern 
division containing about 280,000 acres, and 
the western 246,000 acres ; and each division is 
capable of a natural subdivision. 

Four Sections of County. — The eastern 
division can be divided into two sections by a 
line which extends eastwardly from the " Great 
Bend " of the Schuylkill, at Tuckerton, along 
the upper boundary lines of Muhlenberg, Rus- 
comb Manor, Rockland District and Hereford 
townships to Lehigh County. The southern 
section contains about 133,000 acres, and the 
northern 147,000 acres. Each section was 
identified from the earliest settlements by con- 
s])icuous streams of water, the southern section 
having been known by the name of Manatawny, 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



929 



and the uppL'i- Oiitelaunee. Both these words 
are of ludian origin. The Indians had first 
possessed the entire territory, and their names 
naturally became attached to it. It is not only 
natural, therefore, to recognize the Indians, but 
simple justice to them in the use of these names 
to perpetuate their niemorj' in its description. 
These streams extend northwardly through, and 
drain the greater part of, the respective sections 
from one extremity to the other. Nature has 
made them prominent ; the Indians recognized 
them ; and the historian cannot justly do other- 
wise. 

The western division can be similarly di- 
vided. A natural boundary line divides it into 
two .sections. It extends from the outlet of the 
Tulpehocken stream along the northern and 
western boundary lines of Spring township, 
formed by the stream named and its tributary, 
the Cacoosing, to Lancaster County. The upper 
•section was called Tulpehocken by the first set- 
tlers — a word also of Indian origin. This 
stream extends westwardly and northwardly 
through this .section and drains it almost en- 
tirely. The lower section was called SehiylkiU, 
from its connection with a lai'ge district of ter- 
ritory in Chester Count}' known by this name. 
It has two streams which are knowai by Indian 
names, the Wyomissing and the Allegheny ; but 
neither was sufficiently prominent to give its 
name to the entire section. The upper section 
contains about 130,000 acres, and the lower 
1U),000 acres. 

The four sections have thereiore been named 
Manatawny, Oritdaimee, lu//)ehocken and 
Schuylkill, and they are treated in the order 
mentioned. 



MANATAWNY SECTION. 

The Manatawny section comprises fourteen 
townships, viz : 



Oi.EY. 

Amity. 

colebrookdale. 

Douglass. 

Exeter. 

Alsace. 

Muhlenberg. 



Hereford. 
Washixgtox. 

kuscomb-manor. 
rocklaxd. 

DiSTRK'T. 

Earl. 
Pike. 



They are arranged and treated in the order of 
jjriority of .settlement and erection. Reading is 
situated within this section ; but it is treated 
separately as the county-seat in Chapter 
XXIII. 

The central portion of this large section of 
territory is almost surrounded by hills. These 
hills form natural water-sheds for the section, 
whereby the streams are drawn through the 
several parts, south, east, north and west, af 
fording invaluable irrigation and industrial 
power. The hills to the eastward and north- 
ward have been known for over one hundred 
and fifty years as the " Oley Hills ;" and those 
to the westward for nearly the same period as 
the hills of " Ruscomb Manor," and " Penn's 
Manor," — the latter including " Neversink " in 
Alsace, and " Schwa rtzwald" in Exeter. The 
greater proportion of the land is rather elevated 
and rolling ; aiid about a fourth j)art of it is 
wood-land. 

Streams. — The principal streams are Mana- 
tawny, Monocacy and Antietam. The Mana- 
tawny is the largest and longest stream. It has 
three sources, wiiich unite near Pleasantville, — 
Beaver Creek, East Branch and West Branch. 
From the j miction the Manatawny flows south- 
wardly through the eastern part, and near the 
line of Oley ; thence southeastwardly through 
Upper Amity and Central Douglass, into and 
through the extreme southwestern corner of 
Montgomery County into the Schuylkill. 
From its source to its mouth it is about twenty- 
five miles long, only three miles being in 
Montgomery County. In Douglass, near Pine 
Iron-Works, the Iron-stone Creek flows into it. 
The Manatawny and all its tributaries have a 
total length of fifty-six miles. 

The Monocacy rises in the eastern part of 
Alsace and western part of Olej', and flows 
.southwardly through Exeter and Amity into 
the Schuylkill, a length of eleven miles. It 
has two branches which, flow into it on the 
east, — Little Monocacy and Limekiln. 

The Antietam rises in Ruscomb-manor, and 
flows southwardly through Alsace and Exeter 
into the Schuylkill, a length of nine miles. 

To the westward the minor noteworthy 
streams are Rose Valley Run, Bernhart's Run 



930 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and Laurel Run. All empty into the Scluiyl- 
Uill. 

Besides the streams mentioned, the following 
rise in this .section: Willow Creek, Sacony and 
Perkiomen, with its tributaries, West Branch 
and Swamp Creek. 

The total length of the streams and their 
tributaries in this .section is over one hundred 
miles. 

The water system of this territory is thor- 
ough. It plays a very important part in its 
prosperity. It affords invaluable and constant 
water-power. This power was appreciated by 
the first settlers, having been appropriated by 
them for mills, and subsequently utilized for 
forges, furnaces and factories. 

Internal iMPROVEirEXTS. — Numerous 
roads have been laid out in this territory. 
Each township is well supplied. The most 
prominent roads of considerable length in this 
section arc the following : Four from Reading, 
— 1, to Boyertown {via Stonersville), eighteen 
miles; 2, to Friedensburg, nine miles; 3, 
to Pricetown, nine miles; 4, to Kutztown {via 
Temple). Two roads lead from Amityville, — 
one by way of Friedensburg and Pricetown to 
Blandon, and the other by way of Yellow 
House, Pleasantville and Stony Point to Kutz- 
town. And a road leads from Boyertown, via 
Shultzville and Claytonville, to Lehigh County, 
ten miles. 

Two turnpikes have been constructed in the 
section, — the "Perkiomen," from county line 
via Douglassvillc and Baumstown to Reading, 
and the " Centre," from Reading to Tuckerton, 
which extends nortwardly, via Leesport and 
Hamburg, to the county line. A short turn- 
pike has also been constructed in the extreme 
eastern part through Hereford. 

Three railroads extend through it, viz. : The 
Philadelphia and Reading, along the Schuyl- 
kill River through the lower portion of Doug- 
lass, Amity, Exeter and Alsace and the central 
portion of Reading and Muhlenberg, for twenty 
miles ; the East Pennsylvania, through Read- 
ing and Muhlenberg, for six miles ; and the 
Colebrookdale, through Douglass, Colebrook- 
dale and Washington, for ten miles— altogether 
thirty-six miles. 



The Schuylkill Canal extends along the 
river, through Reading and Muhlenberg, to 
" Stoudt's Ferry," a distance of nine miles. 



OLEY TOWNSHIP. 
The district of Oley comprised the greater 
part of Manatawny section for a number of 
years till 1720. Next to " Manathauim " 
(Manatawny), it was the first name given to 
any considerable tract of territory in this re- 
gion of the province, and by it the early settlers 
designated the locality. Strictly speaking, the 
district included only those lands in the central 
portion which were surrounded by hills. This 
circumstance led the Indians to name them 
Olink, and from this word the first settlers de- 
rived the name Oley.' Its first appearance in 
a written form was in the patent to Isaac le 
Turk,- granted to him for three hundred acres 
of land taken up in 1712. At that time there 
were two other settlers who had taken up lauds 
by patent, named John le Dee and John Fred- 
erickfull. The land of the former was situated 
along the " Little Manatawny " (now adjoining 
Friedensburg), and in a continuous line of 
transmission for one hundred and seventy-four 
years, it has i)assed from father to son, grand- 
sons and great-grandsons to the present genera- 
tion. 

Before the year 1700 William Penn had 
granted to different parties the right to take up 
lands in Pennsylvania, by virtue of which 
right certain large tracts were taken up in 
Oley. Actual possession was not taken by the 
original grantees when the right was given to 
them, but some years after 1700 by subsequent 
grantees. Prominent representative ancestors 
of some of the first families in the county ob- 



1 It has been suggested that possibly the name arose from 
Oiei/e, a community in the Belgian province of Liittich 
Circuit, Waremme, from wliich the first settlers may have 
emigrated. 

■' Isaac le Turk had previously been settled on the Quas- 
sick Creek, in Dutchess County, New York, having emi- 
grated from the country along the Rhine, with twelve 
thousand Germans, upon the invitation of Queen ,\nne. 
In 1709 he was registered there as a husbandman, unmar- 
ried, aged twenty-lhree years. He left in 1711, and mi- 
grated to Oley in 1712. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



931 



tained lands under these grants, among them 
having been Jolin Hoch ' and John Yoder, and 
tlie lands purchased by them over one hundred 
and sixty years ago have been transmitted from 
generation to generation in their respective de- 
scendants to the present time." 

The Friends made early settlements in this 
district, prominent amongst them having been 
George Boone, Sr., and Anthony Lee.' Boone 



' In a deed from WilUam Penn to John Snashold, of 
Chiddinglon, Sussex County, England, dated ■26th of May, 
1682, for a tract of five hundred acres of land in Pennsyl- 
vania, it is mentioned as " in his actual possession now 
being." This tract was subsequently conveyed to William 
Ranberry, and by Ranberry, on 30th of .January, 1728. to 
John Hoy (Hoch). A part of this land is now owned and 
possessed hj Gideon Hoch, who has (amongst the title pa- 
pers) the original patent of 168i. Snashold did not have 
possession in point of fact, but in point of law. 

2See"01ey and Vicinity," manuscript history by Ur. 
Peter G. Bertolet, in the possession of the Pennsylvania 
Historical Society at Philadelphia, which contains a valua- 
ble collection of data relating to the early settlers of Oley, 
to the genealogy of fheir families, lo'the Indians ami to 
other interesting topics. Dr. liertolet had intended to 
publish this history, but was prevented by his untimely 
death. He was a man of unusual intelligence and dis- 
played great energy in behalf of our early county hi.story. 
(See sketch in Medical chapter of this history ) 

s .^fjthur Lee settled in Oley about 1718. He was a na- 
tive of England. It is possible that he came into this sec- 
tion of Philadelphia County with George Boone, Sr. He 
then took up a large tract of land on the west branch of 
the Manatawny Creek, and Boone took up a large tract 
seveml miles to the west, along the Monocacy Creek. There 
had been an Indian village on his land, wliich was, doubt- 
less, removed beyond the South Mountain about lliat lime, 
when the land was released to the I'enns iiy the Indians. 
By a tradition in the Lee family, the Indians were for a 
time neighbors of Arthur Lee, and they showed a high 
respect for him on account of his principles, — they know- 
ing that he was one of the clas^ of men to wliich the 
Penns belonged. At one time these Indians, hearing that 
a hostile tribe intended to make an incursion into the set- 
tlement, came and notified him, but not without an appar- 
ently cruel demonstration. They visited his home in the 
night-time, painted and equipped as if to carry on warfare. 
Their formidable attitude alarmed the family, especially 
the younger members, who. in consequence, made some ef- 
forts to escaper But they assured the family that they 
came to notify and prepare them for a threatened invasion, 
rather than do any injury. They came disguised in this 
m.anner so as to deceive the Indians in case they should 
meet them. They then inquired of Mr. Lee for a confirina 
tion of this alarming report; but they learned from him 
that it was untrue. This information deliglited them. 



served as a justice of the peace for many years, 
and practiced surveying, having surveyed a 
number of the townships in proceedings for 
their erection. He was the grandfather of 
Daniel Boone, the Kentucky pioneer. He 
took up a tract of four hundred acres in Oley 
(now Exeter) in 1718, about which time he 
settled there and erected and carried on the 
first mill in this section of the province. His 
son, James Boone, was a superior mathemati- 
cian and served as one of the provincial judges 
of the county. 

Early Promixknt Road.s.^ — At the March 
sessions of court at Philadelphia, in 1 735, a peti- 
tion was presented to extend the Tulpehocken 
road (laid out in 1727) from the Schuylkill 
River to Oley. Mordecai Lincoln, Marcus Hul- 
ings, James Thompson, Peter Robeson, Benjamin 
Booneand Thomas Potts were appointed viewers. 
At June sessions, 1736, they reported "a road 
from the ford of the Schuylkill at the end of 
the Tulpehocken road ^ to the road from Oley 
to Philadelphia, in length thirty-.seven hundred 
and twenty-six perches, or 11 64 miles." The 
course of this road occupied, in a general way, 
the present road from Reading via Black Bear, 
Jacksonwald and Stonersville to Araityville. 

At that session also (.June, 1736) a petition 
was presented for a road from Jacob Levan's 
mill, in Maxatawny, to the" King's Highway," 
by John Yoder's fence in Oley. John High, 
John Yoder, .Jr., Samuel Golden, Benj. Langa- 
worthy, Abraham Ashman and Thomas Ellis 
(all residents of Oley) were appointed viewers. 
They laid out the road. It is now called the 
" Kutztown Road," anil extends from Pleasant- 
v'lWe, via Lobachsville and Stony Point, to Kutz- 
town. 

IxniAX YiLL.AtiES." — The Indians had a 
prominent settleiuent in this township. They 
had villages scattered at different places. One 
was situated a little ncirth of the " Moravian 



Tliey shot off their guns into the air with a shout cf exul- 
tation, and returned to their homes. ^ 

*See "Early Roads" in Amity township. 

' At the Penn Street bridge, Reading. 

"Bertolet's "Oley and Vicinity." 

5 Kupp's " History of Bfrks County," p. 231. 



<I32 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



School-house," near the foot of " Grand Hill," 
on the farm occupied by Jared Hoch. Five 
springs were at that point. Engle Peters was a 
near neighbor, with whom, it is said, they were 
upon intimate terms. He was a blacksmith by 
occupation and in appearance large and power- 
ful. The Indians frequently visited his shop. 
Another village was on the Bertolet farm, at 
'' Clay Slate Hill." The largest village was on 
the Lee farm, where marks of numerous graves 
existed till about 1860. The spot was called 
" Lee's Field," having doubtless been a bury- 
ing-ground of the Indians. Some of the In- 
dians continued to live in that vicinity for a 
score of years after the territory was sold by 
them to the proprietaries. One of their eni- 
ploj'ments was basket-making, in which they 
were expert. Upon the breaking out of the 
" French and Indian War " all intimacy be- 
tween them and the settlers ceased. 

In May, 1728, George Boone — a justice of 
the peace, residing in Oley township — addressed 
the following interesting letter to Patrick Gor- 
don, Deputy Governor of the province, in refer- 
ence to the unsettled and uncertain condition of 
the inhabitants, which arose from the threaten- 
ing attitude of the Indians: 

"Our condition .at present looks with a bad Vizard, 
for, undoubtedly, the Indians will fall down upon us 
very suddenly. Our Inhabitants are generally fled. 
There remain about twenty men with me to guard my 
mill,^ where I have about 1000 bushels of wheat and 
flour ; and we are resolved to defend ourselves to the 
last extremity and not to quit our habitations if we 
cau have any succor from you. Wherefore I desire 
the Governor and Council to take our cause into con- 
sideration and speedily send some messengers to the 
Indians, and some arms and ammunition to us, with 
some strength also, in order to defend our frontiers. 
Otherwise we shall undoubtedly perish and our pro- 
vince laid desolate and destroyed. The bearer is able 
to inform you with his own mouth the cause of my 
writing." - 

First AssESSNtEXT List.— No assessment lists 
have as yet come to light for this district for 
the period between 1719 and 1734. But fortu- 
nately, in spite of the gross and inexcusable 
carelessness of the county officials, a record of 

' The Boone mill was situated on the Monocacy Creek, 
several miles from the Schuylkill, 
1 Penna. .\i-ch., SIS. 



the taxable inhabitants of Philadelphia County 
for the year 1734 has been found. It was pre- 
sented to the Historical Society of Pennsylvania, 
in whose careful and worthy possession it is 
now. It includes four districts — which were 
then recognized, though not yet established — 
now parts of Berks County : Oley, Amity, 
Colebrookdale and Maxatawny. The names of 
tlie taxables and the quantity of land held by 
each taxable, upon which quit-rents were paid, 
for Oley, were as follows : 

Acres. 

Adam Weidnor 100 

Peter Boaly 200 



Acres. 

George Hunter 2n0 

Jolin Yodcr 200 

John Toder, Junior :300 

Jonas Yoder 150 

John Kimes TOO 

Anthony Lee 400 

Sebastian GrofT 10 

Peter Shillpert 21)11 

Jacob De Plank 100 

Engle Peters 15(1 

.\ndrew Bally 200 

Nicholas Lesher 150 

Hance Mirtle 150 

David Jones 100 

John Webb 200 

George Boon 2tlO 

Thomas Ellis 200 

-John Bartolet .' 200 

Arnold Hougbnaile 200 

Christopher liittlo 100 

Martin Wylcr 100 

Mary Messeiuniilh \m 

Christian Weeks 100 

Maximilian Sheaper 200 

Isaac Levant 230 

John Collins 100 

George Rnttcr 150 

Martin Allstadt lb.) 

Peter Furnawald 100 

Peter Binganian lIKi 

Ellis Hugh 200 



George Boon, Junior 250 

John High 300 

Abraham Levant .150 

Philip Killwaine 200 

Samuel High 150 

Jonathan Herbine 200 

John Snyder 200 

j;lizabeth Bartolet 200 

Samuel Golding 200 

John De Turk 300 

David Caughman 300 

John Keai'son 100 

Margaret Kearson 300 

rriincis Butter 150 

John Fisher 100 

John Lineabab 250 

Martin Shinkle 100 

Abraham Asheman 150 

Robert Stapleton 200 

Benjamin Langaworthy 400 

David Garrad 100 

Gabriel Boyer 150 

Benjamin Boon 200 

Rudolph Heagler 250 

John Englehart 150 

Squire Boon .250 

John Ellis 150 

Daniel Wilkinson 12 



In 1741 fifty-eight taxables were reported 
for the township. 

Erection of Town.ship. — On September 
5, 1720, a petition was presented to court, at 
Philadelphia, in which the petitioners represent- 
ed that they were settled on lands adjoining 
Amity, altogether about ten thousand acres, and 
requested that, owing to the inconveniences 
under which they labored, that said land should 
be erected into a township by the name com- 
monly known. It was signed by the following 
inhabitants, mostly in German handwriting : 

John Longworthy. John Yoder. 

Benjamin Longworthy. Hans Schneider. 

John Henry Kirsteu. George Kreider. 

Hans Helfin Week. Henry Baker. 

Johannes Keihiii. Hans Klemer. 

Jacob Koch. Peter Bertolet. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



933 



- Isaac de Tiirck. 
Philip Kuhlwein. 
Hans Siegfried. 
Abraiii Zimmerman. 
Engel Potter. 
Jacob Plank. 
Johannes Jung. 
Martin Schenkel. 
Isaac Lennerd. 



Samuel Saul. 

Jonathan Herbein. 

Jacob Stauber. 

Arnold Huflnagle. 

Anthon}' Lee. 
Jost Joder. 
George Boon. 
Peter Trakseler. 
Richard Gregrey. 



Abraham Ashman. 

Action on this petition was delayed for some 
unknown reason for twenty years before the 
township was regularly erected. 

The application for the erection of the town- 
ship was renewed in June, 1740. A petition, 
signed by fifty-four subscribers, was presented 
to court, in which they asked for viewers to fix 
the boundary lines. Viewers were appointed, 
and on September 1, 1740, they made the fol- 
lowing return : 

"Beginning at a corner of Thomas Pott's land in 
the Amity township line; thence N. 70 W., 591 ps. ; 
S. 20 W., 36 ps.jto the North side of the King's road 
leading from Philadelphia to Tulpehocken settlements ; 
thence along said road 1043 perches ; thence N. 20 E., 
1200 ps.; S. 70 E., 1400 ps., and S. 20 W., 1720 ps., to 
the beginning, containing about 14,000 acres of land.'* 

Benjamin Eastburn was the surveyor. In the 
draft on file, the stream which empties into the 
Schuylkill above the Monocacy, is called ^' Lah- 
undakie/' now as the " Antietam.'' This return 
was confirmed, known, and the district inclosed 
was named Oley. 

Taxables of 1759. — The following list 
comprises the taxables of the township for the 
year 1759. The tax levied amounted to one 
hundred and thirty-nine pounds, and Samuel 
High was the collector : 



Abraham Bartolet 25 

Frederick Bartolet 18 

John Bartolet 22 

-isaac Barto U 

Gabriel Boyer 16 

William Boone 4 

Peter Briel 16 

Michael Blatner 2 

Jacob Berstler 6 

Michael Brost 2 

William Collins 3 

James Delaplank 17 

George Bollinger 12 

JuhnDurck 35 

John DeobaUl 2 

Henry Derr 2 

Mordecai Ellis 15 

John Frederick 7 

Conrad Fisher 6 

Christian Farry 6 



Wi.iow Gelbach 3ii 

Henry Geii*t IG 

Isaac Greenleaf 1(1 

Caspar Griesemer 45 

Samuel Gulden 30 

Francis Gerlach 2 

Leopold Gross 2 

John Greth 4 

Frederick Gulden 4 

Henry Ginter 3 

Jonathan Harpine 30 

Peter Harpine 18 

John Hill 13 

Peter Herple 8 

John High 32 

Samuel High 45 

Elias Huffnagle 14 

Benjamin Huffnagle 14 

Valentine Huffnagle 14 

Blatthias Hollebach 10 



Anthony Hamscher 4 

Philip Hartman 2 

Jacob Haseinger 1 

Valentine Iluff 3 

Frederick Hill 2 

Casper Hoffman 1 

Anthony Jager 3G 

Nicholas Jiiger ; 30 

John Joder. Sr 20 

John Joder, Jr 16 

John Yost Joder 18 

Jacob Joder 7 

Slichael Joder 5 

Valentine Jung 4 

Widow Jungman 8 

George Jungman 1 

Jacob Kanffmau 20 

Nicholas Kime 6 

Michael Knab 24 

George Kaltyisen 2 

Adam Kehly 2 

George Keplinger 4 

Samuel Koenig 5 

John Lee 34 

Thomas Lee ," 28 

Samuel Lee 26 

Abraham Levaii 32 

Frederick Leimbach 4 

Henry Leimbach 15 

John Leimbach 11 

John Lesher 70 

Nicholas Lesher 18 

Benjamin Longworthy 20 

Adolph Meyer 10 

Nicholas Matery 3 

John Mertz 3 

Philip Meth (i 

Singh 
Frederick Eberly. 
Samuel Gulden 
Daniel Gulden. 
John High. 
Jacob Harpine. 
Jacob Joder. 
John Joder. 
Philip Knabb. 
Peter Knabb. 
John Knabb. 
John Kelchner. 
George Kime. 
Daniel Levan. 
Andrew Lerch. 



Melchior Meyer 2 

Henry Newkirk, Sr 6 

Henry Newkirk, Jr 3 

Valentine Normer 1 

Henry Norpet 1 

Abraham Peter 20 

Courad Reif and two sous Kio 

Widow Reiff..: C 

John Reppert 7 

Michael Reiter 3 

Jacob Reiter -2 

William Reiter 2 

Martin Schenkle 32 

Widow Scheffer 12 

Benedict Schwob 24 

Jacob Schneider 24 

William Stapleton 12 

Leonard Scheffer 2 

Henry Schenkle 1 

Martin Schlagenhanf. 6 

John George Schneider 2 

Jacob Siery S 

Jacob Stauffer 8 

Jt.hn Stitzel 5 

Jacob Stolz 2 

Lazarus Weidner 18 

DehecuB Weidner 17 

David Weiser 18 

Jonas Weaver 2 

George ffeikert 2 

John Weikert 6 

Andrew Weiler 7 

Daniel Wentz 2 

Jacob Wernert 3 

George Windbigler '4 

Jacob Wiest 4 

John Zug 6 

Men. 
Yost Lerch. 
Frederick Meindor. 
George MicbaeL 
Matthias Moser. 
Micliael Oerter. 
Peter Reath. 
Nicholas Smith. 
Conrad Shoemakei. 
George Seitzinger. 
John Thomas. 
Jacob Wiest. 
Jacob Wesner. 
Slartin Wetzel. 



INXH-^STRIES. 

Before the county was cleared of its forests 
the Manatawny and its affluents had a sufficient 
volume to operate numerous mills and small 
factories, some of which are still carried on suc- 
cessfully. On what is locally called Furnace 
Creek, near the mountains, the Oley Furnace i 
was erected, which during the Revolution be- 



iNear this furnace a valuable deposit of iron-ore was 
discovered about 1760. The ore was doubtless used in the 
forges in that vicinity, notably the *'01ey" and the 
"Spring," and induced the erection of the furnace. Ore 
was also conveyed hither from the Moselem mine, in Rich- 
mond township, about eight miles to the northwest. See 
Early Industries. 



!)34 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



came the property of General Daniel Udree. 
The Clymer Iron Company succeeded in the 
ownership of tliis old industry and are still op- 
erating it. It is the oldest charcoal furnace in 
use in the State. The grist-mill connected with 
this property has been continuously operated. 
Down the creek John Stoetzel had a paj>er- 
mill as early as 1790. It was converted into a 
forge by Solomon Boyer in 1836. About 1849 
Nimrod Yeakel became the owner and he built 
a grist-mill in the place of the forge, which is 
still operated by his fomiiy. Aljove this place 
a woolen-factory was erected by John R. Edel- 
mau, which is also continued and produces all 
kinds of woolen goods. A little more than half 
a mile down the stream on the present Mahlon 
De Turclv's farm was the Seger saw-mill, whose 
power was last employed to operate a flax- 
l)rake. But the Weiser saw-mill, below this 
])oint, has been operated for several generations, 
having as successive owners Christian, Jacob and 
Daniel Weiser. At the mouth of this stream the 
Bertolets had an oil-mill, but later the power was 
used only to operate a saw-mill. This property, 
as well as the old Bertolet grist-mill on the Little 
Manatawny, is still owned by that family, the 
owner of the latter being Daniel G. Bertolet. 
It is on a good site and is well patronized. The 
,saw-mill is operated by Israel Bertolet, the 
owner of the large farm and a direct descendant 
of the first purchaser, one hundred and sixty 
years ago. Near Friedensburg, on the power 
above the Bertolet mill, is the Kerst mill, now 
the jjropert}^ of Amnion Kaufman and long 
operated by Daniel Kaufman. It is a substan- 
tial mill, supplied with good steam-power and 
four sets of stones. The old ReiiF mill, on the 
headwaters of this stream, is now operated by 
A. Carl. It has also done service for several 
generations. 

On the Mouocacy John Knabl) had a saw- 
mill, which after many years of successful 
operation was burned down. A new mill was 
built by Charles Knabb. Haifa mile lower 
down the stream John Knabb erected a large 
stone grist-mill, which, in a repaired condition, 
is now carried on by Daniel Bieber. Ijower 
down, the Herbein saw-mill, built Ijy Jonas 
Herbein, is situated. Gehr's fulling-mill was 



just outside the township, in Exeter, but has 
long since been removed. 

On a branch of the Bieber Creek Jacob 
Bieber had a pioneer saw-mill, which was after- 
wards operated by Wm. Bieber; it is now the 
property of Beujamin Keim. A short distance 
below is one of the oldest mill-seats in the town- 
ship. As early as 1742 a corn-mill was oper- 
ated there by Snapphold, the mill standing some 
distance below the present one, which was built 
in 1761 by John Hoch. Originally it was a 
one-story building, not near as large as at pres- 
ent, having been built to its present size in 1830, 
by Solomon Peter. Before 1790 Casper Maul 
owned the property. Since 1846, Daniel Y. 
Peter has owned this mill. In 1884 he supplied 
steam-power. He has manufactured molasses 
at the same place. Below this point Joshua 
Hoch had an oil-mill about 1835, but the build- 
ing has been idle many years; the saw-mill, 
built in 1839, is now operated by Isaac Brum- 
bach. Several miles lower down the stream 
Ely & Yoder erected a paper-mill about 1850, 
using the power which had before o])ei-ated a 
saw-mill and carried it on some time. When 
owned by Daniel Yoder alone he enlarged it. 
Subsequently it became the property of, first, 
Ezra Becker and then Geo. B. Conrad. At 
present it is owned by Henry Conrad. It was 
worked in the manufacture of printing paper 
and employed twenty hands. On the Yoder 
farm, at Pleasautville, Daniel Yoder had an oil- 
mill, which was abandoned and the power used 
to operate a clover and feed-mill, owned by John 
and David Yoder. These interests still remain. 
The Yoders were large land-owners. On the 
lower part of the tract there was another mill- 
site; it is now the Griesemer mill. This was 
first built by John Griesemer, and in 1839 de- 
stroyed by fire. It is at present operated by 
Jacob L. Griesemer and is one of the principal 
mills of the township. A short distance below 
were the Oley Forges, operated by the Leshers 
and the Spangs. The stream there afforded a 
strong water-power; the dam covered about 
forty acres. Spang also had a fulling-mill at 
that place, which was at one time extensively 
operated. Tiie last power on the Manatawny, 
in Oley, was improved for a saw-mill, built by 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



935 



Jolm P. Kaufman, and now owned by Samuel 
Kaufman. It is claimed by Beuueville Gries- 
emer that he used the first stationary steam- 
engine iu Oley, in 1848, in furnishing power 
for a stave-factory. Finding it unprofitable, he 
sold the machinery to parties who moved it to 
Bucks County. The township formerly had 
half a dozen small tanneries, but some of them 
iiave been altogether discontinued. One of the 
largest was carried on by David Bear, at Fried- 
ensburg. 



west of what is now the Yellow House. He 
brought with him a son named Abraham, then 
fourteen years of age, and who married Esther 
De Turk and had a son John, who was married 
to a Miss Shenkel. John Shenkel Bertolette, 
a son by this marriage, was the father of Levi 
J. Bertolette. John S. Bertolette was the propri- 
etor of the iron-mill known as Spring Forge, 
near where Earlville is now located, and man- 
aged the forge and a farm at the same time. He 
was a man of energetic business (pialities, firm in 




LEVI JOHX BERTOLETTE. 



Levi John Bertolette was born at Spring 
Forge, in Earl township, March 29, 1813. 
His father was John Shenkel Bertolette, and 
his mother, Mary Boyer. His paternal an- 
cestor, Jean Bertolette, emigrated to this 
country from the Palatinate, on the Rhine, in 
1726. He was a native of Chateaudeux, iu the 
Canton of Berne, Switzerland ; was a Hugue- 
not, and is said to have been a descendant of a 
French family driven from their native country 
during ihe persecution of the Huguenots in 
France. Jean Bertolette settled, upon his ar- 
rival in Pennsylvania, at a spot about one mile 



purpose, and quick in execution. Levi J. Bertol- 
ette, his son, before he was fifteen years of age, was 
placed by his father in chargeof a six-horse team, 
with which he hauled iron blooms to Philadel- 
phia. At the early age of eighteen he was 
married to Henrietta Guldiu, and was placed by 
his father in possession of a farm, which came 
to him in his own right but a short time after- 
ward, at his father's death. He lived upon 
this farm, which was part of the originally 
settled tract, all his life, and became one of the 
prominent men of his neighborhood and of the 
county. He varied his farm duties with those 



93G 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



of stock-raising autl dealing in stock, and 
made frequent trips to Ohio, Indiana, Illinois 
and Kentucky, buying up stock, bringing 
it home and selling it, the business proving 
lucrative. In stock raising his tastes ran 
toward fine driving horses, and he raised and 
turned out some of the fastest trotters and pacers 
in the county. At the time of the organization 
of the National Union Bank of Reading he became 
one of its directors, and filled that position for 
many years. 

Politically, he was a Democrat of the Jack- 
sonian stripe, and never varied in his faith. 
He was a member of the Lutheran Church 
from his early youth. He had a sympathetic 
nature under a somewhat stern and severe ex- 
terior. He was a warm friend and held tlie 
respect of all his neighbors, and thoroughly 
enjoyed his long life. He was guarded and 
judicious in his business I'elations. He 
had a great taste for travel, which was never 
gratified to its fullest extent, though he made 
several trips to Colorado and the Rocky 
Mountains. Throughout his life, and until liis 
final sickness, he was a remarkable healthy and 
vigorous man. He was fond of reading, par- 
ticularly subjects relating to the deeds and 
achievements of great men, and was possessed of 
a disposition that looked upon the bright side 
of life. He died April 10, 1883, full of years, 
and leaving a beloved and honored memory to 
his family and friends. He was the father of 
eight children. His widow, two .sons and a 
daughter survive hiui. The former lives in 
Reading. The eldest son, John C, is a suc- 
cessful ranchman in (Colorado, a few miles from 
the city of Denver. The .second, Levi A., is 
now residing in Wilmington, Del., and the 
daughter, Emma Josephine, is the wife of 
Samuel Heckmau and lives at the old home- 
stead in Oley township, which she inherited. 
He left also fourteen surviving grandchildren. 

( IHRC HES. 

In no other township of the county have 
there been greater diversity of religious thought 
and freedom of opinion regarding doctrinal 
usages, than in Oley. Among the very earliest 
settlers there were a number of ultra-religionists, 



and during the first half of the eighteenth cen- 
tury various sects, whose doctrines were in direct 
conflict with the beliefs of the older churches, 
found adherents in the township. Some of 
these maintained meetings for a short period in 
Oley, but did not succeed in effecting permanent 
organizations. 

During the earlier history of Oley, about 
1718, there prevailed for a time a certain relig- 
ious excitement, which was caused by a peculiar 
sect of people who .styled themselves "New- 
Born." Their leader was a man named ^lat- 
thias Bowman, who arrived from the Palatinate 
about that time for the purpose of conducting 
them in their religious belief. They profes.sed 
sinless perfection and claimed that they "were 
sent of God to conform others." Their dispu- 
tatious were frc([uently heard in the market- 
places of Philadelphia. Their leader was so 
forwai'd as to carry his doctrines wherever he 
could. No person, howsoever retired, seemed 
to escape his visits. E)ven Conrad Beissel — 
the founder of the "Sieben Taeger"' — was oc- 
casionally annoyed by the importunity of him- 
self and of his disciples." It is probable that 
they continued for thirty years. 

The Brethren, or Duukards, were (juite nu- 
mei'ous in Oley from 172-1 till 174y, when 
many removed. No effort appears to have been 
made by them to establish a regular place of 
worship. About that time the Moravians ob- 
tained a foothold in the southwestern part of the 
township, holding their first general meetings 
in the barn of John De Turk, and it was in 
that building where a general meeting was held 
February II, 1742, which was attended by 
Bishops David Nichtsmau and Count Ziuzeu- 
dorf, who had then just arrived in America, 
and who there ordained Christian Henry Ranch 
and Gotlieb Buettner as deacons of the ]\Iora- 
vian Church. The former was the missionary 
in Connecticut and was accompanied to this 
place by three Indians, who had been converted 
to the Christian religion, and who now sought 



' Seventh-flay Baptists. 

»Rupp's " Hi.st. Berks County," pp. 233, 234 and 235, 
see letter of Maria de Turk and opininn of Muhlenberg on 
this sect. - - 






TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



937 



tiie rite of baptism at the hands of the bishops 
or of some authorized minister. 

After tlie ordination services, "the whole as- 
sembly being met, the three catechumens (In- 
dians) were placed in the midst and with fervent 
])rayer and supplication devoted to the Lord 
Jesus Christ as his eternal property, upon which 
Ranch, with great emotion of heart, baptized 
these three firstlings of the North American 
Indians into the death of Jesus, in the name of 
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost, calling Shabash, Abra/ima; Siein, Isaae; 
and Kiop, Jacob." ^ This extraordinary meeting 
produced a marked effect upon the comnuinity, 
and was the means of giving the Moravians 
precedence in (he next few years, so that a 
school-house and church building were erected 
some years afterward (1748) in the same neigh- 
borhood. It was located ujwn a tract of sixteen 
acres, which had been donated by John Diedrich 
Younguian, wiio had received a patent for the 
same from the Penns in ] 7.35. Youngman was 
very zealous in this euterj)rise and it was mainly 
through his exertions that the buildings were 
erectecP^ The larger building, commonly called 
the meeting-house, was forty-one feet square and 
three stories high. The lower story was divided 
into four apartments, each having a large open 
fire-place, and were, probably, the living-rooms 
of the teachers. The second story was devoted 
to church and school purposes, and the third 
story contained sleeping-rooms. Youngman 
died in 1747, and, as he was most interested in 
it, it was not kept uji long afterwaid. 

The large building became a farm-house, on 
the present Moyer place In 1776 a building 
was erected by Daniel Hoch and others upon 
a smaller tract of land, near the burying- 

1 Lo&kiel. 

'The Moravian schools of Germantown ami of Fiederick 
township were incorporated into this school. In August, 
1750, the following pupils were transferred from the Fred- 
erick school to Oley : David Beck, of Bethlehem ; Abraham 
and John Bibighausen, George M. Graaf, Abraham Haller, 
Michael Kraemer, John Riehm and John Weber, all of Lan- 
caster County ; Jonathan and Peter Jones, of New Provi- 
dence township; Abraham Leinbach, Ptter Vetter, of Oley; 
Israel Horsfield, of Long Island ; Isaac Noble, of New 
York; Frederick Kkmm, of Philadelphia; John Walton 
and Isaac, a Mohegan Indian, of Shecomeco. 
80 



ground, which was thereafter known as the 
" Herrnhueter Schule Hans " (and which is 
still standing), nominally as the property of the 
Moravians. In this building schools were 
maintained with considerable regularity until 
1873; then it became a residence and has since 
been used as such. 

From 18.50 till 1872 the township rented 
the building at four dollars per year for 
public schools, the proceeds, in part, being ap- 
plied to the care of the property. The last 
.school in it was taught in 1873 by Elijah Mer- 
kel. The cemetery is inclosed with a substan- 
tial fence and contains a number of graves, 
some of them m:u-ked with sand-stones, whose 
inscriptions have been effaced. The property 
comprises about three acres of land and is held 
in trust by Levi Merkel, Benneville Herbein 
and Jackson Snyder. Jared Hoch was long 
the treasurer of the .school-hou,«e fund. 

Dr. George De Benneville may be regarded 
as the first minister to take up his residence in 
the township for the purpose of teaching and 
preaching. He settled on what was known as 
the Peter Knabb farm. He built a spacious 
house, in which he taught and preached, and 
also frequently held services in the Moravian 
meeting-house. He was a medical practitioner; 
thus he became well known and popular among 
the people, and, as he did not belong to any 
particular sect, he was called on to preach the 
funeral services of most of the early .settlers. It 
was he who encouraged the cu.stom of having 
private burial-grounds on the farms, as a mat- 
ter of convenience, since public cemeteries were 
few and far removed In belief he was a Res- 
torationi,st, but made no effort to establish that 
sect in Oley. Upon the breaking out of the 
Indian troubles, in 1755, he removed to near 
Philadelphia, \\here he died. 

Oley Reformkd Chckch was founded in 
the Manatawny Valley, in one of the richest 
sections of the township. A number of Cal- 
vinists lived there, and one of them, John 
Lesher, on the 13th of April, 1734, deeded one 
hundredandthirty-twoperches of land to Gabriel 
Boyer and Ca.sper Grie.semer, " in trust for the 
society of Christian people inhabiting Olev, 
professing the doctrines and tenets of John 



938 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Calvin." Upon this lot a .small log meeting- 
house was built in 1735, in which preaciied the 
visiting German Reformed ministers, and also, 
occasionally, a Lutlieran minister. Among the 
former were the Rev. Henry Goetschy (who 
also preached before the church was built), Rev. 
George ilichael Wiest, Rev. Johannes Bartiiolo- 
maes Rieger, Rev. J. B. Boehra, Rev. Michael 

Schlatter and Rev. Leydick. In 1754 a 

new meeting-house was built by John Lesher, 
Casper Griesemer and Gabriel Boyer, wliich 
was used until the present edifice took its place, 
in 1822. The names of these members of the 
building committee were cut on the vane wiiich 
adorned the roof of the church, and which was 
in the form of a huge roo.--ter. The building 
was partly of stone and finished up with logs, 
making it more substantial than attractive. 
The floor was compoised of bricks, about eight 
inches square and three inches thick. For a 
number of years there was no stove in it. In 
other respects it was like the churches of that 
day, having the old-fashioned pulpit and the 
usual number of side-doors. Whilst the second 
church was being built the congregation made 
an effort to secure a regular pastor, and, in 
1755, appointed Eiders John Lesher and 
Casper Griesemer to visit the Coetus at Lancas- 
ter and present a petition for a minister. Revs. 
Wiest, Schlatter, Leydick, Waldsmith and 
Steyner were ap])ointed supplies for this congre- 
gation and congregations at Reading and other 
places in this part of the country. la 1761 
Oley united with Reading in extending a call 
to the Rev. William Otterbein, which he de- 
clined, and no regular pastor was secured until 
1771, when the Rev. John William Boos as- 
sumed tliat relation and preached eleven years. 

In 1782 the Rev. Nebling became the 

pastor, followed, in 1784, by Rev. Bernhart 
Willy, and by Rev. John William Ingold in 
1786. A few years later the Rev. John Wil- 
liam Boos was again the pastor, and was fol- 
lowed by the Revs. Fred Herman, Dech- 

ant, Augustus Pauli, J. Sassanian Herman, 
Daniel E. Schoedler and the present, Rev. I. S. 
Stahr. Tlie membership approximates four 
hundred and the congregation is in a flourish- 
ing condition. The Lutherans also worshi])ped 



in the old church, but in 1821 they became a 
distinct body and erected a place of worship on 
an adjoining lot. The following year the Re- 
formed congregation vacated its old church, and 
in May, 1822, laid the corner-stone of the pres- 
ent brick edifice, which was erected by a build- 
ing committee having as its members Daniel 
Griesemer, Peter Knabb, Tobias Schall and 
Peter Guldin. It M'as dedicated late the same 
year and was used as built until 1880, when it 
was remodeled and made very attractive in its 
interior arrangements and embellishments. 

Christ's Lutheran Chuiich, — Having de- 
termined to erect their own house of worship, 
instead of uniting with the Reformed congrega- 
tion in building a new church in place of the 
old Oley Church, which had become unfitted by 
age, the Lutheran members selected as their 
building committee Henry J. Spang, Martin 
Yoder and William Trout, and began oper- 
ations early in 1821. A lot was procured from 
Jacob S. Spang, adjoining the old church, upon 
which was laid the corner-stone May 27, 1821, 
and the building was completed so far that a 
meeting was held in it on Christmas the same 
year. It is a plain structure, almost square, 
built of rough stone. It has been occupied 
since its consecration, May 27, 1822. It was 
repaired in 1878. 

On January 6, 1822, Conrad Miller was in- 
stalled the first pastor, and the congregation 
adopted its constitution on the 31st of March 
following. Rev. Miller served until 1834. Tiie 
subsequent pastors were, — 

18:W-39, Isaac Roeller. 
1840, Daniel Koliler. 
1841^4, Mark Harpel. 
1845-48, A. T. Geisen- 
lieiiner. 



1848-53, George F. Mil- 
ler. 

1853-tiG, G. A. Hiiiterlei- 
ter. 



Since December 16, 1866, the Rev. T. T. 
laegar has officiated as pastor. Tiie congrega- 
tion is in a prosperous condition and has about 
the same number of members as the Reformed. 
In 1868 both churches were inclosed with a 
beautiful iron fence, costing two thousand five 
hundred dollars. It was built under the direc- 
tion of Benneville Griesemer and James Staple- 
ton. 

The Oley Cemetery is controlled by an asso- 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



939 



ciation chartered iu 1S70. The jjreseiit officers 
are Samuel Hocli, president ; Dr. A. N. Fegley, 
secretary; and Jolin B. Yingling, treasurer. It 
comprises about four acres, which are neatly 
kept. Some fine monuments have been erected. 

A Sunday-school was instituted here on June 
6, 1852, after some opposition had been man- 
ifested against it. 

Upon part of the old Reformed lot are the 
ruins of the old stone pai'ooliial school-house, 
which was used before the adoption of the free- 
school system. In it were taught some good 
schools, for the times in which they were main- 
tained. It also served as the home of the or- 
ganist for some years. 

Each church has provided ample shed-room 
for the horses of its members. 

Frieden's Church' (Reformed and Luth- 
eran). — Members of these denominations, re- 
siding in the northern and western parts of Oley, 
and desiring a more convenient place of wor- 
ship than the neighboring churches afforded, 
decided, at a meeting held January 1, 1830, to 
build a church of their own at a place in the 
township now Friedensburg, and appointed 
John Laucks, Henry Dengler, Gideon Schneider 
and Abraham De Turk a building committee. 
A few days later (January 5th) Henry Dengler 
executed a deed in trust for one hundred and 
thirty-three perches of land, to Jacob H. Reiff, 
John Huntei', Sr., Solomon Boyer and Abraham 
Haas, " for the use of a church in which the 
Christian religion might be taught iu German, 
according to the several doctrines of the 
Lutheran and Calvinist, or German Reformed 
Churches." Church regulations were now 
drawn up and the plan of the organization set 
forth as being purely fraternal, whence the 
name " Friedens " was suggested for the new 
building. Provision was also made to erect a 
school-house at the same time, which was to be 
controlled wholly by the trustees ; and all these 
interests were to be " independent of synodical 
connection until the end of all time." The 
corner-stone of the church was laid May 23, 
1830, and the two buildings were completed 
the following year at a cost of $1678. Hi. 

' From data by J. B. Herbein. 



This amount was exclusive of the work gratui- 
tously done, which aided materially in the con- 
struction. The frames of the doors and windows 
were procured from a large oak, which stood 
on the farm of David Levan (now Mahlon De 
Turk), this having been cut down by the mem- 
bers and converted into lumber at a neighboring 
saw-mill. 

On the 13th of August, 1831, the fii-st bap- 
tism in the church took place, Solomon S. 
Reider receiving that rite ; and the first com- 
munion was held October 23d of the same year. 
On August 30, 1854, the church and cemetery 
connected with it became an incorporated body. 
Then the cemetery was enlarged, comprising 
now more than three acres, which have been 
attractively improved. The trustees in 1886 
were J. B. Leinbach, P. L. Glase, Stephen 
Reider, Daniel Link, George Brownmiller, 
John R. Adelman and John Dengler. 

The congregations have prospered and in- 
creased in membership (each having about three 
hundred) so that the old church was no longer 
a fit earthly temple, and it was decided to erect 
a new one of larger capacity, and better suited 
to the requirements of the times. On April 5, 
1886, the work of demolishing the old church 
was begun and on its site a new structure of 
brick will be erected, with a capacity for eight 
hundred persons. The tower is to be one hun- 
dred and three feet high, and is to contain a 
bell weighing eighteen hundred pounds. The 
committee charged with building this house are 
Henry Dellecker, Jacob Hoch, Charles Reiff, 
Joel Haas, P. L. Glase and J. B. Herbein. 
While it is being built the congregations will 
worship in the "Union Church," below Friedens- 
burg, and the Sunday-school, which was organ- 
ized and held for a time in the church school- 
house, will be held in the public school building. 
Until 1867 it was held in summer only, but 
since that time it has been continued all year. 
H. Van Sickle and J. H. Major were the first 
two superintendents ; and D. D. Hoch and .J. 
L. Endy the last two. The school is well 
attended. 

The foUoMing have been the pastors of the 
church and the years they began to teach : 



9-iO 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1830, Carl Herman. 
1839, Aug. Herman. 
1841, Isaac Miesse. 
1848, N. S. Strassburger, 
18(;i, Isaac Miesse. 



Reformed. 

I 1862, P. P. A. Hoffman. 
1879, Daniel E. Schoed- 



1884, I. S. Stahr (present 

pa-stor). 
Lutheran. 

18;53, A. J. Hinterleiter. 
186(!, T. T. laegcr. 
1883, U. P. Heilman 

(prejeut pastor). 



1830, Isaac Roeller. 
1838, Daniel Kohler. 

1848, A.T. Geisenheimer 

1849, George F. Miller. 

From the organization of the congregations 
until 1(S82 the services were almost exclusively 
in German, but since the latter date one-fourth 
of the preaching has been English. 

St. John's Lutheran Church is located 
at Pleasantville, and is au attractive brick edi- 
fice, having capacity for four hundred i>eople. 
It was erected in 1879, and dedicated Novem- 
ber 23, 1879, at a cost of about twenty-four 
hundred dollars. A neat spire embellishes the 
outside appearance of the building. The con- 
gregation occupying it was organized, in 1868, 
of members who belonged to the Lobachsville 
and Hill Churches, and who adhered to the 
Rev. Alfred D. Croli when he withdrew from 
the old Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania and 
connected himself with the class known as New 
Lutheran. The membership was at first small, 
but increased until forty belonged, which is the 
number reported in 1886. The meetings were 
held in the Odd-Fellows' Hall until the church 
was completed, and the Rev. Croll was the 
pastor uutil his deatli, in 1876. Since that 
time the pastors have been Revs. William 
Cutter, Edward Darron, William H. Lewars, 
John A. Singmaster, and the present, George 
W. Fritsch. The church controls a cemetery 
of one acre, part of which was the old burial- 
ground of the Yoder family. 

Ehenezer EvANOErjcA,L Church is a 
small, plain frame building, erected in 1869, at 
the same place. At that time there were 
thirtv-five members, and Rev. Frank Sechrist 
was the preacher in charge of the Friedens- 
bm-g Circuit, which su|)plies this church. 
From the records at hand it appears that 
in 18ft3 a class of the association was organized 
at that place, which had twenty-two members, 
Jacob Bertolet as a local preacher, and S. Brei- 



fogel as the leader. They were known as the 
Maxatawny Class, of the Milford Circuit, and 
Henry Bucks was the preacher in charge. Since 
that time, among the Evangelical preachers in 
this section have been Revs. Wiland, Specht, 
Gold, Hess, Ziegenfuss, Gingrich, Zorn, Se- 
christ, Adams, Harber, Glick and the present, 
R. Deisher. In 1886 there were fifty-four mem- 
bers. Its trustees then were Albert Cleaver, 
Reuben Sharer and Irwin Kline. 

Salem Church of the Evangeijcal 
Association at Friedensburg was built in 
1881. The congregation occupying it was or- 
ganized about 1840, aud was one of the fruits 
of the religious excitement which prevailed in 
the townsiiip at that period. Meetings were 
first held at the hous3 of D.iniel Bartolet, Sr., 
in the barns of the members or in nature's own 
temple, the leafy woods. But, soon afterward, 
Daniel Bertolet erected a union meeting-house, 
in the locality of his home, one mile from 
Friedensburg, in which the meetings of the 
Association were statedly held for some ten 
years, when an acre of land was purchased, 
at Friedensburg, for church and cemetery pur- 
poses, upon which was erected a plain, stone 
church. This was occupied until 1881, when it 
was demolished and the material used in the 
present edifice. The corner-stone was laid in 
July of that year, and the church dedicated on 
January 29, 1882, by the Rev. I. E. Kuerr. 
It is a brick building, with a spire ninety-five 
feet high, which includes a bell weighing one 
thousand pounds. The building committee 
comprised W. H. Butterweck, William Schroe- 
der and Amos Manwiiler. Rev. Thomas Harber 
was the preacher in charge of the circuit at that 
! time. The present trustees are B. R. High, 
j William Schroeder and George Schaerer. The 
members nundier fifty, constituting a class of 
which Lewis Hoetfer is the leader. The Sun- 
day-school has seventy-five members and 
George Del Iccker is the superintendent. This 
church also belongs to Friedensburg Circuit, and, 
in addition to the pastors named in the Eman- 
uel Ciuirch, the Revs. Moses Dissinger, John 
Koehl and Joseph Sayler preached, in tiie latter 
when the stone church was built. 

Union Church (mentioned in connection with 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



941 



Salem Church) is used by various denoaiina- 
tious, besides the Evangelicals. The property 
is held iu trust by the heirs of Daniel Bertolet, 
who thus carry out tlie purpose of the founder. 
A cemetery is connected with it, in which are 
interred many people of that part of the town- 
ship. 

OLEY ACADEJtY. 

This institution had its origin in the desire of 
many of the best people of Oley to have iu their 
midst a school where instruction in the higher 
branches might be obtained. Au effort was 
made as early as 1850 to establish such a school 
at Friedeusburg, which failed, owing to the 
want of enterprise and forethought on the part 
of some of the members of the School Board 
serving at that time. 

The free-school system was accepted in 1849, 
and when school buildings had to be provided, 
the following year, Dr. Peter G. Bertolet (one 
of the most progressive citizens of the township), 
as a member of the School Board, urged the 
erection of a two-story building, in which a 
graded school should be taught, promising, on 
the part of the people of Friedensl)urg, that 
if such a school building were erected tliere, the 
citizens would defray one-half of the expense. 
He was warmly seconded by Martin Yoder; but 
the prejudice against such schools overcame the 
judgment of the majority of tlic din^ctors and 
tlie proposition was defeated. 

The township built two separate district 
^chool-houses in this locality and was content 
with ordinary English teaching a few months 
each year. Disappointed, but not disheartened, 
the friends of a liberal education bided their 
time, and on the 1st of January, 1857, they put 
forth another effort to establish such a school, 
but one which should be independent of public 
control. Dr. B'jrtolet found warm coadjutors in 
Daniel S. Leinbach, B. A. Glase and others, 
who agreed to associate themselves with him to 
form a stock company to erect and conduct an 
academy. The project was so warmly encour- 
aged that its success was soon assured ; and to 
j)ut the enterprise upon the best possible footing, 
the company became an incorporated body 
April 13, 1857, upon the petition of the follow- 
ing persons : 



Daniel S. Leiubach. P. G. Bertolet. 

B. A. Glase. Jacob Bertolet. 

Daniel H. Levan Daniel G. Bertolet. 

John K. Bertolet. J. H. Major. 

John R. Edelman. Peter Guldin. 

Samuel F. Busby. David Bear. 

A commodious two-story brick building was 
erected in the lower part of Friedeusburg, and 
on December 1, 1857, Oley Academy was 
opened, with forty students, and Jacob H. 
Major as principal. From the first it was pros- 
perous. It suffered a reverse in 1874, which 
threatened the life of the school. Fortunately, 
a new generation of friends of higher education 
came 4;o the rescue, and by their united efforts 
the institution was placed upon a better footing 
than ever before. Not only were old debts 
liquidated, but enough money was raised besides 
to erect a fine three-story boarding hall. The 
academy was supi)lied with choice philosophical 
apparatus, a large collection of geological and 
botanical specimens, and a library of about five 
hundred volumes of standard and reference 
books. Thus equipped, it entered upon a new 
career of prosperity, which has continued to this 
day. The yearly attendance is about one hun- 
dred students, and, being empowered by its 
charter to confer " honorary degrees," regular 
courses of study have been established. 

These embrace the study of the English, in 
all its branches, and the ancient and modern 
classics. In 1885 the first class was graduated 
— twelve iu number — which had completed the 
prescribed courses. 

The academy has had a number of really dis- 
tinguished men as instructors, who have con- 
ducted the academy very successfully. It has 
aided in preparing many for the different 
learned professions ; has educated a large num ■ 
ber of the ablest teachers in this section of the 
county, and inculcated a love for literary life 
in many homes in Oley and the surrounding 
townships. Of the many academies in the 
State called into existence thirty vears ago, this 
is one of the few still open and wiiose present 
condition is better than its beginning. 

Its principal instructors have been the fol- 
lowing : 

1.857-58, Jacob H. Major. 

1859-60, I. B. Hankey, J. P. Matthews. 



9-t2 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1861-62, Israel M. Bertolet, Frank Lancks. 

1863-64, Rev. L. K. Evans. 

1865-67, Rev. Daniel M. Wolf, Win. G. Guintber. 

1868-69, Howard Gutelius. 

1870-72, Jacob H. Major. 

1873, George Hetrick. 

1874-75, Samuel A. Baer. 

1876, Rev. D. E. Schoedler. 

George H. Heffner has served as the ]irinci- 
pal of the academy since 1884, aud manifested 
a liigh order of efficiency for the position. His 
assistautis JohnG. Dengler, who was a student 
in the academy in 1858, and has been for the 
past twenty years an instructor in the institu- 
tion. Other instructoi-s of special branclifs are 
Martha Mertz Heffner, J. B. Loinbacli and G. 
E. M. Herbst, A.M. 

The present board of trustees composes 
President, Jared Hoch ; Secretary, John G. 
Djiigler; TreaMirjr, Diniel D. Ho3h, Frank Y. 
Kauffman, Jacob K. Levan, James B. Herbcin. 

VILLAGES. 

Oley has no hirge villages within its bounds. 
Its people, from its fir.st settlement, were almost 
wholly given up to agricultural pursuits, and 
cared little for the advantages and influences 
possessed by those living in more densely in- 
habited communities. Only within the last few 
decades have any attempts been made at build- 
ing in villages. On the Monocacy, where the 
State road from Reading crosses that stream, is 
Oley Line (Lime-Kiln post-office). It is -a 
business point, noted in Exeter. Hans Schnei- 
der was the first settler there, in 1717, and part 
of the house he built in 1746 is still in use on 
the Gehr farm, Jacob Gehr, the owner, iiaving 
intermarried in the Schneider family. South of 
the road are still living the Schneiders, direct 
descendants of the pioneer who died in 1763. To 
the eastward the Herbeins made ira))rovements, 
and to the southeast the Knabbs have long 
maintained their possessions. In this locality 
Peter Knabb had a country store several years, 
and also manufactured lime on an extensive 
scale. Lower down the valley, and also in 
Exeter, is the well-known Yellow House store 
and tavern opened by Peter Nagle, and later the 
jn-operty of Lemuel Guldin, who there trans- 
acted a heavy business as a dealer in mules for 



the government during the late Civil War, 
amassing thei-efrom quite a fortune. He had as 
many as one hundred and fifty mules stabled at 
one time, waiting orders to ship to the army. 
North on the Oley pike Benneville Griesemer 
had a country store from 1840 till '1847. In 
the central part of the township Jacob Kemp 
had an old-time tavern about 1820, but wiiich 
was discontinued more than thirty years ago. 
It was the first elect ion-]ilace of the township, 
and the polls were continued there after the 
tavern was closed. 

Griesemersville is in the southeastern part, 
which took its name from the Griesemer family, 
which at one time owned about one thousand 
acres of land in that locality. Casper Griesemer 
was the great-grandfather of the elder Griese- 
mers living in the township at present. He 
lived on the present Wellington Griesemer farm. 
One of his sons (Peter) resided a little west of 
the hamlet, and built a house there in 1782 which 
is .still in use by his immediate descendants. 
Here also lived Samuel Goodman, who had 
the strength of a giant combined with the do- 
cility of a child. He served in the War of 
1812-15, and the many feats which he per- 
formed appear almost incredible to the present 
generation. In that neighborhood several inns 
were \<.e\>t at an early day. East of the Mana- 
tawny, on the present Henry Fislier farm, 
Fredrick Hill had a tavern which before him 
was kept by the Boyer family. It has been 
used as a farm-house for a long time. Nearer 
the present hamlet Nicholas Yeager sheltered 
man and beast in buildings which were closed 
to the public more than sixty years ago ; and 
about the same time was discontinued the inn 
of George Focht, on the present High farm. 
Nearer the Oley Churches, on the present De- 
Turk farm, Enoch Griesemer had an inn, ke|)t 
open until about forty years ago. This was, in 
its day, a noted hou.se, and being on a principal 
thoroughfare, was well patronized. At the 
centre of the hamlet a brick hotel building, four 
stories high and sixty feet front, was erected by 
Peter D. Griesemer, in 1860, which has since 
been used as a public-house. At one time the 
building contained ninety rooms; but this num 
ber has been reduced by making several halls. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



943 



wliich are used for public gatherings. In this 
building a store was also opened and theGriese- 
mersville post-office established in 1870, kept 
by Peter D. Griesemer. A later postmaster 
■was A. E. Fegley and the present is William 
Renno, the proprietor of the building. The 
store is kept by George S. Keifter. Near this 
])lace is a mechanic-shop, carried on for the 
past fifty years by J. Spahn. 

Spangsville, a post hamlet in the neigh- 
borhood of theoldOIey Forge, derived its name 
from Jacob S. Spang, one of the owners of that 
industry, and who also merchandised there about 
sixty years ago. After his retirement Alexauder 
Peacock was in trade, and subsequent merchants 
were, among others, George S. Keiffer, John 
Hartman, and the present, John B. Yingling. 
These have had charge of the Spangsville post- 
office, established in 1851, and which is at 
present supplied with a daily mail from Read- 
ing. For a number of years Jacob L. Griese- 
mer has been the postmaster. It comprises a 
number of houses and shops, which may be 
classed as belonging to this hamlet. Near the 
Oley Churches Dr. E. E. Griesemer was in the 
active practice of his profession before his re- 
moval to Reading; and the present physician 
is Dr. A. N. Fegley, who has resided there the 
past sixteen years. 

Pleasantville is not inappropriately 
named. It has a fine location on the Mana- 
tawny, near the Pike township line, and con- 
tains two churches, a store, taverns, shops and 
a dozen fine residences. Isaac Yoder was the 
founder of the place. About 1850 he erected 
part of the present tavern building, which he 
opened as a public-house. Soon afterward 
Abraham Cleaver began trading in the same 
building and later the house was used solely as 
an inn. It has been much enlarged by Evan 
Menseh, the present proprietor. In 1856 the 
Odd-Fellows belonging to Oley Lodge, No. 
218, erected a fine three-story brick building, 
finishing it up in an attractive and substantial 
manner. 

It was formally dedicated ou Christmas day 
of that year. The lower story was fitted up for 
a business room and the upper stories formed a 
public hall, and one for the use of the lodges. 



In 1873 the lodge was transferred to Boyer- 
town and later to Reading, where its meetings 
are now held. In this building Ely tt Yoder, 
Daniel Hoffman, Jacob F. Holder, H. K. 
Cleaver, and since 1874, F. R. Cleaver, have 
conducted a successful store business. Here is 
kept the Manatawny post-office, established in 
1851, and on the Shanesville daily mail-route. 
Near this place Dr. Peter G. Bertolet practiced 
medicine a short time prior to his location at 
Friedensburg, and Albert Cleaver has had a 
saddlery on the place for many years. Pleasant- 
ville was erected into a separate school district 
in 1857, having been then taken out of Oley 
township. 

FRiEPEXSBrRfi is the largest and most pros- 
perous village in the township, having now 
more than five hundred inhabitants. Though 
founded in 18.31, the place has had the most of 
its growth within the past twenty years. Re- 
cently it has been beautified by the erection of 
costly and substantial buildings to a greater ex- 
tent than in all its previous history. It contains 
the Oley Academy — an institution of learning 
of good repute — Friedens Church, an Evangeli- 
cal Church, and stores, shops, etc. The name 
was suggested by Henry H. Maurer, and was 
derived from the Friedens Church, which was 
erected at this place in 1830. About the same 
time John A. Bertolet opened the tavern oppo- 
site the new church. Henry Dengler had 
opened a store some five years previous. The 
village was not regularly laid out. The build- 
ings are mainly on the prominent road leading 
through the place. The original tavern build- 
ing was enlarged by Peter Glase, who kept it 
for a long time. The present keeper is Oliver 
C. Miller. The second hotel was built in 1881 
by S. H. Menseh and has since been occupied 
by him. 

Henry Dengler continued his store in the 
long building until about 1832, when he occu- 
pied for some time in trade the building which 
is now the residence of Dr. J. Jack. 

Near the same time, John K. and INIalery 
Bertolet engaged for six years in business in 
part of the building which now forms the fine 
business house of John O. Gla.se. They were 
succeeded by Schnell & Laucks, and the latter 



944 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



by B. A. Glase, one of the most successful mer- 
chants in the county. His business is now 
carried on successfully by his son, John O. 
Glase. In 1860 David Baer built another 
business stand, which was occupied by William 
Baer, Calvin Whitner, Edwin Baer and P. L. 
Glase, the latter since 1884. John K. Bertolet 
and Jacob Day had other stores for short pe- 
riods. 

The post-office for this .section of the town- 
ship was established in 1828 with the name of 
Oley Furnace, which was afterward changed to 
Oley. The postmasters have been Henry 
Dengler, B. A. Glase, Edwin Baer, J. O. Glase 
and, for the past six months, George W. Yeag- 
er. It has a daily mail from Reading to Pike- 
viile. 

In the practice of the medical profession Dr. 
Francis Palm located here aiwut 1820, continu- 
ing till his death, about 1850. Dr. Thomas 
Rutter came next, remaining several years ; and 
Dr. Mark Kerr, for a short time, when he 
removed to Norristown. Dr. Henry Tyson came 
about 1844, and was a j)ractitioner for six years, 
then removetl to Reading; and Dr. Mengel, 
after a few yeai-s' practice, located in Schuylkill 
County. Dr. Peter G. Bertolet was long, 
j)romiiiently and successfully identified with tiie 
medical interests of the township, and he was 
succeeded by Dr. J. A. Jock. Other physi- 
cians are Dr. George E. M. Herbst and Dr. 
William F. Hertzog, the latter locating witliin 
the ])ast year. 

The principal industry ia the village is the 
coach-making establishment of W. H. Butter- 
week, carried on since 1872. He occupies a 
two-story building, and produces light work, and 
employs .seven hands. Northeast of the village 
is the old and well-known machine-shop, 0])er- 
ated by a small water-power, chiefly on repair- 
work, which is a great accommodation to the 
jteople of Oley. It has been carried on by 
Martin Y^oder. In 188G the jirincipal trades- 
men of Friedensburg were : Wheelwright and 
blacksmiths, Edwin Lorah, J. Houcjv and E. 
Yoder; marble cutters, William Schollenberger 
and George Brownmiller; saddler, George W. 
Y^eager; tinsmith, Jonas Carl ; cabinet makers, 
Uriah A. Schlegel and Amos Rotiiennel ; 1 



shoemakers, David Deihl, Samuel Angstadt and 
Daniel Ang.stadt; tailor, John Ilimmelriech. 

SOCIETIES. 

RiNGGOED Council, No. 23, Order of 
American Mechanics, was instituted at Frie- 
densburg April 28, 1858. At present it has 
sixty-eight members. 

Minnehaha Lodge, No. 154, Knights 
OF Pythias, was instituted January 9, 1869, 
and in 1885 had one hundred and twenty-two 
members. 

Both the above orders own and meet in a 
very fine hall, converted out of the David Baer 
residence in 1884, and they have a flourishing 
existence. 



AMITY TOWNSHIP. 
The first settlements in tlie county were made 
by Swedes along the eastern bank of the Schuyl- 
kill, in the locality of Douglassville. In 1701 
Andrew Rudman, clerk, in behalf of him.self 
and several of his countrymen, the Swedes, who 
were desirous of making a new settlement in 
the province of Pennsylvania, made application 
to AVilliara Penn for the privilege of taking up 
ten thousand acres of land on the river Scluiyl- 
kill, near Manatawny Creek. IVnn, in ])ur- 
suance of this application, issued a warrant on 
October 21, 1701, to Edward Pennington, 
forthwith to lay out ten thou.sand acres, which 
were to begin about six hundred perches up the 
Schuylkill from the upper line of the German's 
land (meaningS|)rogeirs manor, afterwards called 
McCall's manor), and to extend backward from 
the river ten miles with the .said German's land, 
if convenient. The following-named Swedes 
then took up lands, the earliest survey having 
been made on October 21, 1701, and patents 
having been issued during the years 1704 and 
1705: 

Acres. 

Andren.s Riiilniiin 1000 

Benjamin Burden .500 

Mounce Jones 500 

Justa Justason 1000 

John Cock "jOO 

Andrew Bankson 500 

Peter Cock 300 

Matthias Huston 900 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



945 



■Peter Boon 1000 

Mounoe Justice 700 

Eichard Beads SOO 

Otto Ernest Cock 500 

Morton Morton 1200 

Jacob Culinn 600 

Jonas Yocum '. 350 

Benjamin Boon 200 

Of those named, tlie fijllowing were among 
tlie Sweflisli settlers on tlie I)ulaware in 1G93, 
the numbei- indicating the persons in their re- 
spective families : 

Maus Jonsson - 

Gnstaf Gostafson 8 

Johan Cock 7 

Anders Benkson !• 

Matts HoUstcn 7 

Maus Gostafson 2 

Otto Ernest Cock 5 

Marten Martenson 10 

Acrelius, in his " History oi' New Sweden," 
says that " when Peun came to Pennsylvania 
the second time he offered the Swedes ten thou- 
sand acres of land in Manathanim, sixty miles 
higher up in the country, under the pretext that 
they might have more room and live together. 
But the upshot \v,is to get their homes for his 
(Quakers, and lew, therefore, accepted of the 
offer." Tlie Swedes named are the few referred 
to by him. 

In a letter froni the Swedes to John Tliclin, 
jiostmaster at Gotheborg, dated in 1693, they 
asked for two ministers to come over and ad- 
minister to them and also for certain religious 
books ; they also represented, — " We live in 
great amiti/ with the Indians, who have not done 
us any harm for many years." From this cir- 
cumstance the S\vedes, who afterward settled 
farther north, called their .settlement " Amity." 
Their letter was answered by Archbishop Suebi- 
lius, upon the recommendation of King Charles, 
of Sweden, and the two ministers and books 
asked for were sent to them. One of the min- 
isters was Andrew Rudman, of Gestricia, who, 
upon his arrival on June 24, 1(597, selected the 
congregation at Wicocoa, in Philadelphia, which 
included Manathanim [Manatawny].' 

Oi.D Swede Building. — On the eastern bank 
of the Schuylkill, at the bridge near Douglass- 

'Acre'ius' " Histon,' of Isew Sweden," p. 197. 



villc, a small two-.story .stone building is .still 
standing in a good state of preservation, though 
erected one hundred and .seventy years ago. Its 
dimensions are thirtv-six by twenty-one feet. A 
soft yellow shale stone tablet is built in the front 
wall, between the windows of the second story 
which face the river, and bears the following 
inscription : Such y^J^ inscriptions were 
commonly made by ((kI ^yL the Swedes. Many 
similar stones are WTidji found on buildings 
in Bucks County. XV;^ Ihc upper letter 




OLD swedk's nriLDixo. 

indicated the initial of the husband's name; the 
lower letter to the left the initial of the hus- 
band's given name, and to the right that of the 
wife's, and the figures indicated the time of erec- 
tion. This in.scription indicates that the build- 
ing was erected by Mounce Jones and Ingabo, 
his wife, in 1716. He took up one of the 
Swedes' tracts of laud, on which this building 
is situated, on October 21, 1701, and the patent 
was issued to him on May 15, llOo. At that 
point of the river there was a ford. It was 
u.sed for many years till 1833, when a private 
bridge was erected by a stock company. Pre- 
vious to 1820 the building had been used for 
some years as a tavern, and went by the name 
of" Lamb's Inn." 

Soon after the Swedes had effected permanent 
settlements on their lands they felt the want of 
roads. In March, 1709, they, with other set- 
tlers, who occupied lands lower down the river, 
presented a petition to court at Philadelphia. 
They represented that they had plantations 
lying very remote in the country, and in the 
edge or outskirts of any inhabitants in tlie 
county and that it was very difficult for them 
to pass and re-pass unto their plantations, be- 



946 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



cause there was no public road laid out far 
enough ; they therefore prayed for viewers to 
lay out a road from the late house of Edward 
Lane, deceased, being on the Queen's Highway, 
unto ^lunitauia. This petition was signed 
bv 



Johu H. Sprogell. 
Moils Jones. 
Walter Newman. 
Jolin Justus. 
John Newman. 
Jesta Jeslison. 
John Jones. 



Charles Millard. 
Andrew Leicken. 
Matthew Brooks. 
Robert Billings. 
Thomas MeCarey. 
Henry Parker. 
Hubert Hiibertson. 



The court appointed Mouns Jones, Walter 
NeMTuan, Matthew Brooks, Andrew Lyson, 
Johu Justice and James Brooks, or any four of 
them, to lay out the road and report at the next 
session. This report could not be found, and 
it is believed that the road was not laid out. 

Towx.SHiP Erected. — About 1719 an ap- 
plication was made to erect the Swedes' 
tracts, together ten thousand five hundred 
acres in area, into a township to be cal- 
led "Amity." The survey was made by 
George Boone, Esq. The application was 
granted ; the township was erected, and a con- 
stable and other neces.sary township officers 
were appointed, but no record was made of the 
proceedings and the application had to be re- 
newed twenty-five years afterward. 

The petition was presented at Philadelphia 
on March 3, 1744, and signed by the following 
persons : 

Gilbert Dehart. Daniel 'Womelsdorf. 

Simon Dehart. Johann Dietrich, Jr. 

AVilliam Nelson. Daniel Ludwig. 

John Camjjbell. John Sands, 
Owen Richard. his 

John Bell. Jacob \V. Wawer. 
Johu Bausfeld. """^ 

his 

David Campbell. joijn l,o_ Lorey. 
William Falraan. murk 

Stephen Miker. Marcus Hidings. 

Walter Campbell. Jacob Waren. 

Robert Patterson. Peter Weaver. 

Joseph Boone. Windeel Candreas. 

Thomas Dalmar, Charles Megru. 

Owen Williams. Malin Sander. 

Ellis GrifTeth. B. Brinly. 

William Davis. Hans Jacobroth- 

Isaac Wiseman. Abijah Sands. 

Andrew Sadowski. Jonas Jones. 

Nicholas Scull. Mouce Jones. 



William Bird. Henry Bell. 

John Duuckley. Peter Jones. 

Michael Melmyer. 

This was the fist township erected in the 
district now comprised in Berks County. 

In 1717 another petition was presented for a 
public road from Oley to the King's Highway. 
At December sessions the court appointed the 
following viewers : John Rhodes, Thomas Mc- 
Carty, Andrew Robeson, Mattiiew Brooks, 
James Brooks and JMatthias Bowman. The 
road was laid out forty feet wide and confirmed 
at December sessions, 1719. It is the direct 
road from Pleasantville, by way of Yellow 
House, to Amityville. 

In June, 1718, Andrew Robeson applied for 
a road from Perkiomeu Creek, through Lower 
and Upper Limerick and the Frankford tracts, 
to the upper part of Amity. William Harman, 
John Jacob, Matthew Holgate, Thomas Stroud, 
John Redwitzer and Matthew Brooks were ap- 
pointed viewers. The Perkiomeu turnpike oc- 
cupies the road laid out by them. The name 
"Amity," to designate locality, was first used in 
this petition. 

The following list comprises the names of the 
taxables (thirty-seven) of the township in 1734, 
and the quautity of laud upon which they paid 
quit-rent : 



Acres. 

Mordecni Lincoln 500 

Peter EobinsoD 600 

Marcus Huling 2ii0 

Anthony Sedusky ..300 

Jonah Yocom .'.2(XI 

Andrew Kingbery 50 

Peter Jonps 200 

Andrew Jonea 220 

Henry Gibson 200 

Andrew Caldwell 300 

Walter Campbell luO 

Walter Davis 100 

John Warren, Jr 200 

Eicbard Dunkley 100 

John Jacob Roth 150 

.lacob Warren TOO 

Owen Williams, only proprie- 

tarj' land 

WlDdle Andrews 150 



Acres. 

Joseph Boon...; 240 

Morgan Herbert 100 

James Thompsiin 3CH> 

Thomas Palmore loo 

Jacob Weaver 110 

George Hinton 150 

David Harry 150 

Elijah Dehart 100 

William Richards l.io 

Thomas Broomfield lOi) 

Anthony Turner 150 

John Zetter Griner 150 

Daniel Womblesdorf 200 

George Andre 200 

Jonah Jones 200 

Edward Rees 300 

Simon Dehart 100 

Thomas Smith, a tenant 150 



In 1741 the number of taxables returned was 
seventy. 

The following li.st comprises the number of 
taxables for 1759. The amount of tax then 
levied was <£72 IDs. Gd. John Lorah was the 
collector. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



947 



Daniel Andrew 14 

Jiihn Ax 3 

Abraham Andrew 7 

Adam Briner 1 

Martin Becker 8 

Nicholns Boyer 12 



Mo 



I Bo 



George Bower 4 

William Boone 5 

• Thomas Brumfleld 10 

' S..Iomon Bninilield 6 

.Toheph and Hngh Boone 30 

.John Boyer 18 

John Childa 2 

Goorjfe C!ap]inger _ 2 

.lohn Criner 20 

IVter Carling 4 

JohnCarlinK 20 

John Campbell 3 

Jacob Crust 7 

(Christian Cough 1 

Peter Catlsnioyer 2 

Lawrence Cooper 2 

Cornelius Dehait 15 

Adam Drinkbut 2 

Kdward Drury 4 

Cornelius Diwees 4 

Uiivid Davis 4 

Jacob Early 4 

(mirgc Englehardt 3 

William Engic 18 

WIdiw Eliz. Enters 10 

John Ewald 10 

I'anicI Freilicb 2 

John Frctts 9 

Ludwig Fittinger 5 

Jacob Fix. 1 

Jacob Gelbach 14 

('hrlstopher Havener 1 

Andrew Huttenloch 2 

William Hole 1 

Martin Hartter 2 

Rowland Harris 14 

David Harnian 4 

John Hutting 13 

Michael Uewet 12 



Hezekiah Boone. 
Samuel Boone. 
Joseph Bromfield. 
William Davis. 
Peter Biseminger. 
AbraniEuoch. 
Charles Guest. 
Nicholas Jones. 
Jeremiah Keffer. 



Jacob Hoffman 10 

Nicholas Jones 7 

Mounce Jones 12 

Peter Jones 1,6 

Jonas .lonea 16 

Samuel Kookson 1.5 

George Kraul 8 

Daniel Ludwig 18 

George Lott*» 16 

John Lincoln G 

Philip Ludwig 8 

John Lorah 28 

Michael Mesainger 18 

Christopher Metz 20 

John Marshall 3 

John Monty 1 

Hugh Mitchell 20 

Hugh McCaffry 1 

Henry Piper 1 

John Potts, Esq Ut 

John Kacflanider 8 

Leonard Rodannell fi 

Owen Richard 16 

Jacob Roads 23 

Baltzer Stutts 2 

John Sinclair 2 

.fohu Smith 2 

Bernhard Spankock 2 

.John Sands ..25 

Abijah Sands 12 

Michael Trump 9 

Henry Van Reed 16 

Eliz. Womclsdortr. 20 

Daniel Walters 2 

.Tames Waren 10 

Thomas Waren 6 

Jacob Waron 4 

Joseph Williams 2 

Isaac Wiseo'an, Jr 1 

Isaac Wiseman. Sr 7 

George Webb 2 

John Webb 7 

Williiim Winters 30 

John Waren .,17 

Peter Weaver 18 

Jacob Weaver, Esq 3 

Men. 

John Lincoln. 
Martin Marrjuart. 
Ludwig Blerberger. 
Daniel Pile. 
Abijah Sands. 
Samuel Sands. 
Frederick Walk. 
Benjamin Williams. 
William Williams. 



Jacob Womel8<lorf. 
MANUFACTURING INTERESTS. 

The water-powers of the township liave been 
well utilized. On the Monocacy, near the 
Exeter line, the old Griesenier mill, so long 
operated, is still carried on as the property of 
George Brown. Some di-stance below there 
was an old mill, in 1820, called Kinsey's, 
whose power was used by the De Turks to 
operate a fulling-mill. Near the turnpike the 
Bowers have had a saw-mill the jiast seventy 



years; and for a longer period of time the 
Sch racks had a mill near the mouth of the 
creek, which is now carried on by I.saac Mover. 

On the Manatawny, the lower power in the 
township was made to operate grist and clover- 
mills for the Boone family, which, like the 
owners, have pa.ssed away. Thomas Boone 
died at that place. Lida Schull built the 
present three-story bri(-k mill about 1850, 
which replaced the old stone and fmme mill. 
Isaac F. March and Isaac Fegley also owned the 
pro}>erty, which now belongs to M. Rhoads. 
The old Ose Sands mill was next above, — an 
old structure with the lower part stone and a 
frame superstructure. Solomon Rhoads re- 
modeled the mill, which was destroyed by fire 
July 7, 1855. The present brick mill was 
built on the site the same year, and as the 
property of Mahlon Weidner, was supplied 
with new process machinery in 1884. The old 
stone mill of John S. Bertolet, at the next site, 
was rebuilt by John Rhoads, but is now the 
property of John Hiest. Near the Earl line 
David Rhoads had a paper-mill, Jacob Weaver 
a grist-mill, and seventy years ago an oil-mill 
was put up at the same place. After a number 
of years elapsed the grist-mill only remained 
which is now operated by James High. 

The Monocacy Valley Creamery was built, in 
1881, by George K. Lorah, James B. !McLaue, 
Cyrus Moser, Alfred Gross, Ammon Kline, 
Jacob Guldiu and M. L. Lorah. There are 
sixty-five patrons, and the creamery is carried 
on by the association, under the superintendency 
of Jacob F. Guldin. . 

CHURCHES. 

MoLATTON Church. — Next after a public 
road the Swedes considered the necessity of a 
meeting-house for their religious well-being. 
They erected a log house for this purpose sev- 
eral years before 1720. It was called the 
« Swedes' Church." 

It stood near the eastern line of the St. 
Gabriel's Church property, at Douglassville, 
about twenty paces south from the turnpike. 
The door-way faced toward the east. The di- 
mensions of the building were about twenty-four 
by thirty feet, one story in height. 



948 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Conferences between the Indians and the 
government officials of the province, which are 
referred to in tiie Colonial Records, were held 
in this meeting-house. It was the first house 
for worship erected in the large area of territory 
now included within the limits of Berks County, 
and it was used for this purpose for many 
years. It took fire in some unaccountable 
way during a cold winter night in the year 
1831 and was entirely destroyed. For some 
years pi'eviously it had been used for school 
])nrposes. Some of the teachers were Francis 
II. Shunk (afterwards Governor of Pcnnsyl- 




bWKDJib (JllUliOII. 

vania), Mrs. Jacob Warren, Abraham Bannan 
(father of the distinguished editor and political 
economist, Benjamin Bannan, of Pottsville), 
Henry McKeuty and William Mendenliall. 
The building was burned whilst the last-named 
carried on the school. The private schools kept 
there by the persons named were very success- 
ful. Upwards of fifty scholars attended during 
a term. Desks were arranged along the walls. 
The backs of thescholars were toward the teacher, 
who had his desk and seat situated in the centre 
of the room. The heat was supplied by a large 
wood-stove. The tuition was four cents a day, 
or two dollars and a half for three months. 
The V)ranches of education comprised spelling, 
reading, writing and arithmetic. Very few schol- 
ars were taught grammar and none geography. 



A meeting of members from all parts of the 
Wicocoa congregation was held on Sunday, 
March 27, 1720, to determine the arrangements 
for the services and support of the two pastors 
(Lidman and Hesselius). Many attendants 
from Manathanim were present. They repre- 
sented that they had always held to the Wicocoa 
congregation and had contributed their share 
for the building of the ciuirch and for the sup- 
port of the minister and church, and therefore 
prayed that Hesselius should dwell among them 
and exercise his office for their spiritual edifica- 
tion. Upon this application he went up to 
them. The following year he com- 
plained that his hearers were few and 
unable to support him. He was the 
first settled pastor at Molatton.' Rev. 
Gabriel Falk was the second resident 
pastor. The earliest records of the 
congregation were begun by him in 
1735. No record of the previous 
years has been found. In the be- 
ginning of his career at Molatton, 
Falk succeeded in erecting a log 
church, which was begun in 173(> 
and completed in 1737. It is be- 
lieved that a church had previously 
stood here for about twenty years. 
The land on which the church build- 
ing stood was obtained from Andrew 
Robeson. 
In 1742 and for some years afterward the 
Moravians made efforts to get possession of the 
congregation. Zinzendorf, who came to Penn- 
sylvania in 1742, brought with him a number 
of spiritual co-laborers, and they together made 
earnest eflbrts to gather new believers from dif- 
ferent religious denominations. A young Swede 
was sent to this place, and having won over to 
him some Svvedish, English, Irish and German 
people, tried, with their help, to take possession of 
this church. Services were announced by him 
to take place on a certain day. On this day the 

' The name given to the settlement of the Swedish col- 
ony was " Molatton." Tliis word has been spelled differ- 
ently, — Molatton (Muhlenberg), Malatten (Han Ischiih), 
Morlatien (Lidenius) and Molatton (Murray). Acrelius 
called it Manalhanim. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



949 



regular pastor (Falk) went early to the church 
and in the piil])it awaited the arrival of the 
young emissary. Upon his arrival, after the 
j)eople had assembled, Falk (who was an old 
man) went from the pulpit to meet him, and 
said : "You enter the sheep-fold as a thief and 
murderer," and then gave him a lieavy l)luw on 
the mouth. Before a fight arose the members 
separated them. The Moravians obtained a 
foot-hold through the absence of Falk, who was 
not always at home, and could not win over the 
people t« himself as the young Swede did. But 
they did not remain long in this field. The 
j)raetical results of their labors amongst other 
congregations ended in di.scord. 

A third resident pastor was John Aliraham 
Lindenius, who was sent by Acrelius, near the 
close of 1752, to reside at Molatton. Falk 
having left in 1745, the congregation had no 
regular pastor for the following seven years. 
During that time Muhlenberg preaciied to them 
repeatedly. Lindenius remained till the spring 
of 1755. He was the last Swedi.sh jiastor at 
Molatton. 

Rev. Muhlenberg continued his occasional 
visits at Molatton till August, 1761. From 
the beginning till that time the congregation 
was Ijutheran in denomination and only Lu- 
theran pastors officiated. Soon afterward it 
became connected with the Protestant Episcopal 
Church. This change was effected through 
applications to the " English Society for the 
Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts" 
for assistance in carrying on religious work at 
Molatton. Rev. Alexander Murray was sent 
by this society as a missionary to live at Read- 
ing and form a congregation there, and also to 
minister to the congregation at Molatton. He 
arrived in 1762. He reported (April 9, 1763) 
the membership of the congregation to consist 
of thirty-six tamilies and two hundred and 
thirty-two persons, of whom sixty-five were 
under seven years of age; also that there was 
then a ruinous kind of a church there, " built 
of logs or rough timber about thirty years ago 
by the Swedes, and as a great part of the con- 
gregation there consisted of these, I have been 
hitherto allowed the use of it, but it matters 
very little whether I am or not for the future, 



as it will cost as mnch to repair it as it would 
to build a new one of like materials and dimen- 
sions." In January, 1764, he reported twenty- 
nine families and one hundred and eighty-five 
persons, and added, " I can no more prevail on 
that people than these in town [meaning 
Reading] to engage heartily in any scheme for 
building a church; so I despair of seeing one 
erected in either of the places for some time to 
come." 

St. GABraEi.'s Cin'Rcii. — Shortly after the 
arrival of Rev. Alexander Murray, in 1762,' he 
succeeded in having a vestry chosen to officiate 
for the Episcopal congregation at Molatton. 

This organization was effected in April, 1763. 
In 1765 the congregation erected a log church 
of hewn timber, near by to the west of the 
" Swedes' Church," and continued to occupy it 
till 1801, when they demolished it and built a 
.stone structure. This latter building is still 
standing, having been in use over four-score 
years. 

In 1880 measures were taken to erect a new 
church, in which the rector, Rev. John Long, 
was particularly earnest and successful. A 
building committee was appointed, consisting 
of Rev. Mr. Long, John Y. Yocum and Jere- 
miah Yocum, and Mr. Henry Messchert, a 
resident of the vicinity, generously donated a 
fine lot of ground for the purpose. Work was 
commenced in June, 1880; on the 19th of Oc- 
tober following, the corner-stone was laid, and 
on January 23, 1884, the building was con.se- 
crated. The liberality of John Grouse towards 
encouraging and completing this church im- 
provement is worthy of special mention. A 
small, neat spire, eighty-five feet high, is con- 
structed at the lower front angle. It contains 



'The members of the MohxUon congregation decided, at 
a meeting, April 23, 1753, to obtain the canons of ihe 
Church of England, "in order that their affairs might be 
attended to in an orderly and Christianlike manner.'' 
This having been done, it was afterward decided to ask 
the " Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign 
Lands," in England, to supply them with a minister. Such 
a request was made .July 13, 1700, .and again at a general 
meeting April 17, 1761. Under the direction of this soci- 
ety the Rev. Alexander Murray assumed a pastoral care 
of the missions at Molatton and Read'og in November, 
1702. 



950 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



a clear-toned bell, weighing nineteen hnndred 
ponnds. The total cost was nearly twenty-one 
thousand dollars. 

The interior is finished and furnished in a 
most pleasing manner. Beautiful memorial 
windows enhance the attractive a])j)earauce of 
the auditorium. The building is also supplied 
with an organ of twenty stops, a large furnace 
for heating purposes, and gas, which is gener- 
ated upon the premises. 

The first Sunday-school was organized during 
the pastorate of Rev. George Mintzer in a barn 
near by, and comprised scholars who are citi- 
zens of the townships and members of the 
church. A Suuday-sc'hool is conducted in the 
old church building. The membership of the 
Sunday-school is sixty, and of the congregation, 
seventy-two. 

A burying-ground is attached to the old 
church building, and contains the oldest grave- 
stones in the county, one of which — that of 
Andrew llobeson — is still legible. 

During the ministry of licv. Edmund Leaf 
a parsonage was erected at Douglassville at a 
cost of three thousand dollars. llev. Alexan- 
der Murray otKciated as rector from 1762 till 
the Revolution ; afterward he served the con- 
gregation again from 1790 to 1792. The suc- 
ceeding ministers were, — 



179(i, Jolm AVade. 
18U1— t, John Armstrong. 

, Levi Bull, D.D. 

1827, Caleb Good. 
1828-36, George Mintzer. 
, William Homman. 



,H.F.M.Whitesidcs. 

1839, Oliver A. Shaw. 

1840, George Burcker. 
1844-72, Edmund Leaf. 
1872-76, J. Karcher. 
1876-86, Rev. John Long. 



St. Paul'.s Church (Reformed and Lutheran) 
is situated at Amity ville, and occupies a very fine 
and conspicuous position. The earliest members 
first worshipped at Molatton Church, but after 
the change which took place there a central lo- 
cality was sought upon which tc build a church 
for themselves. A small tract of land at the inter- 
section of three important roads was selected, 
and eleven rods purchased from the Boyer estate, 
and there they erected, in 1753, a log building, 
which served for both church and school pur- 
poses; it was used until 1796, and then a new 
church was substituted. The small church lot 
was enlarged by the purchase of three acres and 



thirty -six rods of land from the farm of Philip 
Boyer, and upon part of it a log school-house 
was built, which was used until 1839. Having 
determined to build a new church of stone, a 
subscription list was started Feljrunry 14, 
1795, in which the amounts pledged ranged 
from three pounds down to a shilling, and 
when seven hundred and thirty-eight pounds 
had been promised, building operations were 
commenced in the spring of the same year. 

This house was to be used alternately by 
the congregations, and it was provided that all 
denominational difi'erences " should be settled 
in a Christian-like manner, so as to promote 
the worship of God and the honor of the Sa- 
viour." The corner-stone was laid September 
18, 1795, the clergy present being tlie Revs. 
Carl Frederick Wildbahn and Daniel Lehman, 
Lutheran ; the Revs. Philip Pauli and William 
Ingold, Reformed. At that time the vestry 
was composed of Jacob Roth and George Fuss, 
Lutheran ; and Jacob Hoerner and Michael 
Ludwig, Reformed. The building connnittee 
was George Lorah and Matthias Roth ; the 
mason was Carl Boyer and the carpenter Jacob 
Gerber. The church was completed in 1796 
at a cost of two thou.sand three hundred and 
twenty-five dollars, but was not consecrated un- 
til the following year. It was covered with 
cedar shingles, and most of the lumber used was 
brought from Orwigsburg. The building of 
the church was a great burden, and it was not 
fully paid until 1816. 

The corner-stone of the present (or third) 
church was laid August 12, 1872, and a little 
more than a year later (August 16 and 17, 
1873) the consecration took place. It is an 
imposing edifice, with a steeple one hundred and 
twenty feet high, which is visible many miles 
in the surrounding country. It has a seating 
capacity of eight hundred. The bell in the 
steeple weighs two thousand pounds. 

The building committee was John Frooes, 
George Lorah, David Horner, Joshua Fulmer 
and David Rhoads. 

South of the church a large new cemetery 
was opened in 1860. It has been much beauti- 
fied and contains a large number of fine monu- 
ments. It is controlled by the consistory. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



951 



For many years the services of the cougre- 
gations were exclusively in German, and as the 
Englir-h-speaking element developed and the 
demand for preaching in that language was un- 
heeded, a separate English Lutheran congre- 
gation was formed in 1841, and carried on 
services in the school-house, with Rev. J. L. 
Schoch as pa.stor. In 1844 this congregation 
put up a small, plain brick church, which served 
them as a place of worship until the members 
again connected themselves with the old church. 
Mr. Schoch's ministry continued until ai'ter 
1850, when the Rev. J. A. Brown preached for 
a short time. Meantime, in 1848, the Rev. 
Geo. F. Miller, pastor of the Old Lutheran 
congregation, commenced holding English ser- 
vices every four weeks, — a custom which was 
also followed by the German Reformed pastor — 
tiuis removing the principal cause which led to 
the formation of a new church, and afterward 
it was deemed inadvisable to keep up a separate 
organization. The building has since been 
used statedly as a place of worship by a small 
congregation of the sect called the United 
Brethren. It is held in trust for the Lutherans 
by Ezekiel Rhoads, surviving trustee of the 
congregation. Prior to the building of this 
house an English Sabbath-school was established 
in the school-house, which later held its meet- 
ings in the new church, and, under the superin- 
tendence of Ezekiel Rhoads, was so prosperous 
that it threatened the vitality of the old Sunday- 
school, causing that body also to encourage 
the use of English in its school. 

The first English Sunday-school has main- 
tained its existence since its organization, and is 
still in a flourishing condition. This Sunday- 
school is now one of seven schools maintained 
by the congregations, which together have an 
aggregate attendance of nine hundred scholars, 
and the exercises in all of them are exclusively 
English. 

The services of both congregations were almost 
wholly in the German language until 1848, when 
English preaching was introduced and the ser- 
vices increased to twice per mouth ; and a few years 
later they became alternate with the German. 
Since the organization of the congregations tlie 
following have been the Lutheran pastors : 



1753, H. M. Muhlenberg. 
1761, John H. Sehaum. 
1767, John L. Voight. 
1778, A. Gerresheim. 
1783, Christian Striet. 
1789, John F. Weimland. 
1799, Carl F. Wildbahn. 
18U1, Henry A. Geiden- 
heimer. 



1806, Fred. Wiu. Giesen- 

hamer. 
1809, John P. Hecht. 

1814, Ernst Braineseiis. 

1815, Jacob and Conrad 
Miller. 

1848, George F. Miller. 
1872, Charles Koeruer. 
1880, Uriah P. Heilman.^ 



The congregation has a membership of nearly 
five hundred. 

The pastors of the Reformed congregation for 
the same period were, — 

1791, John C. Gobrecht. l 1849-64, N. S. Strassbur- 

1791-96, John W. Ingold. | gar. 

1802-40, Fred. Herman. I 1864r-69, J. H. Dubba. 
1840-44, H.. S. Bassler. 1869-80, D. Leberman. 

1844-49, Samuel Seivert. ! 1880, John H. Leinbach. 

A membership of four hundred was rei)orted 
in 1885. 

The United Brethren congregation, worship- 
ping in the small brick church at Amityville is 
weak numerically, and has not been able to 
maintain regular services. In 1885 the num- 
ber of members did not exceed twenty and no 
regular organization was reported. 



Weavertown is the oldest business point in 
the township. Half a century ago it was more 
important, relatively^ than at present. It has 
twenty buildings, which are but a few more in 
number than the place had sixty years ago. 
It took its name from Jacob Weaver, on whose 
farm the village was laid out, and who lived 
on the present William K. Lorah place, where 
he died. The house he occupied was partly of 
stone and logs, and served as a pioneer inn. 
After it was abandoned for that j)urpose, an inn 
was opened in a log house farther up the 
road, which was last kept by Henry Yerger, a 
number of landlords having been his predeces- 
sors. The first settlers were nearly all German 
mechanics. Ludwig Spiese had a small store 
for a time. Henry Wiebeck was a shoemaker; 
Adam Knauer, tailor; INIichael Klinger, hatter; 
John Brideubaugh, cooper; David Dehart, 
shoemaker ; Henry Yerger, clock-maker ; and 

' The latter still continues and has furnished the data 
from which the above sketch is written. 



952 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



old blind man, named Hatlield, basket-maker, 
who peddled liis wares about tlie country. 
Henry Aiiman was a German teacher, who 
conducted .schools at the church at Amityville 
and at the Yellow House. In the last years of 
his life he taught at his house, in Weavertowu. 
In 1853 Daniel Lorah built a store-house, 
which he occuj)ied, and it has been a place of 
business ever since, the merchant at present 
occuj)ying it being A. S. Strassburger. 

The post-office at this [)lace was established 
in 1828, with the name of Brumfieldvilk, in 
compliment to Jesse Brumfield, tlie first post- 
master, who had the office at his residence, half 
a mile from the hamlet. For a long time the 
office was kept at the house of Henry Auman, 
the old school-teacher. The present postmaster 
is Milton Schacffer. A daily mail from Read- 
ing is supplied. 

The Sabbath-school chapel was built in 
1879, and the neat brick scliool-house in 187G, 
botli being very creditable buildings. 

Tlie Union Sunday -school Vliapd at Weaver- 
town, was erected, in 1879, on a lot donated for 
that ])urpose by William K. Lorah. It is a 
neat frame building, and cost twelve hundred 
and twenty-eight dollars. 

The Sunday-school occupying this house was 
organized May 19, 1867, and has since been 
maintained. It has eighty mend)ers and a 
library of two hundred volumes. 

Amityville is a beautifully located village, 
on the Amity turnpike leading to the Yellow 
House, a little east of the centre of the town- 
ship. It contains two churches, school-house, 
hotels, store and several mechanic-shops. A 
number of fine residences adorn the place. 
This locality was called '' New Storeville " as 
early as 1782, on account of a new store having 
been established there by Lndwig Spiese, who 
first began trading at Weavertown. In 1818 
Adam Miller was also in trade at both places. 
Later, his son-in-law, John Yocum, built a new 
store-stand, where he traded some ten years, 
about 1850. J. M. Manger has been in trade 
the past few years. He is the postmaster of the 
Athol post-office, established January 23,1885, 
and which has a daily mail on the Boyertown 
route. About 1852 the name New Storeville 



was abandoned. The place has since been 
called Amityville. In the beginning of the 
century a man named Luther had a public- 
house near the angle of the roads, where is now 
the Schaetfer residence, the building being a 
quaint log structure, and the sign having a coon 
painted on it, whence it was called the " Coon's 
Nest." Luther was a coffiie-mill maker and 
had a small shop where he carried on that busi- 
ness. In 1840, J. J. Wagner located here as a 
cabinet-maker and undertaker ; also followed 
the carpenter's trade. He has built most of the 
houses in the 2>lace. In the former business he 
was succeeded by his son, Henry B., who 
maintains a shop. In 1858, William Yocum 
a wheelwright shop and the Pottses afterwards 
also engaged at that trade, their shops being 
still carried on. 

Near Amityville, Dr. R. B. Rhoads estab- 
lished a nursery, whicli is continued by B. J. 
Rhoads, and is the only industry of this nature 
in that part of the county. 

Plujsiciuns. — In 1840, Dr. John F. Bauin 
resided near Y'^ellow House, and in the same 
neighborhood was Dr. Mark Darrah, each 
having had a lai'g-^ [JiMctii^e. Dr. Elias C. 
Kitchen located l)etween .^.inityville and 
Weavertown, and has, for a number of years, 
been in active practice. On the same road, 
north, are located as physicians, Doctors D. 
McLane and Ira Moser, both being recent 
graduates. At Amityville lived, for a num- 
ber of years as a successful practitioner. Dr. 
Reuben B. Rhoads, who has now become a 
citizen of Boyertown.. 

The cause of education found many warm 
friends in Amity at an early day, and as 
early as 1820 Samuel Boyer had a private 
English school, which was well patronized. 
In 1842 S. L. Rhoads established an academy, 
which flourished until 1852, when the free 
schools seem to supply the wants for schools 
of that nature, and it was then discontinued. 
The present school-house was built in 1869, 
and is a large brick building with an attrac- 
tive exterior. In the summer months it is 
conducted as the Amity Seminary by J. C. 
Holloway. 

Amity Library Associativn. — On Ja.iuary 



TOWNSHIPS OP COUNTY. 



953 



12, 1878, a meeting was held to discuss the 
advisability of forming a library association, 
which should be auxiliary to and be governed by 
a literary society ; and then a committee was 
appointed to report on the organization of such a 
body. A weelv later another meeting was 
iield, the society organized and officers elected. 

An unlimited number of s])ares of stock in 
tiie Library Association were oiFered at one 
dollar per share, and were so freely taken 
that the nucleus of a library was very soon 
gathered. To this, additions were made 
from time to time until, in March, 1886, 
the library contained five hundred volumes 
of standard books and about two hundred 
volumes of public documents. A library- 
room has been fitted up in the old school- 
house at Amityville, and since its organ- 
ization the association has hcoa faithfully kept 
up. 

Washington Camp No. 213, P. 0. S. of A.^ 
was instituted at Amityville (Athol) May 7, 
1 874. In 1885 it had forty members, and 
licld its meetings in a neat hall in the Stetler 
House. Tlie canq) lias about five; hundred 
dollars in its treasury and twelve hundred 
dollars invested in real estate. 

Earia'ille is a post hamlet two miles 
north from Amityville, on the line of Earl 
township. It derived its name when the 
post-office was established, in 1838. Until that 
time the locality wa.s called Klincsville, after 
Jacob Kline, who opened a public-holise there 
about 1800, and a store twenty years later. 
These interests liave since been continued, the 
property being owned in later years by Isaac 
(t. Stettler, and whose heirs still control it. 
The office lias a daily mail on the Boyertown 
route. 

Yellow House is a similar hamlet on the 
Oley line, on the turnpike from Douglassville, 
and derived its name from a country tavern at 
that point, kept by the Nagles, which was 
[lainted yellow. It became widely known by 
this name and when the post-office was estab- 
lished, in 186G, it took the same name. The 
hotel and store were long the property of the 
(Juldin family. A creamery was lately erected 
here by W. D. Kehl. 
81 



DouGLASwviLLE is a station on Philadelphia 
and Reading and Pennsylvania Railroads. Few 
stations on these great railways arc so highly 
favored in the matter of depot accommodations 
as this place. It is the railway point of large 
sections of country, north and south of the 
river. The village contains the handsome 
St. Gabriel's Episcopal Church, some fine 
residences, a forge, two stores and a hotel. 
After the removal of some of the early Swed- 
ish settlers, Jacob Warren, by trade a carpen- 
ter, became the owner of some lauds here and 
built several houses, one of which was after- 
ward known as the Ludwig mansion, and 
the place became locally known as Warrens- 
burg. Failing in business, his property passed 
into other hands. George Douglass, having be- 
come an extensive land-owner along the river, 
including the old Jones house, the hamlet was 
called Douglassville ; and with this name the 
post-office was established in Marc^h, 1829. 
For many years the office was kept by Dr. 
Michael Ludwig, Theodore, his son, and L. B. 
Holloway, the latter from 1865 to January, 
1886, when George S. Reider was appointed. 
There are five mails per day. In this old build- 
ing George Douglass once carried on business, and 
in the next building below was an inn, called 
the "White Horse Tavern." Another inn was 
opened by Jacob Raliu, called the " Black 
Horse Tavern," and which, in an enlarged and 
improved condition, is continued, by Samuel Van 
Reed, as the Douglassville Hotel. In this 
building Henry McKenty opened a store and 
also followed his occupation as a tailor. The 
room has been much enlarged and occuipied by 
L. B. Holloway, Charles Hine and the present 
elohn H. Egolf in transacting a general mercan- 
tile business. McKenty also built the large resi- 
dence which is now the Egolf mansion. In 
1877 a Union Co-operative Store was started by 
the Patrons of Husbandry of this section, in 
the old Ludwig building, which was continued 
a few years under the management of E. H. 
Prutzman. The directors controlling the store 
were D. B. Manger, H. P. Leaf and J. Y. Yo- 
cum, as officers. The same building has also 
been used fi)r hotel ])urposes. Walter and 
David Young are dealers in lumber and coal. 



954 



IIISTOEY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



About seventy years ago Dr. James May was 
here as a physician. In 1823 Dr. Michael 
Ludwig succeeded him and practiced many 
yeare. When the latter first became a practi- 
tioner here, his ride extended over territory 
which is now occujiied by fifteen doctors. Dr. 
William Jones was also long in practice and 
was succeeded by Dr. Franklin Gerhart. 

Washington Camp, No. 240, P. 0. S. of A., 
was instituted at Douglassville July 15, 1877, 
with fourteen members. In 1885 twenty were 
reported. The camp has about two-hundred 
aud fifty dollars in its treasury, and though 
not strong numerically , is fairly jirosperous. 

MoNOCACY Station, on the Philadelphia 
and Reading Railroad, is a small hamlet, eleven 
and a half miles below Reading. It derives its 
name from INIonocacy Hill, in tliat locality. A 
post-office was establisiied in 1872. It contains 
a public-house, a store and a half-dozen resi- 
dences. 

lUrHillAI'IIICAL SKETCHES. 

EzKKiEi. RiiOADS. — The ancestors of the 
IMioads family arrived in Pennsylvania about 
171U. An allusion is made to them in a manu- 
si^ipt liistory of Oley township, wiiich is now 
in tiie Pennsylvania Historical SotMcty, at 
Philadelphia, to this effect : 

''About 1725 three brotliers named Rhoads, 
or Rotii, also prospected this section of country 
for a home. As they threaded their way 
through Oley, one day, tliey halted at the beau- 
tiful spring, where now stands the farm-house 
(if Jacob K. Kaufinau, near the Yellow House. 
. . . They finally took up land on the All Sort 
range, in Amity, and settled tiiereon, and many 
families of that name have descended from them, 
some of whom are still in po.ssassion of tiie an- 
cestral estates." 

Ezekiel Rhoads was the son of Sanuicl aud 
Klizabeth Rhoads, grand.-^on of Jacob and the 
great-grandson of Jacob, one of tlie three broth- 
ers mentioned. He was born in Amity town- 
ship January 2G, 1810. lu his fifteenth year 
he became an orphan, and, at tiie same age, lie 
was coufirnied and admitted to full membership 
in tlic I'A'angelical I>utherau Church at Amity- 
ville, tiien under the ministration of the Rev. 



Conrad Miller. Owing to the early death of 
his parents, the lad attended school but six 
months in his life. His guardian, David Lud- 
wig, hired him to John A. Bertolette, of Oley 
township, at the wages of four dollars per 
month for services which now would be valued 
at twelve dollars per month. On October 1, 
1825, he was ajiprenticed for a term of two and 
a half years to Jacob Coleman, of Amity, to 
learn the tailoring trade, often working from 
four o'clock in the morning until eleven at night 
during the winter season. This period of his 
life instilled into young Rhoads those habits of 
industry and steady application which have 
clung to him aud are part of his characteristics, 
even in his old age. In 1828 he went to Trappe, 
in Montgomery County, where he followed his 
trade as a journeyman for a year, and in 
1829 removed to Reading where lie was em- 
ployed with Jose])h Wanner until 1831, when 
he removed to Amity township, on a tract of land 
containing thirty-eight acres, on the Manatawny 
Creek. This land he inherited at a valuation of 
one thousand eight hundred and sixty dollars. 
This, with two hundred dollars in cash which 
he had saved from his earnings, constituted his 
start in life. Mr. Rhoads here followed tailoring, 
then purchased forty-three aud a half acres ad- 
joining the inheriteil tract. In 1833 he pur- 
chased twenty acres additional at one hundred 
dollars per acre, having then in all one hundred 
and a half acres. Shortly afterward he ac- 
quired, by purchase, a tract of forty-three acres, 
and one of thirty-four acres, having then in all 
one hundred and .seventy-eight and a half acres. 
From 1831 to 1838 he conducted tailoring in 
addition to farming, employing five hands at 
the former business. In the year last named 
he began to devote his entire energies to farm- 
ing. 

Mr. Rhoads during all this time was a 
public-spirited citizen, ever favoring and aidiug 
public enterprises. He was one of the original 
shareholders of the National Union Bank 
of Reading. Pie holds stock in the National 
Rank of Norristown, and in the Yellow House 
and Douglassville Turnpike Company, aud 
one-fourth scholarship iu Franklin and Mar- 
shall Colley;e. Froui the date of his admission 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



955 



to the church he has been a zealous and devoted 
member. He has been a churcli-warden, and 
was for many years one of the principal aids in 
fiirnishinir the music for the services of the 
church at Aniityville. In 1838 he was elected 
superintendent of the first Sunday-school be- 
tween Reading and Pottstown — that connected 
with his home church. This position he held 
with but brief intermission for forty years, 
with credit to himself and profit to the school. 



married to Susanna K. Bertolette, daughter of 
John A. Bertolette, of Oley township. They 
have had eight children, two of whom died in 
infancy. His wife was stricken with paralysis 
and died February 28, 187-5, in her forty- 
fourth year. 

Calvin B. Rhouds, the oldest son, was mar- 
ried to Camilla Johnson, of Norristown ; he 
removed to Wilmington, Del., in 1873, and in 
1885 was elected mayor of that city. 





'.c^ 



^2^ 



In 1885 he accepted the superiutendency of the 
Locustdale Sunday-school, between Yellow 
House and Earlville. He has never faltered 
in the diligent study of the Scriptures. 

In politics Mr. Rhoads has always been a 
Democrat. In 1860 he supported Stephen A. 
Douglas for President of the United States. 
He has remained a firm Democrat, and has 
always been an advocate of sound political 
principles. 

On November 27, 1831, Mr. Rhoads was 



Franklin B. Rhoads, the second son, married 
Rebecca Lorah, daughter of John Lorah, of 
Amity township. He now resides at Yellow 
House, where he is known as a man of 
quick intelligence and marked business capacity. 

Amos W. B. Rlioads, the third son, removed 
to Dayton, Ohio, in 18(38, and was married to 
Annie Willard, of tliat city ; he became secre- 
tary and treasurer of the Farmers' Friend 
Manufacturing Company, but died in Novem- 
ber, 1872. 



956 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The eldest duuiiliter, Ijouisa, married Levi A. 
Bertolette, of Oley township, wiio removed to 
Wihuington, Del., in 1871, and was appointed 
a jnstice of the peace in 1878, which office he 
holds at this date. 

Catherine E., the second dani;htci-, was mar- 
ried to Daniel Ij. Rhoads, wiio resides at 
Yellow House, Amity township, and is presi- 
dent of the National Bank of lioyertown. 

The youngest daughter, Harriet A., man-ied 



ance of religious, private and social duties, and 
has come to be affectionately called grandflitiier 
by all the people of his neighborhood. He is 
yet in the full vigor of health and possesses a 
genial and hap])y disposition. 

Kzekiel Rhoads is a man of marked traits of 
character, of irreproachable honesty anil the 
strictest integrity. He is dignified in his bear- 
ing, affiible in his manners and highly reveretl 
by the community in which he lives. 




Henry K. Rechtel, of Exeter townsliip, and 
now resides in Reailing. By these six children 
Mr. Rhoads has sixteen grandchildren living. 

After his wife's death jNIr. Rhoads ceased 
farming and lived with his son Franklin, who 
succeeded him. He resides with his son-in-law 
and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel L. Rhoads, 
at Yellow-House, where he lives at the pres- 
ent time, surrounded by all the bright and 
cheerful influences of a charming domestic 
circle. He confines his energies to the perform- 



V WiiJ,iAM Yoco.M was born on the old Yoconi 
homestead, in Amity township, January 23, 1 817. 
His father wasHVIoses Yoconi, born at the same 
place October 11, 1786, and died August 30, 
1850. '-William Yocom's mother was Susanna 
Weaver, a daughter of Jacob and Anna Weaver, 
who were the parents of Peter Weaver, who was 
the father of Colonel Jeremiah Weaver. Susanna 
Yocom, mother of William Yocom, was born 
August 18,1701, and died May 1 9, 1872. William 
Yocom's grandfather was John Yocom and 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



95T 



was also ]>orn on tlie old homestead (now the 
( 'assi'lhiiiy farm), in the year 1749, and died 
October 14, ]82;3. 

Jonas Yocom, the great-grandfather of 
William Yocom, was a Swede, and eame with 
the Swedes to this eonntry late in the seven- 
teenth eentnry, and settled with the colony at 
the Wissahickon, near Philudclphia, with two 
other brothers. Later some of the Swedes 
settled on the left bank of the Schuylkill River, 
at what is now Douglassville, but two miles 
south from Mr. Yocom's residence, where the 
old stoue house, built in 171(), still stands. The 
name was first spelled " Jocom," then "Yo- 
comb" and now " Yocom." Mo.ses Yoconj had 
three farms in Amity township. 

William Yocom obtained a conmion-school 
echication ; woi-ked on farm with his father. 
Fn January, 18;54, he was apprenticed to John 
Bunn at cabinet-making and served three 
years, and pursued it two years. He became 
Iiighly respected and still is held in high esteem 
by all who know him. He was elected to nu- 
merous township offices ; was a school director 
when Jesse G. Hawley, Esq., editor of the 
Reading Daily Eagle, first taught school, and 
served three terms. 

In 1867-68 the Douglassville and Yellow 
House turnpike road was constructed and Mr. 
Yocom elected its first superinteudant, and also 
ever since its construction its treasurer; is pres- 
ident of the Berks County Mutual Fire Insur- 
ance Company for the last ten years, and since 
1870 a director of the National Bank of 
Pottstown; is trustee, guardian, assignee, execu- 
tor and administrator of estates. His farm, 
which he still cultivates, contains two hundred 
acres ; it lies between Amity ville and Douglass- 
ville, and was formerly known as the "Jones 
homestead." His son's name is William B. 
Yocom. He has his second wife, who was 
Miss Mary B. Kline, daughter of George Kline, 
and was in later years a prominent merchant at 
Earlville, Berks county, Pa., and has one son, 
William B. Yocom. 

George K. Lorah was born on a farm in 
Amity township January 14, 1823. John 
liorah, his great-gi-andfather, emigrated from 
France during the time of the persecution of 



the Huguenots, about 1710. The deed for a 
tract of two hundred and sixty-seven and one- 
half acres of land lie purcliased in Amity town- 
ship is dated June 1, 1740. John I^orah died 
in 1868 (?) leaving two sons, George and 
John, and three danghU>rs. George Lorah was 
born in 1745. He held the office of county 
commissioner of Berks County for three years ; 
was also appointed a justii« of the peace for 
Amity township and held the office until he 
died, August 1, 1823, leaving three sons — John, 
George and Daniel — and three daughters. John, 
the eldest, moved to Ohio, and died there about 
1845. George, the second son, lived in Cunu'u 
township, Berks County, and died therein 1840. 
Daniel, the third son, was born February 20, 
1779, in Amity township. He was very j)rom- 
inentinthe church and in political matters, and 
filled various offices. 

He owned the farm previously owned l)y liis 
father and grandliither; it is now owned by 
John Loi'ah, brother of George K. Lorah. 
He died Septendier 8, 1853, leaving four sons 
— William, John, George and Augustus — and 
seven daughters. The sons i-eside in Amity 
township, except Augustus, who lives in Potts- 
town. The mother, Hannah Knabb, was a 
descendant of a prominent fiimily of Ohy town- 
ship. 

George K. Lorah obtained his education in 
a subscription school in Amityville, until he 
was eighteen years old, taught by Samuel Boyer, 
an efficient teacher. He worked on the fai"m 
of his father until 1843, when he engaged in 
teaching a subscription school in Colcbrook- 
dale township; then taught one year in Amity 
township and was a clerk in the mercantile 
business for eighteen months. In 1847 he en- 
gaged in faruiing land which he afterwards 
inherited from his father, and by purchases 
since has now in all one hundred and sixty- 
nine acres. September 23, 1847, he married 
Wilhelmiua De Turk, daughter of Jacob De 
Turk, also a descendant of the Huguenots. She 
was 231'omineut in chureh-work, in which she 
always took great interest. She was born Oc- 
tober 16, 1825, and died September 21, 1880. 
Mr. Lorah has always taken a prominent part 
in the church and in political matters; held the 



958 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



office of deacon and elder in the Reformed 
Cluircli at Aniityville; was also one of the 
building committee for the erection of the pres- 
ent church there. 

Mr. Lorah was at various times e]ecte<l school 
director, and served a.s a mercantile a])praiser 
for the year 1S58. In 18(31 he was elected i 
county commissioner. During the time of the 
Civil War, by reason of which it \vas often diffi- i 
cult to act upon subjects brought before the i 



He held the office of justice of the pejice from 1 8(i^) 
to 1880. He then resigned the office in order to 
accept the office of Representative in the Legis- 
lature of Pennsylvania, to which position he 
was elected in November, 1880, for the term of 
two years, and served during the session of 
1881 faithfully and with credit to himself and 
his constituents. In the fall of 1-882 he was 
re-elected, and served in the extra session of 
1883 to the entire credit of himself and those he 




board, asking lur relief for the families of 
soldiers during their absence at the seat of war, 
and for the payment of bounties to men willing 
to enlist, to fill the different quotas of the 
county, and which required appropriations of 
large sums of money, upon the propriety or the 
right of which people greatly differed, the 
commissioners took the responsibility to act in 
accordance with their best judgment, and were 
abundantly sustained by the peoj)le, and the 
county debt thereby created has since all been 
cheerfully paid by the tax-payers of the county. 



represented. At the expiration of his term, in 
December, 1884, he was apjjointed a notary 
public. In 1886 the citizens of his township 
again elected him justice of the peace. 

He is the secretary of the Mutual Fire In- 
surance Company of Berks County, which po- 
sition he has held since December, 1864. 
Through his excellent and careful management 
the company has been very successful, increasing 
their insurance from two million five hundred 
thousand dollars to eight million dollars. He is 
al.so president of the Donglassville and Yellow 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



95!) 



House Turnpike Company, and a director of 
the Oley Valley and Lehigh Railroad Com- 
pany; also a director of the Penn National 
Bank of Reading, and secretary and treasurer 
of the Monocacy Bridge Company ; also presi- 
dent of the Monocacy Valley Creamery Asso- 
ciation. He lias had the settlement of a large 
number of estates as executor, administrator or 
assignee, and held many positions as trustee and 
guardian of minor children, enjoying the gen- 
eral confidonce and esteem of all who know him. 



young woman named Bechtel, by whom he had 
children, among them being two sons, — Michael 
(who was married to a Miss Lutz) and Philip. 
Philip Ludwig was born in Amity township, 
March 10, 1759, and carried on farming. He 
was actively interested in the building of the 
first substantial Amity Church, having been 
one of the prominent members of that congre- 
gation. He was married to Anna Dehart, born 
August 1(>, 1769, and died December 25, 1825. 
He died February 5, 1827, and left 8even diil- 




'^^^^^--^--^^^^zj)^ 



/t,<^f&/< 



Elam M. Ludwig, a prominent and success- 
ful breeder of fine blooded horses, is a descend- 
ant of Michael Ijudwig, who emigrated from 
Germany to Pennsylvania, having sailed in the 
ship called " Pennsylvania Merchant " and 
landed at the port of J?*hiladelpliia in 1733, 
whence he proceeded to Amity township and 
settled on the farm now occujned by William 
Davidheiser, of which he then became the 
owner. Michael Ludwig was married to a 



dren, — Abrahaui, Thomas (married to Mary A. 
Schaetter), Jacob (married to Sarah Sjiang), 
Benjamin, Mary (married to George Moser), 
Ellen (married first to a Nein, and afterward 
to Wesley Stern), and Rachel (married Daniel 
Deeter and moved West). 

Abraham Ludwig was Ijorn in Amity town- 
ship, on the homestead, March 7, 1788. He 
was educated at the " Molatton School " and 
subsequently carried on fai'ming. He was mar- 



!t6(» 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ried to Sarah Miller, who was born January 8, 
1786. He died January 18, 1863, and left a 
widow (who survived him fifteen years, having 
died July 26, 1878) and seven children, — Harriet 
(married to William Lorah, a descendant of one 
of the earliest settlers of the township), Augus- 
tus (married to Carolina Pott, a daughter of 
John Pott), Elizabeth (married to Peter Mar- 
quart, Esq.), Mary Ann (married to Jacob 
Hollo way), Elara, Sarah (married to Jacob 
Schaeffer) and Lewis (married to Elizabeth 
Rothermel, a daughter of Peter Rothermel). 

Elam Miller Ludwig, the subject of this 
sketch, M'as born on the homestead March 7, 
1828, and educated in the schools which the 
township aiforded. He assisted his father in 
farming till he became twenty -tliree years of 
age, and then commenced farming for himself in 
Union township, on one of the Brooke farms, 
whicli he bought in the next year after he be- 
gan (having been given a generous opportunity 
l)y tlie owners, Edward and George Brooke), 
and in three years he sold the same at a consid- 
erable j)rofit ; this ])rofit gave him a substan- 
tial start in business life. He then moved 
to Amity township, and bought the Egle farm 
(eiglity acu'cs), known also as the Gerling farm, 
wliicli was a part of one of the Swedes' tracts ; 
tliis lie has oecuj)ied and conducted contin- 
uously till now. 

Mr. Ijudwig has taken a great interest in the 
Agricultural Society of tiie county, having at- 
tended all its exhibitions, excepting the first, 
and placed superior blooded horses on exhibi- 
tion. His first exhibition consisted of two 
heavy Canadian stallions. From that time till 
now — -a period covering over thirty years — he 
has paid much attention to the raising of fine 
horses, distinguished for speetl, and exhibited 
them at county fairs. The stallion " Bonaparte " 
was intro<luced by Townsend Evans, of which 
Mr. Ludwig became tiie owner. Sired by this 
stallion, he raised a fine, speedy marc, which, at 
four years old, trotted a mile in two fifty-two. 
This was remarkable speed for a local horse thirty 
years ago. He introduced " Ironsides," having 
bouolit him as a colt. This superior stallion 
(rotted .-1 mile on ;in iiil'erior tr;iek (circular, 



one-third of a mile in length) in two thirty -six. 
This was a wonderful feat, and the exhibition 
developed a feeling in the comnuniity for speed 
in horses. In 1865 Mr. Ludwig introduced 
the " Ethan Allen " stock. He raised " Lady 
Elgin," a fine, gentle and speedy mare, which 
trotted a mile in two twenty-seven. This mare 
he now has ujion his plantation for breeding 
purposes. In 1874 he introduced the " Ham- 
bletonian " stock, which he has latterly made a 
specialty, and in which he has been very suc- 
cessful. His stock now includes two fine bay 
mares, " Purity " and " Little Thorne " mated, 
that have trotted together a half a mile in one 
fifteen and a quarter. 

Mr. Ludwig was married to Hannah Grinder, 
a daughter of Samuel Grinder, by whom he 
has nine children, — Calvin, Brooke, Barde, 
Harriet, Mahlon, Amelia, Sarah, Abraham and 
Lewis. 

Colonel Jereml^h Weaver, of Amity 
township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, was 
born October 1, 1816, on the farm of his father, 
and the farm he afterwards owned. He always 
lived on the same farm on which he died, 
November 2, 1885, from softening of the l)rain. 
His father was Peter Weaver, a wealthy and 
distinguished farmer, who, during the latter 
days of his life, was nearly blind. I'eter Weaver 
was born on the same farm, where he resided 
until his death, in the eighty-sixth year of his 
age, from palsy. He was buried in the Amity- 
ville church-yard. Colonel Weaver was buried at 
the Oley Churches. Peter Weaver had two child- 
ren, Jeremiah and Anna Weaver, the latter being 
married to Cyrus Ludwig, and after his death 
she married Edward Philipps. 

The parents of Peter Weaver and the grand- 
father of Colonel Weaver were Jacob Weaver 
and a Mi.ss Van Reed ; they had eleven diil- 
dren. 

Ellen Knabb, of Oley is a sister of Pettn- 
Weaver and an aunt of the colonel. She is 
now in her ninety-second year. 

Colonel Weaver had no children. He was a 
firm, yet rational man, coin-ageons and brave. 
He was elected and commissioned by Governor 
Francis IJ.Sliuiik, April IS, 1,S45, colonel of 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



961 



the Tliii-d Regiment of Militia of" Penusylvania, 
Second Brigade of tiie Sixth Division, composed 
of tlic militia of the counties of Dauphin, Leba- 
non, Berks and Schuylkill. Septcndjer 7, 1850, 
William F. Johnson, (Jovernor of Pennsylvania, 
coniiuissioned him captain of the National Ar- 
tillery of the Uniformed Militia of Pennsylvania, 
First Brigade of the Fifth Division, comprising 
Dauphin, Lebanon and Berks Counties. 
He was asrain elected and commissioned 



stock farms in the country. He had a custom 
of always keeping six heavy Norman horses ou 
the farm and oljjected to all small horses. He 
usually kept about twenty-five milk cows for 
use on the. farm, and niadetlie fattening of oxen 
a specialty, which were shipped to New York 
and Philadelphia markets. Much of the bur- 
den and care of managing the farm was 
assumed by John Swavely, who had been em- 
ployed by CJolonel Weaver for twenty years. 




captain of the National Artillery, First Brigade, 
October 20, 1854, by William Bigler, then 
Governor of Pennsylvania. His uniform is care- 
fully preserved by Mrs. Weaver and is still in 
excellent condition and much prized. 

His two swords were loaned to friends and 
never returned. In his dress he ever showed 
good taste, always seeking the best. He was 
a man who dealt honorably with mankind. 
During the latter years of his life he dealt ex- 
tensively in live stock, and had one of the finest 
82 



and since the colonel's death still assists Mrs. 
Weaver in the direction of the farm In 1X71 
Colonel Weaver had as much as fifty-five head of 
cattle and three hundred sheep. He dealt mostly 
in "short-horn" Durhams. In 186.S Mr. Swavely 
brought from Ohio, for Colonel ^^'eaver, an ox 
that weighed twenty-five hundred pounds, for 
which he paid in Ohio two hundred and fifty dol- 
lars. Other oxen averaged from eighteen hun- 
dred to two thousand pounds, and for many he 
gave one hundred dollars per head. He bought 



it62 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



nearly all his cattle in Trumbull County, Ohio. 
He bought Southdown sheep (imported), for 
which he paid one hundred and five dollars per 
head, and for Canada sheep he paid as high as 
forty dollars per head. When he exhibited 
stock at the county fairs he always secured first 
premium. He was given first premium at the 
State fair when held at Easton, Penn.sylvauia, 
for fat and yoke oxen. His farm was one of 
the finest in Berks County, and has been in the 
possession of the Weaver family since January 5, 
1760. It was jiatented to Peter Weaver, one of the 
earliest auce.stry of the Weavers in this county, 
and descended from father to .son or brother to 
l)rotlier. In 1718 the first owner, Peter Weaver, 
sold it to Jacob Weaver. In 1747 Jacob sold 
it to his .son Peter, and in 1783 Peter .sold it to 
his .sou, Jacob Weaver, Jr. In 1820 Jacob 
Weaver, .Jr., sold it to his .son Samuel ; when, in 
1840, Samuel died single and intestate, Jacob 
Weaver, a brother of Samuel, took it at the 
appraisement. Jacob, in 1842, had it sold by 
the sheriff, when Peter Weaver (the father of our 
subject) bought it and in 1866 sold it to his .son. 
Colonel Jeremiah Weaver. The latter, owing to 
sundry lo.sses and misfortunes, became involved 
and assigned his estate to William Yocom for 
benefit of creditors, and in 1876 Mrs. Cathar- 
ine Weaver, wife of Colonel Weaver, bought the 
pi-oju^rty and still retains it. It contains two 
hundi'ed and two acres and fifty-five perches of 
good soil, well divided into suitable field.s, with 
the finest spring water facilities on all parts of 
the farm and never freezes. 

The farm extends from the Reading and 
Boyortown road to the I\)ugla,ssville and 
Yellow House turu[)ike road, accessible from 
either. The farm has the finest and best fruit, 
three apple orchards contaiuing about thirty five 
acres. 

The liuildiiigs ari^ in (xcollcnt condition, 
there being two dwellirig-hou.scs and twenty- 
two out-bnilding-s. The fiirm is tcMianted (1886) 
l>v William (^inrad. 



C()Ll':r.Vi()OKI)ALK TOWN.smi'. 

EuiXTioN i)V TowN.SHii". — A petition of 
sundry inhabitants of " Colebrook-Dale" was 



presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions, at 
Philadelphia, on Septeuiber 7, 1741, in which 
they set forth " that your petitioners suffer un- 
der some disadvantages as touching roads and 
highways, the poor, etc., as not knowing their 
boundaries, for which reasons some contentious 
persons frequently oppose us in our proceedings: 
wherefore we humbly pray this court to take 
this affair into their consideration and erect a 
new township. Beginning at a corner in George 
McCall's upper line of the manor called John 
Penn's and Douglass township line, and from 
thence to run along the said manor line north 
forty east one thousand six hundred perches; 
thence northwest nine hundred and sixty jierches 
to a corner; thence south forty west one thou- 
.sand six hundred j)erches ; thence .southeast 
nine hundred and sixty perches by vacant land 
and Douglass township, to the place of begin- 
ning, containing about nine thousand si.K hun- 
dred acres." The subscribers were, — ■ 



Conrad Behm. 
Samuel Mich.ael Essig. 
Fraiitz Yoster Staudt. 
Joseph Walker. 
Jacob Maikloii. 
Thoinns Pults, Jr. 



Tliomas Potts. 
John Potts. 
John Conrad Roths 
Matthias Rhoades. 
Friedrick Frey. 
Thomas Willsoii. 



The survey was made by (reorge Boone, Esq., 
and reported by him to William Parsons, sur- 
veyor-general, who, in December following, cer- 
tified that the courses of the district surveyed 
did not interfere with the bounds of any other 
township; whereupon the court erected the same 
into a township by the name of Cule-Brook- 
Dak. 

In 1839 the area of the township was reduced 
over one-third by the appropriation of about 
three thousand si.\ hundred acres in (he u])])er 
section toward the erection of Washington town- 
ship. 'I'he estimated area in 1849 wji-s six 
thousand acres. In 18G6 the borough of Boyer- 
town was erc<!ted out of a portion of territory in 
the eastern .section of the townshi]>. A post-of- 
fice had been establisiicd at tliis j)oint in the 
town.ship in 1828. 

Early Ikon- Works. — Iron-works were be- 
gun at a very early period in this district, and 
it is believed that they were the fii'st in Penn- 
.sylvauia. in the colonial records they are re- 



TOWNSHIPS OP COUNTY. 



963 



ferred to as the " Mahaaatawny Iron-Works," 
because they were situated in the district of 
eonutry knowu by that name. They comprised 
a furnace, wliich lias been called and known as 
" Colebrookdale." It is sui)p()se<l that this fur- 
nace was erected in the year 1720, "or a year 
or two earlier," by a company com])rising, 
among others, Thomas Rutter, Anthony Morris, 
James Lewis and Thomas Potts, and carried on 
for about fifty years.' The furnace was situated 
on the Iron-Stone Creek, an important l)ranch 
of the Manatawny, within a mile to the south 
of thc! present borough of Boyertown. It stood 
about five perches west from tiie creek, near the 
road which leads from the Reading road to 
lOuglesville. A large dam was constructed im- 
mediately above the furnace and supplied with 
water by a head-race, which extended from a 
point in the creek about one hundred and forty 
perches north from the furnace and lay to the 
west of the creek. The early discovery of a 
valuable deposit of iron-ore near by induced the 
erection of the furnace at this point. The mouth 
of the mine-hole was about one hundred and 
fifty perches distant from the furnace in a north- 
eastwardly direction. A great abundance of 
magnetic ore has been mined in this vicinity. 
Two veins havebeen worked very successfully, — 
one at a depth of three hundred and ninety-two 
feet, which was found to be twenty-two feet 
thick and to yield fifty per cent, of red magnetic 
ore; and the other at a greater depth, which is 
said to be inexhaustible. Latterly for some 
years Ihe mine has been operated Iw the War- 
wick Iron Company. A portion of Boyertown 
has been undermined. 

The land upon which this furnace stood was 
taken up by David Powell, to whom a patent 
was issued in 1718 for two hundred acres, and 
he conveyed it to Thomas Rutter in 1719. 

Settlement Attacked by Indians. — The 
first conflict between the Indians and the early 
settlers of this section of country, now included 
in Berks County, was in 1728, in the Mana- 
tawny region.^ A petition, subscribed by a 
number of the inhabitants of Colebrookdale, 



' See Early Industries. 
23 Col. Rec, 321. 



was presented to Governor Gordon ()n May 1 0, 
1728, in which they referred to their sufferings 
from the Indians and prayed fi)r " relief of 
themselves and their poor wives and ('hildren, 
who were to them more tlian life itself."' A 
skirmish is alleged to have taken place at 
" Mahanatawny I ron- Works " between the in- 
habitants of that region of (country and a party 
of foreign Indians, and the Governor, in pur- 
suance of the petition mentioned, accompa- 
nied by divers gentlemen, visited the place. 
Upon his return to Philadelphia he met the 
Executive C'ouucil, on May I-'), 1728, 

" And acquainted tlic hoard tliat he had just re- 
turned friim Mahanatawny, where lie found the 
peoidc in very great disorder by tlic noise of tlie 
skirmish tliat liappened between some of our people 
and a small party of Indians ; that many of the back 
inhabitants had quitted their houses and seemed 
under great apprehensions of numbers of Indians 
coming to attack them ; that several Palatine families, 
numbering some hundreds of persons, were gathered 
together ata mill near New Hanover township.in order 
to defend thenisclves, and that there he saw tlie man 
who was said to have been killed by the Indians, but 
he .appeared to be only slightly wounded in the belly. 
The report had been, that the Indians fired upon 
some of our people, wounded several slightly and one 
man mortally ; that having examined several persons 
there and at Colebrookdale, touching the said Indians, 
he understood that they were eleven in number, 
painted for war, armed with pistols, guns, etc., and 
had been in that neighborhood for some days, that 
they were all armed, and had a Spanish Indian for 
their captain ; and that having been rude in several 
houses where they forced the people to sujjply them 
with victuals .and drink, some of our inhabitants, to the 
number of twenty, were armed with guns and swords, 
went in search of the Indians, and, coming up with 
them, they sent two of their number to treat with the 
captain, who, instead of receiving them civilly, brand- 
ished his sword and commanded his men to tire, 
wdiich they did and wounded two of ours, who, there- 
upon, returned their fire; upon which they saw the 
captain fall, but he afterward got up and ran into 
the woods after his party, having left his gun and 
watch-coat behind, and that since that time they had 
been seen no more." * 

Early Roads.— On March 22, 1723, a 
public road was laid out in this section of terri- 
tory from Thomas Rutter's iron-mines to the 
great road which led frt)m " Manahatawny " 



3 1 I'cnria. Arch., p. '213. 

*l!upp's " History of Berks County," p. OG. 



964 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



to Philadelphia, by Thomas Rutter, John 
Roades, Jonathan Robeson and Burg Hollen- 
bock. A public road was laid out in 1728 
from Skippack to Colebrookdale. 

Early Taxaules. — The following eighteen 
persons were reported as taxables in the district 
for the year 1 734 : 

Thomas Potts. John Parker. 

Garret lugle. Andrew Buzard. 

Daniel Stover. John Ball. 

Joseph Walker. Jacob Buckwalter. 

John Henry Kyler. Peter Bideler. 

Joseph Murry. Michael Bower. 

Samuel Griffiths. Wooldery Ingery. 

John Garret. Jacob Harman. 

Richard Gregory. Hance Bower. 

The following li.st comprises the names of 
tlie taxables of the township for 1759, from 
which it appears that the early settlers were 
almost entirely Germans. The tax levied was 
£50 12.9. 6d. Conrad Laglider was the collec- 



tor. 

£ 

Allenlmch, Petor 7 

Bacher, Jolill 10 

Biiochwolder, John l.i 

Beem, Conrml 8 

Bishopbarger, Jacob 4 

BriJidle, Andrew 5 

Bouse, John 3 

Ksheubach, Andrew 9 

Krney, Frederick 8 

Eared, Peter G 

Feagley, George " 

Gerher, John 8 

Gilbert, George 4 

Gerber, Adam 

GuWon, John 10 

llouck, Jacob 2 

Kooser, Michael HI 

Kapler, David !» 

Long, Dewald 10 

Laglider, Conrad ~... 1* 

Lober, Peter 14 

Mayberry, William 5 

Mechlin, Jacob 12 

Matthias, Martin 

l',m 

Biper, Emanuel 1 

Coplebarger, Henry 1 

KiLCkel, Ilenry 2 

ICnsnienger. Philip 1 

Vile, George 1 

Krean, John 1 

Hardnian, George 1 

lliimier, Frederick 1 

Ilup, Augustus 1 

Keller, Martin 1 

Sin<jle 

Bnclier, Cnsper. 

Beni, Jacob. 

Collin, Thomas. 

(;iot'/,, Leonard. 

Duui, Ubick. 

Krnc, Jacob. 

Eagle, George. 



Mifflin, George & Co 30 

Potts, Thomas 46 

Potts, Rebecca 10 

Rutter, Thomas , 0"i 

Richard, Cwaper 17 

Butter, Paul IB 

Rhoads, Matthias 16 

Rhoads, Adam 10 

Rhoads, Conrad 8 

Stale/, Christian 8 

Slegle, John C 

Sassenianhouse, Manns 1!) 

Stover, Daniel 10 

Shinhard, George 10 

Shon, Peter. 8 

Shen, Thomas 8 

Shaw, Hannah :10 

Tuddow, Michael 10 

Tuddow, Matthias 10 

Wannemacher, Bernimnl -t 

Willson, Thomas Ill 

Werahler, ,Iohn 10 

Yon, John Hi 

Yerger, Barbara 7 

Men. 

Kill, Adam 1 

Leabegood, Peter 1 

Mengle, Christopher 1 

Naugle, Christian 1 

Ramsey, Joseph 4 

SacknuiD, Henry 1 

Shallgod, George 1 

Snept, George 1 

ScliefTner, Ilenry 1 






Gilbert, Ilenry. 
Happlo, Cliristii 
Rhoads, Matthii 
Williams, Rieliii 
Weinmn, Georg 
Yon, Joachim. 



Industries. — East of Boyertown is an old- 
establishal tannery, which was carried on many 
years by the Landis family, and at present con- 
ducted by Samuel G. Landis. There arc thirty 
vats. Steam is employed to heat the liquor of 
the vats only, the other portion of the work 
being done by the old methods. The product 
is mainly fine leather. In the same locality is 
the David Landis tannery, also an old estab- 
lishment, and operated, on a small scale, in 
188G, by Tobias Laudis. Beyond these a num- 
ber of powers are aftbrded on the Swamp Creek, 
which were early made to operate mills and 
small factories. 

Near the Washington townshij) line is the old 
Reninger mill, a stone, pla.stered building, hav- 
ing small grinding capacity, which is owned by 
Jacob Oberholtzer. The next lower power 
operated is a small saw-mill, the capacity of 
which was increased when Ambrose Stauffer 
introduced steam-power. A short distance from 
this William John.son put up a fulling-mill and 
also made cloths and light cassimers. It became 
the property of Henry Fisher and was operated 
by hiin a number of years. For more than 
twenty years the factory has been carried on liy 
Nicholas J. Fisher. Steam-power is employed. 
The building is an old frame .■structure. Some 
fine work is produced. 

On the stream, next below, is a large brick 
mill, supplied with good machinery, operated 
by water and steam and owned by Nicholas 
John.son. The next lower and the last mill-site 
in the township was impi-oved to operate a full- 
ing-mill for the Allel)achs, whicii has given 
place to a grist-mill, owned by Jacob IMerkel. 

The site of the old Knauss mill, on the Iron- 
stone Creek, near the head-waters of that 
stream, has been occupied, since 1865, by the 
mill of William K. Grim. It is a stone build- 
ing and has four runs of burrs. In the same 
locality Henry Knauss had a small tnniiery, 
which, in 1830, became the property of Gideon 
Grim, and which was carried on by William 
K. Grim until 1877, when work was discon- 
tinued. The buildings are still standing and 
when fully worked the tannery had a good ca- 
])acity, having in all forty vats. Tvower down 
this stream the Gables had, for many years, saw 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



965 



and oil-mills, .but converted the latter into a 
spoke and handle factory, which are still carried 
on by John Gable. The power below was also 
improved by the Gables, and the present mill, 
built in 1860, by David Gable, and operated by 
Henry G. Gable, is below the site first occupied 
by the old Henry (iable mill, which has been 
removed. It is a stone and brick building and 
has a good power and four runs of stones, with 
a large capacity. 

( )n the lowest power in the township was the 
old Rhodes mill and the Colebrookdale Fur- 
nace, the former built about 1800. Later it was 
owned by the Morys ; and the new mill built 
at this place by Mathias Ritter was burned 
down in 1884. It has been rebuilt by William 
GrofF, tiie present owner. The power is limited. 
Aside from the above interests, there has been 
l)ut very little maimfacturiug, excepting such 
as has a relation with agricultural pursuits. In 
1881 the Colebrookdale Creamery was gotten 
in operation by a stock company, which has since 
continued it. The factory has a good location, 
two miles from Boyertown, and does a prosperous 
business. The building is large and supplied 
with both butter and cheese-making machinery. 

In 187G Dr. J. H. Funk began the cultiva- 
tion of small fruits, apples, pears and cherries 
on his farm near Boyertown, and, Jiaving safely 
passed through the experimental stage, he has 
succeeded in establishing a pleasant and profit- 
able business, which gives steady cm])loyment to 
six men, and in the fruit season, to scores of 
persons. In 1885 he produced eight hundred 
bushels of strawberries and had an enormous 
vintage from fifteen hundred grape-vines. He 
also grows from fifty to sixty thousand heads of 
cabbage per year. His success has caused otlier 
fruit and truck farms to be opened, among the 
principal being those of Funk it Schacffer, 
twenty-one acres in grapes and pears, and John 
Schacffer, five acres in a variety of fruits. 

On the farm of Jacob Bechtel is a large de 
posit of black lead, which has been mined to 
some extent by the owners, and which at one 
time was a profitable business. The quality is 
good, but not as fine as some recently discovered 
in other localities, wJiich has caused this mine 
to be abandoned for the present. 



Zion's Church, Evangelical Associa- 
tion. — This is the only house of worsliip in tiie 
township outside of the borough of Boyertown. It 
is a plain brick buildiTig, thirty-two by forty feet, 
and was erected in 1850, in the village of New 
Berlinville, upon a lot of land given for the 
purpose by Henry Gilbert, who was one of the 
original members of the association at this 
place, and who was most instrumental in tlie 
organization of the church. Among other 
prominent members were Edwin Fritz, Amos ■ 
Brower, Wm. G. Fritz, David York, Augustus 
Levan, Mathias I^evan, Stover Worman, Josiah 
H. Reninger, INIelchoir Schultz and George 
Schultz. 

The latter three served as the first board of 
trustees. This chiu'ch has never had a strong 
membership, but it has shown much spiritual 
life, and has contributed faithfully to the exten- 
sion of religious influences in tlie community. 
It has also furnisluMl four serviceable ministers, 
—the Revs. David Stautler, Aaron Steltz, Wil- 
liam H. Stauffer and F. (i. Stautfer. In 1SS5 there 
were fifty members, who had their ministerial 
service from thcMilfordCircuit, the Rev. Frank 
Sechrist, preacher in charge. In 18(59 the 
church secured three-fourths of an acre of land 
for cemetery purposes ; and in 188(j the pro|)crty 
was controlled by Trustees Wm. H. StaulFer, 
David Worsler and Stover Worman. A Siuidav- 
school of fifty members luus Henry B. Stautler 
as the su])erinten(k'nt. 

VILI^AGER. 

New Beulinville is a growing village, a 
little more than half a mile east from Ho^-er- 
town, sustaining a suburban relation to that 
place. It was started about 18;55 on the lands 
of Samuel Gilbert, Peter Houc^k and Jai;ob 
Gottschall, and was long called New Berlin, in 
compliment, it is sai<l, to a worthy German 
orphan boy who was reared here and whose 
nativity was Berlin. When the post-office wiis 
established, February 23, 1888, the present 
name was adopted to distinguish it from New 
Berlin, in Union County. Jacob W. I^eaver 
has been the only postmaster till now. 

Two daily mails are received. Tiie office is 
kept in a store carried on by Leaver, as the 



966 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



successor of his father, Samuel Leaver, wlio here 
engaged in trade in 1879. Other merchants in 
trade at this stand were David Johnson, Levi 
Gilbert, Josiah Reninger, P. Y. Brendlingcr, 
(for about twenty years), Fritz and Hagy. In 
the same building an inn was opened in the 
spring of 188G by U. Y. Houck. A store for 
the sale of farming implements was established 
in 1885 by D. H. G. Kuser, and C. W. Ritter 
has also recently opened a jewelry store. At 
tlu; railway station, some di.stance from the 
main part of tlie village, E. H. Moyer began 
business in the coal trade in 1884, and also put 
in operation a small feed-mill. In this locality 
a large bri(^k-yard was opened in 1883 by 
James Muthard, Samuel G. I^andis and Heni-y 
R. Eschbach, which is now carried on by Jacol) 
S(?haeffer. The clay is of a good (juality and 
the product is large. New Berlinville contains 
some handsome residences, and it has one 
church, Zion's Evangelical. The ordinary me- 
(thaiiic trades arc also canicd on in the vil- 
lage. 

j\I(iRYSvij,i.K, on the turnpike, west of 
J>oycrtown, is a hamlet comprising about thirty 
hou.ses, clustered around what was formally the 
site of the old Cok^brookdale Furnace. Its 
proximity to the above place prevents it fi-om 
becoming much of a business place. It contains 
a store, mill, shops, etc. The name was de- 
rived from the Mory family, prominent at an 
early day in this settlement. 

In 1869 R. R. Engel began merchandising 
at this point and he has since continued. For 
many years he has been a tobacconist. In 1885 
he erected a cigar factory, in which eight men 
are now employed. William Groff is the mil- 
ler of that locality and also carries on the coal 
business. 

EngelsVille is also a small hamlet in the 
southwestern part of the township, about two 
miles from Boyei-town. It derived its name 
from Peter and John Engel, farmers and cooj)- 
ers, who lived at the " Cro.ss- Roads " at that 
point. Later other cooper-shops were opened. 
Coopering was the principal occupation of the 
inhabitants for a number of years, the barrels 
etc., being peddle<l over the country. Apuljlic 
house was opened by William Engel in a build- 



ing which has been devoted to other uses. While 
it was yet an inn Solomon Stetler kept another 
tavern and a store in connection, the place then 
having two public-houses. The store has been 
discontimied, having been last kept by Jacob 
Shaner, but the tavern is still continued by 
Jeremiah G. Brumbaugh. A pottery after 
being conducted for some years has been dis- 
continued. The mannfactui'e of briciv is cai'ricd 
on by William Kehl. 

In the northeastern part of the township 
John Muthard had a public-house, about 1800, 
on the farm now occupied by John Emcrick, 
which was discontinued many years ago ; and 
within the past few years W. H. B. Shanely 
has opened a country store in the Ironstone Val- 
ley. The first store was kept iiere abdut fifty 
years ago by Abraham (iobel. 

lU()(iUAl'lIK'AI,. 

Lewis P. G. Fecieev was Ixirn August 23, 
1851, in New Berlinville, Coleltrookdale town- 
ship. His father, Peter Fegley, was born 
in Douglass township, Montgomery County, 
August 14, 1815, and in 1843 moved to New 
lierlin, on the farm of his father-in-law, Ja- 
cob Gottshall. At this place Lewis P. G. 
Fegley was born. He attended the pub- 
lic school of his native township, and ]\Iount 
Pleasant Seminary, at Boyertown. In the fall 
of 1868 he began to teach among the Mennon- 
ites in Butter Valley. In 1869 he taught the 
Treichlersville school, and the succeeding four 
terms the New Berlin school, and the two follow- 
ing terms the Boyertown High School. 

He was elected justice of the peace for his 
native township in 1885. In 1881 he taught 
the Colebrookdale Grammar School. In 1878 
he was appointed by the heii"s of a deceased 
relative to go to California to look up their 
interest in an estate of a deceased uncle. After 
meeting with success during his journey to and 
fro, he took notes of interest and incidents along 
the entire route, and has since written a little 
volume of over two hundred pages, which he 
styles " From Ocean to Ocean," or, "Across 
the Continent." He has had many and large 
estates to settle as administrator, assignee and 
trustee. Jamiary 2, 1883, he was appointetl act- 



TOWNSHirS OF COUNTY. 



967 



iiig cashier of the National Bank of Boyertowu, 
to fill a brief vacancy. 

He is closely identified with Sunday-school 
and church interests ; was superintendent of 
the Reformed Sunday-school of Boyertown for 
live years; served as deacon in the church for 
six years and secretary of the congregation since 
September 24, 1882. At the Democratic 
County Convention held at Reading, Sej)tember 
1882, he announced himself as a candidate 



sentatives of Pennsylvania, 
single session. 



He did not miss a 



DOUGLASS TOWNSIIU'. 

Erection of Tow.nsihi'. — A petition of 
several inhabitants of the townsiiip of Oley was 
presented to the Quarter Sessions at Phila- 
delphia, in tlie beginning of the year 17."><J, 
which set forth " that for several years i)ast, 




^O'S^. 



for State Re])resentative. Under the rule of liis 
party, lie withdrew his name before balloting 
commenced and waited until the Convention of 
1884, and when the ballot had proceeilcd about 
two-thirds he had eleven votes more tlian were 
required to nominate him, and was at that 
])oint, with his colleague, Mr. Baer, nominated 
by acclamation and elected at tlie general elec- 
tion that fall. Resigned as justice of the peace 
December 1, 1884. January 6, 1885, he took 
his seat as a member of the House of Repre- 



about four miles distant from the higli ickuI 
leading to Philadelphia through George Mc- 
Call's manor and several other tracts of land, 
the roads have been so bad that it was difficult 
for a single horse to pass without damage, and 
that the said petitioners had several times rep- 
resented to this court the badness thereof, but 
that nothing as yet had been done the reason, 
as they were informed, was because no overseers 
have been as yet appointed by the court over 
the said road, and that there were at least thirty 



968 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



fatuilies settled on the «iid lands who are not in 
Hanover or Amity townships, between which 
townships the aforesaid road lieth," and prayed 
" the said conrt would he pleased to erect the 
said lands into a township and appoint a con-~ 
stable and overseers." In pursuance of an order 
of the court upon this petition, the surveyor-^ 
i^cneral, Benjamin Eastburn, luatle a draft of 
the said lands petitioned for to be made a town- 
ship, and certified that the same did not inter- 
fere with any other township. The courses and 
distances n'turned by him were :is follows : 

" IJegiuning ut ii corner of Amity township by the 
river Schuylliiil, and extending thence by the said 
township, N. 20 E. 700 perches ; thence N. 70 W. 
8!) perches ; thence N. 20 E. five hundred perches 
to the upper corner of the said township; thence on 
vacant hind N. E. 6()0 perches ; thence on vacant 
land and on a line dividing the lands of Thomas 
I'otts & Co., from lands belonging to the heirs of 
Tlioinas Butter and lands of the Oolebrookdale Co., 
and on other laud and on George McCall's manor, 
S. E. 1380 perches, to a line of the German Co.'s 
land; thence on the sameS. 40 W. 1200 perches, to 
the aforesaid river ; thence up the same, lOGO perches, 
to the place of beginning." 

And this tract was erected by the court on 
June 7, 1736, into a township, naming it 
" Douglass; " and in the order of erection John 
Ball and James Yokham (Yocum) were ap- 
pointed as the first overseers of highways, and 
Andrew E,ingl)erry as first constable for the 
ensuing year. 

In 1842 the boundary lines of the township 
sei)arating Oolebrookdale and Earl were ad- 
justed in order to remedy an existing incon- 
venience with respect to road taxes. 

In 1849 the estimated area of the township 
was seven thousand acres. 

The southern section of the town.ship adjoin- 
ing the river is flat, but the central and northern 
section are considerably interspersed with hills 
and wood-land. 

Taxarles of 1759. — The following list con- 
tains the names of the taxables of the town- 
ship in 1759. The tax levied was £37 17s. 6d. 
Derrick C^leaver was the collector. 



Buriserd. Samuel IB 

BoBlick, WiMiam 2 

Bean, Nicholas 2 

licarJ, Jacob 1 



Burn. Jamea 2 

Bender, ChriBtian 2 

Burk, Michael 3 

Cleaver, Derick 10 



Ctmglar, Michael 

C+isbear, Christian 

Conrad, Christian 

Close, John 

Fodlt, Valentine 

Krettfi, George 

(ioiger. John 

Iluling, Andrew 

Iluunselniun, George 

Uerriger, Leonard 

HofTinan, Michael 

Harnian, John 

Kelly, Valentine 

Keepers, Williant 

Keaser, John 

Keiiringer, George 

Leabergoud, Peter 

Leaborgood, Ailaui 

Morris, Anthony .t Co . 

Miller, Adam 

Moses, Christopher 

Neagle, Jacob 

Near, Martin 



Holmes, William. 
Hosselbarger, Philip. 
McGilly, Roger. 



Newman, George 1 

Potts, John 4(1 

Peck, Thomas 1 

Pottfl, Thomas (3 

Poltfiet, Philip 2 

Ringberry, Andrew 5 

Schotler, George 12 

Schuler (Christian 8 

Spotts, Michael l:i 

Si>ece, llieronyniue 5 

Shamberger, Henry 2 

Smith, Conrad 1 

Seglar, Zacliaria 1 

Teferheiser, Jacob 5 

Walters, Philip l:i 

Wills, Daniel Ill 

Wanderslice, John G 

Wikle, Christian 12 

Wotnbeck, Frederick 9 

Yocum, Margaret 12 

Yticum, Peter 15 

Yocum, Jonas 3 

.1/8)1. 

Ryan, James. 
Ringberry, Samuel. 
Romesli, .Tohu. 



Early IitoN-Woiucs. — The only industry 
in the township is the " Pine Iron-Works," 
situated on Manatawny Creek, near the line of 
Amity township. It occupies the site of the 
" Pine Forge," which was begun by Thomas 
Potts in 1740. A piece of pig-metal is j)re- 
scrved on the place, which was cast then to 
signalize the foundation of the industry. Its 
length is one and a iialf feet, and its appearance 
thus : 




P 1140 



Two forges named " Pool " were tlien in this 
vicinity, on the same creek, one above and the 
other below the " Pine Forge." John Potts, son 
of Thomas, succeeded him as owner ; and he, af^er 
having carried it on till 1769, sold it to David 
Potts, Jr. In 1783 David Rutter bought it at 
public sale, and carried it on till his decease, in 
1815, when his son John became the owner 
and operator. In 1844 Jo.seph Bailey pur- 
chased the property, who, in the following year, 
tore down the forge and erected in its stead a 
rolling-mill for making plate-iron, with a 
capacity of eight hundred tons, and substituted 
the name " Pine Iron- Works." The mill was 
rebuilt and enlarged in 1869, with its capacity 
increased to twenty-eight hundred tons, from 
which time it has been owned and operated by 



TOWNSHirS OF COUNTY. 



969 



Joseph L. Bailey and Comley B. Shoemaker, 
uudei' the firm-name of Joseph L. Bailey & 
Co. This firm have made a specialty of the 
best qualities of cold blast charcoal boiler-plate 
for locomotive and marine work. In 1881 
they purchased a property at Manatawuy 
Station, on the Colebrookdale Railroad, and 
erected a steam-power rolling-mill with a 
capacity of four thousand tons, which was set 
in operation iu May, 1882. In the beginning 
of the year 1882 the firm-name was changed to 
Bailey & Shoemaker. Forty men are employed 
at the latter works. 

The old Pine Iron-Works have fallen into 
disuse and are practically abandoned. The 
water-power is devoted to the operation of the 
Bailey grist-mill, a four-story structure of 
mountain stone, which has a good capacity. 

A large covered frame county bridge was 
constructed across the Manatawny at this point 
in 1855. 

IxDUSTRiES. — The manufacturing interests of 
the township are limited to the water-powers 
found on two streams, of which the Manatawny 
is fully given over to the interests of the Pine 
Iron-Works." On the Ironstone Creek, the 
upper power was first improved by a man 
named Bechtel, who had a saw-mill there. 
This is now the site of Wren's Woolen-Mills, 
which had its beginning about forty years ago 
as a small fulling-mill, putnp by Amos Brower. 
The first building now forms the upper part of 
the factory. John C. Castle enlarged the 
building some twenty years later. At present 
it is sixty by one hundred and thirty feet, and 
part of it is three st(jries high. It is supplied 
with one jack aud three hundred and thirty- 
six spindles, one set of cards, one hard waste 
pricker, one teazel and wire gig and four Comp- 
ton looms, thus enabling the manufacture of 
all kinds of woolen goods. At present a 
specialty is made of miners' gray flannels. 
The water-power is supplemented by a ten 
horse-power engine. Eleven operatives are 
employed. Since 1883 the mills have been 
carried on by William Preston & Co. For a 
number of years the property has belonged to 
Major James Wren. 

Colebrookdale Iron- Works has the site of the 
83 



old George Gresh mill and where later Jonas 
Weaver had an oil and saw-mill. W. W. 
Weaver became the owner of the property about 
fifty-five years ago aud put up a tilt-hammer, 
to which a foundry was added. Wood-burning 
stoves were cast there, which obtained a wide 
reputation. Mill fixtures and ordinary castings 
were also manufactured. Later a wrought iron 
coffee-mill was also manufactured and sold ex- 
tensively. Wash-kettles and sad-irons were 
added, as other products. These latter articles 
still constitiite some of the chief articles of 
manufacture.. Wagon-boxes, thimble-skeins 
aud pipe-boxes are also made at the works. In 
1867, W. W. AVeaver was succeeded by the 
present proprietors, Brendlinger & Co. The 
work is under the management of John Sabold, 
as superintendent. They enlarged the estab- 
lishment and in 1871 added a thirty-five horse- 
power engine. This industry at present cm- 
braces half a dozen large buildings and affords 
employment to sixty men. The property in- 
cludes thirty acres of land and a number of 
tenement houses. A store was formerly kept 
in counection with the works. 

Near the little Oley post-office Jacob Albright 
had a small tannery which was discontinued 
when the owner removed to Earl township, 
many years ago. In the same locality Henry 
Gresh had a saw-mill aud an oil-mill. Feed 
was also ground there. The oil and chopping- 
mills have been discontinued. The saw-mill is 
operated by Z. F. Gresh. 

The Gilbert mill occupied the next site and 
Henry and George Gilbert were succeeded by 
Adam Miller. Fred. Neiman was the next 
proprietor. The latter remodeled the mill in 
1880, aud supplied new machinery. It has a 
good power. Since 1884 H. Y. Livengood has 
been the owner. 

A short distance lower down the sti-eam was 
the old Nagle mill, which was improved by 
David Fritz, who built the present stone mill 
about twenty years ago. It is now ojierated by 
his son, Eli, and carried on as a custom-mill. 
The Samuel Wagner custom and merchant-mill 
is at the next power. It is a stone building 
and was erected about forty years ago by Ma- 
thias Livengood. Near the mouth of the Iron- 



970 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



stone is an old mill, operated many years in 
the early part of tlie ceuiary by Jacob Keely, 
and wliich had a wide patronage. The old 
buildino; still stands. It was supplied with 
new machinery by Jacob Livengood. A clover- 
mill was carried on for a time by Mr. Liven- 
good. The grist-mill is owned by William 
Livengood, who carries on the same successful- 

Ko Church ix Township. — The township 
has no house of worship or organized religious 
body within its bounds. There is a small pub- 
lic cemetery in the vicinity of " Little Oley." 
It is commonly called " Fritz's Grave- Yard." 
There have been interred in it many of the 
pioneer residents of this township, including 
the Eppenheimers, Keelys, Beckers, Brunners, 
GresheS; Macks and Beifsnyders. The town- 
ship is well supplied with schools. 



Though this township has a large popula- 
tion for its area, the nature of the country and 
its relation to other localities have prevented 
the founding of villages of any size. The old- 
est distinctive business place is — 

Greshville, a village situated in the upper 
part of the township, on the western slope of 
" Furnace " Hill. Large deposits of lime- 
stone are in that locality, which are easily 
quarried and readily converted into lime." This 
employment gave occupation to a large number 
of men years ago, which caused the place to become 
known as " Limestone." In 1853 a post-office 
was established with the name of Greshville, in 
comjiliment to Adam Gresh, a pmrninent busi- 
ness man in the early part of the century, and 
since that time the place has been so known. 
Adam Gresh had a store, tavern and distillery, 
which caused his place to be widely known 
and also the centre of quite an active business. 
In 1824 the Keely family had a public-house, 
George Miller and David Gresh were also early 
in trade, and Peter Lndwig is remembered as a 
pioneer merchant. The last merchant there 
was Jacob Reiff, who discontinued business in 
1885. The public-house, first kept by Adam 
Gresh, was continued by his family after his 
death. The landlord for the past fifteen years 



has been Mahlon H. Maurer, who is also the 
postmaster. The latter has also been engaged 
in the manufacture of lime. Other persons 
who have been engaged in this business are the 
Greshes, Charles Hagy, Henry B. Keely and 
Samuel Leaver. The total product of lime 
was very large. Near this place is Colebrook- 
dale Station. 

Little Oley. — A short distance from the 
latter place are the buildings occupied l)v the 
workmen of the " Colebrookdale Iron-Works " 
and other scattering houses, the whole forming 
the hamlet of Little Oley. About forty-five 
years ago a public-house was here opened by 
Solomon L. Engle, which has had many keep- 
ers, among them being Aaron Maurer, John 
Wise and Ephraim Yorgey. In 1885 the tav- 
ern was rebuilt by William W. Turner, and it 
has been kept by him since. In 1865 U. F. 
Gresh opened a store, in which he has since car- 
ried 00 the business of a general country store, 
and served as postmaster of the Little Oley 
post-office, established in 1871. Southwest 
from this place is a fertile stretch of country 
which resembles Oley, and, being less in area, 
it was called " Little Oley." 

Glendale. — Several miles below is Mana- 
tawny Station, at the mouth of the Ironstone 
Creek. The Pine Iron-Works post-office is 
located there, which was established in 1871, 
with Joseph Bailey as postmaster, and having 
at present A. L. Burns as deputy. The locality 
is known as "Glendale." 

It comprises the new Pine Iron-Works, a 
well-appointed industrial establishment, mills, 
a tavern, store, neat school-house and about forty 
other buildings. The tavern situated on the 
Ironstone was long kept by the Hattields, who 
opened it about 1851. Ephraim Swavely is 
the present keeper. At the old iron-works the 
elder Bailey supplied some goods, but no reg- 
ular store was opened until 1879, when Philip 
S. Baker engaged in merchandising. He dis- 
posed of his business in 1886 to J. R. Mowday 
& Son. The school-house is a long building 
with two rooms, and stands on a spacious lot 
somewhat removed from the street. It was 
erected in 1883. A select summer school is 
there maintained under the title of the "Glen- 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



971 



dale Seminary," of which D. M. B. Wanu i.s 
the principal. 

West of jNIanatawny Station is the country 
store of Samuel Yorgey, which has been carried 
on the past twelve years. William Focht and 
Elias Fritz were also licensed to retail goods, 
but have not been carrying full Hues of mer- 
chandise. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Da VI D B. Mauger, of Douglassville, was born 
in Douglass township August 12, 1822. He 



ing and is now oue of the most reliabU surveyors. 
He made histirst survey December 22, 1842, of a 
tract in Montgomery County, Pa., upon which 
site the villageof Buchananville is built. Hefol- 
lowed the profession of teaching, in connectiou 
with surveying and conveyancing, for a period 
of sixteen years. In 1856 he inirchased from 
Henry McKenty the fine farm upon which he 
iU)W resides. He was elected justice of the peace 
of his native township in 1850, succeeding his 
uncle, Jacoli Livengood, and received his com- 




M 



CiT^f^^eAy 



obtained his education in the common schools of 
his native township. Being ])ossessed of con- 
siderable ambition, he applied himself to reading 
and study, and at the age of eighteen years he 
opened a subscription school in the " Gross- 
town " school-house, in Pottsgrove township, 
Montgomery County. In the fall of 1842 he 
took charge of an academy at Douglassville, 
and continued in that position seven years, dur- 
ing which time he took up the study of survey- 



mission from Governor William F. Johnston 
April 9, 1850, and has held the same office ever 
since, with much credit and confidence. In 
October, 1851, he was married to Mary Amanda, 
daughter of Daniel Lorah, by whom he had one 
daughter and three sons living. His daughter 
Sallie M^as a graduate from Allentown Female 
College, in ISTfJ, taking the first honors of her 
class. His three sous attended the Keystone State 
Normal School. Daniel I^orah, the eldest, is 



972 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



now agent at Franklin Street Station, Readiuo-, 
on the Philadel|)lHa and Reading Railroad. 
His second son, David Franklin, is now (1886) 
astudent in the seniorelass at Franklin and Mar- 
shall College. His third son, Henry Snyder, is a 
student at the College of Pharmacy in Philadel- 
phia. Since 1851 Mr. Mauger has been largely 
engaged iu the settlement of estates. He has 
been secretary of the Douglassville and Yellow 
House Turnpike Company since Its organization 
in 1867 ; was elected one of the directors of the 
Schuylkill Bridge Company, at Douglassville, 
in 1866, and in 1867 became the successor to 
Heury McKenty as secretary and treasurer of 
said company, occupying this position until July, 
1880, when he sold his stock and ceased to be a 
merabei'. He was elected one of the board of 
managers of the Perkiomen and Reading Turn- 
pike road, and also became its secretary June, 

1872, which office he still holds. He has been 
a school director for a number of terras, and 
always secretary of the board. He has been an 
elder in the Reformed Church at Pottstown 
since 1857 ; was elected by Goshenhoppen Clas- 
sis a delegate to the first meeting of the triennial 
session of the General Synod of the Reformed 
Church, held at Pittslnirgh, Pa., in November, 
1863, and represented said Classis as a delegate 
to the Synods, almost annually, ever since, 
and has been treasurer of Classis since 1870. 
He became a member of the Order of Patrons 
of Husbandry, and at the meeting of Subor- 
dinate Granges, held in Reading in September, 

1873, for the purpose of organizing a State 
Grange, was elected its iirst Master, and in Jan- 
uary, 1875, he was re-elected at the annual 
meeting of Subordinate Granges, held for that 
purpose at Williamsport, Pa. At the annual 
meeting held at Meadville, Crawford County, 
Pa., his services were again solicited, but he 
declined, and was succeeded by Victor E. Pio- 
lette, of Bradford County, Pa. During 'Squire 
IMauger's mastership he represented the Penn- 
sylvania State Grange, P. of H., held at St. 
Louis, Mo., in January, 187 i, also at the an- 
nual session held at Charleston, S. C, in 1875, 
the session held in Louisville, Ky., in Novem- 
ber, 1875, and the annual session held in Chi- 
cago in November, 1876. 



In January, 1886, he was elected a director 
and manager of the Boyertown Mutual Fire 
Insurance Company. 

His ancestiy dates back, as far as can be as- 
certained, to his grandfiither, Henry Mauger, 
and his wife, who emigrated to this county from 
Germany iu or about the year 1762, being but 
twelve years old, and settled on the farm of 
which he afterwards became the owner. He 
was married to Mary Balser ; they had born unto 
them six sons, viz. : John, Henry, Frederick, 
Jacob and David (the latter the father of the 
subject of this biography) and William and one 
daughter, Elizabeth. All were married, raised 
itimilies, and lived from seventy-eight to eighty- 
four years respectively. William, the last one, 
died about one year ago, aged eighty-four years. 
David Mauger, Sr., father of the subject of this 
sketch, was born February 12, 1797, in Doug- 
lass township, Berks County, on the " Mauger 
Farm," becoming the owner thereof in fee-sim- 
ple March 24, 1826, purchasing the same from 
his father, the aforesaid Henry Manger. The 
farm comprises one hundred and sixty-eight 
acres of the finest and best arable land, beauti- 
fully located near two raih'oads, Schuylkill 
River and canal. Its buildings, although old, 
are kept in excellent repair, and look neat and 
tidy, showing skillful and proper management 
and attention by its owner. 

Sarah IMauger, the mother of" D. B.," as he is 
frequently called, was born April 20, 1802, on 
the farm of her father, George Bechtel, in Potts- 
grove township, Montgomery' County. eTohn 
George Bechtel, the father of the Bechtel family 
in this country, emigrated in the year 1740, and 
was the great-great-grandfather of D. B. Mau- 
ger. 



EXETER TOWNSHIP. 

Erection of Towxshtp. — In the erection 
of Oley township by the establishment of the 
boundary lines, in 1741, over fifty families 
(who had settled to the southwest) were ex- 
cluded. A petition wiis therefore presented to 
court, at Philadelphia, on September 7, 1741, 
setting forth that they had been left out, and 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



973 



praying that the " south part of Oley " should 
be erected into a towuship. The petitioners were 



James Boone. 
Benjamin Boone. 
John Boone. 
John Hughes. 
William Hughes. 
^^Francis Yainall. 
^eter Yarnall. 
Michael Waren. 



Peter Huyett. 
Peter Higo. 
Ezekiel Mathias. 
Roger Rogers. 
Joseph Brown. 
Jacob Vetter. 
Ellis Hughes. 
Squire Boone. 



The court ordered the district to be exam- 
ined, according to the draft presented, to ascer- 
tain whetlier or not it interfered with any 
other township, and the surveyor-general, Wil- 
liam Parsons, certified that the lines did not 
interfere; whereupon, on December 7, 1741, 
the tract of land inclosed was erected into a 
township by the name of " Exeter," within the 
following bounds : " Beginning by the river 
Schuylkill at tiie upper end of Burgeon Bird's 
land; thence N. 33 E., 87 perches ; S. 57 E., 70 
ps. ; N. 33 E., 1154 ps. ; and N. 70 E., 400 
ps. to a road commonly called Hans Snyder's 
road ; thence along .said road to Amity township 
line, a distance of 1208 ps. ; thence S. 20 W., 
1160 ps. to Schuylkill River, and thence up 
the river 1760 ps. to the beginning." The 
lines inclosed about 13,500 acres. The survey 
of the lines on the draft, presented witli the 
petition was made by George Boone, Esq. 

Eari.y Land Grants. — In August, 1682, 
Penn granted to John Millington, of Shrews- 
bury, England, a liaker, five hundred acres, to 
be located in Pennsylvania. Millington's in- 
terest became vested in Ralph Asheton, of 
Philadelphia, and, in November, 1730, Asheton 
granted two hundred and fifty acres, adjoining 
the Swedes' tract, to Squire Boone, of Philadel- 
phia County, father of the famous Kentucky 
pioneer. Colonel Daniel Boone. 

The " London Company " (consisting of 
Tobias Collet, Daniel Quair and Henry Gold- 
ney) took up a tract of one thousand acres on 
the east side of the river ; the warrant was is- 
sued October 18, 1716. Penn, in 1699, had 
granted to this company sixty thousand acres in 
Pennsylvania. The one thousand acres were 
taken in part thereof, and on November 9, 
1717, the patent was issued. In February, 



1718, the company granted their right to An- 
drew Robeson, then of Roxbury township, in 
Philadelphia County. This tract became vested 
in Mordecai Lincoln, the elder, in May, 1730, 
and he devised it to his two sons, Mordecai' 
and Thomas, and a posthumous son, who was 
named Abraham. The latter became promi- 
nent in the political history of Berks County. 

George Boone, Esq., took up a tract of four 
hundred acres in this district, along the Monoc- 
acy Creek, in 1718. 

The Levan family have occupied a prominent 
position in this township for one hundred and 
fifty years, having, during this time, owned a 
large area of farming land where the members 
of that family arc now located. They gave much 
encouragement to the Schwartzwald Church by 
liberal contributions. 

The Ritter and Herbein families have also 
been prominent for many years. 

Pioneer OF Kentucky. — Daniel Boone, the 
famous Kentucky pioneer, was born in this 
township on October 22, 1733, on a farm 



'Careful inquiry williin the last five years has fully de- 
veloped the Lincoln genealogy. Mordecai Lincoln, the 
President's great-great-grandtather, was a resident in the 
Quaker settlement at Oley, in Berks County, Pa., before 
1735, and died and was buried there. He came from 
Massachusetts originally, and lived for a time in New 
Jersey. About May, 1 73G, he died, and about 1 750, at the 
same time when the Boones and the Hanks set off from 
the same neighborhood for the South, his son John re- 
moved with his family to the Shenandoah Valley, Rock- 
ingham County, Va. From there his son, Abraham, re- 
moved into Kentucky, in 1782, and was killed by the In- 
dians, leaving three sons, of whom Tliomas, the youngest, 
was the father of the President. 

Nancy Hank, the wife of Thomas Lincoln, and the 
mother of the President, was a descendant, probably the 
granddaughter, of that John Hank who left Berks County, 
also, about 17'>0, and settled ultimately in Virginia, in 
Rockingham County. She is said to have been in her 
youth a woman bf beauty. .She was by nature refined, 
and of more than ordinary intellect. Her friends spoke 
of her as being a person of marked and decided character. 
She was unusually intelligent, reading all the books she 
could obtain. .She taught her husbatid, as well as her son 
Abraham, to read and write. .She was a wom.an of deep 
religious feeling, of the most exemplary character, and 
most tenderly and affectionately devoted to her family. 
. . . . She could not only kill the wild game of the 
woods, but she could also dress it, and make of the skins 
clothes for her family, .and prepare the flesh for food. — 
ArnohT s •'Life of Aliraham Lincoln." 



974 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUXTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



which is about one mile north of Bauinstown. 
His father, Stjuire Boone, tlieii owned and 
occupied the farm, having bougiit it in Nov- 
ember, 1730. Tlie dwelling in which he was 
born is still standing, though much enlarged 
and improved. He and his father and family 
left the township in 1750 and migrated to 
North Carolina ; and thence, some years after- 
ward (1769), he led a party into the unknown 
regions of Western Virginia, " beyond the 




Martin Alstadt 21 

Juhn AurHDilt 'i 

Oyurgf! Albright 1 

JoBepli Uoone 16 

Josejiil Brown 4 

GodlVieil Baker 1 

iBiiac Brubalter 3 

f John Bishop 7 

Cliristopher Boyer 3 

.loliti Bower 3 

Paul Bridercum 3 

Jaiiies Boone 32 

William Boone 15 

Benjamin Boone 10 

Peter Beaelej' 6 

.laioli Beacley 10 

Jaioh Bower 16 

Henry Boyer 2 

Adam Bolich 2 

Henry Calsnate 2 

Conmd Cealler 3 

Stephen Crider 2 

Daniel Conrad 4 

Frederick Celler 2 

Paul Durst 18 

lUibert Dickey 4 



hANIEL BOONE. 



inoiuilains," where lie distinguislied himself by 
his boldness, his experiences with the Indian.s, 
his narrow escapes and his successful career as 
a pioneer. His life in tliat early period of our 
great country lias made him the most conspic- 
uous person in the first steps of our civilization 
westward of the Allegheny Mountains. He 
died at Charette village, in Missouri, on Sep 
tember 2(), 1820, aged eighty-six years, eleven 
months, four days. ' 

Taxahlks of 17.')9.— The following list 
comprises the names of tiie taxables of the town- 
ship in 1759. Total amount of tax then levied 
was £76 2s. 6d. Peter Huet was the collector : 



'John F. Watson made the first piiblislieJ stntemenl 
that Daniel Boone was born in Berks County. This was 
in a paper read by him before the Pennsylvania Histori- 
cal Society, at Philadelphia, on May 17, 1853. Dr. Peter 
G. Bertolet has made the same statement in his manu- 
script of " Oley and Vicinity " deposited with the Ilisloii- 
cal Society mentioned (written in 18G0). Colonel Nicho- 
las Jones, of Reading, publishes a very interesting and 
conclusive letter ou this subject in the Heading Times ami 
Dispatch on October 28, 1879. The author published an 
article (o the same effect in the Hi'lorical Reyinter, issued at 
llarrisburg, .September, 188-t. 



Mo 



sKll 



12 



Christopher Frederick 4 

I'eter Fisher 5 

.lohn FuUwiler '. 10 

Go.lfredGrin 2 

Adam Gearrit 10 

George Garrit 24 

Jacob Huet 4 

George Hart 2 

Daniel Hart 1 

Jactib Hisler 5 

Lecumrd High 8 

John Hughes. 27 

Samuel Hughes 10 

Edward Hughes 6 

Nicholiis Herner 3 

Itudolph Heckler 22 

Henry Herner 8 

William Henton 2 

Peter Hint 10 

George Hinton 10 

Henry Kerson 5 



William Kerby S 

Deter Kerby 8 

Mordocai Lincoln 10 

Thomas Lincoln 15 

Paul LcfTol,.'. 1 

Isaac Levan 33 

Michael Ludwig 18 

Lenhart Lebo 10 

.\brabam Levan 1» 

Philip Louderlock 4 

Henry Leace 2 

Peter Matis 17 

William Maugridge 1,'> 

Val. Messeremith 20 

George Messei-smith 1 

Ulrick Moone 3 

Philip Near 2 

Peter Null..-. 5 

Frederick Nackel 2 

Henry Oder 1 

Robert Patterson .'» 

Thomas Payne ^ 

Jonathan Price 3 

Francis Ritter 2* 

Peter Riue T 

Jacob Raw-n 15 

William Russel _ 2 

Michael Sister T 

John Suck 10 

Peter Smith (5 

.Jacob Scharer S 

Peter Snider 14 

Christopher Sheath 2 

Widow Sheffer 5 

Henry Slye 2 

Henry Stucker 1 

Henry Thompson _ 5 

John Thompson S 

Jacob Willear IS 

Martin Waltz 2 

John Webb 20 

Joseph Webb '2 

Frederick Wallick S 

Christian Weeks, 10 

John Wftinwright ."i 

Adam Young 12 

.Jacob Yoder 12 

Jacob Young 5 



A.lnTu Bnrm-t. 
.b.liu Beacley. 
.I.ilai Boone. 
Kiigle Boyer. 
John Cidlier. 
Frederick Herner. 
Francis Kerston. 
Abraham Lincoln. 



Swijle Men. 

John Modling. 
William Pattoraon. 
Nathan Pugb. 
George Butter. 
Philip Slatler. 
Fiederick Wallick. 
James Webb. 



Industries. — The water-power of Antietani 
Creek, for tlie first half-dozen miles in its 
cour.se through the township, was formerly 
well improved, and a few im])ortant industries 
still remain. Near the Alsace line is the old 
Hill mill, now operated liy .John ^\'ann(■r, 
which has [)rodiieed flour for half a century. 
A short distance below John Breiner had a 
stone paper-mill. He then lived in the upper 
part of the building. Afterward the building 
was used to bore rifles. No manufacturing i.s 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



done at present at the place. Immediately be- 
low, Philip Mover had a tilt-hammer, to which 
was added a Ibrge by Solomon Seidel and both 
were carried on a number of years. Gottlieb 
Meyer was the last owner. The power has 
been entirely vacated. Benjamin Custer had a 
fulling-mill at the power below, also carding 
and making coarse cloths. A saw-mill was 
operated at the same place, but the power has 
long since been idle. The paper-mill of Abra- 
ham Keller was operated by the power below 
this point, and, after a time, it was made to 
work the machinery of a ctirding-inill for Jacob 
Brumbach. M'hen owned by William Brum- 
bach it was burned down and rebuilt, when it 
was converted into an oil-mill. Afterward it 
was used as a hat-factory by the Hendels and 
Jolin Yerger. It has stood idle the past few 
years. The site below was also occupied by an 
oil-mill, belonging to Jacob and Adam Breiner, 
and becoming the property of Adam Johnson, a 
small foundry was established, which was oper- 
ated by him some time. In 18.54 .Jacob Gries- 
emer converted it into a grist-mill, and a saw- 
mill was added, and steam-power was afterward 
sup])lied. The mills are now operated by 
James Griesemer. Below the place where the 
Oley pike crosses the creek, Daniel Guldin had 
a carding-mill, the power of which was after- 
ward used to operate a hat- factory for Abraham 
Stauffer ; but no work, has been done the past 
few years, the building being unoccupied. 
Close by a large glue-factory was established in 
1878 by Joseph and Daniel Levan, which is 
still successfully operated by them. Tlie Philip 
Housiu mill was on the creek at the next lower 
power. Becoming the property of William 
Brumbach, it was converted into a woolen- 
factory, and as such operated until it was 
burned down some twenty years ago, when the 
present " St. Lawrence Woolen-Mills " were 
erected by Albert J. Brumbach, the present 
proprietor. It is a large two-story stone build- 
ing, supplied with superior improved machinery 
for making all kinds of woolen fabrics and 
yarns. The motive-power is water and steam 
and thirty operatives are employed. The name 
" St. Lawrence " arose from a grade of goods 
manufactured there. This property has been 



improved with a number of buildings to such 
an extent that the locality has the appearance 
of a village. Next below this factory Jacob 
Levan operated a saw-mill, which has been 
removed ; also an old grist-mill, formerly oper- 
ated by the Bechtels. Near by, on a small 
tributary, George De B. Keim had a clover-seed 
mill, which did good service in its day, but lias 
been idle a long time. On the main stream, in 
this locality, Gottlieb Moyer erected, in 1828, 
what he called the " Exeter Tilt-Hammer," and 
George de B. Keim purchasing an interest in 
the property, a forge was added, which was 
operated by Keim & Moyer from about 1840 
for some years, and known as the " Exeter 
Forge." Moyer & Yocum were later operators. 
The business has been abandoned and the power 
has been used to operate a small feed-mill, 
now owned by ^L J. Althouse. A pottery has 
been carried on near by for a number of years 
by Jacob Troxcll. A small turning-factory in 
this locality has also passed away. Near the 
Perkiomen turnj)ike John Bishop had a .saw 
and grist-mill, among the first in the township, 
which bui'ned down whilst owned by Nicholas 
Jones. A stone building was erected in its 
place and the mill is now operated as the pi'op- 
erty of Jacob Hertzog. Thomas and .John 
Lincoln had a saw-mill at the next power, 
which was replaced by a new mill, erected by 
Washington Kissinger, and is still operated as a 
saw-mill. At this place — " Exeter Station " — 
Colonel D. C. Keller had a distillery, wiiicii 
was discontinued after several years' opci'ation. 
The building afterward burned down. .Vt this 
place there was also a small steam forge, erected 
by Reuben Seidel and operated by him for 
some years. 

On the jNIonocacy, just where it passes into 
Exeter, Jacob and John Gehr had a fulling and 
carding-mill, but which has not been run 
the past fifty years. The building has been re- 
moved. Traces of the old race may still be 
-seen. Half a mile down the stream Daniel 
Snyder erected a grist-mill, which was operated 
before 1800 and which has been continuously 
owned by the Snyder family. The original old 
stone building has been enlarged and improved 
and it is still a good mill, operated by William 



976 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



H. Snyder. On the Limekill Creek, near the 
Oley Hue, Henry Kuauss operated a grist-mill 
many years, John H. Bechtel becoming a later 
owner, and though the power is not strong, the 
mill is operated nearly constantly. A saw-mill, 
by Jacob Thomas, occupied the next site, and, 
after being the property of Herbein and others, 
at present belongs to James Boone. The oldest 
mill in the township was in this locality, near 
the Friends' meeting-house, but had its water- 
power from the Mouocacy, by means of a 
race, lieing almost a mile long. It may have 
been operated as early as 1 726 by the Boone 
family, but owing to its unfavorable, location, it 
was not kept up after the first log building 
commenced to show signs of decay, especially 
after better mills were supplied. The mill was 
on the present Jacob B. Kaufman farm and the 
head of the race was on the farm of Isaac 
(!iiristman. The Boone who had this mill 
was of the same family from which has de- 
scended Moses Boone, still living in that local- 
ity. Below this point potteries have been 
carried on by C. C. Guldin, C. Link and others. 
Near the Birdsboro station Messrs. E. & G. 
Brooke erected a fine, large furnace, which is 
still carried on successfully in connection with 
the Brooke Iron-Works at Birdsboro. 

Exeter Station, on the same road, nearer 
Reading, has but a few buildings, the principal 
being the store and tavern of H. B. Levan. 
He is also the postmaster of Exeter Station 
office, established in 18(31. William B. Levan 
has been the station agent of the railroad com- 
pany for many years. Washington Kissinger 
was the first to engage in business at this point. 

On the Perkiomen turnpike, from the 
"Black Bear" to the "Red Lion " Inns, are 
several settlements ajiproaching hamlets in ap- 
pearance, and which are known locally as 
" A\'oodville " and " Suckertown." Neither has 
any business place connected with it. 

On the present Samuel Kaufman farm, 
formerly owned by one of the Booues is part of 
a stone building erected in 1733, which is yet 
in good condition. 

Other old houses are along tlie Mouocacy, 
among them being the one now owned by 
James Lee, formerly the Isaac Ciiristman place. 



the Lees, Hughes, etc. They are all stone and 
some of them two stories high. 

CHURCHES. 

Friends' Meeting-House is situate in the 
Mouocacy Valley and on the Amity line. It 
is a plain stone building, built similar to, but 
a little larger than, the ordinary country school- 
house. Like the habits of the sect for which 
it was designed, it was finished in a simple, but 
neat style. Meetings are still held regularly, 
but there are kw attendants besides the Baileys, 
Shoemakers and Lees, some of whom come 
from a distance. The INIonthly Meetings are 
attended by Friends from Reading, Robeson 
and Maiden-creek, in addition to the foregoing. 
The cemetery is inclo.sed with a substantial 
stone fence, and contains so many interments 
that some graves are on top of others. The 
site is pleasant, and the place for a meeting- 
house vv-as well selected, at that time having 
been a central point for large settlements of 
Friends in the valleys of the Monocacy and 
the Manatawny. The one acre of land on 
which the house was built was part of a two 
hundred and seveuty-scven-acre tract which 
had been patented by Thomas Penn to George 
Boone in 1734, and was deeded by Boone and 
his wife, Deborah, to Anthony Lee, John Webb 
and Squire Boone, for a consideration of twenty 
shillings, December 24,1736. The .same day 
they, in turn, conveyed the land to Ellis Hugh, 
Thomas Ellis and James Boone in trust, "for a 
house and place of religious worship for meeting 
for the people called Quakei's, within said town- 
ship of Oley, and shall permit and suifer the 
said piece of laud whereon ye said messuage 
stands, and is erected ... to be and remaine 
a burying-plaee for ye burying and intering of 
all such persons as the people called (Quakers 
within ye said township shall allow of, and to 
and for no other use and service whatsoever." 

It is probable that the first meeting-house 
was erected prior to this date (December 24, 
1736), but the first Monthly Meeting appears to 
have been held June 25, 1737. At the meet- 
ing in the Eighth Month, Anthony Lee and 
Richard Lundy were cho.sen additional elders ; 
and at the Tenth Monthly Meeting Ellis 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



977 



Hughes and James Boone wei-e appointed over- 
seers in place of Thomas Ellis and Anthony 
Lee. The Eleventh Monthly Meeting, in 
1737, was held in the meeting-house in Maiden- 
creek, with which society this organization has 
always been connected in holding Monthly 
Meetings. 

Exeter having heen set otf from Oley, in 
1742, the name of the meeting, which was up 
to that time Oley, was changed to Exeter 
(March 3, 1742), and the first recorded meeting 
as Exeter was held April 24, 1 742. Though 
so many changes have taken place that scarcely 
any members are left, those remaining must be 
commended for their adherence to the faith of 
the fathers and the consistent service they 
maintain when the future of the meeting seems 
so inauspicious. 

This meeting-house is mentioned in a peti- 
tion, presented to the court at Philadelphia, in 
1727, for a road "from the Lutheran Meeting- 
House at Tuipehocken creek to the High Road 
at the (Juaker Meeting- House near the Mill of 
George Boone, in Oley." By this petition it 
appears that both a mill and a meeting-honse 
were then in existence, and that the inhabitants 
of the surrounding country had their grists 
ground in the vicinity of their settlements, 
instead of having been compelled to proceed to 
the Perkiomen Mills, thirty miles distant, for 
that purpose. 

Schwartz WAiA) Church (Reformed and 
Lutheran) is near the centre of the town- 
ship. Its early history is obscure, inas- 
much as no records have been preserved. It 
was founded at such an early day that no per- 
sonal recollection is authentic. But from con- 
temporary accounts it is learned that a 'log 
church was l)uilt as early as 1754, in which 
worshipped Reformed and Lutheran congrega- 
tions, whose early ministry was the same as 
those of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Read- 
ing and the First Reformed Church of the 
same place. This church was used until 1810, 
when a new stone church was built upon the 
same lot of ground. It was built after the cus- 
tom of that day, being almost square, and hav- 
ing three galleries, a tulip-shaped pulpit and a 
good pipe-organ, which was consecrated No- 



vember 10, 1811, when services were held in 
both the English and German languages. 
Early in 1870 it was determined to erect a new 
church, as the old one had insufficient accom- 
modations and bore the appearance of age so 
that it was unattractive. Accordingly, a build- 
ing committee was appointed, consisting of 
Joseph Levan, Benjamin S. Ritter, Simpson 
Garber, Joseph Kissling and John Heister, and 
they labored so zealously that the present edi- 
fice was completed before the close of the year. 
The old church was torn down in the early 
part of June and the corner-stone of the new 
church was laid July 17, 1870. The consecra- 
tion took place December 18, 1870. It is a 
brick structure, fifty by seventy-eight feet, and 
was completed at a cost of twelve thousand dol- 
lars. On the church is a square spire, contain- 
ing a superior, rich-toned bell. The interior is 
finely finished and has a seating capacity for 
eight hundred people. In the rear of the pul- 
pit is a fine life-size painting of Christ, stand- 
ing at an open door. This was presented to 
the church in the spring of 1871 by Benjamin 
S. Ritter. A new organ was purchased in 1875, 
and sheds for the comfort of the horses of the 
members have also been built. 

The Reformed congregation rej)orted five 
hundred and fifty members in 1886, and the 
Rev. Aaron S. Leinbac^h and his son, John H., 
as pastors. The former has officiated here 
thirty-eight years. He preaches in the German 
language, while the latter has English services, 
thus giving a dual pastorate. The pi'edecessor 
of these was the Rev. Wm. Pauli, who sus- 
tained a pastoral relation many years. 

The Lutheran congregation has a smaller 
membership, there being about three hundred 
members under the pastoral care of the Rev. 
B. D. Zweizig, Avho served for the past twenty 
years. His predecessors were the Revs. 
Kuendig, Wagner and Miller. One-third of 
the preaching is in the English. North of the 
church is the Schwartzvvald Cemetery, con- 
taining five acres. It includes the old burial- 
ground and lot of the church (one acre). The 
improvements are substantial and the older part 
of the cemetery has been planted with fine trees 
and shrubs. It is controlled by the " Schwartz- 



978 



iifSTOllY OF BERKS COUiNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



w.iKl Cemetery Association," wiiicli was incor- 
porated on November 18, 18")9. The petition- 
ers for incorjioration were, — 

William Brumbacli, Daniel Schneider, Solomon 
Close. John D. Ritter, George Stoner, Jonas Kisling, 
Gottlieb Moyer, Joseph Levan, John Herbein, Chris- 
tian Schafter, Daniel Faber, Samuel B. Kiiabb, Henry- 
Shaffer, nenjamin S. Ritter, James Z. Grieseraer, 
George Hill, Daniel Lutz. 

For the past twenty-seven years the church 
and cemetery have been in charge of Sexton 
William Ebbert. The trustees of the Cemetery 
As.sociatton for 1886, are A. Herbein, presi- 
dent; A. J. BrumSach, secretary ; B. S. Ritter, 
treasurer; Joseph Snyder, Cyrus Levan, David 
Lutz, Samuel B. Knabb. 

In the eastern part of the town.ship are a 
number of private burial-grounds, some in- 
closed with good stone walls and neatly kept, 
while others, on farms which have passed out of 
the hands of the orii;inaI owners, are in a ne- 
glected condition. 

Baumstown Chapei. (Reformed) is a plain 
frame building, thirty by forty feet, on an unde- 
fined lot of ground, long regarded as a commons. 
A partof this has been inclosed and forms a .small 
cemetery. It was built about forty years ago 
and in 1885 was controlled by Trustees H. Y. 
Linderman, Philip Lott and Amos Redcay. 
Since February 8, 18()9, the congregation has 
been an organized body ; but as the member- 
ship is small, little attention is paid to the de- 
tails of the organization. Some of the pastors 
of the Amity Church have occasionally preached 
in this church, and until recently the Rev. M. 
H. Mishler was the i)astor. The Rev. A. H. 
Liess lately began preaching here. In the 
chapel a good Sunday-school has been main- 
tained for a number of years, having as a for- 
mer superintendent H. Y. Stoner, and William 
B. Potts as the present. There are about ninety 
members. 

Below Baumstown is another chaiK'l, nomin- 
ally belonging to the " United Brethren in 
Christ," but which has lately become the prop 
erty of Daniel Bowers, by purchase. It was 
built in 1869, and for a time occupied by a" 
flouri-shing congregation. Tiie removal of 
members, however, and other causes have inter- 



fered with the prosperity of the society, so that 
only occasional services are held. The building 
is a plain frame structure and stands on one 
acre of land, purcha.sed from the farm of George 
Wamsher. 

Stoxer«ville Sunday-school Chapel was 
built in the fall of 1885, for the use of a LTnion 
Sunday-school, organized in April, 1882. D. 
V. R. Ludwig has been superintendent since 
its organization. The chapel stands upon a lot 
donated by Sarah A. Young and is a neat 
frame building, thirty by fifty feet, costing one 
thou.sand dollars. It was erected by Amnion j\I. 
Kline, Charles B. Rice and D. V. R. Ludwig 
as a committee for the Sunday-school. 

Schools. — The oldest .school -house in the 
township was the one erected by the Friends at 
their meeting-house, and in which schools were 
maintained from 1790 till 1860, when the prop- 
erty was sold to the township, to be u.sed as a 
public-school building. The schools until that 
were sub.scription schools, patronized by the peo- 
ple generally. Some of the principal teaciiers 
were James Boone, Thomas Cherington, Abner 
Thomas, Joim Lee, Ellis Lee and James Lee. 

In 1885 there were twelve districts in the 
township, each provided with its own school 
building. Those i-eccntly erected are very at- 
tractive. The Hill school-house was built in 
1885, and among other improvements contains 
a furnace for heating purposes. It has patent 
furniture and slate blackboards. The cost was 
about twelve hundred dollars. In all the dis- 
tricts the schools are conducted for five months 
annually, and this is supplemented, in some 
districts, by private schools in summer. 



A few miles east from Reading, at the inter- 
section of the Oley and Pc-rkiomen turnpikes, 
an inn has been kept almost from the time the 
country was first settled. It is widely known 
as the " Black Bear," from the picture of that 
animal painted on the sign, and having 
a bountitul supply of superior water, no team- 
ster thinks of passing by without refreshing his 
teams. Jacob Maury was one of the early 
landlords, but for the past twenty years it has 
been kept by George Hill and his son, Levi. . 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



979 



St. Lawrence is situated on the Oley turn- 
j)ike and extends along this prominent high- 
way from Antietam Creek for a mile. The 
name arose from a certain class of woolen anil 
cotton goods in 1856 which were manufactured 
l)y Wm. Brurabach, and sold at the commission 
house of T. P. Remington, Philadelphia. 

Jacob Brumbach first started the manufacture 
of woolen goods here about 1840, in the 
building above the turnpike lately known as 
"Yerger'shat factory." In 1842 he and his 
brother AVilliam carried on the business until 
1850 ; then William took and continued it alone 
until 1856, when he removed the machinery to 
a mill a mile down the creek, now known as 
the " Brumbach Mill." This was formerly 
a grist-mill, and William Brumbach converted 
it into a woolen-mill in 1853. In 1857 
he erei^ted a second mill. In 1862 both mills 
were destroyed by fire, loss being .$75,000. 
They were then rebuilt by Albert J. Brumbach, 
his son, the present enterprising and successful 
proprietor, who has carried on the business 
since. In 1881 he ran three sots of machines, 
employed forty-five ])ersons, and made annual 
.sales amounting to $100,000. 

Hats were first manufactured here by Moyer 
Siegel and John Sicgel in 1850. This business 
was carried on for about thirty years by various 
parties, among them M. & J. Soigel, Stauffer & 
Kretz, John Yerger and Schulhoff Brothers. 

The Levan Brothers (Daniel and Joseph) 
began the manufacture of glue here in 1874, 
when they erected their present large factory. 
They had for some years before carried on tlie 
business at Reading, in a building on Cherry 
Street, below Eleventh, where their father 
and grandfather had manufactured glue for 
many years. 

James Z. Griesemer has carried on a grist 
and saw-mill for a number of years on Antietam 
Creek, at the crossing of the "Oley Turn- 
pike." 

In 1881 the village had fifty-four dwell- 
ings and two hundred and sixty inhabit- 
ants. 

Camjj No. 230, P. 0. S. of A., at St. Law- 
rence, holds its meetings in a building, near the 
Brumbach factory, but a new iiall will be es- 



pecially built for it in 1886, on an eligible site 
on the turnpike. There are one hundred and 
si.x members and property valued at nearly 
three thousand dollars. 

Jack.sonwald was named after John Jack- 
son, who built a large hotel there in 1870, and 
in November of the sanie year succeeded in 
having a post-office estiiblished with the 
name of the hamlet. Jackson was appointed 
postma.ster and still holds that position. There 
is a daily mail from Reading. In the vicinity 
is the "Schwartzwald Church'' and eight or 
ten houses, occupied by people who have been 
attracted by the beauty of this locality. Near 
by is the " Centre Hotel " of P. Althouse, and 
a mile east was formerly the old Amos Ritter 
tavern, now u.sed as a farm residence. 

Dr. J. Y. Hoffman, who graduated from the 
Jefferson Medical College in 1880, has been 
located as a practitioner at Jacksonwald since 
1882, being the successor of Dr. Martin L. 
Bertolet, who settled there in 1878, and after 
l)racticing four years removed to the West. 
Prior to that time Dr. Peter Snyder was in 
])ractice in that part of the township. He re- 
moved in 1868. 

Dr. .Tohn B. Greisemer has practiced the 
healing art in Exeter township for many years, 
residing at present near the " Black Bear." For 
several years Dr. H. M. Nagle was at Stoners- 
ville, aiid Dr. T. L. Leidy and Dr. J. B. Kern 
were each in practice several years, in the same 
locality. 

LijieKiln, commonly known as Snyderville, 
is situated on the Monocacy, at the Oley line, 
and contains a store, tavern, post-office and half 
a dozen residences in the immediate locality. 

The business house was built in 1835 by 
Jacob and Peter Snyder, the former becoming 
the owner in 1842, and the property still re- 
mains in his family. Jacob Snyder had the 
first public-house and Augustus Miller the store. 
The latter is now kept by Charles S. Snyder 
and the former by Jacob H. Snyder. The Lime 
Kiln post-office was established in 1870 (the 
name originated from the lime kiln near by) 
and Jacob C. Snyder was the postmaster. This 
position is now held by John H. Snyder. At 
that place is an octagonal stone building, erected 



980 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



in 1833, on the Gehr (now Cleaver) farm, 
whicli was recently repaired and supplied with 
a belfry. It is used for public gatherings and 
Suuday-school purposes, and is controlled by 
Trustees John H. Snyder and Samuel B. 
Knabb. 

The building was erected for private schools 
and replaced an old log school-house on tlie 
same site, which was built soon after 1800. It 
was, next to the Moravian school in Oley, the 
oldest in this part of the county. Lime Kiln, 
or Oley Line has an attractive location and has 
lately been substantially improved by the erec- 
tion of several fine buildings. 

Washington Camp, No. 221 P. 0. S. of A., 
was instituted at Oley Line July 30, 1874, but 
held its first meetings at Griesemerville. In 
1886 there were seventy-eight members who 
met statedly in a hail in the Snyder building, 
having as principal officers, President, George 
M. Ruth ; Vice-Presideut, Isaac Hei-bein ; Sec- 
retary, John S. Snyder ; Treasurer, C S. Snyder; 
Trustees, J. G. Herbein, B. H. Altenderfer, D. 
V. R. Ludwig. 

The camp is in a prosperous condition, 
having property to the amount of eighteen hun- 
dred dollars. 

Stoxersville, a hamlet of about fifteen 
buildings, is east of the centre of the township, 
and l)ecame a business place in 1813, when 
Philip Boyer opened a hotel called the " Com- 
pass," from the figure of that instrument painted 
on the sign. Philip Boyer was succeeded by 
his sou John, who sold out to George Stoner 
in 1847. The latter was a man of great 
energy. He built an addition to the house, and 
also opened a store, in \\hich was kept tiie post- 
office, established with the name of Stouers- 
ville. This title was then applied to the lo- 
cality and has since been continued. Stoner's 
tavern was largely patronized by drovers, and 
for their accommodation he had a forty-acre 
pasture field opposite the hotel. In 1848 he 
erected a large brick shed on tiie roadside. 
After a few years the business declined, leaving 
this large building almost useless. This change 
was caused by tlie railroad. Stoner removed to 
the "Red Lion" in 1863 and Daniel II. 
Snyder became the proprietor of the hotel. In 



1881 David K. Young succeeded him and it is 
now continued by John K. Young. Since 1882 
the store has been kept by D. V. R. Ludwig, 
who was also postmaster until 1885, when 
Jacob F. Guldiu received the appointment. It 
is served with a daily mail by the Boyertown 
stage on the route from Reading to Boyertown. 
At and near this place are several old estab- 
lished mechanics' shops. Moses Boone has pur- 
sued the business of a wheelwright for many 
years. 

Bat^mstown, at the lower end of the town- 
ship, on the highlands, traversed by the Perki- 
omeu turnpike, one mile from the Schuylkill, is 
the oldest hamlet in tiie township, and is more 
of the nature of a straggling village. The 
site was first surveyed in 1733 and the follow- 
ing year two hundred and fifty-one acres were 
patented to Rudolph Wachler. Stephen Bolty 
became a later owner, and he, in 1792, deetled 
some land to Wra. Witman, who, about 1795 
or 1796, laid out a town on a comprehensive 
scale, which he caWed Exetertown. July 3,1796, 
he conveyed the first lot to Frederick Kopp, of 
Robeson township, for ten silver dollars; but 
it does not appear that he succeeded in making 
many sales to actual settlers, and, about 1800, he 
sold out his town to Dr. John Christian Baum. 
It was from him that the place took its present 
name some years later. Dr. Baum lived there 
and followed his profession, and was father of 
Dr. John Baum, wlio practiced his jn-ofession 
for a number of years at the Yellow House. A 
later ]ihysician at Baumstown was Dr. Ernst 
Baggie, who died at the "Red Lion " soon after 
1864. At Baumstowu a public-house was 
kept many years, but not since 1868, when Ed- 
mund Levan was the landlord. Other keepers 
were E. Dengler and Capt. George Newkirk. 
The nearne.ss of Birdsboro has made the busi- 
ness of tavern-keeping and also of merchandis- 
ing unprofitable at Baumstown. 

The " Red Lion " inn was e.stablisiied on 
this road a mile above Baumstown by Nicholas 
Hoerner in 1760. During its early history, for 
twenty years it was known as the " King 
George." It is now owned by Solomon Stoner, 
a successful merchant in the township for many 
years. 



TOWNSHIPS OP COUNTY. 



981 



Lionel Leiuberger, a Jew, had the first store 
in part of the old Bauni house. Samuel Hech- 
ler built a store fifty years ago and since 18o4: 
H. Y. Linderman has been his successor. At 
this store is kept the Baumstown post-ofSce, es- 
tablislied in 1835, and which at present has one 
mail daily from Birdsboro. The postma.ster is 
F. J. Linderman. Among the early mechanics 
at this place were Ezekiel Jones, Jacob Kerlin 
and John Moye'r. Birdsboro Station, Phila- 
delphia and Reading Railroad, is in Exeter. 
The depot buildings are new and very attrac- 
tive in external appearance and interior ar- 
rangement. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Joseph Levax is of Huguenot descent, and 
the grandson of Jacob Levan, whose son Abra- 
ham married Maria Bechtel. The children of 
this marriage are Susan, Jacob, Elizabeth, Jo- 
seph Abraham and two who died in childhood. 
Abraham Levan spent his life on the farm now 
owned by Jacob Levan. His son, Joseph Levau, 
was born on the 9th of June, 1803, and 
with his brothers and sisters inherited the home- 
stead, where he devoted his life to agriculture 
and was regarded as one of the most successful 
farmers of the township. He was married to 
Caroline Matilda, daughter of Peter Bechtel, of 
Caernarvon township. Tlieir children were 
Mary, deceased, born December 3, 1836 ; Joseph, 
deceased, born March 29, 1838; Abraham, born 
January 18, 1841; Jacob, September 5, 1843; 
Cyrus, December 18, 1849; Nathan, July 5, 
1854 ; and David, December 24, 1859. Joseph 
Levan being the only one of his father's chil- 
dren who was married, he for niany years lived 
upon the paternal homestead. He was an earnest 
Democrat in politics and among the foremost to 
defend the principles of his party. He was fre- 
quently chosen as a delegate to County Con- 
ventions and held various township offices, 
more from a sense of duty than from preference. 
His integrity and scrupulous honesty caused 
him often to be made guardian, executor and 
administrator, which positions were filled witii 
ability and fidelity. Mr. Levan was a member 
of theSchwartzvvald German Reformed Church, 
in which he was both a deacon and an elder ; 



all his children became members of the same 
church. He was a member of the building 
committee at the time of the erection of the 
church building and contributed liberally to- 
ward paj'ing the debt. He died December 10, 
1872. His widow survives and lives in Exeter 
township. Jacob Levan resides upon the farm 
which was the place of his birth and has followed 
the employment of a farmer all his life. He 
was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John 
and Joan Kerper, of Exeter townshij), in 1882. 
They have two children, Caroline Amelia and 
Jacob. Cyrus Levan is ahso a prosperous 
farmer in the same township. He married 
Susan, daughter of Benjamin Trout. Their 
surviving children are Jacob, Edwin and Harry. 
Abraham Levan has retired from his labors as 
a farmer and resides in Exeter township. He 
married Sally Davis and has no living children. 
Nathan Levan resides in Exeter township. He 
married Amanda, daughter of John and Joan 
Kerper and has two children, Mary and Joseph. 
David Levan graduated from Franklin and 
Marshall College and is now engaged in the 
study of law. 

Ephraim ScnxKiDER is a descendant of 
Hans Schneider, the progenitor of the branches 
of the Schneider family residing in Exeter and 
Oley townships, Berks County. He emi- 
grated from Switzerland before the Revolu- 
tionary War, and settled on a tract of land 
at present known as " Oley Line." Ephraim 
Schneider was born October 11, 1822, in 
Exeter township, on the Schneider mill farm, 
on a part of which stands his present home. 
The grist-mill and farm were deeded to his 
grandfather, Daniel Schneider, by his great- 
grandfather, Peter Schneider, and again willed 
by his grandfather Daniel to his son, Daniel K. 
Schneider. Thegrist-mill and part of the laud are 
now owned and occupied by M'illiam H. Schnei- 
der, who was for six consecutive times elected 
justice of the peace (1855 to 1885). Daniel 
Schneider, grandfather of Ephraim, served in 
the army during the Revolutionary War, and 
on his return from Valley Forge, where Wash- 
ington's army was encamped, narrowly escaped 
death from the severity of the cold. He mar- 
ried Sarah Knabb, and had among their chil- 



1)82 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



dren a son, Daniel K., the eldest of the family, 
who carried on the well-known Schneider mill. 
He commanded a company of militia on the 
breaking out of the War of 1812, but by unfair 
means was later deprived of his command, 
which he much regretted in after-life. He 
filled for three years the office of county com- 
misioner, and was one of the incorporators of 
the Berks County jNIutual Fire Insurance Corn- 



trade of a millwright, but finding it neceasary 
to be much away from home in the pursuit of 
his vocation, finally abandoned it, and purchas- 
ing a farm at Stonerville, in Exeter township, 
devoted his attention to farming. At a later 
date he bought another farm, on which he now 
resides. He was, in 1844, married to Rebecca, 
daughter of Jacob and Susan Knabb Dehart. 
Their children are AVilliam, born June 25, 





(yTra/i^rr^ 



dz/- 



pany, of which he was tiie first president. He 
died on the 4th of March, 1872, in his eighty- 
fourth year. Daniel K. Sciineider married 
Mary Lies. Their children were Solomon and 
Henrietta, married to John Beciitel. By a 
second marriage, with Catherine Herbine, of 
Exeter township, he had the following-named 
children : Ephraim, Daniel, William, Augus- 
tus, Amelia, (Mrs. Levan), Susan (Mrs. Faber), 
Catherine (Mrs. Girst), and Lydia (deceiised). 
Ephraim Schneider has spent his whole life in 
the township of his birth. He learned the 



1846; Sarah M., October 29, 1848 ; Kate (Mrs. 
Peter Harbine), September 25, 1850; Ezra, 
January 25, 1855; Calvin, October IG, 1858; 
Rosa, February 21, 1861, decea.sed ; Mary 
Ann, April 2, 1863; and Daniel, an infant. 
The grandchildren of Mr. and Mrs. Schneider 
are Elizabeth M., Calvin and Cora, children of 
William Schneider, and Lizzie, Alice, Charles 
(deceased) and Gertrude, children of Peter and 
Kate Harbine. Mr. Schneider, as a Democrat, 
is active and influential in local politics. He 
is interested in the lumber business. He and 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



983 



his family are members of tlie Schwartzwald 
Reformed Church, iu which he has filled the 
offices of trustee, deacon and elder. 



ALSACE TOWNSHIP. 

P^RECTiox OF Towx.SHip. — Jacob Spangler, 
Dewalt Banm, Johannes Haweracker, Henry 
Snider,^Philip S. Hare, Peter Smith, Heinrich 
Guthard, Heinrich Gerhard and Michael Graul 
subscribed a petition which was presented to the 
Court of Quarter Sessions of Philadelphia 
County on Decendjer 2, 1 744,* iu which they 
represented that a sufficient quantity of land had 
become settled, and that they labored under such 
inconveniences as to entitle them to be erected 
into a separate township; that the first settlers 
had come from a place in Germany, called J'Jlacw, 
and that they therefore desired the township 
to l)e called by that name. The court ordered 
a survey of tiie district to be made ; and the 
survey was accordingly made by Edward 
Scull, surveyor, who reported the following 
description : 

" Beginning at a corner of Exeter township, on the 
northeast bank of the Schnylkill river; thence by 
said township N. 33 E. 87 perches; S. 57 E. 70 
perches; N. 33 E. 1154 perches; N. 70 E. 400 
perclies to a road leading to Philadelphia ; thence 
along said road 167 perches to a corner of Oley town- 
ship ; thence by the same N. 20 E. 450 perches ; 
thence by vacant land and the Manor of Ruscomb, 
N. 45 W. 1730 perches ; thence S. ('>'> W. 817 perches 
to Schuylkill River; thence down the river about 
seven miles to the place of beginning, containing 
23,270 acres." 

The surveyor-general, William Parsons, ex- 
amined the survey and certified on March 3, 
1745, that it did not interfere with any other 
township ; and on the following day it was 
erected into a township, to be known as 
" Alsace." 

The area of the township was reduced upon 
several occasions — first, by erecting the town of 
Reading into a separate district or township in 
17(31, and upon its enlargement as a borough in 
1783, and a city in 1847; again, upon the 
erection of Muhlenberg town.ship, in 1851, out 
of that portion of its territory which lay to the 
north of Reading and to the west of Peun's 



Mount. And in 1850' another reduction was 
made by cutting off the " Poplar Neck " and 
lands adjacent, extending to "Neversiuk," 
together with over three hundred acres, and 
adding it to Cumru township — this having 
been deemed advisable as a matter of con- 
venience in respect to roads, schools and elec- 
tions. This body of land is the only j)ortion 
of the county lying to the east of the Schuyl- 
kill which is connected with a district lying to 
the west. 

Early Warrants. — In pursuance of an 
application by Andrew Robeson for five hun- 
dred acres of land, a tract was surveyed for 
him on August 26, 1714.^ The northern line 
began " on the east side of the Schuylkill, at a 
black-oak, near the ford where the old road 
leads to Turpahoking ; " and the southern line 
ran along "Neversink's land." This comprised 
what is now the southwestern section of Read- 
ing. The survey was abandoned for some 
unknown reason. The Indians may have 
objected, because the land lay beyond the 
" Lechay Hills" (South Mountain). Several 
years afterward, in 1718, Robeson purchased 
one thousand acres south of this natural boun- 
dary line. 

A large tract of land, containing three hun- 
dred and seventy-five acres, in the extreme 
lower section of the township,^ adjoining the 
Schuykill, was patented to Edward Farmer in 
1735, under the name of " Poplar Neck." 
Nicholas Scull, surveyor, made use of the same 
name in entering notes of a survey in that 
locality in his note-book on December 11, 1734. 
The greater part of this tract (two hundred and 
thirteen acres) became vested in Samuel High, of 
Oley, by deed, dated February 20, 1746. And 
this land has been transmitted in an unbroken 
line in the High family from that time till now, 
a period covering one hundred and forty years. 
The name was given to this neck of land 
(formed by a bend iu the river) from the 
poplar trees which were found growing there, 

' Act of Assembly passed April 11, 1850. 

2 This is the first notice of taking upland above the 
South Mountain. 

^Separated from the township and added to Cumru 
township in 1851. 



984 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and this same sjiecies of tree is still found there 
growing with great vigor. The land is now 
owned and occupied by Ezra High, a superior 
fanner and exemplary man. 

In the extreme northern end of the township 
there is a parallel ease of the transmission of 
land in one family in an imbroken line, for 
nearly a hundred years. In 1737 a tract of 
one hundred and forty-four acres, called the 
" Four Corners," was surveyed to Conrad Koh 
(or Cook), and he conveyed his right, in 1741, 
to Dietrich Bydelman. Dietrich Shalter mi- 
grated from Goshenhoppen to this land and 
hired himself to Bydelman, and soon afterward 
married his only child. Bydelman obtained 
the patent for the tract mentioned, and two 
other tracts in 1770 and 1771, together contain- 
ing two hundred and forty-two acres : and in 
1701 he conveyed these tracts to his son-iu-law, 
Dietrich Shalter, from whom this land has been 
transmitted in the Shalter name till the present 
time. Benjamin S. Shalter (a great-grandson of 
Bydelman) became the owner in 1835, and died 
in possession in 1884. It is still in the family. 
Mr. Shalter was a progressive farmer and 
recognized for his honor and honesty ; and 
notwithstanding that his land is situated on 
the hills, he has brought it to, and continued 
it in, a high state of cultivation. He was a 
man possessed of much public spirit. His 
Christian generosity won for him the highest 
esteem of his fellow-citizens. The church erected 
near by, in ISfiO, commonly known as the 
" Shalter Church," is mainly attributable to his 
energy, and his great desire to promote the public 
welfare of his neighborhood, he having do- 
nated the land, contributed much building 
material and subscribed five hundred dollars 
toward tiie enterprise, together amounting to 
about three-fourths of the total cost. 

TAXAiii>E8 FOR 1759. — The following list 
comprises the names of the taxables of the 
township in 1759. The total amount of tax 
then levied was fifty-four pounds nineteen 
shillings. Samuel High was the collector: 



Adam Ajjple 1 

Jacob Bleiler 2 

Conrad Bower 5 

Jacob Beilor 8 

Dieter Beidleman 14 



Henry Becker 4 

Stephen Boucht 2 

Dewald Baum 14 

John Baum 2 

Henry Bingaman 10 



John Bingaman 3 

Adam Bowman 8 

Jacob Beclier 4 

Conrad Bob 5 

George Born 4 

John Close 10 

Herman Dehaven 14 

Ulatthias Drenlile 2 

Micliael Deoser 4 

.lacob Depree 9 

John Ebling 7 

George Eger 4 

John Fix 2 

John Fa'bcr 1 

Michael Fisher l:J 

Adam Garradt 8 

Frederick Goodhardt 8 

Henry Garrett 9 

Lawrence Graun 5 

Nicholas Greyser 3 

Michael Glauser 7 

John Hertz 1" 

George Hyer 4 

John Haveracker ;. 15 

John Nich. Heitshoe 9 

\ganiuel High 18 

Richard Hockley 45 

William Iddings 18 

Nicholas Jost lf> 

Conrad Keller 9 

Vhristian Kinsey 1*2 

Matthias Keimer 1 

Adam Koon 2 

Henry Kooch 2 

Matthias Kuapt 1 

Isaac Levan 15 

George Lorah 1 



John Lamer 6 

Jacob Lanciscus 14 

Baltzcr Moone 5 

Baltzer Martin 3 

William Null 4 

Casjier Nine 8 

Charles Norris, Esq 3 

George Nies 3 

Peter Norgang 1 

Adam Kiefle 14 

Richard Peters, Esq 4 

Peter Rudenberger 10 

Philip Reasor 6 

Francis Parvin 4 

Gtforge Soningberg 1 

Piiilip Sailor 3 

Jacob Scheflfer G 

•Henrj- Snider 19 

Adam Swartzbach 4 

Henry Shilt 1 

Stophel Spanglcr 17 

John Seuack 20 

Victor Spice 5 

John Shite 2 

Rudolph Schlear 3 

George Sowerbeer 1 

William Sheplar 2 

Ernst Sidle 6 

Henry Shefler 2 

Adam Spicklemier 3 

Michael Saylor 5 

Casper Streador 1 

Johi> UmstadI 1 

Adam Wagner 3 

Philip Wax 10 

Lawrence Wendle 10 

George Wolf 14 



Henry Baum. 

Nicholas Fishe 
John Fisher. 
David Kinsey. 
Abraham Kinat 
George May. 



Single Meii. 



Daniel Norgang. 
George Rotcnberger, 
Michael Spoohn. 
Adam Shier. 
Jolin Stout. 
George Wagner. 



The "Manor of Penn's Mount" lay princi- 
pally in this township. It extended into Exeter 
on the south and into Maiden-creek on the 
north, and comprised two hundred and thirty- 
two tracts of land, mostly small in area, con- 
taining together (exclusive of patented land) 
eleven thousand one hundred and ninety-six 
acres, one hundred and eight perches. The 
survey was made in June, 1789, by Cadwal- 
lader Evans, Jr. Many ti-acts were owned by 
inhabitants of Reading, but the great majority 
of them were owned by farmers. The " Manor" 
was known for many years before. It was 
set apart by warrant dated November 25, 1748, 
for the use of the Penns, and, after having been 
surveyed, it was returned January 21, 1755. 
It contained in the whole twelve thousand two 
hundred acres.' 



' A copy of a draft of this " Manor," containing a con- 
nected draft of all the tracts, is in the possession of Ken- 




^^>!'-C-i^^ 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



IxDUSTRiES. — From the nature of the coun- 
try, Antietani Creek and its afflueuts had 
111 any water-powers which were made to 
operate industries of various kinds, some soon 
after the arrival of the first settlers, and others 
after the War of 1812, when milling and other 
species of manufacturing iiad been stimulated to 
an unusual degree. In conserpience. many 
places were established which had powers too 
small or inadequate support for their permanent 
existence, and declined more than half a century 
ago. Others were destroyed when the city of 
Reading utilized the upper part of the stream as 
part of its system of water supply, so that but 
few places are now operated. Near the head- 
waters of the main stream Christian Kinsey had 
a small grist-mill sixty years ago. It was last 
operated by John Fies, and, after standing idle 
a number of years, was torn down in 1883 by 
William Hoch, the owner of the farm. A short 
distance below there was a tilt-hammer, in a 
building which had double fires, and where a 
large amount of business was done. John Zim- 
merman, the first owner, was succeeded by Ben- 
jamin Tobias, who operated it a number of 
years, when it was abandoned. This site is now 
on the farm of Peter Fies. The first improve- 
ment was situated a short distance farther down 
the stream. It was a small grist-mill, owned 
and carried on by Jacob Lanciscus. After the 
grist-mill was no longer used the power was 
employed to operate a flax-brake. All the im- 
])rovements have been removed. The site was 
on the present farm of Valentine Hartman. 
Lanciscus was a very large land-owner, having 
had the first title to nearly all the farms in this 
locality, most of which are now in posses- 
sion of the Hartman family. At a later day 
David Babb had an oil-mill and saw-mill on 
the power next below, the former being after- 
wards converted into a clover-mill. This power 
is still used to operate a saw-mill for William 
Faust. A short distance from this place Har- 
rison Hinnershitz used the water-power to oper- 
ate a grist-mill, and later added a saw-mill, 
using steam to supplement the water-power. 



dall Brothers, at Reading, who obtained it from the Ziich- 
arias estate. Daniel S. Zucharias received it from M. S. 
Kichards, K?q. 



These industries are yet carried on by him. 
For many years Enoch Caller operated a paper- 
mill at the next power down the valley. He 
occupied a large log building, a part of which 
served as a residence. The mill was destroyed 
by fire and the power was afterward taken 
when " Antietam Lake " was constructed.' 
Near by a forge was run by Philip Seidel, and 
sold by him to Philip Burkert, who built a 
grist-mill, Mhich was subsequently operated as 
an oil-mill. Philip Burkert also had a forge 
below what is now Antietam Lake ; but it has 
long since been abandoned. A little more than 
a quarter of a mile lower down Conrad Feger 
had a paper-mill in a large wooden building, 
which was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt by 
C. Van Reed, and again burned down. Dr. C. 
Reber next had it as a paper-mill, and this site 
is now occupied by Kraemer's woolen-mill. 

Louis Kraemer is of German nationality, 
and the son of Ferdinand and Catherine Krae- 
mer, who resided in Berlebiirg, Westphalia, 
where the former was in early life a merchant. 
In 1830 he exchanged his city property for a 
farm in the suburbs. His son Louis was 
born on the 2d of January, 1828, in Berleburg, 
and until the age of sixteen remained upon his 
father's farm, meanwhile attending the neighbor- 
ing .school. He then chose his vocation in life — 
that of a dyer — and, removing to Barmen, in 
the Rhine province, devoted four years to per- 
fecting himself in his trade. Seeking a wider 
field of operation than was offered at home, he, in 
1848, emigrated to America, and remained six 
years in the employ of Joseph Ripka, at Mana- 
yunk, now a part of Philadelphia, as a dyer. 
In 1854 he as.suined charge of a large dyeing 
establishment at Norwich, Conn., and remained 
thus engaged until 1865. The previous fall, in 
connection with other partners, he purchased 
the site on which the present Stony Creek Mills 
are erected, and, in the summer of 1865, the 
firm of Kraemer, Schaefer & Co. began the 
erection of buildings which have since been re- 
modeled and replaced by more eommodiuus 
structures, the present factory and its adjuncts 
having been erected since 1875. Mr. Schaefer 



'See Chap. XXII., Reading, Part V. 



986 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



withdrew in 1875, and in 1879 Louis F. Krae- 
mer, son of the senior partner, became a mem- 
ber of the firm, since known as Louis Kraemer 
& Co. A more detailed account of the magni- 
tude of this business enterprise will be found 
elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Kraemer was 
married, on the 21st of September, 18.52, to 
Catherine Pfeil, daughter of John Pfeil, of the 
same German province. Their children are 
Louis F., married to Ella Hall, of Huntingdon, 
Pa. ; Henry, who died in infancy ; Caroline, 
still living; and Mary, who died in 1858. He 
is not an office seeker, and has, for that reason, 
never held public position. He is a stock- 
holder of the Shetucket Company Cotton-Mills, 
at Norwich, Conn., but to his home enterprise 
devotes his entire attention. Mr. Kraemer is 
a member of St. Paul's Memorial Church of 
Reading, in which he has served for many years 
as an elder. 

The "Stony Creek Mills " is the only indus- 
try in the township worthy of mention. The 
firm of Kraemer, Franklin & Co. purchased the 
property in 186-t, and shortly afterward began 
the manufacture of woolen and cotton goods. 
This firm was succeeded by Kraemer, Schaefer 
& Co. in 1865, who, in 1873, were incorporated 
under the name of '' Stony Creek Woolen Manu- 
facturing Co., " and in 1879 this corporation 
sold the valuable property and business to Louis 
Kraemer, Louis Grebe and Louis F. Kraemer, 
who, under the firm-name of "Louis Kraemer 
& Co.," have since conducted the enterprise suc- 
cessfully. Ne.xt below a grist and saw-mill was 
long operated by John Hill, when he turned the 
mill into a factory for boring rifles and built a 
new grist-mill farther up, in Alsace township, 
the lower mill being just across the line in Exe- 
ter. The latter building was again converted 
into a grist-mill and is now operated by John 
Wanner ; the Alsace mill is the property of 
Peter Wanner. 

On Laurel Run John Heckman had a pioneer 
grist-mill, which was owned by the Millers at 
an earlier day. Jack Miller supplied steam- 
power, but it was i-cmoved, and water is now 
the only motor. The ciipacity is small. A 
saw-mill, built by Wm. Hinnershitz, farther 
up the stream, has been altogether removed. 



The attention of the inhabitants of Alsace has 
lately been directed to vineyards and truck 
gardening, and many have found profitable 
employment in these occupations. Aug. 
Wentzel has fine truck gardens near Reading, 
and in the lower part of the township, on the 
slopes of Penu's Mount, are the vineyards of 
Eberhart Barth, John Reininger, George Rein- 
inger and John Fisher, each being several acres 
in extent. Others have lately engaged in these 
industries and ere long the apparently sterile 
mountain-side will be rendered more ]»roduc- 
tive than some of the low lands of the county. 

The surface is rolling and mountainous. The 
soil is principally of a gravel nature and where 
cultivated is generally very productive. The 
eastern and southeastern sections are particu- 
larly adapted to the cultivation of the grape, 
different berries, fruits and vegetables. The 
farmers, b}' industry and perseverance, in tliese 
sections, have been very successful. It is rather 
surprising that they have cleared and cultivated 
such a large area of laud upon and amongst the 
hills. 

There is not a general store in the town- 
ship. It has four licensed taverns ; these 
were for many years and still are known as 
Dengler's, Babb's, Fies' and Heckman's. 
And notwithstanding its riches and importance 
and its possession by a thrifty, energetic and 
prolific people, it has not a single town nor a 
village that is recognized by any name. It did 
not even have a post-office for many yeai-s, 
" Stony Creek Mills " having been established 
in 1879. Its proximity to Reading and tlie 
almost daily, at least weekly, visits of its inhab- 
itants to the county-town enabled them to pro- 
cure merchandise and receive their mail matter; 
the want of stores and post-office was therefore 
not felt. 

CHURCHES. 

Zion's Church, known in the beginning 
and still commonly called "Spies's Church," is 
situated in the eastern section of the township. 
It was first established in 1774, on a small tract 
of land donated by Victorous Spies, Burials 
were permitted by him in the ground for about 
five years before. Prominent among the first 
trustees were Spies and Paul Feger. In 1810 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



987 



a large two-story stone structure was erected in 
the place of tlie old building, the trustees at the 
time having been Paul Bar, John Babb, George 
Schade and Peter Knabb, and the ministers, J. 
Fretlerick Herman, Reformed ; aud Henry A. 
Muhlcni)erg, Lutheran. Rev. A. L. Herman 
preached to the congregation during the long 
period of forty-three years. J. P. Herline offi- 
ciated as organist from 1839 to 1858. He was 
then succeeded by William C. Keller, who still 
officiates in this capacity. The building of 
1810 is still used for religious services by the 
lAitheran and Reformed denominations. A 
Cemetery Company was incorporated April 16, 
1861. The charter members were : 

William Knabb. Benjamin F. Seidel. 

Valentine Hartman. Jacob Folk. 

Frederick Hinnershitz. Peter Hartman. 

Gottfried Lutz. George B. Hartman. 

Geor>re Schlottraan. Jacob Hocli. 

Daniel Schmeck. Matthias Mover. 

Peter Fies. Nathan Knabb. 

A tract of four acres was purchased for the 
purposes of a cemetery and added to the church 
property in 1860. It is pleasantly located on 
the hill-side. It is laid oft" in squares and many 
tine marble grave-stones and monuments have 
been erected. The lots number three hundred 
and eighty-si.\', and they have nearly all been 
sold. 

Rev. T. T. laeger has been the Lutheran 
j>astor for the past thirty years ; and Rev. A. S. 
Leinbach, the Reformed for the past fifteen 
}ears. 

Shai/per Church, also known as the " Sa- 
lem's Church " is situated in the northern part 
of the township. It was erected in 1860, the 
corner-stone having been laid on the 9th of 
April, and the dedication having taken place on 
the 24th of October. The building is a two- 
story stone structure, plastered and painted in 
imitation of brick. The upper room is the 
auditorium, with a seating capacity of three 
hundred. The congregation numbers five hun- 
dred members. The first story is used for 
Sunday-school purposes. It takes its name 
after Benjamin Shalter, who was the most liberal 
contributor towards its erection. The property 
includes a burial-ground in area about two acres. 
Dieter Beitelman (Bydelman) first set apart a 



small tract of land here for a burying-ground, 
and advised burials to be made in it. This 
was in 1790. His body was buried in it, a 
grave-stone marking the resting place, with an 
inscription : 

Dietrich Beitelman, 

Born June 15, 1709; died Fcbru.ary 16, 1793; 

Aged 83 years, 8 months. 

Faith Chapel was erected by Trinity Lu- 
theran congregation during the year 1885, in 
connection with two other chapels in Reading. 
It is situated in the village of " ^\'oodvale," on 
the road to Friedensburg. Regular church 
and Sunday-school services are conducted there. 
It is mentioned in connection with Trinity 
Church of Reading. 

The following extracts are taken from an 
article entitled " Zion's Hill," which I wrote 
and published in the Reading Times and Dis- 
patch on the 30th of June, 1881, and, being 
applicable to our churches aud districts gener- 
ally, they are introduced in this conuection : 

" This church has the highest location of any in 
the county; aud, though not one of the oldest, it is 
nevertheless to be classed with our early churches. 
The religious oiganizations which worship in it are 
Lutheran and Eefornied. Both have a large mem- 
bership. Each organization holds services in the 
church alternately every two weeks. The services are 
conducted altogether in the German language. This 
language has been in constant use from the begin- 
ning of the church until now. In many respects this 
is a representative church of the county. The people 
of the vicinity for miles are attached to it, and their 
attachment is manifested through their devotion. 
This religious quality has been transmitted unto 
them, for their parents and grand-parents exhibited 
it in an equal degree. It was productive of great 
good to their progenitors ; and it is now equally and 
similarly fruitful to them in various ways. They are 
not boastful of that religious progress which too often 
begets hurtful pride, especially in an agricultural 
people; and they are not afflicted with intolerance. 
They have indeed the religion of their fathers, incul- 
cated by such distinguished ministers as Muhlenberg 
and Miller, Herman laeger and Leinbach. They are 
not cultured, but their intelligence enables them to 
show a contentment which a cultivated people too 
frequently do not enjoy. Their fellowship and hospi- 
tality manifest a degree of natural refinement which 
is truly praiseworthy. Continuous hard labor in 
cultivating the soil prohibits them from giving th.at 
attention to graceful demeanor which is demanded 
by social life in our cities. But they are a faithful 



988 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



people, and their untiring energy is generHlly re- 
warded with success. And their economic habits en- 
able them to live well and comfortably. More world- 
ly refinement would indispose them to give personally 
the same amount of labor to agriculture, and they 
would therefore be obliged to resort gradually to 
speculation for su.stcnance. I have observed the.se 
characteristics to be general throughout our coun- 
ty. .. . 

" The people, being contented, scarcely feel the 
force of government; taxation is light, crimes are lim- 
ited, serious offenses are very seldom committed, a 
high order of morality is exhibited everywhere, un- 
tiring industry and a rather rigorous economy are 
daily practiced. These are certainly the elements of 
a law-abiding and prosperous people. And I think 
I can say that they are principally attributable to the 
form of religion which has be'en transmitted from 
generation to generation during this comparatively 
long period without any change. To us, therefore, it 
has been a fortunate circumstance in the preservation 
and development of our people. Their houses have 
not grown into costly palaces, their roads into rail- 
ways, their horsc-jiowcr into steam-power, their mail 
communication into the telegraph and telephone, 
their farm.'* into out-lots, and their labor into specula- 
tion, — all these are generally the same as their fathers 
had them ; but their rugged hill-sides have been made 
more fruitful, their manual labor h.as been gradually 
decreased by the introduction of labor-saving machin- 
ery, their intelligence has been improved by the en- 
couragement of more schools and teachers, their gen- 
eral wealth has been increased, their health and 
longevity have been preserved, their names have been 
made stronger in influence and their sons and daugh- 
ters have been multiplied. Who will say that the 
latter accomplishments are not of more importance to 
the well-being, stability and equality of a free people 
than the former? 

"Steam and electricity are important agents amongst 
our people — particularly in our rapidly-growing and 
beautiful county-seat, whence they are extending in 
every direction. They are producing wonderful 
changes as well here as elsewhere. They are bringing 
us into closer proximity with each other every year. 
Ijy our present condition and mode of life they are 
indispensable. But we cannot overlook the fact that 
thoy are gradually making us to be too much a spec- 
ulative people, developing more and more our feelings 
into passions and our comforts into luxuries, and 
causing a more apparent social inequality through 
the enrichment of some at the expense of others ; and 
we cannot deny the fact that they — though they 
should be valuable instruments in our hands for our 
uniform development — are in reality, to a con.sider- 
able degree, misguided influences, which are working 
in us a gradual physical weakness and transmitting 
vast accumulations of wealth and high-spirited blood 
not much beyond a single generaliou. Why shall suc- 



cessful business men, whether in stocks or trade, or 
in or out of the useful professions, leave mostly only 
asylums, cemeteries and monuments for a gaping 
multitude? Why not blood, a living and self-perpet- 
uating blood, that shall manifest itself in an ever-in- 
creasing nobility? Why not sentient living temples, 
instead of pyramids, sphinxes and tombs? Are we 
growing into a period when million»ires shall cele- 
brate an age with uplifted brick and stone, iron and 
gold, carried aloft by a dependent people, as Cheo|,s 
did with his subjects thousands of years ago? We 
want no golden calves to worship, no false gods to 
mock us. We rather want a hundred thousand people 
in every community to construct, without expense or 
suffering, by a common impulse, a social organization 
that shall carry us into a higher, real civilization and 
a certain immortality. We want a posterity that can 
take care of itself and that shall not be dependent 
upon trustees from an ordinary man with uncertain 
sureties to an extraordinary corporation with expert 
otiicers, whose financial management generally brings 
unto themselves self-aggrandizement and remarkable 
affluence and esise. We want a people that shall 
thrive by industry in productive labor and not by ac- 
tivity in consuming speculation. We want a posterity 
that shall transmit physical strength and laudable in- 
dustry to the next generation, instead of great wealth 
and pride, resulting in imbecility and idleness. The 
contrast is apparent. By the latter we cannot fail to 
suffer eventually ; but by the former we niu-t continue 
to prosper and produce in ourselves and for (jur pos- 
terity a physical development and moral grandeur 
that shall make m a better, and preserve us a free 
people. 

''This beautiful hill is expre-sive of our mo.-t prev- 
alent religion. This inspiring religion has charac- 
terized and is still characterizing the great ]najority 
of our people. The qualities it has produced in us are 
the basis of our moral and substantial welfare. These 
have influenced our daily life, discouraged evil of 
every sort, and encouraged good, and directed indus- 
try into not only profitable, but useful channels. Our 
agricultural communities e>pecially, from which we 
are daily receiving so much benefit, have been con- 
trolled and benefited by them. These results in us 
are apparent, not only lately, but from the beginning 
until now. 

"A beacon light set upon this hill would scatter its 
bright rays far and wide in every direction and glad- 
den many hearts. Every township in the county has 
a number of religious lights, who-e beneficent rays 
have been directed by upright Lutheran and Reformed 
ministers from churches on the hills and in the val- 
leys. Their ministrations have been blessed. They 
have not made us a brilliant but a successful people, — 
successful in having pre.»erved an average develop- 
ment which is not inferior to any other. Health, lon- 
gevity, industry, economy, wealth, intelligence, mo- 
rality, increase in population and contentment — these 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



989 



make a strong, good and reliable people. And these 
qualities our people generally possess in a degree su- 
jierior to that in which our ancestors possessed them. 
To what is thi^ attributable? It must be attributable 
to some good influence, for they could not have been 
thus developed spontaneously through so long a pe- 
riod of time. And I may here observe that the county 
has received comparatively little benefit from immi- 
gration or any other outside influence, excepting the 
railway. So that the development has arisen princi- 
pally from our own people themselves, under the con- 
tinual guidance of some beneficent influence. This 
influence has been our simple but powerful religion. 

"This is in reality the spirit of our people. It is the 
vitality that disposes us to be a good rather than a 
rich people. It tends more and more to create and 
(ireserve a general equality upon which the perma- 
nence of our free government depends. It teaches us 
tliatour highest ambition should and must ever be 
life, not wealth — rather to live well than to die rich; 
rather to transmit reliable principles than to be- 
queath property. A noble teacher is this, whose great 
and constant aim for us is nobility now and immor- 
tality hereafter. And, like 'Zion's Hill,' it will 
always have the bubbling waters of purity and excel- 
lence to flow in amongst us for our spiritual delecta- 
tion ; and it will remain permanent through all the 
fluctuations of an advancing civilization." 

Villages and Taverns. — At Stony Creek 
Mills there is a collection of buikliugs which 
give the place the appearance of a village. 
Most of its inhabitants find employment in the 
woolen-mill and the neighboring vineyards. It 
contains no store. A tavern near by the mills 
is kept by George Bubb. It was established in 
1859 by John Babb, and has since been carried 
on by him. A post-office, bearing the name 
of the mills, was established in 1879 witli Louis 
F. Cramer as postmaster, and Henry Cramer 
as deputy. There is a daily mail on the Frie- 
densburg route, via this office, which also sup- 
])lies the Alsace office, established in 1863. 

On the Perkiomen turnpike a number of 
houses have been built, and the locality begins 
to assume the aspect of a business place. In 
1884 Kendall Bros., of Reading, laid out a 
small town and named it " Woodvale." They 
sold some lots at public sale, and several build- 
ings and a fine Lutheran chapel have been 
erected since. In 1820 there was a public- 
liouse kept by the Fry family. The present 
Mount Penn Hotel is kept by Charles Dengler, 
successor to George Dengler. A lumber and 



coal business is carried on by Aug. H. 
VVentzel, and several mechanic shops are main- 
tained. A dozen dwellings are along tiie turn- 
l)ike towards the Black Bear Inn, and a black- 
smith-shop, carried on by Percival Leinbach, 
who has been there for a numlier of^years. 

North of the Stony Creek Mills is the oldest 
tavern in the township, kept since 18.">9 by 
Peter Fies. It was opened in another building 
on this site about seventy years ago, by Benja- 
min Tobias, and became the property of Wil- 
liam Hartman, who was f()liowed by Abraliam 
Spies. Before the building of the East Penn 
Railroad the place had a large patronage and 
was a central point for a large scope of coimtry. 
Several miles from iiere Jacob Hartman, a blind 
man, had a public-house which was well 
patronized on account of the misfortune of the 
owner. It was originally an old log building, 
l)ut after Hartman's removal to the West a new 
tavern was built by a German named Roth- 
houpt. In the extreme corner of the township 
the Heckiuan tavern has afforded the public 
needed accommodations, and is still continued 
by that family. 

Hessian Cami'. — On the .southern declivity 
of '' Penn's Mount," near Reading, certain 
prisoners, taken in the War of the Revolution, 
were encamped for a period of six years, from 
1777 to 1783. They were mostly Hessians, 
and hence the place was called " Hessian 
Camp " — a name which the locality has retained 
to this day. Huts had been erected by them 
for their quarters. Depressions in the ground 
there still indicate the locality where they once 
stood. 

Mineral Spring. — About 1815, Charles 
Kessler and John Spade erected a woolen-mill 
on Rose Valley Creek, in "Rosenthal," for the 
purpose of encouraging home industry. But 
the importation of foreign goods obliged them 
to abandon the experiment in 1818. About 
this time. Dr. Isaac Hiester discovered mineral 
water at a spring near by. He analyzed it and 
reported that it "contained iron, held in solu- 
tion with carbonic acid gas, together with a 
small quantity of muriate of soda." Then the 
dwelling was converted into an inn, and Jacob 
Schneider advertised it as a health resort. In 



990 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1837 it was converted into a " fashionable 
hotel," and carried on until 1856, when the 
Reading ^yater Company purchased the prop- 
erty. The mineral spring was walled out and 
an octagonal building erected over it, consisting 
of eight iron pillars, with open sides and 
covered with a roof. This building is still 
standing ; but the spring is very nearly run 
dry, not so much from w'ant of water as from 
want of care. The hotel has been famous for 
many years as a banqueting place. Before the 
Civil War the leaders of the Democratic party 
generally assembled here on the 4th of July 
for many successive years, and celebrated the 
day by responding to patriotic toasts and senti- 
ments, etc. Madam Susan Roland and her 
most delicious " chickens and waffles " con- 
tributed much toward the poj)ularity of this 
pleasant retreat by the side of the gurgling 
brook, over-shadod by tall oaks and button- 
woods. Her pleasant manners and superior 
cooking will be remembered for many years. 
She died April 6, 1883, aged seventy-nine 
years, after having occupied the place since 
1850. 

ScHiLD Murder. — A " most horrible mur- 
der" occurred ou the hill several hundred yards 
southwardly from the Shalter Church, on Au- 
gust 12, 1812. The following account appeared 
in the Wechly Adrertiser, August 15, 1812 : 

"It falls very unfortunately to our lot to communi- 
cate one of the most barbarous and murderous acts 
ever committed by a monster in human shape. On 
Wednesday, the 12th inst., after four o'clock in the 
afternoon, a man named John Schild, in Alsace 
township, about four miles from this place, began 
with an axe to cut up everything about and in the 
house. When his father (who lived close by) heard 
it, he went to him, and said, 'John ! John! what are 
you doing?' John turned upon his fuher with the 
axe and cut him in the bre.ist, when the father imme- 
diately turned around, holding his breast, and re- 
treated to the house. John pursued him, cut him 
down, chopped half of his head off", threw it from 
him, then cut his body open, tore out his entrails 
and heart. His mother approaching him with ex- 
clamations, he cut her down in thevery same manner, 
taking her bowels, heart and liver out, and threw it 
in thebake-oven, which had just before been hented 
by the family to bake bread. A younger brother, 
being near by, this monster now made at him with 
the axe, but the brother catching his arms, threw 



him down and fled. The monster then tried to set a 
dog after him, but the dog would not obey him, so he 
seized the dog, chopped his legs oft', and threw his 
body also into the bake-oven. Then he set fire to the 
barn, which with all its contents was soon reduced to 
ashes. His wife and family had in the mean time 
fled to the woods, where they lay all night under a 
tree. His brother in a little while after came back 
to the horrible scene with some neighbors, to whom 
the monster, after having thrown away his deadly 
weapon, surrendered himself, and said, ' I am the 
person who has done all this.' The monster was 
arrested and conveyed to the giol of this place 
(Re.iding), where he is now confined. A coroner's 
inquest was held over the mangled remains of the 
parents of this savage monster ! It is not in our 
power at present to add anything more. We wished 
rather to have passed it in sileuce, but something was 
expected." 

Immediately after the murder the noigiibors 
were terrorized so much as not to be willing to 
approach the place. But Dietrich Shalter 
(father of Benjamin, who was known to have 
great influence over Schild) went there, and 
finding Schild walking about with the a.xe on 
his shoulder said to him (in German), " Oh, 
John, what have you done ! " He replied (also 
in German), " Ye.s, what have I done?" 

Schild was tried in November following, con- 
victed of murder in the first degree and sen- 
tenced to be hanged. His execution took place 
on the "Commons," at Reading, on January 
30, 1813. An unusually large number of 
people assembled from all parts of tiie sur- 
rounding county to witness the .scene. A full 
confession was made by the murderer before 
his execution.' His body was buried on the 
hill near by the place where he committed the 
murder. Sohild's father was sixty-eight years 
old and his mother sixty-five, when they were 
killed. Their bodies were buried in the bury- 
ing-ground now a part of the Shalter Church 
property. 

Wentzel Horror. — On Sunday morning, 
April 19, 1885, a small out-building on the 
proje-ty of Augustus H. Wentzel was burned. 
At the time of the occurrence the two .sons of 
Mr. Wentzel and two workmen named Hettin- 
ger were sleeping there, and they perished in 
the flames. Albert Knoll, a weak-minded son 

' Reading Adler, February 2, 1813. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



991 



of a neighbor, was 'arrested for the deed, but he 
was acquitted on the ground of insanity. Tliis 
])roduced a profound sensation and moved the 
hearts of the entire community. The funeral 
services conducted at Zion's Churcli were at- 
tended by a multitude of sympathizing people 
from all parts of the county. 

Political, Prize Banner. — In 1852 the 
Democratic citizens of Reading proposed to 
present a " Prize Banner " to the political dis- 
trict which would show the largest increase in 
majority at the Presidential election. After the 
election it was ascertained that the largest in- 
crease had been made by Alsace township. 
Accordingly, a committee was appointed to make 
the presentation, ou February 19, 1852, and a 
township committee was also appointed to re- 
ceive the banner, which comprised the follow- 
ing active political workers of the township : 

Jacob Seidel, Sr. Simon Lies. 

Joseph Marks. Reuben Shalter. 

Daniel Gotshall. Benjamin Hill. 

Abialiara Hartman. Samuel Fick. 

Fra'iklin Rothenber- Jacob Marks. 

ger. Jacob Seidel, Jr. 

Henry Hinnershitz. Frederick Seidel. 

John Seidel. Michael Lies. 
Benjamin Barto. 

The banner contained the following : On 
the obverse side there was a fine portrait of 
President Pierce, on white satin, with the pa- 
triotic motto in a scroll underneath : 



' No North. 
No South. 



No East. 
No West." 



And on the reverse side, the following 
inscription, in gold, on a blue silk ground : 

" Prize Banner, — Presented by the Democratic 
Citizens of Reading to the Democrats of Alsace for 
their devotion to the principles of Democracy." 

The presentation was made at the public- 
house of Peter Fies, by A. M. Sal lade, Esq., 
chairman of the committee ; and the banner 
was received by Hon. Henry A. Muhlenberg 
in behalf of the township. Other addresses 
were made, after which a bountiful dinner was 
enjoyed. About three hundred persons attended 
this exceptional meeting. 

During the last thirty years the hill lands of 
Peuu's Mount, overlooking Exeter township, 



have been highly improved. The grape has 
been largely cultivated. 

Recently a resort has been established on the 
top of one of the hills of this township, and a 
distinguished Pennsylvania German poet, H. 
L. Fisher, Esq., of York, Pa., made it the sub- 
ject of an interesting and expressive poem, 
after a pleasant visit with Mr. Thomas C. Zim- 
merman and others. With his permission it is 
introduced, — 

KtfCHLER'S RUtlSCHT. 
(Der EhrvoUer Alsace Fuezgiinger Klubb Gewitmet). 

" Drei Meil hinnig Red'n" do isch 'en Weiberg, 
Un der Weeg nuf isch zieralich geh ; 

Dort leewe die Herre so luschtig wie Lerch, 
Un freue sich, dort, in der Hoh. 

Im Friihling, so wan die Fdgel z'rilck kumme, 

Un singe un peife so schu ; 
Ira Summer — die Luft, wohlriechend mit Blumme — 

Wie lieblig isch's dort in der Hiih ! 

Im Herbscht, wan der Wald isch brau, geel un roth, 
Un die Fogel, die, singe, " Adce," — 

Wan die Felder im Dhaal sin grii mit der Soot, 
Wie herlich isch's dort uf der Hoh ! 

Im Winter, wan Biim un Felder sin bloosz, 
Un's Bliimli schlooft unner 'm Schnee — 

Wan alles isch schtumm un weisz wie der Doot, 
Doch heemelt's em a' uf der Hoh. 

Der Weeg nuf isch iiwerecks, eng, un krumm, 

Un laaft iiwer Felse un Schtee ; 
Was gewwe die luschtige Fuszgiinger d'rum, 

Mit Wei un Gesang uf der Hoh ? 

Im Morge, so wan die Sun sich erhoht, 
Un Aurora gukt wie der Roth See — 

Am Owet, so wan die Sun unnergeht, 

Wie 'r gotzlich isch's dort uf der Hoh ! 

Der Schnee mag so dief sei — bis an die Kuie, 

Doch traue mer als zu de Bee ; 
Mer saddle juscht uf un laafe dort hi', 

Un schtelle dort uf — uf der Hoh. 

En jede, der, traagt sei eegne Lascht nuf — 

Ja, des muss er dhu— all allee; 
Wie 'n Dampfgaul, doch macht er als "hufi'! huff 
huff! " 

Un der Dampf schteight hooch in die Hoh! 

Ich hab schun geleese fun Hiramel uf Erd, 

In Lander weit iiwer de See, — 
Was svare sie all zumm'e Fuszganger weerd, 

Im Hausel dort hooch uf der Hoh ! 



992 



HISTOEY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Ich hal), a'h, schun g'heert fum e' "Hausel am 
Rhcin," — 

En Hausel, " net grosz un net klee; " 
Doch, geb mcr die Freiheit, Ferkniigc, un Wein, 

Im Hiiusel, do, hooch uf der Hoh. 

'S isch net all in Geld, un hat mer die Welt, 

So wot mer doch immer noch meh ; 
Hier sin mer so luschtig un frey wie die Held' 

Uu die Adler, do, hooch in der Hoh. 

So liiftig un heftig wie 'm Adler sei Nescht, 

Uf'de Alpen — weit iiwer 'm See — 
So schtandhalt wie 'm Kaiser sei Schloss un sei 
Fescht, 

Schteht's Hausel, do, hooch uf der Hiih. 

Im Winter bloost Boreas grimmig un scharf, 
Ua die Lutt isch lewendig mit Schnee; 

Dan schpielt alt Eolus sei bcscht's uf'der Harf, 
Uf'm Hiiusel, do, hooch ufder Hoh. 

Es Wasser, die Luft, un alles isch rein — • 

Do gebt's ke' Malari, O ! nee ; 
Ke' Hausel am Neckar, ke' Palascht am Rhein, 

Wie's Hausel, do, hooch ul' der Hoh ! 

Es kummt a'h, net bal, en Kiitzer do heer — 
Ke' Kranket, ke' Krampet, ke' Weh ; 

Uq es gans Johr-rum wert's Fiissli net lehr, 
Am Weiberg, do, hooch ufder Hoh. 

Es Leewe isch fliichtig un kurz bey uns' all, 
Un der Wandel isch kriiraig uu geh ; 

Doch heemelt em a' der Hall un der Schall, 
Am Weiberg, do, hooch uf der Hoh. 

Endlich, " Aschen zu Aschen und Schtaab zu 
Schtaab," 

Uu en Felse zum Denkmal-Schtee ! 
O, dan scheuk uns hier, en iriedliches Kraab, 

Un Seligkeit, dorf, iu der Hoh ! 

H. L. FiSCHEK. 

Dec. nth, 1884. 



MUHLENBERG TOWNSHIP. 

Erection of Town.siiip. — The western sec- 
tiou of tlie township of Alsace, from the iijjper 
to the lower extremity, is comi)aratively level, 
and comprises mostly fertile, lime-stone land ; 
and the eastern .section is remarkably hilly, and 
comprises rather sterile gravel land. The roads 
in the former were easily and ciieaply repaired, 
but in the latter the repairs were frequent and 
expeusive. This was a subject of complaint by 
the tax-payers of the former section for some 



years ; finally, it culminated' in an application 
to court, iu 1849, for a division of the town- 
ship. Aaron Albright, Dennis W. O'Brien 
and Henry Schoeuer were appointed commis- 
sioners to make and report the desired division. 
On June 14, 1849, they reported a division, 
having run a line almost straight from a point 
near the Ru.scomb-manor corner to the northern- 
mo.st point of the Schuylkill bend, near the Biy; 
Dam, and having suggested for the western 
section (exclusive of the ground included in 
the limits of Reading) the name of " Neversink 
township." This report met with great oppo- 
sition from the prominent men of the eastern 
section, among them Benjamin Slialter, Adam 
Heckman, Valentine Hartman, Peter Hartmau 
and John Bernhart. Their exceptions pre- 
vailed, and the report was "set aside upon 
merits " on November 24, 1849. A review was 
asked for, and the court appointed ]\L S. Rich- 
ards, Richard Boone and Benjamin Tyson com- 
missioners. A re-survey was made by them on 
March 25, 1850.. They considered the advisa- 
bility of continuing the name of Alsace town- 
ship for the western .section, and of suggesting 
the name of "Manor township" for the east- 
ern, inasmuch as the eastern was principally 
composed of the " Manor of Penn's Mount." 
Their report could not be found amongst the 
records in the Quarter Sessions of the county. 

In May following a large and enthusiastic 
meeting was held at the public-house of Jacob 
Kerlin by tax-payers of the proposed western 
section who favored a division. Jacob S. Eb- 
ling was president of the meeting ; John Ha- 
bcracker, John Gehret, John Leinbach, John 
Schneider and Henry Leinbach were vice-pres- 
idents ; and Francis Parvin and T. J. Weber 
secretaries. The following prominent men re- 
ported appropriate re.solutions, which were 
adopted by the meeting: Daniel Shepp, Jacob 
Gehret, John Ulrich, George Spengler, Daniel 
Shell, John Dotterer, Peter Rothermol, Daniel 
Maurer,. Jacob Maurer, Jacob Moyer, Daniel 
Zacharias, Sr., J. P. Ulrich, Simon Moyer, Ja- 
cob Gehret, Sr., Edward Leader, Jonathan 
King, Henry Spengler, Henry Body; and a 
vigilance committee, consisting of sixty-nine 
meiubers, was then appointed to promote the 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



993 



interests of the movement in helialf of the pro- 
posed new township. Siiortly afterward the 
division was made by the court,' aud the west- 
ern division was named Muhlenberg, the family 
of this name then owning a large quantity of 
land within its limits. It may be remarked, in 
this connection, that this is the only township 
named after a representative niau of the county. 

INDUSTRIES. 

The old Leize mill, near the mouth of Laurel 
Run, was one of the first improvements of the 
kind in the present township. 

The second mill, built of stone, by Adam 
I>eize, was long operated by his son, Henry. 
The present brick mill was built by a later 
owner, Wra. Rothenberger. It has been sup- 
})lietl with steam-power, aud it is now carried 
on by Peter Rothenberger. 

On Spring Creek (commonly known as 
B:;rnhart's Run) near tlie mountain, the Leizes 
had a .saw-mill, on a power wiiich was later 
made to operate a hat-factory, owned by Wertz 
and others. Cotton batting was also made 
there. Twenty 3'ears ago the power was used 
to operate a grist-mill, which is now owned by 
.Tt)hn Grim. At the lower part of the valley 
there was the pioneer Rothermel saw-mill, and 
on its site such a mill was maintained until 
1S83, the property having passed into the hands 
of the Bernharts. A short distance above, 
clover and grist-mills were erected, both of 
which were demolished. The grist-mill was 
replaced by the present mill, which was built in 
1856 by John Bernhart, and steam-power was 
introduced in 1876. The building is a large 
tiiree-story brick, and is the property of the 
city of Reading, being on the tract purcha.sed to 
obtain a water supply. Large reservoirs have 
liere been constructed, from which the water 
flows by gravitation to the distributing reser- 
voir and also through the streets of the city. 

' The record of this proceeding could act be found in the 
county court-house. On February 10, 1861, an act of As- 
sembly w.ag passed, ordering the qualified electors of Muhl- 
enberg township to hold their general and township eleo- 
tiuus at tlie public-house of Gabriel Gehret, which was at 
tlie Temple; and on March lllh following an act was 
passed oidoring such elections also in Alsace township, to be 
held at the public-house of Peter Fiea. 



Mount Laurel Furnace, near the moun- 
tain, on Laurel Run, was built in 1836 by John 
A. Bertolet, ISEayberry Bertolet and Francis 
Palm as a charcoal furnace of small capacity, 
and shortly afterward it became the property of 
Samuel Kaufman. In 1846 it was sold to 
Wm. H. Clymer, who had it in blast pretty 
generally until 1872, when the charcoal furnace 
was abandoned and an anthracite furnace 
erected on its site. This improvement was 
made by the Clymer Iron Company, which was 
formed in 1873 and was composed of William 
H. Clymer, Edward C. Clymer and Heister 
Clymer, the former as president, the latter as 
.secretary and treasurer. It has since been op- 
erated by that company. The officers in 1885 
were Geo. E Clymer, president ; and Abra- 
ham Sweitzer, general manager. 

The plant comprises about forty acres of land, 
with mansion and thirteen tenements. It is 
connected with the railroad at Temple station, 
one mile distant, by its own track. The product 
is about two hundred tons of gootl foundry iron 
a week. 

The company also controls the Olcy Furnace 
property, and operates it in connection with Mt. 
Laurel Furnace. It has been out of blast .some 
years, and was last operated by Levan, Merkel 
& Co., from whom it passed to the present 
company. 

Temple Furnace is located on the railroad, 
at Temple, the plant embracing a finely con- 
structed anthracite furnace, with thirty-two 
acres of ground and eighteen tenements. The 
furnace was begun in 1867, and put in blast the 
follo\ving year by Wm. H. Clymer & Co., his 
brothei-s Edward, Heister and George E. being 
associated with him. He was the manager until 
March, 1871, when Isaac McHose secured an 
interest, and the firm became Clymer, McHo.se 
& Co., continuing as such until March 22, 
1873, when the parties interested became an in- 
corporated body, as the Temple Iron Co., of 
which Wm. H. Clymer was the president, and 
Ambrose A. McHose, secretary. 

The property is still controlled by the Temple 
Iron Co., the present officers being Geo. F. 
Baer, president ; Edward T. Clymer, secretary 
and treasurer. The furnace has beeu out of 



994 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



blast since May, 1883. Its capacity is two 
hundred and forty tons of foundry iron per 
week. The larger part of the ore has been ob- 
tained from the mines of this company in Berks 
and Lehigh Counties. 

Shearer's Fruit Farms, near Tuckerton 
station, aire among the most noteworthy interests 
of the township. They embrace one hundred and 
three acres of good land, which have been made 
doubly fertile by skillful cultivation. The pro- 
prietor, Christopher Shearer, located here in 
1858 and first successfully cultivated grain and 
hay, producing immense quanties of the latter, 
but soon devoted his attention to the culture of 
potatoes and tobacco, as princijial crops. Al)Out 
the same time he began setting his farm with fruit 
trees, planting in one year one thousand seven 
hundred Bartlett pear trees and near the same 
number of apple trees. All varieties of small 
fruits were also planted, and a peach orchai-d of 
two thousand trees started, while the area of his 
apple, pear and (juince orchards was much in- 
creased. In 1885 there were two vineyards of 
sixteen acres, set almost wholly with the Clin- 
ton grape, and nearly the entire acreage of the 
farm was devoted to the culture of the fruits 
named, about twenty acres only being set aside 
for tobacco. The farm has been well im- 
proved, containing, in addition to the home 
buildings, six tenements, large refrigerators and 
nine vaults, three cider-presses and other appli- 
ances for storage and manufacturing purposes. 
About forty thousand gallons of wine are made 
annually. From ten to thirty men are con- 
stantly employed. 



Alsace Church is situated on tlie road 
from Reading to Kutztown, on a tract of land 
which adjoins the northern boundary line of 
Reading. It was first established about 1740, 
the exact time being unknown. It is the oldest 
site of a church in the vicinity of Reading. The 
earliest records of the church have been lost. 
A burying-ground was included with the 
property from the beginning of the church. 
Many of the first residents of Reading, after the 
town was laid out, continued to worship there 
for many years notwithstanding the erection of 



separate church buildings by the I.iutherau and 
Reformed denominations in the town. A new 
and fine two-story brick building was erected in 
1850 on the old site, the cornerstone having 
been laid May 9, 1850, and the dedication 
having taken place on October 19th to 20th 
following. This is probably the third church. 
It is a fine, large brick building and occupies a 
prominent position on a knoll, which renders it 
visible for many miles. In 1885 it was hand- 
somely repaired and repainted ; new windows 
with stained glass were introduced, and a neat 
baptismal font was procured. A life-size 
painting of Christ is on the wall in the rear of 
the pulpit. 

It is a " union " church for Lutheran and 
Reformed congregations. In 1885 the elders 
were: Lutheran, Henry Saylor and W. Fisher; 
Reformed, Reuben Frederick and Am(js Gehret. 
The membership then was: Lutheran, one hund- 
red and ninety; Reformed, two hundred and 
forty-five. 

A new cemetery was set apart in 1854, and 
sheds were erected to accommodate one hundred 
teams. The church is inclosed in a spacious 
yard. 

The ministers who officiated here since 1850 
have been Reverends Geissenheiner, Wagner, 
laeger and Huntzinger for the Lutheran congre- 
gation, and Reverends William Pauli, Augustus 
Pauli and A. S. Leinbaoh for the Reformed. 

HiNNERSHiTZ Church is situated at Tucker- 
ton, on an acre lot of land, adjoining the Centre 
turnpike, which was donated by William Hiuner- 
shitz (son of Conrad, an early and prominent 
settler in that section of the county) on February 
17, 1849, for church purposes. During that 
year a large and handsome two-story bri(!k 
building was erected by the people of tliat vicin- 
ity, and it was dedicated on April 28, 1850, 
taking the name of "Hinnershitz Church," 
after the generous donor who started the move- 
ment in its erection. Two additional acres were 
purchased for burying purposes. The building 
committee was composed of John Zacharias, 
George Maurer, Jonas Shalter and Peter Roth- 
ermel. 

In 1882 the church was handsomely repaired 
and a fine new altar was supplied. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



995 



The elders in 1885 were: Lutheran, Frederick 
Hartman aud James Schmeck ; Reformed, 
James Keller aud Lewis Bridegam. 

Tiie membership of tiie congregations is : 
Lutiieran, one hundred and twenty; aud Re- 
formed, one hundred and tiiirty. 

The pastors have been : Refoiliied, Reverends 
William Pauli, Augustus Pauli and Aaron S. 
Leinbach (the last name : officiating now) ; and 
Lutheran, Reverends G. F. J. laeger, T. T. 
laeger, and B D. Zweizig (the latter being the 
j>resent minister and having officiated for the 
past twenty-six years). 

VILLAGES. 

TucKERTON. — Conrad Hinnershitz died in 
1838, possessed of a farm containing two hun- 
dred aud twenty-one acres in the vicinity of 
Tuckerton. His son William became owner 
of the land by devise, opened a lime-s-tone 
quarry and carried on the business of lime, 
coal and grain. This business started a 
station on the Philadelphia and Reading 
Railroad. In 1850 it was known as Steeleville, 
having been named after J. Dutton Steele, the 
civil engineer of the road. In 1862 an appli- 
cation was made for a station, to be named 
" Tuckerton," after John Tucker, the first 
])residcnt of the road, which was granted. The 
station has been continued since by this name. 
Along the pike, a short distance to the east, a 
number of houses were then erected, forming 
quite a village. It took the name of the station. 
In 1881 it had thirty dwellings, a church, tav- 
ern, store, warehouse and one hundred aud 
sixty-five inhabitants. A pcst-office, named 
"Schuylkill Bend " was established with Jonas 
Shalter as postmaster, in 1838; afterward it 
was changed to " Tuckerton," and Thomas 
Baum was the postmaster. J. A. Moyer is the 
present railroad station agent, having held that 
position a number of years. Hinnershitz erect- 
ed stores and warehouses and was largely en- 
gaged in trade, being especially a heavy dealer 
in grain. He was succeeded by Daniel Baum 
and otliers, the present merchant being John A. 
Schaefifer. The first tavern in this vicinity was 
opened about 1845 by Solomon Horning and 



kept by him a number of years. The present 
landlord is Lewis Breidegam. 

Temi'le is the largest village in the town- 
.ship aud has a pleasant location on the Ea.st 
Pennsylvania Railroad, of which it is a station. 
It contains a large furnace, store, hotel and 
about seventy buildings aud three hundred in- 
habitants. 

The j'lace has collected about a prominent 
"cross-roads" on the Kutztown road, five miles 
from Reading. It derived its name from an 
old tavern, which stood here many years before 
1800, and had for its sign a figure of King Sol- 
omon, painted in gorgeous colors, sitting on his 
throne. The portrait was remarkably well ex- 
ecuted and thei'eby the place became widely 
known. It required no great inventive faculty 
to designate the tavern as the temple — a term 
by which it and the locality have been known 
the past sixty years. The sign was three by 
five feet and the post fifteen feet high. It was 
taken down about 1870. The tavern building 
was of logs and stone — the latter rough-cast — 
and owned, first, by members of the Hartman 
family. In 1836 the keeper was John Huyett, 
who leased it to Daniel Kerlin. Isaac Bieber 
was a later landlord. The present hotel was 
built by Daniel Kelchner in 1853, and kept by 
him about ten years. It has since been occupied 
by a number of landlords, the present occujwnt 
being William L. Graul. Shortly after the rail- 
roud station was opened and named " Temple " 
— the word "Solomon" was dropped. 

Daniel Baum was the first merchant in the 
place, opposite the hotel, where he built a large 
business house in 1870. In the course of a few 
years he moved to Luzerne County, when he 
was succeeded by John H. Schaeffer and Daniel 
Kerling, and, since 1882, Michael Adam. The 
latter enlarged the building in 1884. The third 
story forms a hall, used for lodge purposes. 

The Temple post-office was established June 
20, 1857. Since August, 1883, B. F. Y. Graetf 
has been the postmaster, keeping the office in 
connection with his duties as railroad station 
master. Four mails a day are supplied. 

Dr. D. L. Bieber, about 1840, was the first 
physician located here. Later, Dr. William 
Schlemm .settled at Tuckerton and Dr. James 



096 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Mathews, in 1860. After the latter's retire- 
ment, his son Franklin began practicing. The 
present physicians are Drs. Robert Huyett and 
George Engler. 

Among the first residents of tliis locality were 
Daniel Hollenbach, a chainsmith, who lived in 
an old log house on the lot now owned by 
Dr. Mathews, where he also carried on a small 
shop. Daniel Zweitzig lived here as a laborer, 
selling out to Benneville Rothermel, a mason. 
Augustus Kerling has been a shoemaker here 
the past forty years, and Daniel Kerling a coacii- 
maker. John Rothermel was one of the first 
carpenters. In the coach-making business Ker- 
ling was succeeded by his sons in 1881, the 
firm becoming Wm. F. Keiling & Bros. They 
have a well-ordered shop and produce about 
forty fine carriages annually. Seven hands are 
(Muployed. Cigar-shops are carried on by Daniel 
H. and .loliu B. Kerling, eight hands being 
em|il()yed in the aggregate. 

Temple Council, No. 3.'>9, Anirrican Me- 
cJftnics, was instituted in 1873 and had in 1885 
thirty-four members. Since its organization the 
meetings have been regularly kept. The coun- 
cil has an invested fund of five hundred dollars 
and is generally prosperous. 

Hyde Park is a name apj)licd to a hamlet 
on the Kutztown road, two miles north of 
Reading. It is chiefly on sixteen acres of land, 
which were laid out into lots by John Frymire 
and William Umbeuhauer. The former built 
a large brick hotel in 1876, which he has since 
kept, and north of this point Henry Miller has 
a store. Near by is the old Geiger inn, known 
many years as the " Cross Keys," now continued 
by Edwin Becker. The hamlet includes a 
number of fine homes. Since 1838 Jacob 
Lutz has followed blaeksmithing at this point, 
and his stone shop is one of the first im- 
provements in the place. The immense 
AVyomi.ssing ice-houses were built in 1885 by 
Jefferson M. Keller, who removed them from 
Reading. The supply is taken from a fine 
large pond, of seven acres in area. Steam- 
power is used to elevate the ice. Beyond this 
is Bernhart's Crossing, the railway station of 
Hyde Park. It is at the lower part of " Spring 
Valley," a vale of striking beauty, through 



which courses the sparkling Spring Creek, and 
in which there are a number of improvements. 
The Bernhart family was early settled here, 
and for many years was engaged in keeping a 
public-house. The successive keepers were 
Daniel, Jacob and John Bernhart. Opposite 
the brick hotel' are fine pleasure grounds, ex- 
tending to Penn's Mount, and near l)y are 
several highly improved farms. The property 
is at present owned by James Nolan, ot' 
Reading. 



HEREFORD TOWX.SHIP. 

Erection op Toavnship. — This district of 
territory was first settled about twenty years 
before the erection of the county, in 1752. The 
early settlers were principally Schwenkfelders, 
and included Rev. Ciiristopher Schultz, George 
Schultz, Melciiior Schultz, Meichior Wiegner, 
David Mcster, Gregorius Mester and Baltzer 
Yeagle. In 1753 a petition was presented to 
court, asking for the erection of a new township, 
which was to be bounded and described as fol- 
lows : "Beginning at a heap of stones on lan<l 
of Adam Trump — -being the chief corner of 
Philadelphia County in the line of Northamp- 
ton County; thence northwest 1320 ps. to 
a post; thence by lands of Peter Federolf, 
Adam Mou, Richard Gregory, Thomas May- 
berry and others, S. W. 1770 ])s. to a 
corner of land of John Hess; thence S. E. 615 
ps. to a chestnut-tree, the corner of Coleljrook- 
dale townshij); thence along the line of said 
township by the same course tl45 ps. to a post 
in the line of McCall's manor, being the upper 
line of Philadelphia County ; thence by the 
line of said manor N. 38 E., 1800 ps. to the 
place of beginning, containing 15,930 acres." 

The petition was signed by seventeen inhabit- 
ants of this section ; their names were, — 



Michael Zell. 
Jacob Zell. 
George Steinman. 
Jacob Fisher. 
Gregory Meschter. 
David Meschter. 
Peter Moll. 
Abram Bauer. 
S.imuel Bauer. 



Meichior Schultz. 
Ghristophe Schultz. 
Benedict Strohm. 
Jacob Stauffcr. 
George Bechtel. 
Michael Bauer. 
Abram Bechtel. 
Meichior Wiegner. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



997 



David Shultz surveyed the tract above lie- 
scribed ou January 5, 1753, and tlie lines not 
interfering with any other township, it was, on 
February 1st following erected into a township 
and named Hereford. 

In 1839 a large part of the township in the 
southern section, comprising about four tliousand 
two hundred acres, was laid off and ajjpropri- 
atcd toward the erection of a new township 
called Washington. 

In 1841 a large tract in the western section, 
containing about eleven hundred acres, was 
asked to be set apart and added to District 
township. The court appointed James Dona- 
gan, Benjamin Tyson and M. S. Richards as 
commissioners to view the premises, who made a 
favorable report, and the prayer of the peti- 
tioners was granted. In 1849 the estimated 
area of the township was twelve thousand acres. 

Taxables of 1759. — The following list 
comprises the names of the taxables of the 
t(2wnship for 1759. Tax levied was £74 lu.s-. 
6(/. Peter Featherolf was the collector. 



Wi.lfgang Wolf 

Valentine Wejble 

Lnthvig Wiigner 

Yost We^-and 



Roland Younp 

Bernhard YoiniR.. 
Battzer Ziuiinerniii 



Simjle McJi. 



Christopher Ashbach. 
George Beyer. 
Henry Bortz. 
John Ebeuer. 
Peter Faderolff. 
Abrflbant Gehman. 
Henry Oulile. 
Christopher Greter. 
George Lalir. 
Philip Liihr. 



Philip Leydecker. 
Cln-istopher Master 
Philip Nyst. 
Philip Kaueh. 
Theodore Schneide 
Abram Stoffer. 
Henry Scheweckle. 
Abram Stanfl'er. 
George Wegucr. 
Peter Wolf. 



George Acre 12 

Andrew Altendorf 2 

Miehael Bower 14 

!<an»uel Bower 13 

Widow Bower 12 

Widow Bwhtcl 7 

Abiahaui Bechtel 10 

John Bechlcl 14 

Dewald Beck 4 

Conrad Been 5 

Peter Bishop 2 

W. Daunss 1 

George Dea 1 

Joseph Kruiau 15 

John Erjeh 1 

Peter Federolf. 18 

Nicholas Fink 8 

Jacob Finckboncr 1 

Jacob Fisher 4 

Richard Gregory, Sen 15 

Richard Gregory, Jr G 

John Gngory 12 

Lndwig Ganger 10 

Leonard Gressenier. 18 

Jacob Gressenier 4 

Martin Glaber 5 

Peter Gerich 2 

Christopher Gehman 10 

Abraham Herb 1 

Geoige Herbst 1 

Jacob Hane 1 

Abraham Jeakella 3 

fliartin Kreater 18 

Michael Kolb 1 

Jacob Kunius 4 

David Kurtz C 

Mountz Lorentz 8 

Bencdic and Michael Leasher.. 10 
Frautz Lesher, Jr 9 



Frantz Lesher, Sr 2" 

Casper Leydecker 3 

Conrad Lndwig 1 

Jacob Leibegoodt I 

David Master 12 

«idow Moiling 8 

Wm. Mayberry 7.j 

Casper Meyer 14 

Jacob Miller \> 

Andrew Mauer 12 

Henry Miller 1 

Luckess Mandy 4 

George Marsteller 2 

Nicholas Nicknm 8 

Frederick Nester 3 

Thomaa Potts & Co .'. 35 

George Rorebach 7 

Martin Reber 3 

William Richard 4 

Anthony Risse 1 

Andrew Schwords 2 

George Schult^nr: 3 

John Stap 2 

Benedic Strom 12 

Frederick Sayler 12 

Conrad Schaub 3 

Nicholas Seydell 5 

John Schudy 1 

John Shoiuond 5 

Widow Stomeuy 14 

William Shell 

Christopher Schultz 10 

Jacob Stofer 12 

Melchior Schidtz 18 

Jacob TroUinger 2 

Jacob Tressener 2 

Jacob Trey 12 

Melchior Weigner 24 

Jacob Wetzel 8 



IXDU.STRIES. 

The Perkiomen and its branches afford a 
number of mill-site.s, whose powers have been 
utilized for more than a century. One of the 
oldest is the Wiegner mill, long owned and 
operated by that family, and which is now car- 
ried on by Eli Klotz. Near by a man named 
Sleicher had a mill, whose site was taken for a 
new mill by David Knetz, and of which 
Charles Knetz is now the proprietor. The 
Clemmer mill is closely associated with the 
early matters of the township. It was built by 
David Clemmer and is at present operated by 
James B. Funk, the motive-power being waler 
and steam. In this part of tlie township a small 
pottery was started about forty years ago by 
John Frederick, which is still carried on by his 
family. The " Clayton Creamery " is owned and 
conducted by an a.s.sociation which was organ- 
ized in 1881. The pre.sent officers are Henry 
G. Clemmer, manager; John L. Bauer, secre- 
tary ; and James B. Funk, treasurer. Spacious 
buildings are occupied, which are supplied with 
the most approved apparatus for making first- 
class butter and cheese, the products having a 
high reputation in the city markets. It is suc- 
cessfully managed. William A. Clemmer is 
the present operator for the association. A few 
miles from this place a tannery was built many 
years ago by Benjamin De Long, which had as 
later owners F. K. Wald, F. K. Knetz and, 
since January, 1885, M. K. Smith. It is a 
large two-story stone building and contains 
twenty-six double vats. It is worked largely on 
calf-skins. 

On the main branch of the Perkiomen John 
E. Gery built an oil-mill, which became the 
property of Israel Kriebel in 1833. Four years 



998 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



later he put up a new stone mill-Iiouse, which 
he supplied with machinery for making linseed 
oil. It has been operated the past twenty-five 
years by Henry Kriebel. It is the only oil- 
mill now operated iu the county. On the same 
stream, at Treiehlersville, Samuel Treichler had 
an oil-mill, wiiich was converted into a grist- 
mill by David Treichler, making the building 
three stories high and supplying three runs of 
burrs. A saw-mill at the same power has been 
abandoned. The flouring-mill is operated by 
the Treichler family. Above is the mill-seat 
improved by the Scimltz family and which has 
been controlled by them many years. Beyond 
the hills, near the Leliigh County line, Jonas 
Shank had a carding-mili. Coarse cloths were 
manufactured. It has been idle some time. 
The next power above drives the machinery of 
the Christman mill. The present stone build- 
ing is the second on the site, erected by Jacob 
Christman. It is supplied witii four runs of 
stones. At what is locally called " Perryville " 
is the stone grist-mill built by Michael Gery 
and which is now ojierated l)y E. N. Gery. 
These mills produce large quantities of flour 
annually and are a great accommodation to the 
people. 

On the west branch of the Perkiomen, below 
Huff's Church, there was a small charcoal fur- 
nace, which was erected many years ago. It 
stood near a high bank, above Mensch's mill, 
and iiad a long race, leading to a dam above 
Huff's Church, to supply the power. For a 
time the furnace was operated by a man named 
Mayberry, but it was removed so long ago that 
scarcely any trace now remains. Several miles 
down the stream the Mount Pleasant Furnace 
stood for many years. It was built in 1739 by 
Thomas Potts. Both these industries are men. 
tioncd in the draft of the township prepared in 
1753. Mensch's mill is also one of the oldest 
in Hereford. The present mill is of stone, 
three stories high. A saw-mill is operated by 
the same power. The Meusch family have 
continuously owned this property for several 
generations. Some distance below, Daniel 
Hunter had a pioneer mill, which became 
known as John Rush's mill, but which is now 
the property of Hartsough & Bro. Botwccu 



these there was a forge carried on for a time 
by Peter Weller, but which was abandoned and 
the building converted into a smith-shop. 

Irox-Ore Mine-!. — Valuable iron-mines 
have been carried on successfully for many 
years in the northern part of the township, 
those on the Bittenbender and Gehman tracts 
being worthy of .special mention. 







■d 


|S 


Is 


t 








<5° 


o® 




ts 


Profit to 












Prop'ty Owners 






>5§ 




tt-v 


fcS 


from royalties. 








•5 5 




a 




Bittenbender 
Traa. 


} 


118,000 


$230,000 


$283,000 


$47,000 


@ 50c 


$69,000 


Gehman West 


} 
1 


100,000 


200,000 


240,000 


40,000 


@ 3."ic 


35,(100 


Gehman East 
Tract. 


12,000 


24,000 28,80(1 


4,800 


@ 50c 


0,1100 




230,001 


5400.000 «55l,8fK 


. $91,800 




noo.oofl 



The following table shows the profit of the 
iron-ore mines in this township till 1S80. 

The yield was from the entii-e field, which -is 
about three thousand feet long, and averaging 
in depth one hundred and thirty feet.* 

At the Bittenbender mine the ore raised from 
January to August, 1880, was three thou.^and 
eight hundred and ninety-two tons. 

CHURCHES. 

Hereford Church (Reformed and Luth- 
eran). — In 1812 a stone meeting-house for the 
Reformed and Lutheran congregations was be- 
gun on a lot of latid donated for this purpose by 
Frederick Huff," which was not completed until 
1814. It was a building almost square in ap- 
pearance, high, with three galleries and other 
characteristics of the old-time church. This 
house, from its location, became popularly known 
as the " Huff Church," and is so spoken of to 
this day, although the proper name is the one 
given. In a repaired condition the stone church 
was used until 1881, when it was taken down 
and a new edifice erected, whose proportions and 
attractive finish are surpassed by few churches 
in the county outside of the city of Reading. 

• 1 Penna, Geol. Survey — "Berks" — part 1, p. 289. 
^Frederick Hiiif died in 1816, aged eighty-two years. 
He lived to see seventy-nine grandchildren and ihirly-seven 

great-gvaudchildren. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



999 



The corner-stone Mas laid June 5, 1881, and 
just a year later the church was dedicated. It 
is a brick structure, sixty by ninety feet, two 
stories high, the basement being divided into 
four rooms. The auditorium is very high and 
has wide galleries on three sides, so that accom- 
modations for one thousand persons are afforded. 
The walls and ceilings are beautifully frescoed and 
embellished by life-size paintings of Moses, St. 
John, St. Mark, St. Matthew and St. Luke. In 
the rear of the pulpit is a portrait of Christ 
holding an open book containing the words, 
" Wer mich bekennet for den Mcnschen den 
will ich wieder bekennen for meinem Himlish- 
en Vater." 

The pulpit furniture is very fine. A fine 
baptismal font was the joint gift of D. H. 
Schweyer and Wm. H. Sallade. The chandelier 
was presented by C. N. Gery, Wm. B. Mull 
and Dr. J. A. Roth. A superior pipe-organ 
was supplied in 1865. The church is sur- 
mounted by a shapely spire, iu which is a bell 
weighing, with its hangings, twenty-two hun- 
dred and forty pounds. The cost of this fine 
improvement, exclusive of the labor performed 
gratuitously, was twenty thousand dollars. The 
building committee was composed of Samuel 
Bittenbender, Charles N. Gery, John Gcisinger 
and John Rush. 

The Reformed congregation has had the 
pastoral service of the Rev. Charles Herman, 
Rev. J. Sassaman Herman, and, for the past 
twelve years, the Rev. Eli Keller. Its member- 
ship numbers nearly four hundred. The Luth- 
eran congregation has about four hundred and 
fifty members, and is under the pastoral care of 
the Rev. D. K. Humbert, who is the successor 
in this office of the Revs. Roller, Kramlich, 
Croll and Boyer. A flourishing Sunday-school 
is maintained nine months in the year. 

ScnwENKFELDER Meeting-House is on 
the Washington township line, a short distance 
from Montgomery County. Connected with it 
is a small cemetery, where are interred the mem- 
bers of this faith who settled in lower Berks 
many years ago. It is a stone house, about 
thirty-five by fifty feet, and was erected in 1824. 
E.Ktensive repairs in 188.3 have again placed it 
iu a good condition. The church members wor- 



shipping here are few in number and services 
are held in connection with two other churches 
in Montgomery County, each church having a 
meeting every three weeks. The holidays of 
the church are strictly observed. A Sabbath- 
school is maintained the entire year. 



Clayton is a hamlet on the Washington 
township line, with its principal interests in 
Hereford. It received its name when the post- 
office was established, in 1850. Before that time 
it had become a business point. It is located at 
the intersection of several roads, and is the 
southern terminus of a fine turnpike to Treich- 
lersville. There are a store, tiavern, mechanic- 
shops and half a dozen residences. The first 
settler was Andrew Fink, a dealer in small beer 
and cakes, who lived in a small house opposite 
the present store. He sold out to A. B. Bech- 
tel, who put up the present improvements. 
John Bechtel put up the .store building about 
forty years ago, and he and his son, A. B. Bech- 
tel, engaged in merchandising. This became 
the property of Henry Schultz and since 1872 
the merchants have been H. H and E. H. 
Schultz. The post-office is kept by them. It 
distributes a daily mail. The tavern was built 
in 1839 by Jacob Treichler, who also kept a 
small store in the same building. After his 
death the business was continued .some time by 
his widow. The inn at present is the propei-ty 
of Frank Schultz. 

Herefordvii.le is a small village, near the 
Montgomery line, in the northeastern part of the 
township. It has the usual interests of a country 
place and contains about two dozen buildings. 
The name was derived from the township and 
first u.sed when John Hillegas laid out the vil- 
lage lots. Eli Ritz had one of the first im- 
provements here, keeping a public-house, soon 
after 1800, in part of the building which 
still serves such a purpose. The Hillegas 
family became the owners of the property, after 
Abraham Shell had occupied it a long time, and 
enlarged the old stone house. They carried on 
a tavern and store in it. Later John Hillegas 
built the brick store on the opposite side of the 
street, in which many parties have merchandised. 



1000 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Benjamin Deysher lias Iiad a tin and hardware 
store the past thirteen years. Lower down the 
turnpike, near the Montgomery line, Jacob 
Gery liad a store and tavern, which were kept a 
number of years, but have long since been dis- 
continued. In this locality lived Dr. Joel Y. 
Schclley, for a number of years a successful 
practitioner. In Herefordville proper Dr. Henry 
Babb built a line residence and was also engaged 
in the practice of his profession. The last resi- 
dent physician was Dr. J. P. Hersh. 

Ti:eriiler.sville is a hamlet on the Perkio- 
men Creek, at the intersection of the "Clayton 
Turnpikes," and was named after Samuel Treich- 
ler, who opened a store at this point and was also 
the keeper of a public-house, begun about I80O. 
The latter has had many owners. It was con- 
ducted in 1885 by Daniel Bortz. The Here- 
ford post-office, established in 1830, is kept at 
this place, and Treichler was tlie first postmas- 
ter. For many years H. Kriebel held the office. 
The present postma.ster is E. G. Fegley, the 
nierchant of the place. Several mills are situ- 
ated here. Some years ago a small tilt-liammer 
was operated by the Bauer family. 

Peeryville. — Near the head-waters of the 
Perkiomen is a small hamlet called Perryville, 
or Gery's Mills, long operated by Michael Gery. 
He also had a store and tavern, the latter only 
being continued at present, with Nathaniel 
Gregory as the proprietor. 

SiESHOLTZviLLE. — North, near the Long- 
swamp line, is the old hamlet of Siesholtzville, 
which received its name from Abraham Siesholtz, 
the keeper of an old-time tavern. The first pub- 
lic house was opeued about 1800, by a man 
named Men.sch. A store was begun by Charles 
Helfrich, and a later merchant was Charles 
Gery. The Siesholtzville post-office, estab- 
lished in 1849, is kept by the latter. A tri- 
weekly mail is supplied from Barto. Dr. J. A. 
Roth has been the medical practitioner for 
several years. A few mechanics find employ- 
ment in this locality. 

Hrri-'s Church is a hamlet on the head- 
waters of the west branch of the Perkiomen, so 
called on account of the Hereford Union 
Church, located here, and the Huff family, who 
first made this a public place. It comprises 



half a dozen houses. George Huff had a 2)ublic- 
house at the place now kept by C. D. Gery, for 
many years ; the latter demolished the old house 
in the spring of 1886, aud erected a three-story 
stone building in its place. Abraham Baum 
had the first store. In 1871 M. M. Gery built 
a large frame store, in which he engaged iii 
business the following year. He was succeeded 
in 1876 by the present merchant, D. R. Bech- 
tel, who is also the postmaster of Huff's Church 
office, established in 1874, aud supplied with 
atri-weekly mail, on the route to Siesholtzville. 
A fine hardware store was opened in 1883 by 
Daniel C. Gruber, and it has since been carried 
on by him. There are also a few mechanic 
shops in the neighborhood. The .school-house, 
a neat and attractive brick building, was erected 
in 1878. 

TuRXPiKES. — The township is well supplied 
with turnpikes, indicating tlie enterprise and 
public spirit of the citizens iu that vicinity. 
There are three turnpikes, — 

From Clayton to Treichlersvi'.le, three miles long. 
It was constructed by a company of citizens of the 
township. Henry G. C'lemmer is the manager. 

From Treichlersville to Montgomery County line, 
one and a half miles long. Managed by company (jr- 
ganized out of county. 

From Treichlersville to Lehigh County line, one- 
half mile long. 



WASHINGTOX TOWNSHIP. 

Ereitiox of Township. — A new township, 
named ^Yashington, was erected in 1839 out of 
the southern j)art of Hereford (forty-two hun- 
dred acres) and the northern part of Colebrook- 
dale (about eighteen hundred acres). The names 
of the early settlers of these parts are included 
in the lists of names given for said two town- 
ships. 

E.VKLY Settlers. — The land on which Esdi- 
bacli's Crossing, Barto and Scliuitzville are sit- 
uated, together with the land constituting adjoin- 
ing farms in the vicinity, comprise five hinidred 
acre.s, or one-half of a tract of one thousand 
acres which William Penu granted to a certain 
John Coles, of Calcut, in Somerset County, 
Great Britain, in September, 1681, to be taken 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1001 



up iu the province of Pennsylvania. This grant 
became vested in Samuel Powel, of Philadel- 
phia, who shortly afterward caused live hundred 
acres to be located and surveyed iu this vicinity. 
In 172-1 he conveyed this tract of five hundred 
acres to Jacob Stautfer, a shoemaker, resident at 
Skippack. A large part of this tract has been 
retaiuetl in the Stauffer family from that 
time till now, it having been transmitted iu a 
direct line from Jacob to Daniel, to Abraham, 
to Henry, to Abraham E., the present owner. 

In 1734 a number of " Schwenkfelders " 
came to Pennsylvania, — altogether one hundred 
and sixty-four : eiglity-one males and eighty- 
three females. Amongst these were !Melcliior 
Schultz, his wife, Susanna, and their three young 
sons, — George, Melchior and Christopher. They 
settled at a point several miles northeast from 
Schultzville about the year 17;36, where they 
succeeded in erecting a capacious two-story 
dwelling out of tall oaks, which tiiey liad felled, 
cut into logs and sawed by hand into plank, the 
latter iiaving been placed on the outsitle wall for 
[)rotection ; and they, in their early life, manu- 
factured wagon- wheels out of oak timber, plaited 
horse-collars out of straw, twisted traces out of 
hemp and raisetl their own flax and wool, which 
tiiey spun into yarn and upou a weaver's loom 
wove into cloth for wearing apparel. 

INDUISTEIES. 

The " West Branch " of the Perkiomen af- 
fords some water-powers which are not surpassed 
in the county. They were improved at an early 
day to operate mills and forges. In the little 
dale, from the hills of Hereford to the lowlands 
of Washington, a distance of about three miles, 
there are a dozen powers, two of which at one 
time operated furnaces and three of them forges. 
When tiie latter were in operation this was one 
of the busiest sections of the county. One of the 
largest and most widely known of these forges 
was the one so long carried on by David Schall, 
and known as the " Dale Forge." ' It had a 
very superior water-power and large capacity. 
When first started it was known as " Focht's 
Forge." It has not been worked the past twenty 
years and the power is now devoted to the op- 



'See Chap. VII., Early Imlusiri s. 



eration of a saw-mill. Below this place Aaron 
Covely had a foundry for the manufacture of 
cooking and heating-stoves, etc. It became tiie 
property of Anthony Eltz, who converted it 
into a forge after the foundry building had been 
burned down. The power has fflso been aban- 
doned. The lower forge was long known as 
Fisher's, having been last operated by Samuel 
Wise. Above this place there was a power 
used successfully for a time by Joseph Rush, 
in preparing whet-stones, the material having 
been quarried on his farm in the neighbor- 
hood. The quality M'as good, but the layer was 
limited and became exhausted some years ago. 
While used as a mill by Edward Meckler the 
property was destroyed by fire, in the spring 
of 1885. It has been rebuilt and converted 
into a turning-shop. In this locality the grist- 
mill of Jacob Anthony is operated in a small 
way. Lower down is the fine mill of Samuel 
B. Latshaw, which was lately enlarged and sup- 
plied with roller machinery, with steam-power 
added. This site was formerly known as Erb's, 
and later as Babb's. The Mount Pleasant 
Furnace was at a lower site, where the dale 
widens out into the level lands. After the 
manufacture of iron was discontinued the power 
was used to operate a saw-mill. Several miles 
below, Henry Landis established a tannery 
about seventy years ago. It was operated lat- 
terly by David Landis and by Jonathan Ma- 
thias. It has thirty vats. In 1885 the latter 
established a currier-shop at Churchville. The 
tannery has been idle since 1885. The last 
power in this county on this stream operates a 
grist-mill, owned by Amos Schultz. The 
building is constructed of brick and a profitable 
business is carried on by him. 

On Swamp Creek improvements were made 
at an early period by the Kummerers, Bechtels 
and Stauffers. On a branch of the creek, in 
the northern part of the township, one of these 
mills is now operated by A. Benfield. Below, 
John Dotterer had in operation a clover and a 
grist-mill, but as the power was small it was soon 
abandoned, when he, in 1885, built a superior 
new mill on the old Kummerer site. The 
next lower power was made to operate the oil 
and saw-mills of John Bechtel and others. The 



lOOli 



IILSTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



oil-mill has been discontinued. In 1882 James 
Eechtel started a grist-mill in its stead and re- 
built the saw-mill. The old Stauifer mill, next 
below, was also rebuilt in 1S82 and supplied 
with roller machinery by John Stauffer, the 
present owner.* Near what is now Bechtelsville, 
the upper mill was formerly supplied with ma- 
chinery for making liuseal oil, but became a 
grist-mill under the ownership of William 
Bechtel. Jacob Oberholtzer is the owner of 
the lower mill. It was carried on for sixty 
years by John S. Bechtel and his son, David. 
It is still a good mill. A short distance below 
the village is the fine grist-mill of Henry 
Young, which is the last power on the stream 
in the townshij). Most of the above mills have 
a good capacity. When the water-power be- 
comes insufficient they are able, with steam- 
power supplied in rec^ent years, to manufacture 
almost constantly. Altogether, tiiousands of 
barrels of flour are manufactured annually in 
the township, indicating the great value of the 
flowing water in the meandering streams of 
that township. 

Norway Furnace, at Bechtelsville, is the 
property of the Philadelphia and Heading Coal 
and Iron Company. It was projected and built 
by the Bechtelsville Iron Company, composed 
mainly of citizens of Washington township, in 
1872-73, but owing to the panic coming on, it 
was never put in blast by the original owners. 
It resulted in great losses to the projectors. 
Afterward it was first operated under a lease by 
the Pottstown Iron Company. In December, 
1883, the company transferred its lease to Gabel, 
Jones &Gabel. Substantial improvements were 
then made by this firm and they have since suc- 
cessfully operated it under the superintendence 
of Levi Yocum. The ore used is procured at 
the mine of the firm at Boyertown, and the 
daily product is forty tons of superior foundry 
iron. Forty-five men are steadily employed. 
The plant embraces thirty acres of land and the 
furnace cost originally one hundred and fifty 
thousand dollars. 

At Barto a valuable mine of ii'on-ore has 
been in successful operation for many years. 
Tiie ore was first mined in limited quantities 
and the operations were coufined to the 



surface. Within the past twenty years steam- 
power has been employed and, in later years, 
three mines have been worked, viz.: the A. H. 
Barto, at a depth of one hundred and twenty- 
five feet; the R. S. Laudis, at a depth of three 
hundred and twenty-five feet, and drifts — the 
most productive of all the mines; and the mine 
of the Pottstown Iron Company, which has 
been wholly abandoned. Its shaft had 
reached a depth of two hundred feet, Init not 
being very rich, and the water being tronble- 
some, the machinery was removed to other 
points. In 1885 the mines were idle. Near 
Bechtelsville iron-ore also abounds, but not in 
quantities to warrant mining operations. 



Mexnoxite Churches. — ^Among the first 
settlers of the township of Hereford was a col- 
ony of Mennonites, who have since, in connec- 
tion with kindred settlements in Montgomery 
and Ijehigh Counties, preserved a denomina- 
tional organization, which was formed in the 
last century. These early Mennonites were on 
very friendly terms with Father Theodore 
Schneider, the Jesuit missionary. They co-oper- 
ated with him in building the first Catholic 
Church, in 1743, and as a compensation to them 
for their kindness, an acre of laud was. granted 
to them out of the tract belonging to his society. 
This gave them a central location upon which 
to build a church of their own. The meeting- 
house which they then erected still stands and 
has a very primitive appearance, which indi- 
cates its extreme age. It is a low, wooden 
structure, a little larger than the ordinary 
school-house, with the joists extending fiir across 
the walls and the roof resting upon the same. 
It is occupied by the old Mennonites, who have 
stated services there in connection with other 
appointments. On the same lot there is a plain 
brick church, forty-five by seventy-five feet, 
which was put up by the New Mennonites in 
1851. The building committee consisted of G. 
Bechtel, H. Eschbach and A. Bauer. It has 
since been occupied by them. Meetings are held 
regularly every two weeks by their ministers. 
Rev. C. H. A. Van Der Smi.ssen and A. God- 
shall. The members number nearly two hundred. 



TOWNSHIl'.S OF CUINTY. 



1003 



During the past sixteeu years they have 
maintaiued a flourishing Sabbath-school. James 
H. Funk is the present superintendent. The 
congregations at Boyertowu are a part of the old 
Hereford (or Colebrookdale) congregation, and 
the account there given will serve as a history of 
these congregations in the more important mat- 
ters and the causes which led to their sepai-ate 
establishment. The cemetery of the Washing- 
ton churches contains a large number of graves 
and is kept in good condition. 

Church of the Blessed Sacramext. — 
The earliest Roman Catholic Church in the 
county was erected in this township in the 
eastern section, about a half-mile from the county 
line. The first church was built, in 1743, by 
the Rev. Theodor Schneider, from Bavaria, for 
the " Society of Jesus." During his efforts in 
this behalf he was assisted by the Mennonites 
and Schwenkfelders. This building is still 
standing in a good state of preservation. The 
record of baptisms begins with the year 1741, 
and includes, among other districts, Ma.rataumi, 
Tidpehakcn and GoshenJioppen. Two patents 
were taken up for land — one for one hundred 
and twenty-one acres by Father Neale, in 1747, 
and the other for three hundred and seventy- 
three acres by Father Greaton, in 1748. A 
substantial brick church was erected in front 
of the old church in 1837, including a steeple, 
in which two superior bells were placed. The 
church was recently improved, figures were 
introduced and fine lamps were supplied for 
evening services. Two masses are conducted 
on Sundays. 

In 1882 the old mission-house was torn 
down and a brick residence was erected for the 
priest. A new cemetery was set apart and con- 
secrated October 6, 187(j. 

Three priests lie buried under the floor at the 
jjulpit in the old church liuilding. They were 
the first, Father Schneider, who died July 10, 
1764, aged sixty-two years; the second, Father 
John Baptist de Ritter, who died February 3, 
1787, aged seventy years, after having held the 
mission for twenty years ; and the fifth, Father 
Paulus Erntzen, who died March 26, 1818, 
aged fifty-three years, after having held the 
mission twenty-seven years. 



In 1820 Father Paul Kohlman, a Franciscan 
monk, became the first priest of the " Society of 
Jesus." He was assisted by Father Corvin, a 
Pole, till 1827; then the latter became the 
priest, and he continued to officiate till his 
death, October 11, 1837. 

Rev. Augustus Bally began his service here 
November 1, 1837, and he continued to officiate 
as priest with great success for a period of forty- 
four years. He died January 28, 1882. He 
was a native of Belgium and won a high posi- 
tion as a priest in this denomination. He 
possessed an active mind, and he \\as recognized 
for his liberality and enterprising spii'it. Be- 
sides completing the church, which had been 
begun before he arrived, he also erected a fine 
brick school-house. 

Rev. John Baptiste Meurer succeedeil Father 
Bally as priest, after having assisted him since 
September 1, 1875. The parish now numbers 
three hundred and twenty-five families. 

Father Schneider was settled here perma- 
nently in 1741. He erected a small two-story 
building, with one I'oom on each floor, soon 
after he arrived. In the room on the first floor 
he instituted a school in 1743. It is said that 
al)out that time he and his scholars were com- 
pelled to remain in the building for a day and 
night owing to a heavy snow-fall. This school 
building is still standing. A school was con- 
ducted successfully in it till the township 
accepted the common-school system, in 1850, 
when the congregation established a parochial 
school. Reverend Father Bally erected a fine 
brick school building, to take the place of the 
old school-house. The school term extends 
through eight months of the year. Father 
Meurer pays the expense of one month, and the 
remaining expense is paid by subscrijjtion. 

VILLAGES. 

Churchville is a pleasant village near the 
northeastern line of the township. It was laid out 
in 1860, by the Rev. Father Bally, on the lands 
of the Catholic Society of Jesus. It is situated 
in a very fertile country, and the beauty of its 
location is not excelled by any other village in 
the county. In this vicinity there arc the fine 
Church of the Blessed Sacrament, two Menno- 



1004 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



nite Churches, stores and various kinds of me- 
chanic shops. The residences are substantial 
looking, and bear evidence of the thrift and 
comfort of the owners. 

One of the first improvements was the public- 
house kept by Nicholas Andre, soon after 1860. 
It was subsequently enlarged by Samuel Cole 
and has since had a number of keepers. Oppo- 
site is a general store carried on by Wm. Bech- 
tel since 18651; also the hardware-store of 
Henry Reding, being a branch store of that first 
established here by Bechtel & Diehl. A clock 
and jewelry-store has been carried on by E. S. 
Gehnian since 1882, and a general store by 
Frank Johnson since the fall of 1883. A plan- 
ing-mill, operated by steam, was started in the 
spring of 1S86 by Anthony Johnson. To the 
north a hardware-store, begun in 1869, by Jo- 
seph Diehl, is carried on by H. M. Diehl & 
Bro. A post-office was established at Church- 
ville in October, 1883, with the name of Bally, 
and of which Wm. Bechtel was the first post- 
master. February 15, 1886, Aug. Kuhn suc- 
ceeded him. A daily mail is supplied. The 
village has at present over three hundred in- 
habitants. 

Bat;t() is situated at the northern terniiiuis of 
the Colebrookdale Railroad, in the centre of the 
township. It was laid out in 1869 by Thomas 
Christman,f^guardian of Abraham H. Barto, on 
land of the latter, at a point where the railroad 
company was then erecting a depot. It was 
first called " Mount Pleasant," because of its 
nearness to the spot where the old " iNIoiuit 
Pleasant Furnace" formerly stood. The name 
was changed to Barto in 1875 by the railroad 
company, to distinguish it from other jjlaces of 
the same name. In 1881 it contained a store, 
hotel, thirteen dwellings and sixty-six inhabi- 
tants. An extensive business in coal and lum- 
ber is carried on by William D. Schall. A 
large and valuable body of magnetic iron-ore 
has been mined in the immediate vicinity. 
Jacob Fretz was the first agent of the railroad. 
Since 1875 the position has been filled by AV. 
W. Albright. Ore was formerly shipped in 
large quantities, but not since 1884. The first 
building in the place was put up in 1869 by 
Schall & Bauer, dealers in lumber and coal, and 



was part of the present hotel first opened by 
Eli Gilbert. The house was enlarged by R. S. 
Smith in 1873, and kept by him ten years. 
The first general store was opened, in 1878, by 
B. F. Sell. He was succeeded in the spring of 
1885 by Smith & Stauffei*. The Barto post- 
office was established in 1882, and B. F. Sell 
served as postmaster until April 7, 1885, when 
J. A. Smith was appointed. It has two mails 
per day and is the distributing point for a 
number of offices. 

ScHULTZViLLE is situated a half-mile east- 
wardly from Barto, at the intersection of two 
public roads, — one leading from Boyertown to 
Allentown, and the other from Dale (Barto) to 
Zieglersville. It was named in 1833 by Chris- 
topher K. Schultz, who then and for over twenty 
years afterward cond ucted here a store and tavern . 
A post-office, named "Colebrookdale," was estab- 
lished here in 1828, and Mr. Sohultz served as 
postmaster till his death, in 1856. He was suc- 
ceeded by the present postmaster, P. D. Schall, 
who is also the projirietor of the store and tav- 
ern. In 1881 it contained a hotel, a store, seven 
dwellings and fifty inhabitants. An independent 
school district M'as established in 1852 out of 
territory comprising the village and adjacent 
properties, since which time the directors have 
conducted a successful school, with the scholar.-* 
varying in number from thirty to fifty. 

This place has no mechanic-shops. Dr. 
Chester Clark practiced there as a physician 
from 1828 till 1842 ; then the property passed 
into the possession of D. S. Schultz, Esq., who 
has since occupied it. He is a practical sur- 
veyor. The Schultz and Stauifer families have 
been land-owners here for more than one hun- 
dred and fifty years. 

North of Barto, near the Hereford line, the 
Dale post office was established in 1828, the 
name being suggested by the Dale Forge, car- 
ried on then at that point. The office has been 
kept by the Schall family since its establish- 
ment, the present mistress being Mary Schall. 

In this neighborhood the Covelys opened a 
public-house. This became the property of 
Abraham Trollinger, and he then carried on a 
store also. The.se interests have been continued 
since by different parties. After the forges in 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1005 



the valley were abandoued, the place ceased to 
he an important business point. 

EscHBACH is nearly a mile southwest of 
Barto. It is also a station on the railroad. It con- 
tains several shops, a store and tavern and about 
twenty buildings. It took its name after George 
INI. Eschbach, a successful stock dealer and 
tavern-keeper on the road west of the present 
railroad station. He encouraged the railroad 
enterjjrise by a liberal subscription for the 
bonds of the company. The tavern is at pres- 
ent carried on by William Hartsough, who has, 
also, a cigar-factory in which eigiit hands are 
employed. Adam Glase had the first store in 
I808, having removed here from Bechtelsville. 
The present merchant is William Hines, also 
the keeper of the Bechtelsville post-office, es- 
talilished half a mile west, in 18.52, with Isaac 
Beehtel as postmaster. In 1858 George M. 
Eschbach was the ])ostmaster and had the office 
first transferred to this place ; but, in 186(3, when 
Jacob E. Bowman had the office, it was returned 
to Bechtelsville, thus intermingling the interests 
of the two places. The place was not laid out. 

Bechtelsville is a growing village, M'ith 
a fine, large furnace, mills, several stores and 
taverns and sixty good houses, occupied by 
.seventy families. The increase of population 
has been greatest during the past few years and 
almost all the entire growth has been made 
.since 1869, when it became a i-ailway station. 
Before that time there were two mills and 
three houses, most of them belonging to the 
family of John S. Beehtel, after whom the 
place took its name. The village has a pleasant 
location on Swamp Creek. Isaac Beehtel had 
the first store in a building near the mill, some 
time about 1850. The building was after- 
wards converted into a tavern, which is still 
kept. Another tavern was opened by David 
K. Borkey. This became the pro]ierty of 
INIatthias Dotterer, and he then introduced a 
store. Two more stores were opened in 1885, 
by H. C. Schoeuley and John E. Staugier & 
Bro. The cabinet and undertaking business 
was established in 1883 by "William Conrad. 
A marble-yard is owned and carried on by 
Thomas W. Hoffman & Sou ; aud J. H. Mover 
is a dealer in coal and feed. 



PHYSICL\NS. 

In 1884: Dr. B. S. Grim located here as a 
physician and continues in practice. At Esch- 
bach, Dr. Franklin R. Brunuer (the present 
State Senator from Berks County) has been in 
practice the past twenty-five years ; at Chiirch- 
ville, Dr. Isaac R. Yeagle, the past eighteen 
years ; and near the latter place Dr. C. Iv. 
Christman, the past sixteen years. The first to 
practice medicine in the eastern part of the 
township was Dr. Joel Y. Shelly, who lived 
near Herefordville. He was the preceptor of 
Dr. Nathan Young, who was at Sehultzville 
from 1828 till 1842. Dr. Oliver Young also 
practiced medicine at that place. Drs. John 
and Joseph Wilson were practitioners a short 
time, the latter retiring and the former moving 
to Bethlehem. 

AnRAM H. Bauto, of Washington town- 
ship, is the son of Isaac Bartow (as the 
name was first spelled), who was born in Oley 
township August 17, 1786, and, in 1812, was 
married to Elizabeth Feger. In April, 1838, 
]\Irs. Bartow and her two daughters died. On 
November 24, 1843, Mr. Bartow was married 
to Magdalena Huber, by whom he had one son 
— Abram. . Isaac Bartow came from Oley in 
1813, and purchased land in what was then 
Hereford (now Washington) township. The 
tract contains one hundred and fifty acres. He 
died June 27, 1865, highly honored and re- 
spected. Abrara, his son, succeeded iu the 
ownership of his property. 

Abram H. Barto was born March 4, 
1855. He was educated in the public schools. 
Mount Pleasant Seminary, at Boyertown, and 
the Kutztown State Normal School. In 1875 
he took a scientific course in the Allentown 
Business College. He married Miss Stauffer, 
and they have three children. 

In 1868 the Colebrookdale Railroad Com- 
pany surveyed its line from Pottstown, via 
Boyertown, to a terminus on aud near the west- 
ern border of i\Ir. Barto's farm. The road was 
soon completed and a fine depot erected at this 
terminus. In 1870 he had building lots sur- 
veved and commenced to sell them. A dozen 
houses have since been erected, and the name of 



1006 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the station changed from " Mount Pleasant " to 
" Barto," wliidi is also the name of tiie post- 
office. Mr. Barto conducts a store at this place. 
He is closely identified with Sunday-school 
and church matters. 



lowing five persons only were mentioned as 
patentees: 

Jacob Tysher, patent issued April 25, 1764, for one 
hundred acres. 
Adam Speitlemyer, patent issued December!), 1 TOG, 
for one hundred and one acres. 




iy(4h-^'^--i-i^ 




RUSCOilB-MAXOR TOWNSHIP. 

Manor of Ruscomb Erected. — Pursuant 
to a verbal order frcjm the proprietor, Nicholas 
Scull surveyed, on July 26, 1739, for the pro- 
prietors' use, a large tract of land, situated be- 
tween Oley and Maiden creek, containing ten 
thousand acres, which was named the " Manor 
ofEuscombe." 

No positive information was obtained respect- 
ing the early settlements in this district of terri- 
tory. It is more than probable, iiowever, that 
very few settlements were made in it prior to 
1752. This inference is drawn from a survey 
made by Cadwalader Evans, Jr., in August, 
1789. In a return made bv him then, the fol- 



Johu Riegel, patent Lssued February 2, 1772, for 
fifty six acres. 

Jacob Zauger, patent issued February 21, 1772, for 
one hundred and ten acres. 

Conrad Schmell, patent issued Februar}' 21, 1787, 
for thirty-eight acres. 

Other patentees then were John Christian 
Sleglc, Jacob ^liller, Yost Wagner, Ulricli 
Huy and Conrad Price, and there is also given 
a list of names of persons who have marked 
out lands for them.selves within the manor lines. 
This list comprises one hundred and fifteen 
names, and the tracts together contained eight 
thou.sand nine hundred and eighteen acres and 
twenty three perches. It is more than likely 
that if settlers to an V considerable number had 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1007 



located iu this section, they would have taken 
up lauds by patent more thau those named as 
settlers did in neighboring districts.' 

I was not able to find auy record of the 
erection of the manor into a township. Its 
lines were changed by the erection of neighbor- 
ing districts into townships. The earliest evi- 
dence of it as a township is the assessment 
record of the county for the year 1759, in 
which it is included in the list of townships. 

Taxables for 1759. — The following list 
comprises the names of the taxables iu the town- 
ship in 1759. The total tax levied was £16 
lis. (id. Jacob Leapert was the collector, — 



Anthony Krucst 1 

Philip Kluninger 2 

Simon Kiuus 4 

Peter Kline 1 

Frederick Lie8s 4 

Henry Liess 2 

Jacob Liebert 8 

Henry Lander^lagle 1 

Michael Miller 4 

Tobiae Metzger 1 

Jacob Michael 6 

Conrad Priess 12 

John Riegle :l 

George Rock o 

Ludwig Riegle 6 

Adam Smeal 8 

George Swartz 1 

Andreas Sigfried 4 

Michael Sigfried 6 

Godlieb Volck 3 

Yost Waggoner 10 

John Weidinghanier 7 

Peter Williams 6 

Jacob Zonner 2 



George Angstadt 4 

Joseph Allgaier 2 

John Allbright 2 

George Becker 3 

Christian Rruchman ,. 2 

Frederick Bachman 2 

Frederick Boyer 2 

Henry Bondt 2 

Jacob Brown 1 

Anthony Broost 1 

Jacob Deiser 12 

Jacob Doylman 1 

Peter Diethelman... 4 

Dietrich Fall 5 

Jacob Fuchs 4 

Michael Fisher ; 1 

Valentine Ginter 4 

Ba^tian Gernant 4 

Jacob Gilbert 2 

Nicholas Gilbert 5 

Jacob Heller 1 

Stephen Haverhacker o 

Ciisper Hoffman 2 

Christian HofTnagle 3 

Krafft Kearn 1 

Single Meit. 

Dietrich Fall. fhristopher Gernandt. 

Yost Fall. 

Owing to the altitude of the township and 
the temperate habits of its citizens, a large 
number of people attain extreme old age. A 
])artial list of those who have passed the 
allotted " three-score years and ten " shows that 
Daniel Rider, at the age of nine.ty-six, is still 
able to do work on the public roads ; John 
Gift, eighty-six years old ; John jNIanwiller, 
eighty-five; John Heller, eighty-eight; David 
Manwiller, eighty-two ; John Glasser, eighty- 
one ; John Buskirk, John Heller and Daniel 
Mnyer, eighty ; and Daniel Brown, John 
Rider, Isaac Hoefter, Samuel Schmehl, John 



' Rupp, in his ''History of Berk ( County,'' page 244, 
mentions tlie names of tliirty-eiglit lanJ-liolilers witliiu 
the township in 1749. 



Haas, Benjamin Foos, Charles SchaeiFer and 
Daniel Spies are each over seventy-five years. 

The highest point in the township is on 
" Wagner's Head," about a mile southwardly 
from Pricetown. It is about two hundred feet 
higher than Pricetown and seven hundred feet 
higher than Fleetwood, on the East Pennsylva- 
nia Railroad (two miles distant), or about 
eleven hundred and fifty feet above the sea. It 
commands a magnificent view of the EastPenn 
Valley to the north, Lebanon Valley to the 
west and the Oley Valley to the .southeast. 

Indu.stries. — The water-power of Ruscomb- 
manor is limited to several small streams whose 
volume is strong enough to operate small mills 
or other common industries. Near Pricetown 
William D. Haines had in successful operation 
a good tannery from 1824 for a number of 
years. William Haas was a later owner and 
tanned until ten years ago, when work was 
discontinued. Below this place George Heck- 
man carried on a tannery until his death, 
when the property passed into the possession of 
Benjamin Kline, who then operated it for some 
years. Tiiese buildings liave been removed. In 
1855 Michael Buck put up a tannery in the 
eastern part of the township, which he carried 
on about five years, and then in 1861 he con- 
verted it into a glue factory. As such he 
operated it until 1875, when his son, Fred. Buck, 
became the owner. Since 1885 Peter Hill has 
been the proprietor. The motor is steam and 
the annual product is about eighty barrels. 
Lower down, on the Willow Creek, Henry 
Gilbert owned and carried on a mill about 1800, 
which became the property of John Focht. 
The first mill had only a small capacity. About 
forty years ago Samuel Wanner built the 
present mill, now owned and operated by Israel 
Leinbach. 

A short distance below, Henry Rettinger had 
a small saw-mill, which was afterward removed 
and the power abandonetl. Another power was 
improved to operate a tilt-hammer for a man 
named Biecher, which became the property of 
Henry Rettinger, who employed the power to 
operate a clover-mill. Here is now a feed-mill 
and machine-shop owned and operated by 
Schmeck & Haag. An improvement lately 



I(t08 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



made will enable them to mauufactiire yellow 
ochre at the same point. The mineral is 
obtained from an abandoned iron-mine in the 
neighborhood. This stream was also appro- 
priated before 1800 to operate a carding-raill for 
Peter Wanner for some years, which has been 
discontinued and the power used to carry on a 
saw-mill for jS'icodemns Noll. 

Near Blaudon, William Moser had a grist- 
mill containing good machinery, but as his 
Mater-power is weak, very little work is done. 

The first iron-ore mine was opened in the 
township about 1860. The locality is near 
Fleetwood. It is commonly called the Madeira 
Mine. Some years afterward the " Clymer Iron 
Company " ojiened several ore-mines about a 
mile eastwardly from Pricetown, from which 
much ore was obtained. 

CHURCHES. 

Baptist Meeting-House. — In 1807 Mar- 
tin Gaube conveyed to "The Old Baptist Soci- 
ety," composed of membei's in and about the 
township of Ruscomb-manor, a lot of ground 
containing one acre, and a " House of Divine 
Worship " thereon erected. This lot is part of 
the Price tract. Tiie trustees of the society 
then were Martin Gaube, David Kinsey, Chris- 
tian Kinsey and Johu Beyler. This church was 
in existence at least a score of years before. 
A " burying-grouud " was also inclosed. Be- 
fore the completion of the church the meetings 
were held under a large tree, which stood on 
this lot, and in the Gaube house or barn, he be- 
ing the first preachei'. Among the memljers 
were persons belonging to Kenzie, Beublemoyer, 
Fiant and Price families. The local member- 
ship was not large at auy time. At present only 
few members survive. Among the preachers 
at this church have Ijeen George Price (of Ches- 
ter County), Johu Price, Johu Zug, Henry Kas- 
.sell, Samuel Harley, Jonas Price, William 
Hartzell and Christian Bncher. The present 
preachers are J. Rothcrmcl, Joshua Koenig 
and Israel Koenig. 

St. John's Church (Lutheran and Re- 
formed). — Rev. Augustus Herman, a Re- 
formed minister, and Rev. Jacob Miller, Lu- 
theran, visited this locality before 1840 and 



occasionally preached in the Baptist meeting- 
house ; but none of their ordinances were ever 
observed in that place and no efforts made to 
form congregations. The Harvest Home meet- 
ings were usually held under the large tree near 
the church. In 1841 William D. Haines suc- 
ceeded in interesting a number of people to 
unite with him in building at Pricetown a new 
church for the use of the Lutheran and Re- 
formed congregations, which had been formed 
of the Haas, Fry, Buskirk, Levan, Rider, Van 
Miller and Lamb families. It was dedicated 
as the " St. John's Union Church." It is a 
stone building standing on an acre of land pur- 
chased from John Haas for this purpose. The 
membership of both congregations has al- 
ways been small, and the aggregate number 
belonging at present is not more than one lum- 
dred and fifty. 

The Reformed congregation had as its first 
pastor the Rev. Isaac Miesse. At present it is 
servetl by Rev. Isaac S. Stahr. His predecessors 
were Revs. N. Strassburger, William Good, 
Philip Hoffman and Daniel Schoedler. The 
pastors of the Lutheran congregation have 
been the Revs. Isaac Roeller, Daniel Kohler, J. 
M. Ditzler, A. Hinterleiter, T. T. laeger, G. 
F. Spicker and U. P. Heilman. 

The Sunday-school conducted in this church 
by Samuel J. Hill, superintendent, was first 
organized in the Baptist meeting-house, in the 
spring of 1833, by William D. Haines, who 
by birth was an Englishman, and came to this 
place from Philadelphia. He was the superin- 
tendent mauy years, and it was his interest in 
this matter which led to the building of the 
church, although for many years the Suuday- 
school was elsewhere held. 

The church bell is the old i)ell which hung 
for foui'-score years in the old court-house at 
Reading. It is still in a good state of pres- 
ervation, and when rung produces a pleasing 
sound, which reverberates grandly amongst 
the high hill-tops surrounding. Years ago 
it summoned the citizens of the county to 
give their attendance before the transitory 
judgment-seat of man ; but it is now, and has 
been for over forty years, used to summon the 
surrouudiug community into the church to pre- 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1009 



pare tlie way for the judgment-seat of God, 
" Eterual in the Heavens." 

Salem Evaxgelical Church at Pricetown 
was built in 1857 by John Brown, Franklin 
Palm and liev. Henry Bucks, as a committee 
ajipoiuted for that purpose. It is constructed 
of mountain stone, very plainly built, and stands 
on an acre of ground, the greater part of which 
is a cemetery. The trustees in 1885 were Eph- 
raini Stitzer, Obed Manwiller and David Bier- 
man. The membership is weak, only twenty 
persons belonging to it. These form a class 
under the leadersliip of Francis Heckman. The 
church is an appointment of the Friedensburg 
Circuit, of which Eev. H. H. Glick was the 
preacher in 1885. Other ministers who 
preached here: Bevs. Henry Bucks, Hess, 
Scliultz, Litzenberger, Butz, Kurtz, Ziegenfuss, 
Kalil, Hooper, Sechrist and Lerch. 

Sevexth-Dav Advextists. — A society of 
this foith was organized at Pricetown in the fall 
of 1883 by Elder Henry A. Rife, acting under 
the auspices of the Pennsylvania Conference. 
Amos Snyder was appointed local elder and 
Samuel S. Gruber deacon. The ten members 
originally composing the society have received 
an addition of eight members, and the work of 
the society is fairly prosperous. The meetings 
are held in the school-house at Fleetwood and 
at the houses of the members at Pricetown, ex- 
cept M'hen a protracted effort is made, when a 
large tent is provided, in which visiting elders, 
conduct the services. The society is part of 
District No. 1, whose headquarters are at Al- 
lentown. 

In addition to the cemeteries connected with 
the foregoing churches, there are a number of 
jtrivate burial-grounds in the township, usually 
on the farms of those who made the first inter- 
ments, and containing the dead of the original 
owners and their family connections. Among 
them are those of Samuel Fox, Samuel J. Hill, 
David Croll, Henry Knoll, Washington 
Schmeck, Isaac Hoeffer, Dr. Levi Thompson, 
Zachariah Hilbert, Samuel Hoeffer, Daniel 
laeger, Samuel Schmehl and Ephraim Snyder. 

Slhools. — One of the first schools in the 
township was taught in the vicinit}- of Price- 
town. A school-house was afterward built at 



Pricetown, on the same lot that the Dunker 
Church occupies, the building committee having 
been Daniel Brown, Daniel Snyder and Abra- 
ham Wagner. In this both English and 
German were taught, George Pi'ice being a 
German teacher. The best remembered Eng- 
lish teachers were Cyrus Kuapp, John P. Dan- 
iels and Isaac Jacobs. The free-school system 
was accepted by Ruscomb-raanor in 1837, the 
township being one of the first in the county to 
adopt it, and the first school at Pricetown under 
that system was taught by an Irishman named 
Murphy. 

VIELAfJES. 

Pricetowx is the only village in the town- 
ship. It is located on the highlands south of 
the centre. It contains several hotels and 
stores, three churches and about thirty resi- 
dences. Its nearest railroad station is Fleet- 
wood, on the East Pennsylvania Railroad, two 




THE FIRST LOG HOUSE. 

miles north. The place took its name from 
Conrad Price (Preiss), who purchased a tract of 
one hundred and one acres lying here from 
Adam Spittlemyer in 1768. It is supposed 
that the town plan was laid out by him in 1780. 
He erected a log house on this tract in 1773 
which is still standing. Some time about the 
Revolution he gave each of his sons a tract of this 
land, and made calculation for a future village 
by providing for an alley-way in the rear of the 
land. These smaller tracts were subsequently 
cut up into lots to suit purchasers. One of 
Price's sons lived in tlie eastern part of the 
present village, and was by trade a pump- 
maker. Another son lived in the western part, 
and was a farmer. A tailor named Gable was 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



aa early citizen of the place, and a little later 
came Anthony Le Fever, who had a small tan- 
nery in the eastern part, which became the 
property of Aaron Heckman, who last carried it 
on. And mechanics came as the surrounding 
country was developed, among the number be- 
ing Jacob Weiser and Henry Haines, carpen- 
ters ; Christian Glasser, John, Elijah and Amos 
Brown, shoemakers ; Thomas Sechrist, tailor ; 
Benjamin Tobias and Valentine Ebling, black- 
smiths. Lewis Frank, a Jew peddler, also 
lived here many years, becoming quite noted in 
other parts of the country for the sharp bar- 
gains which he drove. Jonathan Price built a 
tavern on the present Guinther stand and op- 
posite another house, in which he opened the 
first store. In the tavern business he was suc- 
ceeded by Henry Bernhart, who kept it until 
his death, when his widow carried it on. The 
present tavern was built by Israel Wentzel, who 
enlarged the old building. In 1885 it was 
kept by Saphenus Guinther. After Price dis- 
continued his store Benjamin Kline succeeded 
him, and he had among his successors Henry 
Dengler, Samuel Babb, Charles Levan, Jacob 
Engle and Charles Levan, the last in trade at 
that stand. 

Near by Daniel Brown opened another store 
some eight years ago, which is still continued 
by him. In the lower part of the village Ben- 
jamin Kline put up a store and tavern building 
fifty years ago, and was in business there about 
ten years. It has been carried on there since 
1868 by Weston & Brother. 

The post-office at Pricetown is the only one 
in the township. For a long time it had but a 
weekly mail, and George Heaner was the post- 
master. Samuel Babb was his successor, fol- 
lowed by iaron Heckman, Charles Levan and 
William C. Weston, when the mail was tri- 
weekly. Since July, 1.SS5, a daily mail from 
Fleetwood has been supplied, and George Hill 
is the present postmaster. Charles Ijevan, a 
prominent and very successful merchant at 
Pricetown, was the postmaster for twenty-eight 
years, till October, 1864. 

Dr. Jacob Rothroek is remembered as one of 
the first physicians located at this place. He 
was followed by Dr. Henry Burch. Dr. 



Adrian Loeven was also a practitioner for some 
years, and he died in the township. Dr. 
Charles Weber located at Pricetown aljout 
thirty-five years ago, and is still in successful 
practice, having been the longest located in the 
township. 

In 1844 the village contained twenty-five 
houses, one church, one store, two taverns and 
one hundred and sixty-five inhabitants ; and in 
1883 it contained four churches, two stores, 
three taverns and two hundred inhabitants. 

Among other country inns maintained at 
different times in the township, the most im- 
portant was the one kept by John Stermer, 
about 1820, on the place now owned by David 
Manwiller. West of Pricetown, Peter ^Miller 
had an inn about the same time, the place be- 
ing at present the farm-house of Washington 
Schmeck. 



ROCKLAND TOWNSHIP. 

Erection of Township. — In May, 1758, 
Henrv Vandcrslice surveyed a large tract of 
land, containing twelve thousand and eighty- 
five acres, in the " Oley Hills," for a township. 
It was confirmed by the court on Xovemhcr 
14th following and named "Rockland." The 
lines were as follows : 

" Beginning at a corner of Oley township ; thence 
along the same S. 70 E. 1070 perches, to a stone 
corner; thence along territory in which there was 
then a great number of settlers, bnt which was not yet 
a town.shlp (though it was known by the name of East 
District, having been the Eastern District of Oley), 
N. 40 E. ViM perches, to a chestnut tree ; thence 
along territory known by the name of Long Swamp 
(which was not yet a township, though steps were 
then being taken to erect it into a township), N. 35 
W. 972 perches, to a stone corner ; then along Jlaxa- 
tawny township, S. W. 599 ps., to a Hickory tree 
corner, and N. W. 472 ps., to a white oak tree corner ; 
thence along Richmond township, S. W. GiiS ps., to a 
stone corner ; thence along Ruscomb-manor township, 
S. E. 578 ps., to a white oak tree corner, and S. W. 039 
ps., to the plaee of beginning." 

In 1840 a large tract in the western section 
of the township, containing about one thousand 
four hundred acres, was cut off and added to 
Richmond township, by petition of interested 
citizens, on account of grievances felt in respect 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1011 



to road taxes and to attending military exercises. 
M. S. Richards, Samuel S. Jack.son and Samuel 
Beard were the commissioners. 

In 1842 a triangular tract in the extreme 
southeastern section was cut from the township 
by Samuel S. Jackson, William Wunder and 
M. S. Richards, commissioners on petition, etc., 
and added to Pike towu-ship. 

lu 1733 (March 10th) a warrant was issued 
to Casper Wistar, of Philadelphia, for one thou- 
sand acres. The tract was not then located. In 
August following Conrad Reiff, of Oley, ob- 
tained a patent for three hundred acres under 
this warrant, which he located in the northern 
section of Oley, and which subsequently became 
a part of Rockland. 




from, and fifty feet lower than, a prominently 
projecting point in the Longswamp Hills, which 
has been selected by the United States govern- 
ment as a station in the trianguktion survey, 
and represented to be visible from the State- 
House at Philadelphia. Near by " Guinther's 
Head " there is a succession of six large rocks 
(somewhat lower in elevation), which project 
upwards in a line at an angle of seventy de- 
grees, and about one hundred and twenty feet 
in length. The water-shed of the township is 
in this vicinity, the water draining to the east, 
south and west. 

Taxables of 1759. — The following list 
comprises the names of taxai)les in the town- 
ship in 1759. The tax levied was £31 17s. (id. 
Henry Mertz was the collector. The early 
settlers were Germans, wlio migrated northwardly 
from Oley before the erection of the county : 



l;ulK!S I.N KOCKLANl). 

The township took its name from the numer- 
ous large rocks found on its territory, esj)ecially 
in the central section. A large rock (in dimen- 
sions, thirty feet long, fifteen feet wide and 
fifteen feet high), which rests on another some- 
what smaller, is situated in an open field near 
by, and to the south of the road leading from 
Drysville to Fredericksvilie, and about a mile 
west from the line of District townsliip. It is 
commonly known as " Shott's Head." A rock 
twice the size of the one mentioned lies on the 
surface of the field near by. A large collection 
of rocks, comprising what is generally known 
as " Guinther's Head," are situated about a mile 
to the nortii of " Shott's Head." The topmost 
rock is sixty feet long, twelve feet high and ten 
feet wide. Its appearance is imposing, tlie sur- 
face of the earth descends abruptly for several 
hundred feet. It is iu a direct line with the 
Keystone Normal School and the "Pinnacle" 
(Albany township). It is about one mile west 



Jobn Anetadt 2 

John Albrecht 5 

Conrad Bear 3 

Nicholas Bearninger 10 

Philip Baniaby o 

Charles Bernhard 1 

Jacob Barrel -i 

.John Bast 3 

George Bieber 3 

Widow Breifogel 1 

WilliHm Dallrish i 

Blelchior Banner 4 

^lictiae) Dressley 1 

Jacob Drog 2 

John Eck 7 

Jacob Ellinser 3 

(George Flack 4 

Jacob Gronl 1 

Andreas Great 3 

Richard HofTman 2 

George Hoffner. o 

Jacob Hoffman, Sr 10 

Frederick Hersh 2 

Cliristian Henry 5 

Peter Heeder 3 



He 



Imrich 2 



Nicholas Jacoby 3 

Jacob Kutz 3 

Michael Kerver 1 

Simon Kerver 1 

Michael Kline 4 

John Nich- Keen 1 

Jacob Keim S 

Jacob Krepps 5 

Nicholas Klementz 3 

Peter Lobach ^v,—- 12 

John Nich. Long 2 

John Luckenbill 1 

Ludwig Long 1 

Michael Lang 5 



Peter Anstadt. ' 
Lndwig Beating. 
Michael Jacoby. 



Henry Lang 3 

Henry Mertz 9 

Conrad Manessuiith 2 

Nicholas Moyer 2 

John Jost. Mert/. 2 ^,^0^ 

Frederick Olrich 6 

George Oberdorf. 2 

William Pott 12 -/> 

John Pott 8 

Matthias Peck 10 

easier Pecking 4 

Hans Nicholas Platter 2 

Jacob Poger 1 

Lndwig Piim 1 

Conrad Road 3 

Casper Rnbbert 2 

Lawrence Rerick 2 

Peter Keemer 1 

Casper Rep .3 

John Lndwig Ront 2 

Frederick Reish 2 

Peter Rieff, Sr 20 

George Shoemaker 1 

George Shaeffer 9 

Micliael Shaeffer 4 

Henry Sobarsh -. 9 

Frederick Scliekler 7 

George Seibert 14 



Ha 



I Schc: 



, Jr.. 



Jacob Sheradcen 2 

Cliristian Shoemaker 4 

Dewald Truniheller 4 

Henry Telang 4 

Peter Volck 3 

Hans William Volck 5 

Adam Week 1 

.\dam Wagner 3 

Casper Wink 3 



i Wcidn 



Jacob 7-iggenfns 7 



Peter Keffer. 
Christopher Kolp. 
George Eeiff. 



1012 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



INDUSTRIES. 

The streams of Rockland township are small, 
but the rugged nature of the country makes 
their use as water-powers possible. These ad- 
vantages have been well improved. On the 
Sacony, near the Maxatawny line, William Grim 
and Joseph De Long have in operation a fine 
mill, whose old power has been supplemented 
by steam, and the old methods have given place 
to the roller process. A new mill has also been 
built. For the quarter part of a century the 
Grim family have been interested in milling at 
this point. 

Above, on the site of the old Haag mill, C 
Rohrbach has in operation a good mill, which 
is well patronized. The marble saw-mills of 
Schweyer & Leiss, operated since 1864, is an 
interest which has given steady employment to 
a number of men. The marble is brought here 
in blocks, hauled from Bower's Station, and 
after being sawed into the desired shape, is again 
taken back to the yard at Bower's. 

" Sally Axx Furnace," on the head- 
M'aters of the Sacony, was built about 1811 by 
Valentine Eckert. Prior to that time the site 
was owned by Abraham Bieber. Like the fur- 
naces put up in those days, it had only a small 
capacity, and was located here principally on 
account of the ease in getting wood for charcoal 
purposes. Eckert sold the j)roperty to Jacob 
V. R. Hunter. The furnace was discontinued 
in 1869. In 1879 it was again put in blast, 
steam-power having been added, and it was 
operated only a short time when the-machinery 
was removed. The furnace has since been idle. 
The property belongs to the heirs of Daniel 
Hunter, and includes several hundred acres of 
huid, a good farm with mansion and half a dozen 
tenements. 

The "Rockland Forges" were located in 
the southern .section of the township, on Beaver 
Creek, and operated for about seventy years. 
Seven thousand and fifty-three acres of woodland 
were connected with these industries. The 
most prominent operator was (General Daniel 
Udree.^ 

On the head-waters of Bieber Creek, near 

■ See Chapter VU., Early ludustries. 



Dryville, is the old Roth mill, built as early as 
1810. It has a small capacity and is now 
operated as the property of C. Keller. Near 
by, the Yoder family had a .saw-mill many 
years ago, which has become better known as 
the Sander mill. 

The Tyson Forge, at Strunk's mill, was dis- 
continued long ago, but the mill is still carried 
on. Near the Oley line Jacob Barto put up a 
paper-mill, which he operated some time, when 
he sold out to Levi Kohler. It was last operated 
by David Lohbach, Esq., in the manufacture of 
wrapping-]>aper. This building is now occu- 
pied, and the power used by William S. Rein- 
hart in the manufacture of farming implements. 
Here, for a siiort time, a small mill was operatetl 
by two Germans in the manufacture of birch- 
oil. 

Near New Jerusalem there is a deposit of 
granite, closely resembling the better gi-ades of 
Vermont granite, very hard and capable of 
bearing a fine polish. It has been quarried to 
some extent on the farms of Jacob Angstadt 
and John Dry, and shipments made to Easton, 
Philadelpiiia and other points. Lately nothing 
has been done in this direction. Eighteen men 
were formerly emj)loyed. Several iron-mines 
have been profitably worked, the ore found 
being heavy and rich hematite. The principal 
operations were on the Bieber and Beidler 
farms. 

CHURCHES. 

Christ's Lutheran Church, sometimes 
called " Bieber Creek Church," from its loca- 
cation on the headwaters of that stream, is situ- 
ated near Drysville in a fine position. The con- 
gregation was organized in 1747 by the Rev. 
Tobias Wagner, and in the spring of that vear 
Henry Mertz donated three-fourths of an acre of 
land upon which to build a church. The build- 
ing was of logs, and was so far completed that 
it could be occupied in the fall of that year. 
After seventeen years the members of the con- 
gregation had increased to such au extent that 
a new and larger church was required. Accord- 
ingly, the corner-stone was laid June 14, 1764, 
and the church built that year. The building 
committee comprised George Schaeifer, Sr., 
Henry Mertz, Johannes Bieber, George Heffner 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1013 



and Jacob Freu. The minister at that time 
was the Rev. Johannes Schaitm. When he 
(lied, January 25, 1778, he was buried under the 
church, after the custom of tiiat day. He was 
an earnest pastor and highly appreciated by the 
congregation. A third church was erected in 
1798, being the present building. It is a stone 
building, of substantial appearance. It was 
handsomely repaired in 1879. The church 
property embraces about twenty acres of land, 
four of which have been devoted to cemetery 
purposes. Sheds, several hundred feet in length, 
of neat appearance, have been erected for the 
comfort of the horses of the attendants of the 
church. 

The congregation had about five hundred 
members in 1885. 

Rev. B. E. Kramlich was the pastor, succeed- 
ing the Rev. Issac Roeller in 1862, the latter 
having served the congregation twenty-two 
years. His predecessors were Revs. John 
Knoske and Daniel Lehman. 

New Jerusaleji Church (Reformed and 
Lutheran) was erected in 1840, in con,se(juence 
of a division in " Christ Church," a number 
of members withdrawing to form separate con- 
gregations and to erect a distinct church. The 
house stands on half an acre of land, donated by 
Andrew Shiffert, who was a member of the 
building committee. At a later period two 
acres more were secured from the Herbein farm, 
which were set apart for cemetery ]iurj)oscs. The 
church is of stone and almost .square in dimen- 
sions. A movement is on foot to remodel it in 
the near future. The Lutheran congregation had 
as its first pastor the Rev. John Knoske, who 
was instrumental in building the church. His 
successors ^^ere the Revs. Hinterleiter, Kohler, 
Sell, Croll, Boyer and D. K. Humbert, the latter 
being at present in charge. The members num- 
ber about two hundred. The Reformed con- 
gregation has a much smaller membership, and 
the Rev. Isaac S. Stahr is the pastor. His 
predecessors were Revs. Daniel Schoedler, J. 
Sassamau Herman and Isaac Miesse, the la.st 
having been the first pastor. A Sunday-school, 
comprising one hundred members, is conducted 
in this church. 



Din'ViLi,E comprises fifteen residences, a 
tavern, store, church and eighty inhabitants. It 
is situated near the northern line of the township, 
about one and a half miles from Lyons station, 
on tlie East Pennsylvania Railroad. It received 
its name in 1852, when the post-office was estab- 
lished. Previously it had been called " Stony 
Point." Benjamin E. Dry was appointed post- 
master, and he has since continuously held that 
office. The early settlers here were Jacob Mertz, 
farmer ; Mathias Roth, farmer and miller ; John 
Diener, farmer; and later, John Stimmel, coach- 
maker. Upon the old Mertz farm most of the 
present hamlet is built. 

The first store in the place was opened by 
Fink & Weidenhammer, and those subsequently 
in trade were Klein & Weiler, Thomas Oyster, 
Samuel Fee, Christian Bryman, S. & H. H. 
Weiduer, Joseph E. Dry, R. E. Dry, R. B. Dry, 
and since March 11, 1857, Benjamin E. Dry, the 
latter two having occupied the present stand, 
which was built in 1852. The former store 
was at the lower end of the place, near the 
creek. 

John Christman was the first inn-keeper. 
The present tavern was opened about 1847. A 
large number of landlords have served the 
public at this place. 

New Jerusalem is located toward the cen- 
tre of the township, about a mile from Dry- 
ville. It contains about twenty residences, a 
store, hotel, church and a liberal supply of 
mechanic shops. Among the early tradesmen 
at this place were John Klioe, cradle-maker j 
Joel Barto and E. Guinther, shoemakers; A. 
Hilbert, saddler ; Jacob Meyer, blacksmith ; 
Samuel Funk, wagon-maker ; and Jacob Kline, 
tin-smith. 

The fir.st public place at this point was the 
tavern kept by Andrew Shitfert, about 1810, 
in a house which has been converted into a 
residence. In the present building David Bast 
was the first landlord. In this building the 
first store of the place was opened by John 
Bower, and at the pre.sent stand, now occupied 
by Herman B. Ruppert ; the first store-keepers 
were Jacob Holder & Bro. In 1882 the 



lou 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



village contained twenty dwellings and one 
iiiindred and twenty inhabitants. 

The New Jernsalem post-office was establish 
ed in 182<S. It is supplied with a daily nuiil. 
For many years a tri-weekly mail only was 
afforded. 

In the practice of nieiliciue Dr. Geoi'ge L. 
Maurer located herein ISSo, and was, probably, 
the first permanent physician in the township. 
Benjamin E. Dry gradnated iu medicine in 
1856, but never became a practitioner. The 
present physician is Dr. D. M. Bortz. Otlier 
physicians in tlic townsiiip have been Doctors 
Evans, L. H. Thompson, William H. Babb 
(who died in the township), James McDonough, 
William Funk and William Hertzog. 

In the country east of Dryville, R. H. 
Angstadt had a store, which he continued about 
five years, when he removed it. Country hotels 
have also been kept by Thomas Geissler and 
others at the stand now occupied by ^^'illiam 
G. Weidner. 

DESxracTivE Whirlwixi) ix Township. — 
Ou Tuesday, May 22, 18C4, a fearful and de- 
structive whirlwind arose in Rockland town- 
ship, which, it was thought by the inhabitants, 
could hardly have been surpassed in severity. 
It began iu the township about four o'clock in 
the afternoon, near the mill of Frederick Miner, 
and covered a width of about two hundred 
yards and extended thence through Northamp- 
ton (now partly Lehigh) County to the Dela- 
ware River. Its course was from west to east, 
and the entire area was marked by destruction. 
It hurled the roofs from the buildings of the 
following persons in the township : Peter Bauer, 
mills, saw-mill, barn and house; Paul Gross- 
cup, barn ; Henry Hoffman, barn and house ; 
Daniel Fry, barn, stable and house. Many 
other buildings were injured. It uprooted 
nearly all the fruit and other trees, turned over 
fences, etc. At some places large hail-stones 
fell, destroying much growing grain. It con- 
tinued about ten minutes and was accompanied 
with severe rain, thunder and lightning. 



DISTRICT TOWNSHIP. 
Early Skttlkmext. — As early immigrants 
into Pennsylvania proceeded up the Schuylkill 



Valley and its principal tributaries, the Perkio- 
nien and the Manatawny Valleys, some of them 
settled in and above the " Oley Hills," and in 
taking up lands they located them as lying iu 
the (lisirid between Oley and Colebrookdale. 
The settlements extended over a long section of 
territory, and to facilitate the assessment of 
jjrojjerty therein, the county commissioners 
cau-sed it to be divided into two sections, which 
they called " East District" and "West Dis- 
trict." Separate assessment lists of the taxables 
in these two districts were made for some years. 
I could not ascertain when this township by the 
name of District was first established. 

In 1841 a tract of eleven hundred acres was 
added to this township in the eastern .section, — it 
having been taken from the western part of 
Hereford township. 

In 1849 the estimated area was .seven thou- 
sand acres. 

Taxahles of 1759. — The following list 
compri-ses the names of the taxables of the 
township for the year 1759. Tax levied was 
£40 14.<!. 6c/. George Hartlein was the col- 
lector : 



Conrad Avnolil 2 

Thos. BanfieW S 

Jacob Bush .3 

.Tercmiiih neacoii 4 

It^rael Diirkhard 1 

John Barcns 3 

Frodk. Boards 2 

Christ'r Brintzinger 1 

John Boyer 3 

Henry Diner 3 

Geo. Porst 1 

Geo. Dutterer o 

Joshua Delaplane 

ComeliHS Deliard 3 

NicholiisEst 12 

.Tacob Everhardt 2 

Jacob Frey 3 

Jacob Foderh 3 

Jacob Groos 5 

Bernhardt Genilin 2 

Widow Gelbach 5 

Jacob IJill 25 

Geo. Harllein 8 

MioJiael Hoffman 3 

Michael Hartnian 2 

/Andrew TIecker 3 

Peter Hnrtmau 2 

Lurcntz Hang 2 

Geo. Iloltzshoe 3 

Stephen Hang 9 

Jacob Herd 4 

Paul Hartman 2 

Jacob Harp 3 

John Joder 8 

Adam Inibody 3 

'Nicholas lacgcr 3 



Michael Kline 8 

John Koldren 2 

Geo. Kous 12 

Nicholas Kous fi 

Dieter John Krenier 1 

Conrad Kinie 10 

Widow Ki.ne 2 

Adam KiUdau 2 

Geo. Klauser 3 

Casper Cressemor 3 

John Lesher & Co 2."i 

Daniel Lndwig 3 

Geo. Lans 3 

Geo. Lens 2 

Joseph Leiinian 4 

Jacob Matthias.....' 8 

Dietrich Matthew 3 

Wm. Mackey 5 

Stein Mayberry 1 

John Motzer 10 

Peter Miller 2 

John Miller 8 

Wm. Mayberry 30 

Wm. Miller 3 

Henry McGeneth 2 

Fred'kMoycr 8 

Dirck Martin ir> 

Frantz Moacr 7 

Andrew Norgong 1 

Geo. Oyster 20 

Th.'s. Potts .35 

John Reitenour 5 

Jacob Roth *.► 

Michael Dedger 1 

John Sands 3 

Geo. Shall lo 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1015 



Wiu. Storck 5 

Jacob Stineberger 3 

Lorentz Sbiller 3 

Lorentz Sbiller, Jr 3 

Geo. Steibesand 4 

Xicbola^ Scblicbtcr 2 

Geo. Shinck 1 



Jacob Walter 3 

Peter Weller 9 

Pbilip Weisniiller 3 

Casper Wessner 2 

Jacob Werley 2 

Geo. Adam Woiduer 20 

Lazavus Weiduei- 2 



Stopbel Sack 3 Cbarles Weis 3 

Adam Ulrick 3 , .Jacob Weaver 3 

)itii<jle Men. 

Daniel East. Peter Keplinger. 

Samuel Oyster. 

Early Industries. — In 1726 Owen Rich- 
ards and David Harry conveyed untu John El- 
lis, of Oley, two tracts of land, containing two 
hundred and fifty acres which adjoined property 
lielonging to the " Spring Forge Co." This 
oonijiany was then conducting a forge some- 
where in this vicinity, which was commonly 
called " Spring Forge." Its location, it is be- 
lieved, was on Pine Creek, in tiiisdi.strict(now, 
and since 1813 in Pike township), about four 
miles nortii of the "Oley Churches." Its early 
history is involved in obscurity. It was owned 
bv Anthony ilorris and conducted by him in 
172!t. It is possible that the forge of this com- 
])anv was situated on the Manatawny, within 
several miles of" Pine Forge." ' 

" The Di.strict Furnace " was in this town- 
ship, situated on Pine Creek about a mile above 
the line of Pike township. It was owned in 
1784 by John Lesher, who, it is believed, 
erected it some years before.^ 

The inhabitants of Di-strict are almost ex- 
clusively engaged in agricultural pursuits. The 
township is isolated, and it lias only a few 
streams of water, whose power is very feeble. 
In the eastern part Anthony Eltz conducted a 
tannery for a number of years. The buildings 
were enlarged and converted into a tavern by 
Thomas Heydt, about ten years ago. It is 
.still a public-house. Near this place the Sharps 
had a mill, which became the property of 
George Conrad. It is now the property of 
George Kemp. The work done there is limited. 
In the northwestern part, on the head-waters of 
Pine Creek, on the site of a small charcoal fur- 
nace, which the Le.shers formerly carried on, 
Reuben Trexler built a stone mill, which is 
still operated as the property of William Lesher. 



See Chap. YII., Eaily Industries. 
■ lb., p. 70. 



It has three sets of stones and does good custom 
work. 

VIIJ.AGES. 

Fredericksville is situated in the north- 
western part of the township. It was named 
after David Frederick, who built and kept a 
public-house there. Later Henry Bauman 
opened a store at the same place. The pre.sent 
store is in a new building erected by Jacob 
Fry, the merchant, inn-keeper and postmaster 
of the village. 

The Fredericksville post-office was estab- 
lished in 185-3, with David Frederick as the 
first postmaster. The office has a daily mail 
from Lyons and Barto stations. 

Laxdi.sville, commonly known as " Landis' 
Store " is situated in the central portion of the 
township. John Weller established a tavern 
at this place about 1800, and carried it on suc- 
cessfully for many years. The old building is 
still standing. He sold out to Samuel Landis, 
who continued the .same business. The place 
then took the name mentioned. Samuel Tee 
opened a general store in the same building. 
In 1853 a post-office was established at this 
point, and named " Landis' Store." Samuel 
Landis was the fir.st postmaster and he was suc- 
ceeded by his son, John H. Landis, the pre.sent 
incumbent. It is on the same stage line as the 
Fredericksville office and has a daily mail. Tee 
was succeeded in the mercantile business by 
Henry Bauman, for a short time, when he sold 
out to Samuel Landis. The latter was succeed- 
ed in both store and tavern by his son, John 
H., in 1872, who, after conducting business for 
ten years, enlarged and remodeled the bufldings. 
The location is on elevated ground. Near this 
place lived Dr. Augustus Knoske, a German 
physician, skilled as a practitioner, but eccentric 
in his habits. He was professionally engaged 
a number of years, traveling over a large scope 
of country on foot and carrying his medicines 
in his great-coat pockets, which he wore even 
on the warmest days. 

There is no organized religious body in the 
township, most of the inhabitants worshipping 
at the Hill Church or Hereford Church, each 
being only several miles distant. The school- 



lOlG 



HISTORY OF BP:RKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



houses are inviting and the schools are usually 
well sustained. 

" Down to the spring election of 1867, one 
township of" the county refused to come under 
the beneficent rule of the common-school sys- 
tem. At last it has wheeled into line ; and it 
now stands ready to join its enei'gies with the 
other townships of the county in the great work 
of education. The people of District township 
covered themselves with glory, when last 
March, through the ballot-box, they elected six 
directors according to the requirements of the 
school law. They now enter upon a new epoch 
in their history." ' 

In 1868 the township had four schools with 
an attendance of two hundred and seven 
scholars. 



EARL TOWNSHIP. 

Erection of Township. — In the hilly and 
wooded section of territory which lay to the 
east of the " Oley Hills," and which was in- 
cluded as a part of Oley township, a consider- 
able number of settlers took up lands and 
establir^hed their homes before the erection of 
the county, and these were continued for some 
years afterward. The settlements then came to 
be commonly regarded in that vicinity as a 
district, though it was not regularly established 
as such ; and the inhabitants of the one or other 
portion identified their locality as the " West- 
ern District " or ' Eastern District." 

On August 14, 1781, the inhabitants of the 
" Western District " presented a petition to the 
court at Reading, praying that the district 
might be divided on account of its great length 
(upwards of eighteen miles), and set apart into 
a separate township. Tlie following commis- 
sioners were appointed : Daniel Bertolet, Dan- 
iel Guldin, Daniel Hunter, Daniel Levan and 
Henry Kerst, who made return of the district 
inclosed the within following lines for such 
township, viz. : 

" Beginning at a corner of Oley and Amity town- 
ships; thence along Amity township S. 75 W. 875 
perches ; thence along Douglas township N. 40 E. 



1 Pennsylvania School Report, 1867, pp. 27-28. Re- 
mai'ks of county supevintemlent, Prof. .John S. Ernien- 
trout. 



660 perches ; thence along Colebrookdale township 
N. 55 W. 236 perches and N. 35 E. 880 perches to a 
point; thence along territory commonly called the 
' Eastern District,' the following five courses and 
distances : N. 46 W. 160 perches, N. 69 W. 234 perches, 
N. 77 W. 320 perches, S. 46, W. 20 perches and N. 
63 W. 540 perches to a point on the line of Oley 
township; thence along said line S. 15 W. 1686 
perches to the place of beginning ; and reported it to 
contain 10,882 acres." ■ 

Their return was confirmed by the court, 
and in November of the same year the court 
erected the said district into a township by the 
name of Earl. 

Taxable.s op 1782. — The following list 
comprises the names of one hundred and ten 
taxables of the townshiji for the year 1782. 
Tax levied was £28 19s. Hid. The amount 
assessed was £347 19». 6d. John Weidner 
was the collecter. All the parties named did 
not then reside in the township ; .some of them 
were non-residents, — 



Jacob Auty. 

John Amrig. 

jHCOb ,\r8. 

Erhard Apler. 

(JoDi-ad Bolin. 

Batus Bohn. 

Samuel Boyer. 

Christopher Blantz. 

Christopher Brentzinger. 

Henry Bach (landlord). 

Valentine Bush. 

Widow Bunsin. 

George Clowser. 

George Clowser, Jr. 

Nicholas Ilrnniheller. 

Peter Diener. 

Henry Diener. 
Joshua Delaphun. 
John Druniheller. 

.Vndrew Dirolf. 
Widow Dehart. 
John Eberhart. 
Daniel Eist. 
.Vbraham Eist. 
John English, 
Casper Greesemer. 
John Greesemer. 
Jacob Gerber. 
Jacob Gilbach. 
Nicholas Godshall. 
John Hauch. 
Nicholas Handwerk. 
George Happenheinier. 
Jacob Hill. 
George Hartnian. 
Philip Hartman. 
Philip Hartman, Jr. 
Frederick Hill. 
.\dam Hieder. 



Nicholas Hunter. 

JoliilHossler. 

Melchoir Heist. 

Widow Hill. 

Tillman Joust. 

Jacob Jude. 

Henry Jo.\thenner. 

.\dam Inibody. 

Peter Joder (landlor.l). 

Gejrge Kuntz. 

John Koch. 

Christopher Kolp. 

John Kulrun. 

Michael Kuhn. 

Widow Klotz. 

Michael Ludwig. 

Joliu Lesher. 

John Miller. 

Jacob Miller. 

Frantz Mosser. 

Michael Mosser. 

John Motzer. 

Casper Mayer. 

Philip Mathew. 

William Miller. 

Ni. holas Jliller. 

Joist Maniuger. 

Daniel Mourer (landlord). 

David Potts. 

James Richards. 

Adam Rhonds. 

Thomas Butter. 

Michael Ries. 

George Seip. 

Adam Swable. 

George Shall. 

Joseph Sands. 

Daniel Sands. 

John Stapleton, 



' A section of this township on the north was cut off and 
aJded to Pike township in 1852, thereby reducing the 
area to nine thousand five hundred and twenty acres. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1017 



William Staplelon. 


John White. 


Martia Slieukel. 


Christopher White. 


John Shoff. 


Erhiird White. 


Nicholas Siinl. 


Charles White. 


John Stoudt. 


John Weidner. 


Leonard Sheffer. 


Jacob Weidner. 


William Stork. 


George A. Weidner 


Henry Socknian. 


Jacob Weaver. 


George Sjwtz. 


Jacob Wonielsdorf. 


Jacob Troud. 


EUas "Weyand. 


Siiigte Freemen. 


James English. 


Martin .\cker. 


John Kerlin. 


Edward Clowser. 


David Schall. 


William liiircntz. 


John Miller. 


Philip Endy. 


John Slagc-noufT. 


Heury Lyniau. 



Industries. — The water-power of the town- 
sliip ha.s never been strong, nor the mill-seats 
numeroii.s ; bnt .since the hills have been denuded 
of the timber which formerly covered them, the 
volume of the streams has become so small that 
nearly all the enterprises carried on at an early 
day have been abandoned. The site of the 
" Spring Forge," ' on the Mauatawny, is now 
occupied by a small saw-mill and turning-shop, 
and the forge, which was last owned by the 
Spangs, has been abandoned eighteen years ago. 
On the Trout Brook, near its mouth, the Hart- 
ranft fulling-mill has also since been abandoned. 
A mile above, Peter Ludwig had a powder-mill, 
which has also passed away and the power is 
idle. On Furnace Creek, in the neighborhood 
of the Oley Forge, the Spangs carried on a 
small furnace for a while, but it soon became 
unprofitable, and it was abandoned ; and the 
power was not used to operate any other in- 
dustry. On the small stream in the upper part 
of the township Tobias Shall had a pioneer 
oil-mill, which was changed into a grist-mill by 
John Wentzel. Wm. Gabel became a later 
owner and last operated it. In 1883 the 
machinery was removed to Pike township, and 
the building has since been idle. Below there 
was a fulling-mill, which had a number of 
owners and which was last operated by Solomon 
Lsinbach. Though the building still remains, it 
is not used for manufacturing. A powder-mill 
owned by Isaac and Jonathan Cleaver, near by, 
and operated by them for a time, has also been 
entirely removed. The last active power in 
Earl township was the fulling-mill of Jonathan 
Cleaver. It contained carding; machinerv and 



' See Chap. VII. Early Industries. 



some power looms for manufacturing cloths, and 
for a time it was carried on successfully. The 
machinery has also been removed and the build- 
ing converted into a residence. The tanning 
business, carried on at different places in the 
township, has also been discontinued, leaving 
agriculture as the sole pursuit of the inhabitants. 

SHANESVILLE. 

The only distinctive business point in Earl 
township is Shauesville, a village of twenty 
buildings, a little north of the centre of the 
township. It derived its name from John 
Shane, who owned the land upon which the 
place was founded by Peter Clauser, in 1833, the 
latter having built and opened a public-house 
that year. This was kept by him until his 
death, when his son Daniel succeeded him. He 
was an active business man, and under his 
direction mo.st of the buildings in the place were 
put up. The present landlord is his son, Simon 
B. Clauser. 

The first mercantile business was carried on 
by Tobias Clauser, about forty yeare ago. 
Afterward Daniel Clauser had a store at the 
same place. In 18-59 he built a new store-room, 
in which Young & Hillegas first traded. Sub- 
sequently, Simon Clauser, Wm. Haas, Samuel 
Weidner and Isaac Heydt traded there ; the 
last-named is the present merchant, and he is 
also postmaster of the Shauesville office, which 
was established in 1867. The first mail service 
was from Kutztown, three times a week. In 
1872 the Reading route was established, and 
since 1882 the service has been daily. For 
many years the proprietor of the stage-line has 
been Reuben Uptegrove, whase faithful ser- 
vice has given the people of this remote town- 
ship comparatively easy communication with 
Reading. In the southern partof the township 
is a country tavern kept by A. E. Fegley. 
Farther up the road is Earlville, with a post- 
office, store and tavern. The place is just across 
the line in Amity, and is noted in the sketch of 
that township. 

The first tavern in the township was kept by 
the Pennybecker family, soon after 1800, in a 
house which stood at the foot of the hills in the 
central part of the township. It was discon- 



1018 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PExXNSYLVANIA. 



tinued many years ago, and the building was 
converted into a farm-house. The early elec- 
tions were held at that place. 

The land of this township is very hilly, but 
it has been occupied by an enterprising people, 
who have obtained for themselves numerous 
roads, and established six schools for the educa- 
tion of their children. The "Oley Hills" in 
this township comprise a number of prominent 
elevations which are res{>ectively known as 
" Earl," " Stone Cave," " Long," "Fancy " and 
" Sandy." They are also sometimes called 
" Earl Mountains." 

Although there is no churcli within the 
bounds of Earl township, it must not be sup- 
posed that its inhabitants are averse to religious 
influences. Most of them are attendants of the 
cliurches in Oley, Pike and Colebrookdale 
townships. Sunday-schools are maintained in 
the township. A union Sunday-school was 
organized as early as May 20, 1850, when op- 
position against such schools was very strong in 
some parts of the county. In July following 
it had sixty scholars. 

Since 1850 these valuable auxiliaries to the 
neighboring churches have received the pat- 
ronage and support of the best people of the 
township. 

The success of this Christian enterprise in 
amongst the hills of Earl over thirty years ago, 
when the system of common-school education 
was struggling to complete its grand march 
throughout the county, won the following com- 
plimentary notice in a newspaper published then 
at Reading : " Earl is a glorious little town- 
ship. These names (alluding to the names of 
the officers and teachers published) stand in 
bright contrast with the anti-Sunday-school men 
of Robeson." 



PIKE TOWNSHIP. 

Ekection of Township. — In pursuance of 
an application for a new township, the Court of 
(Quarter Sessions, in November, 1812, appoint- 
ed Henry M. Richards, Frederick Fritz and 
John Miller commissioners for the purpose of 
viewing and laying out the desired township. 
Some mouths afterward these commissioners 



viewed the premises, consisting of sections of 
territory from District, Rockland, Oley and 
Earl townships, and set them apart for a new 
township, to be called Pike, which were bound- 
ed and described as follows: "Beginning at Pine 
Creek, on lands of John Weiduer, in Oley town- 
ship; thence south sixty-six and a half east one 
thousand five hundred perches ; thence along the 
line of Colebrookdale township, north thirty- 
three and a half east five hundred and sixty- 
five perches; thence through District township, 
north fifty, west one thousand four hundred and 
forty perches; thence along the line of Rock- 
land township, south thirty-five west six hun- 
dred and ten perches to Pine Creek; and thence 
along said creek four hundred and fifteen 
perches to the place of beginning. Their re- 
port was presented and confirmed at August 
sessions, 1813. 

In 1842 a section of Rockland township was 
added to Pike. 

The names of the taxal)les of the townsliip 
for the year 1814 are not given, for the reason 
that the early settlers of this section are included 
in the townships of Oley, District and Rockland. 

CHURCHES. 

St. John's Church. — An old-established 
church, commonly known as the "Hill Church," 
stands in the eastern section of the township. 
In 1741 certain membei"s of the Lutheran de- 
nomination and their neighbors of the "Oley 
Hills " bought ' a tract of fifty acres of land on 
a high place of the mountain, for a glebe or 
parsonage farm; and in 1747 they erected a 
frame building for church purposes." They 
were assisted by members of the German Re- 
formed congregation, who, in consideration of 
their assistance, were permitted to send their 
children to the school of the Lutheran consrre- 



iThe warrant was issued in 1747 to Casper Grygler, 
George Ernest and Andrew Rodenbeffer for the use of the 
" Hill Church." The patent was issued in 182!) to William 
Walter, Adam Weller, Henry Gross and George Herhst, 
wardens of the Lutheran and Presbyterian congregations, 
in Pike township, called " Hill Church." 

- The roof of the first church projected over the sides so 
as to protect it against storms. This space under the 
roof on the outside was used by the early settlers to hang 
up their seed corn, from which circumstance it was called 
locally " Die Welshkorn Eerche." 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1019 



gation, liold religious services in the ciiurch and 
liury their dead in tlie adjacent burying-ground. 
Some years afterward tlie Reformed members 
became joint owners of the property. In 1786 
the two congregations united in the erection of 
a fine stone church building in place of the 
frame church. And a third church was erected 
in 1853, the corner-stone having been laid on 
May 15, 1853. A grand " Centenary Festival" 
was held in this church on September 22, 1866. 
This occasion was set apart in order to celebrate 
the day when Rev. Michael Schlatter — the 
pioneer missionary of the German Reformed 
Church in Berks County — visited Oley, which 
was exactly one hundred and twenty years be- 
fore (September 22, 1746). The church was 
handsomely and profusely decorated. A con- 
si)icuous figure in the services then was the 
Hon. Daniel Young, a prominent member of 
tlie First Reformed Church of Reading, who 
had been the organist of the "Hill Church" 
fifty -three years before. He was present by 
special invitation and officiated at the organ. 
Though over seventy years of age " he gave 
speech and voice to the devotions of a hundred 
vcars. His discourses spoke of feasts and fun- 
erals, of bridal joys and burial griefs. The 
church rang with the same hymns and the same 
chorals which the original settlers sang when 
lonely strangers here, and the same which he 
sang with this flock fifty years ago." ' 

In 1886 the present building was remodeled 
and supplied with a spire, which greatly im- 
proved its a|)pearance. 

The ministers of the Lutheran congregation 
have been the following : 

The Revs. I^ucas Raus, in 1754 ; Wm. Kurtz, 
John H. Sehaura, Fred. A. Muhlenberg, G. H. 
E. Muhlenberg, J. M. Schmidt, Christian 
Striet, Daniel Lehman, John C. Dill, John F. 
Wieand, Jacob Miller, Conrad Miller, Nathan 
laeger, A. D. Croll, S. R. Boyer and D. K. 
Humbert, the latter being the present pastor. 
The Reformed congregation has had as its prin- 
cipal pastors the Revs. Aug. Herman, Lewis 
Herman, R. A. Van Court and P. P. A. Hoff- 



1 An interesting article on the history of this church was 
prepared by Rev. 15. Bansniaa. of Reading, and published 
in the Germun Reformed MeMenger in 1866. 



man. Each congregation has about four hun- 
dred members. 

St. Paul's Church (Lutheran and Re- 
formed) is located on a very elevated tract of 
ground near Lobachsville, and is most generally 
spoken of as the"Lobach's Church." To afford 
a more central place of worship to the people of 
this vicinity than that occupied by the Hill and 
Oley Churches, Samuel Lobach donated a lot of 
land for church and cemetery purposes, and 
upon this there was built, in 1834, a plain stone 
church. The building committee was compo.sed 
of Samuel Lobach, Jacob Weidner, Jacob 
Biebcr and Joseph Specht. The structure was 
small, being but thirty-five by forty feet, and 
it soon became insufficient to accommodate the 
people. It was used, however, until 1877, 
whet) it was taken down and the present edifice 
erect(?d in its jjlace the same year. Many per- 
sons came from near and far to witness the con- 
secration services, which transpired late in the 
fall. The building committee was compo.sed of 
David Lobach, Benjamin Yerger and William 
Gabel. The first-named was not only active, 
but untiring in the matter. It is a fine build- 
ing of substantial stone masonry' and has a neat 
spire. Connected with the church is a ceme- 
tery, which has been enlarged by the addition 
of several acres. The property was neatly in- 
closed in 1878. This cemetery is controlled by 
a corporate body. Officers for 1886 : Trustees, — 
Nathan H. Landis, Daniel Peters, David Fry, 
Moses Eberhart, Nathan Yoder, Jr., and 
Tilghman Houseman. The church property 
also includes a number of shed.s, built of stone 
and substantially constructed. Its members 
number one hundred. 

The first pastor was the Rev. Isaac Roellcr, 
who remained until 1836. The succeeding 
pastors were Revs. Peter Miller, 1836-39; 
Dtiuiel Kohler, 1839-50; John Grim, 1850- 
61 ; Joel Grim, 1851-52 ; George S. Miller, 
1852-53; A. J. Hinterleiter, 1853-60; Alfred 
D. Croll, 1862-68; Simon R. Boyer, 1868-72; 
and D. K. Humbert, 1872-86. 

The membership is small, embracing only 
about forty. Since June 28, 1862, the pastor has 
been Rev. P. P. A. Hoffiiian. His predecessor 
and the first pastor of the church was the Rev, 



1020 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUXTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Lewis Herman, who preached from 1834 until 
August 19, 1860. In the cemetery lies in- 
terred George Angstadt, ■s^ho died at Lobachs- 
ville in 1861, age<1 one hundred and one years, 
six months and fifteen days; and on May 22, 
1859, his wife died, aged ninety-one years. 

VILLAGES, 

Hill CHrRCH.— Of the villages in the town- 
ship. Hill Church is the smallest, comprising 
but a few buildings, the posi-office, store and 
tavern being the principal features. Both the 
latter are kept by John W. Dotterer. He is 
also the postmaster of the office which was es- 
tablished in 1864. Among other tavern-keep- 
ers there were members of the Wieand family. 
Adam Glase kept the first store. 

PiKEViLLE, one mile from the Oley line, 
is situated in the most fertile valley of the town- 
ship, near the base of the hills which charac- 
terize the interior. It contains about a dozen 
houses, some of them large and substantial. 
The point is favorable for trading purposes. It 
is .the place where William Shall had his store 
and tavern many years ago. In 18-34 the post- 
office was established and named Pikeville. A 
shop and a few other buildings were built soon 
afterward. Most of the improvements have 
been made in recent years. From 1868 till 
1879 Nathan H. L'andis conducted the business 
of the place. He is the present postmaster 
The store and tavern have been kept successive- 
ly by H. B. Rnppert, Benjamin Yergerand H. 
B. Yerger, 

Near this place Dr. "William A. Herbst lived 
as a medical practitioner, and after a number of 
years moved to Reading. His first home was 
at the mill, which he also carried on. He was 
succeeded by a Dr. Gore, whose practice con- 
tinued until bis death ; then Drs. T. D. Leidy, 
Oliver H. Fisher, E. N. Herbst and B. .S. Grim 
practiced here for a short time. The last-named 
was succeeded by the present Dr. W. D. De 
Long, who has a large and increasing practice. 
One mile north. Dr. Wiley Avas in practice a 
short time before his death; and some other 
physicians were in the township for very brief 
periods, removing before they had succeeded in 
establishing themselves in practice. 



LoBACHSVILLE is the oldest hamlet in the 
township, and derived its name from Peter 
Lobach, its founder. It was formerly the seat 
of active manufacturing interests and a business 
place of considerable importance, but with the 
decay of the former the latter has also declined 
until but little remains. Here are half a dozen 
residences and the usual interests of a country 
place. The first improvements were made by 
William Pott, who was a large land-owner and 
miller on the Pine Creek. In 1 74.5 he conveyed 
fifty-nine acres and a fulling-mill to Peter Lo- 
bach, but he reserved the grist-mill, a short dis- 
tance above. Lobach carried on the fulling- 
mill and was succeeded in that business by his 
.son Samuel, who Avas the father of two sons — 
William and Samuel. The first-named (Wil- 
liam) succeeded his father in the ownership of 
the mills and woolen- factory ; and his brother 
(Samuel) built and carried on successfully a 
chair-factory for some years. Samuel Lobach, 
last-named, Avas the father of David Lobach, 
for many years a justice of the peace at this 
place. The elder Samuel Lobach substituted 
the present large stone woolen-factory in the 
place of the old factory. Latterly, since 1885, 
the building has been used as a creamery by 
William Keim. Its use as a woolen-factory 
was abandoned when William Lobach erected a 
new woolen-factory a short distance below. This 
was successfully operated by him for a number 
of years and then the machinery was removed. 
The building was demolished and the dam torn 
away. The property now belongs to the Weid- 
ner family. The saw-mill at the upper power 
is still operated for the Lobach heirs. 

Samuel Lobach, the chair-maker, started the 
store, and, at his death it passed to his son Da- 
vid. The latter .sold out to Levi Brown, and, 
upon Brown's death, others succeeded for several 
years. The present store-keeper is F. K. Yoder. 

The Lobachsville post-office was established 
in 1835. It has always been in this store, and 
the store-keepers have been the postmasters. It 
has a daily mail from Reading, on the stage- 
route to Pikeville. William Lobach built and 
kept the tavern opposite the store. Since his 
time it has had many keepers, the present being 
A. K. Yoder. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1021 



The old Pott mill became the property of 
Jonathan Grim, who owned it a number of 
years. William Harner was a later owner and 
David Reinert is the present. It is an old stone 
building. The site was one of the first im- 
proved in this part of the county. Above — • 
■where were the Pott, and, later, the Heilig 
forges, no improvements remain, the water- 
power being unemployed. 

On the Manatawny proper, near the Oley 
line, the old mill, long operated by George 
Sliall, became the property of Dr. William A. 
Herbst, and from him it passed to George Ren- 
ninger. It was destroyed by fire in 1883, and 
rebuilt by him the same year. It is now the 
property of Jonas Lesher. The mills of Motz, 
Yoder, Kleh and others have also had a number 
of changes of ownei'ship, most of them being 
still operated in a small way. Near Pikeville, 
F. F. Cleaver built a first-class creamery in the 
spring of 1886. 

Die Berg Maria. — A woman, by the name 
of Maria Young, also commonly called " Die 
Berg Maria," lived as a recluse for many years 
in this township, near Motz's mill. Slie was 
visited in her home in the mountain by persons 
from various parts of the country, some having 
come a distance of four hundred miles to see 
lier. A stone was placed at her grave " By a 
Lady of Philadeljihia," with the following 
epitaph : 

" Anna Maria Young, a trulj- pious and benevolent 
recluse, who lived nearly thirty years alone on a small 
farm, the home of her ancestors, situated almost on 
the summit of one of the Oley mountains. Her cot- 
tage was the picture of neatness and of comfort, and 
was visited by strangers from every direction, who 
never failed to depart without imbibing the highest 
opinions of the meekness, the piety and the benevo- 
lence of their lonely, yet happy hostess. She died 
November 17, 1819, aged seventy years. 

" Here, underneath this mountain stone, 

Lies Mary Young, who lived alone, 

High on the lofty mountain side, 

Belov'd and honor'd till she died ; 

Lov'd and honor'd by the few, 

Who give to virtue, virtue's due. 

Stranger, she that's buried here, 

Was humble, pious and sincere ; 

The even tenor of her days, 

She pass'd in grateful pray'r and praise; 

Her heart was like the gentle dove, 



That came from Heav'n with promis'd love — 

Her heart, her hands, her cottage door, 

Were open to the rich and poor. 

Her faith confirm'd, her will resign'd, 

So sweetly calm, so pure her mind. 

The God of mercy from his Throne 

Look'd down and claimed her as his own. " ' 



ONTELAUNEE SECTION. 

OxTEi.AUNEE section comprises the uppereast- 
ern portion of the county. It takes its name from 
the large stream which drains the greater part 
of its territory. 

It is an Indian word, and signifies " Maiden 
Creek," a daughter or branch of the Schuylkill. 
The stream was called "Maiden Creek" by the 
" Friends " when they began their first settle- 
ments in 1733 — ignoring the beautiful and ex- 
pressive name, " Ontelaunee." The legislative 
provision that English words should be used 
in naming persons may have indirectly induced 
them to make the change. They took up the 
first land by patents along and across its wind- 
ing banks from its mouth northwardly for more 
than ten miles ; and also along the eastern bank 
of the Schuylkill from the same point to the 
Blue Mountain. Their presence and influence 
brought about the introduction of English 
names for the four townships — Maiden-creek, 
Richmond, Windsor and Greenwich, which, at 
the erection of the county, included over half of 
this large section. 

But the name was very justly restored to 
prominence in the nomenclature of the county 
by the division of Maiden-creek township, and 
naming the western part " Ontelaunee." 

Streams.— The Maiden-creek rises in Le- 
high County. It enters Berks County in Albany 
township, flows southwardly for about twenty- 
five miles, forming in its course an irregular, 



' Published in Berks and Schuylkill Journal, 1st Jan- 
uary, 1820. An interesting German poem, pertaining to 
the life and character of the same person, was prepared by 
"A Gentleman of Oley " (believed to have been Daniel Ber- 
tolet, a rich and religious farmer). It is published in 
Rupp's " History of Berks County," p. ^60. A small Ger- 
man book, entitled "Die Berg Maria," was published by 
L. A. WoUenweher in 1880, It is valuable for many in- 
teresting historical facts, which relate as well to Berks 
County as to Maria Young. 



1022 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



diagonal line of the section, and empties into 
the Schuylkill in Ontelaunee township.^ 

Its principal tributaries are the following : 
Pine, Stony, Furnace, Sacony, Moselera and 
Willow. 

No considerable creeks, except Pine Creek 
mentioned, flow into it from the west. The 
total length of the stream and its tributaries is 
seventy miles. It is a wonderful water-power, 
and is invaluable in irrigating the lands 
through which it wends its winding way. 

Hills. — There are numerous hills in this 
section, but they are not remarkable for promi- 
nence, and are not classed with any chain of 
mountains. They are mostly used for wood- 
land. The Blue Mountain bounds it on the 
northwest. The " Pinnacle " is a .spur from 
this mountain, and extends ea.stwardly through 
Windsor into Albany, in length about six 
miles. The easternmost point, at the apex, is one 
of the highest points in the county, beingelevated 
over twelve hundred feet above the sea. It 
commands a magnificent view of the surround- 
ing country for many miles, extending into 
Schuylkill, Lehigh and Northampton Counties, 
to the north and cast, and including all that 
portion of Berks which lies north of the South 
Mountain. 

Internal Impkovement.s. — This section is 
intersected by very many roads in all the town- 
ships. There are three prominent highways 
worthy of particular mention, — the " Centre 
Turnpike," which extends thirteen miles from 
Muhlenberg northwardly, generally along the 
Schuylkill, through Outelauuee, Perry and 
Windsor to the Schuylkill C-ounty line ; the 
" Kutztown Road," " wliich extends in almost 
a direct line northeastwardly seventeen miles 
from the Centre turnpike, near the mouth of 
the Maiden Creek, tlirougii Ontelaunee, Maiden- 
creek, Richmond and Maxatawny to the Le- 
high County line ; and the " State Road," 
which extends eastwardly thirteen miles from 
the river at Hamburg, through Windsor and 



'The upper portion, from the mouth of the S.acony north- 
wardly, is known lis " Ontelaunee ;" and the lower section 
from this point as '• Maiden Creek." 

'Somelirues cilled -'Eastou lload," because it was orig- 
inally laid out to Easton. 



Greenwich, to the Lehigh County line, it being 
a continuation of the State road from the 
Lebanon County line across the entire upper 
section of the county, in length altogether 
thirty-five miles. 

The " Schuylkill Canal " extends along the 
river to the western extremity of the section 
from West Leesport, through Ontelaunee, Perry 
and Windsor, to Schuylkill County, a length of 
eleven and a half miles. 

The " Reading and Lehigh Railroad " (for- 
merly called the "Berks County") extends 
along the Maiden-creek from Berkley, near its 
mouth, to the Lehigh County line, a lengtii of 
about twenty miles. 

The " East Penn Railroad " extends north- 
eastwardly through the lower portion of Onte- 
launee, Maiden-creek, Richmond and Maxa- 
tawny and the central portion of Longswamp 
to the Lehigh County line, a di.stance of eigli- 
teen miles. 

Nine townships are included in this section, 
and the historical narrative of each appears in 
the order mentioned : Maiden-creek, Onte- 
launee, Richmond, Maxatawny, Longswamp, 
Windsor, Perry, Albany, Greenwich. 



MAIDEN-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

The land in Maiden-creek township was 
taken up by Friends. The exact period is not 
known ; but it is supposed about the time that 
the Indians released the land in 17o2. The 
Friends were always inclined to respect the 
ric^hts of the Indians, and therefore they were 
not guilty of trespasses. The Indians knew of 
and appreciated this friendly and honorable 
feeling. 

It is supposed that Moses Starr and his wife 
were the first two settlers iu that remote section 
of uninhabited country, having gone there about 
1720. This is possible, but not probable. 
Some of the earliest Friends who took up lauds 
by warrant and patent were Moses Starr, 
Francis Parvin, Samuel Lightfoot, Joseph 
Whyley (Wily), Robert Penrose, Mordecai Lee 
and Nathauiel Houlton. At one time about 
1752, when Berks County was erected, nearly 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1023 



the entire township was owned and occupied by 
Friends. Seventy families of them were con- 
nected with the meeting Iiouse in the townsiiip, 
wiiich was erected in their midst. 

In 1746, on the 2d day of the First Month 
(Marc!)) a petition was presented to the Court of 
Quarter Sessions, at Phihideiphia, asking the 
judges to erect a new township and suggesting 
as a proper name, Maiden-creek. The petition 
described a large tract of land, containing near 
thirteen thousand acres, with the usual allow- 
ance. The descriptions by metes and bounds 
was as follows ; 

"Beginnintf at White Oak tree on the schuylkill 
Kiver, a corner of land of Nicholas Kindser ; thence 
N. 6-5 E. 970 perches to stone in a line of the Manor 
of Kuscum; thence along said manor N. E. 500 ps., 
S. E. 116 ps., N. E. 8(5 ps., S. E. 91 ps., N. 65 E. 349 
ps.; thence N. W., 1380 ps. ; thence S. 65 W. 1370 ps. 
to the river; thence down the same river about 140U 
ps. to the beginning." 

Doubtless the town,ships to the east and north 
(Richmond and Windsor) were not then erected 
or recognized by the names subsequently given 
to them. The survey was made July 20, 1746, 
by Benjamin Lightfoot. The eastern line was 
reckoned four miles from Maxatawny. 

This petition was subscribed by the following 
signers, who were property-holders, in the pro- 
posed new district : 

Moses Starr. Merrick Starr. 

Jacob Lightfoot. William Wily. 

Richard Lundy. John Greasey. 

George Roseborough. Robert Roseborough. 

Isaac Rutledge. Joseph Wily. 

John Bargcr. Isaac Starr. 

Robert Wilson. Joseph Penrose. 

John Wily. Henry Willits. 
Lawrence Pearson. 

The names were well written, without any 
marks. The prayer of the petitioners was 
granted in December, 1746, and the township 
by the name suggested was then erected. 

In September, 1838, a large tract of land 
was laid off from Ruscomb-manor township and 
added to Maiden-creek township, in order to 
accommodate the property-holders of that section 
in respect to road taxes, etc. 

In 1849 the township was divided into two 
sections for the purpose of forming a new town- 



ship, and the western section was named "Oute- 
launee." 

The township was named after the creek 
which extends diagonally through its territory. 
The words " Maiden Creek " aro.se from the 
fact that the creek was a branch of the Schuyl- 
kill. The Indians called it Ontelaunee, which 
signifies little daughter. This Indian word is 
suppo.sed to have been originally, Andeniclia. 

In the central part of the township is a spring 
of unusual size, its dimensions covering nearly 
three acres of ground. It was long known as 
the Berndt spring, but for a number of years 
the farm on which it is located has been the 
property of the Peters family. The water 
issuing from this spring is cool and pleasant to 
the taste, and its volume would be great enough 
to furnish water-power if the formation of the 
land were favorable to furnish a mill-site. The 
surrounding country is level, preventing the 
utilization of the water as a motive-power. 

The following list comprises the taxable in-. 
habitants of the township in 1759. Joseph 
Penrose was the collector. The amount of tax 
then levied was £50 2s. 



Michael Arnold 2 

William Berkeiaor 1 

Stephen Barnet 8 

John Barto 2 

Joseph Barker 'i 

Simon Bargcr t 

Thomas Carby 30 

Barnaba.s Curry 2 

John Coch 8 

John Clinc 2 

John Cnmpert 2 

Michael Dnnkle 8 

George Feglcy 4 

John Frowenfeltcr 

John Hutton H 

Owen Hughes 18 

Jonathan Hughes 3 

Ulrick Huy 12 

George Heldebrand 2 

James Hutton IG 

Valentine Kline 10 

Joseph Lightfoot 4 

Jacob Lightfoot 11 

Thomas Lewis 4 

Mordecai Lee 19 

Leonard Mier 11 

Adam Mingle 3 

Edward Moren 4 

Joseph Penrose ... 15 

Single Men. 

Michael Carby. John Parviu. 

Jacob Cook. Thomas Reed. 

Timothy Jennings. John Starr. 

Stanley Kerby. Casper Strall. 

Adam Mire. John Vanhorue. 

Benjamin Parviu. Peter Vauhorne. 



Williiim Penrose 12 

Francis Parvin 19 

Francis Parvin. Jr 5 

Richard Penrose 6 

Thomas Pjirvin 1 

Frederick Plot 2 

Peter Rodarmel 15 

Paul Rodarmel 10 

Elias Reed 8 

John Reeser 26 

Christian Risteon 5 

Jo8ei)h Sees 1 

Moses Starr, Jr 4 

Merrick Starr 7 

Barnet Vanhorne .. 10 

Joseph Wily 1 

Martin Carsliman 1 

Jacob Cautfman 7 

Frederick Hess 2 

Richard Hockley 60 

Rudolph High 8 

John High 6 

Martin Honsnian.. 2 

James Jordan 6 

James Keys 6 

Samuel Lightfoot 24 

Thomas Pearson 3 

Jacob Perky 8 

Alvin Shettle 6 



102-4 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The early substantial improvements in the 
township were made by the Friends. Latterly, 
especially during the last fifty years, a great 
proportion of those highh' improved lands have 
passed into the hands of the Germans, through 
the gradual extinction or departure of the 
Friends. 

Several families of the Friends still remain, 
however, bearing the honored names of Wily, 
Pearson, Wright, Lightfoot, Willit, Parvin and 
Penrose, who are now, as their fathers before 
them were, among the most substantial citizens 
of the county. 

Maiden-cbeek Friends' Meetixg-House 
is a plain old stone building, one-half a 
mile west from Maiden-creek Station. The 
Monthly Meetings of the Friends in Maiden- 
creek were established as early as 1737, but 
they were probably held at the houses of some 
of the Friends. The present property was not 
obtained until about twenty-two years later. 
On the 12th of July, 1759, Benjamin Lightfoot 
granted a small tract (four acres and five 
perches) of land from his farm to certain 
friends, Joseph Penrose, Richard Penrose, 
Thomas Wright and William Tomlinson, 
who then erected the ^'^ssent meeting- 
house thereon. Originally the surrounding 
country was a forest of oak and walnut trees, 
some of the trees having attained very large 
proportions (the stump of an oak tree indicates 
a diameter of six feet and that of a walnut tree 
more than three feet). The building itself is 
out of repair, and the cemetery shows a 
neglected condition, owing to the very small 
number of persons now interested in these 
venerable landmarks. The Friends' school- 
house, near by, in consequence of its disuse for a 
number of years, is also dilapidated. The latter 
was built in 1 807, and was kept open until about 
1870. It is the second building at that place, 
the first having been erected some time before 
1784. In that year a lot of ground adjoining 
the church-lot was purchased, and Thomas 
Wright, Mordecai Lee and Thomas Lightfoot 
•were appointed a committee to provide a school. 
They secured a log building, which, no doubt, 
was used until the stone house took its place, 
twenty-three years later. In the spring of 



1784 Thomas Pearson became the first regu- 
lar teacher, his engagement having then been 
made for one year. Fifteen pupils entered the 
school then, and eight during the spring quar- 
ter, making twenty-three pupils in all. In- 
struction was given at the rate of forty shillings 
each a quarter. As this was one of the first 
English schools in the country, its patronage 
was quite large, many young men coming from 
a distance and boarding with farmers in the 
neighborhood. Special attention was given to 
mathematical studies, and as surveying promised 
to be a lucrative employment, a number at- 
tended the school with a view of qualifying 
themselves in that branch of study under teach- 
ers who were usually very proficient. Nearly 
all the teachers were Friends, the most prom- 
inent among them having been Thomas Pearson, 
Mordecai Wright, John G. Lewis, Joseph 
Jacobs, Jesse Willetts, James M. Meredith and 
Jesse Lightfoot. This school was instrumental 
in creating a sentiment in favor of English 
schools, and helped to make the system of free 
education a success. 

" At Maiden-creek Meeting-House 11 of 7th m. 
1759, Marriage of Joseph Lightfoot, Maiden-creek, 
to Deborah Hutton. 

Members of Families. 

Jacob Lightfoot. Sarah Parvin. 

John Hutton. Martha Hutton. 

James Hutton. Ann Liglitfoot. 

Thomas Liglitfoot. Grace Lightfoot. 

Francis Parvin, Jr. Mary Hutton. 

Benjamin Parvin. Hannah Hutton. 

Mary Lightfoot. Francis Parvin. 

Sarah Hutton. Moses Starr. 

Sarah Hutton, Jr. John Starr. 

Abigail Hutton. James Starr. 

Others. 

Benjamin Pearson. Thomas Reed. 

Esther Pearson. Phebe Starr. 

Tamer Hutton. Thomas Parvin. 

Eleanor Parvin. Moses Starr, Jr. 

Benjamin Parvin. Margery Starr. 

Mary Parvin. Sibilla Wright. 

Mordecai Lee. James Jordan. 

" Same M. H. 10 of 4th mo. 1747, Marriage of Saml. 
Hughes, of Ellis, Exeter, to Elizabeth WiPita, of 
Thomas, Maiden-creek. 

Membei'S of Families. 
Ellis Hughes. Margaret Lee. 

Thomas Willits. Amey Hughes, 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1025 



John Hughes. 
William Hughes. 
Ednarcl Hughes. 
John Willits. 
Isaiah Willits. 
Isaac Willits. 
Jane Hughes. 
Rachel Willits. 



Rachel Willits, Jr. 
Samuel Lee. 
Morris Ellis. 
Thomas Ellis. 
Mord. Ellis. 
Mary Boone. 
Robert Penrose. 
Moses Starr. 



Deborah StaiT. 
Otha-.i- 



.John Wily. 
Lawrence Pearson. 
Esther Pearson. 
Isaac Starr. 
Margaret Starr. 
Robert Wilson. 
Mary Lightfoot. 
Richard Penrose. 
Ellinor Rosburry. 
Mar)' Penrose. 
Martha Houlton. 



Francis Parvin. 
Elinor Parvin. 
Jacob Lightlbot. 
Sigmon Wright. 
Benjamin Parks. 
John Wily. 
John Starr. 
James Starr. 
Thomas Starr. 
William Wily, 
■loseph Kirby. 



TjiKOiniioDo-x; Fuiknds' MEETiNti-HousE 
is .sitti;itc<l on hiiid.s wliicJi was given foreluiroli 
piii'i)().se.s by Tlionia.s \\'illits. It .stands on the 
west side of the Maiden-eroek. It is a small 
lirick building. The jNIeeting is eoniposed of 
.laeol) Parvin and family, Thomas Willits and 
family, John I'earson, iSii.san Pearson, llebecea 
Iav and William Sniitli. The present house has 
been oceiipied since LS.")."!. Prior to tluit time, 
and aftci- the < )rtliodo.\ Friends had ceased to 
\voishi|i in the (jld stone house, the meetings 
were held in a log house on the Reber farm, pre- 
viously used as a residence. There is no resi- 
dent minister, but meeting.s are held regularly 
on every First day and also occasionally on 
week-days. 

]M.\n)EN-<tu;i:i': CiiuitcH. — This house of 
worship, in the lower part of Blaudon, is finely 
located. Tl is a large brick edifice, with abase- 
ment, siuiiiounted by a steeple and presents a 
siiljstantial appearance. It was built in I860 by 
Adam Ksiiitfman, Jeremiah De Turk, David 
Trout and William Bjand, as a building com- 
mittee uf the Lutheran anil Reformed congre- 
gations, at a costofabouLseven thousand dollars. 
The corner-.stone was laid June 24, 1860. The 
trustees, in ISST), were Frank 8eidel, John H. 
Medary ami Jeremiah De Tiu'k. 

The Lutheran congregation, consisting of one 
hundred and forty members, has had the pas- 



toral care of the Rev. B. D. Zweitzig, with Wil- 
liam Kisling and David Depp as elders ; at the 
same time the Reformed congregation had about 
one hundred and twenty-five members, with John 
S. Fox and Solomon G. Dunkle as elders, and 
Rev. B. F. Wi.se pastor since 1877. The pre- 
vious Reformed ministers, were the Revs. Wil- 
liam Davis and A. L. Herman, the latter having 
been the first pastor. 

A fine cemetery is connected with the church 
which is controlled by the Maiden-creek Cem- 
etery Co., incorporated A])ril 8, 1862, with the 
following members : Jacob Hoftmau, John S. 
Fox, William Wissner, (leorge D. Wissner, 
Jeremiah De Turk, George Dunkle, Xicholas 
Madary and A. W. Kauffman. The cemetery 
contains several acres of ground, is neatly laid 
out and kept in good order. It includes many 
fine monuments. 

ZiON'sChUUCH OK'l'llE EVANOEEICAI, ASSO- 

ci.VTio.N is a small but neat brick building in 
the upper part of IJlandon. It was erected in 
187"), mainly through the efforts of Ja('ob Rep- 
pert and Jacob Burtley, assisted by Mahlon 
Snyder, Reuben Sliircy^ and William Siegfried. 
The membership of the church has always been 
small, numbering in 1885 only twenty mend)ers. 
The leader of the class is Mahlon Snyder. A Sun- 
day-school is connected with the church, which 
is sujierintendefl by James Wilson. This ap- 
pointment was formerly with the Kiitztown 
Circuit. Among the preachers were the lii'vs. 
Kurtz, Butz, Seagrist, Leib, I.ieopold, I>erch, 
Gingrich, Di.ssinger, Zoru and /iegenfuss. 
Within the past few years Blan<lon has been 
connected with other charges in forming Fried- 
ensburg Circuit, and which has had as pastors 
the Revs. C. (Jingrich, .lacob Adams, Thonuts 
Harper and H. J. Klick, the latter officiating 
at the present time. 



MoLi.TOWN is a hamlet in the northern part 
of the township, which derives its name from 
the Moll family-, early .settlers at that point. 
Many years ago a tavern was kept there by a 
man named Lesher. Later, the stand was 
bought by Abraham Gro\es, when a few houses 
were put up and the place began to assume the 



1026 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUxNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



appearance of a hamlet. Thence Joseph Peters 
had the tavern, and John Forney built the first 
store-house, in which Peters first engaged in 
trade, and mechanic-shops were put up about 
the same time. In 1885, Peter Adam was in 
trade at Molltown. The post-office in this lo- 
cality bears the name of Kirbyville, being 
named for the Kirby family, who were honored 
citizens in this part of the county. It was es- 
tablished in 1859. Dr. L. D. Bieber lived at 
Molltown a number of years as a successful 
practitioner of medicine, removing from here to 
the central part of the State. Dr. John D. 
Rupj) is at present in jjractice. 

West from this place is another trading point, 
called ICvansville, half a mile from the railway 
station which bears the same name. Here is 
the site of the old Stichter mill, and where 
later lived the Evans family, who operated the 
mill and carried on other enterprises. A store 
was opened here and a post-office established 
witli the name of South Evansville. The mill, 
which is a valuable ])roperty, is now owned Ijy 
Johu Huy. A short tlistance from this place is a 
settlement, called Buena Vista, lo«dly celebrated 
for the wines made there by certain Germans. 

In a southerly direction is Maiden-creek Sta- 
tion and a post office, called Calcium, which 
was estal)lished July 4, 1885, with C. J. Miller 
as postmaster. He is also the station agent and 
carries on a store in a small way. This is a 
centre for the manufacture of lime and the ship- 
ment of limestones, which in this locality is of 
a superior quality. Near the station are six 
kilns, owned by Kline & Hoft'man, who ship 
several car-loads of lime per day. The business 
was begun in 1873 on the Bushong farm. The 
same year J. M. Meredeth "began developing his 
quarry for bridge stone, one-fourth of a mile 
from the station, and to which a railroad track 
extends. Employment has been afforded for 
fifteen men. This (pi:a-ry sui)[)lied the stone for 
the Blue Mountain dam and some of the largest 
bridges on the Berks and Lehigii Railroad. The 
stones are usually taken out in large blocks, 
some of them weighing five tons. At the depot 
J. M. Meredeth and Thomas Lightfoot manu- 
facture lime in kilns, which have a capac^ity 
of fifteen hundred bushels per week. 



The Croydon Creamery is another industry 
at this point deserving notice. It occui)ies a 
large new building put up in 1884. Since 
January, 1885, Mr. F. Hart has operated a 
first-class creamery, which is well patronized by 
the surrounding farmers. 

Not quite a mile east from Maiden-creek 
station is the hamlet usually called the "Half- 
Way House," after an old hotel which occupies 
an intermediate position on the road from 
Reading to Kutztown. The land there orig- 
inally belonged to the Penrose family, but later 
a part was owned by a man named Moyer, 
who had a well-known public-house, about the 
beginning of the present century. Later keej)- 
ers of the inn were John Garver and John B. 
Marsh, who moved to Illinois, in 1850. The 
present hotel was put up in 1855-56 by Sam- 
uel Kautfman, who made other substantial im- 
provements here, including the store building 
and the Seidel mansion. Before the railway 
period the Half- Way House was one of the best- 
known stands in the county, and was especially 
patronized by dealers in cattle, who took large 
droves there for sale to the rich farmers in that 
section. The tavern is still kept up. Since 
1858 Isaac Plank has successfully conducted a 
general store at this place. He is the post- 
master of the Maiden-creek post-office, estab- 
lished at this point in 18<)2. His store is con- 
nected by the telcjihone with principal points in 
the county. George D. Stitzell was one of the 
earlier merchants. Since 1848 John S. Fox 
ha.s had a smithy in the village. 

The physician of the ])lace is Dr. W. E. 
Hunsberger, a native of Montgomery County, 
who has been in practice since 18G7. He 
succeeded Dr. H. Clay Merideth. Before he 
became a practitioner here l)r. Charles Sclilem, 
living near Molltown, was the physician <if tiiis 
part of tlie township. 

Bi.ANDoN is tlu; only town in the tdwnship. 
It is situated near the base of the mountain, in 
the eastern section, and on the East Penn Rail- 
road. A station of the same name is on the 
railway, with a neat passenger depot and all 
the conveniences in sidings for freight ship- 
ments. The town contains two churches, sev- 
eral stores and hotels, a rolling-mill and sevei'al 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1027 



liundred inliabitante. It derives its name from 
llohert Bland, tlie owner of tlie land. He was 
a blacksmith. In tlic shop there was also a 
tilt-hammer. It stood on the site of the lower 
hotel. This hotel was ojiened to the public by 
William Bland, after the building of the 
railroad, and kept by him for some time. It 
has been improved since and has had various 
landlords, among them being Ezckiel Jones, 
and since 18iS;3, K. Unger. 

Tlie town had a slow growth in the beginning 
and the improvements were not remarkal)le 
during the first ten yeare of its existence. 
Among the first inhabitants were Robert Bland, 
Henry Money, Samuel Hawkins, Thomas Rob- 
erts, Sr., Thomas Roberts, Jr., Jacob KeiflPer, 
Lewis Guldin and Henry Wes.sner. After the 
rolling-mill was establisjied here, in 1867, by 
Adam and Jacob Kauffman and C. D. Geiger, 
they and others put up substantial buildings, 
which gave character to the place and caused 
improvements to be added steadily since. 

The first store at this p(.)int was kept by 
Peter Cleaver in a dwelling-house. He sold 
out to John B. Marsh, about forty years ago. 
Jeremiah B. Rothermel enlarged the building 
and kept the first regular store. Then came 
George Wessner and later the building was 
converted into a tavern. The lower store- 
stand was built by James Ahrens, in which he 
carried on business a number of years. The 
present occupants are A. G. and N. G. Rother- 
mel, the former being, also, the postmaster of 
the Blandon office, established long l)efore the 
N'illagc had an existence. 

INIaiiy years ago Joim Packer carried on a 
pottery for a time where the Blandon House 
now stands, and manufactured a considerable 
quantity of common ware. The mill at the 
upper end of the town has been operated by 
the Guldin family many j'ears. The first im- 
provements were made by a man named Dnn- 
kel, who conducted several mills and a distillery. 
Frederick Guldin made some additional im- 
provements about 1800, and these were after- 
ward owned by Lewis Guldin, who also had a 
store at the mills for a short time. The present 
owner is Albert Guldin. On the same stream, 
farther up the mountain, is the mill built by 



John Moser. Near the railroad station a small 
planing-mill has ])een in operation for several 
years by D. S. Thomas, who also operates a 
saw-mill in connection. 

The most important industry at Blandon is 
the Blandon Rnlling-l^IUl. It was built in 
1867 by Adam W. and Jacob Kauffman and 
Charles D. Geiger, who operated the same initil 
1874. After being idle .several years, the 
Maiden-creek Ii'on Company became the owners, 
since which time this company has been suc- 
ces.sfully operating the mill. The liuilding is 
conveniently located near the main line of the 
railroad and is one hundred and twenty by 
three hundred and ten feet in dimensions. It 
contains two heating and eleven ]>uddling fur- 
naces, which are wf)rked to jiroduce band and 
hoop-iron, and attbrds employment to one hun- 
dred and thirty hands. Formerly, bar and 
other kinds of iron were made. The mill has 
a superior water supply, from a never-failing 
mountain-stream, which flows into a reservoir 
near the works. Six tenement houses constitute 
part of the property. 

Franklin Seipei- is a great-grandson of 
Henry Seidel, who was born in 1732 and emi- 
grated from Strasburgh when nineteen years of 
age. He was sold for his passage. On obtain- 
ing his freedom, in 1752, he came to Reading, 
Berks County, and afterward participated in 
the Indian war under Captain Hiester. He 
also served in the War of the Revolution, his 
wife and children meanwhile conducting the 
farm. About 1760 he married Elizabeth Rath- 
macher and purchased land in Bern township, 
returning again to Germany about 1786, and 
meanwhile engaging in mercantile ventures. 
He bec-ame the owner of four hundred acres of 
land in Maiden-creek township, where he was 
for years a prosperous farmer. His death oc- 
curred in 1801. Henry and Elizabeth Seidel 
had children — Michael, Henry, Daniel, John, 
Philip, Jacob and two daughters, Mary and 
Margaret. Henry was born November 12, 
1765, and died August 7, 1847, having settled 
on the homestead in 1701. He married Eliza- 
beth Reber, of Windsor townshij), Berks 
County, and had fourteen children, of whom 
the following reached mature years : Daniel, 



1028 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Henry, Jacob, Elizabeth, Sarah, Catherine, 
Mary, Hannah, Susannah and Rebecca. Henry, 
the elevcntli child in order of birth, was a na- 
tive of Maiden-creek township, where he was 
born on the homestead June 9, 1 809. Here he 
engaged in farming until his retirement from 
that occupation and removal to Reading, in 
1857. He was, November 4, 18o2, married to 
Lydia, daughter of Frederick Guldin, of the 
same township, and has children — Franklin, 
born July 11. 18.'5.">, and Sarah (Mrs. Henry 



born January 3, 1858, who died July 8, 1877 ; 
Sarah Amanda, May 19, 180(i, who died 
August 26, 1868; and Lydia Cora, April 5, 
1870. Mrs. Seidel's great-grandfather came 
from Germany. Her grandtatlier, John Adam, 
married Elizabeth Dunkel. Their son George, 
a farmer, born August 1, 1799, who died Sep- 
tember 12, 1885, married Hannah Sell, of the 
same county. Their two children are Amanda 
(Mrs. (ieorge D. Stitzel) and Susiuinah (Mrs. 
Seidel). Mr. Seidcl has devoted his life to 




(^/X <i^^^>-2 ^^^^^7^ ■if^e^rLt^ 



Throm, of Hwiding), born February 13, 1S36. 
Franklin, the subject of this biographical 
sketch, who spent his early life npon the home- 
stead, was ediu;ated at the common schools and 
received additional advantages at the boarding 
school conducted by Rev. Samuel Rhoads in 
Amity township. Returning to the farm, he 
assisted his father in his various pursuits until 
his marriage, on June 3, 1 856, to MissSusannah, 
daugbtor of George Weidenhammer, of the same 
township. Their children are George Henry, 



farming. He is a member of the Berks County 
Agricidtural Society, in whicli he manifests an 
active interest. He is a member of the Evan- 
gelical Lutheran Church. 

Thomas Willits is descended from English 
ancestors, the earliest representative of the fam- 
ily being Maiy M'illits, who settled on Long 
Island, where she was a resident as early as 
1678, and removed from thence to Burlington, 
N. J., in 1685 or before. Henry Willits, the 
first who bore the name in Maiden-creek town- 



TOWNSHIPS OP COUNTY. 



1029 



ship, Berks County, was received into the 
Maiilen-creek Monthly Meeting on the Third 
niontli, 26th day, 174o. He was the great- 
grandfather of the subject of this sketch. He 
married, on the Fourtii mouth, 2d day, 1746, 
Sarah, daiigiiter of Antliony Lee, of Oley, 
Berks County, and had two sons, John and 
Jesse. Henry Willits purchased a tract of two 
hundred and thirteen acres of hind in Maiden- 
creek townsin'p (now Ontehuinee townsliip) sit- 
uated at the mouth of Maiden-creek, and settled 
upon it. Jesse, who was born on this tract, 
which embraced the homestead, married, on the 
10th month, 6th day, 1779, Phebe, daughter 
of John and Mary Hutton. Their children 
are John H., born 11th month, 27th day, 1782, 
who died lltli month, 10th day, 1861 ; Sarah, 
3d month, 16th day, 1784, who died 5th month, 
11th day, 1819; Mary, ?,d month, 24th day, 
1785, who died in childhood ; Mavy (2d), 12th 
month, 18th day, 1786 ; William, 4th month, 
6tli day, 1789, who died 10th month, 2d day, 
1852; Elizabeth, 3d month, 21st day, 1791, 
who died Lst month, 25th day, 1869; Henry, 
2d month, 5th day, 1793, who died 10th month, 
1864 ; Esther, Lst month, 25th day, 1795, who 
died in 1877 ; Phebe, 2d m()nth, 23d day, 1797, 
who died 10th month, 19th day, 1865; Susan- 
nah, 10th month, 3d day, 1799, who died 8th 
month, 28th day, 1831 ; Jesse, 1st month, 17th 
day, 1802, who died 7th month, 22d day, 1867 ; 
and Deborah, 3d mouth, 31st day, 1805, who 
died 7tli month, 20th day, 1841. 

Phebe Huttou's ancestors emigrated at an 
early date from Ireland. Nehemiah Hutton 
removed to Maiden-creek township in 1733 
and purchased a tract of land, the half of which 
is now owned by the subject of this sketch. 
His son John, the grandfather of Thoma.s Wil- 
lits, was twice married, — first to Jane Fincher, 
on the 3d month, 13th day, 1754, and a second 
time, on the 12th month, 6th day, 1858, to 
Mary, widow of John Wily. Tlieir only child, 
Phebe, is the grandmotlier of Tiiomas Willits. 
By the first marriage were two children. Wil- 
liam Willits, who was born on the Hutton 
property, married Esther, daughter of Thomas 
Lightfoot, on the 4th mouth, 8th day, 1818. 
Her grandparents were Jacob and Sarah Light- 



foot and her great-grandparents Thomas and 
Sarah Lightfoot. The family were anioTig the 
pioneers to the county and took up lands, a 
portion of whicii is owned by the subject of this 
biogra])hy. William and E)sther Willits had 
four children, — Mary, born Ktth month, 6th 
day, 1820, who died on the .'Jd month, 27th 
day, 1843 ; Thomas, 2d month, 13th day, 1822 ; 
Samuel, 2d month, 14th day, 1824, who died 
3d month, 9th day, 186.3. The latter left 
children, — William, born 10th montii, 4th day, 
1852; engaged as a genera! merchant in Lee.s- 
port ; Francis, born lltli month, 3d day, 1856, 
of Delaware County ; and Ellie, born 2d mouth, 
17th day, 1859. William, who lias served for 
five years as ju.stice of the pea(;e, marrieil. Pith 
mouth, 18th day, 1885, Amanda, daughter of 
John Yoder, of Maiden-creek township. They 
have one son, Allen, born 10th month, 26th 
day, 1878. Two children, Howard an<l Sarah, 
are deceased. Francis Willits married Eliza- 
beth Paschall, of Delaware (Jounty. Thomas 
Willits was born on the homestead and has 
made farming the business of his life, receiving 
in boyhood but a limited education at the .school 
in the vicinity of his home. With his brotiier 
he inherited the farm which was his l)irth-])lacc, 
and married, on the 9th month, 21st day, 1854, 
Susan P., daughter of James and Elizabeth 
Smith, of Chester County, and granddaughter 
of John and Mary Smith. Their chihlren are 
Mary, born 10th month, 16tli day, 1855 ; and 
Samuel, 7th month, 25th day, 1 858, now culti- 
vating the farm, and married to Mary H., 
daugTiter of Clifford and Ellen Pomorov, of 
Reading. They have one son, Herbert P. 
Thomas Willies is a Republican in politics, bnt 
has neither .sought nor held office. He is a 
director of the National Union Bank of Read- 
ing. Both he and his wife have adhered to 
the faith of their fathers and are members of 
the Exeter Friends' Monthly Meeting. 



ONTELAUNEE TOWN.SIIIP. 
On the 2d of April, 1849, a petition of cer- 
tain inhabitants' of Maiden-creek township 



' Ninety-five subscribers, of wliich eighty-five signatures 
were English. 



1030 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



waspresetitodtoL'oiirt, askiii);' lora division of the 
townsiiip by a line to be extended from tlie Al- 
sace township line, at the foot of Peun's Mount, 
northwardly, by way of Maiden C'reek bridije 
and the ])ubiic road from Oley to Hamburg, to 
the Windsor township line, and suggesting as a 
proper name for the western portion, "Schuyl- 
kill." 'PIk' court entertained the petition and 
appointed Michael- K. Boyer, Richard Boone 
and Benjamin Tyson as commi.ssioners. At that 
time the electors of the township numbered 
about four hundred and fifty, and tiie popula- 
tion about two thousand one hundred. 

The commissioners, after viewing the town- 
ship, decided that it could l)e divided advan- 
tageouslv, and reported the following division 
line: "Beginning at a heap of stones, in the Al- 
sace township line, at the foot of Penn's Mount; 
thence north thirty-four west two hundred and 
sixty-four perches, north twenty-four west 
ninety-seven perches, and north eighteen west 
one luindred and ninety -two perches to the 
Maiden Creek ; thence along said creek north- 
wardly, two hundred and sixty-four perches, to 
the road leading from Oley to Hamburg, and 
thence along said road northwardly six hundred 
and thirty-six and one-fourth perches to the 
Windsor township line.'" And they recom- 
mended "Schuylkill " as a proper name. Their 
report was presented on August 9, 1849. Re- 
monstrances were filed," objecting to the divi- 
sion of the township because it was not large 
and l)ecause the poll was central ; and these 
were subscribed by the most prominent tax- 
ables of the township. But they were dismissed 
on December 27, 1849, and the report was con- 
firmed absolutely, excepting as to the name, 
the court having substituted the name of "Aii- 
tiilawny." ' 

'The other siites were reported : From said road, aloiip; 
said township line, .south sixty-tiTC west five hundred and 
forty-eight perches to the Schiiylliill River ; down the 
river fourteen liundred perches to the Alsace township 
line ; thence along said line north sixty-five east seven 
hundred and sixty-four perches. Tlie lines inclosed about 
five thousand seven hundred acres. 

2 Subscribed by two hundred and eighteen signatures, — 
one hundred and forty-four English. 

^This spelling had been used for ik century by different 
persons in deeds and church records; but it was erroneous 
The proper spelling is " Ontelaunee." 



In pursuance of an act passed, the tpiestion 
was sul)mitted to a vote of the inhabitants, and 
the division was sustained by a majority of 
twenty-one. The whole number of votes polled 
was two hundred and five. The new townshi]) 
wa.s erected into a separate election district iiy 
act passed February 28, 1850. 

In Ontelaunee township, as in Maiden- 
creek, the first settlers were Friends, some of 
whom entered the territory as early as 1721. 
Among the finst was Mo.ses Starr, who bougiit 
a tract of land containing five liiiiidred :md 
fifty-one acres, situated along the Maiden- 
creek. This tract has been subdivided and is 
now owned by the Forneys, Hottensteins and 
others. Upon this land a mansion was built in 
1729, which was well preserved until recently. 
The Starrs have long since ceased to be citizens 
of the township. About the same time Francis 
Parvin built a log house, which stood in what 
is now the orchard of his great-grandson, Jacob 
Parvin, at Berkley. This house was ke])t un- 
locked for the accommodation of such Indians 
as might chance to visit Parvin, he having been 
on very friendly terms with them. They con- 
sidered his place their home when in that vicin- 
ity. In 1758 Francis Parvin, the son of (lie 
first Francis, built a houise at the place now 
known as Berkley, upon the same lot of ground 
as the first, but nearer the creek, which is still 
standing and is the home of the Parvins. It 
was constructed of stone and consisted of two 
rooms and a hall below. In 1856 Jacob Par- 
vin, the present owner, built an addition to it 
at the east end, and plastered the whole build- 
ing on the outside, thus destroying the original 
appearance of the old part of the house. The 
old building, in its improved condition, forms 
a very comfortable residence. The elder Par- 
vins also interested themselves in the welfare of 
the colored people, several of theiu having had 
their homes with them at Berkley, being com- 
monly known as Joe, Bill and Frisbie Loyd. 
The latter removed to Reading, where he 
opened a restaurant and also became a dealer in 
lottery tickets. 

In the southern part of the townsiiip Bal- 
thaser Schalter, a native of Germany, settled 
on a tract of land which is commonly called 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1031 



Scliuylkill Bend. The farm embraced two 
Imiidred and eighty acre.s. He there reared his 
s(ins — Dieter, Michael and Jacob. The former 
t<i(ik u]) his ahiidc at what is called Shalter's 
Church, in Alsace township, while the other 
sons remained on the homestead. Part of this 
fiirni still belongs to one of the descendants, 
.Jonas Shalter, who was born in 1815. 

This locality suffered a great deal from the 
Hood of September 3, 185U. At the bend of 
I lie Schuylkill eight acres of heavy timber were 
washed out, and the canal in that locality was 
MMK'h damaged. East of Leesport John (Jer- 
iiMiit, son of George (lernant, settled on the 
i'ariii now owned by John (lernant. A barii 
l)iiilt ill 1784 was recently torn down. Some 
of the (Jeruant daughters married into the 
Eckert, Huy and Miller families, the latter 
being tile ancestor of I.icvi Miller, the coal 
operator at I^iue (xrove. Jacob Kahu was a 
ncigiibor of the Gernants, living on the farm 
owned by the Rahns. He was the father of 
sons named Jacob, John, Philip and Adam, 
and grandfather of the older llahns of that 
part of the count}'. The Duukels, Huys and 
Hotteustcins were also among the first (ierman 
families who eftected settlement among the 
Friends. All of these have descendants occu- 
])ying the original places, and some owning the 
tii'st improvements. 

Berkley is a nam^ applied to the hamlet on 
Willow Creek, where it is crossed by the Cen- 
tre turnpike and the Berks County Railroad. 
It is said to have received the name on account 
of its relative posititin to Reading, as Berkley 
in England to the Reading of that country. It 
is beautifully located in a valley and contains a 
tannery, grist-mill, distillery, hotel, several 
shops and residences. A station of the same 
name is on the railroad, and a post-office is main- 
tained there, called P^ast Berkley. A store was 
foi'mcrly kept in the place by a man named Dief- 
fcMibach, but carried on a few years only, dis- 
continuing about 1830. John Eckert was an 
early kccjier of the inn and part of the house 
built by him remains. But John Stichter was 
the first landlord who gave the inn a reputa- 
tion. Before 1825 he had a large patronage 
and attracted a number of guests as summer 



boarders. In 1829 William Dunkel became 
the owner. He was succeeded, in 1857, by the 
present proprietor, James Dunkel. The house 
is large and bears evidence of its former popu- 
larity. 

A mile below, at Schuylkill Bend, a store 
was opened by F. B. Shalter, in 1826, which, 
since 1835, has been carrii'd on by Jonas Shal- 
ter, the latter engaging there in trade when he 
was only eighteen years of age. The public- 
house was first kept by a man named Medlar. 
For the past twenty years Samuel Mengcl has 
been the landlord. These interests and the few 
houses along the turnpike, from the hamlet, are 
sometimes called Shalter's Store, but more prop- 
erly Schuylkill . Mend. 

Leesi'ort is tlie only town in the township. 
It is finely situated on the Schuylkill, about 
nine miles above Reading. It derives its name 
from its founder, Samuel Lee, who laid it out 
in 1840. On the 12th of April, 183!), Lee 
bought a farm of seventy-five acres from John 
Miller, a part of which he set aside for town 
lots, which now form the site of Leesport. Prev- 
iously, there was a public-house at the place, 
called in early times George Geriug's Inn, and 
where, later, Isaac and Reuben E. Addams 
were well-known landlords. In 1841 there were 
the following additional land-owners: James 
Bell, Jacob ISIiller, Jacob Duukelberger, Josiah 
Zellers, John Althouse, George Weidenbaum, 
Henry Ropp and Henry Garrett. Lee closed 
out his unsold lots to Young & Darrah, who, 
for a number of years, were the principal lot- 
owners of the town. Althouse lived at the 
canal-lock, where he kept a public-house, and 
the bridge, which was built aci-oss the river at 
that j)oint, was long known by his name. His 
public-house is now known as the Peter Hot- 
tenstein place. It had a number of other keep- 
ers, among them William Gift, Henry Gawker, 
George (lierilant and Reuben Wirner. The 
hotel kept by Jacob Graeff for the past twenty 
years was built, in 1842, by John Fuss, but not 
opened as an inn until 1844, by Jacob El)ling.. 
Other landlords of tliat time were Solomon 
Kcirn, John Yeager and Jacob Boyer, eleven 
years. The I^eesport post-office was established 
in 1851, with Reuben Addams as the first post- 



1032 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



master. Jacob Graeff is the present incunil^Lit. 
Nathan Young and Dr. James Darrah had 
the first regular store in the Althouse building 
at the canal, near which they also had a large 
warehouse. They had an immense trade and 
first made Leesport a business point. In 1854 
Benjamin Leuhart engaged in trade. The store 
whicii he occupied has lieen used the past eight 
years by William VVillits. Reuben Werner 
has also carried on business many years. 

Young & Darrah built a good steam mill, in 
1840, near the canal and close by their ware- 
house, which they successfully operated a num- 
ber of years. They also built themselves fine 
mansions, which are among the fine.st residences 
of the town. After a period the mill machinery 
was removed from the mill and the building 
was converted into a woolen-factory by Butz & 
Levan. It was successfully operated for .sev- 
eral years, the goods having a high rej)utation. 
In 1871 the building was destroyed by fire. 

A Doctor Evans was one of the first resident 
practitioners in the township. In LS-jfi Dr. 
Strawbridge lived at Berkley, but sul)scquently 
built ;i liouse at Leesport and died there, some 
time alter 184-i. He was succeeded by Dr. 
Zollers, a German physician of good repute, 
who lived in the house now occcupied by Jacob 
B<jyci-. Dr. Penrose Wily was next in prac- 
tice, continuing until his death, in 1874. Dr. 
William Schlemm was here about one year, and 
Dr. Levan three years, removing thence to 
Philadelphia. Other jihysicians are noted in 
connection with AV'est Ij('es()ort, in Bern town- 
ship. 

Leesport is connected with the latter place by 
a bridge and the two places are practically one. 
On the west side is the station of the Philadel- 
jJiia and Reading Railroad, also three stores, 
two hotels, one church and a school-house; on 
the east .side are a like numi)cr of similar inter- 
ests and the station of (lie Pennsylvania Rail- 
road, o])WH'd to the pul)lic in iSSo. A furnace 
and a lunnbcr of shops contribute to its busi- 
ness. The jjopulatiou is about three iuuidred 
and fifty. 

INDI'.SI'IMKS. 

One of the first manufacturing interests in the 
township was the tannery of Francis Parvin, 



on Willow Creek, at Berkley. The tannery was 
established in 1730, and it has been (-ontinuously 
carried on by the Parvin family since that time, 
the successive owners being three Francis Par- 
vins, one in each generation. The present Ja- 
cob Parvin has had the property during the 
past forty years. For a long time the tannery 
included only three vats, but each successive 
owner increased the capacity until at present 
there are thirty-five vats and two large build- 
ings adapted for tannery purposes. In 1852 
steam was introduced and has since been em- 
ployed. The production is twenty-five hides 
per week (oak-tanned), making calf-skin and 
harnes.s-leather. 

On the opposite si<lc of the stream Jolin Stich- 
ter had a tannery, about 1810, which was al- 
lowed to go down ; but, in 1880, Rufus H. 
Dunkle erected a stone building on its site, in 
which he hits since carried on the distillation of 
pure rye whiskey. On the same .stream, to 
the east, Benneville Moser carried on for- some 
years a distillery, after the late Civil War, 
which jiroduccd a considerable (piantity of 
whiskey. The buildings have been removed. 
Below the tannery, on tiie same stream, the 
Parvins built a mill which in the early i)art of 
this century became the property of Mark Davis, 
who afterward rebuilt the mill. It has been 
further improved by the present owner, Reese 
Davis, and is now one of the best mills in that 
part of the county. Above Berkley, where the 
turnpike crosses the Maiden Creek, a paper- 
mill was put up, by Jacob Illrick, on one side 
of the stream, and a fulling-mill, liy Mi(rhael 
Ulrick, on the other side. This was about 
1820. Some fifteen years later the fulling-mill 
was changed into a grist-mill by Jacob Parvin, 
and it is .^till so operated by Charles W. Faust. 
The paper-mill was also converted into a grist- 
mill by George Fox, after he had for a time 
distilled liquor in the building. The latter mill is 
now owned by David Schlegel. The next power 
above was improved to operate a mill built by 
Penro.se Wily, soon after 1800, and which in 
its day did a large business. A later owner of 
the improved mill was Dr. Owen H. \\'ily. 
Still farther up the stream is the Evans niiii, 
noted elsewhere. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1033 



In the western part of the township the quar- 
rying of limestone has been a great industry 
for many years. Below Leesport there are ex- 
tensive quarries, operated by the Atkins Bros., 
of Pottsville, from which ten car loads of stone 
per day are shipped. Near by are the lime- 
kilns of Wm. Baltzer, and the Richenbach 
lime-works, each carried on largely. These in- 
terests employ several dozen men, in addition 
to those engaged in taking out stone for the 
Leesport Iron Co. The quarries are reached by 
the tracks of both the Philadelphia and Reading 
and Pennsylvania Railroads. 

Leespout Iron Company. — The industries 
of this company are the most important in the 
township. On the 27th of November, 1852, 
the following-named persons associated them 
selves to carry on the manufacture of iron at 
Leesport : Wm. Eckert, Nicholas V. R. Hun- 
ter, W. H. Clymer, John G. Kauifmau, Geo. 
N. Eckert, James Millholland, Samuel Kauff- 
man, Wm. M. Heister, Isaac Eckert, Fred. S. 
Hunter and Edward M. Clymer, having organ- 
ized with the above name. They obtained a 
tract of laud, embracing four acres, which for- 
merly belonged to Darrah & Young, upon 
which they erected furnace buildings and made 
other necessary improvements. These were 
completed to such an extent that the work of 
tilling the furnace stack took place at twelve 
o'clock, on the 17th of September, 1853, and 
the first run-out made the following day. The 
capacity of the furnace was small at first, the 
entire yearly product being only a little over 
six thousand tons. This capacity was more 
than doubled in 1871, when the furnace was re- 
built to its present size. As such it was in suc- 
cessful blast for some years, under the manage- 
ment of L. M. Kaulfman. A season of de- 
pression followed, which caused this furnace, as 
well as many others in the Schuylkill Valley, to 
go out of blast and to remain idle for some time, 
or to be operated only on a limited scale. In 
May, 1885 the company was reorganized with 
R. F. Leaf (president) , P. R. Stetson (secretary 
and treasurer) and M. P. Jeuney (general man- 
ager). The furnace was overhauled and its capa- 
city increased. In Nov., 1885, itwas putinblast, 
since which time it has been in ojieration. 
b7 



The property of the iron company consists of 
three farms in Ontelaunee township, near Lees- 
port, two of them containing superior limestone, 
adapted for use in the furnace. Upon one of 
these farms a fine mansion for the use of the 
manager was built in 1885. The company has a 
well appointed office and thirty -seven tenements 
located in various parts of Leesport. It has also 
several miles of sidings, connecting with the 
Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, half a mile 
below the furnace. It uses ores from the Le- 
high section and from the Miller farm at Topton, 
in Berks County. About sixty men were em- 
ployed in 1885, these embracing the greater 
part of the working population of Leesport. 

CHURCHES. 

St. John's Church (Evangelical Luthe- 
ran and German Reformed). — This is the oldest 
church in the township, and one of the oldest 
in that part of the county. On account of its 
proximity to the Gernant farm, it is often 
called the Gernant Church, and as such obtains 
wide local recognition. The site on which it 
stands is very commanding, making the church 
a prominent object for many miles. It is a 
large brick edifice, erected in 1868, by a building 
committee, composed of William Rahn, John 
Gernant, Franklin Rodenberger, Henry Gromis 
and Henry Gawker. The lot on which it stands 
contains thirteen acres and includes a cemetery 
which has been partly improved, and which, when 
fully completed, will be one of the finest in that 
section of the county. The property was en- 
larged to the present area when the present 
church was built. John Gernant donated six 
acres, and six more acres were purchased from 
the farm of Adam Gernant. The old cemetery 
embraced about one acre of ground, and on it 
stood the old church. Part of this land was ob- 
tained from the Gernant lands and one-half acre 
was granted by Mordecai Lee, in 1795, to the 
trustees of the two congregations, — Jacob Rahn, 
Yost Sies, Nicholas Schaeffer, John Althou.se, 
Ludwig Bausler and Jacob Huey. It is be- 
lieved that the church building had been put up 
in the previous year and most likely it was the 
second house used as a place of worship. Thf 
first building was a plain log house. The 



1034 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



second church was also of logs, but it was built 
in a more attractive style. It was rough-cast 
on the outside. Its general appearance was 
that of a two-story building and it was supplied 
with a gallery after the manner of that day. 

The Lutheran congregation has had as pastor 
the Rev. B. D. Zweitzig for the past twenty 
years. Some of the ministers who preceded 
him were the Revs. Ditzler, Harple, Wagner, 
Miller and Minnieh. The earlier service was 
the same as that of other Lutheran congrega- 
tions in this part of the county. This was also 
the case of the Reformed congregation. The 
Reformed pastors within the recollection of 
present members were the Revs. William Pauli, 
A. L. Herman, Fred. Herman, J. W. Steinmetz 
and the present pastor, S. A. Leiubach. The 
congregation has about one hundred and seven- 
ty-five members. 

BuKiAL.s. — Among other interments in the 
St. John's Cemetery the following are noted : 

Burn. Died. 

Samuel Hain 171)5 1879 

Jacob Engel 1795 1870 

Jacob Dunkel 1794 1880 

David Hottenstein 1796 1880 

Jacob Rahn 1790 1874 

Isaac Fisher 1775 1864 

Catherine Fisher 1780 1879 

Benjamin Staudl 1797 1876 

SallieHuy 1796 1870 

Abraham Hotienstein 1793 1872 

Elizabeth Hottenstein 1795 1881 

John Keim 1798 1867 

Catherine (Mohr) Keim 1799 1876 

John Grett 1794 1863 

William Hottenstein 1791 1800 

John Hallenback 1783 1861 

Bennewell Meugel 1816 1860 

Samuel De Turk 1792 1864 

George Hinkel 1781 1864 

John Moser 1782 1847 

George Dunkel 1776 1841 

Charlotte Dunkel 1780 1852 

Mary (Dunkel) Parvin 1811 1878 

Jacob Graefr. 1762 1840 

Isaac Graeff. 1803 1843 

James Anderson 1784 1853 

John Henry HefTuer 1763 1830 

Elizabeth Heffner 1766 1843 

Philip Snyder 1768 1841 

Adam Rahn 1762 1842 

Margaret (Snyder) Rahn 1760 1853 



Daniel Maurer 1774 1832 

John Huy 1784 1840 

JohnGernant 1788. 1864 

John Jacob M..hr 1769 1827 

Susan (Huy) Mohr 1779 1849 

John Jacob Huy 17S1 1826 

John Gernant..! 1749 • 1821 

AnnaGernant 1765 1830 

Jacob Huy 1748 1820 

Jacob Eugel 17-53 1800 

Henry Shucker 1765 1801 

John Schaetler 1771 1820 

Catherine Schaeffer 1789 1861 

Nicholas Schaeffer 1736 1796 

Catherine SchaetTer 1745 1811 

J. Henry Moll 1777 1865 

Elizabeth Moll 1776 18.56 

Henry Moll 1734 1801 

John Stoudt 1737 1801 

Christian Fox 1746 1814 

Jacob Schalter 1777 18.53 

Frantz B. Schalter 1735 1813 

Susan Schalter 1784 1841 

Jacob Rahn 1757 1823 

Benjamin Hottenstein 1764 1844 

Peter Addams 1784 18-52 

Barbara (Eckert) Addams 1787 1842 

Henry Hottenstein 1796 1815 

John George Alspach 1779 1863 

Jacob Seidel 1776 1846 

Elizabeth Seidel 1786 1843 

Sebastian Phillips 1775 1843 

Isaac Addams 1779 1844 

Catherine (Eckert) Addams.. 1780 1841 

Catherine Zoller 1847 

Trinity Church (Reformed and Luth- 
eran). — This house of worship has a beautiful 
location in the eastern })art of Leesport. It was 
founded in 1867 and then erected, at a cost of 
nearly twenty thou.sand dollars, in which the 
congregations prospered until the night of De- 
cember 2-5, 1872, when it was destroyed by a 
fire, resulting from an overheated furnace, 
warmed for the Christmas exercises of that 
evening. Not disheartened, though feeling the 
loss keenly, steps were at once taken to rebuild 
it and the present house was erected the follow- 
ing year under the direction of Reuben Werner 
and John V. Epler as a building committee. It 
is of brick, built in modern style, and while not 
as large nor as fine as the first house, it is of 
ample proportions and attractive in appearance. 
It was completed at a cost of about .$12,000. 
The trustees in 188-5 were Abraham Kauffman, 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1035 



William Rahn, Daniel Schlegel, Jared Miller, 
and David L. Fetherolf, secretary. 

The Lntheran congregation, numbering about 
one hundred and thirty members, has had the 
jiastoral service of the Rev. B. D. Zweitzig 
many years. The Reformed congregation has 
the Rev. Samuel A. Leinbach as pastor. Both 
congregations have had the same ministers as 
those officiating at St. John's Church. A very 
l^rosperous and largely attended Sunday-school 
is connected with Trinity Church. A short 
distance from it is a well-kept cemetery of four 
acres, opened by a church in 1868. 



RICHMOND TOWNSHIP. 

The district of territory now comprising the 
township of Richmond was settled at the same 
time as the surrounding townships, and gene- 
rally with the same class of people. The names 
of the first settlers will appear fz'om the list of 
members who connected themselves with the 
Moselem Church in 1746. It was known as a 
district before the county was erected, in 1752. 
A survey of the territory was made whilst it 
was a part of Philadelphia County, the bearings 
and distances of the large tract surveyed hav- 
ing been as follows : 

"Beginning at a corner of Maiden Creek township 
on the bank of the Maiden Creek, about 200 perches 
below the outlet of Moselem Creek ; thence along 
.said township S. E. 1370 perches, and thence S. C5 
W. 50 perches to a corner of the M mor of Ruscomb ; 
thence along said manor land, S. E. 132 ps., No. 65 
E. 500 ps., andS. E. 123 ps., to a corner of a district 
subsequently named Rockland ; thence along said 
district N. E. 620 ps., to a corner of Maxatawny town- 
•sliip ; thence along said township N. W. 880 ps., and 
N. E. 200 ps., to a corner of a district subsequently 
named Greenwich, thence N. 30 W. 590 ps. to the 
Sacony Creek, and thence down the Sacony and the 
Maiden Creek to the place of beginning, containing 
12,480 acres." 

This district was then called Musseeley 
(Moselem) after the creek running through its 
central portion. I could not ascertain from the 
records of Philadelphia County when the town- 
ship, by the name mentioned, was erected. 

It is probable that the proceedings for the 
erection of the township were not successful at 
that time. The surveyor, in preparing the 



draft, did not affix a date or even his name. 
Benjamin Lightfoot was doubtless the surveyor. 
The township, by the name of Richmond was 
organized sub.sequently, supposed to have been 
in 1755. The lines were the same as men- 
tioned. In the erection of Greenwich town- 
ship the lines on the north were changed, and a 
number of acres inclined with that township. 
The lines along Ruscomb-mauor and Rockland 
were changed so as to add a considerable area 
of land to Richmond township, the former in 
1839 and the latter in 1840. This was done to 
accommodate the townships in respect to roads, 
taxes, etc. 

The township comprises some of the finest 
farms in the county. Valuable deposits of iron- 
ore have contributed much to its wealth, the 
prominent mines lieing the Moselem, Rothermel 
and Heifner. These mines were worked at an 
early period in the history of the county. A 
forge, known as the " Moselem Forge," was in 
existence as early as 1767, and occupied a site 
on the Moselem creek in the vicinity of the 
furnace. 

The borough of Fleetwood was erected out 
of a portion of the township in the extreme 
southern section. 

Taxables of 1759. — The following li.st con- 
tains the taxable inhabitants of the township in 
the year 1759. Dcwald Beaver was the col- 
lector, and the tax levied amounted to £41 Is. Gd. 



Freiierick Brown 1 

Melchior Brown 4 

Henry Burkard 2 

Jacob Beaver 3 

Deobald Beaver 10 

Peter Biehl 10 

John ClaU3 4 

Frederick Cramer 2 

Henry Dilboue 4 

Peter Dilbouc 2 

George Michael Derr 1 

Stephen Ueisher. 

Heni-y Eartly 6 

David Ely 12 

Peter EtUeman 1 

George Fonlk 4 

Jacob Foust 3 

Peter Gr«enawald 8 

Michael Hessler 2 

Christian Hoffman 3 

Henry Heffner 9 

George Heffley 7 

Frederick Hill 19 

Daniel High 12 

Valentine Hoffman 1 

Charles Heylman 1 

Derrick Johueton 56 



David Kamp G 

Henry Kelkner 12 

Nichohis Kiefer 3 

Abraham Kiefer 12 

Michael Kelchner 2 

Jacob Lnpler 2 

Vincent Lesher 7 

Conrad Miller 10 

Peter Merkle 16 

George Merckle 22 

Andreas Milsleagle 2 

Casper Merckle.. 7 

George Merckle 3 

Christian Merckle 4 

George Men^kle, Jr 2 

Nicholas Merckle 1 

George Nutts 3 

George Owl 2 

Adolf Peter 2 

Richard Peters 30 

John Ressler 3 

Bidtzer Reeni 9 

Christopher Rodarmel 6 

Michael Reaver 3 

John Rodarmel 10 

Nicholas Ransh I 

Jacob .Shoemaker & 



1036 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Philip Sous 2 

Peter Sjwliu 3 

OhriatiaD Shich 2 

George Shaffer 10 

Ohristiim Schloagle 6 

Nicholas Barron. 
Peter Grub. 
Philip Grub. 
Michael Grist. 



Jarob Dreibelbis 30 



Michael William 3 

George Zerr 2 



Michael Gellinger. 
(Jbristopber Riuli. 
Jacob Shcrer. 
.T.acob WaTiner. 



Early Settlers. — On tlie Jonathan Sliel- 
lenherger form, at Fleetwood, the Dreibelbis 
family made a settlement in 1740, coming from 
Hanne.sthal, (jermany. Daniel Dreibelbis had 
.sons named Daniel, Abraham and Jacob. The 
first settled at Milton, Pa. ; the second in 
Schuylkill County ; and Jacob married a 
Merlcel, and lived near Virginsville. Here he 
reared sons named Jacob, John, Samuel, William 
and David, the latter still living at a verv old 
age. The Leshers and HetTners .settled in 
Greenwich, but .some of the descendants early 
became identified with the history of Ricli- 
mond. 

John and Henry Stein .settle<l on the Sacony, 
in Richmond, on what is now the Fegely farm. 
The former had sons named Jacob, Peter, 
Daniel, Benjamin and Solomon, all decea.sed. 
Jacob died in Greenwich at the age of eighty 
years. He was the father of Adam Stein. 

The Leibelsperger family settled on the State 
road at Moselem Springs. Jonathan Leibel- 
sperger became ninety-two years old. 

On Moselem Creek lived the Merkel family, 
who were large land-owners, the George Merkel 
tract at one time embracing one thousand three 
hundred acres. He had a mill above the 
present Merkel mansion, which was built in 
1768, and this has been repaired so that it is 
still in excellent condition. The present Merkel 
Mill, below the old mansion, was built in 1856 
by Samuel Merkel, its owner, and also the 
owner of the homestead. The mill is a large 
stone building. A di.-stillery at this point has long 
since been abandoned. 

Moselem Mines, Etc. — On the.samestream, 
and about half a mile from where it empties 
into the Maiden Creek, A^alentine Eckort had 
gri.st and .saw-mills, and at an early day built a 
small charcoal furnace. It had a very small 
stack an<l the oi)eratioiis were carried on in a 
limited way. Eckert owned thousands of acres 



of land in Richmond and surrounding town- 
ships which embarrassed him so that it was put 
up at a forced sale. When Nicholas Hunter 
became the owner, he began work on a much 
larger scale and for his time operated ex- 
tensively. He improved the water-power, and 
converted the timber on the surrounding hills 
into charcoal. The ore was obtained from the 
mines near by, which he more fully developed. 
In 1847 he erected a new furnace, which, in an 
improved condition, still remains. Its capacity 
is from seventy-five to one hundred and twenty- 
five tons of iron per week. In this enterprise 
his sons became associated with him, and after- 
ward owned and operated the furnace. The 
water-power was applied by him to improve 
grist and .saw-mills, except so much as was 
pumped into a large reservoir on an adjoining 
hill for a system of water-works to protect the 
furnace and its surroundings against fire. At 
different points hydrants have been erected, from 
which a stream can be thrown upon any of the 
buildings in the place. 

In 1885 the plant embraced the furnace and 
its necessary building.s, grist and saw-mills, 
store and hotel buildings, a very fine mansion 
in spacious grounds and about forty tenement 
houses In addition, there were seven hundred 
a(;res of land, forming three farms, one of which 
contains several valuable ore-mines, provided 
with the necessary machinery for working the 
same. The furnace has been out of blast since 
1883. The other interests are carried on under 
the management of J. H. Druckerailler. A 
siding connects the furnace with Moselem 
station, on the railroad, distant one-fourth of a 
mile. The furnace property has had a number 
of changes of ownership. In 1871 Jacob and 
Henry Bushong, Jacob K. Spang and W^ilson 
Kaufman, as Bu.shong & Co., became the pro- 
prietors, and they four years later sold it to the 
Moselem Iron Company, which then carried on 
the furnace. This company laid out town lots 
in 1875 for village purpo.ses. Upon the dissolu- 
tion of the company, soon afterward, Leibrand 
& McDowell succeeded to the ownership, and 
were followed, December 18, 1884, by the 
present proprietors, C. H. Shebel & C. H. 
Stelwagon. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1037 



The Mo&elem ore-beds are in that part of 
Ilichmond in which the level lands of the 
Maxatawny Valley meet the gravel hills, south- 
east of the centre of the township, and cover 
several hundred acres of land. Most of this 
was originally owned by John G. Gloss, but 
since 1830 by Samuel and John G. Kaufman. 
The ore is a fine brown hematite imbedded in 
red clay, assays from forty-five to fifty per cent, 
of iron, and produces an almost neutral metal. 
The development of this mineral has gi\'eu em- 
j)!oyment to a large number of men the past 
fifty years, and the mines promise to be a source 
of wealth for a long time to come. The product 
has been as high as fifteen thousand tons per 
year, but since 1885 only two of the eigiit 
washers have been in use. 

At the furnace is Moselem post-office, estab- 
lished in 1856. The first office was called 
Nora, after one of Hunter's daughters. It has 
a daily mail. 

Moselem Springs. — In the townshi]) there 
are several natural features which deserve par- 
ticular notice. On the Kutztown road, on the 
farm of R. Weidenhammer, one and one-half 
miles from Mo.selem Springs post-office, the large 
JMo.selem Springs are located, being the source 
of Moselem Creek. The volume of water flow- 
ing from them is very large and clear as crys- 
tal. When the country was first settled the set- 
tlers found both the spring and creek well sup- 
j)lied with brook trout. Tlie Indians, on this 
account, gave it the name of Maschilimehannc. 
(Mo-selem), signifying a trout stream. The 
creek affords excellent water-power and is alto- 
gether one of the finest streams in the county. 

Crystal Cave. — Along the Sacony there is 
a singular limestone formation in which there 
are numerous crevices, several of them, thus far 
discovered, having the nature of caves. They 
are overlaid with a loose, shaly soil which per- 
mits the water to percolate through them and 
form numerous cry.stalline olijects. One of these 
caves, near Virgiusville, was discovered many 
years ago, and its mouth was opened so as to 
])ermit easy entrance. It was described, in 1840, 
as being in the edge of a cultivated field on the 
brow of a hill. " Passing into it, the adven- 
turer descends about fifty yards by a rough, 



narrow passage, and then turns to the left at an 
acute angle with the passage. After proceeding 
about thirty yards farther, he enters the great 
ciiamber, about fifty feet long, twenty wide and 
fifteen to twenty high, in a rock of limestone. 
Near the end of this chamber, opposite to the en- 
trance, is the altar, a large mass of stalactite, 
which rings under the hammer, and is translu- 
cent." This cave was popularly known as the 
Dragon's Cave many years wgo. It has lately 
been much neglected and entrance can be had 
only with great difficulty. Its existence has 
almost been forgotten in the discovery of a 
much larger cave about two miles from Virgius- 
ville, and which has not improperly been called 
Crystal Cave. It was discovered November 12, 
1871, while John Gehret and Gideon Merkel 
were engaged in quarrying stone on the farm of 
the latter, to burn lime in a kiln near by. After 
making a blast they were a.stonished to find a 
large opening leading to hidden reces.ses beyond, 
the extent of which was not apparent without 
an exploration. This they were emboldened to 
make in the course of a few days, and they found 
the cavern to be of large size and stored with the 
most beautiful stalactites and stalagmites in 
every conceivable form. A more extended ex- 
jJoration was raade'by S. D. F. Kohler, an am- 
ateur geologist, who resided in the neighbor- 
hood, and he was so favorably impressed with 
the cave, as an object of natural curiosity and 
beauty, that he purchased the farm and opened 
the cave to the inspection of the public. He 
removed numerous impediments and provided 
easy passages and stairways until the subterra- 
nean passages were improved to the extent of 
more than one thousand feet. Large numbers 
of visitors then came from all parts of the 
country, and they were delighted witii the 
sights they beheld. In addition to the large 
corridors, whose roofs were overhung with glit- 
tering stalactites, there are in different parts of the 
cave, forms whi(^h closely resemble a " Mummy 
Chamber," a " Preacher," a " Cemetery," a 
" Woman in White " and an " Angel's Wing." 
When the cave is fully illuminated it does not 
require a vivid imagination to conjure up a 
number of other beautiful forms. Many of the 
smaller crystals have been removed and con- 



1 038 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



verted into numerous beautiful objeotis, which 
are exposed for sale as mementoes of a visit to 
this interesting spot. Very fine springs are 
situated near the cave and a large hotel has been 
erected for the accommodation of visitors. 

CHURCHES. 

Ziox's Lutheran Church (Moselem).— 
This aucient house of worship is located two 
and a half miles east of Yirgiusville, near the 
line of Maxatawny township. Its plan is an- 
tique, patterned, doubtless, after the Lutheran 
Church at the Trappe, said to be the oldest of 
that denomination in America. The present 
church was built in 1761, the rear wall being 
made hexagonal and the roof shaped to a slope 
covering it the same way. The masonry is of 
stone, procured in the neighborhood. The 
walls have resisted the elements remarkably 
well. The organ was supplied nine years after 
the building of the church. It was built by 
Tanneberger, of Lancaster, and was formally 
dedicated by Pastor 8chaum in 1770. 

The purj)ose to build an Evangelical Luth- 
eran Church in Richmond was agitated as early 
as 1739 by Christopher Kuhu, Sebastian 
Kraemcr and Jacob Hill, but before it could be 
accomplished the latter two died, leaving the 
work to be finisheil by Christopher Kuhn. In 
this he was ably assisted by his son, Dr. Adam 
Kuhn, of Lancaster County, who collected funds 
and secured a tract of one hundred acres from 
the Penns for churcli purposes.' 

Upou this land a log church was built in 

1742. It was formally dedicated January 20, 

1743, by John Valentine Kraft, at that time 
serving both as minister and school-teacher of 
the congregation. His dual services continued 
about two years, when the congregation became 
so strong that Rev. Tobias Wagner was or- 
dained as regular minister. He began in 1745 
and served sixteen years. 

He began his labors b}' perfecting the organ- 
ization of the congregation. 



' In 1741 a warrant was issiieii to Adam Simon Kuhn, 
Leonard Bieber, Wm. Killian and Christian Houseknecht, 
for one bundled and one acres ; and the patent was issued 
lo them .July 81, 1741, for the consideration of fifteen 
pounds thirteen shillings. 



The following members subscribed the churcli 
regulations on Trinity Sunday, 1746 : 

Johann Christolph Kuhn. John W. Ernst. 

George Kern. Peter Biehl. 

Charles Hafelin. David Koinb. 

John Herbst. Conrad Bauer. 

Rudolph Schlier. ' Isaac George Mauk. 

John Herrgerolj'. Casper Killian. 

Nicholas Gottschall. Daniel Konib. 

George Jacob Ohlinger. John Heisser. 

Killian Kehser. Nicholas Stein. 

John Fillis Schuss. George Fegely. 

George Bast. AV. Bauer Schaedell. 

John Frederick Kraemer. Henry HetTner. 

Michael Henninger. John Geo. Merkle. 

Hiins Michael Hauer. Geo. William Vion. 

John Frederick Heiny. Rudolph Fetter. 

John Hill. George Kelchnerr 

Leonard Koeplinger. Christian Rothermel. 

Christopher Schraeber. Peter Merkel. 

Andrew Fry. George Merkel. 

Michael Kelchner.- Casper Merkel. 

Jacob Brandsteller. John George Merkel. 

John Jacob Wagner. Jacob Henry Royer. 

Michael Hauer. John Fred. Biehl. 

Daniel Hill. George Nic. Hildebrant. 

Leonard Reber. John Jacob Klein. 

Christian Hausknecht. Gottfried Kraemer. 

Hans Jacob Hummel. John Kohler. 

John Rieger. George M. Dauber. 

Nicholas Schumacher. Henry Christolph Rick. 

Michael Schlier. George Folk. 

John Melehor Hoffa. George Hahn. " 

Melchor Fritz. George Miller. 

Daniel Bailey. Lorenz Bieber. 

Andrew Hummell. John Bast. 

A new church building was erected in 1770, 
and an organ .supplied. And a third church 
was dedicated on May 17, 1849. 

The ministers who succeeded Rev. Wagner 
were, — 

Frederick Schaum, 17(51 to 1778; D.iniel Lehman, 
1778 to 1810; John Knoske, 1811 to 1822; Conrad 
Miller, 1822 to 1829; Isaac Roller, 1829 to 1860; Ben- 
jamin E. Kramlich, 1800 to ; W. A. C. Mueller, 

1885 to . 

The congregation maintained a school as early 
as 1742, the teacher being John Valentine 
Kroft, and at an early day endeavored to 
elevate the standard of the profession by free- 
ing the teacher from other occupations which 
would distract his attention from school work. 

In 1743 the consistory declared : " That it 
is our most earnest desire that the teacher, as 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1039 



well as the preacher, shall be fairly compen- 
sated, "iso that he can live with his family like 
an honest man, without being obliged to engage 
in any business foreign to his profession. To 
this end, the teacher and the preacher shall have 
the land and the house upon it free, as long as 
they officially serve the congregation, and, as 
far as is reasonable, they may use the same as 
serves them best." 

In the latter history of the congregation a 
two-story building was erected, one room of 
which served as a school-room and the other as 
a residence for the teacher. After the accept- 
ance of the free-school system this school-house 
was leased to the directors from year to year, 
until about ten years ago. The house is still 
standing. 

St. Peter's German REFORArED Church 
is south of Moselem Creek and west of the ore- 
beds, on a fine, elevated site. A log church was 
first built in 1762 to accommodate such persons 
in Richmond township and the adjoining county 
as entertained the faith of the Reformed Church, 
the Moselem Church having been erected for 
the use of Lutherans only. In 1809 the present 
stone edifice was erected, and in essential fea- 
tures remains as put up. In 1840 the church 
was supplied with an organ. The logs of the 
old church were used in building a school- 
house, where church schools were taught, and 
later other schools maintained. The con- 
gregation, never as strong as in other localities 
in that part of the county, has been greatly 
diminished by the building of another church 
in the immediate locality in 1866, this having 
arisen from a church difficulty. For the past 
forty-eight years the Revs. Herman, father and 
son, have ministered to them in spiritual things, 
and the present pastor is the Rev. J. Sassaman 
Herman. 

Becker's St. Peter's Church (Reformed 
and Lutheran) is on the same hill as the 
church just mentioned, and several hundred 
yards from it. It stands on ground secured 
for this purpose from the farm of Henry 
Becker, whose name is used to distinguish 
it from the old church. The building is 
of fine limestone, well laid, and, although 
plain, it is attractive. Its elevated position com- 



mands a fine view of the surrounding country. It 
was erected in 186G by members who withdrew 
from the "Zion's" and the "Old St. Peter's" 
Churches, and has had flourishing congregations 
worshipping in it. The membership of the 
Lutheran congregation was reported in 1885 us 
one hundred and thirty, and that of the Ger- 
man Reformed somewhat less. Its pastor since 
the organization has been the Rev. Richard 
Appel. The pastor of the Lutheran congrega- 
tion is the Rev. F. K. Huntzinger, who suc- 
ceeded the Rev. J. Wicklein, pastor when first 
organized. 

The burial-ground coimcctcd with Becker's 
St. Peter's Church is one of the fiucst in that 
part of the county. 

St. James' Evangelical Chttrch is at 
Virginsville. It was built in 1883, but uot 
formally dedicated until Pentecost Sunday in 
1884. It is a neat, small brick building, built 
through the efforts of David Dreibelbis, Albert 
Shappley, Eli Keller, Solomon Miller, Benja- 
min Smith and Peter Adam. During the 
building of the church the Rev. Stauffer was 
the pastor, and since that time the ministers 
have been the same as those preaching in the 
church of this denomination in Albany town- 
ship. In 1885 the preachers on that circuit 
were the Revs. Weidner and Speieher. 

Roman Catholics. — Among the earliest 
settlers of Maxatawny and Richmond were a 
few Catholic families, embracing the Winks, 
Dumms and others, and a lot of ground M'as set 
apart for them, in 1740, in case they should 
wish to build a house of worship. It does not 
appear that this was ever done, and the lot re- 
verted to the proprietors, as part of the vaca!it 
lands, at that time so abundant. In the present 
century a large, plain stone building was put up 
near the Moselem Ore-Mines, which was ased 
as a Catholic Church a number of years, ser- 
vices being held at long intervals. The resi- 
dent membership was very small, and as popu- 
lation shifted, some of those who had belonged 
removed, making it impossible to continue the 
meetings with interest. After standing vacant 
a number of years, the building was demolished 
and the material removed. 



1040 



niSTOEY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



VILLAGES. 

In the southeastern part of the township is a 
small hamlet called Walnuttown, from a 
cluster of walnut-trees growing at the place. 
Here there was formerly an inn, kept in a small 
log house. Among the keepers were Josejih 
Bartholo:Bew, Nicholas Machemer, Peter Roth- 
ermel and Thomas Schneck. The house at 
present kept by Albert Strasser was built by 
Peter Rothermel. 

A mile from this place is the old village of 
Coxtown, now the thriving borough of Fleet- 
wood, of which a separate sketch is given in the 
ciiapter on the borouglis. 

Near Moseleni, and in the neighborhood of 
St. Peter's Church, there is an old tavern- 
stand kept years ago by a man named Kemp. 
A later keeper was Joel Becker, and for the 
past thirteen years Henry Becker. On the State 
road to Kutztown, where the Fleetwood road 
crosses the same, public-houses have been kept 
for many years by the Crolls, Elijah Moyer, 
^Michael Dumm and the past forty years by 
Solomon Leibelsperger and his family. The 
present hotel and store building was put up in 
1852. In the store is kept the Moselem 
Springs post-office, established in 1846, and 
which had, in 1885, Joel Leibelsperger as post- 
master. A daily mail from Fleetwood is sup- 
plied. 

ViRGiNSViLLE IS a Small village in the 
northwestern part of the township, on the 
Maiden Creek, a little below the mouth of the 
Sacony. It is a station on the Berks and 
I^ehigh Railroad, and has had its greatest 
growth since the completion of the railway. 
The ])lace contains three taverns, a store, a 
number of fine residences and a church. The 
first regular store in this locality was opened in 
1809 by William Dreibelbis, and about the 
same time an inn was opened by the Lesher 
family. The Dreibelbis family has been more 
or less engaged in trade here since. A store is 
now carried on by Abraham Mengel. In it is 
kept the Virginsville post-office, established 
in 1839, and of which Jackson Dreibelbis 
was the postmaster in 1885. Joseph De Young 
had a store here first, selling goods on a small 
scale. He also entertained the public. William 



Dreibelbis became his successor, and kept a 
public-house from 1844 to 1871. This house is 
now kept by Gu.stavus Dreibelbis. The fine 
three-story brick hotel, called the "Mansion 
House," was opened to the public in 1885, by 
Eli Hein. Since 1851 Simon Dreibelbis has 
had a public-house in Perry, near Virginsville. 
The past twelve years Dr. D. M. L. Fritch 
has been a practitioner of medicine at Virgins- 
ville. 



MAXATAWNY TOWNSHIP.' 

The Indians loved the Maxatawny country, 
and lingered there long after they had left 
other parts of the county, maintaining a fi-iendlv 
attitude towards the settlers. They had a place 
of burial in what is now a field of the Charles 
Deisher farm, and a tradition prevails that 
many hundreds of them were buried there, 
including their implements of warfare. Many 
relics were taken from that place in years gone 
by. Frequent cultivation of the ground has 
almost entirely obliterateil the evidences that it 
was once their burial-place. There is a tra- 
dition that a stalwart Indian remained .several 
years after the others had gone, as if loth to 
leave the .scenes of his childhood. He was 
known by the unpoetic name of " Kneebuckle," 
and he lived on the banks of the Sacony, sub- 
sisting on the fish and game which his skillful 
hands enabled him to capture. He was kind 
in his dealings with the early settlers and 
beloved by those who knew him. He sud- 
denly disiippeared. The beautiful lands of 
Maxatawny invited many immigrants at a very 
early period. 

First Taxarles. — Prior to 1734 there 
lived in Maxatawny the following persons who 
owned land and paid quit-rents : 



Moses Starr. 
Joseph Wily. 
Isaac Starr. 
Nehemiab Hutton. 
Jacob Hottcnstein. 
Peter Andreas. 



Peter Trexler. 
Hans Hage. 
Johannes Siegfried. 
Nicholas Kutz. 
Abr'm Zimmerman. 
Jost H. Sassaman. 



'The author is indebted to Prof. J. S. Ermentrout's 
sketch of Kutztown and Manalnwny for valuable iaforma- 
tion in connection with this township. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1041 



Jacob Levan. 
Jacob Kemp. 
Wilhelra Gross. 
Casper Wink. 
C. Mabnenschmidt. 
Jacob Hill. 
Isaac Leonard. 



Andre.'is Fischer. 
Heinrich Hartman. 
Michael Mueller. 
H. Kleimer (Clymcr). 
Heinrich Scliade. 
Jeremiah Trexler. 
Bastian Ferr. 



Thi.s township was settled immediately after 
the land was released by the Indians. It was 
failed a new district in 1734, by the name of 
Maxatawny. It had no constable then. 

Township Erfxted. — A petition was pre- 
sented to the Court of Quarter Sessions of 
Philadelphia County on September 6, 1742, 
praying for the erection of a new township out 
of a part of said county. The survey of the 
tract of land propo.sed for the township was 
made by George Boone, Esq., a draft of which 
was attached to the petition ; and William Par- 
sons, surveyor-general of the province, certified 
that the survey did not interfere with any other 
township. And the township was erected on 
the same day. The following statement is a 
copy of the record in the office of the court 
mentioned. The petition could not be found. 

"Upon the Petition of several of the Inhabitants 
of the County of Philadelphia, situate at a Place 
called Maxatawny, setting forth that they had been 
settled in that part of this County for several yeiirs 
and paid Taxes and County Levies, and that the said 
Place is now become very populous, praying this 
Court would be pleased to view and examine a 
Draught of a Tract of Land to the said Petition an- 
nexed, and would erect the same into a Township by 
the following Bounds, viz: Beginning in Bucks 
County Line and from thence running South West 
one thousand seven hundred and sixty perches ; 
thence North West one thousand three hundred and 
sixty perches ; thence North East one thousand seven 
hundred and sixty perches to Bucks County Line; 
thence along the same South East one tliousand three 
hundred and sixty perches to the place of Beginning, 
containing fourteen thousand nine hundred and sixty 
Acres of Land. 

" The Court having taken the said petition into 
consideration and the Surveyor-General of this 
province having certified to the Court that the sev- 
eral Courses and bounds of said Township petitioned 
for do not interfere with any other Township, The 
said Tract of Land bounded as aforesaid, containing 
fourteen thousand nine hundred and sixty Acres of 
Land, is now erected by this Court into a Township 
liy the name of Maxatawny." ' 



1 The nnnie of the township was derived from an Indian 
word, Mucliksdhanne, meaning Bear's Path Creek. 



Taxables of 1759. — The following list 
comprises the taxable inhabitants of the town- 
ship for the year 1759. The amount of tax 
then levied was £11. Andrew Hauck was the 
collector : 



.Tohn Bast 10 

Anthony Bennshigcr 4 

George Bader 12 

Conrad Bader 11 

Teterlch Bever 10 

John Bever 11 

Midiael Bower 3 

Peter Brown .') 

Henry Christ 13 

'Blichael Christian 14 

Frederick Delaplank 2.5 

Peter Belong 11 

.lolin Belong 6 

Anthony Fisher 10 

William Grose 10 

Nicholas Harmony 16 

John Hartman 15 

John Hill 16 

Henry Hagh '. U 

Andreas Hagh. 20 

David Hnttenstein 23 

Conrad Ilenninger 13 

John Hargemder IG 

Julius Kerlier 6 

Deobald Kempt 20 

Nicholas Kutz 10 

Adam Kutz 10 

Thomas Kutz 10 

Caspar Killian 2 

Dei-at Kersner 4 

Charles Koru 3 



Anthony Altman 2 

George Brenig 2 

Jacob Bauer. 2 

Christian Baum 2 

Daniel Dosser 2 

George Esser 3 

Andreas Hagh, Jr 1 

Philip Hain 2 

Michael Henninger 2 

John Huth 3 

Leonard Kern 2 

Jacob Kamerer 2 

Henry Lutz 2 

John Miller 2 

David Musgenig 1 



Widow Kemp • 10 

George Kutz 18 

Jacob Kutz 17 

Jacob Kraul 15 

Philip Kraul 9 

Sebastian Levan 23 

Daniel Levan 25 

Jacob Levan, Ksq 31 

Henry LncUenbill 9 

Conmd Manesmitb Ifi 

Nicholas Moffly 10 

Michael Ott 1 

< hristopher Road 7 

George Sassimianhouse 10 

Andreas S.issHniauhonse 7 

Henry Sassnmanhouse 12 

Joseph Siegfticil 2(1 

Baltzer Sweiick 2 

.John Siegfried 21 

Peter Sherer 22 

Jacob Sheradeen 14 

Paul Sheradeen 5 

George Sell 12 

Caspar Smith 5 

Nicholas Shoneaker 2 

Henry Wetstoue 13 

Dewald Wink 1!) 

Kichard Wistar 25 

Christian Wanner 5 

Abram Ziumierman 10 

Bastian Zimmerman 23 



Jacob Moyer 1 

Daniel Ort 3 

Leonard Saul 2 

Christopher Slenker 2 

Martin Sea 2 

John Smals 2 

Peter Stutz 2 

Jacob Sharadin 2 

Christopher Urban 1 

George Weser 2 

John Weser 1 

Jacob Wildraut 2 

Joseph Wild 1 

George Wild 2 

Peter Will 2 



William Adleruan. 
George Bader. 
Jacob Belong. 
George Etzler. 
Joseph Gross. 
Frederick Hauseman. 
Michael Kelt. 



Single Men. 

Jacob Kootz. 
Conrad Metzger. 
Peter Mincb. 
Philip Roth. 
George Steinbrook. 
Jacob Steliimal. 
Michael Steinborn. 



Early Promixent Families. — During the 
early history of the township the most promin- 
ent public men were the Levans, the Zimmer- 
mans, the Gehrs, the Groscups and the Hotten- 
steins. 

Jacob Levan was one of the county justices from 



1042 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1752 to 1760; Sebastian Levan was a member 
of the Provineial Committee for Pennsylvania 
in 1775. Sebastian Zimmerman was a ronnty 
jiistiee from 17C7 to 1771, and again from 1778 
to 1784. Baltzer Gehr held numerous public 
offices, as is elsewhere shown, and Paul Gros- 
cup was scarcely less prominent ; he was one of 
the best penmen in his day. The Hottensteins 
arfi of noble origin and came to America in 
1727, settling first in Olcy, but three years later 
in Maxatawny, where they leased from the pro- 
prietors upwards of five hundred acres of land. 
The Levaus became a numerous family, and 
owned many tracts of land. Jacob and John 
Levan lived near Kutztown, where some of their 
descendants still own the original settlement. 
Others lived in the western part of the town- 
ship, where they had the first mill, and inter- 
married with the Siegfried ftimily, also early 
settlers and large land-owners, in what is still 
known as Siegfried's Dale. At one time the 
two families had more than a thousand acres of 
the choicest lands, lying in diflTerent tracts. The 
Biebers, from Chester County, were early set- 
tlers near Kutztown, John Bieber being one of 
the older members. Another family by that 
name, having among them John and Dewalt, 
came from Montgomery County and settled 
north of the Kemj) tavern. On the opposite 
side lived Nicholas Kutz, and his son Nicholas, 
who were not of the same family as George 
Kutz, the founder of Kutztown. Members of 
both families still remain in the township. At 
Kemp's tavern Daniel Levan and his son 
Daniel lived until 17S8, when George Kemp 
became the owner, continuing the tavern already 
opened. He was- a justice of the peace thirty- 
four years, and his son John for twenty years, 
living still on the homestead at an advanced age. 
The former was the grandson of Dewalt Kemp, 
who settled on the farm now owned by Nathan 
Kemp about 1730. His daughters married into 
the Hottenstein and Bieber families. 

Casper Wink, married to Gertrude Kemp, 
was also one of the early settlers. They reared 
six children ; Catherine, the eldest daughter, 
born in 1728, and Theobald, the eldest son, in 
1733. The latter was the father of sons named 
Philip, John, Peter, Jacob (a Revolutionary 



soldier) and Dewalt. His daughters married 
Isaac Roberts, Jacob Levan, John Heidcii- 
reich (fatherof Judge Wm.S.Heidenreich), John 
Hausman and Daniel Kemp. A brother of Theo- 
bald Wink, John Peter, born in 1745, went to the 
Revolutionary War and never returned. Dewalt 
Wink, son of Theobald, born in 1776, was 
married to a daughter of George A. Fister, also 
a Revolutionary soldier, and who was the grand- 
father of Colonel Thomas D. Fister. He was the 
father of eleven sons and two daughters, among 
the former being John G. Wink, of Kutztown; 
Casper Wink was a Catholic and a faithful 
colonist, having his allegiance certified, which 
reads as follows : 

" I do hereby certify that Casper Wink, of Berks 
County, State of Pennsylvania, hath voluntarily taken 
and subscribed the oath of allegiance and P^idelity, as 
directed by an Act of General Assembly of Pennsyl- 
vania, passed on the 13th day of June a.d. 1777. 

"Witness my hand and se.al, the 26th day of May, 
A.D. 1778. 

" Peter Teexlee, Esq." 

A similar paper was procured by Davold 
(Theobald) Wink November 3, 1777, and was 
attested by Samuel Ely. These interesting 
papers are now in possession of John G. Wink. 
Casper Wink was buried on his farm, which is 
still owned by a member of the family in the 
sixth generation. 

Jacob Hinterleiter was a large land-owner 
near Topton. He was the father of Daniel 
Hinterleiter, of Kutztown, born in 1800, and 
grandfather of W. C. Hinterleiter. George, 
another son, moved to New York. 

At Eagle Point the Kroningers were early 
settlers. One of the family, Daniel, became a very 
old man. John George Sell, living near Kutz- 
town, also became very aged. At Bowers 
the De Long family were early and prominent 
settlers, the church at that place being often 
called by that name. 

Southeast of Kutztown lived Peter Wanner 
(born where Fleetwood now is), who also became 
very old, dying at the age of ninety-two years. 
He was the father of sons named Peter, Daniel, 
Samuel, Thomas and John, the latter being the 
father of J. Daniel Wanner and Dr. ('harlos H. 
Wanner, of Kutztown, and of Amos B. Wan- 
ner, of Reading. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1043 



Numerous other old settlers in the towuship 
attained a great age, bordering on a century. 

Revolutionary History. — In reference 
to the Revolutionary history of the township, 
Professor Ermcntrout says, — 

"In the War for Independence, Maxatawny was 
not passive. 

" From John G. Wink, one of the most intelligent 
citizens of Maxatawny, we learn that Washington's 
army marched through Kutztown. Eye-witnesses 
informed him that it came from Easton, and encamped 
for a time in the valley between the present residence 
of John Kemp, Esq., and the farm of Daniel Zimmer- 
man in Maxatawny. Wiishington and his wife were 
with the soldiers. Mrs. Sassaman, for some years 
deceased, used to delight in telling her visitors that 
Mrs. Washington, who lodged in the house of her 
father, Joseph Gross, lifted her on her lap, and 
soothed her with caresses. On their way from Trenton, 
by way of Easton, to the well-Ijnown camp at Read- 
ing, the captured Hessians were marched through 
Kutztown. 

" It is interesting also to know that, whilst the 
battle at Germantown, 1777, was raging, the thunders 
of the cannon fell upon the ears of the inhabitants of 
Kutztown and vicinity ; that after the battle of 
Brandywine, 1777, a regiment of the American army 
encamped on the farms now owned by the Hotten- 
steins, and, on leaving, impressed the horses and 
wagons of the people ; and that George Kemp, Esq., 
was one of the wagon-masters who were present at- 
the battle of Germantown. 

" In Maxatawny there were still living in 1840 the 
following Revolutionary pensioners: Henry Grim, 
aged seventy-five ; Frederick Bower, eighty-three ; 
Jacob Wink, eighty-two ; Philip Noyes, eighty-four ; 
Christian Schmick, seventy-six. To this list we add 
the names of William Marx, Sr., and son, William, 
Casper Wink (buried on Squire Kemp's farm), Jacob 
Esser, Peter Kutz, George Pfister, Peter Wink, Philip 
Wink and Doldridge. On January 7, 18.57, Matthias 
Roth died in Rockland township, aged seventy-eight 
years. On the last Monday of November, 1836, an- 
other died, Peter Klein, Esq., of Greenwich town- 
ship, aged seventy-seven years, who was buried at 
Dunkel's Church. 

" On the farm of J. Bieber, Jr., in Maxatawny, stands 
the Mammoth White Oak of Berks. It may be justly 
called the Centennial White Oak of Pennsylvania. 
On the 15th of September, 1877, one hundred years 
will have passed by since the baggage train of General 
Washington's army, on its retreat from the battle- 
field of Germantown, sought and found protection 
under and around this Revolutionary tree. It is said 
that two centuries have looked upon this oak ; and 
competent judges assure us that it is now sturdy 
enough to defy the storms of another hundred years. 



and may wave its branches in honor of the Centennial 
of 1976. One foot above the ground it measures 
twenty-eight feet in circumference, and ten feetabo\e 
it begins to stretch forth twenty-seven limbs, some of 
which are three feet in diameter." 

Taverns. — The oldest tavern in the town- 
ship and first opened to the public is the 
" Kemp Tavern," one mile from Kutztown, on 
the Easton road. It was opened probably as 
early as 1740, by Daniel Levan, and since 
1788 has belonged to the Kemp family. George 
Kemp kept the tavern fifty-two years and was 
succeeded by his son, John, who still owns the 
property. For many years the '' Half- Way 
Hou.se" in Richmond townshij), and this one 
were the only public-houses on the State road 
between Reading and Allentown. Part of the 
present hou.se was built by George Kemp in 
1795, and the addition by John Kemp in 1852. 
It is a long stone building, and though large, 
was often taxed to its uttermost to accommodate 
the many travelers who visited or pa.ssed 
through that .section before the era of railroads. 
Not only were all the sleeping rooms occupied, 
but the bar-room was frequently filled with 
sleeping teamsters and peddlers. In this part 
of the township Dr. David Hottenstein was a 
practicing physician many years and was fol- 
lowed by his grandson, Oscar Hottenstein, now 
in practice at that place. Farther up the State 
road, in the Zimmerman neighborhood, George 
Bohn had a .store from 1817 on for the next 
eighteen years, when the place was converted 
into farm property. Soon after 1800, when the 
State road was extended through this section, 
the Siegfried Inn (north of Kroningersville) 
was opened to afford entertainment for the 
public. It has been maintained since. 

INDUSTRIES. 

Mills. — On the Sacony, below Kutztown, 
the Bieber family had a pioneer mill, John W. 
Bieber being for a long time the owner. In a 
repaired condition this grist-mill (with saw-mill 
attached) is now operated by Charles Kutz. 
The first mill in Maxatawny was on Mill 
Creek, near the hamlet of Eagle Point, and 
owned by Jacob Levan. A new mill, on the 
same site, is now the property of Charles Levan. 
Near by was formerly a tannery, also carried. on 



1044 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



by the Levans, but long since discontinued, 
John Levan having been the last to operate it. 
Another mill, on the same stream, was built by 
Daniel Siegfried and after a time also became 
the property of the Levans and is now owned 
by George Levan. That locality is locally 
hnown as Siegfried's Dale, on account of the 
early improvements made there by members of 
that family. North of Bower's, on a braucli of 
the Sacony, the Grims had a good grist-mill, 
long operated by Daniel Grim, and which is 
still carried on by the family of Charles Trex- 
ler. The present is the second mill, a substan- 
tial stone building. 

Furnaces. — The East Penn Furnaces, at 
Lyons, were built in the summer of 1871, on 
sixteen acres of land, secured from tiie farm of 
Daniel Angstadt, by the East Penn Iron Com- 
jiany, whicli had among its members John 
Deisher, William Grim, David Kern, Benjamin 
Ilelfricii, Amos Barto, Daniel Angstadt, Levi 
Kutz and Jacob Haag. John T. Noble, of 
Pottsville, Pa., M-as the contractor and builder. 
This large establishment cost over two hundred 
fliousand dollars. "Franklin Brownback was 
the first manager for tiie com|)any. It was oper- 
ated for four years and then the propertv passed 
into the hands of the Philadeli)hia and Reading 
Coal and Iron Company, which still controls it. 
A fire destroyed the engine-house and damaged 
the furnace to such an extent that it has been 
out of blast the past five years. 

At Bower's, a small furnace was erected in the 
summer of 1883, by S. Good and Jacob Smith. 
Before it was put into blast a storm destroyed 
the casting-house and otherwi.se damaged the 
property so that it has never been repaired. 
Subsequently Smith became the sole owner. 

Iron-Ore. — Iron-ore abounds in the town- 
ship and is usually of a good quality, yielding 
about forty per cent, of pure metal. On the 
Jacob Glasser farm, east of Kutztown, some of 
the first mining operations were carried on. 
Some of this ore was supplied to " Sally Ann" 
and "Mary Ann" Furnaces many years ago. 
Since 1870 mining has been carried on more 
extensively, with the aid of modern methods and 
machinery ; about sixty men are employed at 
the mines. At Rothrocksville profitable mines 



are worked. At Bower's extensive shipments 
are made by Schweyer & Leiss, the Thomp.son 
Iron Company, Isaac Bieber, C. W. Kutz and 
Kauffman & Eukert, the ore being mined within 
a radius of a few miles of that place. Extensive 
limestone quarries are operated by the Clymer 
Iron Company, of Temple, averaging fifty tons 
per day. The stone quarried there is superior 
for smelting purposes. 

Schools. — In 1852 Maxatawny accepted the 
common-school sy.stem and organized its first 
board at the house of David A. Hotten.stein, 
May 16th, of that year. The first directors 
were Sam. Kutz, Dan. Hinterleiter, Sam. Bern- 
hart, Peter Deysher, Henry Wagenhorst and 
Henrj' Heffner. At the first examination, held 
October 8, 1852, certificates were granted to 
Jacob Gehr, Benneville Stimmel, John Hum- 
bert and Jonas Hoch ; on October 23, 1851, to 
William Levan, Isaac Fisher and Samuel Ber- 
uet; on November 13th to a Mr. Fisher and 
Benjamin Dornblaser. 

Most of thedi.stricts have been provided with 
good school buildings and supplied with the 
necessary books and charts for conducting the 
schools successfully. The school-house at Lyons 
is the largest one outside of Kutztown. It is a 
two-story brick, erected in 1S76, and cost one 
thousand two hundred and forty-seven dollars. 
In it are maintained two well-attended schools. 

CHURCHES. 

Maxat.vwxy Church (Reformed and Lu- 
theran) is located at the village of Bower's. It 
is, next to the St. John's Church, at Kutztown, 
the oldest in Maxatawny, and one of the oldest 
in the eastern part of the county. For the first 
one hundred years of its existence it was the 
exclusive property of the Reformed congi-ega- 
tion, the union not having been formed until 
1859. The first house of worship was a log 
building, erected in 1759, on three acres of 
ground which had been donated for that pur- 
pose by John Sharadin, Peter De Long and 
Andreas Haag, each giving one acre, " to be 
used as long as the sun and moon shine." Sub- 
sequently additions were made to the church 
jiroperty until it now contains about eight acres, 
^lost of this is included in the cemetery, which 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1045 



is well inclosed and contains some fine mouu- 
nieuts. The first chiireh stood on this donated 
land. The second building was constructed of 
stone and was located very nearly on the site of 
the present edifice. It was erected in ] 808 and 
served its purpose until 1871, when it was 
demolished to make place for the imposing 
structure which is now the spiritual home of 
the two congregations. It is of brick, fifty by 
seventy feet, and has a stately steeple contain- 
ing a bell -weighing one thousand six hundred 
and ninety-four pounds. A smaller bell, of 
tiiree hundred and twenty pounds weight, is 
used by the Sunday-school. These bells were 
jirovided in 1872. 

The Reformed congregation had the Rev. AI. 
.1. Schalter as its fii"st minister, although he did 
not sustain a pastoral relation. Otlicrs who 
preached from 1759 to 1772 were the Revs. 

Fritz and Philip J. Michiel, neither of 

whom succeeded in building up the congrega- 
tion spiritually, and it is said " left it in a 
wretched condition." 

"As specimens of these leaders of the peojile, may 
be mentioned a Mr. Frilz, who, on one occasion, as- 
cended the pulpit of De Long Church ' in a state of 
beastly intoxication ! He announced his text : 

'If any man will come after me, let him deny him- 
self, take up his cross, and follow me.' Repeating 
his text, with emphasis, he lost his balance and 
tumbled down the high pulpit stairs, with the last 
words, ' follow me,' in his mouth ! One of the el- 
ders arose in his seat, and earnestly addressing tlie 
people, exclaimed, 'No brethren, we will not follow 
liini !' He was immediately sent away." - 

The real history of the church begins with 
1772, when the venerable Rev. John Henry 
Helferich became the pastor. His Christian 
])iety and cxamplaiy life exerted a great influ- 
ence for good in the many years of .service 
which he gave to the church. He died Decem- 
ber 5, 1810, and his remains repose in the Sas- 
.samashausen burial-ground, in Maxatawny. 
His succes.sor was the Rev. Charles G. Herman, 
beginning his ministiy in August, 1810, and 
also served the congregation until his death, in 
1863, a period covering fifty -three years. He 

' The Maxatawny Church. 

Tlarbaugh's "Lives of the Fathers of the Reformed 
Church," 242. 



was recognized as one of the ablest ministers in 
this section of tJie State. His son, the Rev. 
Alfred J. Herman, had previously begun to 
officiate as the pastor and he still faithfully 
serves the congregation. The membership is 
about four hundred. 

The Lutheran congregation had as its first 
acceptable pastor the Rev. Alfred D. Croll.'* 

His successor was the Rev. S. R. Boyer and 
since the fall of 1872, the present pastor, (he 
Rev. David K. Humbert. The congregatiou 
has about one hundred and ten members. 

Zion's CHURCii (Lutheran and Reformed), 
commonly called Siegfried's, from those who 
took an active part in its erection, is in ths 
northern part of the township. It was built in 
1828, on one and a half acres of land, a part of 
which is set aside for cemetery purposes. 
Lately, half an acre more was donated to the 
church by Mrs. Matilda Kohler. The building 
is of stone. 

The Lutheran congregation had for its first 
pastor the venerable Rev. Gottlob F. J. laeger, 
who was succeeded by the Rev. Isaac Roeller, 
and, since 1862, by the present Rev. B. E. 
Kramlich. The congregation numl^ers about 
two hundred and fifty members. 

The first pxstor of the Reformed congrega- 
tion was the Rev. Cliarles G. Herman ; the 
next the Rev. A. J. Herman, under who.se 
ministrations the congregation flourished. The 
membership is about two hundred. 

Saint Paul's Lutheran Church, of the 
East Pennsylvania Synod, at Lyons, is an off- 
spring of the old Maxatawny Chiircii. It 
was erected in 1868, being a brick edifice with 
an auditorium and basement-rooms, having a 
capacity for three hundred persons. Those 
active in building it were Levi L. Springer, 
Jacob Rohrbach, Reuben Grim, David Fisher, 
Solomon Yoder, Willoughby Fenstermaker, 
William L. Grim, Charles G. Cline and John 
Deisher. 

The Rev. Alfred D. Croll was the first pas- 
tor, continuing until his death, June 19, 1876, 
at the age of thirty-seven years. He was a 



"He left the old Pynod and connected himself with the 
East Pennsylvania Synod, in consequence of which St. 
Paul's Church at Lyons was built. 



1046 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



native of Albany township, but was reared in 
Maxatawuy. He was an eloquent minister, 
and under his pastorate the church flourished. 
The next pastor was the Rev. W. I. Cutter ; 
afterward the pulpit was filled by supplies for a 
number of years. The later ministers were 
the Revs. Edward E. Baron, J. H. Singmaster 
and the present Rev. George W. Fritch. The 
congregation numbers sixty members. 

Mr. Reed is superintendent of a Sunday- 
school which numbers eighty-five teachers and 
scholars. 

East of the village is a cemetery of two 
acres, well improved, which is the property of 
St. Paul's Church. 

Zion's Church, Evangelical Associa- 
tion, in the village of Lyons, is a plain frame 
building, twenty-eight by forty feet, which 
has as its trustees, in I880, David Fegeley, 
Solomon Fegeley and Charles Parks. The 
members number only twenty-three, and the 
ministerial service is supplied by ministers in 
the Kutztown Circuit. A Sunday-school is 
connected with the church, consisting of 
one hundred and twenty-three members, with 
David Fegeley as superintendent. 

TOWNS AND VILLAGES. 

Lyons is a thriving village favorably located 
on the East Penn Railroad, one mile west of 
Bowser's, and two and a half miles from Kutz- 
town. It was the railway station of Kutztown 
till 1870, when the branch railroad was ex- 
tended to that borough from Topton. It was 
named after M. E. Lyons, chief engineer of the 
railroad. The first improvements had been 
made before a station was located. The land 
on wliicli the village stands was owned by John 
Haag and David Kemp, who donated the depot 
grounds. Uj)ou this, John Haag built the 
railroad station-house in tiie winter of 1859. 
The depot is the shipj)ing point for a large 
scope of country lying south of the railroad. 
W. B. Lance has been the agent since 1881. 
The first building in the place was the Lyons 
hotel, put up in the fall of 1858 by Jacob 
Reichert. It has been a public-house since 
that time, Amos Barto being the present 
keeper. About five years afterward the Ameri- 



can House, a spacious three-story brick build- 
ing, was built by Jacob Mathias. 

John Haag erected the first business house, a 
few years after the building of the railroad, and 
Levi Kutz first occupied it for mercantile 
purposes. Subsequently it was enlarged and 
became the property of William Grim. Kautf- 
man & Merkel traded iu it in 1885. The next 
business stand was opened about 1870, by 
Adam Glase, in a building erected by Jacob 
Bertolet, of Oley. The mercantile firm of 
Moses & Augustus Kutz now carry on business 
there. The first grain, lumber and coal dealer 
was Jacob Haag. This business is at present 
carried on by the Hoch Bros. (Solomon, Jacob 
and Daniel). Among the first settlers and 
mechanics at Lyons were Daniel Angstadt, for- 
mer; Charles Parks, carpenter ; William Fet- 
ter, cooper ; Joseph Dry, blacksmith ; Amos 
Barto, shoemaker (and afterward miller, grain 
dealer, etc.) ; Samuel Kutz, tailor ; Henry 
Boyer, coach-maker ; Edward Reed, cabinet- 
maker and undertaker. Benjamin Helfrich 
conducted business successfully in the Bertolet 
building for some years. The growth of the place 
has not been fast, but substantial. It contains 
a number of fine residences. It is supplied with 
superior water by a company specially organized 
for that purpose. The East Penn Furnaces are 
situated half a mile to the east. In January, 
1886, there were about five hundred inhabit- 
ants. 

The Lyons post-office was established in Oc- 
tober, 1860, with Jacob Reichert as postmaster. 
The office has five mails per day and is the 
distributing point for a stage route which sup- 
plies the mails for Dryville, New Jerusalem 
and other points south. 

Among the doctors at Lyons have been Drs. 
Frederick Spang, Levi Thomson and Kunkel. 
In practice are Dr. B. A. Yeager, homoeopathist, 
and Dr. M. E. Koch, allopathist, the latter 
locating in the village in 1883. Dr. C. H. 
Thimmo is the dentist of Lyons. 

Lyons Steam ALill. — The first grist-mill at 
Lyons was built by Solomon Yoder & Son. 
It was destroyed by fire July 12, 187(j, being 
at that time the property of Amos Rapp and 
William Bieber, who rebuilt it in 1877. It 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1047 



became the property of the Hoch Bros, in 
1882. In 1885 they remodeled the mill, sup- 
plying it with six sets of roller machinery. 
The engine is forty horse-power, and the capac- 
ity is seventy-five barrels per day. The mill 
is a three-storv brick buildino-, with an engine- 
house attached. 

Lyons Creamery has been carried on by Wil- 
liam Forward since January, 1883, in tlie 
n)anufacture of gilt-edge butter, tiie product 
being about nine thousand pounds per month. 
The business was established in 1881 by Wil- 
liam Grim, Ed. Miller and Nuce & Swartley 
(the latter of Philadelphia), as the " Lyons 
Creamery Company, Limited." Tiie cieamery 
building is supplied with tiie necessary machin- 
ery, etc., and is operated by a ten horse-power 
engine. 

Societies. — Lyons Lodge, No. 102, Knights 
of Pythias, was instituted June 1, 1869. In 
1885 there were sixty members. 

Lyons Lodge, No. 634, I. O. O. F. Tiie 
membership in January, 1886, was thirty- 
seven. 

Bower's is a pleasant village in the southern 
part of the township, on a branch of the 
Sacony. It is a station on the East Pennsyl- 
vania Eailroad, with about two hundred inhabit- 
ants, a church, and a number of very fine resi- 
dences. The place was named after Jonas 
Bower, the owner of the farm on wiiich the 
village was laid out by him in 1859. That 
year he converted the farm-house, which had 
been built in 1820, into a hotel, which was 
afterward kept by Amos Bower, Jacob Hill, 
James Fegeley, Geo. B Yoder and Henry P. 
Schoedler. The first new building was put up 
in. 1859 by E. J. Knoske, a part of which be- 
came the store of the place, being first occupied 
for mercantile purposes by Boyer & Knoske. 
A large number of persons have traded there, 
among others being Levi H. Leiss and Wil- 
liam Seidel. In it was established the Bower's 
Station post-office, in June, 1860, with E. G. 
Knoske as (he first postmaster. The office is 
at present kept by Wm. F. Seidel. The ground 
for the railroad station was donated by Jonas 
Bower and Daniel Grim, and the station-house 
was built by the first agent, E. G. Knoske, who 



occupied it, in part, as a warehouse to camy on 
his business as a coal and grain dealer. It has 
since been used in the same way by the succes- 
sive agents. C. W. Kutz is the present agent. 
The only active industry of the village is the 
marble-yard of Sehweyer & Liess, established 
in 1863, by D. H. Sehweyer. That year he 
purchased the Sell mill, in Rockland township, 
and fitted up the same for sawing marble into 
shapes for dealers and cutters. In 1865, Levi 
H. Liess became a partner. Three years later 
they formed a connection with the Easton 
Marble Company, which is still maintained. 
In 1882 they purchased the blue marble quar- 
ries at " King of Prussia," in Montgomery 
County, and marble-mills at that point, which 
gave them facilities for carrying on business on a 
very extensive scale. The quarry is one of the 
best in the State. The shipments at Bower's 
amount to about twenty-five thousand dollars 
per year. Ten men are employed at the Bow- 
er's yard and at the mills in Rockland, 

Kroningersville is a small hamlet, about 
three miles from Kutztown, near the Greenwich 
line. It derived its name from Daniel Kron- 
inger, a land-owner at that point, who also car- 
ried on the coach-maker's trade. The shop is 
still kept open by the family. A store and 
tavern were started at that point, about twenty 
years ago, by J. P. T. Haas. The former has 
been discontinued, but the tavern is still carried 
on by James Mertz. In August, 1862, a post- 
office was established there with the name of 
" Eagle Point." Since that time the locality is 
frequently called by the same name. 

Monterp:y. — The first improvements ofa l)usi- 
ness nature -were made about 1830 by Israel and 
Jonathan Wertman, who opened a store, when the 
place became known as Weisport. At a later day 
Isaac L. Bieber built a tavern, which was first 
kept by one of the Wertmans. In May, 1847, 
the post-office was established, with the name 
of Monterey, and Joshua Miller as postmaster. 
The present store building was put up by 
Henry Lowe. At present James Fisher is en- 
gaged in trade, and he is also the innkeeper 
aud postmaster. A cabinet-shop was formerly 
carried on by David Zimmerman. The hamlet 
contains bat a few houses. Ten years ago a 



1048 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



CO operative store was opened under tlie au 
spices of the Patrons of Husbandly, but it was 
kept up only a short time. At present a regu- 
lar store is carried on by John G. Shofer. The 
place has a few houses and a shop. 

RoTHUocKSViLLE is situated in the town- 
ship, near the Lehigh County line, and took 
its name from its founder, Dr. Jonas Rothrock, 
au eccentric physician, who located there about 
1830. He followed his profession and at the same 
time kept a public-house. Afterwards he was a 
justice of the peace. It is said that he had a quar- 
relsome disposition and that his neighbors lived 
in dread of him In the later years of his life 
he moved to Reading, where he was an object 
of ijublic charity on account of his having be- 
come a cripj)le. He frequently visited the court- 
house and afforded the clerks much amusement. 
He was a devoted Democrat and was earnest in 
his expressions for the party. The village has 
about thirty dwellings, several mechanic-shops, 
a store and a tavern. At one time there were 
two public-houses, both having been built by 
Rothrock, who kept the new one at the same 
time that Christian Swoyer had the old one. 
The inn-keeper in 1885 was Stephen Rohr- 
bach. In this house is kept the Maxatawny 
post-office. It is supplied with a daily mail. 
The first store was kept by Daniel Clader. 
The present merchants are Stephen Smith and 
Martin CroU (Smith & Croll), who do an ex- 
tensive business. Dr. Milton Riciiards is the 
physician of the village, having located there 
several years ago. 



LONCxSWAMP TOWNSHIP. 
During the years 17;U and 1735 several 
trains of immigrants wandered from Goschen- 
hoppen and Oley towards the Ijehigh Moun- 
tains adjoining Longswamp. Among these 
were the Fenstermachers, Carls, Haases, Zim- 
mermans, Reicherds, Brauszes, Schmidts, 
Schneiders, Lynns and others. Several brothers 
by the name of Fenstermacher were from Oley. 
One of these remained in Longswamp and the 
others proceeded with the Lynns and other 
immigrants farther up towards the Blue Moun- 
tain, where they founded the settlement of 



Allemaengel, at times called Lynn. From 
Longswamp the e'evated land commands a view 
which overlooks the great valley over Weissen- 
berg to Lynn in a straight line to the Blue 
Mountain, the elevation forming the water- 
shed between the Schuylkill and the Lehigh. 
From this elevation there appear to the right 
and the left little valleys, whicii descend gradu- 
ally and lead the best water from springs. The 
immigrants followed this stretch of country 
and Longswamp became the place of entrance 
in the immigration from Goschenhoppen antl 
Oley into this valley. 

Mauy sections of our county bear Indian 
names, and settlements were also named after 
neighboring streams and otiier peculiarities. 
Names having thus been given to settlements 
even before communities were established or 
townships named, they were generally retained. 
This settlement was first called " Little Leiiigh," 
and at the same tinie the land lying to the east 
and west "the long swamp." But after the 
Lutheran community, situated several miles 
downward, hatl recognized the name " Little 
Lehigh," the name Longswamp prevailed. 

On the elevation in the valley above Topton 
a small creek flows, formerly called " Frog 
Creek." It flows along the side of the moun- 
tain through Mertztown, and in Butz's Valley, 
below Ludwig'.s mill, it empties into the " Lit- 
tle Lehigh." This Frog Creek extends from 
the neighborhood of Topton to the " Little 
Lehigh," and there extends farther on along 
this little creek a small strip of meadow land, 
which was formerly named " the long swamp." 
Upon the greater part of this swampy ground 
only sour grass and thickets grew, for which the 
immigrants had no inclination. 

TAXA.BLES OF 1759. — The following state- 
ment comprises the list of taxables of the dis- 
trict for the year 1759. The tax levied amount- 
ed to £^o 17.S., and Samuel Borger was the 
collector. 



Peter Allen 1 

NicholuB Aruoliit o 

Christian Abandsliin 2 

Keinhold Abandshin 3 

yrieierich Bobeniyer ^ 

Jmeph Berey It) 

Samuel Berger 

Philip Berger 4 



Peter Bechtolrtt + 

Leonard Bauer '2 

.Tacob Bachman 

Michael Biever 4 

Peter Butz 

Henry Bullinger 8 

Martin Buger 1) 

Charles Dcubald o 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1049 



Peter Dicker 5 

Philip Doll I 

John Diehl 8 

Valentine Dillinger a 

Aiiam Dietricii 2 

Matthias Egner 2n 

Bernhardt Fegeley 14 

Jacob Fenstermacher 7 

John Flanimer 4 

Philip Fenstermacher 10 

Matthias Fenstermacher 2 

Valentine Fleck 2 

Philip Finck 3 

Nicholas Gress 4 

Adam Gerich 4 

Deobald Grub 1 

Casper llerdy 1 

Paul Hamnierich I 

Nicholas Helm 2 

Stophol Hoffman 7 

John Uilbard 7 

Frederick Helwig l:i 

Lndwi-i: Hasplehorn 7 

John Hess 12 

Daniel Ilamra 1 

Jacob Hamm 4 

Peter Kline 4 

Philip Kissner 2 

Bartholomew Kiffer 

Michael Roller, Jr 1 

John Kissner 2 

Bernhard Klein 6 

George Kamp 3 

Baltzer Kleber 5 

Martin Karcher 15 



Baltzer Lutz 2 

Adam Luy 2 

Jacob Long 2 

Jacob Long 8 

Valentine Leydecker 3 

William Mayberry 

Adolph Meyer 2 

■} Simon Moser 2 

Peter March 12 

Nicholas March 13 

Michael Niederaner 5 

Ludwig Neitz 2 

Michael Notestein 4 

Peter Retler 7 

Stephen Reppert 9 

Joseph Richard 1 

Ghristian Roissinger 2 

Michael Schroedef 12 

Jacob Sneck 4 

AndrewSahm 2 

HenrySheffor 2 

Philip Straub 1 

August Stockier 3 

Henry Strieker 1 

Michael Smith 3 

Andrew Shorp G 

Geo. Shabel 2 

Jacob Stall 1 

Nicholas Swartz 14 

Daniel Swartz 2 

Baltzer Trit 2 

Conrad Tress 1 

Christian Trefelsted 2 

Frederick Woible C 

Bernhard Zwitzig 



Lawrence Bachman. 
Jacob Danner. 
Bernhard Dancer. 
Matthias Egner, Jr. 
Wm. Fenstermacher. 



Single Men. 

Philip Hein. 
Adam Helwig. 
Deobald Kline. 
Sebastian Lintz 
Joseph Volck. 
For Located LantU. 



John Albrecht 

Wm. .\ndc8 

Philip Dressher 

Wm. Feigle 

.■\nthony Fisher 

Wm. Gross 

.Tohn Hartman 3 

John Hergarader 5 



David Heinly 1 

Peter Keiffer 1 

Daniel Lcvan 5 

Conrad Manesmith 5 

Michael Rigely 1 

Christian Ruth 1 

Henry Wetstone 2 

Jacob Weis 1 



Erection of Township. — This district of 
territory was known as Long.swamp from the 
time of the earliest settlements, in 1734. In 
a draft of Rockland township, made in 1758, 
it is referred to as Long Swope, and mentioned 
as no township. The foregoing assessment list 
indicates that the district was recognized, though 
not yet regularly established. 

On the 10th of February, 1761, a petition 
was presented to the justices of Berks County 
asking that the place called Longswamp be 
erected into a township. It was subscribed by 
twenty-six names, in German handwriting. 
They were as follows : 

Frederick Helwig. Samuel Dormeyer. 



Martin Karcher. 
Ph'p Fenstermacher. 
Jacob Weimer. 
Ludwig Neitz. 
Philip Burger. 
Peter Lutz. 
Fred. Saussman. 

Adam . 

Jacob Daumeir. 
Jacob Mertz. 
Peter Mertz. 
Henry Bollinger. 



Christian Erstenstatt. 
Frederick — . Meier. 
Joseph Bury. 
John Kline. 
Samuel Burger. 
Jacob Ferny. 
Jacob Fenstermacher. 
Michael (Niethammer; 
Lorentz Klein. 
Jacob Bachman. 
Nicholaus Schwartz. 
Matthias Eigner. 



A survey of the district was made by Nicho- 
las Bunn on February 2, 1761. It was bound- 
ed and described as follows : 

" Beginning at a corner of Maxatawny township, 
in the Northampton County line; thence along said 
township S. W. 1286 ps. ; thence along Rockland 
township, S. 34 E. 955 ps., and East 1262 ps.; thence 
along Hereford township, N. E. 610 ps. ; thence along 
said county line N. W. 1840 ps. to the beginning; 
containing 13, 935 acres. 

In May, 1761, tlie township was erected. 

IXDU.STR1E.S. 

The water-power afforded by the Little Le- 
high was early utilized to operate small mills, 
such as the wants of the settlers demanded. 
One of these improvements was on the head- 
waters of that stream, where Jacob Lesher put 
in operation a small charcoal furnace, as early 
as 1797, and which he owned until 1808, when 
he sold the property to his son-in-law, Reuben 
Trexler. It had a wide reputation as the 
Mary Ann Furnace, and it was there that the 
first stoves made in Pennsylvania, for burning 
anthracite or stove-coal, were cast. Their man- 
ufacture continued from 1820 till 1857, and 
they were known to the trade as the " Lehigh 
Coal-Stove," and had, in their day, a fine repu- 
tation. Reuben Trexler transferred his interest 
in the furnace to his son Horatio, who still 
owns the property. It has been out of blast 
since 1869 and the improvements have been al- 
lowed to go to decay. Down this stream Lesher 
had a mill, which also passed into the hands of 
the Trexlers, and which is still in operation. 
The mill is one of the oldest in the county. A 
mill near by was in operation for a time for 
grinding gypsum, but it has been abandoned. 
A tannery was started in the early part of this 



1050 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



century by Andrew Weiler. He sold out to 
Reuben Trexler, who was succeeded by his son 
William, the present owner. About cue thou- 
sand hides per year are tanned. The old Wag- 
enhorst mill occupies the next site on this stream, 
being near the county line. The improvements 
antedate the century and were made by John 
Wagenhorst. The prcseut mill has been im- 
proved and is still operated by tlie Wagenhorst 
family. On the West Brauch of the Little 
Lehigh Peter Hawerter had improved a site 
n|>on which he erected a fulling-mill, and later 
a feed-mill was added, the present owner being 
Morgan Long. Below this site there was a 
tannery of Valentine Geist, last operated by 
Benjamin Hawerter. The buildings remain, but 
the business has long since been discontinued. 
Above was the saw-mill of George Fritch, 
which was next carried on by Nathan Fritch. 

Paint-Mill. — The power above was made 
to operate a grist-mill for the Fritch family, 
but in 1884 this was converted into a paint- 
mill by T. L. Fritch & Bros. This has become 
one of the most important industries in the 
township. The firm mines and manufactures 
floated ochres, umbers and metallic paints, pro- 
ducing at the rate of one thousand barrels per 
month, and employing from ten to fifteen hands. 
Tlie water-power has been supplemented by 
steam, so that operations can be carried on con- 
tinuously. A specialty is made of raw and 
burnt umber, the mineral being found near by 
twenty feet below the surface and having a 
thickness of forty feet. The improvement 
above was made by John Butz, to operate a 
clover-mill, which has been idle a long time. 

In the southwestern part of the township, on 
a branch of the Sacony, on the site of the old 
Schnable mills are the Lesher grist and saw- 
mills, now operated by John Long. The power 
is weak and the mills are old. 

Near the Ijehigh County line were the grist 
and saw-mills of John Keifer, which have been 
replaced by better and larger mills, operated by 
water and steam-power and owned by Ed. 
Mickley and Perry Wannamaker. This firm 
also has a large slaughter-liouse where from ten 
to thirty steers per week are killed. The locality 
is known as Maple Grove. Nearly west of this 



place was the oil-mill of Jacob Wagenhorst, which 
had a wide reputation. The building is still 
.standing, but is not in use. 

At Hancock a paint-mill was begun in the 
fall of 1884 by Henry S. Weiler and S. Long 
& Son, which is still ojjerated by them in the 
manufacture of crude ochres, the material for 
which is procured at some of the iron-mines in 
the township. The mill has a capacity of thirty 
barrels per day, and the products are in good 
demand. 

Plumbago. — In 1880 William Reiley & Co. 
built a plumbago-factory on the land of William 
Long, which was operated one year, when the 
'building was destroyed by fire. The plumbago 
there found is of good quality when properly 
prepared. 

White Clay. — On the lands of David De- 
long are beds of clay, almost pure white, which 
has been found well adapted for the use of 
paper-makers. Its development and manu- 
facture was begun in 1876 by William Reiley 
& Co. who put up works for that purpose. 
These, in an enlarged condition, are now c^arried 
on by the " Star Clay Company," of which J. 
B. Wilson is the manager. Steam-power is em- 
ployed and ten men are engaged in the various 
stages of manufacture. 

In no township of the county is iron-ore 
more abundant than in Longswarap. Nearly 
every farm is underlaid with it and as many as 
one hundred mines have been opened. In most 
of the larger mines steam-power has been em- 
ployed and within two miles of Mertztown forty 
engines have been in operation for this purpose. 

CHURCHES. 

LoNGSAVAMP Church.' — Frederick Hoelwig, 
the cantor (the director of church music) of the 
congregation, certifies in his chronicle. Certain 
members of the Reformed congregation in 
Longswamp, after the command of God, de- 
clared that they would erect a church, and they be- 
gan about September, 1748. The piece of ground 
which the members had selected was lawfully 
secured by Jost H. Sassamanhausen through 



1 Extracts taken from AllentoM'n Friedeiisbnle, translated 
by the author and publislied in Ilendiny Daili/ News, April 
21-24, 188;'). 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1051 



a warrant. Afterwards the cougregatioQ bought 
uiiie acres in addition for the purpose of erecting 
a sciiool-house thereon and for the use of the 
school-teacher. Both tracts were patented for 
the perpetual use of the Reformed congregation, 
which was not a union one originally, hut so 
hard Reformed that the Lutherans who came 
afterward wei-e pressed farther down into the 
valley, where they likewise estalilished a con- 
gregation on the Little liehigli. 

Tiie first church was erected about the year 
1748. The members selected as master-builders 
(building committee) Joseph Biry and Samuel 
Burger. These said — as Hoelwig said in his 
chronicle — "with the help" of other members 
of the congregation, who had given contribu- 
tions and whose names follow, the building was 
finished : 



Leopold Kreber. 
Theobald Karl. 
Jacob Feustermacher. 
John Fried. 
Peter Butz. 
Nicholas Schwartz. 
Nicholas Mertz. 
David Mertz. 
Peter Mertz. 
Henry Bohliuger. 
Christian Ruth. 
Philip Burger. 



7 Nicholas Kaiser. 
Peter Kaiser. 
Peter Walbert. 
Bcruhard Fcglcy. 
Jost Henry Sassanian- 

hausen. 
Henry Strieker. 
Jacob Long. 
David DeloDg. 
Henry Eigner. 
Jacob Daniel Volk. 



At the lower northern corner of the grave- 
yard, several paces inward from tiie present 
A\all, the old church was erected. 

The second church was built under the church 
administration of Hertzel. The first church 
stood forty-three years. In this time the con- 
gregation increased in number so that the old 
little church became too small, and the well- 
being had also grown so much tliat the members 
thought that they could build a more correspond- 
ing church. In 1790 preparations were made 
for the new building. Then it happened, as it 
generally happens in the building of a church 
where there are many heads, each one would 
have their own way, and each one considered 
tliat he is right ; so they disagreed where the 
church should be built. The place where the old 
church stood was not suitable any longer in the 
opinion of many. It was said that it should be 
built higher up the hill, and yet they did not 



wish to leave the old church-yard. So they 
came to pass "the throwing of hats." This was 
an old custom among the Germans, which was 
generally practiced when differences arose con- 
cerning matters of a congregation. By throw- 
ing their hats down upon the place that they 
thought was the proper place they expressed 
their opinion, and they were satisfied ac- 
cording to the majority of opinion. This 
was regarded as a holy election, which decision 
was submitted to by each one, whether it hap- 
pened to be for or against him. So it happened 
here. Each one threw his hat upon the place 
where he was most pleased to have it. The 
hats were then counted and it was ascertained 
that the upper western corner had the most hats. 
Tlien a beautiful walled terrace was erected 
there and the commencement of the church 
building was made in a practical and united 
manner. The corner-stone wa.s laid May 28, 
1791, and Hertzel, the then minister, prejiched. 

John Hclfrich, a son of the deceased Rev. 
Helfrich, was then elected pastor of the congre- 
gation. In autumn, 1816, he began to preach 
after he had received his license from Synod. 
By his election dis.satisfaction arose. Other 
ministers tried to become elected and did all 
they could to make good their application. The 
consequences were that the minds of the congre- 
gation became e.xcited and thereby Helfrich's 
election became more decided. In the course of 
time many Lutherans settled in the vicinity of 
the congregation through buying and selling 
and reciprocal family connections. These or- 
ganized themselves into a congregation and pe- 
titioned the Reformed members to be allowed to 
hold religious services in their church on condi- 
tion that they paid a small rent. The rigid 
Reformed spirit of the parents had partly died 
out, and the Lutherans were willingly allowed. 
They elected the Rev. Jacob Miller in 1817, he 
who was compensated for a short time by his 
brother, Conrad Miller. 

The church was rented by the Lutherans at 
a nominal rent for a definite term. After this 
term expired it was re-rented under similar 
conditions. At the third re-renting a difference 
arose which brought a separation. LTnder the 
administration of Pastor Roeller, who was the 



1052 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Lutheran minister about this time, the year 
1837 found the gi-eatest number of Lutherans 
brought together. They resolved to build their 
own church and founded the Mertztown con- 
gregation, near by the Longswamp. A small 
number of the Reformed members went with 
the Lutherans, and so the Mertztown congrega- 
tion became a union congregation. But a small 
number of the Lutherans also remained with the 
Old Longswamp Church and were given the 
right to carry on worship therein without rent. 
And so this church also became union. 

In the year 1848, after the congregation had 
existed for more than one hundred years, they 
decided to celebrate the event by a jubilee. The 
church Avas beautifully ornamented with flowere 
and crosses and the festival was held on the 
30th of September and the 1st of October. 
This was the first centennial festival which was 
held in this vicinity. The festival sermons 
were preached by Dr. J. S. Kessler, Eichenberg 
and Brobst. From near and far people came 
to witness this immense festival. 

In 1852 the second church was torn down 
for the purpose of erecting in its stead, in the 
vicinity, a new and more spacious one. The 
corner-stone was laid on the 9th of May. De- 
chant and both ministers of the congregation 
preached upon this occasion. On Christmas of 
this year the church was dedicated. Schmidd, 
Broljst, Hinterleitner and other ministers 
preached. The church is a tasteful building, 
with a steeple and bell. This was the first 
steeple in this district for miles round-about, 
and the bell the first which, with its brass 
tongue and resounding tone, called the congre- 
gation together from the extensive valley to 
the service of God. 

The Reformed ministers who preached in 
Longswamp Church were, — 

Frederick Casimir Miller. 

Philip Jacob Michael. 

Rudolph Reidenweile. 

G. H. Helfrich. 

Henry Hertzel. 

J. Henry Helfrich, 1795-1810. 

W. Dechant, 1811-15. 

John Helfrich, 1816-.'i2. 

W. A. Helfrich, 1852-85. 

The Lutheran ministers of the congregation 



from 1817 were Jacob Miller, Conrad Miller 
and Isaac Roeller. After the separation, in 
1837, the following ministers preached: Au- 
gustus Griebler, Peter Oberfeld, Jeremiah 
Schindel, P. Hinterleitner, Ferdinand Berke- 
meyer, C. H. M. Sell, A. Croll, S. R. Boyer 
and D. K. Humbert. 

The trustees in 1885 were Nathan Haas, 
Manoah Long and William Schubert ; and then 
the Reformed congregation had three hundred 
membei-s, and the Lutheran two hundred. 

The church property now comprises forty 
acres of land. 

St. Paul's Church (Reformed and Lu- 
theran) is located at Mertztown. It is a brick 
edifice, forty-four by fifty-six feet, with gidler- 
ies on three sides ; and it includes two acres of 
ground, most of which is used for cemetery 
purposes. The church was erected in 1837 by 
a building committee composed of Daniel Gin- 
ginger, Jonas Trexler, Jonathan Haas and John 
Diener. 

The Reformed congregation was organized 
by the Rev. Charles Herman, who was its first 
pastor, and the Rev. William Helfrich next. 
Tiie present pastor is tlie Rev. J. Sassaman 
Herman. The members number about one 
hundred and fifty. Of the Lutheran congrega- 
tion^ the Rev. Isaac Roeller was the first pas- 
tor, and had here, as in other parts of the 
county, the Rev. B. E. Kramlich as his succes- 
sor. His congregation is large, numbering 
three hundred members. 

A large Sunday-school is maintained in the 
church. In 1885 Benneville Fegeley was sn- 
perintendent. 

Sale-M Church (Evangelical A.ssoc-iation) 
was erected at Shamrock in 1870. It is a 
plainly-built frame building, put up by a com- 
mittee composed of James Weida, Daniel 
Shirey and the Rev. Frank Sechrist, who was 
at that time the preacher in charge of Kutztown 
Circuit, which has supplied the ministerial ser- 
vice of the church. The membership has never 
been large, the aggregate in 1885 being only 
twenty-live persons. Ephraim Fegeley is the 
superintendent of the Sunday-school, whidi 
has about seventy-five members. 

St. Peter's Church (Reformed and Lu- 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1053 



theran), at Topton, was built in the fall of 1869, 
originally for school purposes, with the name of 
the " Excelsior Institute." The projectors of 
this enterprise had selected as their board of 
trustees Peter L. Diener, James M. Butz, Mi- 
chael H. Miller and D. D. Hinterleiter, who 
supervised the erection of the building. As 
soon as it was ready for occupancy a Sunday- 
school was organized in it, with Peter L. 
Diener as superintendent, which is still contin- 
ued by him. Failing in the purpose to main- 
tain a private school, the building was converted 
into a church for the use of the above congre- 
gations. An organization was effected October 
29, 1871, and the building was formally dedi- 
cated May 9, 1872. It was used until 1881, 
and then rebuilt by Peter L. Diener, John Hen- 
ning, B. C. Baer and M. H. Miller as trustees. 
They still constitute the present board of 
trustees. The walls were plastered, the interior 
embellished and sittings provided for about four 
hundred persons. The Reformed congregation 
was organized with twelve members; it has 
now sixty. The Rev. A. J. Herman has been 
tiie only pastor. The membership of the Lu- 
theran congregation is about the same, and the 
Rev. B. E. Kramlich is pastor. 

Schools. — The public schools of the town- 
ships are taught in good buildings, which have 
been provided with the necessary books, charts, 
etc. In three of the buildings graded .schools 
are maintained, and instruction in the higher 
branches is afforded. These buildings are 
two stories high, the lower stories being used 
for the ordinary schools of the district. Ad- 
mission to the graded schools may be ob- 
tained by the children of the township by 
evidence of advancement in the other schools, 
or by passing an examination. Tiie graded 
school at the Longswamp Church, or tiie 
Centre School, was established in 1875 ; the 
one at Mertztown in 1876 ; and the build- 
ing at " Red Lion " was put up afterward. In 
1883 a fine public .school building was erected 
at Shamrock, and neatly finished. It is a 
model worthy of imitation. The old parochial 
school-house at the Longswamp Church, has 
been converted into a residence, now occupied 
bv William Schubert, Esq. 



VILLAGES. 

Numerous hamlets and small villages abound 
in every part of the township, on account of the 
extensive mining of iron-ore. 

Red Lion. — In the southeastern part is the 
hamlet of Red Lion, a freight station on the 
Catasauqua and Fogelsville Railroad, which 
derived its name from a tavern in that locality, 
whose sign was a " Red Lion." This house 
was built by James Butz, and is still used for 
public purposes. Edwin Butz has a lumber 
and grain business and James Findley and 
others ship ore extensively. In the place are a 
dozen residences and a graded school-building. 

Faemington is on the same railroad, in the 
northeastern part of the township, with about 
the same number of houses. Its onl)^ busine.'^s 
interest is that carried on by Smith & Croll, and 
the shipment of iron-ore. 

jMaple Grove is situated between these 
jilaces, on the Lehigh County line. It com- 
pri.ses several mills, a number of dwellings and 
an inn built by John Kcifer. 

Longswamp is a post-office centre and 
comprises a store and tavern and several dwell- 
ings. It is often called " Trexler's." The 
post-office was established in April, 1822, and 
was first kept in a building which stood on the 
site of the present Trexler mansion, which was 
the homestead of the Trexler family. Reuben 
Trexler was the first postmaster, and the office 
has since been kept by succeeding members of 
the family. He had opened a store there about 
1820 and conducted a general business. The 
post-office has a daily mail from Shamrock, 
the nearest railway station, distant one mile. 
The public-house in the same locality was first 
a residence, having been converted into a 
tavern by the Trexlers. 

Weilertown is a village in the centre of 
the township, north of fhe Longswamp 
Church, containing about twenty-five buildings. 
From its location it is sometimes called Long- 
swamp Centre. Its old name was derived 
from John Weiler, an early settler on the farm 
owned by Amos Weiler. He reared three sons, 
— Andrew, a tanner, who removed to Potts- 
town ; John, a pioneer blacksmith at this 
place (who was the father of Nathan, James, 



1054 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



William, Charles and Petei- Weiler) ; and 
George, who was a farmer, the father of Amos 
Weiler, of Longswamp, and Mauoah Weiler, 
of Reading. Daughters were married to 
Daniel Weida and Richard Wertz, both of 
Longswamp. One of the first improvements 
was the public-house of John Weiler, built in 
1812 and kept by him until some time before 
his death, in 1835. The past forty years this 
house has been kept by Richard Wertz. Tlie 
place had no store until 1874, when one was 
opened by Franklin Wertz and William Schu- 
bert, Jr., which has been carried on by William 
W^eiler and his sons since 1877. Some of the 
early mechanics at this place were John Weiler, 
blacksmith; William Maberry, wheelwright; 
John Maberry, blacksmith ; Richard Wertz, 
tailor ; Aaron Albright, saddler ; Nathan 
Weiler, tobacconist ; Charles Weiler, carjienter 
and cabinet-maker ; and James Master, marble- 
cutter. C. Deininger and Frederick Stein were 
teachers. 

South of this place Dr. Manoah Long has 
been for many years in successful practice as a 
physician ; and in the village, Dr. James Frank- 
lin Wertz (who was born in Longswan:p in 
1836), has lived and followed his profession 
since his graduation. Associated with him is 
his brother. Dr. Peter Weiler Wertz (born in 
1842). 

The population of the village is about one 
hundred. 

Shamrock, on the East Pennsylvania Rail- 
road, near the county line, was laid out in 1859, 
and received its name from Engineer Lyons, who 
located the station. The affairs of the railroad 
company, since 1860, have been in charge of L. 
S. Hawerter. The present depot building was 
erected in 1883. A hotel is conducted by C. A. 
Fegeley and a general store by Romig & Wet- 
zel, who have be6n in trade since 1869. Their 
new building, completed in February, 1886, is 
seventy feet long, and part of the second story 
is set aside for tailor, saddler and shoemaker- 
shops. The Shamrock post-office was estab- 
lished in 1884, with Uriah Beiry as postmaster. 
Four mails per day are supplied. A. Trexler 
is a dealer in coal and grain. A large amount 
of ore was formerly shipped from this |)oint. 



but the annual shipment was only about fifteen 
thousand tons the past few years. Shamrock 
contains a fine school-house, an Evangelical 
Church, about tiiirty residences and a hundred 
and fifty inhabitants. 

Mkrtztown is a station on the East Penn- 
sylvania Railroad, a little more than a mile 
west of Shamrock. It is an old place and took 
its name from Martin Mertz, an old settler. It 
contains fine residences, a good school-house, a 
church, hotel and store. The greater part of 
the village has been built up since the opening 
of the railroad. In 1858 a grain warehou.se was 
built by Nathan Trexler and Levi Leiss, in 
which a large business has since been done and 
which has attracted other interests. The occu- 
pants of this house in 1885 were E. H. & D. 
S. Trexler. In this place was kept the Mertz- 
town post-office, established in December, 1857. 
Nathan Dresher has been the postmaster since 
August, 1885. It has four mails per day, and 
is the distributing point for Schwoyer's post- 
office. The first postmaster at Mertztown was 
Levi Leiss, and his successors were Marcus and 
Nicholas Long and James L. Trexler. Nathan 
Trexler was one of the first prominent business 
men of the place. In 1831 he built the hou.se 
now occupied by E. H. Trexler, and kept it as 
a public-house until 1861, when it was con- 
tinued fourteen years longer by E. H. Trexler. 
In 1874 the latter built the present hotel, a very 
large brick building. Levi Leiss was, for a 
number of years, a successful merchant at 
Mertztown, having been succeeded by Haas & 
Klein. The present merchants are T. L. Fritch 
& Brothei's. 

In March, 188 5, the Mertztown Creamery be- 
gan operations under the ownership of Miller 
& Klein. In September of the same year E. 
H. Trexler became the proprietor. About 
eighteen hundred pounds of butter are made 
weekly. Near by, Uriah Butz has a coach- 
making astablishment. 

Kline's Corner is situated north of 
Mertztown, containing more than a dozen 
houses, many of them being occupied by miners. 
In 1885 a post-office was established there with 
the name of Schwoyer, the name being derived 
from the first postmaster, James Schwoyer, who 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1055 



also carries on a store. At this place A. H. 
Schwoyer has a public-house. 

West is the small hamlet of Oreville, 
which has not yet become a business point. 

Hancock, a flag-station between Topton and 
Mertztown, owes its existence to S. Long & Son, 
who opened it for settlement about fifteen years 
ago, and who are at present carrying on an ex- 
tensive coal and lumber business. A paint- 
mill has recently been started, and a public- 



position in Ayrshire. His great-grandfather, 
Hugh Findlay, of Kilmarnock, was prominently 
connected with the coal mining interest of his 
native country, and a son by the same name, 
was identified with his father, and for many 
years was manager for the well-remembered 
Sandy Gawtry, the great Scotch coal operator. 
He had eight children, of whom James was the 
eldest, lx)rn in 1802, and, trained by his father 
in the business of coal mining, in early man- 




house was opened, about a year ago, by Francis 
W. Schwartz. A dozen residences constitute 
the other features of the place. Southwest is 
a collection of houses called KutzviJle, but 
there is no special interest connected with it. 
The borough of Topton was erected from 
this township. 

BIOGEAPHICAE. 

James Findlay is of Scotch descent. His 
ancestors for centuries occupied an honorable 



hood was made one of the managers of the 
mines. He was married in 1822 to Miss Eliz- 
abeth Holland in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, by 
Rev. Mr. McGinlay. When thirty years of 
age, himself, wife and four children took passage 
on the sailing vessel " Mercator," and, after a 
voyage consuming thirty-five days, landed at 
New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, early in 1832. He 
at once engaged in the pursuit with which he was 
i very familiar, and connected himself with (he 



1()5G 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. . 



Albion Mine Company as contractor, retaining 
such connection until 1848, when, with his en- 
tire family, lie removed to Pittston, Pa., and 
two years later to Nanticoke, Pa., where he 
leased the Grand Tunnel Colliery. In 1 853 he 
took charge of tlie Lehigh Zinc Mines at 
Friedensville, Pa. He died in 1877, sur- 
viving his wife, who died in Durham, Pa., in 
1857. The children of this family numbered 
nine — five boys and four girls — and James 
Findlay was the fifth child, born in New Glasgow, 
Nova Scotia, November 18, 1832, six months 
after his parents reached America. Educated in 
the free graded schools of the province, he ac- 
quired a sound basis for a business life, and after- 
wards attended night-school and select schools 
until he was possessed of a good education. He 
then entered the mines and remained there until 
coming to the Lehigh Zinc Mines in 1853. He 
continued there a few years, and left the posi- 
tion to accept one with M'hitaker Bros., now 
Cooper, Hewitt & Co., at Durham, Bucks 
County. After some years he engaged in the 
manufacture of lime at this place, and carried 
on a large business, running four kilns over 
three years, at the expiration of which time, on 
jNLirch 24, 18G3, he removed to Longswamp 
township and entered ujion iron-mining under 
contract with Thomas Iron Company, of Ho- 
kendauqua, Pa. Enlarging his contracts from 
time to time, he has now four mines contracted 
for this company, besides interest in other 
mines at Emaus, all in active operation and em- 
ploying sixty men. Mr. Findlay has traveled 
extensively for the iron and coal interests, and 
takes especial pleasure in recalling the fact that 
on one of his exploring trips for the Thomas 
Iron Company he opened the Warrior Basin 
coal fields and explored the Cahaba and St. 
Clair coal fields, all in Alabama. 

In 1882 he visited Ottawa, Canada, to inves- 
tigate the iron mines of that region for H. B. 
Blanchard, of Boston, his reputation as an ex- 
pert having long been fully established. For 
several years he was director of the First Na- 
tional Bank of Glen Rock, Pa. On November 
24, 1863, Mr. Findlay was married to Miss 
Hester Aim, daughter of Jacob and Sarah Ann 
Reinert, of Longswamp township. The 



Reinert family is one of the oldest in Berks 
County, and has always been interested in 
farming. Jacob was the son of John and died 
in 1879. He had eight children, and Mrs. 
Findlay is the sixth. Their . children are 
James, born August 21,1864; John Alexan- 
der, born August 12, 1866 ; William Edwin, 
born March 12, 1869; Annie Laurie, born 
July 13, 1871 ; Dora Frances, born August 24, 
1873 ; Lillie May, born January 5, 1876 ; Liz- 
zie Jane, born March 9, 1880; David Jacob, 
born May 5, 1882, and a baby boy born 
October 24, 1885. 

Mr. Findlay is interested in the cause of ed- 
ucation, and was president of the School Board 
in Cook township, Cumberland County. In 
religious associations he is Presbyterian, and 
the family is connected with the church at 
Lockridge. In 1873 he was made a Mason in 
Carlisle, Pa. 

Benjamin C. Bkar. — Charles Bear, the 
father of the subject of this sketch, is of Ger- 
man parentage and a descendant of the Bear 
family in Nortliampton (now Lehigh) County. 
He was born near Eagle Point, in Maxatawny 
township, Berks County, in 1806, and by occu- 
pation a stone-mason for many years, and after- 
ward a landlord in Longswamp township, 
having kept a country inn at Kutzville (now 
included in the borough of Topton). He was 
married to Anna Carl (born in 1810), of Dis- 
trict township, by whom he has issue nine 
children — Sarah (married to Reuben Geist), 
Jonathan, Benjamin, Henry, William, George, 
Elizabeth (married to William Kerehner), 
Esther (married to Moses Shirey) and Amanda 
(married to John Stoudt). Both parents are 
still living in advanced age. 

Benjamin Carl Bear was born in Longswamp 
town.ship on July 13, 1837, and was educated 
in the public and private schools of the town- 
ship. He taught school for a while in Distri"t 
township, and then was employed at clerking 
in the store of Levi H. Liess, at Mertztown, 
with whom he continued three years, and 
afterward, for two years, with Peter Ij. Diener 
& Co., at Topton. 

In 1865 he became a partner of the firm, and 
under the name of Diener, Bear & Co., they 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1057 



togetlier for five years carried on a general 
•store, coal, grain and hunhcr bnsine.ss. In this 
time he acted as station agent of the Kast Penn- 
sylvania Railroad Company at Topton. He 
then engaged in business for himself in coal 
and slate, and has continued successfully till 
now, his trade extending throughout Berks and 
the adjoining counties. He is now a partner of 
Messrs. Long, Sohweyer & Co., in the mining 
and shipping of iron-ore. 



as a member of the Borough Council and again 
! in 1886, .serving now in Council. In 1879 he 
was elected a .seliool tlirector umi re-elected in 
1882. He officiated as a justice of the [)eace 
of the borough from 1880 to 1884, when he 
resigned his commission to accept the office of 
Assemblyman from the Berks District, to which 
he was then elected, serving the term of two 
years. He is prominently identified with the 
Masonic order in Berks County, being eon- 




Mr. Bear luis been actively interested in poli- 
tics as a Democrat and in the management of 
the local affiiirs of Topton, and is recognized 
for his energy and public spirit. He has rep- 
resented his district repeatedly at County Con- 
ventions, officiated as an election officer and 
served for ten years as committeeman of Long- 
swamp and Topton. In 1878 he was elected 



nected with three lodges : Huguenot Lodge, 
No. 377, at Kutztown ; Reading H. R. A. 
Chapter, No. 152, and DeMolay Commandery, 
No. 9. 

Mr. Bear was married to Catharine Bucher, 
a daughter of Daniel Bucher, of Perry town- 
ship, by whom he has issue .seven children — 
Charles William, Benjamin Franklin, George 



1058 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Henry, Joliii Jiiclmnl, Kiitie Louisa, Carrie 
Asines and Nicliolus Ficdcrick. 



WINDSOR TOWNSHIP. 

Eaui.v Skttleus. — It is difficult to give a 
full and authentic account of the early settle- 
ment of Windsor township, inasmuch as there 
is so little recorded matter to refer to for ac- 
curate data, and so many changes of ownership 
have taken place. There are sotue few farms 
remaining in tiie possession of de.-;cendants of the 
original owners. In general tiie first improve- 
ments were made on the high lands, on aecoinit 
of the ease of clearing the .same, and their sup- 
posed greater healthfidness. ijater, finding the 
level lands more desirable, many of the first 
tracts were sold and new homes were selected. 
The development of the country was slow, as is 
shown by the amount of work done on the pub- 
lic roads. Fruin an auditor's book begun in 
1765, and used for this purpose continuously 
since, we learn that tiie total expenditures for 
the improvement of the roads the first year 
were only £.3 ll.s. Pennsylvania currency. 
The workmen were paid at the rate of three 
shillings per day and the supervisor four shill- 
ings for going to Kcadiug to be inducted to his 
office and a like amount to make his report. 
Lawrence May wa-s the first supervisor and 
Eberhard Shappell, Peter Focht and Jeremiah 
Shappell the auditors. Among the men em- 
2)loyed on the roads were George Yoh, Leonard 
Reber, Conrad Kerschner, George Lindenmuth, 
Jolm Buck, Baltzer Buck, Michael Yoh, Peter 
Yoh, Michael Ilallenbat^h and Henry Kalbach. 
When any of these persons furnished a team 
they were paid ten shillings a day for the use of 
the same. Accounts were kept in pounds, shill- 
ings and pence until 1820, wiien tiie j)re.sent 
system began to be used. 

The early settlers were not entirely fi'ee of 
the superstitions entertained by people in other 
localities, and a "witch dance" is said to have 
existed in the present township. Not quite two 
miles from VVind.sor Castle, on a vacant piece 
of land, a spot was designated as the trysting- 
place of the spirits of the evil one. Thitlier, 
witches, ghosts and spooks hied themselves, at 



certain periods, and with measured steps trav- 
eled around a common crentre until a deep cir- 
cular path had been worn in the earth, closely 
resembling the track made by horses hitched to 
a sweep-power. In late years flie practice has 
not been kept up, and only a few traces of the 
" dance " remain. 

Among the natural fi-atures of the townsliip 
there are several trees which are remarkable for 
their unnsnal size or other peculiarities. A tree 
oil the farm of Jacol) Jacoby is thirty feet in 
circumference. In the road near Windsor Cas- 
tle stood a wiiite oak, wliicii was an object of 
much attention. Its diameter at the base was 
forty -six inches. During a heavy storm the tree 
was blown-down and upon being cut up yielded 
ten coi-ds of \vood. Some twenty feet from the 
ground, a main limb, growing out of the trunk 
and being two feet in diameter, was supported 
by another limb, about a foot in diameter, 
which grew out of the trunk and downward 
into the lower and larger limb, so as to form a 
perfect triangle. This curious freak of nature 
is. still preserved by Mahlon A. Sellers. The 
township is not generally subject to storms, 
but on the 5th of July, 1877, there was a severe 
visitation by that destructive element, which un- 
roofed thirteen barns and damaged all kinds of 
property to the amount of sixty thousand dol- 
lars. 

The names of the earlier settlers in tlie town- 
ship, appears in the following statement, which 
comprises a list of the taxable iniiabitants for 
the vear 1759 : 



Uc«. .\iigstadt ■-' 

Miitthms Alsbiidi a 

Kuiiihiird AlBbacli 4 

Puter IJartholoniew ^ 

Ceorgo Bowman 3 

Cjisper IJrouch 3 

Wm. Busier 6 

Daniel Bealy 2 

Christopher Briningur 4 

Henry Bopst .'i 

John Buck 2 

Clement Donkloberger (i 

Michael Davold 5 

Loowud Dietrich 9 

Killinn Duukle 5 

Wendle Ernst 2 

Michael Ksseman 2 

Nicholas Fry 3 

lieo. Folk 2 

.lohn Garber 11 

(ieo. Ciotshall 3 

John Hart 8 



.fotin Ilouser 4 

Conrad Ileaiscr 2 

Philip Hill 3 

Jacob Hill U 

Daniel Hill 6 

•Jacob Hill 5 

Philip Honekul 6 

Christopher Housekuecht 7 

Geo. Hollebach 1 

.lacob Homel .'> 

.Tacob Hower !* 

Wendle Hower 5 

fieo. Hower 3 

John Hess 5 

Conrad Housenmu 5 

John Heffner 2 

Geo. Heffner 4 

Philip Hensel 3 

Widow Hughos 5 

Michael Kreiser 

Joseph Kreisher 2 

Conrad Kersner 16 



TOWiNSmi'S OF COUNTV 



1 05!) 



liuiiry Kaulbach 3 

fieo. Krausc 7 

Geo. Kortner 'A 

Bitstiaii Kreisher 5 

Melchior Kcoper 3 

liOnnard KepliDger 4 

Cl'o. Kearl 4 

.Imob Kraff. 3 

l>aniel Kompf, ;J 

lli'uryKross 2 

Lawrence Kunt/. 4 

Ailata Kloin rj 

Hi'iiry Ivimo 4 

Weudle Kiefer.-.i 3 

Adam Kitbn 7 

Arlani Lnckenbill 5 

(ieo. Miller 4 

.lacob Miller 2 

./(iliii Moj'cr 1 

Cfo. Fount 4 

Jacob I'etrio 3 

.Jacob Rouse G 

.lacob Raesh 3 

Martin Uousb 4 

Sliiffle Mm 

Anthony Adam. 

David Alebach. 

Casper Brciuingcr. 

Hans f:onrady. 



Geo. Beslar 3 

Leonard Raver l'» 

Michael Renslcr ^ 

Thoman Right 12 

Widow Rodaruiel 8 

Evorhard Shoppie •'» 

Jeremiah Shoppie 4 

Henry Sheirer 4 

Michael Schlear 4 

Geo. Snider..... 4 

Andreas Soidlo (J 

Geo. Stenger 3 

Klias Stein 10 

MatthiM Terhar r, 

Wui. Touilinson 3 

Alichael Unger 2 

Nicholas Weiiger 4 

Martin Werner 3 

Dewald Werner 3 

Jonathan Worald 4 

Gerhard Will 4 

Jacob Wingord 7 

Adam Wagner 4 



.lohn Ilomel. 
.lacob Link. 



[iimntn. 



.Martin Kploy 1 

rliiui. HoaHey 2 

Andreas Tlomel 1 

Michael Kinttol 1 

.Jacob Martin 1 

.John Miller 1 

(leo. Monty 1 



Philip Marlin 1 

Jacob Schock 1 

Casper Smith I 

Matthias Sowoimilk 1 

Potor Weaver 1 

Philip Wiusel , 1 

H.-nry Witteid)erg I 



Tlie total tax levied tluMi wa.s £40 8.s. (id. 
and Micliacl CJreishcr wa.s tlie collector. 

It is not known when tiic townsliip was rc<>- 
iihirly erected. It had a legal existence before 
1752. The iiaiiKMvas taken from Windsor, in 
Entjlaiid, and given to the township by the 
Friends, wiio were the earliest settler.s, espe- 
cially along the Schnylkill Jtiver. The forego- 
ing list di.sclostis the fact that niiineroiis 
Oermans were in the txnvnshi]) at an early 
period. 

The original description oftlic townsliip Ijy 
metes and bounds was as follows : " l^cgiiining 
at the corner of Maiden-creek township on the 
ca.stern bank of the ScJmylkill ; thence N. (i5 
K. 1400 jirs. ; thence S. E. 140 i)rs. to Maiden 
Creek ; thence up said creek 1300 jirs. to 
a point; thence N. W. 1383 prs. to the IJIiie 
Mountain ; thence S. 60 W. 1 235 pr.s. to the 
Scliuylkill, and thence down the river 2750 [irs. 
to the beginning ; and this tract was estimated to 
contiiiu 26,481 acres." When this description 
was given, the townships to the east and north 
(Uichmond, Crcenwich and Albany) were not 



mentioned, which would indicate that W'iiid.sor 
township had been set apart about 1746. The 
survey was doubtless madi^ by Benjamin Tjight- 
foot, who surveyed nearly all the townships in 
this section of the county. 

In 1790 a tract of mountain land was added 
to the township on the north, containing about 
four thousand acres. 

Windsor Furn.vce is near the base of the; 
Blue Mountain, in the northeastern part of the 
township, on a stream of water called Furnace 
Creek. It is believed that the tir.st improvement 
at that point was made soon after the settlement 
of the county. On November 2, 1768, Henry 
Moll conveyed to Jacob Winey, of Philadelphia, 
one hundred and seventy-six acres of land, 
together with a forge for the manufacture of bar- 
iron, and a water gri.st and saw-mill thereon erect- 
ed, whic^h iiadcome into the j)o.sse.ssion of Mollthe 
same tall, through jiiirchase at a sheritl''s .sale 
of the pro]X'rty of Frederick Delaplank, rejxirt- 
ed as an iron-master. After this sale the forge 
does not seem to have been operated, and we next 
learn of the establishment of a small charcoal 
furnace at that site by A'alentine Kckert,an en- 
terprising iron-master in the northern part of 
the county. liater, George Reagan bec^ame the 
manager, and the furnace was operated in con- 
nection with Union Furnace and the forges in 
Albany township. Thence the operators were 
Boyd (fe Amnion, Jones, Keiin & Co., Darrah 
and Jones, who discontinued about 1850. While 
Jones, Keim <t Co. had the furnace they made 
eastings of various kinds, and in 1834 ventured 
upon the ])roduction of artistic work, which is 
thusdescribed : " ' The Last Supper,' after Leon- 
ardo da Vinci, made at the Windsor Furnace, by 
Jones, Keim & Co., was presented to the I'liila- 
phia Exchange by D. M. Keim. It was cast 
from pure ore in common sand and oiled. This 
firm made the tir.st attempt to bring to ])erfec- 
tion, castings of this descrijition. Many of our 
public institutions are in possession of speci- 
mens of their taste and skill." ' 

After the furnace had hvx'w idle some lime, 
William Metzler obtained the property and 
establislicd a tannery on it, wliicOi he carried on 

' Cumiiirmiil lli-ritlil. I'liiliulcliihia, Novcnilier, 1 «:!■!. 



loci) 



HISTORY OP BEKKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA, 



very extensively until he was accidentally killed 
in his grinding-mill by being caught up by the 
machinery. Another period of inactivity fol- 
lowed, when the property was again converted 
into a charcoal furnace by George Merkel and 
equipped so that it could produce about thirty 
tons of iron per week. He operated it success- 
fully a nu mber of years and was succeeded by the 
present owner of the property, Daniel B. Fisher. 
The furnace was in blast till 1882. Connected 
with the furnace are a large tract of land, mills 
and about ten tenements, constituting together a 
valuable property. 

A short distance north from Hamburg, on 
the Schuylkill, was the Keim Furnace, which 
was last operated by Jones, Keim ct Co., in con- 
nection with the Windsor Furnace. When the 
canal was widened it was found necessary to 
destroy the property, and then it passed out of 
existence. It was never operated extensively, 
employing usually only about twenty-five men. 
Among other jiroductions, some fine castings for 
the railings of fences were manufiictured and 
other ornamental work. In this locality there 
was also, for a time, a mill. 

In the eastern part of the township on the 
lower waters of Furnace Creek, is a mill-site 
which was improved many years ago by the 
Miller family, and the mills erected there have 
always been operated by them. Steam-power 
was added at a later day, and the mill wa.s 
tiiercby improved, so that it enjoys a good repu- 
tation. The present owner is George S. Miller. 

'I'he other interests of the township are such 
as pertain to purely agricultural pursuits. 
These engage the attention of most of the 
(Mti/ens, and therein they have achieved a repu- 
tation as skillful farmers. 

W ATKU-Cn UE ESTA HI JSH MKNT.-About 1 850 

a Dr. (iuinadon, an eccentric but well educated 
man, of foreign extraction, a[)])earcd in Wind- 
sor and avowed his purpose to establish a water- 
cure. He secured a location near the Windsor 
Furnace, where he put up frame buildings for 
the accommodation of his patients and provi- 
ded bath-houses, where shower, hot and cold 
baths could be taken. He obtained the neces- 
sary water from the race which carried tlie 
water to the I'urnace. At that point the furnace 



was elevated a considerable height from the 
ground. He opened his establishment in a pub- 
lic way and by having religious services, preach- 
ing a sermon wherein he endeavored to impress 
his hearers with the importance of his mission. 
Occasionally he would also preach in the neigh- 
boring churches, filling the appointment of some 
regular preacher. For a time he cMjnducted his 
place with success, and, it is said, persons afflicted 
with rheumatism were especially benefited. His 
patronage, however, was never large and the 
enterprise was soon abandoned. Some of the 
buildings were removed and others converted 
into a residence. Dr. Quiuadou removeil, it is 
said, to Washington Territory. 

St. Paul's Church is on the State road, 
two miles northeast from Hamburg. It is the 
third house erected for religious purposes in that 
locality. The first church was of logs, put up 
for the accommodatit)!! of a Lutheran congrega- 
tion, formed sometime after 1750, as the result 
of the missionary labors of the Revs. Krug and 
Decker. It was dedicated November (J, 1 75(J, 
by the Rev. Daniel Schumacher, as the " Leba- 
non Evangelical Lutheran Church, at the Rlue 
Mountains." The latter part of the title has 
been most generally applied to the church. At 
that time the elders were Martin Rouch,Jacol) 
Mueller and George Gardner, who also served 
as the building committee. The members were 
at first few in numbers and the preiiching at 
long intervals. Rut the increase of popula- 
tion aud consequent increase of membership 
caused a desire for a larger and better building, 
and it was determined to erect it as soon as the 
necessary funds could be collected. Nearly all 
the people of that locality having been poor, 
authority was asked of the liieutenant-Governor 
of the province to collect funds among charita- 
ble people in other sections to assist tlii' enter- 
prise, aud a petition to that effect was issuetl 
Septend)er 25, 1767. It set forth that they 
wanted a " Brief to collect money for the pur- 
pose of erecting a church, in which they were 
desirous of having the Gospel of t'hrist preached 
to them and the Holy Sacraments administered 
to them; and stating that tiiey w^ere living near 
(lie Blue Mountains, from which place tluy had 
lately been driven by the Indians." This paper 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1061 



wiis signed by the Rev. Peter Mischler, at that 
time the preacher, Jacoi) Mueller and George 
CVove, on behalf of many others. On the 9th 
of October, 1767, such a letter was granted, 
giving permission to collect five hundred pounds 
within the next two years. This means, added 
to their own eiforts, enabled them to dedicate 
the new church in the summer of 1769. Soon 
afterward the Rev. Frederick Miller assumed 
the pastorate of the congregation and sustained 
that relation until his bodily infirmities com- 
pelled him to relinquish his charge in 1826. 
He died in August, 1827, and was interred in 
the cemetery of the church. On the 9th of 
.Tuly, 1826, the Rev. G. F. E. laeger became 
the pnstor and ministered to the congregation 
until 1870. His accession was marked by two 
important events, — the beginning of preaching 
bv tiie ( ierman Reformed congregation and the 
agitation of the question of building a new 
church of more substantial material than the 
old one. This was also of logs, and after the 
new edifice had been provided, it was tidvcn 
down and the material u.sed in building the 
schoolmaster's house, now used as the residence 
of the sexton. 

In carrying out the latter purpose thecorner- 
stune was laid April 29, 18.'?2, and the church 
ijuilt during the summer and fall of that year. 
It was dedicated October 20, 1832, as the St. 
Paul's Church, union in nature, the two con- 
gregations to have equal rights and privileges in 
the ])roperty forever. 

New church rtguiations were adopted, wliich 
are still in operation. In this condition the 
church was occupied until September, 1868, 
when .some improvements were made on the in- 
terior of the building and new furniture sup- 
plied. At that time the pastors were: Lutheran, 
Kev. G. F. E. laeger, and Reformed, Rev. Aug. 
I J. Herman, who had conmienced serving the 
ccmgregation in 1834. 

The occupancy of the renovated church was 
made the occasion of celebrating its centennial, 
although twelve more years than a hundred had 
elapsed since the church was founded. The 
church is a plain, almost square, stone struc- 
ture, very high and in a fair state of preserva- 
tion. In connection with it there is a large 



cemeteiy, which shows good care and is the 
resting-place of hundreds of pioneers of that 
part of the county. 

In 1870 the Rev. F. K. Huntzinger became 
the Lutheran pastor and those subsei|ueutly 
preaching were the Revs. B. S. Smoll, Drum- 
heller and the Rev. Osair Miller, since 1884. 
The Reformed congregation had less changes of 
j)astor, the Rev. A. L. Herman being succeeded, 
in 1872, by the present. Rev. B. F. Wi.se. His 
congregation has about seventy-five members, 
while that of the I.<utheran is somewhat more. 
The elders in 1885 were : Lutheran, Daniel 
Boyer and William Hollenbach ; Reformed, 
Jacob Stamm and Josej)h Arndt. 

An early record of baptisms shows, among 
other members belonging from 1767 to 1784, 
the following : Michael Lindenmutii, George 
Gardener, Yost Greim, .John Huber, Jacob 
Heil, Jacob Resell, George Heilman, Henry 
Bolender, Jacob Will, GlnMstopher Lindenmuth, 
John Peter (xcpiiart, Conrad Bolender, Henry 
Raush, Jacob Keller, Henry Biliig, .Jacob 
Seidel, James Mohr and Jacob James. 

As a rule, the citizens of Wind.sor have taken 
a commendable interest in their public schools, 
and as early as May, 1 8. 'JO, decided to build six 
new school-houses and to levy a tax of nine 
mills for this purpo.se. In them the usual 
periods of school have since been maintained 
each year. 

Windsor Castle, the only business point 
in the township, is a hamlet, three miles .south- 
east from Hamburg, containing a store, hotel, 
creamery, blacksmith-shop, etc., and half a dozen 
residences in the immediate neighborhood. It 
took its name when the post-office was estab- 
ILshed, in 1856, through the efforts of Mahlon 
A. Sellers, Esq., who was appointed po.stmaster, 
and has had the office ever since. The office is 
on the Hamburg and Allentown stage route, 
and a daily mail is supplied since July, 1885. 
Prior to that time the mails were tri-weekly. 
The hotel in which the office is kept is one of 
the oldest buildings in the township, and has 
been used for tavern purposes since the general 
settlement of the country. It was originally 
the home of Jeremiah Shappell. Ferdinand 
Yoh was one of the early keepers. During the 



10(52 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Revolution a hickory liberty jiole which stood 
iu front of this tavern wiis cut down by British 
soldiers on their march to Bethlehem. In 
1820 Jacob Heinly became the proprietor of the 
inn, and kept it until 1845, when he was suc- 
ceeded by Mahlon A. Sellers, who has since 
been the proprietor. The place is more widely 
known than any other tavern in the northern 
part of the county and is sometimes also 
called the " Black Horse Inn," from its old-time 
sign. The first stores in this locality were kept 
in the old tavern building by Charles Heinly 
and others, more than sixty years ago. Later, 
in 1849, a store-house was built on the opposite 
side of the road. Tliis was burned down after 
having been occupied a few years by John 
Weightman. The present house was built in 
1852 by Mahlon A. Sellei's, and occujiied by 
him the following year for store purposes. He 
was in business until 1870, since which time a 
number of dealers have occupied the stand. 

The Windsor Castle Creamery occupies a 
building forty l)y forty-four feet, which was 
erected in 1885 l)y the Windsor Castle Creamery 
Association, wliich was organized on the 7th of 
April of that year. The first directors were 
Jacob D. Hoifman, Alfred K. Rentschler, 
Jeremiah M. Shappell, Daniel Smith and Peter 
Strasser. In 1885 the officers were Jacob D. 
Hoifman, president; Daniel Saul, treasurer; 
and M. A. Sellers, secretary. The creamery is 
operated under a lease by IMilton L. Hitter, and 
the past yc^ar manuflictured about ten thousand 
jiouuds of butter and fifteen thousand pounds of 
clieese. The patrons of the factory number 
about sixty. 

Near Windsor Castle, on tlie Auburn and 
Allentown Railroad, partially completed, is 
a |)rojectcd tunnel one thousand four hundred 
feet in length. In 187t) about four hundred 
feet of this tutmci was liuilt on the south side 
of the hill, when work on the railroad was 
suspended. 

North of this place, on the upper State road, 
iu what is now tlie residence of William D. 
Merkel, was for some years a jiublic-house, 
wliich was wi^ll patronized when Windsor 
Furnace was in active operation. 

Gold was discovered in tiie ncigliboriiood of 



Windsor Castle in 1850, on the farm of George 
Focht, and indications of silver also abounded, 
but not in quantities large enough to warrant 
mining operations. 

The Windsor Mutual Ansistancc and Fire In- 
surance Company is the oldest of the mutual 
companies originated and maintained in the 
township. It was organized in 1844 and has 
been successfully carried on ever since. At one 
time the policies carried amounted to more than 
•$3,000,000 ; but the formation of a new com- 
pany has reduced this amount somewhat. Both 
farm and village property are insurable, by the 
terms of the amended charter, and the amuial 
meetings must be held at Windsor Castle. In 
1885 the principal officers were William Um- 
benhauer, president ; James L. JMerkel, secre- 
tary ; Augustus R. Shollenberger, treasurer. 

Hie Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company of 
Berks County is an offspring of the company 
named, and was organized in 1875 by members 
of the old company opposed to the insurance of 
village property. In the new company policies 
are written on farm and country property only, 
for two-thirds of their value. The company 
has been eminently successful, being prosperous 
from its formation. In 1885 the policies ag- 
gregated over $2,000,000 insurance. On or- 
dinary property the insurance is perpetual, if 
the mutual clause is complied with ; but on ex- 
tra hazardous country pro])erty five-year policies 
are written. By the terms of the charter the 
meetings must be held annually at Windsor 
Castle. In 1885 the principal officers were the 
following: Samuel K. Fisher, president; A. S. 
Seidel, secretary ; Samuel Bewer, treasurer. 

Windsor Society for the Detection of Horse- 
Thieves. — This body was organized under a 
charter granted April 9, 1855, with eighty 
members and the following officers : Daniel 
Bausher, president ; Jacob Reber, Jr., vice- 
president; M. A. Sellers, secretary ; Jeremiah 
Focht, treasurer ; William Miller, G. E. Hor- 
lacher and William Reber, auditors. Of the 
above officers, M. A. Sellers has filled the po- 
sition of secretary continuously to the present 
time. The membership is limited to an area of 
country de-scribetl by a radius often miles from 
\\'iudsor Castle, the head(piartei"s of the society. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1063 



TJie by-laws provide a police committee of six- 
t(!cii persons, who hold themselves under the 
control and direction of the president of the 
society, and when the theft of a horse is re- 
ported, a search is instituted by this committee, 
;uid, getting on the traciv of tlie horse, must be 
pursued fifty miles, or until the thief is appre- 
hended. In case of the loss of the animal the 
liorse is ajjpraised and the owner reimbursed 
from the funds of the society to the extent of 
lliree-fourths of the actual value. Since the 
o])eration of the society twelve horses belonging 
to members were reported missing, of which ten 
of them were recovered, and in nearly every iu- 
stance the thieves were brought to justice. lu 
I.SSo there were one hundred members and the 
following officers: Joseph L. Smith, president; 
John De Turk, vice-president ; Mahlon A. Sel- 
lc!rs, secretary ; Joseph Bewer, treasurer. 

T/ieWindsor Horse Life Insurance Coiapany 
uf Berks County was organized under a charter 
granted by the County Court August 1, 1859, 
with one hundred and ten members and the fol- 
lowing as (he first board of directors : 

Mahlon A. Sellers. Daniel Bausher. 

William Miller. William Rieser. 

Samuel S. Unger. Benjamin Gardner. 

Joseph Smith. William Bcber. 

William D. Shomo. Jeremiah Focht. 

John Balthaser. George Merkel. 

The first officers were William D. Shomo, 
l)resident ; Benjamin Gardner, vice-president ; 
Mahlon A. Sellers, secretary ; Samuel S. linger, 
treasurer ; John Balthaser, collector. 

In its workings the company is purely mutual, 
and its operations are limited to Berks County. 
Its success is attested by the fact that its mem- 
bership is fully kept up, and that since its ex- 
istence the society has beeu able to sustain the 
loss of one hundred and forty-five horses. In- 
surance on animals may be placed as high as 
two hundred dollars, and in case of a loss, the 
owner is compensated within thirty days, less 
twenty per cent, of the appraised value of the 
animal. In 1885 the officers were Solomon 
Miller, president; John De Turk, vice-presi- 
dent; Mahlon A. Sellers, secretary ; Jacob F. 
Christ, treasurer. 



PERRY TOWNSHIP. 

In au act passed April 2, 1821, establishing 
and altering certain election districts, tlie 11)1- 
lowing provision was made : "That tlie township 
of Teriy, in tiie county of Berks, shall be a 
separate election district, and the electors thereof 
shall hold their general elections at I lie house 
now occupied by John Binckley, in .said town- 
ship." But no action was taken upon this legis- 
lation, and that section of territory was not 
made into a separate election district. No such 
township was in existence. Twenty-eight years 
afterward this election district was again estab- 
lished ; and -still the township was not 
erected. Four years more elapsed before such 
a political division was created. The piovision 
was as follows: "That so much of the town- 
sliij) of Windsor as lies south of a line com- 
mencing at a certain point on the Schuylkill 
River designated by a post on land of (ieorge 
Hughes ; thence, including the farm buildings, 
the Zion's Church, et cetera, N. 87J degrees, 
E. 1776 perches, to a double-hickory tree on 
the banks of the Maiden Creek, on land of 
Jacob Heinly,be and the same is hereby erected 
into a new and separate township, school and 
election district, to be called Perry township." 
The voting-place was fixed at the house of 
Jacob Boyer, in Shoemakersville. Benjamin 
Gardner was appointed judge and John Snyder 
aiul John H. Mohr inspectors of the first elec- 
tion for township officers. 

Industries. — The iudustries of Perry towu- 
ship are few in number and limited to the 
ordinary occupations of a farming country. 
Along the Maiden Creek, near Virginsville, is 
the blue-stone quarry of Isaac Leiby, which is 
noted for its fine quality of stone, re.sembling 
slate in many respects. Blocks of stone have 
been taken from it varying from two inches to 
four feet in thickness and thirty feet long. 
The same kind of stone is found on the farm 
of Jacob Shappell. Xeither quarry is worked 
on a large scale. The former has been open 
many years. Near Shoemakersville flag-stones 
of fine quality and large size are quarried by 
William S. Roller and Isaac Wheeler, both 
quarries being worked to a considerable extent. 



1064 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



On Plain C'lwlc, more than a mile east 
Irdiu Shoeniakersville, is au old mill-scat, 
known in early times asSebnable's, and later as 
the mill of Nicholas Gretb. The present mill, 
a roomy brick building, was erected by Enoch 
Wartzenlni't, and steam sujjj)lied, in addition to 
the water-power, before 1870. It is operated 
on cnstom-work. Near the village of Virgins- 
ville, and operated by the waters of the Maiden 
( 'I'cek, are the Gruber grist and saw-mills, built 
in lS3lJ by John Dreibelbis and now owned by 
Ephraim Dreibelbis, which have a good rej)u- 
tation. The fine mill of Adam Stoudt, at 
Shoemakersville, is operated by the Plum Creek 
and the Schuylkill. It was built, about 1840, 
by James and Joshua Reber, but has been sup- 
plied with modern machinery. In all points 
it is an excellent mill. 

On the Plum Creek, in the village, is the 
well-equipped tannery of C. H. & W. S. 
Seidel, opei'ated by the present firm since 1S.S4. 
It was built to its present size in 1867, by 
Solomon B. Seidel, the owner since 1846. The 
building is fifty by ninety feet, and two stories 
high. There are sixty-four vats. Fifty hides 
per week are tanned into harness-leather. 
Steam has been used since 1863. The business 
was established by Samuel Shoemaker. Part 
of the building- put up by him in 1810 is still 
used as an office. It is said that schools were 
taught in that room at an early day. Shoe- 
maker was succeeded by Jacob Seidel, grand- 
father of the present owners. Near Shoe- 
makersville, Henry Moll began the manufacture 
of common pottery- ware many years ago, 
and this is still carried on by Franklin B. 
Moll. 

CHURCHES. 

ZtoN's Church (Lutheran and Reformed).— 
This old house of worship is in the northern 
part of the .township, three miles from Shoe- 
makersville. In 1805 the present edifice was 
erected, the l>rirk used in its construction hav- 
ing been made on the church property. The 
lot on which the house stands was bought then. 
Since that time additions have been purchased 
to enlarge the cemetery, which now embraces 
about three acres. It has lately been irajiroved 



by having a neat iron fence built in front of the 
lot. The house shows evidence of age ; but it 
has been improved so as to make it attractive. 
It was remodeled in 1860. At the time it was 
built the trustees were Andrew Schmidt, Peter 
Shajipell, George Hinkel and Peter Gardner, 
the last two named being Lutheran. The pres- 
ent is the third house of worship used by these 
congregations. As early as 1760 the purpose 
to build a church in this neighborhood was agi- 
tated, and Conrad Kersciiner made a journey to 
Philadelphia to secure a donation of land from 
the Penns for church purposes. He was suc- 
cessful in obtaining a grant of forty acres, and 
on this thei'e was built a small log meeting- 
house, in 1761. It soon proved too small, and, 
in 1771, a larger building (also of logs) was 
erected, by a committee com|)osed of Jeremiah 
Shappell, Eberhard ShappL'll, Johannes Herd, 
Conrad Kerschner and George Hauor. This 
house also stood on the church property, on land 
donated by the Penns, but the third house it 
was thought best to build on more elevated 
ground, which was secured by purchase. The 
church property is improved with a residence, 
barn and enough sheds for the gratuitous use 
of church attendants to accommodate sixty-one 
teams. 

The Rev. Bernhart Hausich was the first to 
preach in this locality. He held meetings be- 
fore the first church was built. He visited the 
neighborhood from 1759 to 1763. Then came, 
as Lutheran jiastors, the following : 



D. Schumacher. ..1703-1)5 

John A. Krug 1765-71 

Heiniich Miller.. 1775-77 
Dan. Lehman..] 778-1810 



John Knoske 1811-14 

Frederick Engel.. 1817-23 
G. F. J. Iaeger...l823-li6 
Thos. T. Iaeser...lS(;6 



The Rev. John Andreas Krug was the first 
minister to preach regularly, and he began the 
records of the church. Some of his first entries 
indicate, in 1766, the mari'iage of Frantz Roth 
to Hannah Kerschner, the ceremony having 
been performed in the church, after the bans 
had been declared at Reading. 

The first baptism was that of a child belong- 
ing to Jacob and Magdalena Schumacher, in 
September, 1762. The child received the name 
of Mary Magdalena, and Jacob Hill and Mag- 
dalena, his wife, were the sponsors. The Luth- 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1065 



eran congregation has flourished for many years. 
In 1885 it had four hundred members. 

Tlie Reformed congregation had its first set- 
tled pastor in 1771, in the person of Rev. Philip 
Jacob Michel. The successive pastors were as 
follows : 



Henry Hertzell 1800 

George Wack 1807 

Henry Dieffenbach...l808 

C. S. Hermann 1819 

Joseph S. Dubbs 1822 

P. S. Fischer 1831 

AdamSohaeffcr 1833 



Abraham Berkey 1834 

C. Y. Hermann.". 1836 

J. S. Hermann " 

L. D. Lederman 1868 

R. S. Appel 1870 

B. S. Wise 1872 



In 1885 the congregation had three hundred 
members. Sixty years ago the church was sup- 
plied with a pipe-organ and John Starr was the 
organist for thirty-six years. Daniel Saul has 
filled the same position since 1866. 

Shoemakeusvii.le Church (Reformed 
AND Lutheran) was built in 185.'5 on two 
acres of land secured for this purpose 
from the farm of Joshua Reber. It is 
a two-story brick edifice, with a gallery, and 
was put up by a building committee compcsed 
of Daniel linger and Solomon B. Seidel, on the 
part of the Lutheran congregation ; and David 
Becker and Isaac Mohr, on the part of the Re- 
formed congregation. 

The latter had for its first pastor the Rev. 
Isaac Miesse, and was succeeded by the Revs. F. 
H. Swartz, E. P. A. Hoffman and the present 
pa.stor P. Y. Schelley. The congregation has 
one hundred and fifty members. The Lutheran 
congregation had for its first pa.stor the Rev. 
Thomas T. laeger, whose successors in the 
ministry were the Revs. B. E. Kramlich, Ben- 
jamin Kline, T. T. laeger, C. K. Drumheller 
and O. D. Miller. It has one hundred and fifty 
members and a well-attended Sunday-school is 
superintended by Henry K. Miller. 

St. Timothy's Church (Reformed and 
Lutheran) is, as its name implies, a union 
house of worship, and was built at Mohrsville 
in 1864. It is located in the upper part of the 
village, on the east side of the turnpike and 
presents an inviting appearance. The house 
is of brick, in modern style of church architect- 
ure, and is supplied with a plain spire. The 



church was formally dedicated on Sunday, May 
17, 1865. 

The Lutheran congregation was organized 
with seventeen members and has increased to 
about sixty. The Rev. E. B. Kramlich was the 
first pastor. The Rev. G. W. Fritch is the 
present pastor. 

The Reformed congregation numbers about 
thirty members, and has had the pastoral services 
of the Revs. Aaron S. Leinbach, Tobias Kessler, 
and R. S. Appel, the latter at present in charge. 

The Ebenezer Church of the Evangelical 
Association w;is built in 1857, in the eastern 
part of the village of Siioemakersville. The 
building is of brick and rather small in dimen- 
sions. It was erected under the direction of the 
Rev. Daniel Wieand, assisted by a building 
committee. At that time about thirty persons 
constituted the membership, which is not much 
stronger at this time, owing to the organization 
of Salem United Brethren Church in the .same 
village. The church is included in the Kutztown 
Circuit. It was served in 1885 by the Revs. 
^Yilliam Weidner and C. C. Speicher. Thecircuit 
embraced in 1885 Kutztown, Lyons, Shamrock, 
Richmond, Virgin.sville, ^Vesnersville, Albany, 
Hamburg and Shoemakersville. The following 
ministers have been in charge of it: Revs. 
Wieand, Ziegenfuss, Leib, Leopold, Sechrist, 
Gingrich, Lich ten waiter, Stauffer, Yeagle, Leuz, 
Hess and "VYeidner. 

Ebenezer Church sup])orted a Sunday-school 
in 1885, which had \Vm. P. Burkhart as the 
superintendent. 

Salem Church of the United Brethren in 
Christ is located in the upper part of the village 
of Shoemakersville. 

The congregation occupying it was or- 
ganized in 1874. The church was built in 
1876. It is a small, but neat brick hou.se, 
plainly built. The committee who erected it 
were John Sieger, Peter Heckman and Frank- 
lin Gundy. The two former and Samuel 
Lesher are the present trustees. There were 
thirty members when the church was organized ; 
now they are nearly double that number. Since 
the fall of 1885 the pa.stor has been the Rev. 
L. W. Cranmer. Other ministers of the church 
have been the Revs. Longeuecker, Fleisher, 



lOCtl 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Lowry, Etter, Uno;er aud Moon. A flourish- 
ing Sunday-school is supported by the church, 
with Henry Dubson as superintendent. 

Schools. — The people of Perry have taken 
a warm interest in educational matters, and their 
.school-houses generally, are well supplied with 
the requisities demanded by our modern 
teachers. The school-house at Shoemakersville 
was built in 1875. It is a spacious two-story 
building, well furnished and the schools main- 
tained in it enjoy a good reputation. 

VILLAGES. 

Shoemakersville, the largest village in 
Ptrry township, is on the Schuylkill, south- 
wardly of the centre of the township and at 
the mouth of Plum Creek. It is finely located 
ou a level tract of land and is surrounded by a 
fertile country. Its name was derived from 
Henry Shoemaker, one of the first settlers at 
the place, who lived on the north side of Plum 
Creek. The stone mansion which he built in 
1768 is still standing and is used as a residence, 
being now the property of Solomon R. Seidel. 
For a time he kept an inn at that place, but it 
was discontinued when a ])ublic-house was 
opened in Charles Shoemaker's dwelling, which 
stood on the south side of Plum Creek and on 
the site of the present Metropolitan Hotel. The 
original house was of logs, but an addition of 
stone was made after more room was demanded. 
Charles Shoemaker was the father of sons 
named Charles, Benjamin, Jacob and Samuel. 
The first-named figured most in public affairs, 
being a member of the Assembly and a Senator 
from 1813 to 1816. He died at Shoemakers- 
ville in 1822. He was the father of Mrs. 
Solomon B. Seidel, of Shoemakersville, and 
]\Irs. Charles Mohr and Mrs. Samuel Stejjp, of 
Molirsville. The lower part of Shoemakers- 
ville was never laid out for village purposes, 
but buildings were put up on lots of irregular 
size to suit the purchasers. Most of the growth 
has been made within the last twenty years. A 
quarter of a mile farther up the turnpike, and 
on the north side of the canal, an addition to 
Shoemakersville was made by Lsaae Reber ; and 
later, others, by F. S. Reber and S. S. Unger, 
upon M'hich a number of liouse.5 have been 



built. Now this part is larger than the original 
village. The first house here was put up by 
Harri.son Derrick, a log building used for a 
dwelling. Jacob Sieger put up the first sub- 
stantial house, also a residence, in 1855 ; and 
about the same time William Miller another, 
now the residence of Perry Reber. Near the 
same time substantial improvements were made 
by Daniel Zuber, D. B. Fisher and George B. 
Fi.sher. The latter opened the first store, about 
1865, in a building now occupied as a tin-shop 
by William F. Burkhart. 

In 1870 S.S. Unger put u]) a large three- 
story brick hotel in this ))art of the village, 
calling it the " Mansion House." The upper 
part was finished off for a public hall and part 
of the lower floor prepared for a store-room, 
which has since been occujiied fi^' business 
purposes. The hotel has been continuously 
kept by S. S. and A. S. Unger. 

Between these two parts of the village the 
Pennsylvania Railroad has located its station, 
erecting very neat depot buildings, opened for 
business in December, 1885. Haifa mile west, 
in Centre township, is tiic dejiot building of the 
Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, and which 
is the Shoemakersville station. It was not 
located as early as the construction of tiie rail- 
way, the people of the place for many years 
having been obliged to transact their business 
through the Moh'-sville station. In 1862 the 
Wind.sor Haven Bridge Com])any opened its toll- 
bridge and entered into an agreement with the 
railroad company whereby the latter agreed to 
maintain a .station, provided the former would 
erect the depot buildings. This arrangement 
was carried out and since that time the station 
has aided in increasing the business of Shoe- 
makersville. The first merchandising was done 
in the old Shoemaker mansion, where Samuel 
Dreibelbis had a store. Soon after, a man 
named Feyer opened a store in part of the 
Charles Shoemaker inn. This was discontinued 
and a store was opened at the canal by Jacob 
Barndt. Soon after, Michael Beard began trad- 
ing in a house put up for store purpo.ses by the 
Reber brothers, Joshua and James, who endea- 
vored to attract business to the village by these 
improvements. Another store-staud was es- 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



10G7 



tablished by Charles Shoemaker, where Cliarles 
Weightraan engaged in business. Later, Joseph 
Seidel built a store-house, which is still in use, 
occupied by Henry K. Miller many years. 
Along the canal store-houses were built by the 
Rebers and by Jacob Seidel, Sr. In the one 
D. I. Saul is in business, and near the Penn- 
sylvania depot Ciiarles N. Brownniiller has 
lately established himself in trade ;is a lumber 
aud coal dealer. 

The old C'harles Shoemaker inn was carried 
on in a repaired condition until 1869, when 
Elias Becker built and has since kept the com- 
modious three-story hotel known as the Metro- 
jwlitan House. The upper story was fitted up 
for the use of secret societies and it has been oc- 
cupied by lodges of the orders of Patrons of 
Husbandry, Knights of Pythias, Junior Ameri- 
can Mechanics and Knights of the Mystic 
Chain, all of which have been discontinued and 
the charters surrendered. In this hotel is the 
Shoemakersville post-office, established in 1833, 
and which was kept by Charles Shoemaker, Jr. 
The present postmaster is Elias Becker. 

Among the physicians at Shoemakersville 
may be named Dr. Winters, Dr. Hiram Whit- 
ner. Dr. J. N. Brause and the present practi- 
tioners, Dr. M. S. Reber and Dr. N. K. Fisher. 

On the turn])ike, above the village, were two 
old-time inns, known as Fink's and Heckman's; 
at the former were also as landlords, Solomon 
Lesher, Tobias Gerhart, Aspen Kerschner and 
Charles Dreibelbis, the last to keep the inn. 

M011E.SVILLE is a pleasant hamlet consisting 
of fifteen buildings on the Perry township side 
of the Schuylkill, and as many more on the 
Centre township side. There are stations of 
the .same name on both the Philadelphia and 
Reading Railroad and the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road. The former station was established in 
October, 1841, in Centre township, and J. W. 
Smith appointed agent. Upon his decease 
Setli Zimmerman became his successor, and 
since December, 1842, has faithfully and effi- 
ciently discharged the duties of an agent of the 
company. The depot is large and much ship- 
ping is done at this point. 

The .station on the Pennsylvania Railroad 
was opened in December, 1885, and has been 



provided with pleasant quarters. It was on 
this side that Mohrsville began its growth and 
took its name from the Mohr family, who were 
early settlei's here and the first to engage in 
trade. John H. Mohr had a public-house in 
the first building in the place, aud he was the 
first postmaster of the office established May 10, 
1836. The inn was vaciited about 1853, after 
the hotel on the west side was opened. The 
.store built about 1840 by John H. Mohr and 
John Gernant, and in which Michael R. Smith 
is now carrying on business, is the only public 
place on the ea.st side, and in it is kept the post- 
office by Michael R. Smith. It is the distribu- 
ting office for Centreport and Bernville by 
stage route tri-weekly. Various shops are in 
the village. Dr. W. R. Shaner is located there 
in the practice of medicine. 

On the west side are a large hotel, a good 
store aud a number of fine homes, some of them 
lately erected, while on the east side the new 
railroad has caused evidences of improvement 
to appear. 



ALBANY TOWNSHIP. 

Albany township is the northernmost dis- 
trict in the county. Its eastern line forms part 
of the county line between Berks aud Lehigh 
Counties, aud its northern Hue part of the 
county line between Berks aud Schuylkill 
Counties. I have not been able to ascertain 
when this township was first erected and how 
much territory it embraced. The first district 
in this upper section of the county embraced a 
large area of territory, including what is now 
Albany and Greenwich townships, altogether 
about forty-five thousand acres, and it was 
known for .some years previous to 1752 by the 
name of "Allemaengel," which signified all- 
wants, a country wanting in fertility of soil. 
About the time of, and probably immediately 
after, the erection of the county this large area 
was divided into two districts by a straight line 
run east and west through the central portion, 
the upper having been named Albany and the 
lower Greenwich. These names were taken from 
prominent districts in England, and were 
doubtless suggested by the surveyor, Benjamin 



1068 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Lightfoot, who was active in such service 
during that early period of the county. I made 
diligent search amongst the old records of Phil- 
adelphia County, and also of Berks County, 
without finding anything relating to the erec- 
tion of tliis large tract of territory into a town- 
ship or to its subsequent subdivision. 

Immediately after the country between the 
South Mountain and Blue Mountain was de- 
clared open to general settlement upon its pur- 
chase from the Indians, settlers proceeded north- 
wardly along the Maiden Creek and took up 
lands by warrant and survey. These were 
mostly, if not entirely, Germans. In 1741 there 
were thirty-seven taxables. 

In 1732 a "manor" of two thousand acres 
was set apart for the use of Thomas Penn in 
tiie upper section. This tract was described as 
situated on the Andenehilia (Maiden Creek), be- 
tween Big Manor Creek and Little Manor 
Creek. Tradition has carried the " manor " 
down till now, and the creeks to the east and 
west are still pointed out and so named. 

Early Settlers. — Cornelius Frees took up 
a tract of land, containing two hundred acres, 
in 1743, which lay at the foot of the Blue 
Mountain, towards the western end of the town- 
ship, in what is commonly called " The Cor- 
ner " — \_Die Ec'Jc]. His neighbors then were 
Adam Frees, Andreas Hagenbough and Tobias 
Stapleton. When the land was taken up it was 
described as being on a branch of Maiden Creek, 
in Philadelphia County. But several years 
afterward this section was known as " Alle- 
maengel." He erected a log building on this 
tract. It was one story, with a garret, and its 
dimensions were eighteen feet wide by twenty- 
seven feet long. This was the first building 
(■rected in that distant locality. It was still 
standing in 1883, when I visited it, being then 
line hundred and forty years old, but it was in 
a very weak condition. The first floor had 
three rooms, and the garret the same. A large 
space was set apart for the " fire-corner " and 
kitchen. The two rooms adjoining were heated 
by a walled- in stove, which consisted of iron 
plates fastened together, and extended from one 
room through the partition into the other room. 
This was the only specimen of a stove of this 



pattern which I saw at any time in this county 
or elsewhere. 

A large iron ])late had been walled in on the 
side of the building by Frees, which continued 
in place for many years, until it was removed by 
Daniel Levan,a succeeding owner, who migrate<l 
from Exeter township. This plate is supposed 
to have been cast at the Colebrookdale Furnace. 
It contained the following inscription in raised 
letters : 

WAS NCff ZU GQTTES EhK 
AUS GLALEEN GEF 1ST SLInDE 
KRCKALF OTh£mES f£RTZ 
VERLIEhR lA KEr^ STUN3E 

DIE UBERKLUGE WELT VER-- 

=STEHT DOCH KENE WAAREN 
SESUCHT LND FINDET KOTH 
mU LAST DIE PERLE FAl-REN 

This building occupied a dangerous position 
during the invasion by the Indians. It was 
occupied at times as a place of refuge by the 
settlers in that vicinity. A man named Schoner, 
it is said, was shot at the door ; and a quarter 
of a mile away a man named Shisler and his 
wife were killed by the Indians. 

Taxables of 1759. — The following list 
comprises the taxable inhabitants of the town- 
ship in 1759. Michael Brobst was the collector. 
The tax levied amounted to £31 6s. Orf. 



Antliony Adnm.. 2 

Arnold Billig 8 

Francis Billig 6 

John Bricker 6 

Jacob Bacher 4 

Michael Brobst 14 

Martin Brobst 14 

Deolwld Bifhlman 1 

Nicholas Bacher 6 

Valentine Brobst 16 

Cornelius Drefis 3 

Nicholas Emrich 2 

John Frees 3 

Simon Frees 6 

Jacob Gerhard 4 

Jacob Gortner 7 

Peter Gortner 2 

Andreas HaRebach 7 

Christopher Hagler 12 

christian Henry 7 



Frederick Hauer 2 

Jolin Hein 2 

Michael Ilollenbach 1 

Michael Herster 5 

George Kiingle li 

John Knss 1 

Jacob KuntK G 

Martin Kanip '» 

Peter Kneper 7 

Christopher Keill)ach 2 

John Kistlcr 5 

Martin Koffcr 2 

George Klingenian 2 

Philip Kugler 2 

Christopher Lentzberger 2 

George Lilly S 

George Loniberts 7 

John Lebs 1 

.Tacob Laiitz 5 

John Miller 4 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUXTY. 



1069 



Miclmel Miuiror 2 

NidrolKs MiltenbergcT 3 

Jiicob Pub 3 

Valentine Petry 1 

Keniy RuttcT 16 

Henry Raclielsderfer 3 

John Reick % 

('liristoi)ber Swenck 1 

John Stierwald 2 

Jacob ^tAm 2 

NichoIaH Sti-asser 6 

Nkboliis Smith 3 



Philip Slampacb G 

Tobias SUililc-ton 10 

William Snieathcr 6 

William Stump 5 

George Truni 5 

Andreas Weiiner fi 

Jobn Wilt 3 

Jacob Wenlt 4 

Nicholas Wenner 4 

Ulrich Waggoner 1 

Henry Zimmerman 2 



William Farmar. 
Jacob Frees. 
Henry Fulweiler. 
Jacob Hageubacb. 



Siugle Men. 

Henry Kanisb. 
Eliaa Redkin. 
Daniel Smith. 



George Ranch 1 

Henrj' Riippeit 1 

George Sharp 1 

John Smeather 1 

Paniel Stump 1 

Henry Swenck 1 

Peter Zeybold 1 



Solomon Bacher 1 

Jacob Bayly 2 

Christopher Brauchor 1 

Jacob Donat 1 

Paniel Gmucher 1 

Frederick Hass 2 

George Kautzman 1 

Samuel I-eydy 1 

Early Buildings. — Several old buildings 
in the township remain as evidences of its early 
settlement. On the farm of James B. Levan 
is an old log building which is a relic of the 
time when Indian warfare harassed the settlers, 
and it doubtless served as a sort of fort, for bul- 
let-marks are still visible ou the logs. 

Near by is a stone house, owned by Joel 
Baer, which antedates the Revolution. It was 
long known as the " Robert Steppleton Place." 
Farther east, on the Ontelaunee, is a log house, 
now owned by N. D. Trexler, at Trexler Sta- 
tion, which is a landmark easily recognized by 
the older people, and around which cluster 
many recollections. It was long an inn and in 
tiie days when grain was cut by hand-sickles 
the thirsty harvesters used to drive their sickles 
into the logs while they went inside to refresh 
themselves. These marks can be plainly seen. 
A few years ago, while the owner was rebuild- 
ing the chimney, he found a very rare relic of 
the Revolutionary period imbedded in the wall 
of the garret and plastered over. It is a circu- 
lar piece of apple wood, about a foot in diame- 
ter and contains an excellent profile of Wash- 
ington. On its edge there appears, in reversed 
letters, the following sentiment : " Long live 
Geo. Washington, the Commander of the Fed- 
eral Army." The date and other matter at the 
bottom have been eaten away by mice. The 
engraving shows skillful workmanship. 

Early Settlers. — Of the early settlers, a 



number of descendants of the fourth and fifth 
generations still remain on the places fir.st occu- 
pied by their forefathers, among which may l)e 
named the Berks and Baileys. Of the latter, 
Daniel Bailey, born in Albany, who died in 
Greenwich, ninety years of age. 

In that township John Jacob Dietrich settled 
on the Saeony Creek, where he reared sons 
named Henry, Joiin Jacob, George and Chris- 
tian. The first two settled in Albany, and John 
Jacob, who died in 1857, was the father of 
Solomon and Charles P. Dietrich, well-known 
citizens of Albany. A member of another 
generation, Franklin S. Dietrich, born in Al- 
bany in September, 1851, after being educated 
at Kutztown Normal School, Freeland Semi- 
nary and at Philadelphia, went as a missionary 
to India in the fall of 1882, and has since been 
in that service. 

The Fetherolf family, though prominent 
years ago in the affairs of Albany, have nearly 
all died or removed. Abraham, a son of John, 
became a physician of repute. 

Among other natives of Albany who became 
physicians are James D. Graver, Wm. Trexler 
and George Reagan. 

The Trexlers identified themselves with the 
township in 1826, occupying the Fus.selman 
farm. Of sons named Amos, Jonas, Riter, 
Jairus, Aaron, Nathan, David and Benjamin, 
the first four survive, who, with their descend- 
ants, are active in the affairs of the county. 
The Kistlers settled in Lehigh County, near 
Wesnersville, from which place some of the 
family early came to Albany and carried on 
mills and small factories. Jacob, Daniel and 
Mathias Kistler are best remembered in this 
connection. 

industries. 

The mountain streams of Albany were early 
improved to operate mills and factories requir- 
ing but small power. Prominent in their day 
were the Union Forges and Furnace, on Pine 
Creek and its tributary, all within a radius of 
a mile, and their operations brought a sturdy, 
busy population to the township, many of whom 
left after the iron-works were no longer carried 
on. A small charcoal furnace and two forges 
were built before 1780, which became known 



1070 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



as the " Union Iron- Works." They were sub- 
sequently operated by Michael Brobst, John 
Brobst, A^alentine Brobst and John Richards. 
Iiater, George Reagan, an iron-master from 
Virginia, became the owner of the property, 
which included extensive tracts of land. Be- 
sides carrying on the iron-works, he operated 
grist and saw-mills and carried on a general 
store. The furnace was abandoned more than 
fifty years ago, and the last forge ceased to work 
twenty years later, under the ownership of Wil- 
liam Reagan. But the grist-mill, built by 
Brobst over a hundred years ago, still remains. 
The lower story is of stone and the upper of 
logs. It is the property of Thomas Long. On 
Pine Creek were also the Knepper mill (very 
early) and oil, grist and saw-mills by Jacob 
Grenewalt and the Grim family. On Stony 
Run, near its mouth, the Mason family had an 
early mill, which was owned by Samuel Brobst 
and subsequently by Isaac Levan and his son 
Jackson. The present Deitrich mill is remem- 
bered as Kistler's and later as the property of 
Reuben and Jonathan Grim, well-known citi 
zens in their day. Then came the Grenewalt 
mill, which obtained a wider reputation as Kun- 
kel's and is still owned by that family. The 
Fetherolf family had mills and shops on Mill 
Creek, which became the property of the Trex- 
ler family. On the Ontelaunee, near the Le- 
high line, there was early a mill known as 
Witmann's, but better remembered as Moser's. 

At Trexler's Station the Shellenberger family 
had a clover-mill and a power to grind sickles 
and turn gun-barrels. This power is now used 
to operate N. D. Trexler's tannery, which was 
established in 1857 by Joel Kistler and operated 
since 1867 by the present owner. Theca])acity 
is sixteen hundred hides per year. Other tan- 
neries were operated on Aaron Trexler's j)lace 
and on the Hagenbush farm, where fine leather 
was made a specialty. Isaac Levan long car- 
ried on a tannery, making leather of good quality 
by the use of improved methods and machinery. 

Other small industries, such as carding-ma- 
chines, oil-mills, saw-mills, etc., had an exis- 
tence and some are .still run to a limited extent. 
The majority of the population find employment 
in ao;riculture. 



Slate Quarries. — Albany has become a 
prominent loc.dity on account of its slate inter- 
ests. These were first developed by Charles 
Faust, on his farm on the slope of the Blue 
Mountain. As the products had to be hauled 
to Hamburg, but little was done until 187(', 
when the Berks County Railroad, by atfordint; 
better shipping facilities, induced more active 
operation of the quarries. That year David 
Heinley and Charles Faust opened the " Cen- 
tennial Quarry," taking out a superior quality 
of slate and employing eighteen men the fol- 
lowing year. In 1S81 they sold out to the 
"Standard Slate Company," which was, in turn, 
succeeded by the " Big Bed Slate Company." 
In this quarry as high as forty men have been 
employed. The " Quaker City Slate Com- 
pany " was the next to open a quarry ojiposite 
the " Centennial," and it successfully operated 
the same until 1884, when a change of owner- 
ship took place. Under this management thirty 
men found employment. In the same locality 
is the "Pittsburgh (Quarry," which, when fully 
worked, emj)loys twenty men, and also a new 
quarry by the " Continental Slate Comj)any," 
of Philadelphia, which commenced work in the 
fall of 1885. 

The slate of this .section ranks with the best 
quality found in the slate region. It is in 
.strata from fifteen to eighty feet below the sur- 
face. New developments being made from 
time to time, this industry promises to become 
the most important in the northern part of the 
county. 

CHURCHES. 

Albany Church. — In this .section of coun- 
try, notwithstanding its remoteness from the 
.stronger settlements to the .south, the settlers 
di.splayed commendable energy towards estiib- 
li.shing a church for religious worship. The 
devotion of Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg 
carried him into that wild region of territory, 
to give encouragement and comfort to those 
pioneers in the great work of po.ssessing and 
improving this new country, and of building np 
and carrying onward the development of the 
Lutheran Church in Pennsylvania. Certain of 
his church members had moved thither, be- 
tween 1735 and 1745, from New Hanover, in 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1071 



Pliiladelphia (now Montgomery) County, and he 
naturally followed tliera to look after their 
s])iritual welfare. In 1746 (April 11th) he 
took up in this township a tract of land con- 
taining fifty acres, and about that time a 
church was erected thereon. This was first 
known as " Allemaengel Church," and after- 
wai-d named "New Jerusalem." In 1770, 
Muhlenberg granted this land to Philip Stam- 
bach, Jacob Gortner and Valentine Brobst, of 
.Albany township, in Berks County, and Mat- 
thias Brobst and George Kestler, of Lyini town- 
ship, in Northampton (now Lehigh) County, 
trustees, in trust and for the use of the " Ger- 
man Lutheran Congregation of Albany town- 
shi|).'" 

The following interesting extracts have been 
taken from a centennial sermon delivered by 
the Rev. S. K. Brobst, at a celebration in this 
church on September .3, 1871 :^ 

"The beginning of the foundation of a German 
Evangelical Lutheran congregation in this vicinity, 
formerly called 'Allemaengel,' must have been 
already begun between the years 1740 and 1747. In 
the 'Hallischen Nachrichten,' pp. 215-216, the Rev. 
Henry Mclchior Muhlenberg mentions the following 
fact,^ concerning it: 

" ' In March, 1747, I took a journey to the north- 
western mountains, fifty miles from Providence (now 
called theXrappe). Many German people lived there, 
|)0or and destitute, and have a scarcity of spiritual 
and bodily food. Divers members of the congrega- 
tion from New Hanover having moved thithir, and 
recalled their worship of God, they gave me a press- 
ing invitation to visit them. Many grew into a wild 
life and no longer regarded churches and schools, and 
some ibllowed such men who had set themselves up 
as preachers (vagrants). Others sought something 
edifying and would not have anything to do with 
ministers walking about by themselves, but fell on the 
other side and connected themselves with the Mora- 
vians from Bethlehem. 

" ' My former members had already several times 
sent men to me and asked me to help them. Having 
at thetime had with me, as an as.sistant, Mr. Kurtz 
(school-teacher and assistant preacher), I sent him 
thither several times, and through my father-in-law, 
Conrad Weiser, let a small tract of land (50 acres) as 



' Deed recorded in Recorder's olBce, Heading, in D. B. 
vol. vi., p. 321-322. 

^Published in Die LiUlieritche Zeilschri/I, al Allenlown, 
Pa.. September l(j. 1871, in German and translated by tlie 
author of this history. 



a property for church purposes. Upon this they were 
to erect a log school-house or church. If they sliould 
in time become strong, so that they could support a 
school-teacher, then the children should receive some 
help. The school-teacher should read the Scriptures 
on Sundays and I would visit them once or several 
times every year. 

" 'After a majority of them had united and agree 1 
upon a fair proposition, they began to erect a log 
church. In the mean time the Moravians' from Beth- 
lehem were industrious in drawing some of these peo- 
ple unto themselves, most of whom were still in 
the possession of bodily sustenance. These Mora- 
vians proclaimed that they were the genuine Luther- 
ans, and they also administered the sacrament after 
the manner of the Lutherans, and sent a brother 
member with his family to those whom they had won 
over, for the purpose of keeping school. 

" ' The other party seeing this, they became angry 
and used abusive language, and the third party, on 
this account, withdrew. Soon after they had begun 
to erect a church, the operations stopped, and the 
building without a roof stands to this day. The Mora- 
vians thought that they would and could finish the 
building with the understanding that it should be a 
brotherly church ; but this I did not agree to, because 
the ground was still in my possession, and I had hojies 
that the poor Lutherans would in time be able to help 
themselves. But then I did not see any possibility 
how such a spoiled disordered heap could be improved 
until the Lord should give mc ways and means as yet 
unknown. During my recent visit there, I myself 
preached, baptized several children and urged my 
former members to read the Scriptures and pray with 
diligence. And I administered the sacrament unto 
two old persons, at their earnest request. Their chil- 
dren had joined the Moravians and this caused them 
to sorrow secretly and receive the sacrament with the 
deepest humiliation ; and they promised through Jesus 
Christ to remain faithful in life, sorrow and death.' 

"The first children baptized were the children of 
John Bely, Frank Bely, Caspar Langenberger, Peter 
Driesz, Michael Brobst, Frederick Reichelsdorfer, 
John Wesner and George Kistler. 

" Among the first persons confirmed were the fol- 
lowing : in 1756, George Kistler, George Kunkel, 
Conrad Billman, Fr. Billig, Maria D. Fosselman ; in 
1757, George Fr. Braucher, George Brobst, Anna M. 
Grimm. 

"A burying-ground is connected with the church. 

" The fir.st grave-stone bears date in 1760, and the 
second in 1762. 

" The whole tract is still owned, excepting IJ acres 
sold off to an adjoining owner of property. 



'The Moravians had a settlement near by in " Kistler's 
Valley," which must have included a considerable number. 
Upon .Jonas Kistler's land there was a burying ground 
which was known as the " .Moravian Burying-Ground." 



1072 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



" Beside the church record, the pastor (Schumacher) 
kept a private record with great care and exactness, 
in which he entered the baptisms and confirmations, 
with dates, names, etc., and this is now with tlie docu- 
ments of thechurch. It contains the names of 1208 
children baptized from 1754 till 1774, and their pa- 
rents, and the names of 500 persons who were 
confirmed and admitted to membership. Among 
these names are many of the families who still reside 
in the vicinity and continue their connection with the 
church. 

" From 1755 to 1769 the congregations were served 
by the Rev. Daniel Schumacher, a Lutheran minister 
who then lived at Weisseuberg, between three and 
four miles from AUemaengel, and in that time also 
served fifteen or sixteen other congregations in Berks 
and Northampton Counties ; those in Berks having 
been Maxatawny (near Kutztown), Windsor, Green- 
wich, Alsace, Schwartzwald, ' Oley Hills,' beyond 
the Blue Mountains (Zionsville) and Summer Hill 
(North-kill). 

'"In 17G9 he withdrew from this church, moved a 
small distance away, and took with him a considerable 
number of his friends, where in 1770-71 a new ' Al- 
lemaengcl Kirche ' was erected, formerly called Bethel 
Church, also the ' White Church.' 

" In the beginning, and till 1808, the congregation 
was entirely Lutheran, excepting the privilege given 
to members of the Reformed denomination to worship 
in the church occasionally. Then a new church was 
encouraged, conjointly by Lutheran and Reformed 
members, with the understanding that the latter 
should enjoy equal privileges in the building, for 
church and school purposes and in the land for bury- 
ing. The corner-stone was laid on 7th May, 1812, 
upon which occasion the Lutherans were represented 
by the Revs. J. Knoske, H. Geissenhainer and J. 
Weiand, and the Reformed by Revs. Henry Diefliien- 
bach and Jacob Dieffenbach. 

"The dedication of the new church took place on 
29-30 iMay, 1814. Revs. Knoske and J. Heira offici- 
ated for the Lutheran members, and Revs. Henry 
Diefl'enbach, Jacob Dieffenbach and Carl Hermann 
for the Reformed. The church of 1814 is still stand- 
ing in a good state of preservation, and religious ser- 
vices are conducted there regularly and successfully. 
A school was conducted for many years in connection 
with the church." 

Tlie cliurch is situated near the eastern line 
of the township, a short distance above Wess- 
iiersviile. First known as tlie " AlUmaengel 
Kirche" and later as the "Albany Church," it 
has locally been designated as the "lied 
Church " on account of its roof having been 
jiainted tiiat color. Its offspring, the church at 
Wessnersville, about the same time was desig- 



nated as the " White Church," a title wliich still 
clings to it. 

A centennial celebration was held at this 
church on Saturday and Sunday, the 2d and .'kl 
days of September, 1871. The building was 
handsomely decorated with evergreens and 
flowers. The entire congregation, including 
many persons from distant parts who had been 
confirmed in this church, assembled to partici- 
pate in tlie ceremony. 

Various Lutheran preachers offiiciated here 
from 1770 to 1777, according to the hand- 
writing in the church record, their names not 
having been mentioned. From 1777, for three 
years, the Kev. Friedrich Miller acted as pastor, 
and subsequently until 1810 the Rev. Daniel 
Lehmann. After Lehmann's death, Rev. John 
Kuoske came from Orwigsburg (now in Schuyl- 
kill County), and served this church in connec- 
tion with others situated in the vicinity 
extending to Kutztown, for twelve years, till 
the close of 1823. From 1824 until 1831 there 
were the Revs. Doring, Wartman and Pfalz, 
and in 1831, Rev. J. Roeller began to preach 
and continued faithfully for twenty-six years. 
His succe.ssors have been Revs. Leopold, S. S. 
Klein, L. Zulter, D. Trexler and H. S. Fegeley. 

The Reformed pastors since 1812 have been 
Revs. Henry Dieffenbach, J. Zulich and A. J. 
Herman, the latter being in charge since 185G. 
The membership of each denomination then 
was about one hundred and fifty. 

Burials. — The New Jerusalem Cemetery 
contains a number of fine monuments erected 
by the Baehman, Trexler, Kistler and Fetherolf 
families. 

Bethel Chur(ML — Some years after tlie 
erection of the Albany Church a movement was 
made for the erection of another church in the 
same township. This arose from a disturbance 
which existed in 1769, between certain mem- 
bers of the Albany Church and its pastor, the 
Rev. Daniel Schumacher, and which obliged 
him to withdraw. In leaving the church he 
carried a considerable numiier of sympathizing 
friends with him, and they together succeeded in 
organizing a second congregation and erecting a 
church a sliort distance to the south, which was 
dedicated May 20, 1774. It was named "Bethel 



TOWNSHIPS OP COUNTY. 



1073 



Church." It is a log building, still standing, 
and is occupied by the sexton. At the time of 
its dedication it was declared a " union " church 
for the use of Lutheran and Reformed congre- 
gations. 

The members were devoted to the interests of 
the church, and made a number of gifts. Chris- 
tian Hechlcr presented a communion set ; Jacob 
Bolleman, a baptismal font ; Christian Braucher, 
a church record ; John A. Manderbach, three 
pounds of money and a black altar-cloth ; Su- 
sanna Norgaug, a white worked altar-cloth ; and 
Elias Ruthgen, a silk altar cloth. 

A new stone building was erected near by in 
1840, to take the place of the old log building. 
The corner-stone was laid May 3d, and the 
church was dedicated on November 8th follow- 
ing. From its white api)earance it took the 
name of the " White Church," to distinguish it 
from the "New Jerusalem Church," which was 
commonly known as the " Red Church," and 
it is still so called. 

The Lutheran ministers have been Revs. 
Daniel Schumacher, Frederick Miller, J. Schaef- 
fer, John S. Eogel, G. F. J. laeger, Oliver 
Smith and since 1874 the Rev. B. S. Small ; 
and the Reformed, Revs. P^rederick T. Berger, 
Joseph S. Dubbs, Charles G. Herman, J.Sassa- 
mau Herman, John Zulich, Adam Schaeffer 
and, since 1872, the Rev. Benjamin Wise. Each 
congregation has about one hundred members. 

New Bethel Church. — In the centre of 
Albany township, about five miles west of the 
Albany Church, another church was erected 
about 1750. It is stated that this building was 
erected in 1761. But in looking over the coun- 
ty records pertaining to the early roads of this 
township, I find that a church stood at that 
place in 1754, on a road described as beginning 
at Frederick Reiclielderfer's and running by 
way of Martin Brobst's mill and the Lutheran 
Church to the Northampton County line. It is 
possible that a temporary church was first estab- 
lished there some time previous to 1754, and 
that the first permanent church was erected in 
1761. Forty persons were interested in its 
erection, prominent among them having been 
Jacob Zettelmoyer, Sinaon Fries, Jacob Gerhart, 
Jacob Wade, Adam Levan and Ferdinand 



Ritter. Some of the persons resided in North- 
ampton (now Lehigh) County. In 1790 repairs 
were made to the building and thus it was used 
until 1853, when a new .stone church was erected 
in its stead. 

In 1883 the building was handsomely re- 
paired and then (October) re-dedicated. 

The membership of each denomination is 
about one hundred and fifty. The Lutheran 
mini.ster is Rev. 0.scar D. Miller ; and the Re- 
formed, Rev. J. N. Bachman. 

The church school-house still stands, having 
become the property of the town.ship after the 
adojjtion of the free-school system. In it pri- 
vate schools were successfully maintained many 
years. A grave-yard is part of the church prop- 
erty and contains some fine monuments. 

Zion'8 Evangelical Church is in the 
western part of Wessnersville. It is a neat frame 
building, on an acre of ground secured for 
church purpo.ses, chiefly through the efforts of 
John P. Smith, for many years one of the most 
prominent members. It was dedicated in 1872 
and its first minister was the Rev. W. Miller. 
The membership has always been small, the 
congregation being part of a circuit in Berks 
and Lehigh Counties. In 1885 the preachers 
in charge were the Revs. Weidner and 
Speicher. 

Salem Evangelical Church is situated 
in the northwestern jiart of the township, near 
the Blue Mountains, and included in the same 
circuit. It is a frame building and was erected 
in 1883. 

VILLAGES. 

Wessnersville is the largest village in 
Albany township. It has a very plea.sant loca- 
tion on the high land.s, three miles east from 
the Ontelaunee. Kempton is its nearest rail- 
road point. The place derives its name from 
Samuel and Nathan A^'^essner, who put up a 
number of substantial buildings in their en- 
deavor to make this a business point. The 
large hotel was built by Samuel We.ssner iu 
1858, and rebuilt by the present owner, Jere- 
miah Dunkle, in 1885. The first public-hou.se 
was kept by Michael Shaeifer, prior to 1820, in 
a log house standing where is now the fine 
store of E. D. Kistler, which was jjut up in 



1074 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLA^^XIA. 



1883. A store was kept there at an early day 
by Xatliau Wessner. Tlie first store in the 
locality was kept by Daniel Kistler, situated 
across the Lehigh line. 

The post-office here bears the name of Stony 
Run. Solomon Fister was the first postmaster ; 
William B. Kistler is at present in charge. In 
addition to the interests named, the village con- 
tains an Evangelical and Union Church, a 
number of" shops, and a niunlier ol' well-kept 
residences. 

Kemptcix, the next place in point of size, is 
on the railroad, twenty-four miles from Read- 
ing. It is a station with good sidings and a 
fine Y track. An express-office is also main- 
tained. The place is located on lands formerly 
owned by W. G. Kemp, hence its name. It 
dates its existence from 1874, and contains a 
fine grain warehouse, kept by M. C Deitrich 
(for eleven years in business there), a post-office, 
established in 1881, some residences and a very 
fine hotel building. The latter was built by 
A. M. Metz in 1874. It is now the property 
of Adam Hippie. 

Trexler is a station nearly a mile above 
Kempton, and contains a M-arehouse, store, 
tannery and public-house, owned by Amos and 
N. D. Trexler, whose name the station bears. 
The former is postmaster of the office removed 
here from Fetherolfsville in 1874, when the 
name was changed to Trexler, and the hamlet 
called Fetherolfsville abandoned as a business 
point. The post-office there and the one at 
" Union Iron-Works," also abandoned, were 
the oldest in the township. At the mill Abra- 
ham Long had an early store. Years ago a 
store was kept at Trexler by a Jew, in the old 
tavern building. 

Albany Station, IjcIow Kempton, though 
established by tlie railroad company in 1874, 
did not become a place of business until 1882, 
wiien William Heinly built a warehouse at 
that point. He has since transacted business in 
grain, lumber, coal and lime. The post-office 
is half a mile west, at what is called "Albany 
Centre," established December, 184.5. Long 
before, at that place Jacob Fusselman opened a 
public-house in a long building; the middle 
pai't was occupied as a residence, and the other 



as a store, kept by Godfried Zillich. In 1836 
David Heinly became the owner of the prop- 
erty, and he was succeeded by his son David. 

Lower down the Ontelaunee is another flag- 
station, called Greenewald, near which was an 
old-time inn kept by the Greenewald family, 
now kept by J. D. Fenstermacher. Stores were 
also at that point, at the Union Iron- Works 
and at other points, which were discontinued 
when trade was diverted by local circumstances. 
The slate quarries have afforded a trading point 
since their development. In 1876 the ]\Ioun- 
tain post-office was established at that point, and 
in 1882 Eckville post-office was created, far- 
ther west, with George W. Bolich postmaster. 

DIOGRAPHICAL. 

David Heixly is of German descent. His 
great-grandfather, David Heinly, was born in 
Germany, October 17, 1728, and on his emigra- 
tion settled in Greenwich township, the date 
of this event being July 21, 1774. He resided 
upon a farm purchased of Thomas and John 
Penn. His four sons were David, George, John 
and Henry. His son Henry settled in Ham- 
burg, John in Montour County, George occu- 
])ied the homestead, and David, the grandfather 
of the subject of this sketch, located in Windsor 
township, Berks County. The death of the 
elder David Heinly occun-ed October 30, 1784. 
His son David was born June 27, 1765, and be- 
came a successful agriculturist. He married 
Mary Magdalene Dimner, of the same county, 
to whom were born children, — George, Jacob, 
David, John, Samuel, Isaac, Henry, Sally (Mrs. 
Samuel Dietrich) and Polly (Mrs. Nathan 
Hoch.) 

David Heinly, the father of the subject of 
this biographical sketch, was born in Windsor 
township, Xovember 20, 1799, and followed his 
trade of a tanner until 1836, when he abandon- 
ed this vocation for the more attractive life of a 
farmer, settling upon the farm now owned by 
his son, David, in Albany township. In con- 
junction with this, he conducted both a saw-mill 
and a grist-mill. He married Rufina, daughter 
of Jacob Fusselman, of the same township, and 
had children — James, married to Sarah Grim; 
Charles, deceased ; Julia, deceased ; David, 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1075 



Helena, deceased ; Amelia (Mrs. G. W. Reagen), 
deceased ; Kate ( Mrs. C. P. FoUweiler) ; Wil- 
liam, married to Mary Jane Levan ; Jacob, 
married to Mary Hagenbuch ; Henry, married 
to Amanda Faust; Mary Magdalene, deceased. 
Mr. Heinly's death occurred August 20, 1863, 
and that of his wife iii July, 18G8. Their son 
David was born on the 31st of March, 1836, 
on the farm which is his present residence. 
Here, with the exception of a brief interval, his 



father, Fusselmau, and for years kept by his 
father. He was, on the 28th of May, 1860, 
married to Amanda, daughter of Benjamin 
Levan, formerly county commissioner of Berks 
County. Their children are Elmira Josephine, 
born April 16, 1861, deceased; Catherine Jane, 
September 22, 1862, (Mrs. J. Neff); James 
Franklin, April 12, 1865 ; David Levan, De- 
cember 20, 1871, deceased ; Charles Benja- 
min, June 20, 1874. Mr. Heinly is, in politics, 




xyo-^tyz.^^ CT^^kt^c^^^ 



whole life has been passed. He received, in 
youth, instruction at private schools, and after- 
ward enjoyed additional advantages at Camden, 
N. J. His services were given, until 1861, to 
his father, on the farm, after which date he en- 
gaged in mercantile pursuits in Albany town- 
ship, and at the expiration of the second year re- 
turned to his father's home. In 1864 the farm 
became his by inheritance. He also opened a 
store, which, two years later, was sold to his 
bi'other, Mr. Heinly continuing to be the popu- 
lar landlord of a hotel established by his grand- 



an active Democrat. He was, in 1865, elected 
to the office of justice of the peace, which he has 
filled continuously since that date. He was a 
delegate to the State Convention in 1876, and 
from 1868 until 1881 held the commission of 
postmaster of his locality. He was one of the 
projectors of the Berks and Lehigh Railroad, 
and a member of its first board of directors. 
He was secretary of the Albany Mutual Fire 
Insurance Company, which he aided in organ- 
izing. He was formerly jiresident, and is now 
a stockholder in the Steinsville Creamery. 



lOTG 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Mr. Heinly, in 18(37, opened a slate-quarry 
in Albany township (the second in the vicinity), 
known as the " Centennial Slate-Ciuarry," which 
he successfully oj)erated for five years. 

In his religious views Mr. Heinly is a Luther- 
an and a member of the German Lutheran 
Church of Albany township. 



GREENWICH TOWNSHIP. 

Before the erection of the county Greenwich 
township was a part of Albany township ; but 
shortly after that time it was erected into a 
separate township. The name arose from 
Greenwich, a place in England, and it was 
doubtless suggested by the English settlers in 
this section of country. The boundaries could 
not be ascertained. The urea is about fourteen 
thousand acres. 

Early Settlers. — Henry Kohler was an 
early owner of a large tract of land in the 
southern part of the township, including the 
farm now owned by Adam Stein, where he 
built a stone house over a large spring. This 
building is still standing, being used as a ware- 
house for Stein's distillery. Yost Henry 
George was another pioneer who made substan- 
tial improvements near by, some of which still 
remain. To the north Henry Smith (father of 
Samuel, Jonas and Benjamin Smith) improved 
a large tract of land, having been assisted in 
this work by his sons ; and to the east the 
Grimm family took an important part in im- 
proving the township. These families have hon- 
ored descendants still residing in the same 
vicinity. 

In 1749 Peter Lenhart, of York Couuty, 
received a patent for a tract of land which he 
conveyed to Jacob Lenhart in 1771. At what 
is now Lenhartsville, Henry Lenhart lived and 
also his sons John, Jacob, Samuel, Isaac, Henry, 
David and Frederick, most of whom had fami- 
lies of their own aud resided in this locality. 
la the western part of the village one of their 
buildings remains, it having been put up in 
1812. To the southeast, in the neighborhood 
of the church which bears their name, were the 
Dunkel family, whose descendants are found in 



all parts of the country and have become lead- 
ing citizens ; and north of them the Klines 
reared families, whose members may still be 
found in Reading aud other points in Berks 
County. In the eastern jjart of the township 
the Christ family made a settlement which per- 
manently fixed their name upon that localitv. 

Taxables of 1759. — The township had the 
following taxables in 1759. The tax then 
levied amounted to £o5 Ids., and Frederick 
Moser was the collector : 



Lorentz Beaver Ij 

Jlclchoir Bell 7 

Petel' Boss 4 

AUani Boss 3 

George Beiner G 

George Bowman 3 

Henry Berck 4 

Leonard Baunmn .'J 

Eiulolph Bosserd 5 

Charles Balmer. 4 

Liidwig Berck 3 

Henry Bolauder 3 

Adam Bower 6 

Peter Dell 5 

John Dnncklo 18 

Jacob Detrick 3 

Simon Dirck o 

Gabriel Eissenberger... , 8 

Henry Eshbach 

Simon Eisenberger 2 

Urban Fribele 2 

Simon Fries 3 

Henry Fanst 8 

Adam Faust 4 

Philip Faust 5 

Nicholas Godshall 5 

Jacob Gronobell 4 

Peter Hardinger 2 

Frederick Hummel 2 

Melchior Hatfen 2 

Peter Hauck 2 

George Haring 5 

Jacob Hartman 1 

Philip Kallbach 6 

John Roller o 

Slichael Krauss 7 

Godfried Kremer 8 

Frederick Kremer 10 

Durst Kiehl o 

Gi'orge Hosier 5 



Peter Dunkle. 
Christian Manesniitb. 
Andrew Seydle. 



George Kamp G 

Henry Kranl 4 

George Kremer S 

Matthias Ketrer * 

John Long 2 

Matthias Ley tJ 

George Ley 2 

Jacob Leiby 6 

George Leiby 5 

Frederick Leiby 5 

Peter Lenhardt 5 

Philip Lenhardt 2 

Jacob Ledig 5 

Michael Lesher 8 

Michael Mauser 2 

Philip Meyer 2 

Henry Meyer 2 

Frederick Meyer 12 

George Miller S 

Matthias Remer 2 

Christopher Rein 2 

George Riegle 12 

Widow Sharer 3 

Nicholas Steine 4 

George Spoon 4 

John Sassenian 6 

John Swednor 4 

Godfried Stern 3 

Henry Smith 1 

Peter Steierwalt 5 

Adam Smith 4 

George Saneling 2 

Gerhard ShoUenberger 3 

Frederick ShoUenberger 7 

. r> Blartin Unangst 1 

. 7 j Andrew Unangst 5 

. 8 I Jacob Warey 4 

.10 I Rudolph Zimer ft 

. 5 Adam Zollman t> 

. 5 I Jacob Zettlemeyer 2, 

Sin.jle Men. 

Henry ShoUenberger. 
Michael Smith. 



Jacob Bower 1 

John Christbanm 1 

Nicholas Dehoof. I 

Martin Hetinger 1 

.John Hill 2 

David Huttenstein 3 

Nicholas Ironmau 1 

George Keplinger 5 

Jacob Kootz, - 2 



1 I Nicholas Kootz 3 

John Konshnitz 1 

George Krubach 2 

Deobald Long » 

Adam Long 1 

Daniel Manesmith I 

Jacob May 1 

John Christ. Rebomen 1 

George Spong 1 



Industries. — The township has always been 
well supplied with mills from the time of it.s 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



107'; 



early settlement. In March, 1755, a mill be- 
longing to Peter Conrad was burned down by 
the Indians, who at the same time burned the 
house of Barnabas Seidel and killed the wife of 
Balsar Neyfoug. The exact location of these 
events is not clearly remembered by the present 
inhabitants of the township. On the Sacony, 
near its mouth, the Schneider family built or 
operated an early mill, and it was carried on 
later by Michael and Jacob Lesher. In 1862 
Samuel Heinly rebuilt it, and later it became 
the property of Samuel Fegeley. On the same 
stream, above, was the mill of John Kremer, 
about 1800, later owned by David and Isaac 
Kemp, and which is now operated by William 
Heffner. Another mill was built farther up 
by Jacob Kurtz ; and on Mill Creek, where is 
now the mill of Daniel Deitrich, was long the 
well-known mill of Kistler. It is a stone house 
in good coutlition. Stein's mill was owned at 
an early day by men named Kremer and Laab, 
and the present is the third building on that 
site. It was built in 1857 by Adam Stein. 

Down the stream was a carding-raill carried 
on for a time by Jacob and Daniel Christ, but 
idle since 1875. The last site on Mill Creek 
was also used by the Christ family and others 
in the manufacture of gun-barrels and sickles. 
Guns of fine quality were made there prior to 
1835 by John Wagenhorst. Above Stein's 
Michael Croll owned and carried on a small 
mill for a time. 

At Grimsville the Croll family operated a 
distillery many years ago. Fruit liquors were 
also manufactured on numerous farms in the 
township. Stein's distillery, on the Kutztown 
road, is the best known industry of this kind in 
the township. It was begun in 1832 by Jacob 
Stein, and since 184(5 it has been operated by 
Adam Stein. It is devoted to making pure 
rye whiskey. Near by is Stein's tavern, built 
in 1850 by Jacob Stein, and still continued as 
an inn. Farther down the road was the inn of 
Anthony Lee, long since closed, as has also been 
the public-house, north of Grimsville, kept 
about 1810 by the Billios family, and where 
Noah Seib was the host. Near Klinesville is 
still a country inn, kept by Charles Bleicher. In 
1816 Peter Leiby was licensed to distill liquor 



in a still of seventy-three gallons' capacity, at 
eighteen cents per gallon. 

At the centres made by these mills and taverns 
there were usually small tanneries and other 
industries. Of these, Jacob and Peter Grim had 
atannery on the Henry Greenewald place, which 
had an unusually good reputation for producing 
fine leather. The pottery at Leuhartsville was 
carried on about thirty years, but not since 1870. 
Common ware only was made. Above this 
village, where are the most important interests, 
on a stream flowing into the Ontelaunee, John 
Lenhart had a pioneer mill, which was after- 
ward operated by Benjamin Lenhart. The new 
mill built in 1876 is the property of Daniel 
Grim. On the Ontelaunee, a short distance 
below Leuhartsville, George Merkel built a 
stone mill, which was burned down in 1875. 
It was rebuilt by the Merkel estate, and re- 
modeled in 1885 by the present owner, Jacob 
K. Spang. The mill has been supplied with a 
set of rollers and other modern machinery, en- 
abling the production of twenty-five barrels of 
superior flour per day. 

Near this mill Nicholas laeger (Hunter) had 
a small forge at a very early day, and which 
was operated by Samuel V. E. Hunter until 
1833, when George Merkel became the owner. 
He carried on the works until his death, in 
1875. It was he who, in 1854, built the char- 
coal furnace known among iron men as 
" Maiden-creek Charcoal Furnace," and about 
the same time discontinued working the forge. 
In 1878 Jacob K. Spang, Samuel Erb and 
Joshua Hunsicker assumed charge of the works, 
under the firm-name of Spang, Erb & Co., and 
carried them on until January, 1882, when 
Jacob K. Spang became the sole owner. For 
the past year it has been out of blast. The 
capacity of the furnace is about forty tons 
per week, and the ore used is from the Moselem 
Mines, distant seven miles. The furnace is well 
located, with convenient sidings from the Berks 
County Railroad, and includes two hundred 
and seventy-five acres of land, a mansion and 
store, mill, burns and eleven tenement-houses. 

churches. 
New Jerusalem Church, (Reformed 



1078 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



AXD Lutheran). — As early as 1744 a Re- 
lormed congregation (known as the High 
Dutch) was organized in the southwestern 
part of the township, to which Conrad Koch 
presented two acres of land upon which to erect 
a house of worship. A log house was built 
and used for church purposes until 1790, when 
forty acres more were secured and a new build- 
ing, also of logs, built by the joint efforts of the 
Lutherans and the German Reformed people. 
This union of interests was effected August 29, 
1790, and since that time the property, locally 
knowu as the " Duukel Church," has been 
mutually controlled by the two congregations.' 
The church was repaired and again dedicatetl 
October 6, 1824, and in that condition was used 
for over thirty years. On the 12th of June, 
1859, the corner-stone of the present edifice was 
laid, and the church was dedicated Xoveraber 
13, 1859. It is a neat brick building, with a 
capacity for eight hundred pei-sons. 

Each congregation has about two hundred 
members. The first Reformed minister was 
the Rev. Jacob Weimer. He left this part of 
the county in 1770, and was succeeded by 
Conrad Steiner, Jr. (who served as the school- 
teacher -until that time). He preached until 
1775, after which the congregation had no 
regular minister until 1 790. 



1 MemlK-r.i in 1 
Lutheran. 
Geo. Jlich'vel ReinharJ. 
Peter Staiger. 
Geo. Heinly. 
Geo. Dietrich. 
Jacob Sonntag. 
Philip ReinharJ. 
Jacob Will. 
David Lichty. 
Michael Schiiber. 
Adam Dietrich. 
Jacob Arnold. 
Jonathan Dunkelberger. 
David Heinly. 
Michael Aldendaerffer. 
Henry Sonntag. 
Geo. Wehrii. 
Geo. Sonntag. 
Peter Merkel. 
Jacob Merkel. 
Samuel Schiifer. 
These then agreed upon rules 
church affairs. 



SOS. 

Reformed. 
Fredrick Leihy. 
John Dunckel. 
Peter Dunckel. 
Jacob Griinewald. 
Geo. Schollenberger. 
John Batz. 
Jacob Leiby. 
Philip Linn. 
Peter Klein. 
Daniel Dorwart. 
Jacob Georg. 
Jacob Dunckel. 
Peter Leiby. 
John Berk. 
Peter Berk. 
Conrad Frj'. 
David Dorwart. 



for mutual regulation of 



From 1790 the Reformed pastors have been 
Revs. Henry Hertzel, Henry Dieffenbach, Carl 
G. Herman, Augustus Herman, J. Sassaman 
Herman and others. Since 1872, Rev. Benja- 
min Wise has been the minister. 

The Lutheran congregation had as its first 
pastor the Rev. Daniel Lehman, and his succes- 
sors were the Revs. John Knoske, Fred. 
Engel, Gottlieb G. J. laeger, and since 1874 
the Rev. B. S. Small. 

Bethel Church is located at Grimsville 
and has for the past si.xty-odd years been the 
joint property of Lutheran and German Re- 
formed congregations. The organization of the 
former was made as early as 1761, when mem- 
bers of the CroU, Slenker, Grim, Gruber, Koh- 
ler, Deitrich, Gerringer and Bennehoff families 
united for that purpose and established wor.ship 
in a small log church. This was torn down in 
1803 and a new stone church then erected. 
This was improved in 1822. At that time the 
German Reformed congregation secured a half- 
interest in the church property and assisted in 
erecting the new building. In 1881 the build- 
ing was thoroughly remodeled and supplied 
with a spire, making it not only more substan- 
tial, but a very inviting place of worshi]i. 

The Lutheran congregation has about four 
hundred members and the Reformed about half 
that number. The latter are under the pastoral 
care of the Rev. J. Sassaman Herman, who 
had as a predecessor his father, the Rev. Aug- 
ustus Herman. The Rev. Schaeffer was the 
first pastor. 

The Rev. Schumacher was the first Lutheran 
pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. John 
Knoske. From 1821 until his death, in 1874, 
the venerable Rev. G. F. J. laeger was the 
pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. B. S. Small, 
the present minister, a native of Montgomery 
County. 

Friedexs Church (Lutheran and Re- 
formed) is situated at Lenhartsville. It is a 
brick structure, plainly built, with a capacity 
for about four hundred ])ersons. Connected 
with the church is a grave-yard. The building 
was erected in 1856 by a number of members 
of both congregations, who withdrew from the 
"Dunkel Church" for that purpose. The 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1079 



Lutherans have had as pastors Revs. laeger, F. 
K. Hunsicker, B. S. Smoll and since 1881 D. 
D. Trexler (thero are about one liundred and 
eighty members) ; and the Reformed, Revs. J. 
S. Herman, R. S. Appel, B. Wise and the 
present pastor. Rev. Mr. Keiser. Its members 
number one hundred. 

VILLAGES. 

Lenhartsville. — Thisis the chief village of 
the town.ship. It is situated on both sides of 
the Ontelaunee, on the Allentowu State road, 
five miles east of Hamburg. It comprises about 
fifty buildings and the usual interests connected 
with a country place. Its name is derived from 
the Lenhart family, original owners of the land 
and the first to engage iu business there. Its 
growth was slow and uneventful until after the 
erection of the Maiden-creek Furnace, on the 
east side of the creek; then other improvements 
were made. The Berks County Railroad stim- 
ulated the growth of the place when it made 
Lenhartsville a station. 

One of the first houses was put up by a man 
named Eisenhour in the western portion of the 
village. In it John and Samuel Lenhart kept 
an inn. It stood on the site of the i)resent 
Washington House and was opened in 1842 by 
Benneville Lesher, the first postmaster. The 
Farmers and Drovers' House was built in 18o() 
by William Rees. 

James Fenstermacher had the first store on the 
west side in a building, which was last occupied 
for trading purposes, in 1883, by James W. 
Iverschner. In another building Francis B. 
Levan has had a store since 1881. 

At the forge and furnace the several owners 
had stores, among them being Jacob, George 
and Horatio Merkel, Samuel Kaufman and the 
present, S. R. Smith. The building is now 
owned by Jacob K. Spang. At the same place 
the Lenhartsville post-office has been kept since 
1881 by John G. Bast. 

Before 1850 Dr. Say lor was located at I^cn- 
hartsville. Then came Drs. Appel and Potteiger. 
Since 1870 Dr. Jonathan K. Seaman has been 
the physician. 

Klixesville is the next hamlet east, (ju the 
State road, at its junction with the Kutztown 
road, two miles from Lenhartsville. It owes 



its existence to Peter Kline, Jand-owner, who 
put up a large log building in the last century, 
and kept an inn and a store. The store was 
largely patronized, and as the property of his 
son and grandson of the same name, it always 
maintained a good reputation. Peter Krause 
became the owner in 1876. 

The large stone house, almost opposite, was 
built by Peter Kline (second), who carried on 
a store there. Charles H. Deitricli now occu- 
pies it, and he is postmaster of the Klinesville 
office. The place contains also the usual me- 
chanics' shops. Near by, Peter Fister carried on 
a small distillery, which has long since been 
abandoned. 

Krl'mville is the next hamlet, eastward on 
the State road leading to Allentowu. Until 
recently it was known as Smithville, after 
Reuben Smith, who built the tavern and around 
which other buildings followed. The store was 
first kept by Henry and Michael Croll. In 1885 
Mrs. Wilson P. Krum became the owner of 
most of the Smith projierty. Then a post- 
office was established there, named " Krum- 
ville," and the place has since been so called. 

Grimsville, near the eastern line of the 
township, has a store, post-office, inn, steam 
tannery, church and several shops and resi- 
dences. The first improvements were made by 
^Michael Croll, consisting of a public-house. 
Owing to its location on the State road, about 
ten miles from Hamburg, the place has been 
well patronized, especially before the days of 
railroads, when droves of cattle were almost 
daily driven over that prominent highway. 
Daniel Grim put up the present brick inn more 
than fifty years ago and carried on the store 
and tannery. The hamlet took its name after 
him. The tannery is well appointed and oper- 
ated by Daniel P. Grim, of Kutztown. 

Dreibelbis is a flag-station on the Berks 
County Railroad, a few miles below Lenharts- 
ville. Mills have been carried on by water- 
power at that point (grist, saw, and oil mills). 
The first mill was erected by the Sunday family 
in the Revolutionary period. The mills (grist 
and saw) are owned and operated by Venus 
Deitrich. Manassas Dreibelbis and Gottlieb 
Iverschner owned them for many years. 



1080 



IIIST<)RY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

ADAJt Stein. — During tlie year 1742 Jacob 
Stein and his wife emigrated from Germany to 
America. Their sou Heinrich was born while 
on the passage. Upon landing in this country 
they proceeded to Berks County, took up a 
large tract of laud in Richmond township 
and began to cultivate it. Other children 
liorn to tliem were jNIichael, Peter, Jacob 
and Jolui. John was married to Maria 
Berk and their children were nanie<l Jacob, 



land, which he divided into five farms and built 
substantial farm buildings, and he also built a 
school-house for the township near his home. 
He died in May, 1872, aged eighty-one years. 
His wife died in February, 1846. 

Adam Stein, born December 18, 1819, at- 
tended the schools of the neighborhood and at 
tiie same time worked for his father on the 
farm and in the distillery. At the time of his 
marriage, in 1846, his father sold him a farm. 
Tlw distillery lay idle from this time until 1S72, 




.j4^9i-^^^^'^ ^zl^Oi^ 



Elizabeth, Peter, Daniel, Hannah, Benjamin, 
Solomon and Hetty. John Stein died about 
1835, at an advanced age. Jacob was born in 
1791, and married Sarah Sunday. Their 
children wei-e Solomon, Adam, Xathan, Annie 
(married William Scliaefter), Lavinia (married 
Daniel Deisher), Lucinda (married Henry K. 
Siegfried), Jacob and Henry, all born in Green- 
wich township. Jacob Stein was engaged in 
farming and distilling, and did an extensive 
business. He owned over five hundred acres of 



when Adam began the distilling of a fine grade 
of rye and apple whiskies. These goods have 
attained a wide and excellent reputation, and 
his double copper distilled hand-made j)roduc- 
tious are extensively used. 

Mr. Stein has taken great interest in the 
cause of education. When the Keystone State 
Normal School was originated, in 1866, he gave 
liberal encouragement and support. He was 
elected one of the first trustees of the institution 
and continued to fill the position until 1877. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1081 



He has been a member of the School Board of 
the lowuship iu which he lives for twelve years, 
and was president three years and treasurer 
three years. In 18(34 he was elected county 
commissioner and during his term of three 
years was instrumental iu erecting ten county 
hi'idges, and the extension of the Berks County 
Prison at Reading. He was married, IMarch 22, 
184(5, to Florinda Bieber. Their ciiiidren are 
^\'iiliam B., now living at Kutztown, married 



Since 1864 Mr. Stein has been a member of 
the F. and A. M. The faithful wife and loving 
mother died iu November, 1882. Mr. and 
Mrs. Stein joined the Reformed Churcii at 
Grimsvilie at an early day and he is still a 
consistent member. 

Colonel Daniel B. Grim, is the son of 
Jonathan Grim, whose fatiier emigrated from 
Alsace, Germany. The former married Cath- 
erine H. Bertolett and resided in Maxatawnv 




S^^^^' ^ /^'Z^^ 



to Emma Kisler, by whom he has had three chil- 
dren ; Isaac B., married to Delilah Sechler, by 
whom he has two children (they live on the 
homestead) ; Sally Ann, married William D. 
Dietrich, and died in 1870, leaving one son; 
Lewis Adam, married to Sally Ann Miller 
(they have two children and are now living at 
Kutztown ; jNIalara also married William D. 
Dietrich, and have four children (she died 
November, 1881); and Lenora Amanda, who 
died September, 1880, aged twenty-two years. 



townsliip, Berks County. Their only son, Dan- 
iel B., is the subject of this biographical 
sketch. He married, a second time, Elizabeth 
Snyder, and had children, — Joshua, Jonathan 
and Mary (Mrs. Faber). Daniel B. was born on 
the 17th of July, 1800, in Maxatawny town- 
ship, and after a common-school education re- 
ceived in New Jersey and elsewhere, entered 
the tannery of his father for the purpose of be- 
coming master of the trade of a tanner and 
currier. He continued to follow this trade, and 



1082 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



in 1824 purchased the property, together with a 
distillery and farm adjacent to it, and conducted 
the business at Grimsville, Berks County, 
Pa. He was, in 1819, married to Elizabeth, 
daughter of Abraham Krause, of 8Uippaek- 
ville, Montgomery County. Their children 
are Mary (deceased), Jonathan K., Daniel P., 
Charles A. K., Catherine (Mrs. William Stet- 
ler), Amelia (Mrs. William Breinig), Charlotte 
(deceased), Susan (Mrs. Charles Dietrich) and 
Sarah. Daniel P. is engaged in the tanning 
business at Grimsville, Greenwich township ; 
Jonathan K. is a wholesale grocer at Reading ; 
and Charles A. K. is a farmer at Topton, Max- 
atawny township. Mr. Oriin, after his mar- 
riage, engaged in various business pursuits and 
brought to bear in each his accustomed sagacity 
and energy. He was much interested in the 
cause of education and one of the first to sup- 
port the public schools of the township when 
they received great opposition from citizens and 
tax-payers. In ail efforts to advance the inter- 
ests of the community he was a leading spirit. 
In politics he was an Old-Line Whig. In early 
life he gave much attention to military matters, 
and held a commission as colonel in the State 
militia. He died ^larch 6,1883. His wife 
died November 24, 1882. 



TULPEHOCKEN SECTIOX. 

Tulpeliocken section comprises the upper west, 
eru portion of the county. It takes its name from 
the large stream which drains three-fourths of its 
territory. The name is an Indian word, which 
signifies " Laud of Turtles." 

Streams. — Nature could not liave marked out 
a course for this stream which would have been 
better adapted to the territory in point of locality. 
It rises in Lebanon County, a short distance west 
of Myerstown, and enters this section very nearly 
at the central point of its western line; thence it 
flows northeastwardly about thirteen miles to a 
point near Bernville, where a branch, the North- 
kill, has its outlet, and thence southeastwardly 
the same distance to the Schuylkill. It flows 
through the central portion of Marion to the east- 
ern border, and thence it forms the boundary line 



between Marion on the east and Heidelberg on 
the west, Heidelberg North on the north and .Jef- 
ferson on the south, and Peun on the southwest, 
and Heidelberg Lower and Spring on the north, 
and Bern on the south. Its importance in this 
particular was naturally appreciated when the ter- 
ritory was subdivided. The North-kill, a branch, 
flows southwardly from the Blue Mountain, a 
length of ten miles, and forms the boundary line 
between Penn and Bern Upper on the west, and 
Jefferson and Tulpehocken Upper on the east. 
Through the northwestern portion the little Swa- 
tara flows from the Blue Mountain into Leb- 
anon County a length of fourteen miles, and forms 
the boundary Hue between Bethel on the south and 
east, Tulpehocken on the north and Tulpehocken 
Upper on the west. This section is thus admira- 
bly subdivided l)y the streams named into four sub- 
divisions, each of which was a township by itself 
when the county was erected. 

The principal branches of the Tulpehocken are 
the following : Three flowing into it from the 
north— Mill, North-kill and Plum. North-kill de- 
rives its name from its locality, and Plum Creek 
from the numerous wild plum trees which grew 
along its banks; and two flowing into it from 
the south— Spring (which rises in a large crystal 
spring near Robesonia) and Cacoosing. The length 
of the Tulpehocken and these branches is about 
seventy-five miles. It is the longest stream in the 
county. The eastern portion of the section is 
drained principally by the Irish Creek (eight miles 
long) and Mill Creek (six miles long) into the 
Schuylkill. The total length of all the .streams 
in the district is over one hundred miles. 

The Blue Mountain forms the northern bound- 
ary line. In the interior part there is a considera- 
ble area of elevated land, which consists of rolling 
hills covered with woods. " Scull's Hill " is the 
only portion worthy of special mention. It extends 
from Centre, through Peun into Jefferson, a length 
of about ten miles. 



Internal Improvements — This district is in- 
tersected by numerous roads. There are three 
which are especially prominent. The " Berks and 
Dauphin Turnpike," which extends westwardly 
from Reading cm Sinking Spring, through Heidel- 
berg Lower, Heidelberg and Marion, to the county 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1083 



line, a length of thirteen ' miles. This comprises 
the bed of the " Old Tulpehocken Road " which 
was petitioned for and laid out in 1727. Subse- 
quently this road to Middletown (Womelsdorf) 
and thence northwestwardly via Godfrey Roehrer's, 
through Tulpehocken and Bethel, across the Blue 
Mountain and along the Mahanoy Creek to the 
Susquehanna, was established by an act of As- 
sembly. 

The " State Road '' extends across the upper por- 
tion several miles south of the Blue Mountain 
from Lebanon County line to the Schuylkill at 
Hamburg, a length of twenty-two miles And 
the " Bernville Road " extends northwestwardly 
from Reading via Bernville to Millersburg, in 
Bethel, a length of twenty -three miles. 

The Union Canal extends through the section 
along the upper bank of the Tulpehocken Creek 
from a point in Bern about a mile and a quarter 
above the mouth of the creek to the county line, a 
length of about twenty-five miles. 

The Lebanon Valley Railroad extends westward- 
ly from Reading via Sinking Spring, through Hei- 
delberg Lower, Heidelberg and the lower cor- 
ner of Marion to county line, a distance of ten ' 
miles. 

Before 1729 the whole section was known as 
Tulpehocken. At the time of the erection of the 
county, in 1752, it comprised four townships — Tul- 
pehocken, Heidelberg, Bern and Bethel. Subse- 
(juently eight townships were erected by subdivision 
— Bern Upper, Tulpehocken Uppeij, Penn, Centre, 
Heidelberg Lower, Marion, Heidelberg North and 
Jefferson. 



TULPEHOCKEN TOWNSHIP. 

Erection of Township. — The township of Tul- 
pehocken was a recognized d'strict of territory be 
fore 1729, when it became part of Lancaster Coun- 
ty. It was organized whilst a portion of Chester 
County. Then it extended from the Schuylkill 
River on the east to Lebanon township (doubtless 
limited by the stream called Little Swatara) on the 
west, and from the Blue Mountain on the north to 
the Cacoosing Creek (possil)ly Wyomissing Creek) 

' Not including distance tlirough Spring township. 



on the south. I could not find any order of court 
in either Chester or Lancaster Counties establish- 
ing the boundary line of the township. The name 
of the township was taken from the stream. 

In July, 1707, a French Indian trader named 
Nicole was arrested by order of the Governor, on 
account of great complaints against him at a vil- 
lage called Peixtan, on the Susquehanna, and ta- 
ken by way of Tulpehocken and Manatawny to 
Philadelphia. Nicole was mounted upon a horse 
with his legs tied under the horse's belly. This is 
the earliest mention of these names in the colonial 
records." 

When Lancaster County w-as erected the Indi- 
ans still claimed this territory as a part of their 
possessions. In 1718 they had released their rights 
to a large district to Penn, but the upper bounda- 
ry was the Lechay Hills (South Mountain). Im- 
migration was, however, carried forward with such 
energy that the immigrants extended their move- 
ments and settlements beyond the limit of Penn's 
purchase. The first settlement was effected by 
certain Germans, about 1723. The Indians ob- 
served this trespass upon their lands, but made no 
complaint. Five years afterward another colony 
of Germans entered. The Indians then (June 5, 
1728), carried information of these trespasses to 
Philadelphia, and laid it before the Provincial 
Council. 

In June, 1728, Sassoonan, with certain Indians, 
vistied Philadelphia and held a conference with 
the Lieutenant-Governor and the Executive Coun- 
cil, in the presence of a vast audience that fill d 
the house and all its galleries — this being in refer- 
ence to the extent of lands sold and released in 
1718. The Indians thought that the settlers be- 
yond the Lechay Hills along the Tulpehocken were 
trespassers, and it was admitted that the Tulpe- 
hocken lands lay be3'ond the release of 1718. Sas- 
soonan said he could not himself believe the Chris- 
iians had .settled on them till he came and with his 
own eyes savv the houses and fields they had made 
there. Logan said that he was sensible the Pala- 
tines were settled there, but without tGe consent or 
knowledge of the commissioners ; and he then ex- 
plained how they came hither, and read the fol 
lowing petition, which the Palatines had addressed 

2-2 Col. Rec, 405. 



1084 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



to the Governor and Council, iu the handwriting 
of the Governor's secretary. It was as follows : 

"The petition of us, the subscribers, being thirty- 
three families in number, — at present inhabiting Tul- 
imheca' creek, — humbly sheweth, — - 

"That your petitioners, being natives of Germany, 
about fifteen years ago, were by the great goodness 
and royal bounty of her late majesty, Queen Anne, 
relieved from the hardships which they then suf- 
fered in Europe, and were transported into the colony 
of New York, where they settled. But their families 
increasing, and being in that government confined to 
the scanty allowance often acres of land to each fam- 
ily, whereon they could not well subsist, your peti- 
tioners, being informed of the kind reception which 
their countrymen usually met with in the Province of 
Pennsylvania, and hoping they might, with what sub- 
stance thev had, acquire larger settlements in that 
province, did last year- leave their settlements in New 
Y'ork government and came with their families into 
this province, where, upon their arrival, they applied 
themselves to his excellency, the Governor, who of 
his great goodness permitted them to inhabit upon 
Tulpahaca creek (being the farthest inhabited part 
of the province northwest from Philadelphia) on con- 
dition that they should make full satisfaction to the 
proprietor or his agents for such lands as should be 
allotted them when they were ready to receive the 
same. And now your petitioners, understanding that 
some gentlemen, agents of the proprietor, have ample 
powers to dispose of lands in this province, and we, 
your petitioners, being willing and ready to purchase, 
do humbly beseech your excellency and council to 
recommend us to the favorable usage of the proprie- 
tor's agent, th it upon paying the usual prices for 
lands at such distance from Philadelphia, we may 
have sufficient rights and titles made to us for such 
lands as we shall have occasion to buy, that our chil- 
dren may have some settlement to depend on hereaf- 
ter, and that by your authority we may be freed from 
the demands of the Indians of that part of the coun- 
try, who pretend a right thereto. And we humbly beg 
leave to inform your excellency and council that there 
are fifty families more who, if they may be admitted 
upon the same conditions, are desirous to come and 
settle with us. We hope for your favorable answer 
to this, our humble request, and as in duty bound, 
shall ever pray, etc." ^ 

It was hoped that this explanation would be sat- 
isfactory. The Indians had complained and they 
were answered ; and they were asked not to offer 
the settlers any violence, but to wait till such time 



' Tulpehocken. 

'•'1727. Rupp says that it was in the spring of 1723. 

■■'3 Col. Rec, 3:8-33. 



as the matter could be adjusted. This proceeding, 
however, could not stop immigration into this ter- 
ritory. The Germans continued to enter and take 
up and improve the laud. Finally, in 1732, the 
Indians sold the lands in the entire valley and re- 
moved beyond the Blue Mountain. 

The following interesting details about these 
German first settlers in the Tulpehocken Valley 
are submitted in this connection : 

"Of the large number of Germans who went to Eng- 
land in 17118 and 1709, 10,000 died for want of suste- 
nance, medical attendance &c., and 7000 returned to 
their native country, after having suft'ered great pri- 
vations, half naked and in great despondency. Some 
of the survivors were transported to English Colonies 
in America. Ten sails of vessels were freighted with 
upward of 4000 Germans for New York. They em- 
barked 2.5th December 1709, and arrived at New York 
June 14, 1710. On the inward passage, and immedi- 
ately upon landing, 1700 died. The survivors en- 
camped in tents — which they had brought with them 
— on Nutting [now Governor's] Island. Here they 
remained until late in autumn, when about 1400 re- 
moved to Livingston Manor, 100 miles up the Hudson 
River. 

" Those who settled on the Hudson River were under 
indenture to serve Queen Anne, as grateful subjects, to 
manufacture tar and raise hemp, in order to repay 
the expenses of their transportation and cost of sub- 
sistence to the amount of £10,000, which had been ad- 
vanced by Parliamentary grant. This experiment 
proved a complete failure. 

The Germans, having been unjustly opjiressed, be- 
came dissatisfied with their treatment and situation. 
Governor Hunter resorted to violent measures to se- 
cure obedience to his demands, without success. One 
hundred and fifty families left late in the autumn of 
1712 — to escape the certainty of famishing — for 
Schoharie Valley, some 60 miles northwest of Living- 
ston Manor. They had no open road ; no horses to 
carry or haul their baggage — this they loaded on 
rudely constructed sleds, which they tugged them- 
selves through a three feet deep snow ; their way was 
through an unbroken forest. It took them three full 
weeks. At Schoharie they improved the lands which 
Queen Anne had granted to them. They remained 
about ten years; then, owing to some defect in their 
titles, they were deprived of lands and improvements. 
In the spring of 1723 thirty-three families removed 
to Peimsylvania, and settled in Tulpehocken, some 
fifteen miles west of the Schuylkill River.' 

"Among these families there were the following:^ 
Johannes Lantz. George Rieth. 

Sebastian Pisas. Peter Rieth. 

* Rupp's •' 30,0U0 Ininii^raiits," p. 5. 
^ Ibidem, p. 46.5. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1085 



Gottfried Fitler. 
Conrad Schuetz. 
Antonius Scharf. 
Johannes Rieth. 
Joseph Saab. 
Christian Lauer. 



Andreas AValborn. 
Johan N. Scbaeft'er. 
Loreutz Zerbe. 
Sebastian Fischer. 
Johan Peter Pacht. 
Johann Adam Lesch. 



George Anspach. 
" In 1728 other families left Schoharie, and settled 
here also. Among these there were : 

Leonard Anspach. Casper Hohu. 

Georg Zeh. Johannes Noecker. 

Johan Jacob Holsteiner. Michael Lauer. 
Andreas Kapp. Jacob Werner. 

Johan Philip Schneider. Jacob Katterman. 
Jacob Lovvengut. Heinrich Six. 

, Philip Theis. Conrad Scharf. 

George Schmidt. 
" In 1729, Conrad Weiser left Schoharie with his wife 
and ttve children [Philip, Fred'k, Anna, lladliua and 
Maria] and settled near the present site of Womels- 
dorf, one mile east of the town." 

There was a Lutheran Church in this district as 
early as 1727 ; for in September, 1727, a petition 
was presented to the Court of Quarter Sessions, at 
Philadelphia, asking for a road to be laid out from 
the Lutheran meeting house at Tulpehocken Creek 
to the high road at the Quaker meeting house, near 
the mill of George Boone, in Oley. Viewers were 
then a'jjpointed, but they laid out the road only to 
the Schuylkill River.' ^ 

In 1731, John Peter Miller became the pastor 
of the Reformed Church at Tulpehocken, and he 
preached to the Reformed people of this place for 
four years. [Dubbs' " History Man'l of Reformed 
Church," p. 176.] 

During that time Conrad Beissel, a leader of the 
" German Baptists," visited Miller, who received 
him as an Angel of the Lord, was immersed and 
became a member of the brotherhood. Beissel 
made other converts here ; among them was Conrad 
Weiser and three elders of the Reformed Church. 
But Weiser soon disagreed with this denomination 
and withdrew from them. Miller lived for a time 
as a hermit in Tulpehocken and then became the 
most active member of this fraternity. [Dubbs' 
" History Refd. Ch.," p. 184.] 

Manor of Plumton. — The proprietaries of 
Pennsylvania, on the 17th of September, 1735, by 

• See Marion Township—" Churches." 
' He came to America in 1730 under the auspices of the 
church authorities of Heidelberg. 



letters patent,' granted and conveyed to John 
Page a large tract of land, situated in the town- 
ship of Tulpehocken, which contained .5165 acres,* 
and they erected the same into a " Manor," adding 
and providing in said patent : "And the said pro- 
prietaries do erect the said described tract of land 
into a Manor, and name it the Manor of Plumton, 
and they do further give and grant to the said 
John Page, and to his heirs and assigns, full 
power and authority to erect and constitute within 
said manor a Court Baron with all things what- 
soever which to a Court Baron do belong." 

Two of the adjoining land-owners were William 
Allen and Gulielma (Wilhelmina) Maria Fell. 
Most of the laud surrounding was described as 
vacant. 

In 1743, Page's attorney-in-fact conveyed a part 
of this manor, 347 J acres, including the privileges 
of the Court Baron, to Conrad Weiser, Esq. The 
manor was not held together, and the Court Baron 
was not established. The entire area was sold ott' 
to sundry settlers in Tulpehocken and Heidelberg 
townships. 

In this towushlp a manor was set apart for the 
use of the proprietaries, containing over two thou- 
sand acres. It was called " Tulpehocken Manor." 
But I could not ascertain any definite information 
respecting it.° 

Taxables of 1759.— The following list com- 
prised the taxables of the township in 1759. 
Michael Forrer was the collector of taxes. The 
tax levied amounted to £143 os. 6d. The 
township then included all the territory bounded 
on the north by Blue Mountain, on the east by the 
Northkill, on the southeast by the Tulpehocken, 
on the northwest by the Little Swatara, and on 
the southwest by the boundary line of Lancaster 
County. Subsequently three other townships were 
formed out of portions of this territory, namely : 
Tulpehocken Upper in 1820, Marion in 1843, 
and Jefferson in 1851. The list including the tax- 
ables for all this territory, no separate lists will be 
added for the three townships named. 



3 Recorded at Philadelphia in Pat. Bk. vol. vii. p. 264. 

* Tract extended across Tulpehocken Creek into Heidel- 
berg township. It was surveyed in 17.3-1. 

5 The draft of this manor is with the Historical Society of 
Penna., at Philadelphia, in book entitled " Berks County." 



1086 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUiNTY, PExNNSYLVANIA. 



Allenliacb, Andreas 8 

Anspach, John 18 

Arnold, John 4 

Acbey, John 2 

Anspach, Leonard 9 

Albrecht, Michael 2 

Anspach, Peter 20 

Arnold, Poter 

Albert, William 10 

Benike, Catharine 1 

Beier, Geo 2 

Becker, John 8 

Brosius, Jacob... 5 

Bortner, Jacob 6 

Brosius, Nicholas 10 

Brosius, Nicholas 1 

Brown, Philip, Sr 20 

Brown, Philip, Jr 10 

Bogenreif, Simon 8 

Brosius, Sebfistian 7 

Bower, Thomas 2 

Brenig, Marcus 1 

^ Christ, Geo 1 

Dieffenbach, Adam 17 

Dissler, Anthony 4 

D'Hei, Charles 4 

I'undore, Jacob 10 

llerr, Just 4 

Debelor, Melchior ,. 9 

Dissler, Melchior 3 

Decker, Michael 4 

Detweiler, Melchior 1 

Deck» Nicholas 6 

Emrich, Adam 7 

Etschberger, Jacob 14 

Ernst, Michael 12 

Ely, Nicholas 6 

Fishboru, Adam 1 

Frantz, Christian 4 

Fongle, Geo 1 

Foust, Geo 2 

Fischer, Jacob 18 

Folmer, Jacob 12 

Fehler, Jacob 2 

Forrer, Michael 9 

Fries, 3Iichael 10 

Frenger, Nicholas 2 

Fischer, Ulrich 5 

Geissler, David 1 

Gertner, Geo 14 

Ginter, Michael 20 

Gertner, Geo 3 

Groff, Henry 8 

Gassen, Jacob 2 

Goodman, Geo 2 

Gicker, Jacob 6 

Gebhardt, Philip lo 

Gebhardt, Peter 1 

Ounter, Geo 10 

Haak, Geo. 2 

Hassinger, Herman 4 

Holtzman, Henr^' 5 

Heberling, John... 5 

Hubler. Jacob 8 

Han, John 2 

Harberger, Michael 1 

Heckenrode, Zacharias 1 

Haak, Nicholas 4 

Hackman, Peter 4 

Heberling, Valentine 10 

Jacoby, Adam 4 

Keiser, Christian 6 

Kruber, Christian 8 

Keiner, Christian 2 ' 

Kurtz, Christian l 



Katterman, David 1 

Keiser, Frod'k 1 

Keel, Geo 9 

Kline, Geo 3 



Kautner, Jacob 3 

Katterman, Jacob 13 

Kaufman, John 1 

Klahr, Jacob 1 

Kettner, Michael 8 

Kuntz, Michl 1 

Kemp, Matthias 3 

Kintzer, Nicholas 16 

Kreiger, Peter 5 

Kreiger, Peter 3 

Kurr, Thos 10 

Kern, Thos 5 

Keiser, Wilhelm 5 

Lash, Adam 20 

Laucks, Abram 17 

Lebo, Abram 2 

Lower, Christian 30 

Long, Casper 1 

Long, Conrad 2 

Legner, Geo 20 

Lebegut, Jacob 12 

Long, John 2 

Loos, Jacob 3 

Lub, Ludwig 1 

Lederman, Jacob 10 

Long, Nicholas 6 

Lebo, Peter G 

Laucks, Peter 10 

Leitner, Wilhelm 3 

Meyer, John 1 

Milleisen, Jacob 1 

Miller, John 4 

Miller, Jacob 11 

'Miller, Nicholas 1 

.Meyer, John 8 

Meyer, Philip 3 

Meyer. Rudolph 12 

Noll, Baltzer 3 

Naftzinger, Matthias 9 

Ney, Valentine 1 

Pleistein, Geo 10 

Punzius, John 3 

Peiffer, Jacob 3 

Ream, Adam 1 

Reed, Casper 17 

Reed, Casper, Jr 3 

Reber, Conrad 2 

Reit, Daniel 12 

Reit. Daniel 2 

Reed, Fred'k 16 

Reit, Geo 20 

Reit, Geo., Jr 1 

Roehrer, Gotlieb 10 

lladenbach. Henry 5 

Reed, Jacob 7 

Riegle, John 25 

Reitenaur, John l 

Reed, Leonard ', 14 

Reed, Leonard, Jr 6 

Reed, Mich'1 10 

Rice, Mich'l 22 

Rice, Mich'l & Co If. 

Roll, Philip 2 

Reed, Peter 15 

Ritzraan, Poter 1 

Reinsel, Val rt"^ 

Sheetz, Adam 15 

Sherman, Adam li) 

Schmidt, Adam 4 

Stein, Adam 2 

Shade, Andreas 2 



Schaeffer, Andreas 2 

Schneider, Abram 

Speicher, Benj 10 

Stump, Casper 16 

Sherman, Geo 5 

Stouch, Geo 1 

Schaeffer, John 20 

Seibert, Jacob 18 

Schwope, John 2 

Snebely, John 3 

Sherman, Jacob 10 

Schwartz, Ludwig 5 

Schaeffer, Mich'l 22 

Sumi, Mich'l 1 

Stupp, Martin 12 

Sauser, Mich'l 2 

Smith, Matthias 3 

Steiner, Maria 9 

Swongle, Nicholas 11 

Schlessman, Nicholas 3 

Schaeflfer, Nicholas 4 

Speicher, Peter 

Schaeffer, Peter 

Suleberger, Ulrich 



Apple, Lorentz 

Bechtel, Christian 

Brown, Geo 

Dressier, Geo 

Bogenrief, Henry 

Blank, Jacob.. 

Bressler, Simon 

Bickler, John 

Boltz, Geo 

Fischer, Adam 

I'iRcher, Ludwig 

Grow, Leonard 

Gebhardt. Peter 

Huber, Frantz 

Hartmaii, Mich'l 

HoffniHD, Peter 

Hob, John 

Jordan, Adam 

Kress, Valentine 

Kurngib, John 

Kuhns, Nich 

Krichbaum. Adam 

Leiuberger, Nich 

Lescher, John 

Luzkimber, Christopher 
Lenig, Thos ; 



nmates. 
Lavi 



Troutman. John 11 

Weaver, Adam 1 

Wender, Christopher 3 

Wender, Conrad 1 

Wender, Fred'k 2 

Wolf, Fred'k 2 

Wolf, Geo 8 

Wolfart, Geo 3 

Weber, Geo 1 

Wenrich, John 5 

Weiser, John 15 

Womelsdorff 16 

M'ilhelm, Jacob 3 

Wentz, John 6 

Walborn, Leonard 15 

Wagner, Matthias & Co 8 

Wagner, Matthias 15 

Zimmerman, Geo 5 

Zeller, Geo 12 

Zeller, John IQ 

Zerbe, John 4 

Zerbe, Peter 13 

Zerbe, Peter, Jr 3 

Zipgler, Philip 2 



Allenbach, Daniel. 
Andes, Fred'ii. 
Albert, John. 
Brown, Martin. 
Brua, Peter. 
Din, Adam. 
Fisher, Maitin. 
Heberling, Adam. 
Helwrling, Jacob. 
Kaercher, Godfriod. 
Knoll, Valentine. 



John 

Lenig, Peter 

Muckenfus, Fred'k 

Meier, Valentine 

Miller, Jacob 

Metz, Jacob 

Reiner, Peter 

Run, John , 

Roset, Jacob 

Schneider, Abram 

Schnoke, Fred'k 

Schnederle, Geo 

Schreffler, Geo 

Schaeffer, Geo 

Schmidt. Henrj- 

Schmidt, Leonard 

Schaum, Christopher 

Schaeffer, Jacob 

Sallade, Nicholas 

Stein, John 

Wiegand, Nicholas 

Weis, John 

Weidner, John 

Wolfart, Mich'l 

Zerbe, Henry. .» 2 

Zerbe, Jacob 1 



5Ieier, Geo. 
Meier, Philip. 
Redebach, Heniy. 
Reed, Michael. 
Schaeffer, Geo. 
Schaeffer, John. 
Schaeffer, Al)ram. 
Schaeffer, Henry. 
Toner, John. 
Wolf, Daniel. 



Wa 



W. 



Leamor, Le. 
3terkle, Dieter. 



ard. 



M'omirt, Christophe 
Weiser, Jacob. 



New Township Refused. — In November, 1844, 
a petition signed by one hundred and thirty 
subscribers was presented to court praying for 
the erection of a new township out of parts 
of Tulpehocken, Upper Tulpehocken and Mar 
ion townships; and Matthias S. Richards, Sain- 



TOWNSHIPS OP COUNTY. 



1087 



iiel Baird and Samuel S. Jackson were ap- 
pointed commisssoners to make the neces- 
sary investigations, etc. These commissioners 
recommended the erection of the new township — 
" being satisfied that the late practice of subdivid- 
ing large townships, and the convenience caused 
thereby for township transactions and the better 
attention to the keeping of roads, etc , in repair, 
has received general favor from experience," and 
suggested as a proper name — " South Tulpe- 
hocken." Their report was filed January 9, 1845, 
and confirmed nid. But earnest exceptions were 
filed against the proposed and recommended new 
township ; one remonstrance setting forth that 
the district, as laid out, " contains only about 110 
taxable inhabitants — it is seven miles long and 
the widest part from one and a half to two miles 
broad, — and it will be inconvenient and burden- 
some to your petitioners and it will only gratify 
a few self-interested individuals." An act of As- 
seiubly was passed on the 19th of February, 1845, 
re(juiring the question of this proposed township 
to be submitted to a vote of the taxable inhabit- 
ants of the three townships ; but at an election 
held on the 21st day of ISIarch, 1845, the question 
was decided in the negative ; ' and the court ac- 
cordingly refused the application. 

CHURCHES. 

Host Church is in the southeastern part of 
]'' the township. It derives its name from a family 
which formerly resided in that locality. As early 
as 1745 a congregation of the German Reformed 
Church had an existence there and worshipped in 
a log meeting-house, put up for the use of the con- 
gregation. Here they received the ministrations 
of the Rev. D. Bartholeraae, in 1747, and of the 
Revs. H. W. Stoy, William Otterbein, John 
Waldschmidt and John Jacob Zufall, preaching 
at irregular periods, until 1769, when the Rev. 
Wra. Heudel entered upon a pastorate which con- 
tinued thirteen years. In 1775 his labors resulted 
in giving the congregation a permanent organiza- 
tion, which has been continued until this day. It 
was determined to build a new church and a com- 
mittee was selected to take this work in hand. The 
church as they built it was used about fiftv years ; 



' lu Upper Tulpehocken the vote was 181 against and 9 
for new township. 



but, in 1832, the brick floor was removed, and a 
floor of boards put in its place ; and other changes 
were also made in the house to bring it up to the 
requirements of that day. This work was done by 
George See at seventy-five cents per day and board. 
Twenty years later, in 1852, a steeple was put on the 
church and a bell of six hundred and thirty-four 
pounds weight placed in the same. In this condition 
the church was used three decades longer. On Octo- 
ber 4, 1884, it was decided to enlarge the building by 
the addition of seventeen feet to its length, to cover it 
with slate and to renovate it internally The corner- 
stone was laid May 17, 1885, and the completed 
building reconsecrated September 20, 1885, givingto 
the congregation one of the finest country churches 
in the county. The following ministers officiated : 
Wm. Hendel, Fredeiick Herman, Thomas H. 
Leinbach (1833-51), Jacob D. Zehring (1851-64), 
George Wolf and C. H. Leinliach. 

Rev. Thomas C Leinbach became the pastor in 
1866 and he has been continued until now. In 
1885 the congregation numbered three hundred 
and fifty members." 

After being e.xclusively a Reformed Church 
about one hundred years, a congregation of Lu- 
therans began holding regular meetings here 
March 12, 1865, with the Rev. Aaron Finf'rock as 
pastor, who has since served it with acceptance. 
In 1885 a membership of one hundred and seven- 
ty-five was reported. By agreement the congre- 
gation has a voice in the temporal affairs of the 
church, which is now practically a " union church." 

Rehreesbur(; Lutheran Church. — In 1765 
Henry Holtzman granted to Trustees Christian 
Moyer, Ulrich Fisher, Jacob Reed and Thomab 
Kurr two and a half acres of ground for church 
purposes. This lot was enlarged by the addition 
of sixty rods more by Sebastian Brosius, and one 
hundred and thirty-eight rods by Godfrey Roehrer. 
In 1786 the latter donated four acres more; and 
other additions were made at later periods, until, 
at present, the church lot contains about thirteen 
acres of ground. Upon part of this lot there was 
built, in 1765, a two-story meeting house of logs, 
which was used as a place of worship until 1808, 
when the present meeting-house was built. It is 



2 For a long list of names (150) Lutheran and Reformed 
members, see Rupp's " 30.000 Immigrants," pp. 406-468. 



108S 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



a large stone edifice of substantial masonry. In 
1849 the first steeple was placed on the church, 
which was removed in 1882 and another construct- 
ed in its stead. The latter contains a fine bell. 
The cemetery is large and finely kept. The niem- 
bei-ship of the church is large, numbering about 
five hundred and sixty. The pastor is Rev. A. J. 
Long, resident minister at the Tulpehocken 
Lutheran Church, at Stouchsburg. In the main 
these two churches have had the same niiiiisters. 

About thirty years after the church was built a 
parochial school was established, in a building 
put up for that purpose, upon the church grounds. 
This house was of logs, two-story, and was 
afterwards used as the public school-house until 
1882, when a new school-house was erected. The 
early schools taught in it were excellent. Peter 
Walborn was a superior teacher. He taught 
about thirty years. Jacob Kline was the last 
teacher of the parish school, and the instruction 
generally imparted there was in the German lan- 
guage. 

The first English school was taught in a private 
house, about 1820, by a Mr. Embich. Later a 
building was provided for English schools near the 
old church, in which James Allen, Jacob Rehm 
and others taught. 

The public schools of Rehrersburg form four 
grades, and are taught in a large frame building 
put up in 1882. The old school-house has been 
demolished. The old log church was torn down 
about 1810 and the material used fi)r a residence 
near the centre of the village. 

St. John's Union Church (Reformed and 
Lutheran) is in the eastern ])art of Rehrersburg 
and was built in 1 847. The edifice is a neat brick 
structure and has attractive surroundings ; the lot 
is inclosed with a fine iron fence. It embraces 
also a well-kept burial-ground, on which are some 
neat monuments. This church was built by 
members withdrawing from the old church at 
Rehrersburg, on account of the difficulty of mak- 
ing arrangements whereby both congregations could 
have mutual interests. The membership was at 
first small, but in 188-5 the Reformed congregation 
reported one hundred and thirty and the 
Lutherans not quite so many. The latter had the 
Rev. Daniel D. Trexler as pastor, and previously 



Revs. H Y. Grahn, Rees and Rev. Thomas 
laeger. The Reformed congregation had as its 
minister, since February, 1884, the Rev. L. D. 
Stambaugh. Those who preceded him were the 
Revs. Bteckle, Wolf, Schwartz and Miesse. 

St. Paul's Church of the Evangelical 
Association is located near the centre of the 
township, close by the old Livingood mills. The 
church was built in 1852 and is of brick, with a 
small steeple and bell. Its capacity is a few hun- 
dred. The early members belonged to the Liven- 
good and Burns families and were but few in 
number. There having been few accessions, 
the congregation is weak numerically. The 
ministerial service is from Myerstown, in Lebanon 
County, with which place this appointment is 
united in forming a circuit. 

Trinity Church.— This house of worship 
belongs to the United Brethren and was built in 
1848, but remodeled and improved in 1885. The 
building is a plain frame, but ample for the wants 
of the congregation worshipping there, which 
numbered in 1885 but fifty members. The ap- 
pointment was served in connection with churches 
in Lebanon County, forming a circuit, and the 
pastor was the Rev. J. P. Smith. A small grave- 
yard is connected with the building. 

St. John's Church (Lutheran .\nd Re- 
formed), is located on a commanding site in Mt. 
Etna. It was built in 1883. It is a neat brick 
structure, forty-two by si.Kty-one feet, with steeple 
and bell, and cost over four thousand dollars. The 
building conmiittee having the work in charge was 
W. A. Klick, J. Stamm, J. Bricker and P. M. 
Forrer. This is the second house which occupies 
the lot. The first was built in 1846 by John 
Fisher, J. Stutzman and J. Goldman, in order to 
afford a more convenient place of worship for the 
people of that locality, and the site selected was 
the acre of ground set aside for church and 
school purposes by the proprietor of the town-site. 
The greater part of this was set aside for burial 
purposes. The cemetery provided is well kept, 
and contains some neat monuments. 

In 1885 the Lutheran congregation had about 
sixty members and the Rev. F. J. F. Schantz as 
pastor. At the same time the Reformed congre- 
gation had one hundred members and the j^astor 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1089 



was the Rev. L. D. Stambaugh. Each congrega- 
tion supports a Sunday-school and Bible class. 

Brethren Meeting-House. — In the north- 
ern part of the township, in what is known as the 
Ziegler neighborhood, there is a frame meeting- 
house belonging to the Bi-ethren, or Dunkards. 
It was built about fifteen years ago and replaced a 
smaller brick house which had been built about 
fifteen years previously. The congregation occu- 
pying it is large and flourishing, a large number 
ot members coming from other townships, chiefly 
from Bethel, The meetings held alternate with 
thu.se in the Bethel Churches. 

VILLAGES. 

Rehrer.sbukg. — The town plan of Kehrers- 
burg was laid out by Jacob Rehrer, about the year 
1803. It was acknowledged by him on the 4th 
of April, 1803, and recorded. The plan included 
ninety-four lots, which were arranged along the 
thoroughfare. 

The main street was named " Gottfried ;" the 
principal cross-street, " Jacob ;" the next cross- 
streets, to the west, " Magdalena'' and "Rehrer," 
and to the east, "Maria" and "Brown." The 
" scjuare " in the centre of the town is seventy 
by four hundred and ten feet. Width of streets — 
maiu, fifty feet ; cross, forty feet. The lots in the 
" square" are sixty by two hundred aud forty-six 
feet ; the others on Gottfried Street, sixty by two 
hundred and seventy feet. Ou the back of the 
plan the proprietor made the following provision, 
written in German : " This plan has three classes 
in price and are as follows : In the first class the 
tickets are twenty dollars, and a half-dollar ground 
rent each year ; in the second, fifteen dollars and 
one dollar ground rent each year ; in the third, 
ten dollars aud one dollar aud a half ground rent 
each year." 

The lots were disposed of by lottery. One of 
the first lots was sold in 1803 to Michael Tryon. 
Dr. John Tryon, his sou, has occupied this lot aud 
the dwelling thereon for many years. 

Subsequently, in 1819, Mr. Rehrer laid out 
fifty-three additional lots on the north of the town. 

In 1825, Thomas Kurr was the proprietor of the 
ground rent, the total amount of which was then 
stated to be seventy-seven dollars and eighty-five 
cents. 



The deeds from Rehrer to purchasers were not 
recorded. The form of deed was printed. The 
following were some of the purchasers : 

Abraham Guth, lots 3 and 8, in 1803. 
Michael Tryon, lots 30 and 31, in 1S03. 
Joseph Geissler,' lot 77, in 1803. 
Joseph Geissler, lots Ki and 47, iu 180G. 
George Ohlwein, lot 79, in 1807. 
Maria Messersmith (formerly Strack,) lot 82, in 
1.S07. 
Adam Weber, lot 83, iu 1810. 

The first building in this vicinity was erected 
south of the town about a quarter of a mile. 
In addition : 

George Harner aud Godfrey D. Rehrer, lot 106, in 
1-820. 
Christian Brobst, lot 108, in 1819. 
Christian Brobst, lot 110, in 1819. 
John Binkley, lot 112, in 1821. 
Jacob Good, lot 122, in 1822. 

The ground rent has not been released. The 
last payments were made iu 1834. In this year a 
plow was distrained for rent due ; but it was 
released upon proceeding iu repleviu. 

Among the early settlers of Rehrersburg were 
Abraham Guth, merchant ; Joseph Geissler, inn- 
keeper ; Dr. Michael Tryon, physician ; P. Lud- 
wig, justice; John Seamen, justice; Philip A. Good, 
surveyor ; Christian Brobst, inn-keeper ; John 
Schaefler, weaver; John Aulenbacli, cabinet 
maker; John Hartmau, brick-maker; John Moss- 
watchmaker ; Michael Fichthorn, hatter ; John 
Keber, carpenter ; Gerhart Miller, blacksmith ; 
Jacob Liuiuger, blacksmith ; Frederick Muth, 
lumber dealer ; Godfrey Rehrer, merchant ; John 
Lindenmuth, saddler ; John Reber, tailor ; Philip 
Kline, tanner ; Henry Dewald, tinsmith ; Wm. 
A. Good, teacher ; Sebastian Lutz, saddler ; Philij) 
Schwalm, tailor ; Jacob Schaeifer, farmer. 

The house built by Abraham Guth was con- 
verted into a tavern by Jacob Good in 1806 and 
kept by him until 1814, when Christian Brobst 
became the landlord, keeping the house until his 
death, iu 1831. Then came Valentine Brobst un- 
til 1853, and Henry Brobst, the present proprie- 
tor, succeeded to the ownership. About the same 
time, 1806, Joseph Geissler opened the second 



'■ Geissler erected American Ilouwe, aud it is said that he 
erected the first dwelling on this lot. 



1090 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



inn, which is now known as the " Farmers' Ho- 
tel." Michael Lindenmuth was the landlord 
there thirty years. On the site of Dr. Tryon's res- 
idence was a public-house kept about thirty-five 
years by John Biukley. The present " Union 
House " has been open for the entertainment of 
the public since 1838, John Ebliug being the first 
landlord and John Christ, the present. 

After Abraham Gutli left the Brobst stand, in 
1806, he opened a place of business where Kurr's 
store now is. This place hiia been used continuously 
for trading purposes. For a time a store was kept in 
tlie Ijuildiug which had formerly been the church, 
and which is still standing on the sc^uareas a resi- 
dence. 

The Rehrersburg post-office was established 
May 27, 1818. George Harner was the postmas- 
ter until 1834, keeping the office at his store. For 
the next five years Valentine Brobst was the post- 
master. Since 1866 John B. Barnett has offici- 
ated. The office has daily mails from Woraels- 
dorf, and also from Reading via Bernville. 

Physicians. — Dr. Michael Ti'yon, a native of Mill 
Creek, Lebanon County, located here as the first 
doctor iu 1800, and remained until his death, in 
1830. His son. Dr. Jacob Tryou, followed his 
profession at Rehrersburg actively from 1821 
until 1884, when he retired at the age of eighty- 
four years. During the first twenty-three years of 
his practice he traveled altogether on horseback, 
and often visited patients twenty-five miles distant, 
traveling through woods without roads aud over 
mountains. Since 185.5 his son. Dr. John S. 
Tryon, has been a successflil practitioner at this 
point. Dr. Abraham Good was the second physi- 
cian in the village, a number of years prior to his 
removal to Lebanon, about 1837. Dr. Adam 
Schoener was here from 1820 until his removal 
to Reading, iu 1865. Before his death he returned 
to Rehi'ersbui'g. Dr. Adam J. Schoener was 
fifteen years iu practice before his death, in 1880. 
The last to locate was Dr. George M. Bickel,' who 
hiis been in successful practice the past eight years. 

Besides the foregoing, a number of natives of 
the place became successful physicians, among 
them being Decatur Schoener, William J. Schoener, 

•See sketch in Chapter XXI., p. 620. 



Edward, John A. and James C. Brobst, sons of 
Valentine Brobst. 

The village had several secret societies, which, 
after a period of prosperity, were allowed to 
go down, and have for a number of years been 
discontinued. 

The tannery there was established by Kline & 
Shellenberger sixty years ago, and is still in 
existence, though carried on in a small way at 
present. Among the industries at this point, 
which have been altogether abandoned, was a 
small foundry by S. Weber, which was once a use- 
ful enterprise. 

Organs are built by Monroe Salem, aud coach- 
making is carried on by C. D. Wagner. 

The Rehrersburg Creamery was built in 1885 by 
Isaac H. Shade & Co. Steam-power is used, and 
about three hundred pounds of jirime butter are 
made daily, in one-pound prints. The creamery 
has the patronage of thirty-one customers. 

Mt. Etna.^ — This village is in the southwestern 
part of the townshij), on an elevated tract of land 
which overlooks the surrounding country. It was 
laid out iu IJSIO by Peter Wohleber, and for many 
years called Wohleberstown. The present name 
^\•as adopted after 1854, when the post-office was 
established. .Wohleber owned a farm at this 
place, and surveyed some twenty acres of it f'oi' 
village purposes. He laid out the streets and 
alleys with great regularity. The main street 
was widened at its centre, to form a market square. 
Following the custom of that day, the lots were 
disposed of with an annual ground-rent. The 
amount was two dollars per year, and it was paid 
for many years. The last lot released was that 
of Peter Wohleber, Jr. 

The proprietor lived near the public well, which 
he had provided, and he continued in the village 
until his death. Before this occurred, Peter 
Schell became the proprietor, and iu turn sold out 
to John Neff, in 1845. The latter disposed of his 
interests to Daniel Gasser, who executed titles to 
the lots. 

The first house in the j)Iace was by the public 
well, and was removed by Peter Schell, a cooper 
by trade ; John Acheanbach was the blacksmith ; 
Evan Lewis, the tailor; John Heflelfinger, the 
nail-maker ; John Bechtold, mason ; Michael Het- 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1091 



linger, aiilhvright; Jacob Robinson, laborer. These 
embraced the early settlers, in addition to the 
Wohleber family. Peter Wohleber sold the first 
goods, he having traded on a small scale. But 
Levi Wolfersperger was the first to engage in 
trade to any extent. He lived on lot No. 6, and 
also kept a public-house. He was in business 
more than thirty years, and was succeeded by 
Brown & Borduer. William A. Glick was the 
second merchant, trading on a larger scale. In 
1885 the village had fijur stores. One of these 
was in a three-story brick building, forty by sixty- 
one feet, built in 1881 by the proprietor, I. J. H. 
Borduer, who has been in trade eighteen years. 
Daily mails are received from Myerstown, and tri- 
weekly are carried to Winlcrsville. The present 
postmaster is I. J. H. Borduer. 

The first tavern in the jilace was kept in 1810 
at the present Brown House, in a building which 
forms a part of the present hotel. Jacob Het- 
tinger was the landlord. The second inn was the 
Borduer House, kept chiefly by members of the 
Borduer family. The third house was built by 
John H. Weller, about 1870. These three taverns 
are still maintained. 

In the practice of medicine, Dr. Christian 
Strohm was the first to locate at Mt. Etna. He was 
followed, in 18oG, by Dr. L G. Batdorfl', a jsrac- 
titioner here continuously siuce that time. 

South of Rehrersburg is an old tavern-stand 
widely and favor.ably known as Gasser's, and which 
had been kept by that family the greater part of 
a century. On the Womelsdorf road, near the 
southern line of the township, a nur.iber of people 
have had stores, Conrad Ilinnershitz being one of 
the first in trade. A post-oflice having the name 
of Host was established here in 1852, which is at 
present kept in the store of Jacob Shaftuer, for a 
number of years a successful merchant at this point. 
The office has a daily mail from Womelsdorf 
West, nearly midway between Host and Alt. Etna, 
is the hamlet of Wintersville, so called after Jacob 
Winters, who had a store and a tavern at that place. 
The post-office was established there in 1857 and is 
still maintained. 

Near Mt. Etna, on a small sjiring branch, is the 
old Livengood mill, built in the early part of the 
present century. The old mill-house is still in use, 
but steam-power has been supplied to take the place 



of the failing water-power. On the Swatara, near 
the mouth of this stream, is the old Zimmerman 
mill, where, about 1850, Frederick Miller built a 
new mill, which has been remodeled and supplied 
with steam-power so that it has become an excel- 
lent mill. Jacob Zeigler was the proprietor in 
1885. In the southern part of the township, on 
Mill Creek, Daniel Wolf had a small mill before 
1800, occupying the site of the Moyer mill, started 
soon after the settlement of the township. The 
present is the third mill, having been rebuilt in 
1869. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

George K. Stoudt is the grandson of George 
8toudt, who was of German extraction and spent 
his life in Tulpehockcn township as a farmer. He 
married Rebcca Wolfe, whose children were 
Daniel, Jacob, George, Benjamin, Maria, Eva, 
Elizabeth and Sarah. George Stoudt, of this 
number, was born on the 30th of June, 1794, in 
Tulpehocken township, where he followed the 
occupation of his father, and married Susanna, 
daughter of John Kutz, of Maxatawny township. 
The children of this marriage are George (who 
died in youth), Mary (Mrs. Jacob D. Barnet), 
William, George K., Isaac, Rebecca, John, Sarah 
( Mrs. Henry Peifier) and Eliza (Mi-s. John B. 
Schaeffer), of whom all but two survive. George 
K. Stoudt was born in Maiden-creek township, 
Berks County, March 15, 1818, and received very 
few advantages of education, his time having been 
required as assistant in the cultivation of his 
father's laud. He removed in 1834 with the latter 
to the farm now owned by him in Tulpehocken 
township, and continued industriously employed 
as a farmer for many years. He was married on 
the 15th of June, 1839, to Mary, daughter of 
William Riehl, of the same township. Their 
children are Alvin (a prosperous farmer in Indi- 
ana), Susanna, (Mrs. Jared Himmelberger), John 
(engaged in farming pursuits in Ohio), Jemima 
(Mrs. J. Henry Gasser), Frank (who settled upon 
a farm in Illinois), Rebecca (Mrs. Jonathan R. 
Reber) and Sarah E. (Mrs. Edward Bickel). The 
death of Mrs. Stoudt occurred July 10, 1881. 
George K. Stoudt remained with his father until 
his death, in 1881, when the property was bequeath- 
ed to him, subject to the claims of the remaining 



1092 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



heirs. He is still actively engaged in farming and 
ranks among the most successful agriculturists of 
his township. As a Democrat in politics, he 
has served in various local offices. He is often 
solicited to serve as guardian, executor and in 
other places of trust where his fidelity to duty has 
won the respect and confidence of the public. 
With other patriotic citizens he was active during 
the war in furthering the interests of the govern- 
ment. He is a director of the Sinking Spring 



Hull, whose children are William, (deceased), 
Margaret (Mrs. Emanuel Kissel), Polly (Mrs. 
Samuel Hallacher), Sarah, (Mr.s. Samuel S. 
Brown), George, Henry (deceased) and Jacob. The 
last-named of this number was born January 23, 
1831, in New Holland, Lancaster County, and 
at the age of thirteen years removed to Berks 
County, becoming a member of bis brother's 
family in Tulpehocken township. In this 
town.siiip be still resides, the spot being familiarly 




^^£^.yt!> . S^-^t^r-^^ 



Mutual Fire Insurance Company. Mr. Stoudt is 
a member of the Reformed Church of Rehrersburg, 
in which he has officiated as elder and deacou and 
is now a trustee. 

Jacob Shaffxer is the grandson of George 
Shaffncr, who married a Miss Stetler, and resided 
in New Holland, Lancaster County. The chil- 
dren of this marriage were George, Henry, John 
and one daughter. George was born in New 
Holland, and remained, during his life-time, a 
resident of his native county, where he followed 
the trade of a hatter. He married Catherine 



known as Host post-office. He entered the 
store of his brother as clerk, acting in that capac- 
ity until ] 8ol , when he went to California by 
the well-known Nicaragua route. He located 
in Dowuieville, Sierra County, and later remov- 
ed to Marysville, at the terminus of the Sacra- 
mento River. He first engaged in mining and 
afterward embarked in the dairy business, which 
was carried on with success until bis return, in 
September, 1854, to his present home. In 1855 
Mr. Shaffner formed a co-partnershi}) with his 
brother in general merchandising, and the fol- 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1093 



lowing yeai' purchased the entire interest, which 
he has since controlled. He is also extensively 
engaged in lime-burning and the quarrying of 
stone for building purposes, and known as 
one of the most enterprising farmers in the 
township. He was married, August 30, 1855, 
to Amelia, daughter of Augustus I^eiss, of 
tlie same township. Their children were 
William, born July 21, 18(53, and four pre- 



County, before the Hon. Robert Porter, president 
judge, and his associates (Gabriel Hiester and 
Charles Shoemaker), a petition, subscribed by one 
hundred and twelve inhabitants' of Tulpehocken 
township, was presented, praying for a division of 
the township into two parts, by a straight line to 

' The first tliirty-fnnr sisiiiprs were : 
.Jacob Batilorf, l>;iiiiel Zerlie. 

AnJreiU! E.lris, l>:ivi(l S. Seiliert, 




.'n'- *'"^^'. 




"^^^c'-ci-^nr '^) 1^ 



viously born, who are deceased. Mr. Sliaffncr 
was formerly a director of the Reading Fire 
Insurance and Trust Company. He is a pro- 
nounced Democrat, as were his ancestors. He 
has served as prison inspector of Berks County. 
Since the establishment of the post-office at 
Host he has been the postmaster. 



UPPER TULPEHOCKEN TOWNSHIP. 

Erection op Township. — In 1820, at the 
November term of the Quarter Sessions of Berks 



John Kattermnn. 
BaUhaser Noll, 
George Bender, 
George Scbiifer, 
Wilhelm Bender, 
Conrad Daub, 
Abraham Behny, 
.John Manbeck, 
George WoUeber. 
Peter Hettinger, 
Michael Hettinger, 
John Bechtoldt, 
Christian Fisher, 
George AVinter, 
William Seibert, 



George Kapp, 
John Lower, 
Peter Uicfl'enbach, 
Edward Good, 
John Fisher, 
Christian Fisher, 
Peter Shitz, 
David Behny, 
Benjamin Boyer, 
Philip Reinoehl, 
.Jacob Glautz, 
Michael Kremer, 
Joel Weidman, 
Elijah Bowen, 
Samuel Moore. 



1094 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



extend from the Tulpehocken Creek at the grist- 
mill of George Ege, Esq., to the little Swatara 
Creek, near the house of Philip Wilhelm ; and on 
the same day (November 6th) the court a])- 
pointed Matthias S. Richards, John V. Epler and 
Jonathan Hiester as commissioners, and direct- 
ing them to view the township, and report their 
opinion as to the necessity of a division of the 
same, together with a draft of the township pro- 
po.sed to be laid off. On the 24th of No- 
vember following the commissioners viewed the 
township and reported in favor of its division ac- 
cording to the line suggested,' regarding such di- 
vision " to be of much advantage and no inconven- 
ience to any of the inhabitants thereof, j)articu- 
larly on account of its great extent, being about 
eighteen miles in length and varying from six to 
ten miles in width ;" and they recommended, " up- 
on the solicitation of a number of respectable in- 
habitants of Tulpehocken township," the name of 
Perry to be adopted for that part laid off,-' " as be- 
ing short sind of easy pronunciation." Their 
report was presented to court on January 4, 1821 , 
and held under advisement. But the recommen- 
dation of the short name " Perry," which was " of 
easy pronounciatiou," was not acceptable to a 
great many inhabitants of that part of the town- 
ship laid off; they therefore objected to its adop- 
tion, and presented a petition setting forth their 
reasons, as follows : 

" Your petitioners have a predilection for tlie name 
of Tulpehocken for various reasons. 

"First. — By long use the name is familiar tn us, and 
we can pronounce it with facility without decniing it 
to be too hard or too long. 

" Secondli/-lt is an ancient name by which that part 
of Penn.sylvania bordering on the banks of the Tii1ik>- 
hocken Creek has been known tor more than one 
hundred years, and it has been generally understood 
that the settlement of Tulpehocken is in a fruitful 
country and consists of Germans and the descendants 
of Germans, noted for their industry, frugality, and 
their simple and virtuous habits of life. Your peti- 
tioners beg leave to say that they are proud of this 
distinction and do not only wish to deserve it in fu- 
ture, but also to preserve the appellation of ' Tulpe- 
hocken,' which has hitherto been indicative of the 
good qualities before mentioned. 



1 The line was N. :2,S W., 1882 perches. 

'' Tlie northei'ly part was to be called " Perry. 



" Tliirdhj. — The name is an original one and we 
think that the preservation of such names tends to the 
encouragement of patriotism and exclude invidious- 
ness, which is sometimes provoked by the application 
of the name of party favorites. 

" In addition to our reasons for preferring the name 
of Tulpehocken, we would further remark that accord- 
ing to our title deeds, our lands are said to be situate 
in Tulpehocken township, which will not be true un- 
less the name shall be restored to us, and a great in- 
consistency will occur when it shall be said — ' The 
lands of A. B. are situate in Tulpehocken township 
according to his title papers, and yet Tulpehocken is 
ten miles from A. B's land.' 

" Your petitioners are also of opinion that names 
are matters of right, and should not be taken away for 
any other than strong reasons, unless by the consent 
of those who have a property or interest in them, 
and we a.ssure your honors that we had not the least 
a])preliension of being deprived of our ancient name, 
or we should have made known our wishes to the 
Court. We expected that each of the parts would re- 
tain the ancient name, with a distinction added, such 
as Upper and Lower, or North and South Tulpe- 
hocken. This was done with our neighboring town- 
ship ' Bern,' as has so frequently been done in other 
counties as Upper, Middle and Lower Paxton, in 
Dauphin County, Upjicr and I^ower Mount Bethel, in 
Northampton County, etc., etc., that wo had reason to 
believe the same thing would be done with the i)arts 
of Tulpehocken. 

" Wherefore, we pray that our township may be 
called ' Upper Tulpehocken,' instead of ' Perry.' " 

This petition was subscribed by sixty-five per- 
sons— mostlj' in German handwriting. 

Four other petitions with ninety-four subscrib- 
ers (German handwriting almost entirely) were 
presented, asking for some name for upper part. 

The court confirmed the proceedings, but 
named the parts as prayed for, by inscribing on 
the draft " Upper Tulpehocken " in the northern 
part, and " Tulpehocken " in the southerly part. 

The area of the township is estimated to be six- 
ty-five hundred acres. 

For first taxables, see Tulpehocken township. 

Early Settlers. — Among the early settlers of 
the townships, the Eeber family made substantial 
improvements east of Strausstown. The elder 
Reber had, among other children, a son named 
Jacob, who was the father of Peter, John, Jacob, 
Jonathan and Samuel. His daughters were married 
toPeterWeaver, Jno. Schwalm, Michael Boltz,Jacob 
Noeckerand Andrew Daniels, whose descendants 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1095 



form a large portion of the population of the upper 
section of the county. Valentine Boltz was the father 
of George, Johnand Michael Boltz and of adaughter 
who married Peter Reber. Jacob Klahr was another 
early settler and reared sons named John, Jacob, 
Benjamin, Joseph and Peter. Some of his daugh- 
ters were married to Joseph Berger, Daniel Strause 
and Peter Boltz. 

The Goodmans, Jacob, Simon and Benjamin, 
removed from the township after attaining man- 
hood; but George, another brother, remained. He 
was the father of George, Henry, Daniel, Benja- 
min and Jonathan Goodman, the latter being the 
youngest and still living at Strausstown, at the age 
(if eiglity-five years. Daughters of the elder 
George Goodman married Christian Seaman, 
George Moyer, Jacob Batteiger and Adam Bat- 
teiger. Jacob Degler lived near the mountain, on 
a farm still owned by his grandson, John Degler. 
John Kline was in the same neighborhood and was 
tlie father of sons named Benjamin, Philip and 
William. The homestead is no longer in possession 
<if the family. The Strauss family, the Sj)anglers, 
(lie Hiesters and others whose improvements made 
them noteworthy still have numerous descendants 
ill Upper Tuljjehocken. 

Indian Fort. — The fort built for protection 
against the Indians was on the farm now owned by 
Jacob Ritzman, about two miles from Strausstown. 
It was located so as to command a gap in the 
mountain, through which a path led. This patli 
is still kept up. Near by there were numerous 
springs of fresh water. The fort was on a 
small rise of ground facing the mountain and was 
intended, most likely, to guard approach from 
that direction only. It is probable that it was 
built of earth and stone, although some are inclined 
to think that it was surrounded by a palisade of 
logs. There are but faint traces of its existence. 

DiEDRiCH Schneider's. — A prominent and 

lovely building stood on the top of Blue Mountain 

foi many years, which was famous in the days before 

the Revolution. It was called " Diedrich 

Schneider's." 

churches. 

Zion's Church, (Lutheran and Reformed), 
the principal church of the township, is located half 
a mile east of Strausstown. When first built, 
nearly a hundred and fifty years ago, the church 



was called the "Blue Mountain Church," also 
■' North-Kill Church." At first it was used by 
members of the German Reformed faith only. 
The Lutherans obtained an interest in the property 
when the present house was built, in 1819, since 
which time its affairs have been mutually managed. 
From the meagre records at hand it appears that 
among others who worshipped here, as early as 
1750, were Adam Sontag, George Weber, Valen- 
tine Van Huss, Henry Berger, John Pontius, 
Andrew Kremer, Peter Smith, John Dundore, 
Simon Eichler, Nicholas Long, Balser Henue, 
Stephen Kerr, Thomas Miller, Adam Weber, 
Jacob Kantner, Yost Schumacher, Valentine 
Baumgartner, Jacob Emerich, Peter Homan, 
Casper Smith, Jacob Stouch, Martin Troester, 
Conrad Reber, Frederick Stupp and Simon Graefi". 
The first meeting-house was of logs, of small size, 
and stood in the grave-yard. The present church 
is of very substantial limestone masonry, In 1863 
it was covered with slate and in 1X83 it was sup- 
plied with a new steeple and other improvements. 
The church property embraces nearly fifty acres 
of land. 

The Reformed congregation reported two hun- 
dred and fifty members, with the Rev. Thomas C. 
Leinbach as pastor. Among those who jn-eceded 
him, were Revs. Schwartz, Miesse, Zehring, 
Hassinger, Herman, Boyer, Meyers, Hendel and 
Stowe. 

Rev. George Minnicli was the first pastor oi' the 
Lutheran congregation, and under his ministry the 
church prospered. Later pastors were the Revs. 
J. M. Deitzler, H. G. Grahn, Joel Grimm and, for 
many years, the Rev. Aaron Finfrock. In 1885 
the congregation had more than three lumdred 
members. 

On the church property a small school-house 
was built, soon after the first church, and schools 
were regularly taught by German teachers. 
Seventy years ago a Mr. Trewitz served as teacher. 
He had the reputation of being a strict discipli- 
narian. Other teachers were Peter Gilbert, 
Charles Butzer and William Miller. The latter 
also taught the English branches. David Garman 
is best remembered as one of the first successful 
English teachers. His school was kept in the 
eastern pai't of the village. Most of these teachers 
served the church as organists, a jiosition which 



1096 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



has been held since 1862 by William A. Unger. 
A Sunday-school is maintained and successfully 
conducted in the church. 

St. Paul's Lutheran Church is in the village 
of Strausstown. It i.s a frame building, erected in 
18()1 by Dr. W. J. Schoener, Jonathan G. Reber 
and John Strause, as a building committee. The 
membership was small when the church was built, 
only about a dozen belonging. Rev. J. M. Ditzler 
was their pastor. Subsequently the congregation 
had the ministry of the Revs. Graves, Mortz, Cut- 
ler, Leuhart, Croll and Fritsch. In 1885 there 
were twenty-eight members. A Sunday-school is 
kept up in the church. 

VILLAGES. 

Strausstown is a pleasant village, a little north 
of the centre of the town.ship, on the Stiite road, 
twelve miles west from Hamburg. It was laid out in 
1840 by John Strauss, a land-owner in this local- 
ity, after whom it was named. He lived west of 
the village, on the Himmelberger farm. After 
the village was laid out he moved to the centre of 
the town, where he died. The tract of land to the 
north was owned by John Batteiger, and east of 
him by Daniel Moyer ; and upon each of these 
three tracts the village, with its additions, is now 
located. The first house in the place was built on 
a lot from the Batteiger tract, purciiased by Joseph 
Boltz, March 28, IS^r) ; and the house built by 
Boltz that year has been occupied by him since. 
The second house was also begun in 18-'i5, but it 
was not completed until the following year. It 
was built by Jacob and Joseph Klahr, and now 
forms part of the Centre Hotel. After the lots 
were laid out by the foregoing land-owners, a num- 
ber of houses were built. Among the early citi- 
zens of the place were : 

Joseph Boltz, taihjr ; Joseph HeLstcr, black- 
smith ; Bcnneville Clay, blacksmith ; Thomas 
Schaum, turner and painter ; John Keener, car- 
penter ; Wm. Keener, carpenter; Samuel Neun, 
hatter ; Jonathan Reber, cabinet-maker : Joseph 
Ulrich, tailor ; Amos Sallade, tanner ; Daniel 
INIoyer, inn-kee[)er ; Isaac Smith, shoemaker ; 
Isaac Fessler, shoemaker ; Jonathan Sauser, tin- 
smith ; Michael K. Boyer, merchant ; Daniel Bat- 
teiger, merchant ; Jacob Klahr, saddler ; John 
Berger, farmer ; Peter Ilcjltzmau, wagon-maker. 



The first store in this locality was begun about 
sixty yeare ago, in what is now the eastern part 
of the village, by a man named Uhlman. 

In 1836 Samuel ShoUenberger opened a store in 
the building put up by the Klahrs, but it was 
shortly followed by Michael K. Boyer and Daniel 
Batteiger. Then came Daniel Boltz and others. 
Subsequently a school was taught in that building, 
and since 1865, Moses Henne has used it, with ad- 
ditions, as the " Centre Hotel." After 1840 Wm. 
Strauss used part of the present L. W. Ritzman 
stand as a store, and at which place Joseph Bat- 
teiger and George Heilig were in successful tratle 
years afterward. 

Wm. Shomo built the third store-house in 1854, 
and Samuel Strauss engaged in trade there. The 
fourth store was built by Joseph Batteiger after 
1860. 

The Strausstown post-office was established Nov. 
18, 1847, with Jacob Boltz as the first postmaster. 
There was one mail per week from Allentown to 
Rehrersburg. Joseph Boltz had the office from 
1852 to 1864. Solomon Strauss succeeded him, 
and since March, 1879, E. S. Strauss has been the 
postmaster. There are two stage lines supplying 
daily mails from Woraelsdorf and Allentown, ria 
Hamburg. 

Daniel Moyer kept the first public-house at the 
cast end of tlie village, having erected the present 
house about 1840. The present Filbert Hotel was 
kept first by Jacob Boltz, about 1845. 

Strausstown has three hotels, four stores and all 
the mechanic shops maintained in a thriving 
village. There are good pavements and the few 
hundred inhabitants are prosperous. 

To Dr. Charles McDouough is given the credit 
of being the first to locate in the practice of medi- 
cine at Strausstown. Then came Dr. Isaac AVal- 
liorn, followed by Dr. Wm. J. Schoener, who prac- 
ticed for a dozen of years prior to his death, in 1865. 
Since the spring of 1864, Dr. I. S. Herbein has been 
here in successful practice, locating at this point 
immediately after his graduation. Since 1875, 
Dr. J. F. Flick has been his contemporary. 

At Strausstown the manufacture of cigars was 
first carried on by Henry Degler. In 1885 there 
were three shops in which this industry was con- 
ducted. The largest was the factory of Potts & 
Herbein. A fine building was put up recently for 



TOWNSHIPS OP COUNTY. 



1097 



this purpose, and in it are employed from ten to 
twenty hands. 

The most important industry Straus^town ever 
had was the extensive tannery of Michael Miller. 
It was established as early as 1825 by John Him- 
melberger. At first it was carried on in a small 
way. Miller rebuilt the tannery and added im- 
jirovements from time to time, until it was an ex- 
tensive establishment. He used modern methods 
and made all grades of leather successfully. He 
continued for about thirty years, until 1876. 

Of the grist-mill nearest the village, John Geo. 
Reber was the first owner. The property subse 
quently passed into the hands of John Miller, and 
was by him carried on. The site is one of the 
oldest in this section. The lower mill on the 
North-Kill was built by Joseph Seyfert, in 1849, 
on the site of a mill formerly owned by John 
Miller, which had been destro3'ed by fire. It is 
of stone and brick, with water and steam-power. 
It is capable of doing much work. Joseph Hiester 
is the present proprietor. In the eastern part of 
the township, on a branch of the North-Kill are 
the sites where were the forges and mills of Joseph 
Seyfert The first improvement was a small grist- 
mill. It was replaced by a mill of better capacity, 
which was built by Benjamin & Joseph Seyfert. 
This mill is still in operation, as the property of 
Wm. Shonio. Below this power an improvement 
was made to operate a forge by the Seyferts, about 
1830, and the business was so successfully carried 
on, that some ten years later an old mill, a mile up 
the stream, was converted into another forge, which 
Seyfert also operated. These, in connection with 
the mills and several farms, which he had under 
cultivation, formed an industry which gave eni- 
])loyment to a large number of men. After the 
<leath of Joseph Seyfert, about the close of the late 
Civil War, the iron interests declined. The forges 
were practically abandoned about 1870. The 
Seyfert homestead is now the property of one of 
1 he sons of Joseph Seyfert, but the greater part 
of the once large estate has passed into other 
hands. 

North of Strausstown, in the thickly-settled 
neighborhood along the ba.se of the mountain, the 
Schubert post oflice was established, June 6, 1884, 
with Lewis Emerich as postmaster. The mail 
SI. r vice is from Strausstown. 



MARION TOWNSHIP. 

Erection of Township. — In November, 1843, 
a petition of sundry inhabitants (one hundred and 
sixty-one) of Tulpehocken and Heidelberg town- 
ships was present d to court, praying for the erec- 
tion of a new township, to be composed of parts 
of said townships, " The line to begin on the land 
of Sybilla Troutman, on the line between Tulpe- 
hocken and Upper Tulpehocken townships; thence 
to a point at Wohleberstown ; thence the nearest 
and best route to the Lebanon County line; thence 
along said line to a point to the eastward of New- 
manstown ; thence to a point on the western line 
of the borough of Womelsdorf, near the land of 
Rev. Mr. Hendle ; thence to a point on the line 
between the townships of Heidelberg and Tulpe 
hocken, near George Reiser's mill ; thence by the 
best route to the beginning," — and the court ap- 
pointed three commissioners to view and report 
upon the proposed new township, — Matthias S. 
Richards, Samuel Baird and Samuel S. Jackson. 
This application was strenuously opposed by very 
many of the taxable inhabitants of the townships.' 
The report of the conmiissioners was presented to 
court on January 4, 1844, in which they returned 
the survey, by metes and bounds, of the new town- 
ship laid ofiP, and recommended the name of Mar- 
ion, as follows : " Beginning on land of Sybilla 
Troutman ; thence S. 85 W., 172 perches; N. 84 
W., 6 miles and 44 perches, to the Lebanon Coun- 
ty line ; along said county line, S. 47J E., 7 miles, 
212 ps. ; thence N ISi E., 354 ps.. to the line of 
the Borough of Womelsdorf; thence along said 
Borough N. Ill W., 275 ps. to the Tulpehocken 
Creek ; along said creek 1430 ps., to a stone corner 
set up for a dividing corner between Tulpehocken 
and Upper Tulpehocken ; and thence along the 
dividing line of said townships N. 23 W., 304 ps. 
to the Beginning." This report was confirmed on 
the 6th of April, 1844, and the new township 
thereby laid ofi" was named Marion, as recom- 
mended 

For first taxables, see Tulpehocken township. 

In 1865 a small triangular tract of land was 
taken from this township and added to Lebanon 
county. This was caused by the extending of 

'The handwriling is almost eutirely German. 



1008 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the NewiuaustowD improvements into Berks Coun- 
ty.' 

Among the Palatines were the Reeds (originally 
Rieth) who in 1723 settled on the Tulpehoekeu, 
in what is now Marion township. They bore the 
Christian names of Peter, George, John Adam, 
Christopher, Jacob, Valentine, Nicholas, Frederick 
and Casper. Adam, John and Christopher settled 
in the neighborhood of what is now Reed's Church, 
so called on account of their prominence as early 
members. The land on which John Reed lived was 
one hundred and forty-four acres in extent, and it 
has been in the Reed family six successive genera 
tions, the proprietors in the order of time being 
John, Leonard, Valentine, Christopher, John and 
the present, Frank Reed, through marriage with 
Rebecca, daughter of John, who was a son in the di- 
rect descent. On the farm is an old house, partly 
built in 1740 and increased to its present size in 
1804. It is of logs, weather-boarded and has im- 
mense timbers to support the upper floors. The 
house contains an old clock which has been part 
of its furniture the past eighty-five years. Its 
maker was Jacob Gorgas, and it is believed that 
it has been running since 1704. The dial is ham- 
mered brass and each of the weights weighs twelve 
pounds. The Rieths intermarried with the Lech- 
ners and both families have always been prominent 
in the aHairs of the township. 

In the neighborhood of the Rieths, Andrew- 
Lash became the owner of a tract of land in 1735, 
upon which John Jacob Lash built a large rough- 
stone house in 1753. This date and other in 
scriptions are cut in a stone in the gable of the 
house. John Kurtz, the great-grandfather of the 
present owners, James, William and Samuel 
Kurtz, bought the property April 16, 1764, since 
which time it has been in the Kurtz family. The 
walls of the house indicate that the buildiug may 
have been designed as a means of defense against 
Indians as well as a residence. The Lechners — 
John George, his brother Christopher and the 
latter's sou, also named Christopher — were among 
the early settlers of this section of country. The 
former reared a son named George, who united 
with his father in buying a tract of land extend- 
ing up both sides of the Millbach from its mouth. 



' Act of Assembly, passed March 16, 1865. 



most of which ia still owned by their descendants. 
In all there were two hundred and thirty-five and 
a half acres, which were transferred to the Lech- 
ners May 9, 1776. These lands had previously 
been owned by Leonard Groh, Nicholas Rieth and 
Martin Weiser. John George Lechner dying in 
1784, his son George became the sole owner of the 
land, and he bequeathed the southern half to his 
son Christopher, who built mills and made other 
important improvements on it. Most of this land 
is now owned by his grandson, Richard Lechner 

An interesting incident in the lives of these 
families happened in 1793, when General Wash- 
ington visited the grave of Colonel Conrad Weiser. 
He recjuested the presence of his former body- 
guard, Christopher Lechner and the Reith brothers, 
Jacob and Valentine, who hastened to comply and 
spent several hours in the company of thfi great 
commander. These patriotic heroes lie in the 
grave-yard of the old Reed Church. Their places 
of earthly rest are marked by sandstones whose 
inscriptions are almost obliterated. Jacob Rieth 
died in 1821 and Valentine Rieth in 1825, aged 
respectively seventy-five and seventy-six years. 

Industries. — A mill existed in Tulpehocken 
settlement in 1732. In October of that year the 
provincial treasurer paid £1 5s. to the miller at 
Tulpehocken for ten bushels of meal delivered to 
Sassoonan (an Indian chief), who was then in want 
of provisions. 

W. and B. F. Taylor continued to operate the 
Charming Forge property with its mills, etc." Since 
the abandonment of the canal, the water power has 
been suflSciently strong for all necessary purposes. 
In 1885 three of the five fires of the forge were 
used and twenty-five men employed in the pro- 
duction of charcoal blooms of superior quality. 
The metal used was from the Robesonia and Clin- 
ton Furnaces. In 1884 the forge was improved by 
the addition of a Baker Rotary Blower, which 
greatly promotes its operation The saw-mill is in 
Marion, but the grist-mill is in North Heidelberg. 
The latter is a three-story stone building, put up 
in 1817 by George Ege. It has a separate water- 
power and, being a good mill, is largely patronized. 
All these interests give this place the appearance 

* See account of " Charming Forge " in Chap. VII., Early 
Industries. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1099 



of a busy hamlet. Passing up the Tulpehocken, 
there was, in Marion, a mill for making cement, 
carried on by the Reed family several years. 

Where the turnpike crosses the stream, below 
the junction of the Millbach with the Tulpehocken, 
there was a grist-mill which had as its last owner 
the Lechuer family. When the canal was built it 
was removed to make way for that improvement. 
Nearly opposite this old site is a cardiug-mill, put 
up by the Lechners, which is still operated on a 
limited scale as the property of Dr. J. C. Liven- 
good. 

A short distance up the Millbach, on the old 
Christopher Leohner farm, is a good water-power 
which was improved by Christopher Leclmer after 
1776, to operate a wool-carding mill and an oil- 
mill. The carding-mill was torn down about 182.5, 
but the oil-mill stood until after 18.50. In it was 
OT'ganized the first Sunday-.-chool in this neighbor- 
hood, about 1834. Its meetings, subsequently, 
were held elsewhere. A saw-mill took the place 
of the oil-mill, and the power of the former card- 
ing-mill was used to operate new grist and clover- 
mills, put up by the family of Christopher Lechner. 

Of these latter mills only the saw-mill remains, 
the clover-mill having been recently removed, 
although not used for mill purposes for a long 
time. From 1829 until 1858 this mill property, 
containing fifteen acres of land, was out of the 
possession of the Lechner famdy, and while owned 
by Michael Wolf, in 1834, he built a mill for saw- 
ing what he supposed was marble, but which 
turned out to be a soft white limestone; conse- 
quently that enterprise was soon abandoned. 
Peter W^alborn owned the property from 1838 until 
18.58, when J. George Lechner became the owner, 
and his heirs still own the site. 

South of Stouchsburg, on the Tulpehocken, on 
the site of a clover-mill put up by Peter Sheetz, a 
grist-mill was erected by Adam Klopp, which, in a 
rebuilt condition, is now operated as the property 
of Augustus Burkholder. The next power above, 
and the last in the township on this stream, in early 
times operated the Anspach mill. Later, Edward 
Good owned the property, which is still carried on 
as a mill. 

In this locality was the dynamite factory of 
Henry W. Stump, which exploded with such dis- 
astrous effects. 



Dynamite Explosion.— In 1883 Henry W^. 
Stump erected a dynamite factory in this town- 
ship, within half a mile of Stouchsburg. The in- 
dustry comprised six frame buildings. At half- 
past two o'clock in the afternoon of November 7, 
1884, the entire plant was carried away by two 
terrific explosions, including three employees, John 
Capp, Frederick Knause and Frantz Spatz Much 
damage was done in the vicinity, caused by the 
concussion, which was felt within a radius of many 
miles. The factory was not rebuilt. 

CHURCHES. 

Zion's Lutheran Church, more generally 
called the " Reed Church," is on an elevated site, 
one mile east from Stouchsburg and one-fourth of 
a mile north of the turnpike, where it crosses the 
Tulpehocken. Zion's congregation is one of the 
oldest in the county, and its early history is full 
of stirring events. As early as 172.5 the people 
living along the Tulpehocken agitated the ques- 
tion of building a house of worship, where in- 
struction might also be imparted to their children. 
Accordingly, a preliminary meeting was held in a 
block-house which stood on the right bank of 
Millbach (Mill) Creek, on the land now owned by 
William Zellers, near Newmanstown, to discuss 
this matter. The Rev. Casper Stoever, afterwards 
pastor of the Hill Church, in Lebanon Ci)unty, 
came to preside, and to urge the brethren to take 
action. George Sch'ill moved that such a house 
be built on lands which Adam, Christopher and 
John Rieth offered to donate, in addition to the 
seven acres which the proprietor of Plumton 
Manor (John Page) had already set aside for 
church purposes, in case such a house should be 
built. Upon the fourteen acres of land thus 
selected, on account of its central position and eleva- 
ted site, Christopher Lechner, as building-master, • 
supervised the erection of a small but strong log 
meeting-house, in 1727. The labor was done by 
the people from many miles around. Living in 
dread of the wily savages, whose hostility might 
endanger their lives almost at any moment, the 
building was so arranged that it could be used as 
a fort in case of attack, and a sort of vault was 
made under the earthen-floor (with which the 
church was first supplied), where arms and ammu 
nition might be stored. 



1100 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



"Do droben auf dem runde Berg 
Do stehet die alte Riethe Kerch, 
Drin hot der Pfurrcr Sto^'ver schon 
Vor hunnert Yohr manch rredigt tohn; 
Gepredigt zur die Deutsche Leit. 
In seller, ach ! so harten Zeit! 
Auch war die Kerch en gute Fort, 
Gaegen der Indien wilde Hnrd. 
Lin schliet'en drinen gar monche Nacht 
Die arme settler wohl beracht." 

In this rude Louse the people assemhled statedly 
to worship, aud haviug had uo regular minister, 
one of their number served as lector, reading a 
sermon and conducting the services. Occasionally 
they were visited by Lutheran or Reformed mis- 
sionaries, who preached for them and encouraged 
them to hope that they would soon have a pastor 
In 1729 Conrad Weiser, and others who accompa- 
nied him to this country, became a member of the 
church, and more diligent efforts were made to 
secure a minister. In 1733 Casper Leutbecker, a 
tailor by trade, and who had been secured to 
teach the school, began to serve the congregation 
as a lector, and through him an effort was made, 
the year following, to secure a pastor, on a promise of 
a salary of thirty pounds (Pennsylvania currency)- 
Meantime a parsonage was built, and, as no pastor 
could be secured from abroad, Leutbecker was 
inducted into that office, and occupied the parson- 
age. His ministry did not prove acceptable to all 
the members, and as Rev. John Casper Stoever 
had begun preaching at this place, in connection 
with the Hill Church, in Lebanon, and other ap- 
pointments, the disaffected ones adhered to him 
and endeavored to have him installed as pastor. 
Thus arose a conientiou, which lasted several 
years and which has not inaptly been styled the 
"Confusion of Tulpehocken." This strife was 
very strong in the summer of 1736, and as there 
were then two ministers and two sets of church 
officers, each claiming the property which had 
been set aside by William Webb, the attorney of 
John Page, he was appealed to todecide which party 
should predominate. He visited the church, 
called into council .the two so called pastors and 
their members, and after a patient hearing author- 
ized Leutbecker as the regular pastor of the 
Lutheran Church, and so declared on the 13th 
day of September, 1736. 



He also appointed Frederick Schaeffer, Michael 
Rit-th, Michael Schaeffer and Leonard Rieth. 
church warden's, and delivered the keys of the 
church to them to be held by them and their suc- 
cessors as the wardens of the Lutheran Church 
He stipulated, however, that when no regular 
services were held by Leutbecker, as the regular 
minister, Stoever or any other preacher who 
would behave himself might occupy the house for 
worship. Under this condition, and with the full 
approbation of the Leutbecker party, who avowed 
themselves ready to harmonize, Stoever continutd 
to preach once a month. But his adherents were 
not disposed to submit without protest and in- 
stigated a series of persecutions which made the 
life of Leutbecker far from pleasant. He was 
molested in the discharge of his duties, and on one 
occasion, at least, his life was imperiled by an 
attempt to explode a piece of firewood, charged 
with gunpowder. Foitunately, the plot miscarried 
by the stick's being thrown out of the fire without 
doing any damage. Leutbecker's labors were 
ended by his death in 173S, and although Stoever 
continued to preach until 1742, he failed to unite 
the factions. Meanwhile, a new element appeared, 
and a second strife ensued in consequence of the 
effort of the Moravians to obtain possession of the 
property. After Leutbecker's death the party 
adhering to him were without a minister until the 
spring of 1742, when, through an acquaintance of 
Conrad Weiser with Count Zinzendorf, the latter 
promis d to send them a minister free of expense, 
who should serve them until they could obtain a 
regular pastor from Europe. The pastor secured 
was J. Philip Meurer, who began his labors in 
September, 1742. Pending his arrival, Zinzendort 
sent, as the minister above stated, a young man, 
Gottlob Buettner, who had just been ordained by 
the Oley Synod. He began preaching at Re. d's 
Church in March, 1742, and soon had arrayed 
against him the friends of Stoever, who denounced 
him as an interloper aud non-Lutheran. The 
wardens accepted him as the successor of Leut- 
becker and gave their official support, regarding 
him as a supply until Meurer's pastorate should 
actually begin, some months later. The Stoever 
faction, having been strengthened by the arrival of 
new settlers, again made a vigorous efti>rt for tlie 
mastery, aud being stronger in numbers than those 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1101 



who followed Buettner, again claimed the propprty 
on the plea that no title had been given to the 
wardens and that they now demanded the title. 
Again the attorney, Webb, came to the help of 
those opposed to Stoever and deeded the property 
to the wardens upon their assurance that they 
would hold it in trust for a Lutheran congregation. 
Chagrined at what they considered a defeat of 
their plans, and acting under a belief that the 
Moravians were using covert means to obtain the 
property for their own use, the feeling became so 
strong that when Zinzendorf visited the place to 
preach, in August of that year, they threatened him 
with personal violence. This act was the 
subject of a correspondence from this place which 
apprised the public of the unhappy state of affairs 
and gave the locality an unenviable reputation. 
To correct these matters, the wardens prepared a 
statement, which w^as attested by Conrad Weiser, 
and published August 11, 1742, under the title of 
" The Confusion of Tulpehocken." The publica- 
tion of this account and the arrival of Pastor 
Meurer had the effect of influencing many who 
had before been neutral so that the Stoever party 
soon found themselves in the minority Unwilling 
to accept Meurer as their pastor ami strengthened 
in their belief that the preaching at the Reed 
Church was Moravian and not Lutheran, they re- 
linquished their efforts to obtain possession of the 
church and withdrew, in the fall of 1742, to form a 
new congregation. In this they were successful, 
and the following year Christ Church was founded. 
The pastorate of the Rev. J. Philip Meurer does 
not appear to have been successful, beyond the 
building a new stone church in 1744, his members 
being prompted thereto, most likely, by the action 
of the other congregation in building a stone 
house. His congregation did not increase, and, as 
the element which was distinctly Moravian with- 
drew, in 174.5 (on account of having a church of 
their own built, about seven miles farther down 
the Tulpehocken, where a Moravian settlement was 
founded),' those remaining were so few that services 
could hardly be maintained. Meurer added to 
his unpopularity by his action (February, 1747) 
in refusing to allow the then pastor of the Christ 
Church to hold the funeral services of a man who 

1 Now in North Heidelberg townsliip. 



formerly belonged to his congregation, although he 
(the deceased) wanted the burial performed by the 
Rev. Kurtz. Some of his members, ccmdemning 
his conduct, became connected with Christ Church, 
and as so little interest remained in Zion's Church, 
it came to pass in the summer of 1747 that the 
proposition to have the pastor of the Christ Church 
enter in and preach was acceptably received. The 
Rev. Kurtz began preaching there on September 
13, 1747, and thenceforth the church was prac- 
tically Lutheran and one with the other congrega- 
tion, except in the matter of a preaching-place. 
It still remained for decision how much of an 
ownership the Moravians had in the projierty, in- 
asmuch as most of the means tor building the new 
church, in 1744, had been furnished by them. A 
suit was brought to test the matter and a decision 
reached, April 26, 1755, which affirmed the claims 
of the Lutherans on the ground of the original in- 
tention of the donors of the laud and the lar^e 
nipjority of membership of the Lutherans at the 
time the suit was brought. 

R V. John Nicholas Kurtz continued pastor of 
the church until April, 1770, when he moved to 
York. The pulpit of Zion's Church was thence 
successively occupied by the same pastors as those 
of Christ Church, namely, the Rev. C. Emanuel 
Schuke, 1770 until i 809 ; and by the Rev. Daniel 
Ulrich from 1811 until 1851. In 1853 Zion's 
Church called the Rev. T. T. laeger as a separate 
pastor, who remained until 1865, when the present 
pastor. Rev. Aaron Fiufrock, took charge of its 
spiritual affairs. 

In 1837 the present church building was erected. 
It was repaired in 1879 by a slate roof and 
crowning it with a steeple. Like its predecessor, 
it is a stone house, and though not large, is well- 
built. 

Christ Lutheran Church. — The causes which 
led to the formation of this Lutheran congregation 
are stated in the account of Zion's Church. A 
beautiful building site was selected, about one mile 
west from Stouchsburg, on the south side of the 
turnpike, where a tract of fifteen acres of ground 
was donated for church purposes by Sebastian 
Fisher, Christian Lauer and George Unruh, each 
giving five acres. The corner-stone was laid May 
] 2, 1743, and a stone church built during the sum- 
mer of that year, dedicated on Christmas day fol- 



1102 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



lowing. At that time there were one hundred and 
sixty male members. Some of them were not in 
hearty accord with those who really desired to 
build up an active Lutheran congregation. The 
preaching of the Rev. Stoever failed to satisfy them 
and they secured the pastoral services of Rev. To- 
bias Wagner, who took charge of the congregation 
October 25, 174.3. His connection with the church 
was terminated April 30, 1746, when he became 
the pastor of the Alsace Church. While he was 
the minister he performed the marriage ceremony 
of the Rev. Henry Melchior Muhlenberg and An- 
na Maria Weiser, daughter of Conrad Weiser, in 
the spring of 1745. The congregation was then 
supplied by Lutheran pastors of Eastern Pennsyl- 
vania, among whom was Muhlenberg, who visited 
Christ Church twice per year, preaching, confirm- 
ing and administering the holy sacrament. He 
had as a helper Rev. John Nicholas Kurtz. The 
latter created so favorable an impression that the 
congregation asked him to settle in their midst as 
pastor. This he did, occupying the newly-built 
parsonage September 5, 1747. His pastorate was 
successfully continued until 1770, when he was suc- 
ceeded by the Rev. Emanuel Schulze, who was a 
son-in-law of the Rev. Muhlenberg. He removed 
to Christ Church in December, 1770. He had 
charge of a number of congregations and was as- 
sisted by his brother-in-law, Rev. Frederick Au- 
gustus Muhlenberg. His pastorate was long and 
faithful, and it continued until his death, March 9, 
1809. He was the pastor of Governor Schulze, 
who was born in the parsonage of Christ Church 
July 19, 1775. 

After the Rev. Schulze died. Rev. Daniel Ulrich 
became the pastor, in 1811, and faithfully served 
until December, 1851. In February of the fol- 
lowing year the Rev. L. G. Eggers became the 
pastor, and he served Christ Church until 1867. 
His three predecessors had also served Zion's 
Church, but the ministry then became separate. 

In 1868 the Rev. F. P. Moyer began serving 
Christ Church, and he continued until 1873. He 
was succeeded in 1874 by the present pastor. Rev. 
A. J. Long, under whose efficient ministrations the 
congregation continues to prosper. 

The stone church built in 1743 becoming too 
small, the present large stone edifice was erected in 
its stead in 1786. It was badly wrecked by a 



dynamite explosion, which occurred near by, in 
November, 1884. 

In the summer and fall of 1885 this church was 
thoroughly remodeled and repaired at a cost of six 
thousand dollars. A basement story was con- 
structed, a new gallery provided, the windows were 
lengthened and colored glass put in. The interior 
wood-work is made of walnut and yellow pine, and 
new furniture and carpets were also provided. 
The walls are frescoed in water colors, and on the 
ceiling are fourlife-size paintings in oil, representing 
the Birth, Crucifixion, Resurrection and Ascension 
of Christ. In the rear of the pulpit is Christ in 
Gethsemane. The congregation has three hundred 
members. The church organ is seventeen and a 
half feet high; it was rebuilt by Dieffenboch, of 
Millersburg. 

TULPEHOOKEN TRINITY REFORMED ClU'RCH is 

not within the bounds of Berks County, but it is 
so near the western line and so many of its citizens 
belong to its membership, that a short sketch of its 
history is here given. The congregation was or- 
ganized some time before 1745, when the first 
church building was put up of logs, on the south 
corner of the old cemetery, and near the present 
parsonage. This house was in use until 1772, when 
a new church was built in the upper part of the 
old cemetery and on the south side of the present 
highway. In 1853 the present house of worship 
was built on the north side of the turnpike, and 
adjoining the new cemetery, which was opened in 
1864. It is about two miles from Stouchsburg, 
and on an elevated site. The building is of stone, 
spacious and attractive, and accommodates a very 
large membership. In 1885 they numbered nearly 
five hundred. 

The church property includes two well-kept 
cemeteries, an old but substantial parsonage, and 
about thirty-five acres of laud. 

The Rev. Michael Schlatter was one of the 
pioneer preachers at this place in 1746 and the 
year following ; and his labors as a missionary 
were shared by Revs. Rieger, Boehm and Weiss. 
They preached at irregular intervals varying from 
four to ten weeks. The rapid settlement of the 
country and the increased interest in the work 
made a regular pastorate possible, and such a min- 
isterial service began in the summer of 1747. 
Since that time the pastors oi the church have 



TOWNSHIPS OP COUNTY. 



1103 



been the followicg. Revs. D. Bartholetnae, H. 
W. Story, Johannes Waldschmidt, Wm. Otter- 
bein, John J. Zufall, J. Wni. Hendel, Sr. , Andrew 
Loretz, D. Wagner, Wm. Hendel, D D., Thomas 
H. Leinbach, Charles H. Leinbach, H. J. Welker. 
St. Peter's Union Chapel is in the eastern 
part of Stouchsburg. It was built in 1849 as a 
Union Church. A coinniittee of seven persons 
solicited funds to put up the building. It is a 
small brick edifice. It has been remodeled so as 
to adapt it for Sunday-schools, which is one of its 
chief uses. The first Sabbath-school in it was 
superintended by Wm. H. Seibert. Other super- 
intendents have been Thomas S. Searle and the 
present, Samuel Keiser. The chapel is controlled 
by a board of trustees, under whose sanction meet- 
ings are held by various persuasions, but chiefly 
by the Brethren, or Dunkards. 

SCHOOLS. 

The early settlers along the Tulpehocken estab- 
lished some of the first schools in the county. The 
first school was opened in a log building (which 
stood near the present Reed Church), about 1730. 
Casper Leutbecker was the teacher. His services 
continued until his death, in 1738, when Valentine 
Kroft taught at the same place. George Lecliner 
was subsequently a teacher in this neighborhood 
and imparted excellent instruction. In 1747 
John Nicholas Kurtz taught a parish school at 
Christ's Church, where he was also pastor ; and he 
was probably preacher and teacher as long as he 
remained in this locality. At the Tulpehocken 
Reformed Church there was also a parochial 
school, established by the direction of the Rev. 
Michael Schlatter, which had an existence as early 
as 1752, and probably received aid from the 
charity fund shortly after that time. In each of 
these localities schools were maintained with more 
or less regularity for nearly a hundred years. Near 
Christ's Church, west of Stouchsburg, the 
Tulpehocken Academy was founded in 1831. The 
school occupied a log building and was managed 
by a board of trustees. My les Green, an Irishman, 
■was the teacher who gave the school its reputation. 
Some of the leading men of this section received 
their English education in that school. He re- 
moved to the West in 1837, and was succeeded by 
J. C. Kessels. The academy was kept up until 



after 1840. Latterly it was not largely patronized. 
The building became the property of the Public 
School Board and stood until 1879, when il; was 
replaced by the present brick school-house. 

Stouchsburg Academy was established in 
1838 in a building erected for the purpose in the 
eastern part of the village. Among the promoters 
of the enterprise were Samuel Moore, George 
Lechner, Samuel Lindenmuth and Jacob Seibert. 
When first opened the school was not as successful 
as the patrons had hoped it would be, and, after a 
year or two, it passed out of the management ot 
the trustees and was conducted as a private enter- 
prise by Jacob Seibert. He secured as a teacher 
William H. Seibert, who taught with much success 
from 1840 until 1854. Among other teachers who 
followed him were Thomas S. Searle, Simon S. 
Miller, Isaac S. Moyer and W. Z. Deck. The 
house was converted into a residence about ten 
years ago. 

In the fall of 1 873 the public schools of Stouchs- 
burg were graded into primary, secondary and 
grammar deps rtments, and each taught in difierent 
buildings. This arrangement continued until the 
fall of 1877, when the present school building was 
occupied. It is a two-story brick, thirty by 
seventy -two feet, having four rooms. The average 
attendance of the schools is one hundred and ten, 
with a yearly increase, especially since the town- 
ship board has authorized the attendance from all 
parts of Marion township of pupils who desire to 
enter the grammar school after attaining a certain 
standard in their own schools. W. Z. Deck has 
for many years been connected with the schools ot 
Stouchsburg. Through his eflxirts they were 
graded. 

Stouchsburg. — This is the only village in the 
township. It is on the Harrisburg turnpike, seven- 
teen miles from Reading and one and a half miles 
from Sheridan, the nearest railway station. It 
contains a church, school house, several taverns 
and stores, with residences enough to accommodate 
about six hundred inhabitants. Many of the 
homes appear attractive and the village is kept 
very neat and orderly. The place was first called 
Stouchstown, after Andrew Stouch, who laid out 
the first lots, but received the present name when 
the post-office was established, in 1S32. Slouch 
lived in the western part of the village, on the 



1104 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Wintersville Street. In the same part lived Ben- 
jamin and Peter Spycker. Both were well edu- 
cated and figured prominently in the early affairs of 
the county. Benjamin lived on the north side of the 
present turnpike. It was at his house that Colonel 
Conrad Weiser's forces rendezvoused, in October, 
1755, before marching against the Indians on the 
Swatara. He left no issue, but reared an adopted 
daughter. Peter Spycker was one of the early 
justices and executed many legal papers of the 
people living in this part of the county. His 
house was on the south side of the street. One of 
the houses built by him is still standing, now the 
] roperty of Dr. Newcomet. Peter Sheetz subse- 
quently was the land-owner there, aud sold off the 
village lots from his farm. The elder Spyckers died 
in this locality, but what few descendants they had, 
removed. 

In addition to, the foregoing, other early settlers 
at Stouehsburg were, — 

Samuel Moore, merchant; Andrew Stoueh, inn- 
keeper; Samuel Lindenmuth, blacksmith; John 
Keed, farmer; Daniel Hackmin, saddler; Jacob 
Burkholder, Daniel Burkholder, wheelwrights; Jacob 
Tice, merchant; George Peiffer, farmer; Jacob 
Spatz, drover; John Baum, Zep. Baum, James Livin- 
good, Lewis Livingood, William Gruber, David Rny- 
bock, Moses Gniber, Isaac Y. Reed, John G. Kline, 
Jonathan C. Klopp, Daniel Smith, Henry Stump, 
Wm. Liiideiinuith, Francis Rettcr, Isaac Rauch, Ja- 
cob Jones. 

John Dieffenbach was one of the first tavern- 
keepers, his house being the old Stoueh stand 
George W. Crumb, Peter Walborn and others 
kept tavern in a house which stood on the site of 
the residence of Aaron Spohu, at the lower end of 
the village. The " Eagle Hotel " was opened by 
Henry Bennethura ; the '" Marion House," by 
Wm. Dieffenbach before 18.32, and it has been a 
tavern since. The " American House " was built 
in 1870 by Isaac L. Moyer. 

Samuel Moore had the first store near the centre 
of the village, before 1825, trading in the present 
Searle house many years. Where James Zerbe 
lives Jacob Tice traded. Ephraim Stein was in 
the upper part of the village aud there, later, Abra- 
ham Stein had a store. M. Thierwechter and 
Ephraim Hartler engaged in trade in 1840, which 
was afterwards carried on by Thierwechter alone 
John C Reed was a merchant more than twenty 



years and Moyer & Gerhart came later. In 1866 
E. G Fisher and Samuel Reiser formed a co- 
partnership which continued until 1872, when 
Samuel Keiser became sole proprietor of the store. 
F S. Fisher is carrying on business on the opposite 
side of the street. 

At the Keiser store is kept the Stouehsburg 
post-office, established in 1832. A daily mail is 
supplied from Sheridan Station. 

The early physicians were Drs Nathaniel Rauch 
and Adam Stoueh; others were Drs. Edward II- 
lick and Augustus Fisher (both moving to Ohio), 
James S. Fisher (about twenty years) and Dr. H. 
W. Newcomet, the last a cotemporary of Dr. I. 
W. Newcomet, who has been in practice twenty 
years. 

The manuacture of cigars gives occupation to 
a large number of persons in the village. In ad- 
dition to those producing cigars for the factory of 
A. S. Valentine & Son, at Womelsdorf, there are 
factories operated by James Zerbe and Y'^ocum 
Bros. The former was established in 1878, and 
employs twenty-five hands. The latter, when fully 
operated, employs about thirty hands. 

Golden Rule Lodge No. 42, Ancient Order of Good 
Fellows. — This lodge was instituted at Stouehsburg, 
October 7, 1871, with the following members: 
D. Smith, Isaac L. Moyer, A Burkholder, J. W. 
iManbeck, G. L. Groff, F. Kirst, H W. Wenrich, 
and L. L Moyer. In 1885 there were seventy- 
three members. 

The meetings are held in a fine ludge-rcom, in 
the American House block. 

Washington Camp No. 237 P. 0. S. of A., 
was instituted May 17, 1875. The principal offi- 
cers then ^'■ere Isaac L. Moyer, Daniel Smith, 
Franklin Kirst, F. G. Eckert, J. F. Brendle and 
George Bruner. 

In 1885 the camp reported fifty-four members. 



JEFFERSON TOWNSHIP. 
Erection of TowN.SHtp. — Divers inhabitants 
of Upper Tulpehocken township (one hundred and 
seventeen) represented to the court in April, 1851, 
" that it would conduce to the advantages and 
convenience of said townships, to have a 
new township erected by dividing the said 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1105 



township on account of the township busi- 
ness, and because the common-school system, 
although not yet in operation, soon will be ;" and 
indicated therein by metes and bounds the south- 
ern section of the township (about two fifths in 
area) to be set apart. The court appointed 
George Fox, John H. Gernant and Reuben E. 
Addaras as commissioners. The report of the 
commissioners was presented to court on the 6th 
of August, 1851, iu which they expressed the 
opinion that there was a great propriety in divid- 
ing said town.ship and forming a new township as 
prayed for, and reported the I'ullowing metes and 
bounds : 

" Beginning at a stone iu the North-Kill creek, 
near a black oak tree on the land of John Riegel ; 
thence S. 89i W. 1306 perches to a black oak 
t ee on land of Jonas Christman ; thence S. 62 W. 
.'334 ps. to a point on the dividing line between 
Tulpeliocken and Upper Tulpehocken townships, 
at or near a hickory tree on land of "Daniel Kline ; 
thence along said dividing-line to a point where 
Marion, Tulpehocken and Upper Tulpehocken 
townships meet ; and thence continuing in the same 
course S. 23 E. to the Tulpehocken creek (alto- 
gether 1209 ps.) ; thence down the Tulpehocken 
creek to the North-Kill creek (about 1350 ps.) ; 
thence up the North-Kill creek, 1054 ps., to the 
beginning— the tract containing 10,493 acres." No 
name for thia new township was recommended by 
liie commissioners. Only one taxable excepted to 
the confirmation of the report, and his exceptions 
were technical. A large number of taxables rec- 
ommended the name of " Lower Tulpehocken." 
The court confirmed the report on January 28, 
1852, and directed the township to be named 
" Jefterson." ' 

For first taxables, see Tulpehocken township. 

Eaely Families. — Accounts of the early set- 
tlers appear in township from which Jefferson 

' The piesirlent judge upon the bench then was Hon. J. 
Pringle Jones, a sterling Democrat. The vote of the town- 
ship for Governor iu November preceding was : Democratic, 
29.5; Whig, 88. The judge doubtless appreciated this 
preponderance of p.olitical sentiment and named the new 
township after a typical Democrat. He did not appar- 
ently appreciate the public sentiment for a local name. In 
this i-espect he acted differently from Judge Porter, who 
named Upper Tulpehocken in 1821. 



was formed. The Potteiger family settled first on 
the Wm. L. Klopp farm, in North Heidelberg 
township, and there John Adam Potteiger reared 
sons named Adam, Michael and Conrad. The 
former moved to Jefferson, settling on the farm 
now owned by his grandson, Adam N. He had 
two sons named John and Adam and a daughter 
who married Michael Miller, also of this township. 
Brothers of the first John Adam settled at Read- 
ing, also in Lebanon Co. A branch of the Pot- 
teiger family, commonly called Batteiger, settled 
near Btrausstown, where descendants still live. 
The Riegel fiimily also made early improvements 
in the township, which are still owned by the 
family. John Riegel had sons named David, 
Michael, Abraham and Jacob, the first-named 
still living in Jefferson. On the Rehrersburg road 
John ]\Iillrr made notable improvements. He was 
the fatiier of sons named Samuel, John and Henry, 
whose descendants continued to live in the county. 
In the southern part the Smith family was ])romi- 
nent, and in the central the Shaeft'er. John 
Shaeflfer lived on the present Wm. Shaeflfer farm, 
removing thence to Reading. He was a son of 
Michael Shaeffer and a brother of Moses. In the 
northwestern part lived another Shaeffer family 
as early settlers, but not related to the foregoing. 

Industries. — On the Little North-Kill there 
was a mill operated at an early day by Benjamin 
Miller, who was succeeded by Jonathan Miller, 
Moses Schock, Ephraim Moyer and the present 
Jonathan K. Potteiger, the latter operating the 
old mill in an improved condition. A distillery 
at this point, and carried on for a time by Benj. 
Miller, is no longer in use. On the North-Kill the 
Haag family had one of the first mills in this part 
of the county. It was successively owned by 
Jacob, John and Jonathan Haag and still belongs 
to the family. On the same stream, near Bern- 
ville, in Penn township John Haag built a mill 
in 1838, which is now operated by John Ki.ssling. 

In the southwestern part of the townshij) is the 
old Jacob Gerhart mill, operated as the property 
of Wm. Derr. In the southern part there is a 
small water-power oq a stream near the Tulpe- 
hocken, where David Brumbaugh had in success- 
ful operation a fulling-mill. This was enlarged 
and carried on more extensively by Isaac Yost. 
On account of its isolated location, the mill was 



1106 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



closed and the machinery removed about fifteen 
years ago. 

West of Shaefferstown, Samuel Miller carried 
on a tannery about sixty years. He made an ex- 
cellent quality of leather. Tlie business is now 
carried on by Jacob Miller, who employs steam- 
power and tans after modern methods. 

The tannery of Henry INIiller, south of the vil- 
lage of Schaefferstowu, worked in the old way, has 
long since been abandoned. 

CHURCHES. 

Christ's Church (Lutheran and Reformed) is 
situated on the Tulpehocken Creek, in the south- 
eastern part of the township. It is sometimes called 
the " Little Tulpehocken Church," to distinguish 
it from the old Tulpehocken Church, at Stouchs- 
burg. For more than a hundred years the church 
was devoted exclusively to the worship of the Lu- 
theran congregation, but since February 18, 1853, 
the Reformed congregation has had a joint inter- 
est in the property. This consisted in 1885 of 
church building and thirty-five acres of land. The 
landed property was conveyed to the congregation 
in 1744 by Richard and Thomas Penn, proprie- 
tors, and in the instrument making this convey- 
ance Jacob Miller, Simon Miuig, Conrad Ernst, 
Mathias Smith, Henry Gruber and Martin Bat- 
teiger are named as trustees. About this time a 
log meeting-house was built, and it continued in 
use until 1809, when the present edifice took its 
place. It is of stone, thirty-four by forty feet, two 
stories high, with gallery in the auditorium. The 
old church had a singular cresting on the roof, 
which consisted of a vane, crowned with a small 
rooster. The interior of the present church has 
been changed considerably, but the outside re- 
mains about as built in 1809. 

In 1789 church regulations were adopted. From 
that time on the church flourished until many 
members moved away, between 1830 and 1850. 
The Lutheran congregation in 1885 numbered 
about one hundred and forty members, and the 
Reformed one hundred. The Lutheran pastor was 
Rev. A. J. Long, and the Reformed, Rev. Thomas 
C. Leinbach. 

St. Paul's Church (Lutheran and Reformed) 
is situated at Shaefferstown. Itwas builtiu 1884-85. 
The corner-stone was laid August 24, 1884, and the 



church formally dedicated July 19, 1885. It is 
built of brick, and surmounted by a shapely stee- 
ple, in which a clear-toned bell is suspended. The 
cost was about five thousand dollars. In Septem- 
ber, 1885, the Rev. L. D. Stambaugh organized 
the Reformed congregation, and became the first 
pastor ; there were forty members. The Lutheran 
Congregation was organized November 22, 1885, 
by the Rev. B. E. Kramlich, president of the Syn- 
od, with about the same number of members. 

Schools. — Soon after the townshij) was settled 
a school was started at the Little Tulpehocken 
Church, in which instruction was imparted in the 
German language. It was kept up until about 
1850. The first English school was opened sixty- 
five years ago, through the efforts of John Pottei- 
ger, in a room in a sjjring-house which stood on 
the old Potteiger farm. Thomas Shields, James 
Rogers and others were the teachers of schools well 
attended by the larger boys of the township. About 
1845 Daniel Potteiger was instrumental in es- 
tablishing another English school in the central 
part of the township, which was kept until the free- 
school system was adopted. 

Shaefferstown. — This is the only village in 
the township, and takes its name from John Shaef- 
fer, who laid out the town-plan in 1836. That 
year the first house was built by Michael Fox. It 
is the second building east of the new church. Fox 
was by occupation a laborer. The same year anoth- 
er house was built by Zadock Weaver, a carpenter. 
This was destroyed by fire in 1839. The following 
year it was rebuilt. Another house was also built, 
which is now part of the tavern stand. This was 
owned by Christian Bombauer, who was the first 
inn-keeper. Joseph Manbeck enlarged the house, 
and in 1852 Isaac and Sanuiel Noll were the inn- 
keepers. John S. Holtzman enlarged the house 
still more. His family have kept the inn a num- 
ber of yeai's. 

The first store was kept by Moses Schock and 
William Shaflher, in a small building opposite the 
present church, in 1846, and removed two years 
later to the tavern building, and since that time 
stores have been continuously kept at that place. 
Among others in trade there have been Isaac and 
Samuel Noll, Joseph Manbeck, Frank and James 
Crissman and, since 1877, the Holtzmans. Criss- 
man & Lesher opened the second store, in 1864, 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



11(17 



in the building now occupied by Adam Gotscball 
and Jereraiali Turk. The latter is the postmaster 
of the Tulpehocken post office, located at Shaeffers- 
town. It was first kept by Moses Schoek. A daily 
mail from Reading is supplied, and telephonic 
communication with that place is also maintained. 

The first smith at Shaeflferstown was Michael 
Seitzener ; Isaac Miller, the tailor ; and Samuel 
Moyer, the cabiuet-maker. The place had differ- 
ent mechanic-shops in 1885, and in addition to 
the foregoing had about twenty residences. 

The first trading-point in this locality was half 
a mile east of the present village, where John 
Kersch had a store in 18 13 Daniel Potteiger 
was the last in trade there. Close by, on the road 
leading to Strausstown, Christian Long had a 
country tavern, which was kept open uutil about 
1851, when the place was converted into a farm- 
house. 



HEFDELBERG TOWNSHIP.' 

Erection of Township. — The early history of 
Heidelberg township is inseparably connected with 
Tulpehocken district. The first settlements were 
made in the vicinity of Womelsdorf, to the east and 
west and north of the Tulpehocken Creek, and they 
took the name " Tulpehocken" naturally after 
the creek. The Indians had a settlement or 
village here before the early immigrants arrived, 
which was known by the same name. The town- 
ship of Heidelberg was laid off from Tulpehocken 
and erected in the year 1734, — this having been 
done at Lancaster at the same time that the town 
of Lancaster was erected as a separate district. 
The name was suggested by the settlers to hold in 
continual remembrance their " father-land" across 
the sea, where they were born and whence they 
had shortly before emigrated. 

With the other territory west of the Schuylkill, 
it continued a part of Lancaster County until 1752 
when Berks County was erected. During these 
eighteen years many settlers entered the township,' 

' I examined the records at Lancaster for the proceedings 
in establishing this township, but I could not find anything, 
excepting the time of its erection. 

■' Refer to Tulpehockan township for names of earliest 
settlers. 



took up large tracts of land and improved them 
with buildings and by cultivation. And about the 
same time that the inhabitants proceeded to estab- 
ish this township for their convenience, they also 
founded a church for themselves, near the centre, 
and about eight miles from the " Tulpehocken (or 
Reed's) Church." It was called " Hain's 
Church," after George Hean (Hain), who donated 
land for the purpose of erecting a church thereon- 

The area of the township was about thirty-seven 
thou.sand acres, embracing territory about eight 
and a quarter miles long and seven miles wide. 
The boundary lines were as follows : Tulpehocken 
Creek from Lancaster County line to mouth of 
Cacoosing Creek ; thence by theCacoosing Creek 
southeastwardly to the Lancaster County line and 
thence northwestwardly, along said county line, to 
the Tulpehocken Creek. 

In 18.33 the borough of Womelsdorf was erected 
out of a part of this township, situated in the 
western section. 

Division of Town-ship. — The inhabitants find- 
ing the township too large for the convenient trans- 
action of public business ' " thereto necessarily 
appertaining," presented four petitions, to court on 
April 3, 1832, asking for the division of the 
township— a small stream called "Spring Creek," 
which runs through the township, affording such a 
natural division line as to remedy completely the 
evils complained of The court appointed John 
Miller, George Gernand and Joseph Schmiicker 
as commissioners. These commissioners viewed 
the township and the proposed line of division, 
and on the 23d of May, 1832, recommended the 
division as prayed for, reporting the following 
line: "Beginning at a chestnut tree, a corner of 
Lancaster, Lebanon and Berks Counties ; thence 
through land of Matthias Wenrich, George Ege 
and Daniel Bechtel, N. 44J E. 286 ps. to a cherry 
tree ; thence through lands of Peter Leininger, 
Frederick Bechtel, decea.sed, Matthias Wenrich 
and David Wenrich, N. 35 E. 662 ps. to Spring 
Creek ; thence along said creek to the outlet there- 
of at the Tulpehocken Creek, a distance of 2045 
ps.," the total length being niue and one-third 
miles. Exceptions were filed, setting forth that 



^ Subscribed with 120 signatures, well written,-42 English 
and 78 German. 



1108 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PP]NNSYLVANIA. 



the greater part of the line was not described by 
bearing and distance ; that the line was arbitrary 
and did not divide the township in equal parts, 
but cut the greater part of the roads into the west 
ern portion, which would thereby make the road 
taxes oppressive. The report was set aside on the 
12th of January, 1833. 

Ten years afterward the application for a divi- 
sion of the township was renewed ' — the petition- 
ers praying for a straight line from the corner of 
the counties named to the " Big Spring," and thence 
by Spring Creek to Tulpehocken. The commis- 
sioners appointed were Samuel S. Jackson, Benja- 
min Tyson and Matthias S. Richards, who on 
June 17, 1842. reported the line suggested— the > 
first line being "N. 421 E. 9.57 ps.from the county 
corner to the Big Spring, and thence by Spring 
Creek to the Tulpehocken Creek (by courses and 
distances) 2147 perches "—the entire line being in 
length nine and seven-tenths miles, and recom- 
mended the name of Lower Heidelberg for the 
eastern portion of the township. Their report 
was presented on September 15, 1842, and con- 
firmed nisi- No exceptions were filed against this 
report and the eastern portion was accordingly 
erected under the name of Lower Heidelberg. 

Taxables op 1759. — The taxables of the 
townsiiip for 1759 are named in the following 
statement. The amount of tax levied was £134 
19.«. 6(1. Andrew Boyer w-as the collector of 
taxes. 



Peter Eberly 15 



Eli( 



Eva 



Conrad Ernst W 

.John Eckcrt 25 

Simon Eigler 1 

Eliezer Evans 17 

Christian Eberhart 2 

Andreas Evart 1 

Cliriatian Frantz 6 

Henry F17 4 

Yost Fox 2 

Cliristr. Frymeyer 3 

Peter Foust 2 

Conrad Finck 7 

Peter Feick fi 

Valentine Fry 11 

Peter Fisher 4 

Philip Filtzmoyer 20 

Anthony Foust 18 

William Fisher 24 



Hen 



Fid 



Allen, Esq., 



, 22 



Willi. 
.John 

Jacob Artz C 

George Auiniller 1 

Martin Arnold 3 

Daniel Aniniy 3 

Christopher Amstecker 2 

Philip AumiUer 1 

W. Bird, Esq 20 

.John Boyer, Sr 2.'* 

John Boyer, Jr 9 

Widow Benitch 7 

Henry Boyer 11 

Adam Bonewitz 5 

Michael 3usb 

Peter Bolts 3 

Peter Bollunder 2 

Ulrich Brunner 2 

George Basehore 8 

Nicholas Bechtel 8 

George Brcndle 7 

Tobias Bechtel 7 

Johannes Blanck 8 



Jacob Boyer 

Peter Bricker 14 

Charles Bauniljerger 6 

Adam Brown 9 



Frantz Bossennan i) 

Andreas Boyer 25 

George Brown 7 

Assemus Boyer 2 

Michael Berger 1 

Matthias Bopp 1 

Bernbard Bopp 1 

David Broadbent 1 

Philip Boppenmoyer 1 

Andreas Crove 10 

Jacob Creator 3 

NJJicholas Christ 1 

Johannes Dieter 8 

Christian Deppen 1.' 

Henry Dechert 6 

John Doutrich G 

Nicholas Dornmeyer 1 

William David 10 

Widow Durst 2 



' There were 301 subscribers- 
English. 



•108 names written in 



Michael Folnier 2 

Frederick Gerhani 4 

Andreas Gertierich 6 

Leonard Grotl 15 

.7obn Gross 1 

irenry Gebhardt 1 

George Gelsin^er 1 

Adam Harris 1 

Adam Hain 24 

Yost Hetterich 8 

PetorHause 8 

Ludwig Heldt 6 

Frederick Hain 22 

Owpcr Hain 24 

.lohu Hertzmentz 3 

Henry Hctrich 1 

Christian Hain 14 

George Michael Heldt 4 

Henry Hain .... IS 

George Hain 13 

Peter Exor. Hain 30 

Jacob Hawman 2 

.Tohn Hopf 1 

William .Tones 6 

Tliunias Jones 15 

Sebastian Jerig 1 

Michael Kessler 2 

Michael Keiser 9 

.\bram Kps-sler 2 

Peter Kaufman 1 

Peter Knabb 1" 

John Keller 6 

John Klenker 5 

Henry Kruber 18 

Jacob Kehii 15 

Frederick Kogle 15 

John Koble 12 

Christr. Kehlbach 2 

Jacob Kuhl 8 

Baltzer Koenig 2 

Casper Koble 2 

Michael Kleinfelter 1 

Henry Kerlitz 1 

Henry Kieler 1 

' Widow Koburn 1 

George Kreek 3 

Henry Kieler 2 

Martin Lehr 1 

Martin Link 5 

Paul Lengle 2 

GodliebLoeffler '. 1 

Martin Lang 2 

Michael Lower 9 

Georgo Loucks 20 

Peter Lamp 3 



Jacob Leininger .■> 

John Last.., 

LHrich Michael G 

Christn. Michael 1 

3Iichael Miller 

Henry Miller 3 

John Moyer In 

Henry Martin 8 

Christr, Miller 7 

Dietrich Marshall 24 

Michael Menich 2 

.Jacob Moore 2 

Lawrence Moore 1 

Christn. Mantle 1 

Peter Newman 7 

Samuel Nicholas 4 

JohnNagle, Sr 2 

Michael Overheiser 2 

Sebastian Obold 10 

Chrisn. PaflTenberger. 7 

Peter Peltzer 2 

Adam Potteiirer 2 



Z^L 



Miclmel Rein..\^,J^hJJ'.. 

Adam Reese .,. T. 

Gabriel Reeser & Son 20 

John Ro8« 7 

Xicholas Reed 25 

Ulrich Richards 8 

Peter Ready 10 

Georse Ran S 

Casper Reed I 

Jacob Roehrer 5 

Peter Riegle 1 

Peter Schney 20 

Adam Shower 14 

Jacob Sensenbach I'i 

Michael Shower 22 

YoBt Shiigart MO 

Jacob Spatz 5 

John Shugart fi 

Michael Snyder 2 

Nicholas Sweigert 2 

William Spatz 5 

Henry Spohn 

Jacob Stonch 2 

.Casper SchaeffiT 4 

yHenry Stear A - 

Dietrich Sohl 2 

.Nicholas SchaefTer •"> 

Conrad Scharff H 

Conrad Schneider 2 

Leonard Schnell 3 

John Strohschneider 1 

Lawrence StrunU 

Conrad Smith fi 

Georee Sees 1 

Michael Schnial 14 

Adam Spohn 18 

Henry Setley 1 

JacobSmith 3 

Abram StaufTer 12 

Christn. Schweitzer 1 

Jacob Seltzer G 

Jacob Smith (weaver) 1 

John Steiner 8 

Jacob Schoab 1 

Henry Schwartz - 4 

JohnSchorp 16 

Jacob Schaeffer 2 

Dietrich Steinbrecher. 2 

Ludwig Schweitzer 2 

Michael Schaeffer 3 

Frederick Stiipp 1 

John Schaeffer 1 

Frederick Schwartz 3 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1109 



IMiilip Wc-iser 13 

Frederick Weistr 19 

Peter Werner 7 

Christr. Wliitniore 1 

B;iltliiiser Wenrich 3 

Matthms Wenrich, Jr 4 

Liizarus Wingert 9 

Shtjle Men. 

Philip Baiir. 

Jacob Baur. 

Conrad Christ.- 

Jacob Ernst. 

Christopher Fidlor. 

Philip Fisher. 

.\dam Gruber. 

Thomas Jones. 

Griffith Jones. 

Christian Lerch. 



Peter Werlao 2 

Philip Wagn r 2 

Frederick Werhein 1 

Philip Zerbe 1 

John Zerbe 14 

Jacob Zinn 1 



Joseph Mountz. 
George Mountz. 
Matthias Jlitlor. 
Andrew Riogle. 
John R. am. 
Henry Stear. 
John Snyder. 
Henry Sobl. 
Henry .Seidle. 
Jacob Strunck. 



Old Buildinc«. — Among the old buildings in 
the township is part of an outbuilding on the old 
Sheetz farm, now owned by Peter Marshall, which, 
it is thought, was put up by Conrad Weiser. It 
is a low two-story building. It contains a large 
fire-place in the upper and lower I'oonis. As the 
walls are very massive, the idea of using the 
building as a means of protection is suggested. 
The Weiser farm contained two hundred and 
forty-eight acres of land, not very remarkable foi 
fertility ; and the selection was more likely made 
on account of the abundance of excellent water 
and the fine timber which covered the ground. 
East from this farm are several old buildings, used 
for public purposes when the highway was along 
the base of hills, where these houses stand. One of 
these is stone, the other of logs ; but both are in 
a well-preserved condition. West, on the turn 
pike, is a large, frame-building in which John 
Seltzer and others kept a tavern. 

Early Settlers. — North of Womelsdorf one 
of the early settlers was John Deppen, who resided 
there until his death. He was the father of sons 
named Samuel, Joseph, Isaac, Adam and Michael. 
Some of their descendants still live in the township. 

Among many other families who contributed to 
the development of the township were the Eckerts, 
Filberts, Fidlers, Leisses, Lauckses, Liviugoods 
and Seltzers, most of whom have retained their 
landed interests. 

Grave of Conrad Weiser. — The remains of 
Conrad Weiser and his wife still lie where they 
were interred a hundred and twenty-six years ago. 
The burial plaf is in the orchard on the Sheetz 
farm, about fifty yards west from the house and 
three-quarters of a mile east from Womelsdorf 
It is situated between the turnpike and Lebanon 



Valley Railroad. When the place was visited by 
the writer, November 12, 1885, there was nothing 
to indicate the spot except a single head-sandstone, 
on which was engraved, — 



" Dieses is die 

Ruhe Staette des 

woyl ehren geachten M. Conrad Weiser, 

derselbige ist geboren 1G96 den 2. November 

in Afsteat, im Amt Herrenberg, im 

Wittenberger Lande, und gestorben 

17(50 den 13. Julius, ist 

alt wordeii 63 jahr 
8 Mouat und 13 Tage." 



t 
t 

+ 

t 

This inscription was recut, in 1884, by Peter 
Marshall, the present owner of the farm. The 
headstone on the gi-ave of Conrad Weiser's wife 
lies prostrate ; and the numerous stone slabs, which 
formerly marked gravessupposed to have been those 
of Indians, have been removed, the latter indicated 
graves having an east and we.st direction, while 
the Weiser graves are from north to south. A 
number of years ago the Sheetz family had en- 
closed this burial-plat with a neat fence, but at 
present no such division is shown, the graves being 
a con-mon part of the orchard. 

iNDtJSTRiES. — As early as 1790 members of the 
Bennethum family had a small tannery, east of 
Womelsdorf, on the old State road. This interest 
has been carried ou at that point ever since, and 
for the past twenty years by Henry J. ISIoyer. 
Since being the owner he very much increased the 
capacity, operating by steam since 1873. There 
are in all fifty vats, and the product is oak-tanned 
harness leather. In the early history of the tan- 
ning very fine calf and kip leathers were made. 

Below this point, on the same road, an active 
industry has been developed in sand-mining, a very 
large deposit having been found, which, in 1885, was 
placed on the market by steam machinery, oper- 
ated by David Sheetz. West of Robesonia, Sam- 
uel R. Deppen has manufactured lime for some 
years, producing yearly about thirty-five thousand 
bushels. The stone there quarried yields ninety 
per cent, of carbonate of lirae. 

" The Robesonia Furnace " is situated soqth of 
Robesonia, on Spring Creek. In 1794 George 
Ege here began the manufocture of iron in what 
was known as the Reading Furnace, erecting it 



1110 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY. PENXSYLVANIA. 



after he had abandoned the Berkshire Furnace, in 
Lower Heidelberg township. He carried on the 
same successfully until 1824, when a depression in 
business caused hi in to suspend. In the course of 
years Robeson & Brooke became the owners, hav- 
ing the property until 1858, when Ferguson, 
White & Co. came in possession of it ; while 
owned by them the name of the furnace was 
changed to Robesonia. Nathaniel Ferguson was 
a skillful and successful iron-master, but was 
obliged by weight of years to relinquish the busi 
ness in 1885. It is now carried on by the " Robe- 
sonia Iron Company, Limited." In 1845, while 
owned by Robeson & Brooke an anthracite fur- 
nace was put up in place of the charcoal furnace. 
In 1858 another furnace of larger capacity was 
erected in its ]ilace, and other improvements were 
made afterwards. While putting up a new stack 
an accident occurred, on November 7, 1884, by 
the falling of a large furnace-stack, which had 
been in process of construction the previous June, 
which resulted in the death of seven men — Joseph 
Reed, Davilla Becklev, Henry Spangler, David 
M. Person, Monroe Peipher, Frederick Foreman 
and Henry Putt — and the wounding of eight 
others — Lewis Dietrich, Jacob Fox, John Wein- 
hold, James McCloskey, Charles F. Moyer, John 
Capp, Frank Spatz and Frederick Knause. 

The demoli-hed stack stood on cast-iron col- 
umns thirty feet high, and the body of the stack 
was forty feet more in height and fifty feet in 
diameter. Within were the seven men engaged 
on the lining and they had almost reached the top, 
within fifteen feet, working on the seafl'olding on 
the in-walls. Below were the bricklayers and 
tenders. Beneath all was Henry Putt, an old man, 
whose labor consisted in filling the buckets with fire- 
brick and clay. The cause of the fell was the break- 
ing of the columns, which fell like a flash all in a 
heap and without warning. The wall did not fall 
at once, but the scaffolding fell and then the walls 
gave way, covering the victims within a living 
grave By the stack stood the casting-house, part 
of which was carried away by the fall. The col- 
umns twisted clean out before the fall. The cause 
was the weakness of the support on which the 
stack rested, the weight having been three thousand 
tons. 

The damage to the property was repaired as 



speedily as possible, but it was deemed best to 
practically rebuild the furnace in 1885. Accord- 
ingly, the present owners availed themselves of all 
the improvements suggested by the most approved 
systems of iron manufacture, so that the capacity 
is now about one thousand tons per week, making 
the furnace in all its appointments and attendant 
interests one of the most valuable properties in the 
eastern part of the State. Employment is given 
to more than one hundred and fifty men. The 
ore used is procured from the celebrated Cornwall 
mines, in Lebanon County, on which the furnace 
holds a perpetual ore-right for the gratuitous sup- 
ply of as much ore as will keep one stack in blast. 
Owing to improved methods, this amount is now 
thirty times greater than when the contract giving 
this right was entered into. 

The fine cut-stone mansion, built by Ceorge 
Ege, at the furnace, in 1807, has also been re- 
paired, and the grist-mill, long in operation, has 
been improved to meet the wants of present cus- 
tomers. 

East of Robesonia is a spring of unusual size 
and beauty, popularlj' called, from its former own- 
er, Gernant's Big Spring. In 1775 it was known 
as " Allen's Spring." Its water is very clear and 
refreshing, with a volume large enough to furnish 
power for a mill several hundred yards below the 
spring. One of the early ownei-s of this mill was 
Daniel Bechtol. The present improved mill is the 
property of James T. Reber, hardware merchant 
of Reading. The next water-power below opera- 
ted a woolen-mill for John Eckert, now discon- 
tinued, as well as a distillery, which was carried on 
some time in the same building. 

On the farm of the Orphans' Home is one of the 
finest springs in the county. Its volum'e is great. 
Power was aiforded to operate a grist-mill and dis- 
tillery a few hundred yards below it. This place 
became widely known as " Manderbach's Summer 
Resort," and was largely patronized. The distil- 
lery produced a fine quality of whiskey. Large 
wagons conveyed it to distant counties There 
were also grounds for target practicing, Mander- 
bach himself having been well skilled in the use 
of the rifle. The mill still remain;?, but the distil- 
lery has long since been demolished. 

CHURCHES. 

St. Daniel's Church is situated a mile north 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1111 



of Robesonia, at the intersection of several roads, 
from whioh fact it is sometimes called " Die Ecke 
Kirche." The present building was put up in 
1814. It has been remodeled and improved inside 
so that it bears little resemblance to its original 
condition. It is the third house used as a place 
of worship at this point, the first having been 
of logs, and built during the early settlement of 
the country. The building preceding the present 
one was put up in 1757; the congregation had the 
ministry of the Rev. John Nicholas Kurtz, who 
lived at Stouchsburg. 

Upon the dedication of the present church the 
pastor was Rev. Daniel Ulrich, who served the 
congregation thirty-nine years. Then came the 
Revs. T. T. laeger, eleven years ; H. S. Miller, 
one year; and the Rev. Aaron Finfrock, s nee 
18(i3. 

Until December 25, 1876, the church was 
entirely under the control of the Lutherans ; then 
Rev. T. C. Leinbach organized a German Re- 
formed congregation, with twenty-nine members, 
which prospered to such an extent that in 1885 
the membership was one hundred and fifty-five. 
Mr. Leinbach is still pastor. 

The afiiiirs of the church are now controlled by 
the two congregations. The property includes 
well kept cemeteries and a residence. In the 
latter is the home of John S. Henry, for many 
years the organist. 

In the same locality arc the grounds of the 
" Heidelberg Cemetery Company," embracing 
several acres of land, which was opened to the 
public in 1880. It has been made an attractive 
place. 

Union Chapel is situated at Robesonia. It is 
a neat stone chapel, built in 1869 by Fergu- 
son, White & Co , furnace owners, for the free use 
of such religious bodies as may choose to maintain 
worship there. It was dedicated May 1, 1870. 
Originally intended for the accommodation of the 
furnace employees, it has proven a great con- 
venience to the people of the village. A Sunday- 
school is regularly conducted in it, which is well 
attended by all classes. For many years Nathaniel 
Ferguson was the superintendent. The Presby- 
terians and German Baptists most frequently 
worship in the chapel. 

Bethany Orphans' Home.— This charitable 



institution is located near Womelsdorf Station, on 
the Lebanon Valley Railroad. It was founded 
September 21, 1863, at Philadelphia, Pa., by a 
number of Synods of the German Reformed 
Church of North America, but at present is 
maintained by but two Synods of that church. 
The location at Philadelphia not being desirable, 
the home was moved to Bridesburg July 13, 1864, 
where it remained about three years. On account 
of the prevalence of sickness among its inmates, a 
new location was sought where greater healthful- 
ncss could be obtained in connection with other 
advantages. Accordingly, for this purpose the 
property known a.s " Manderbach's Summer Re- 
.sort," comprising twenty-six acres of land, on 
which was a three-story brick building, thirty-six 
by one hundred and twenty feet, mill and otiier 
improvements, was purchased iu 1867 and fitted up 
to adapt it to the wants of the Home, and the in- 
stitution was transferred October 1st of that year. 
In the fall of 1872 a farm of sixty acres of good 
land was added to the property and the necessary 
buildings provided to carry it on as pan of the 
Home. The last improvement was a fine barn, in 
1885, at a cost of two thousand three hundred 
dollars. Here the Home enjoyed uninterrupted 
prosperity until the midnight of November 11, 
1881, when the main house and some other build- 
ings were destroyed by fire, with all their contents, 
the inmates only escaping. The old mill and 
remaining buildings were fitted up, and after a 
short interruption the work of the Home was 
carried on as before. Steps were at once taken to 
rebuild the Home, and under the management of 
Mr. Isaac McHose, of Reading, as chairman of 
the building committee, the present superior three- 
story brick structure was erected and ready for use 
in December, 1882. The building is finely finished, 
heated throughout by steam and lighted by gaso- 
line. Water is supplied on each floor from a 
reservoir on the mountain side and from a tank on 
the top of the building. The upper floor has the 
dormitories of the Home. The second floor con- 
tains the chapel, with a seating capacity for three 
hundred persons, music and recitation-rooms, 
parlors and ofiices for the matron and the superin- 
tendent. The lower floor is devoted to the house- 
hold affiiirs of the Home. The entire cost was 
nearly thirty thousand dollars. 



1112 



HISTORY OF BEKKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The Home is controlled by a board of managers, 
under the direction of the Reformed Churches 
contributing to its support, and is composed of 
twelve members and the superintendent ex officio. 
It passes upon the applications for admission to 
the Home, basing its action upon the recommenda- 
tions of the congregations forwarding such appli- 
cations. Orphan children more than six years old 
may enter the Home and be entitled to all its 
benefits, remaining on the terms of their indenture 
or until an ecpially good home is provided else- 
where. The inmates are instructed in the common 
English branches, German reading and writing, 
the common sciences and algebra, ten months of 



whose vigilant care has done much to promote the 
welfare of the Home. He resigned in January, 
1886, and was succeeded by Rev. Thomas M. 
Yuudt, who is the {^resent superintendent. 

VILLAGES. 

WoMELSDORF STATION is fifteen miles from 
Reading, on the Lebanon Valley Railroad, and 
three-quarters of a mile south of the borough of 
Womelsdorf. Near by is the Bethany Orphans' 
Home. Around the depot a dozen buildings have 
been erected. The hamlet dates its beginningfrom 
1858, when the station was established on lands 
given for this purpose by John Sheetz. The large 




BETHANY ORPHANS HOME. 



school being aHorded each year. Religious in- 
struction is imparted by daily worship, preaching 
in the chapel every Sunday and in the Sabbath- 
school, upon all of which attendance is I'equired. 

In connection with the school work each pupil 
is required to labor several hours per day, the in- 
mates being divided into four sections for this 
purpose. By this means the physical condition of 
the pupil is promoted, and it has been found so 
beneficial that not a single case of sickness, re- 
quiring the care of a physician, was reported in 
IBS.'). The highest number of inmates the Home 
has had was one hundred and five. In the fall of 
1885 there were but sixty-nine. These were in 
charge of the superintendent, a matron and two 
lady teachers. The superintendent since Novem- 
ber 12, 1868, has been the Rev. D. B. Albright. 



hotel buikliug was put up in 18(i7 by Isaac 
Kintzer. Some years later Lewis, • Jacob and 
William Livingood put up a fine, large factory 
building and supplied it with machinery for the 
manufacture of bolts and nuts. After a short op- 
eration the works were closed and the machinery 
removed. Afterward the building was used for 
some years as a creamery, but latterly it has not 
been occupied for manufacturing purposes. 

RoBESONiA was laid out on lauds of the Robe- 
sonia Furnace Company in 1855, by Robeson & 
Brooke, and it was named after .Henry P. Robe- 
son. The plan contained one hundred and fifteen 
lots. Before 1857 there was only one house on the 
present village site. It is still standing on the 
turnpike, and forms part of the public-house of 
Frauk Filbert. At that time it was the property 



T(JWN.SHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1113 



of Leonard Kohl, aud Samuel Dechert occupied it 
a« a store. Afterward John L. Fisher, Jacob 
Wenrich, Samuel Wenrich, I aac Sohl, Jacob Noll 
and Wm. Filbert became residents of the village. 
In 1885 there were about fifty residences, three 
stores, three taverns, a good school-house, a chapel 
for common worship, and, in addition, the interests 
connected with the furnace. Gideon B. Noll is 
the oldest merchant in the place. Hiester Filbert 
has been in trade for fifteen rears. Before the 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Reily L. Fisher is the great-grandson of 
Peter A. A. Fisher, who resided in Spring town- 
ship, this county. John Fisher, son of Peter, was 
born in Lower Heidelberg township, of the same 
county, where he established a paper-mill, since 
converted into a wooleu-mill, and conducted the 
business of paper manufacturing. 

He married Rosi'ia Hain, daughter of John and 
Margaret Hain, born in 179(>. Their children 





"^ c^^<;:^<;^^^^ 



village was founded, stores were kept in connection | 
with the furnace by Leonard Kohl and others. 

Dr. James C Cress was the first to locate here 
as a physician ; and other practitioners have been 
Doctors C Strohm, Jacob Ammon, Adam Dun- 
dore, John A. Conrad (since 1873) and Harry H. 
Bullmau. 

The manufacture of cigar-boxes by machinery 
was begun here in 1880, by Wm. Fidler, and is 

still continued by him. 

94 



were Elenora, born in 1797 ; Samuel, October 28, 
1799 ; Peter, in 1801 ; Anna C, in 1804 ; Eliza- 
beth, in 1805, deceased in youth ; John, in 1808 ; 
who also died in early life ; Anna, in 1810 ; 
Elijah, in 1812; Daniel, in 1815 ; Sarah, in 1818, 
and Jeremiah, in 1821. 

Samuel Fisher spent his life as a farmer, in 
the township of his birth. On the 28th of De- 
cember, 1821, he was married to Elizabeth, 
daughter of Peter Laucks, of the same township. 



1114 



HISTOllV OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Their children were Reily L , born Nov. 12, 1822 ; 
Mary, March 27, 1824 ; Adam, March 27, 182.5 ; 
David, April 7, 1829 ; Elizabeth, May 14, 1834. 

Reily L. Fisher was born in Heidelberg town- 
ship, where he has since lived. His educational ad- 
vantages were such as the paid schools of the neigh- 
borhood aflbrded, after which, for a limited time, 
he assisted in the labor of the farm, and later was 
engaged as clerk at Sinking Spring and Weruers- 
ville. 

On the 23d of January, 1851, he was married 
to Matilda B., daughter of Conrad and Magda- 
lene Reber, of Bern township. The children of 
this union are IMary Magdalene, (Mrs. Albert A. 
Wenrich, of Heidelberg township) born Mal-ch 
13, 1852; Samuel, January 10, 1854, married to 
Ellen, daughter of Michael Ruth ; Anna Eliza- 
beth, September 21, 185H, deceased ; Sarah Re- 
becca, (Mrs. David H Hain), March 8, 1859; 
Amelia Catherine, June 9, 1861 ; Rosa Ellen, 
January 2, 1865 ; and Matilda Lucetta, Marph 21, 
1872. Mr. Fisher remained on the farm one year 
after his marriage, and then embarked in mercantile 
business at Sinking Spring. He eventually returned 
to the farm, and on his abandonment of active 
labor placed his son Samuel in charge of the 
property, which he now cultivates. In 1874, ou 
his retirement, he removed to his present home, in 
Heidelberg township, and is occupied in the im- 
provement of a small tract of laud adjacent to 
residence. Mr. Fisher is a strong Democrat in his 
politics. His ability and integrity have caused 
him often to be solicited for the offices of guardian, 
trustee and administrator, which duties have ever 
been fulfilled with scrupulous care. He is a sup- 
porter of the Reformed Church, of which his wife 
and children are members. 

Nathaniel Ferguson was born in Lancaster 
County, Pa., November 20, 1817, and is the sou of 
John aijd Elizabeth Ferguson, who emigrated to 
the United States about the year 1800, from near 
Dublin, aud located in the above county, where 
they lived and reared a family of twelve children. 
The youngest son, Nathaniel, left home when 
eighteen years of age, with fifty cents given by his 
mother and her blessing and wishes for success. 
Having graduated at the Moscow Academy in 
Lancaster, where he had shown himself ' a 
diligent pupil, in 1839 he became clerk at 



the Elizabeth Furnace, in Lancaster County, 
then owned by the heirs of James Coleman, 
one of the proprietors of the Corn^vall mines, 
two and a half years later rising to the 
management of the business, which position he 
held for seven years. He then removed to Swa- 
tara Furnace, Schuylkill County, and became one 
of the firm of Eckert, Gilbert & Co., assuming 
meanwhile the active management. The co-part- 
nership lasted until 1855, when they ceased oper- 
ations, as the use of anthracite coal had superseded 
charcoal. In 1857 he removed to Robesonia 
Furnace and assumed the management. In 1860, 
at the death of Henry P. Robeson, he purchased 
an interest and became a partner in the firm of 
White, Ferguson & Co. In 1N63 the firm became 
White & Fergu.son, and remained so until 1875, 
the interest of Mr. White, who died in 1868, hav- 
ing been continued for the benefit of his heirs. 
The surviving partner then purchased the interest 
of one of the heirs and the firm became Ferguson, 
White & Co. One furnace being abandoned in 
1874, after the enlargement of No. 2 stack, it was 
deemed advisable to manufacture but one brand of 
pig-iron — "Robesonia," — made exclusively of 
Cornwall ore, working under an ore-right used at 
Robesonia (formerly the Reading) Furnace since 
1793, which right had been purchased from Peter 
Grubb, the original owner of the Cornwall ore- 
banks, and transferred from the Berkshire Furnace 
(originally named Roxborough), near Werners- 
ville, in Berks County, subsequently abandoned. 
In 1885 Mr. Ferguson sold his interest in Robeso- 
nia, and, retiring from active business, removed to 
Reading, where he now resides. He was married, 
in 1856, to Miss Amanda Davenport, grand- 
daughter of Judge William Adams, a member of 
Congress in the early part of the present century. 
As a man of self-reliance, sound education, untir- 
ing euergy aud great executive ability, the re- 
sult, a successful manufacturer aud clear-sighted 
business man, seemed as much a natural conse- 
quence as that Mr. Ferguson should win the re- 
spect and regard of all who knew him for his 
unswerving integrity, benevolence and liberality 
toward all. Patriotic and public-spirited, generous 
and kind, after a life of great activity he is resting 
from his labors, surrounded by his family of. 
seven children, at his home in Reading. 




Mjf' 3 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1115 



HEIDELBERG LOWER. 

The township of Heidelberg Lower wa.s laitl 
oft' from Heidelberg in 1842/ with an area of 
about eighteen thousand acres. The population 
was about nineteen hundred. In 18-50 the 
population was twenty-one hundred and 
forty -four, and in 1852 the total vote polled at 
the Presidential election was three hundred and 
ninety five. 

Ten years after the erection of the township 
the inliabitants felt the inconvenience of its ex- 
tended territory, especially in respect to holding 
elections. They presented a petition" to court, 
on April 10, 1852, asking for its division by a 
line extending from a point in the Cacoosing 
Creek, where the turnpike crosses the township 
line; th2nce in a straight line, northwestwardly, 
to a point in the Tidpehocken Creek at Peter 
Hain's mill-dam ; and the erection of the 
northern section into a new township — and the 
court appointed Michael K. Boyer, Henry 
Nagle and Richard Boone as viewers. These 
viewers examined the tei'ritory, and decided 
that there was a great propriety in making tiie 
division, reporting tiie line suggested — 
" N. 58 J W., 920 perches," and suggesting " Ca- 
coosing township " as a proper mime for the 
northern section laid oft". This subdivision cut 
off about seven thousand five hundred acres' in 
the proposed township. Their report was pre- 
sented on August 12, 1852, and held under ad- 
visement. Technical exceptions were tiled, and 
a remon.strance signed by one hundred and 
fifty-nine inhabitants,^ — representing the divi- 
sion to be against the best interests of the town- 
ship, — was also filed. In February, 1853, the 
court decided not to confirm the report, and so 
the proposed township of " Cacoosing" was not 
granted. 

One of the most prominent settlers of the 
township was George Hean (Hain), who, with 

1 See Heidelberg township. 

'■' Subscribed by eighty -three signatures, fifty-tive of 
which are English. 

■* In all the relume of surveys for new townships, the 
area w-is not calculated or mentioned. Thi.s is a singular 
oversight, as though the area were not an important fact in 
the matter. 

4 Seventy-two English signatures. 



the Kricks, Ruths and Fishers, came some time 
about 1730. He was a man of remarkable 
energy and became a large land-owner, having 
purchased in 1735 nine hundred and twenty 
acres; in 1741, one hundred and ninety acres; 
in 1742, two hundred and ninety-two acres; 
and in 1743, three hundred and twenty-seven 
acres. For the Allen tract (included in the 
first quantity) he agreed to pay one hundred 
and sixty-five pounds and a yearly rent of one 
and one-half bushels of wheat per hundred 
acres, to be paid forever after the 1st of No- 
vember, 1736, and to be delivered at the city of 
Philadelphia. The Hain homestead was west 
of the village of Wernersville, on what is now 
known as the Hill farm. The original build- 
ings have been removed. He died in 1746, 
and on the 24th of June, 1747, his sons, 
Peter, Adam, George, Frederick, Henry, Cas- 
per and John Christian, met and agreed to pay 
their mother, Veronica, each two pounds per 
year, on every 24th day of June, during her 
natural life. 

Among the later improvements made by the 
Hains was a house of limestone, built by a 
German mason, said to have been a " Redemp- 
tioner," on the farm now owned by Henry 
Werner. It is one of the oldest buildings in 
the township. The houses on the farm of 
Thomas Reber, near Wernersville, and the one 
on the Eberle place are also very old. De- 
scendants of the Hain, Dundore, Fisher, Krick, 
Ruth and Reber families still live in the town- 
ship, on some of tlie original purchases. 

IxDUSTRiES. — The people of Lower Heidel- 
berg are distinctively agriculturists, there 
being but few water-powers which admitted 
improvement for manufacturing purposes. Be- 
fore.the woods were cleared off, the brook.s, flow- 
ing from South Mountain, had greater volume 
than at present and upon them small mills 
were built. One of the fir.st was the old Hain 
mill, put in operation soon after 1755. Its ca- 
pacity was small. The mill which afterward 
occupied the site was also a simple affair. It 
was replaced by the ]iresent mill, which is 
owned by George W. Wertz. Above this im- 
provement is the gun-barrel factory of Lerch, 
Hassler & Co., worked on a small scale. This 



1116 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



business was begim here about fifty years ago 
by Jacob Siegfried, who turned out good work. 
On Spring Creeiv proper, John Fisher had a 
paper-mill before 1800, which, after being oper- 
ated some time, was converted into a joiner's 
shop. Another change was also made by John 
Keim, in the manufacture of gun-barrels for a 
few years. Then Peter Hain established the 
foundry business, whicii was successfully carried 
on by him several years. Common castings were 
made. Some of the buildings remaining and 
other improvements by Peter Hain were next de- 
voted to a woolen factory, which is the industry 
now carried on under the proprietorship of 
Ulysses Hain and Wm. Klopp. The motive- 
power is water and steam and the products are 
common woolen goods, carpets and yarns. The 
next power below operates the Hain grist-mill, 
the mill-house in u.se being the second at this 
site. It was long the property of Peter Hain. 
At Brownsville Philip Von Neida employed the 
power (formerly used for a saw- mill) to operate 
a grist-mill, which he built in 1855 and which 
is still carried on b}^ John B. Flickinger. At 
Wernersville a later industry is a ci'eamery, 
established in 1882 by Eirich & Klopp, and 
of which Lewis M. Klopp has been the sole 
owner the past year. It is devoted to the man- 
ufacture of butter and cheese and is well patron- 
ized. Here also the quarrying and shipment of 
limestones was once an important business, 
among the firms engaged in it being Samuel, 
Charles and John Fiant, John Widmayer & 
Co.. Eirich & Hassler, Zinn & Biuckley and 
Deppen & Wenrich. The latter operated on a 
large scale. When the three quarries at this 
place were fully woi-ked, emplo)-ment was given 
to a large number of men. Latterly but little 
quarrying has been done, on account of inflpw- 
ing water. 

The only industry which had any historic 
interest attaching to it was the old Berkshire 
Furnace. It was located on the small stream 
near Dr. Walter's Mountain Home. It was a 
small charcoal furnace, erected by William Bird 
previous to 1760, and was at first operated by 
him. The ore was mined at the base of Cushion 
Hill, in what is now Spring township. After 
the death of William Bird, a few years after 



the building of the furnace, his widow became 
the owner, and, in 1764, George Ege leased the 
property from her and operated the furnace 
about thirty years. About 1790 Ege became 
the owner of the property and soon afterward 
discontinued running it on account of the 
.scarcity of water. Meantime, he had built the 
" Beading Furnace," on Mill Creek, to the 
west. Frequently cannon-balls were found on 
the site of the furnace and also other articles of 
iron. 

St. John's Church, (Reformed) coaimonlv 
known as " Hain's Church," is the only house 
of worship in the township. It is located in 
an elevated position, about a mile north from 
Wernersville. The church lot contains about 
seven acres of land, of which five were donated 
before 1735 by George Hain, after whom the 
church was named. The building was con- 
structed of logs in 1735, small in size but strongly 
built. A school was carried on in this building 
at that time. The male members (it is re- 
ported by tradition) always carried their rifies 
with them when the presence of the enemy was 
reported. Some were posted as sentinels on 
the outside to watch the movements of tlie In- 
dians, whilst the others worshipped inside. 
After peace was assured, there came an era 
of prosperity which enabled the- congrega- 
tion to build a better church. It was erected in 
1766, and was a substantial stone edifice, forty by 
fifty feet, with walls three feet thick. A large 
sandstone was placed in the wall, with the fol- 
lowing iu.scription: 

Heidelberg Township — Hoch Deutsche Reformierte 
Kirche. 

Alle die eiii und aus geheu sollen Gott uiid dera 
Koenig getrei bleiben. 

After the war for independence was over, and 
their allegiance to the crown could no longer he 
enforced, one of the builders (Ruth, it is .said) 
exclaimed " Der verdamdt Koenig niusz raiu ! " 
A chisel was procuretl and the word King was 
cut from the stone. In this condition it is still 
preserved in the building. In 1794 a pijie- 
organ was supplied. The next improvement 
was made in 1844; the brick floor was removed 
and the galleries were rebuilt, being made more 
sloping than previously. In 1851 a steeple was 



TOWNSHIPS OF C0TTN7:Y. 



1117 



built and supplied with a bell weighing ten hun- 
dred and forty pounds, and dedicated on the 19th 
of October, of the same year. On June (5, 1866, 
the centennial of the church was celebrated in the 
presence of many people. Twelve years later 
it was decided to enlarge the church and to 
modernize it to meet the demands of those ac- 
customed to worship there. Mull, of Reading, 
wa-s the architect. On April 9, 1878, ground 
was broken for the new part of the building. 

The addition to the building gave it the shape 
of the letter T, and the entire dimensions of the 
church increased to fifty by eighty-two feet. 
The basement is thirty by forty-eight feet, and 
the tower is one hundred and thirty-two feet high. 
The new part is of brick and tiie remaining walls 
of the old church have been made to resemble 
brick-work. The interior has been handsomely 
finished in oil and water-colors, the entire im- 
provements costing eleven thousand dollars. 
The old bell having broken in 1884, a new one 
was supplied in 1885, whose volume and fullness 
of tone causes it to be heard many miles. The 
capacity of the building is a little more than eight 
hundred. It is sometimes too small to accom- 
modate all the members of the congregation. The 
cemetery and the church surroundings showcare- 
ful attention on the part of those entrusted with 
their oversight, and the place is, with all its 
appointments, creditable to the community. 

One of the most important eveuts in the early 
history of the church was the meeting of the 
Coetus, on the 29th of August, 1743, which 
was attended by fifty elders. At that time the 
Rev. Jacob Lisby was the pastor, and he was 
the first minister who had a regular pastoral 
connection. The preachers before that time had 
been the Revs. Boehm, Weisse and Schlatter. 
The pastors following the Rev. Lisby were 
Revs. Wra. Boas, Philip Moyer, Wm. Pauli, 
Wm. Hendel, D.D., Frederick Herman, J. S. 
Dubbs, Anthony Hautz and Thomas H. Lein- 
bach. In 1834 the Rev. Augustus C. Pauli 
began a pastorate which was the most import- 
ant in the history of the church, and whose 
ministrations harmonized the congregation and 
caused it to increase in membership. He con- 
tinued until his death, in 1871. His successor 
was the Rev. W. F. P. Davis, who began on 



the 17th of March, 1872, and continued until 
September 8, 1883, when Rev. W. J. Kershner 
became the pastor. 

Hain Cemetery is in the immediate neigh- 
borhood of the church. It is controlled by a 
company which was organized in 1876, with 
the following members : Isaac Hain, Moses 
Gockley, John A. Weitzel, John W. Ernst, 
John H. Miller and William Yoder. The 
company purchased seven acres of laud, and 
laid out two acres of the same in lots sixteen 
by eighteen feet. 

VILLAGES. 

Werxersvii.le is on the Berks and Dau- 
phin turnpike and the Lebanon Valley Rail- 
road, eight miles from Reading. It was 
laid out in December, 1855, on the lands of 
William Werner, after whom it was named. 
The plat was made by Aaron Albright, sur- 
veyor, and shows one hundred and thirty-one 
lots, located south of the turnpike and extend- 
ing to the railroad. The adjoining lands 
were owned on the north by John A. Hain and 
William Werner (the latter was a farmer and 
lived in this locality until his death), on the 
east by Thomas Reber and Israel Grim, and on 
the west was the Lerch tavern. The buildings 
on the plat were the houses of Reuben Keim 
and a tenement house, occupied by Daniel 
Stoudt, the father of nineteen children. He 
was by trade a mason. Near him lived John 
Maurer, a shoemaker, who is the oldest citizen 
in the place, having settled here in 1852. East 
of him was a large stone building, put up by 
William Werner in 1849, and occupied by 
Philip Ludwig as a store. The Wernersville 
post-office was established in 1853, and first 
opened there. Farther down the pike was the 
fine stone mansion of William and Rebecca 
Werner, erected in 1844 ; farther east, at what 
is now the lower end of the village, was the 
inn kept by ex-Sheriff Binckley, still owned 
by the family. The Lerch tavern was in a 
large rough-stone building, put up before 1800, 
and kept in 1855 by Daniel Lerch. Its use as 
a public-house was long ago discontinued. It 
is still in excellent condition as a residence 
belonging to the Lerch family. Other early 
settlers of Wernersville were Jonas Knorr, 



1118 



HISTORY OF BEKKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



carpenter ; Daniel Seitziuger, blacksmith ; 
Michael Newman, blacksmith ; ChaT-les Sjrohn, 
tailor; Michael Shrum, wheelwright; Fred. 
Werner, tin.sniith ; Samuel Cliarles, saddler ; 
Harry Woli'ekill, plasterer ; Reuben Landis, 
cigar-maker. The latter trade was carried on 
in 1885 by Franklin B. Sold in a factory with 
thirty hands. Allison H. Eirich was the first 
coach-maker anfl he was succeeded by John 
Roether. At the Lerch tavern the first stores 
were ke})t. 

In 1872 J. W. Deppen put up a large Iniild- 
ing in the western jjart of the village, in which 
he has kept a ])ublic-house, and where the firm 
of Deppen & Wenrich has also merchandized. 
In this place is kept the Wernersville post- 
office, Dr. J. W. Deppen, postmaster, since Oc- 
tober, 1885. There are four mails per day. 
Prior to its establishment here the office was 
kept at the Wernersville tavern, opposite the 
depot, by Charles Spohn. The building was 
put up in 1847; but was not at first used as a 
tavern. ^\ tini' grain warehouse, ])uilt by J. 
W. Deppen, is occ-upied by E. M. ^\'itnla^, 
who is also a large lumber dealer. 

One of the first located j)liysicians was Dr. 
Edward Livingood, who removed to the West. 
A Dr. Kalbach, after being in jjractice a short 
time, removed, and Dr. Jacob Addams succeed- 
ed him. During the war he became a surgeon 
in the arm)'. Dr. R. D. Weinrich became a 
practitioner at this place in 18(54, and continued 
until 1879, when he took charge of the "Moun- 
tain Home." Dr. J. W. Deppen became a citi- 
zen of this place in 1872 and has followed his 
profession since that time. Dr. David H. 
Haines, after being in practice a few years, re- 
moved to Mount Pleasant. Since 1883 Dr. J. 
M. Myers has been in successful practice. The 
present veterinary surgeon is Dr. William H. 
Seitzinger, who succeeded Dr. Reuben H. Spon- 
agle. 

Lower Heidelberg Livc-Stock awl Theft Insur- 
ance Company was incorporated November 3, 
1873. In January, 188(5, the company reported 
a membershii> of one hundred and sixty-six and 
the following officers : John Roether, president ; 
Frederick Frees, vice-president ; John A. Weit- 
zel, treasurer and collector ; M. E. Snieltzer, 



secretary. The operations of the company are 
confined within a radius of twenty miles and 
have been successfully conducted since its or- 
ganization. The rates of insurance have aver- 
aged about two dollars per hundred. The total 
disbursements per year are about twelve hundred 
dollars, which amount is nearly all collected on 
the mutual plan, there being only a small re- 
serve fund. The home office is at Wernersville. 

Brownsville is a small hamlet in the north- 
western part of the township, containing about 
twenty buildings, an inn kept by Moses Bal- 
thaser and a store by M. W. Kieth. The latter 
is also the postmaster of the Lower Heidelberg 
office, established there in 1864. The place 
takes its name from the Brown family, who were 
early merch'ants at that point. Sebastian Blind- 
lein carries on the business of coach-maker. 
East from this place is an old-time inn, popu- 
larly called the "Dry Tavern," not because 
those patronizing it could not obtain stimulating 
driuks, but because there is no running water 
in the locality. It was opened some time about 
1S(J0. its use as an inn has long since been 
discontinued. Eastward, on the same State 
road, Isaac Addams o])ened another public- 
house at a later day, which was quite popular 
before the era of railroads. Isaac Addams, Jr., 
was also a landlord, and the place was last kept 
by the Haag tiimily. The place was closed to 
the public about fifteen years ago, and the 
house is now a farm residence. 

Bn'E Marsh is the name of a small village 
in the northern section of the township, close to 
the Tulpehocken Creek. It has been known 
by this name for one hundred and fifty years. 
The Rebers were some of the earliest .settlers in 
that vicinity. The place contains a number of 
dwellings, which extend along the " Bernville 
Road " for half a mile. 

LoRAH. — At the top of the hill, south of 
Blue Marsh, commonly known as "State Hill," 
a post-office was established recently. It con- 
tains a fine two-story tavern, coach-making es- 
tablishment, blacksmith-.shop and several build- 
ings. 

HEAi/ni Resorts have given this locality 
great prominence. The mountains have pecu- 
liar configurations which afford gentle exposures 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1119 



and sheltered sides, beaming with the warmth 
of the glowing sun, or fanned b}' cooling 
breezes. This locality is almost wholly free 
from fogs, which sometimes hang over moun- 
tain-sides, and having a sandy and gravelly 
soil, which assures quick drainage in case of 
rains, there is no dampness and seldom any 
dew in summer. The temperature is equable, 
and Bayard Taylor pronounced it the finest cli- 
mate in the world. 

Dr. C'harles Frederick Leiscnring was the 
first person to utilize these advantages for sani- 
tary pnrpo.ses. In 1849 lie put up a small 
frame building near the site of the present large 
" Grand View House." The place was not so 
accessible as at present, and institutions of that 
kind had not yet been popularized. He con- 
tinued successfully for nearly ten years, till his 
death. In this time he established a promising 
business and prepared the way for institutions 
of this kind. Dr. Aaron Smith tlien purchased 
the property, and shortly afterward (1800) im- 
proved the place by erecting a fine, large stone 
building. He conducted the enterprise with 
increasing success. In 18(57 he erected a large 
stone addition to the building, and in 1874 a 
fine frame cottage opposite the main building. 
During this time Dr. R. T. Trail, of New York 
City, leased the institute and carried it on a 
year (1864-6o). In 1874 Dr. J. S. Preston 
became the lessee, and shortly afterward Dr. 
Robert Walter. The latter wa* very successful 
for over three years. He then founded an in- 
stitution of his own, a mile to the west, on a 
much more comprehensive scale, when the 
" Home " was again conducted l)y Dr. Smith for 
five years. In 1879 Drs. R. D. Wenrick and 
J. W. Deppen became the jiroprietors. They 
improved the property, changed the Home to an 
eclectic institution and have since bsen very 
successful. The main building and annex are 
heated by steam. 

There are miles of walks and drives leading 
to manv local points of interest. Included with 
the property are groves of native timber, some 
of them several acres in extent, and which are 
named after the woods growing there. " Cush- 
ion Peak " is also a part of this property. Tour- 
ists liave declared the view from the buildings 



and also from this ])eak to be unsurpassed by 
any in America or Europe. It extends to the 
"Delaware AYater Gap," seveuty-five miles to the 
northeast, and to the Swatara Gap, thirty miles 
to the northwest, overlooking the Schuylkill and 
Lebanon Valleys, with all their numerous fine 
farm.s, growing towns and busy thoroughfares. 
Since the ownership and management of the 
place by Messrs. Wenrick & Deppen, it has 
been known as " The Grand View House," and 
patronized by many people every year from all 
parts of the country. 

Walter^s Park Sanitarium. — After leaving 
the " Mountain Home " Dr. Robert Walter 
secured a fine site, one mile to the we.st, on the 
northerly slope of the South Mountain, and 
there erected a sui)erior building for the accom- 
modation of his patients and guests, taking pos- 
session in May, 1877. Tiiis building is known 
as "Chestnut Lodge." The ])atronage was so 
liberal in the summer and fall of 1877 that 
tents were erected to afford shelter, and he at 
once began the erection of " Maple Wood Hall," 
which was finished by the summer of 1878. 
In the sjjring of 1879 he built the "Home 
Cottage," and in August of that year began 
work on " Sc'ience Hall," completing it in 
1880. The last-named is an imposing build- 
ing, forty-eight by sixty-four feet, five stories 
high, exclusive of the attic, and is properly the 
hotel part of the sanitarium, containing the 
offices, parlors, dining-rooms, etc. The follow- 
ing year additional cottages were built, and, in 
1882, a fine gymnasium. These four buildings 
are of stone, lined throughout to prevent damp- 
ness. Including piazzas, they aggregate three 
hundred feet front, and are arranged in semi- 
circular form, so as to obtain sunlight and air 
in abundance. They are capable of accommo- 
dating one hundred and fifty persons. The 
main building has an elevator for the use of 
feeble persons. 

The parlors are large and airy, capable of 
seating two hundred persons. The dining- 
room is equallj' capacious and comfortable. The 
ceilings are twelve feet in height. The piazzas 
are double, extending around the principal 
buildings, connected with three floor.s, and so 
arranged that any one may walk out upon level 



1120 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



ground from any cue of them — au unusual con- He began improvements in 1879, and completed 
venienee and safe fire-escape. the buildings in the spring of 1880. The main 
The gymnasium and bowling-alley are seven- building is of gray mountain stone, lined, and 
ty-five by twenty-two feet in dimensions, twelve contains three full stories and a basement, ar- 
feet to ceiling, with abundant apparatus, health- ranged for comfort and convenience. It is cap- 
lift, Indian-clubs, liorizontal-bars, swings, trav- able of accommodating seventj'-five guests. Hot 



eling-rings, railroafl, Gilford's apparatus for row- 
ing, etc., giving complete facilities for exercise. 

The buildings are heated by steam. Each of 
the three lower floors is supplied with pure, soft 
water, obtained from the mountain, at an eleva- 
tion above the buildings. The park comprises 
two hundred and forty acres, with over a score 
of buildings. The piazzas, and the property 
generally, afford magnificent views of the coun- 
try to the north and east for many miles. 
The landscape gardener has embellished 
the grounds, bringing nature and art to- 
gether with harmonious effects. ]More 
than two miles of walks and drives have 
been provided on the grounds, which afford 
a pleasing variety for all classes of persons. 

The offices have telegraphic and tele- 
phonic connection. Dr. Walter and his 
wife have been very successful in buildini; 
up and carrying on this sanitarium. The 
principles which they set forth, and the 
practices which they follow, have given 
the place its popularity and success. 

Sunny-Side Sanitanum is on the south- 
ern side of South Mountain, which insures 
it some advantages of location not possessed 
by the other places. It is three miles from 
Wernersville and about ten miles from Reading. 
Its situation upon a small plateau, eight hundred 
feet above tide-water, and four hundred feet 
above the adjacent valley, gives it a view both 
extensive and beautiful. A large portion of 
Lancaster County is spread before it like a great 
map. In the rear of the building, on the moun- 
tain-top, an observatory has been erected, whicli 
gives au additional elevation, from the summit 
of which a grand view is afforded to the nortli, 
east, south and west, overlooking mountains and 



and cold water are supplied on each floor. The 
rooms are so arranged that the sun shines into 
every one. It is a delightful place, and the 
proprietor has been very successftil. It is a 
popular institution since the spring of 1885. 
James H. Preston, a son of the founder, has 
been the proprietor. 

The South Mountain Sunset Home is a re- 
sort for summer boarders, and occupies a coin- 




KESIDE>CES .A.SD PAPER-.MILI.S OF CHAKLES L. VAX KEEO. 



mauding site near the summit of the moun- 
tain. The building is of gray mountain 
stone, four stories in height, with an obser- 
vatory on the top, which commands a fine 
view. It was erected by Francis Grosch in 
1876, and additions and improvements were 
made by him in 1880, and in 1885 by the 
proprietor. The entire building contains sixty 
rooms, capable of accommodating one hundretl 
persons. The dining and reception-rooms are 
sjwcious. This resoi-t is complete in all its ap- 



. „ pointments, and has been conducted very success- 

vallevs. Ihe property embraces nfty acres of ,. ,, , ^t f~< i p ^ 
, ,• „ . , . "^ . i fully by Mr. Grosch tor ten vears. 



BIOGRAPHICAL. 



land, most of it sloping gently towards the 

south, and enjoying the protection and shelter 

of the wooded heights beyond. This delightful j The Van Reed Family. — The progenitor 

location was selected by Dr. James S. Preston. I of the Van Reed family in Berks County was 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1121 



John Van Reed, who diefl April 18, 1820, in 
his seventy-tiiird year. He was married to Eva 
Yost. Among their children was a son, Henry 
Van Reed, born in 1780 and settled in Lower 
Heidelberg township, Berks Connty, on a tract 
of land now owned by Charles L. Van Reed. 
He was nnited in marriage to Mary Reber. 
Their children were Mary (born December 13, 
1800), Elizabeth (May 1, 1803), Charles (Octo- 
ber 12, 1807), John" (July 1, 1810), Thomas 
(October 13, 1812), Levi" (March 10, 1815). 



ber, M.D.), Mary, second, (August 19, 1839, 
who died ^Nlarch 29, 1842). Henry Van Reed 
built a paper-mill in Lower Heidelberg town- 
ship, but did not long survive to witness its 
successful operation. His son Charles succeeded 
to the interest and for years conducted the mill, 
practically establishing the business on a firm 
ba.sis. Having finally abandoned active busi- 
ness, he leased the mill to his son Henry, who 
became the head of the paper manufacturing 
interest. Charles Van Reed was an enterpris- 




IIARLES VAN liEEU. 



Mary Van Reed married Samuel Knape, Eliza- 
beth became the wife of Daniel Baum, Charles 
married Rebecca Zacharias, John married Mary 
B. Adams, Levi married Amelia B. Bowerman 
and Thomas married Eliza Rutli. Henry Van 
Reed died July 13, 1826. Charles and Rebecca 
Zacharias Van Reed had children, — Henry (born 
September 14, 1827), Rebecca (May 24, 1830, 
married toRufus Adams), Mary (May 26, 1832, 
who died February 1, 1835), Charles (July 22, 
1834, who died March 16, 1842), Elizabeth 
(August 17, 1837, married to Charles T. Re- 



ing citizen and a man of much public spirit. 
He served in the office of county treasurer of 
Berks County. His son Henry married Mary, 
a daughter of Christian Leinbach, of Bern 
township. Their children are Emma !>. (born 
September 24, 1850, married to Harri.son R. 
Epier), Charles L. (March 31, 1853), Clara L. 
(December 4, 1854, married to D. K. High, of 
Cumru township) and Joseph L. (October 31, 
1856, who died January 8, 1868). 

The business of paper-making having in- 
creased greatly, Henry Z. Van Reed purchased 



112:3 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



a grist-inill at the mouth of the Cacoosing 
Creek, which he converted into a paper-mill 
and conducted successfully until his death, when 
it became, hy inheritance, the property of his 
son, Charles L. Mr. Van Reed enjoyed the 
reputation of being one of the most sagacious 
business men of the county, his opinion and 
judgment being often sought and received with 



deacon. He died March 8, 1879, in his fifty- 
secoud year. His son, Charles L. Vau Reed, 
was born on the homestead at Lower Heidel- 
berg. From boyhood he became familiar with 
the paper-mill owned by his father, and finally 
entered it as an assistant, in 1873 assuming the 
management of the establishment. The prop- 
erty, on the death of his father, became his by 




'.e^.^ Ux^^'^y ^"^ 



great deference. As a citizen, he was public- 
spirited and foremost in advancing the interests 
of his township. He was a director of the Na- 
tional Union Bank of Reading. He was a 
"Whig in the days of that party, and since a 
Republican. He was first a member of the 
First Reformed Church of Reading, and later 
of the St. John's Reformed Church of Sink- 
ing Springs, in which he filled the office of 



inheritance, .since which time he has continued 
its successful management as the sole owner. 
His extensive business interests jH-eclude par- 
ticipation in public atfairs, though frequently 
solicited to represent the Republican party as a 
candidate. Mr. Van Reed was, on November 
18, 1875, married to Laura E., daughter of 
Christian Hertzler, of Mechanicsburg, Cumber- 
land County, Pa. Their children are Henry 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1123 



H. (born September 11, 1877, who died August 
14, 1878), Mary H. (May 10, 1881), Charles 
Raynioud (Juue 23, 1882). Mr. Van Reed is 
a member of St. Paul's Memorial Reformed 
Churcli of Reading. 

Charles V. R. Evans is descended from 
^^'elsh ancestry. Three brothers emigrated 
from Wales about the vear 1720, and landed 



the Schuylkill River. He married a Miss 
Thomas, to whom was born, among other 
children, a son, Philip Thomas Evans. He 
inhei-ited the homestead aud was by occupation 
both a farmer and a miller. He was married 
to Elizabeth, daughter of John Van Reed, ot 
Cumru township. Their children were Thomas, 
John, Joshua, Charles V. R., Henry, Mary 




/^^^- 



in Philadelphia. All started on a prospecting 
tour through Pennsylvania with a view to the 
purchase of land. 

Daniel, settled in Chester County, a second 
in Montgomery County, aud Philip, who located 
in Berks County, is the progenitor of the 
branch of the family represented by the sub- 
ject of this biographical sketch. 

Joshua Evans, in the direct line of descent, 
resided in Cumru township, on the west side of 



(married Peter Bright) and Elizabeth (married 
to Thomas Jones). 

Charles Van Reed Evans was born on the 
4th of March, 1810, in Cumru township, aud 
spent his youth on the homestead. His early 
education was obtained in the log school-house 
erected by the neighbors in the vicinity, the 
services of a teacher being paid for by the 
patrons of the school. He afterward gave his 
time and labor to his father in connection with 



1124 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the farm, and on the death of the latter, and a 
consequent disposition of tlie estate, he inherited 
his patrimony, and with it purchased the farm 
he now owns in Lower Heidelberg township. 
After a life of industry he retired from active 
labor and transferred the resposibility of the 
farm to his son John, who now directs its culti- 
vation. Mr. Evans was, in 1836, married to 
Maria, daughter of William Spohn, of Lower 
Heidelberg township. Their surviviug chil- 



youth been an invalid, and his case finally re- 
garded as hopeless, he was induced, in 1862, to 
seek restoration to health at the water cure lo- 
cated at Danville, N. Y. The benefit he re- 
ceived while under this peculiar treatment led 
to the study of health subjects and finally to 
the investigation and study of hygienic medica- 
tion. He entered the Hygeo-Therapeutic Col- 
lege and was graduated from that institution in 
1873. Removing to Franklin County, Pa., soon 




w 




^'o^tA^ . ^/Z /, 



^t-i't^ 



dren are Jane, John (married to ^Margaret Van 
Reed), Thomas and Anne. Mr. Evans is a 
Republican in his political faith. He has held 
various township offices. He enjoys the con- 
fidence of his fellow-citizens to such an extent 
as to have frequently been appointed guardian, 
executor and administrator. 

Robert Walter is the son of George' and 
Betsey Walter, who emigrated from England in 
1837 and located in Western Canada. Their 
son Roliert was born in Halton County, Onta- 
rio, on the 14th of February, 1841, where he 
remained until his twentieth year. Having in 



after, he practiced ids profession tor one season, 
and the following year leased the water cure es- 
tablishment located at Wernersville, Berks 
County, Pa., which he successfully conducted 
for a period of three years. 

In 1876 Dr. Walter purchased ground in 
Lower Heidelberg township, Berks County, and 
began the erection of buildings, increasing the 
dimensions and capacity of the institution from 
yesir to year until, in convenience and comfort, 
it is one of the most perfect in the State. The 
doctor claims to have established a distinct sys- 
tem of medication in which the use of drugs is 





Tfzziaz- 



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o^ ;noqB-puiio.i sajjanoo A\an pajoafo.id uiBj.iao 
spjiiAio; s>]jaf[ JO jC'jnnoo aq:) niojj X,io;i.i,ia} aqj 
JO a'ub jCbavb SinA.i.iBo in paaoons }on pip jr.nds 
aq; 'iCja^Bunj.io^ ^.'apBoap siq; Sui.inp ajdoad 
aq^ nodn pioq Siio.ns b uajp;; pBq satunioo 
A\au pnB s-diqsnA\o:^ A\an Supoaja jo pnB nois 
-lAqi JO jijkI:* aqj^ uoj pa.CB.id SB nosj[OBf "g 
[annn;g pnc p.iiiajj pniuBg 'sp.iBqoi'jj 'g sBiq; 
-}Bj^ SnqnioddB ^q noijBoqddB .n3q:j aSB.moo 
-na oj sno.iauaS vC[}naiot[}ns si!a\ jjuoo oqj pny 
.■s.iaAvaiA joj -j-inoo aqj o; pai|ddi; Aaqj og •spBO.i 
pnB suop.jaja o; 'joadsa.i ni noijBn^is Jiaq; Sni 
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-a.i jpjms siqi ing -jjo ^no naoq isnf pBq iob.ij 
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a.TOja.iaq^ ^aqx 'pajpnnij aajqi jnoqB s.iO}oa[a 
aqi puB pajpnnq xis pnBsnoqj ano jnoqB sbav 
noi}B|ndod aqj^ 'inainaAnooni puB aSjB[ 00; 
si;.vi diqsnAVOi .naq? qBq; iqSnoqj diqsnAvo; aq:j 
JO s}HB}iqBqni aqj ffs'l J" Il^J ai[? Snun(j 

j'so.ioB pa.ipnni[ oa\5 
pnBsnoqj naa^naAas ^noqB i[Jia\ 5J0[ uoqi sba\ 



Sjaqjapiajj jo diqsnAvo; at[j^ -sa.iou pajpnni[ 
iqSia pnBsnoqi ano inoqB Ba.iB ni ,/noijBj\[ „ jo 
nopoaaa aqi pjB.Vio; painquqiioo pnB .{ba\b na>jB; 
SBA\ nopjod B 'ffgx 'n-idy nj -sa.ioB pnus-notp 
naajanin ^noqs pasuduioo noi;.iod SuiniBnia.i 
aqX «"^'i9flI3P!8H Ja^vorj „ pauiBn diqsuA\o} b 
ojni pa^oaja sbav 'sajOB pnBsnoq; naajqSia inoqB 
'uopjod naajsBa aqj pnB 'papiAip sBjU. %i gf'gx 
nj -RiBaiC pajpunq ano jaAO joj noponpa.! Auis 
;noqiiA\ aSjcj os pan np noo pnB saaoB pnBsnoqj 
naAas-.Cj.nqj inoqs isjif %v paoB.iqnia S.taqjapiajj 
JO diqsnAVO} aqj, — 'diHi-iXAVOX ^o KOIXO3H3 

■OH3ai3ai3H HXHON 



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JO qo.ini(o .Cub jo jaquiaui b }on qSnoqj 'nop 
-nipsni nA\o siq ni diqsjOA\ sjonpnon nayo pnB 
iCiTiiBijsijq^ |BOT[.)°iiBA[jj UI jaAaipq B SI joioop 
aqx 'sajdionijd Dijpnaios a;ingap no pasBq 
inam^Baji jo niajs.^s b saqsqqB}sa pnB 'aonaios 
jBoipam JO sniajqojd jBajS aq; j[b jo noi}n[os 
oiji^naios B saAiS qoiqA\ ^/asBasifj pnB qqBaff ni 
aonaiog „ pa^pna :>|joa\. a§jBj b jo noijBJiidojd 
aqi ni paSuSna A'[ja}}B[ naaq SBq ajj u''^PP"^H 
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[)nB ^^ ajn,") aAi}uni\[ ,, aqi ,/njjoja|j WM^'^H ^^I^ 
JO ;Cqdoso|iq,]^ aqx ,, Jo joqjnE pnB ^^ 'q5|Baff „ 
pHB j^ qqcajj JO SAVB'X sqx >> }^ jojipa aqj si 
ajj 'noissajojd siq oj SnjiBjaj sioafqns no uad 
XpBaj B spjaiAV jajjB \^ mq \\jjBd uoijiqiqojj 
aq; qjuv saiBijijjB Avon aj-j •soi^qod nt iJBd aAU 
-OB on naqB} SBq aq 'Xonapisajj aip joj aniB|jf •£) 
saniBf pajBuunon qoiqAV A'jJBd siq jo noijnaAiioQ 
a}B}g aq; oj a}BSa[op jo nopisod aq; niojj 
apisB 'inq 'A'jjBd nnoqqnda^j aq; jo sa(dionijd 
ax|; JO a;B.>OApB jsanjBa iib si jojoop aqx 

•;jaqiy 
;sonjB3 pnB •i\[ Bipig 'uapH iaqBj\[ '-^ ;.iaqoa 
'noijBj\[ piiBJvr 8JB najppi(o Jiaijx ■oniBj\[ 
'BniqQ qinog jo ';}ooniddiq; nqof jo ja;qSnBp 
'^looniddiq; -3 aouing o; paijjBni 'i.i_^i 'A'pi^' 
JO qif aq; no sbav ja^jB^w^ •J(7^ qwnugnoo 
Xjjnj SBq sjBa.C pjaAas jo aonaijadxa aq; qoujAV 
'noi;n;i;sni aq; jo A";iJBpuIod aq; pnB ;aani;Baj; 
siq JO ssaoons aq; ni p9;Bj;snouiop naaq sBq 
A"joaq; siq jo ss9u;oajjoo aqx "papioAB iC|[oqAV 



esii 



AXKilOO 3.0 S(1IHSXA\.0X 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1137 



tory of the township. The deseendnnts of John 
Conrad still live in the county, and have con- 
tributed to its material progress. The home- 
stead is now owned by a great-grandson, Dr. 
John A. Conrad. 

John Jacob Dundorc was one of the first 
settlors in the southern part of I'enn, owning 
tracts of land in that township and North 
Heidelberg. He reared a large family, some of 
(lie sons being John and John Jacob. Daughters 
married into the Gerhart and Shaul families. 
I'^-om these are descended the Dundores of the 
western part of the county. On the present 
Iletrich farm lived Joseph Obold, who was the 
grandflither of the older Obolds of the town- 
sliip. He had sons, Philip, George and 
Jiiscjiii, and daughters who married llenjamin 
Haas, Samuel Umbenhauer and Andrew Greth. 
(Jther early families were the Kalbachs, Het- 
richs. Smiths, Kerschners, Kissels and Himmel- 
bergers. 

MoxTNT Pleasant. — This village has a very 
pleasant location on the highlands, on tiie State 
rciad, in the southern part of the township. It 
was not regularly laid out, but lots were dis- 
posed of, according to the demands of the pur- 
chaser, from the farm of Henry Hetrich, land- 
i;wner, who lived in what is now the lower part 
(if tiie village. Where is now the residence of 
( ieorge Stoudt the first house in the place was 
put up by John Hetrich after 1812. Thence a 
residence was occasionally built, until the place 
has attained its present size. In 1885 there 
were about foi-ty buildings, a store and a tavern, 
besides the usual mechanic shops. 

About 1835 Benjamin Haas opened a public- 
house in a building which had previously been 
used as a farm-house. Later, John B. Reber was 
a host at this place. In 1885 Philip Obold was 
the landlord. The first tavern in this locality 
was half a mile southeast, on the State road, 
and kept by Jacob Good. It was discontimied 
al)<uit 18^>0. A store was also kept there. Here 
is now the wagon-factoiy of Frank Gruber, oc- 
cupying a large building and operated by water- 
power since the summer of 1 883 

The first store in the village was kept by 
Elias Obold, who commenced trading in 1851, 
in the building which is occupied by E. Obold 



& Sons, general merchants. The Lower Bern 
post-office was established here, with Joseph 
Obold postmaster, a position which has been 
held since 1864 by P. Reily F. Obold. The 
office has a daily mail from Reading. 

On a fiarm just above the village Dr. Daniel 
Deppen lived and ])raeticed medicine a period 
of forty years. He was the father of four sons, 
who also became physicians, namely, Darius 
Daniel Deppen (Bernville), James W. Dejipen 
(Wernersville), Joseph F. Do])pen and William 
P. Deppen (both at Reading). After Dr. Dan- 
iel Dejipen, his son elames was a ])ractitioner a 
short time at Mount Pleasant, and was succeed- 
ed by Dr. Henry C. Moore; and he, in 1880, 
by the present. Dr. David H. Hain. 

Since 1867 Dr. O. E. Collins & Son, veter- 
inary surgeons, have (extensively practiced their 
profession at this place. 

The manufiicture of cigars is carried on since 
1877 by Jacob D. Madeira. In 1885 a fine 
factory had a working capacity for thirty-five 
iiands. He employed from ten to twenty men 
and boys. Another factoiy, of smaller capacitv, 
is operated by Darius Althouse. 

Plow-making is carried on by E. H. Grnber, 
and coach-making by Isaac H. Gruber. 

In the neighborhood of Scull's Hill, Jacob 
Hicster had an old-time tavern, afterward kept 
by Levi Balthaser, who opened and carried on 
a store in connection with the tavern. Under 
his management the stand became widely known. 
The store has long since been discontinued. Ben- 
jamin Haas also kept an early inn at this place, 
and northwest there were also country taverns 
for many years, which have been converted to 
other uses. 

In the township, aside from the mills noticed 
in the sketch of Bernville, there were, on the 
North-Kill, several miles above the borough, 
fulling and carding-mills, belonging to Peter 
IMogle and Daniel Klahr, both of which have 
been discontinued and the power used to oper- 
ate saw-mills. In their day a large amount of 
work was done and they proved a great accom- 
modation to the people of this part of the 
county. Below Bernville, on the Tulpehoeken, 
are two good water-powers, which were im- 
proved by the Stoudt family, who there erected 



1138 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



mills. Tiic buildings now used were put up 
within the last fifty years. Jacob Bohn is the 
present owner of the lower mill and Harrison 
Kalbach of the upper. Intermediate is the old 
Conrad mill, on a small stream near the canal, 
on which a warehouse had been built for its ac- 
commodation. The water failing, steam was 
supplied, and it is still carried on, with this 
double power, by Joseph B. Conrad. Many 
years ago the Conrnds had a powdor-mill ' at 



dents attending either at Bernville Church, to the 
north, or the Bern, to the soutiiea.st. 



moGUAriiicAT,. 
William UMRENiiArER, is descended from 
German ancestors, his grandfather having been 
Thomas Uudienhauer, the founder of the pres- 
ent thriving borough of Bernville, who resided 
on the farm now owned by the suliject of this 




//T^t^^c^^^-?^ /o^<^i^^^e^^2^c 



this place, which was changed to a clover-mill, 
also long since abandoned. 

Near Bern Church was, in the early history 
of the town.ship, a gun-barrel factory, 0|)erated 
by water-power and owned l)y Henry Deitz. 
Daniel B. Fisher converted this power to other 
use and it now operates a grist-mill. Subse- 
quently steam was added. 

There is no church in this township, the resi- 



> An explosion occurred at this mill on .July 25, lSo8, 
and one man (.Joseph Long) was killed. 



/2-<:<'^^*''^' 



biography, when he was both a farmer and a 
oarj^enter. He married IMaria Catharine Stoudt 
of Penn town.ship and had children — John, 
Peter, Daniel, Magdalena, Catherine and Eliza- 
beth. Peter spent his life as a farmer on 
the homestead where he was born. Pie mar- 
ried Sarah, daughter of John Reber, of the 
same township. Their children are a son, Wil- 
liam, and a d:uighter, Mary, deceased, wife of 
Isaac Kalbach. William Umbenhauer, was 
born on the 21st of June, 1824, on the ances- 
tral land, of which he is now the owner. Pie 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1139 



received such educational advantages as the 
neighboring school afforded with additional op- 
portunities at a Iroarding-school iu Unionville, 
after which two winters were spent in teaching. 
lie then gave his attention exclusively to the 
labor of the farm, and on the death of his father, 
in 1<S()[), inlierited the property. He was, on 
the 7th of September, 1844, married to Su- 
.sanna, daughter of Peter Spang, of North 
Heidelberg township. Their children are 
Thomas S., married to Annie Stover, who has 
four children), Henry S. (married to Jennie 
Siiadel, who has one child), William S. (married 
to Jennie Ilain, whose only daughter is de- 
ceased), Milton S., Isaac S., John S., Daniel S., 
Catherine, and four who are decea.sed. Mr. 
Unibenliauer discontinued the management of 
the fiirm in 1883, which is now in the hands of 
iiis son, Thomas S., and retired from active 
labor. He is a Democrat iu his political associa- 
tions and was in lS(j9 elected justice of the 
puace for his township, wliich office he still 
fills. His ability and upright character have 
caused his services to be frequently iu demand 
as executor, administrator aud guardian. He is 
a director of the Windsor Mutual Fire Insur- 
ance Company of Berks County. He is pul)lic- 
spirited and during the late civil war showed a 
high degree of patriotism by assisting in filling 
the quota of men required from Peun township. 
Mr. Umbeuhauer is a member of the Lutheran 
Church of Bernville. 

CENTEE TOWNSHIP.' 

Erkci'ion of Township. — Upon the aj)pli- 
cation of inhabitants of Bern, Upper Bern and 
I'enn townships for the erection of anew town- 
ship, out of parts of the townships named, the 
Court, on February 16, 1842, appointed An- 
thony Bickel, James Donagan and Matthias S. 
Richards as commissioners to view the district. 
The commissioners went upon the premises, and 
finding that a new di.strict would be advanta- 
geous to the inhabitants, laid off the following- 
territory : 

"Beginning at tlie moutli of tlie Mill Creels, on the 



1 The papers relating to the erection of this township 
could not be found. The facts were taken from the record. 



western banlc of the Sehiiyllvill; theuce S. 64J W. 825 
ps., and S. 4Gi W. 505 ps., to tlie line of Bern Upper 
and Penn townships ; theuce along said line S. 80 W. 
128 p.s.; thence S. 24 E. 6G6 ps., S. 10 E. 560 ps., and 
N. 77 E. 1290 i)s., to the Schuylkill River at the Alt- 
house Bridge; thence up the westerly bank of said 
river about five miles and three-quarters to the place 
of beginning." 

They suggested the name of " Centre." 
Their report was confirmed on January 2, 1843. 
The name of the new township was suggested 
from its locality, which comprised the central 
portion of territory between Bern aud Upper 
Bern townships. 

In 1857 a small triangular tract of land, com- 
prising the extreme southeastern corner of the 
township, was laid off and annexed to Bern 
townsliip. The commissioners were Dauiel 
Potteiger, Henry Reider and Dauiel Schell. 
The following metes and bounds inclosed the 
tract : 

•'Beginning at tlie corner of Bern and Centre town- 
ships, on the river ; thence N. 51 W. CO ps.; thence S. 
42.1 W. 80 ps., to the towiisliiii line ; thence N. 77i E. 
104 ps. to the beginning." 

The quantity cut off was about twelve acres. 

The early taxables of this township are in- 
cluded in the list of taxables of Bern township. 

The industries of Centre, siside from agricul- 
ture, are few, and important only as they are use- 
ful, the small water-power limiting their capacity. 
On Irish Creek, where, iu early days was the 
Wertmau saw-mill, John Becker has in oper- 
ation a grist-mill, whose power is water and 
steam. Near the mouth of that stream is the 
Daubert mill, built by the Ludwigs and which 
was known at times as Westermau's and Ivauff- 
man's mill. The Lenhart grist-mill, south of 
the centre, was built by John Ludwig about 
fifty years ago. It is operated on a small 
scale. 

Along the Schuylkill, lime-stone has been 
profitably quarried for shipment aud the manu- 
facture of lime, carried on liy Jontithan George, 
Frank Bucks and others, more than a dozen 
men finding occupation in that employment. 

Several miles north of Centreport is an old 
tavern-stand opened more than half a century 
ago by Henry Resch. Reuben Ludwig htis 
kept the house the past twenty-one years. 



11-10 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



churches. 
Belleman's Chuucu (Reformed and 
Lutheran) is the oldest Louse of worship iu 
tlie township. The present brick edifice was 
built in 1812, but has since been repaired. Its 
yard is neat and the (cemetery on tlie church 
property is well kept. The laud on whicli tiie 
improvements are situated was secured by 
patent from the commonwealth, November 30, 
1809, wiien a little more than eleven acres were 
granted to Frederick Blatt, Samuel Vortman, 
Casper Freeman aud Nicholas Klein, trustees 
of tiie Lutheran aud German Reformed con- 
gregations, then already existing. Tlie land 
was part of a larger tract which had been sur- 
veyed for Jacob Road, Sejjteraber 12, 1754. 
The organization of tlie German Reformed con- 
gregation was many years earlier. In 1752 
the Rev. Wm. Stoy, wlio was at that time pas- 
tor of the old Tulpchockcn (now Trinity) Churcii, 
prea<'hod in this locality aud his efforts caused 
a small congregation to be formed. In 176!) 
the elder Rev. Wilham Heiidel began preach- 
ing here and soon after a log meeting-house 
was built. He remained until 1782. Eleven 
years later his son, the Rev. Wm. Hendel, D.D., 
began a ministry here which was terminated in 
1815, but whicli was, in many respects, the most 
important period of tiie cliurch, inasmuch as 
it witne.ssed the building of the present house, 
the acquisition of the property aud the adoption 
ofchurcli regulations on September 11, 181. '5. 
At that time the pastor of the Lutheran con- 
gregation was the Rev. Frederick Moyer. After 
the Rev. Dr. Hendel had rolinquislied his 
cliarge, in 1815, the Rev. Phili]) Moyer became 
the jiastor of the Reformed congregation and 
served until 18.'>3. Tiien came a two years' 
pastorate by the Rev. Frederick Herman, fol- 
lowed by the Rev. John A. Liesse, until 1840. 
Next came the Rev. Isaac ISIiesse, who closed 
his twenty-four years' jiastorate in 1864 and 
was succeeded by the Rev. Franklin H. 
Swartz, who left the congregation in 1870. 
In 1872, after the congregation iiad been with- 
out a regular pastor two years, the Rev. R. S. 
Appel took charge. A feeling of discontent, 
which had been brooding a long time, now 
manifested itself to the great detriment of the 



spiritual condition of the congregation, which 
was almost rent in twain. Lately these diifer- 
ences have been liarmonized to some extent 
and the congregation again supplied with 
preaching. In 1885 the pastor was tiie Rev. 
M. H. Misliler, and the membersliip of the 
congregation was nearly four hundred. Tiie 
Lutiieran congregatiou was about one liundred 
less and tiie Rev. B. I). Zwcitzig was tlie pas- 
tor. 

Near tlie church is a new cemetery, recently 
opened by Isaac Graeft', which has been neatly 
improved. 

Jerusalem Church (Evangelical Associa- 
tion) is near the village of Centreport, on a lot 
of land set aside for church purposes by Chris- 
topher Kline. It has sittings for about five 
hundred persons, and was liuilt in 1862. A 
short distance from the church is the cemetery 
of half an acre of ground, maintained by the 
congregation. Among the first members here 
were Christopher, Benjamin and John Kline, 
Joshua Reber, William Zuber, John Dunkel- 
berger and Daniel Lindenmuth. In 1885 
there were nearly fifty members, who had theii' 
ministerial service supplied by the Womelsdorf 
Circuit. A Sunday-school, formerly main- 
tained here, is now held at the school-house at 
Centreport. 

Brethren Mei;tin(;-IIouse. — East of Cen- 
treport is the meetiug-house of the Brethren or 
Duukards. It has a fine location for the wants 
of its worshippers, on half an acre of ground 
secured from the farm of Reuben Yoder. 1'he 
house is a plain brick, of large capacity, and was 
built in 1867. One-fourth of a mile distant is 
the burial-ground, taken from Emanuel Yoder's 
farm. The members come from the surround- 
ing townships to worship here and number 
about eighty. The preachers in 1885 were 
Jeremiah Rothermcl and Joshua aud Israel 
Koenig. 

VILLAGE.S. 

MoHRSViLLE. — After the completion of the 
Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, and the 
location of a station opposite the hamlet of 
Mohrsville, in Perry township, a small village was 
begun in that locality. It includes now about 
thirty buildings. The depot was built iu the 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1141 



fall of 1841, and since December, 1842, Seth 
Zimmerman has been station agent. Being a 
central shipping-point, with easy roads leading 
to it, a large amount of business is done. The 
hotel opposite was built in 1851 bv John Y. 
lletfncr, and was kept by him sixteen years. 
Since 1867 it has been the property of Daniel 
Kautfman. The store building wa.s put up at a 
later day by John G. and John Y. Hetfnor, 
and had a number of oc'cupants. The firm 
at present in business is composed of Isaac 
Fraunfelder and James Wagner. 

A few miles up the road is Shocmakersville 
Station, also in Centre townshij), consisting of 
a depot building only. It was located in 1862. 

Ckxtukville is a village in the south- 
western part of the township, near the Bern 
line. It became a business point moi'e than 
iialf a (century ago, when John Rick opened a 
store there and also carried on a tannery in the 
neighborhood. Subsequently Charles Rick was 
in business. The last merchant was William 
Bentz. Here is a post-office calk;d " Garfield," 
supplied with tri-weekly mails from Mount 
Pleasant. It was established January 28, 1880, 
with Joseph L. Loose as postmaster, a position 
which is now held by Monroe Bender. 



BETHEL TOWNSIIIP. 

Erection of Township. — The township of 
Bethel occupies the extreme northwestern por- 
tion of the county. Its boundary lines are the 
apex of the Blue Mountain on the north, the 
Swatara Creek on the east and south, and the 
Lebanon County line on tlie west, which enclose 
about twenty-seven thousand acres. 

In the course of migration the early settlers 
entered this territory about 1733, immediately 
after the Indians had sold the land lying be- 
tween the Blue Mountain and the South Moun- 
tain. Previously, at least ten years, the country 
lying to the west of the Swatara Creek and to 
the south of the Blue Mountain was known by 
the name of Lebanon ; and to the east and south 
of this disti'ict the country was known as Tul- 
pehocken Manor. These districts were then 
iucluded in (Chester County, and in 1729 they 
Ijecame part of Lancaster County. In May, 



1739, the court at Lancaster ordered the town- 
ship of Lebanon to be divided by a line "be- 
ginning at the Swatara Creek, at a stone ridge, 
oue-half mile below John Tittle's, and continu- 
ing along said ridge eastwardly to Tulpehockeu 
Township, to the north of Tobias Bickel's, so as 
in its course to leave John Benargle, Adam 
Steel, Thomas Ewersly and Matthias Tice to the 
south of said line ; that the northern division be 
Cidled Bethel and the southern division 
Lebanon." 

Shortly before this division was ordered, a 
Moravian meeting-house was erected in that 
locality, not far from the Swatara Creek, and 
named "Bethel." When the surrounding ter- 
ritory was erected into a township, the prom- 
inence of this building, in (connection with the 
religious sentiment of the inhabitants, naturally 
suggested a proper name by which it should be 
known. In 1752, upon the erei'tion of Berks 
County, the county line extended through this 
townshij) and divided it into two nearly ecpial 
[larts. The eastern part, iucluded with Bci-ks 
County, retained the same name. And it has been 
so recognized til 1 now. No efforts have been made 
to divide the township into smaller districts on 
account of its large extent — ^it being in length 
nearly eleven miles and in width four miles — as 
they were made in the division of other large 
townships in this section, Tulpehocken, Heidel- 
berg and Bern. 

lu 1791 the northern boundary line, on the 
top (if the mountain, was established by a 
survey and proceedings in the Court of (iuarter 
Sessions. 

Early Settlers. — In 1733 a patent was 
issued to Thomas Freame (described as residirg 
in Philadelphia), for ten thousand acres, situa- 
ted on the Swatara Creek and adjoining the land 
of the proprietaries and of Thomas Lower, 
This large tract was taken up in pursuance of 
ten warrants. It extended across the Swatara 
into Tulpehocken township. It was sometimes 
called a " Manor." 

The following tracts were sold out of this 
mauor, in Bethel township. Freame died 
possessed of a great portion. 



ivife to Wniiani I'araon 
■' to Juliu lluliurliut'. 



Acres. 
i (Philadfliihia.) 3431^ 



1142 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



175r> Freauie's Kxecutors to William Parsons 101) 

1725 " " to John Etrics 188 

1759 " •' to George Lasb 441 

17i;3 " " to Leonard Swartz 271 

17fill Freamc-'s Devisee (daughter) to liatdorff. «:! 

ITllil '• " to ChristoiilierRoyer l^'t 

noii " " to George Einmert '-5o 

1706 " " to Leonard Miller and Martin Emmert....l9oV^ 

17f,§ " " to Cliristian Newconiet 173 

1770 " " to Peter Meyer 247 

177(1 " " to George Anspach 147 

Other tracts were talieu up as follows : 

17:i8 Martin Cappeller, for 2li() acres. 
1740 George Pollinger, for :i52 " 
n.'iO .laeoli Ilofflaan, for 18n 

Indian Cruelties. — This townsiiip was 
conspiciious during the incursions anil cruelties 
by tlie Indians from 1766 till 1763.' More 
than sixty of its inhabitants were murdered. A 
prominent fort stood in the township, several 
miles north from Millersburg. on the road to 
Pine Grove, immediately below " Round Head," 
having been eret^ted there about 1754. It was 
called "Fort Henry."'- The spot is still 
pointed out l»y the neighboring inhabitants. 
This fort was a large log building, about forty 
by sixty feet, surrounded by a stockade. It af- 
forded protection to many alarmed people who 
Hed into it for refuge when the Indians entered 
tiie township. It was situated in " The Hole," 
a peculiar, large depression of the earth's surface 
between two ridges of tiie mountain. It was 
called bv the early neighboring inhabitants 
'' DcrLoch" — the hole or hollow. This iiollow 
extends some miles to the east and west of the 

' See Clmptcr ou " Frencli and luiliaii War." 
'^Ur. W. II. Ugle, in bis " History uf Pennsylvania," p. 
8G7, locates tlxis fort in liebanon County. He states: This 
fort was erected in IToli liy Captain Christian Bus.se, by 
onler of Governor IMoriis. In January, 1756, Governor 
Morris orJcreil him '• to proceed as soon as possible with 
the company under your couiinaud to the gap where the 
Swatara comes through the mountains, and in some con- 
venient place there to erect a fort of the form and dimen- 
sions licrewitli given, unless you shall judge the stockade 
already erected there eouveniently placed, in which case 
you, will take pos.session, and make such additional work 
as you may think necessary to make it sufficiently strong." 
it is possible that Dr. ligle is correct in locating a fort in 
Lebanon County where the Swatara passes tiirough the 
mountains. 15nt it is certain that Captain Busse was sta- 
tioned in the fort in Berks County; and it is probable 
that when he reached this locality — "The Hole" — he 
found "the stockade already erected there" and "con- 
veniently pl.aced ; " and, upon taking possession, he added 
certain work "to make it suHicicntly strong." 



gap in the ridge of the mountain where the fort 
stootl. The eastern side is formed by the rocky 
eminence called " Round Head " (in German 
" Rund Kopf"). The people here call the 
eastern extremity of the hollow " Der Klein 
Loch " (The Little Hole) and the western or 
greater extremity "Der Grosz Loch" (The Big 
Hole). The latter extenda to tite Swatara 
Creek. It is .sometimes called " Monroe Val- 
ley," having taken its name after a furnace of 
this name erected in the valley by Jonathan 
Scidel, from Robeson township. The lower 
boundary of this valley is called " Steiiiig IJerg" 
(Stony Hill).^ 



^ Extracts taken from an article entitled " Round Head," 
which was prepared by the author of this history and pub- 
lished in the Rmdin;/ Times July Tl, 1880: 

"Over a thousand feet above the level of the sea, and 
overlooking the fertile valleys and rolling hills of Berks and 
Lebanon Counties for six hundred square miles, it stands 
high above the surrounding country, a monument of natural 
wonder, a witness of nature's teri-ible convulsions, a mark 
of prehistoric times. Where is the mind thai can jienetrate 
into its hoary history, wliere tlie pen thnt can portray its 
grandeur and glory? How many million times have the 
magnificent beams of the morning sun crowned its towering 
head with a halo of light, first befoi e reaching the rocks and 
trees below, as they tlathed over Penn's Mount, across the 
Schuylkill and the rolling country, far on to the West; and 
how many times have the same beams, after showering their 
life-giving warmth and brightness upon industrious villivges 
and towns that now are along the 'I'lilpehocken and Swa- 
tara, and upon the valleys and hills that now are divided 
into numerous productive farms, left it last before they were 
drawn in behind the western hills I 

"Thousands of years ago, wben the waters under the 
heaven were gathered together and the dry land appeared, 
what a spectacle must have been in this locality ! The first 
speck of earth— as upon .Ararat's famous height — to feel the 
rushing of the mighty winds and to see the roaring waters 
assuage, what a witness of ages gone by ! And when the 
angry waves ceased to wash its ruggeil sides, and the great 
law of gravity was exerting ilself to the utmost to reduce 
.■ill tilings to a cijinmon level, what a crashing and a thun- 
dering must have reverberated in the valleys round-about, 
as the great rocks rolled from their primeval beds down 
into the gorge before it, seven hundred feet below ! 

" ."Vnd this is 'Round Head' — so called for over one 
hundred years — a projection from the Blue Mountain in 
Bethel township, the northwestern section of Berks County, 
three miles north from the village of Millersburg and 
twenty-eight from the city of Reading. 

****** 

" What was all this grand country a thousand years ago ? 
Where are the records to give us to know who inhabited 
these mountains and hills, these valleys and streams ? Were 
wild animals here alone and undisturbed? Was the eagle 



TOWNSHIPS OP COUNTY. 



1143 



Taxablks of 1759 
ment list comprised the 
tax levied then was £1 
was the collector : 



In 1759 the assess- 
followingtaxablcs. The 
2 19.S'. Wendell Scidel 





. . . 3 




., 


Cliristian Bnttoi-f .... 
I'oter Bickel»r,Jr. . . . 


. . . 2 

. . . 1 

. . 3 

. . . 2 
. . .10 

. . . 1 

. . . 5 
. . . 1 
. . .10 


Christiipher Nowmmot ... 2 


Ili-nry Bergi r .... 

< Iforge Berger 

A'lain Cassel 

X\iniam Crickliaum . . . 

Ili'iii-y Cerring 

Amlrc'm Creitzer .... 

.l!ii^i>li Cervon 

Lmiwig Derr 

Ailuni Diiniel 


('}iri8topIior Koycr . . . 
John Il(!eil .... 

Ahraliuiii Reiver 

Cliiistiipher .Stump .... 

Ca.tper Siinvely 

Won.llo Seiillo 

Weiidlo Rclmtt 

LeimarJ Swartz 

BaUlni.S(.-l- Suiitli 

iririchSpiMO 

Daniel Snider 

Martin Shny 

Dietricli Sixtli 

Nieli.iliis Seilzinger .... 

Martin Ti-ftBtcr 

Freiloricli Trester .... 

Jaeiib Tony 

Ni.holnH Wolf 

Adam Walljorn 

Miclniel Willaiid 


3 
. . 3 
. . S 
. .1-1 
. . 4 
. . 1 
. . 1 


•Fohn Frant/. . . 

Ci in rail Fei-ster 

Nfchulna Goliliarilt . . . 
(JtiriHtoplier noiT4)li] . . 


... 2 
. . . 1 
. . . 2 
. . . :! 


. . 1 
. . 1 


Aiidiviis Kroamcv . . . 
<'liri»f..pln.rKiM-l.i.| . . . 

V.,:.,m- l.ash 

I'i't.T Mowor 


. . . 4 
. . . 2 

... 20 


. . 2 

. . 1 


PfttT Moyer 















soaring aloft with wing.s uiifurleil over tbis rocky eminence 
walcliing the sparkling ripples in (he meandering si ream 
below or the gamhols of (he ileer .and fawn laving here and 
slaking their thirst? Were men and » omen and children 
here struggling, ,as now they arc, in the hot sun for siihsist- 
once? Were buildings and temples and peace and pros- 
perity here ? No paper, no parchment, no papyrus is here 
to inform us what civiliz.ation existed ; tlie ploughshare has 
turned up no ornamented and tinely-chiseled stones with 
hieroglyphic inscriptions ; no famous Bayeux tapestry has 
been handed down from generation (o generation to tell us 
Ihat here, too, as in Britain, a William reigned. 

*' Even five hundred years ago our wiiole country was 
unknown — so it is supposed — and one hundred years far- 
ther down in the course of time Columbus was only con- 
duiling that a country must be here where we now are. 
and begging for aid to help him re.alize the grand venture 
of his life ; one hundred years more settlements were only 
begun along the Atlantic coast, and the first ideas of gov- 
ernment were only introduced in (his benighted land ; 
fifty years more the Swedes only began their settlements 
on the Delaware and Schuylkill, and fifty more Pcnn only 
landed here with his great. charter from King Charles tlie 
Second for the government of Pennsylvania. 

"Only? This seems like trifling with time. We speak 
of centuries then .as years now. And well we can : for 
what transpired along the Schuylkill, the Tuipehocken 
and the Swatara before 1680? In England the noblemen 
trace back their ancestry and government for centuries; in 
Germany they go still farther back, and (he Maharajah of 
.leypore a thousand years. Think of it! Two humlred 
years ago our people here were only in reality beginning 
t(i live and understand free civil government. Then the 
great grandsires of our forefathers were only developing 
the great ideas of independent thought and religious tolera- 
tion in France and Germany. Then the Monceys, the most 



Earia' Settlers. — Among the early set- 
tlers was Jacob Bordner, from whom have de- 
scended the Borduers of the township. He lived 
first in Tuipehocken, but located finally near 
where Millerslxirg now is, where he remained 
until his death. He had .sons named Jacob 
and John, and daughters, who married Adam 
Weber, Christopher Deck, Christian Knabcl 
and Christo))her Lebo. Michael Miller, the 
founder of Millcr.sburg, had one son, I.*nac, w ho 
remained in the townshi]), and another, Jos('|>h,^ 
in the public service at Harrisburg many 
years. Along the Swatara lived the Frantz 
faniil)'. Westward, among the older faniilies 
were the Newcomet, Grove, Roycr, Batdorff, 
Walborn and Kurr fiimilies. 

DiEDRicH Schneider's Inn. — Three miles 
east from Millersburg, on the State road, is an 
old inn, whii^h is a land-mark in the township, 



warlike tribe of^ (he Lcnapc Indians, were roving at lib- 
erly over these mountains and valleys with no one to 
moles! tliem, no one to interfere; and then they tr.ailed 
peacefully wilh and sohl their lands to the Engli.sh at and 
about the mouth of the Schuylkill. 

" But the next hundred .years brought about a grcal 
change in this locality. Leaving their homes and all Ihoir 
great antiquity, the e.arly German settlers crossed the per- 
ilous ocean and located here in tliis township of Bethel, one 
hundred miles from the sea, in (he wilderness, at the very 
foot of the mountains, far enough, they thought, from civ- 
ilization, and out of the re.ich of encroachments on their 
personal rights. What terrible, overhanging cruelty drove 
them hither? what fear induced them to fly from their 
homes and face the dangers of the Atl.anlic' what fond 
hopes inspired (hem with cou.-age to travel into an un- 
known, uncultivated land, and risk their freedom and their 
lives with a race of matchless brutes and barbarians ? Was 
it religious enthusiasm that induced these excellent and 
industrious husbjmdmen and artisans, with their families, 
lo come here to evangelize the Indians? or did they wish 
to be free men and women, unfettered by thraldom and 
away from war, bloodshed and death ' 

" As early as 1740, settlements were made here. Then 
all this section of country was apart of Lancaster County. 
Then the Moravians organized a congregation several miles 
east of the ' Swatara Gap ; ' and then, or soon after, they 
erected a two-story log meeting-house which they called 
'Bethel Church.' 

" And then it was that these earnest people were free 
and happy. But little did they think that their good work 
was gracluallj' developing in the natives a bitter resentment. 
The re<l men of (he woods, the hardy dwellers in frail hab- 
itations, the unlettered worshippers of the 'Great Spirit,' 
whose hearts had not yet been pierced witii the conviction 
of Christ and His precepts, could not believe that their 



1144 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



having been in existence tlie better part of a 
linndred years, as the property of tlie Sehhise- 
num family. On the mountain, northeast from 
this point, in Schuylkill County, but on a farm 
which lies partly in Berks, was the home of the 
celebrated Diedrich Schneider, who died in 
1817, and was buried in the old cemetery at 
Rehrersburg. His wife, Dolly, whose maiden- 
name was Dorothea Hopp, continued the public- 
house after his death, and is well remembered 
as the keeper of tliat hostelry, noted for its 
plain, but unmistakable hospitality. She was 
a woman of remarkable vigor of body, and it 
is said, could dance as nimbly at the age of 
ninety-five as a young girl. Before her death 
the vicissitudes of life overtook her and she 
was taken to the Schuylkill (bounty poor-iiouso, 
where she died at the age of one hundred and 
seven years. The locality was long known as 
"Dolly Schneider's," after the house was al)an- 
doned. On the Sunl)ury road, nearly three 
miles from Millersburg, was an old inn, about 
l.SOO, known as Lechner's, which after its de- 
struction by fire, was not rebuilt as a tavern. A 
mile nearer the mountain, on the same road, 
was the inn of Francis Umbenhauer, who died 
in 1812; this afterwards became the projx'rty 
of George Batz. 

strange visitors sliould be such generous philanthropists 
as to come so far, without any pecuniary rewarJ, for their 
especial happiness anil salvation. Their lands were oceupied 
and cultivated, their fish and game were taken, the products 
of their soil were consumed. What was all this for ? whence 
the right to e.xercise such privileges? They could not 
understand the various inquiries made of them for the 
purchase of their lands and hunting-grounds ; so they be- 
came suspicious and believed that an enemy in shee))'s 
clothing was in their midst, endeavoring, by apparent kind- 
ness and unselfish devotion for their soul's salvation, to 
gain an advantage over them which would end in their 
conquest. The relations, however, continued unbroken 
till the breaking out of the war between France and 
England for American possessions. Then their suspicion 
ami resentment was fanned into a flame of hate and 
i-evenge by the French. Then it was that these pio- 
neers, these fierman settlers, these, the forefathers 
of our citizens, in Bethel, s.acrificed their precious 
lives on the altar offreedom; then, here in this pic- 
turcsijue hollow at the gorge, ' Fort Hk.xkt ' was built for 
the protection of our early families from the scalping-knife 
and tomahawk of the savage ; and then, of all our country, 
this was the battle-ground where the greatest cruelty was 
exercised, and where the most people were slain.'' 



Indi'stries. — ^In this locality a tannery was 
formerly carried on by John and afterward bv 
David B. Jierch, which was discontinued in 
1866. West was another small ttiiuun-y by a 
man named Barto ; and near by a fulling-mill 
last operated by Philip Brown ; near Frys- 
town Thomas Kurr htid a distillery, which has 
long since been abandoned, as well as otlier dis- 
tilleries of small capacity in various parts of the 
township. The Crosskill Mills were built by 
Abraham Newcomet, soon after the settlement 
of the township. Part of the old mill-hou.se 
still remains. The mill proper has been much 
improved, and steam-power added ; Emaiuicl 
Spaunuth is the present proprietor. On the 
Swtitara, a few miles from Millersiiiu'g Jacob 
jNIiller early used the power at that point to 
operate grist and saw-mills. Tiiese became the 
property of Peter Weidcner, and later of Daniel 
Weideuer, who now carries them on. Ea.'^tward, 
on a brancli of the Swatara, Conrad Chri.st had 
a small gri.st-mill, to which a saw-mill was 
added, and which ai'c still operated Ity Jacob 
Ebling. ix'thel is distinctly devoted to agri- 
culture, the foregoing mills doing only the cus- 
tom work the country demands. 

oiirn('iiE.s. 

Sai-em Church (Lutheran and Reformed) 
is one-half mile southeast of Millersburg, at 
the intersection of two public roads. It was 
put up in 1810. A steeple was added to the 
church and other improvements made about 
1856, and an organ was supplied at a more re- 
cent day. When built, on a lot of ground 
given for this purpose by Godfrey Rehrer, it 
was intended for the exclu.sive use of the Ger- 
man Reformed denomination, which had 
among its meinber.s, at that time, Jacob Bord- 
ner, John Klein, John Royer, John Ziei)ach, 
John Lerch, Leonard Miller and Michtiel ]\Iil- 
ler. About 1850 the Lutherans arranged for 
an interest in the proj)erty, and a congregation 
was organized by the Rev. Thomas laeger, who 
preached every four weeks. The j)ctitioners to 
secure this arrangement were Martin Smith 
and Solomon ShrefHer. This congregation has 
flouri.shed, one hundred members being reported 
in 1885, with Rev. D. D. Trexler as pastor. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1145 



In 1880 twenty-five members of the Lutheran 
congregation withdrew from the Salem Church, 
and organized themselves into a new body for 
tiie |)urpose of holding separate worship. They 
secured the use of the school building at Mil- 
lersburg, and Rev. J. J. Cressman as pastor, 
meeting regularly until the spring of 1885, 
since which time the interest has been allowed 
ti) decline. The organization is now imper- 
fectly maintained. 

Tiie German Reformed congregation had 
two hundred and seventy members in 1885, 
with the Rev. H. J. Welker as pastor. 

German Baptist Mketinc* Houses. — In 
the township are two meeting-houses belonging 
to this denomination, popularly cjilled " Dun- 
kards." The one north of Millersburg is a 
large building of uncut stone and was put up 
about thirty years ago. It stands on a lot taken 
from the David Merkey farm and has a grave- 
yard attached. The meeting-house at Frystown 
was built a dozen years ago. It is a frame of 
large proportions. With it is also a burial plat. 
Both these meeting-houses are arranged with the 
necessary conveniences to celebrate the ordi- 
nances of this sect. The membership is strong 
in Bethel. The meetings rotate with those in 
Tulpehockeu, and among tho.se who occasionally 
expound the word are Revs. Pautz, Ilartzler 
and Klein. 



Millersburg is a village situated in the central 
section of the township, near the base of the Blue 
Ridge. It has a large school building, three 
jniblic-houses, one grocery and one drug-store, 
and two general stores. It was laid out by 
Michael Mill«-, September 17, 1814, the town 
])lan including fifty-two lots. He lived in the 
lower part of the place, in part of the house now 
knownasKurr's tavern, which was thefirstbuild- 
ing in the village. George Leidner put up the 
second house in 1817, the same being a part of 
the present Centre House, and which, like the 
Kurr house, has always been devoted to the 
entertainment of the public. Leidner kept his 
inn about twenty-five years, and had as a suc- 
cessor Daniel Bordner. In their early history 
the patronage was very large, scores of teams on 
97 



the way to Reading or points on the canal, be- 
fore the building of the railroad, stopping there. 
The third public-house, a three-story brick, was 
built by Daniel Althouse in 1854 and Jonathan 
Miller was the landlord. This is now known 
as the " Bordner House." 

The third building in the place is opposite 
the Centre House and was put up by Adam 
Weber in 1818, who occupied it until his death, 
in 1854. In all this time he followed his occu- 
pation of pump-maker and was succeeded by 
his son, John, at the same business. 

The principal early settlers of the village and 
their occupations were the following : 

Michael Millnr, fanner and inn-keeper; George 
Leidner, inn-keeper; Adam Weber, pump-maker; 
Philip Hunsicker, carpenter ; Peter Herring, hatter : 
Frederick Ressler, wagon-maker ; Michael Schmelt- 
zer, blacksmith; William Blecher, tailor ; Christian 
Swope, cooper ; Absalom Klinger, weaver; Thomas 
Bordner, coverlet-weaver; Abraham Clark, merchant; 
Charles Cummins, merchant; Frederick Harner, mer- 
chant ; Thomas Rehrer, merchant. 

The latter built the first brick house about 
1820, using the .same for a store-room and did 
business there several years. He was succeeded, 
in order, by Abraham Clark, Chas. Cummins, 
Daniel Althouse and others. Since 1879, Eras- 
mus Gerhart has had a drug-store in the building. 
•Jacob Tice ojiened the second place of business 
about 18.30, and soon came Frederick Harner, 
on the site occupied by the store of Tyrus 
Lerch, who has been in trade since 1860. Jones 
& Bechtel opened another place of business 
after 1840, in which G. M. F. Rick was in 
successful trade many years, followed, in 1885, 
by his son, Geoi'ge, in a building adjoining the 
old stand. 

Ever since the village has had an existence, 
the .stores have had a large volume of busine-sss, 
attracting the trade of the surrounding country. 

The post-office at Millersburg bears the name 
of Bethel. It was established in 1827, with 
Abraham Clark as postmaster. Subsequently 
the office was held by Charles Cummins, Fred- 
erick Harner, and after 1861, by G. M. F. 
Rick. Since October, 1885, the postma.ster has 
been William Kline. The office has two mails 
per day from Reading and Myerstown. 

The principal practitioners of medicine at 



1U(3 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Millersburg were Doctor Henry Swope, from 
about 1828 until his death ; Doctor Abraham 
Ruth, a few years only ; Doctor David Bat- 
dorff, for thirty-five years, dying in 1874 ; Doc- 
tor Willoughby Kline and Doctor J. V. 
Albert, each a few years ; Doctor James Y. 
Kline, one year ; Doctor Henry Batdorff, for 
the past eight years; and Doctor D. M. Bat- 
dorff, since 1866. The latter is a nephew of 
Doctor Daniel Batdorff, with whom he studied 
and located here after his graduation. Doctor 
Henry Brown has been a reputable veterin- 
ary surgeon in Bethel the past forty years. 

Bethel Lodge, No. 820, I. 0. 0. F., was in- 
stituted at Millersburg January 11, 1873. In 
1885 the lodge was reported flourishing, with a 
membership of sixty. 

One of the first acts of Michael Miller, when 
he laid out the village, was to set aside a lot for 
an English school, upon which the present 
school building stands. The first house was of 
logs, small in dimensions. Horatio Jones, 
who came to this place from Chester County, 
was the first teacher who succeeded in awaken- 
ing an interest in the English, and it was from 
him that the first English in this locality was 
learned, the convereation up to his time having 
been wholly in Pennsylvania German. The old 
log house was replaced b}' a small brick building. 
Afterward a two-story brick building was sub- 
stituted ; and this proving too small, a larger 
brick building was put up. The school affairs 
are conducted successfully. 

The business of manufacturing pipe-organs 
has been carried on in the township by the 
Dieffenbach family more than one hundred years. 
One of the first instruments of importance was 
the organ made for the Tidpehocken Churcli 
by Jacob Dieffenbach in 1787, at his place, of 
residence, one and one-half miles from Millers- 
burg. He was succeeded by his eldest son. 
Christian, and the latter by David Dieffenbach, 
father of the present organ-builder at Millers- 
burg. The organs built by the Dieffenbachs 
are remarkable for their durability, power and 
sweetness of tone, many of them having been 
continuously in use for .several generations. 
Some of the larger organs built were for the 
Tulpehocken Church, in 1787; Beruville 



Ciuirch, in 1796; New Hanover Church, in 
1800; Orwigsburg Church, in 1808; Host 
Church, in 1812; and Rehrersburg Church, in 
1816; and also for the churches at Stouchsburg, 
Strausstown, Klopp's, Mount Zion, Epler's and 
Millersburg. The present proprietor has given 
his attention to the business exclusively for the 
past fifteen years. He has in his possession a 
good pipe-organ made by his great-grandfather 
in 1780. 

Freystown. — In 1823 Martin Frey pur- 
chased a tract of land, containing seventy-seven 
acres and twenty-one perches, in the southwestern 
portion of the township ; and in 1830 belaid 
out a town thereon, and named it " Freys- 
town." The town-plan included one hundred 
and eighty-one lots. The dimensions of each 
lot were sixty-six by one hundred and ninety- 
eight feet. The lots were chanced off by 
lottery, each ticket selling for ten dollars. The 
following lots were sold during October, 1830: 

No. 48. — Abraham Newcommet. 

No. 89. — Jacob Kurr and Henry Schall. 

No. 90. — Jobn Holsman. 

No. 93. — Benjamin HefTelfinger. 

No. 94. — John Xander and George Anspach. 

No. 95. — David Knoll and George Diel. 

No. 96. — Henry Spitter. 

No. 132. — Benjamin Batdorf. 

No. 134. — Jacob' Kurr and Henry Sthull. 

No. 1.36. — Isaac Seibert. 

No. 137. — Jobn Brown. 

No. 138.— Michael Bashore. 

No. 140. — Jacob Stewart. 

No. 142. — Jacob Reedy. 

No. 143. — John Bordner. 

No. 150.— Peter Daub. 

The chief industry here is a tannery, wliich 
was established by Elias Frantz .soon after 
1830, and carried on by him many years. 
The business is now in the hands of Henry 
Frantz, and the jiroductg are all kinds of oak- 
tanned leather. 

The store at this point had among its first 
keepers Peter Lutz, who also had a public- 
house. The Cros»-Kill Mills post-office was 
established here in 184-', and kept first at the 
mills whose name it bears, west of the handet. 
A daily mail from Myerstown is supplied, the 
office being on the JSIillersburg route. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1147 



SCHUYLKILL SECTION. 
The first settlers in the lower western section 
of the county migrated from Philadelphia 
County, across the Schuylkill, about 1715. 
They paid taxes for some years as assessed citi- 
zens of" Mahauatawny " (afterward Amity), in 
this county. The asses.sors of Chester County 
tiien included them also in their list of tax- 
ables. This caused them to complain, and they 
accordingly, in March, 1720, presented a peti- 
tion to the Executive Council of the province, 
in which they represented, — 

" That, whereas the Commissioners for the county of 
Chester have attempted of late to make us pay taxes 
in the county of Chester, notwithstanding we have 
ever tiuce our first settlement jjaid our taxes in the 
county of Philadelphia ; 

"And your humble petitioners having no trade with 
Chester, and seeing it is impossible for us to have any 
tolerable convenient road to Chester by reason oi 
rocks and mountains ; 

" And considering that the county of Philadelphia, 
if bounded, by the Schuylkill will not be above seven 
or eight miles broad at this place by an indifferent 
computation, and the county of Cheater, if bounded 
by the Schuylkill aforesaid, will be near fifty miles 
broad by the like computation ; 

" And considering that we must carry the produce 
of our labor to market at or near Philadelphia, which 
is forty or fifty miles, to purchase money to pay our 
taxes and defray the several charges we shall be inci- 
dent to by public services if we be taken into Chester 
county, which will be a very great burden upon us ; 

'' The aforesaid considerations, your humble peti- 
tioners hope, are sufficient reason for us to pray your 
Honors that the counties may be divided, and that 
if possible, we may be (as heretofore) inhabitants in 
the county of Philadelphia, though on the west side 
of the Schuylkill." 

This petition was signed by Israel Robeson, 
Francis Hughes, Henry Bell, John Sinclair, 
John Rumford and about forty more persons." 
The Council ordered the secretary " to inquire 
of the situation and case of the petitioners and 
report his opinion thereupon to the Board.'' 
On February 1, 1721, he reported that he was 
not able to find any authentic order for the 
division of the counties. . . . 

" That he finds most of the petitioners passed over 
the Schuylkill from the settlements on the eastern 
side of it, which were considerable before there were 
any of note on the western side so high up that river, 

' The names could not be ascertained. 



and accounting themselves to be still in Philadelphia 
county as they had been before they passed the 
river, they were accordingly taxed in the township 
formerly called Mahauatawny, but now Amity, town- 
ship, there being no practicable road nor convenient 
communication between those parts and Chester." 

The board, after consideration of the case, 
ordered " that the commissioners and assessors 
of Chester County should, until the matter 
could be more effectually settled, forbear to 
claim those inhabitants," . . . and that they 
" be permitted to pay their taxes and do all 
other duties to the county of Philadelphia, as 
formerly, without any further molestation," etc. 

The Schuylkill section included a consider- 
able portion of Chester County in the vicinity, 
and for many miles north, of French Creek to 
the Cacoosing. In 1729 all that portion of 
this section northwest of a line which extended 
through Union township, northeast by nortii 
twenty-one hundred perches, to the Schuykill, 
at a point a short distance below the mouth 
of the Sixpenny Creek, was separated from 
Chester County, and included in the new 
county then erected, and named ".Lancaster." 
And in 1752 this portion, together with a tri- 
angular tract of land lying to the east of this 
liue, was included in Berks County. 

Streams. — In this section there is no con- 
spicuous stream which extends branches into 
its several parts, as in the three sections, — 
Manatawny, Ontelaunee and Tulpehocken. It 
has, however, numerous creeks. All trend 
northeastwardly and empty into the Schuylkill, 
draining about four-fifths of its territory. The 
other fifth comprises Caernarvon, drained en- 
tirely by the Conestoga, the southern part of 
Brecknock by Muddy Creek and the southern 
part of Spring by Little Muddy Creek, into 
Lancaster County. 

The streams worthy of special mention are 
Wyomissing, Angelica, Allegheny, Hay and 
Sixpenny, whose total length is about thirty- 
eight miles. 

There are several smaller .streams, which also 
empty into the Schuylkill, with a total length 
of about fifteen miles. The length of all the 
.streams in this section is about three-fourths as 
great as the streams in the other respective sec- 
tions. 



1148 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Hills. — A cousiderable portion of this sec- 
tion consists of wood-land, especially in Breck- 
nock, Curarii, Robeson and Union townships. 
In the first three townships named the hills 
constitute what is generally called " The For- 
est," and in Union they constitute part of 
" Chestnut Ridge," which extends into Chester 
County. 

IxTERXAL Improvements — Numerous pub- 
lic roads intersect this section. The most prom- 
inent are the following : " Schuylkill Road," 
which extends along the Schuylkill from the 
mouth of the Tulpehocken to the Chester Coun- 
ty line, a length of sixteen mile? ; " Berks and 
Dauphin Turnpike," "Lancaster Road," "New 
Holland Road," " Morgantown Road," and the 
"Conestoga Turnpike," the latter extending 
through the southern portion of Caernarvon 
township, via Morgantown, in length three 
miles. All excepting the last lead from Read- 
ing. 

The "Schuylkill Canal " extends along and 
near bj' the bank of the Schuylkill, from the 
southern line of Reading, at the foot of" Never- 
sink," through Cumru, Robeson and Union 
towuskips, a length of fifteen miles, and the 
\^ " Union Canal " through a part of Spring and 
■ Cumru, along the Tulpehocken Creek and the 
Schuylkill, a length of about three miles. 

The Lebanon Valley Railroad extends from 
Reading,diagoually through Spring, via Sinking 
Spring, a length of five and a half miles ; tiie 
Wilmington and Northern from Reading, 
through Cumru, Robeson, Union and Caernar- 
von, via Poplar Neck, Birdsboro' and Geiger- 
town, a length of eighteen miles; and the Schuyl- 
kill Valley Branch of the Pennsylvania Rail- 
road from Reading, through Cumru, Robeson 
and Union townships, via Poplar Neck, Birds- 
boro' and Monocacy, a length of thirteen miles. 

This section comprises six townships. The 
first four were erected before 1752 ; the remain- 
ing two afterward. They are treated in the 
order named, — 



Robeson. 
Caernarvon. 

CUMKU. 



Spring. 

Brecknock. 

Union. 



ROBESON TOWNSHIP. 

Robeson Tom'nship had been known as a dis- 
trict before the erection of Lancaster County, in 
1729, whilst its territory was a part of Chester 
County. At August sessions, 1729, of Lan- 
caster County, the lines of certain townshijis 
situated north of the South Mountain, between 
the Schuylkill and Susquehanna Rivers, were 
defined, but Robeson was not included. A 
constable for the district was, however, then ap- 
pointed — Francis Hughes. At the same time 
Israel Robeson was appointed one of the two 
supervisors of Leacock township, by which it 
would appear that he had moved out of the 
district, to the south, a dozen miles into the 
Conestoga Valley. 

Andrew Robeson became a proprietor of land 
in this section as early as 1718. Together witii 
a tract of one thousand acres on the eastern 
bank of the Schuylkill River (now in I^xeter 
township), he purchased a tract of six hundred 
acres on the western bank. This was on Feb- 
ruary 20, 1718. He was then a resident of 
that part of Philadelphia County which is now 
Exeter, on the one thousand acre tract. Several 
years afterward (1719-20) he made his last 
will, whereby he disposed of a considerable 
estate. In it he names seven sons — Andrew, 
Israel, Jonathan, David, Thomas, Samuel and 
Peter — and three daughters — Elinor, Mary and 
"Margat," That part which related to land now 
included in Berks County was as follows : 

To Israel, 600 acres " whereon he now (then) liveth, 
as also ten jjounds to his three children" ; (400 acres 
hereof having been conveyed by Israel to his son 
Moses fifty years afterward, 1770.) 

To Jonathan, 1000 acres. (This was the homestead 
in Exeter.) 

To David, 200 acres (occupied by David). 

To Thomas, brick house called the " Sine (sign) of 
the sun." 

To Samuel, house occupied by John Owen. 

To Peter, 500 acres, called " Neversink." 

By this will it would appear that he then 
owned in this vicinity over twenty-three hun. 
dred acres of land. He died February 19,1719- 
20, aged sixty-six years, and was buried in 
Molatton church-yard (now St. Gal^riel's, Doug- 
lassville.) A sand-stone still marks the grave. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1149 



On the obverse side there appears the following 
inscription : 

" Removed from noise and care 
This silent place I chose ; 
When death should end my years 

To take a sweet repose. 
Here in a peaceful place, 
My ashes must remain ; 
My Saviour shall me keep 
And raise me up again." 

Andrew Robeson was a Swede, a man of 
large wealth and of great social and political 
influence. His prominence was worthy a special 
testimonial to perpetuate his memory, and this 
was appropriately given to him by naming a 
township after him. 

Besides the Robesons, some of the earliest 
settlers of this district were the following 
Friends : Gains Dickinson, John Scarlet, Peter 
Thomas, John Hugh, William Hugh, Edward 
Hugh, William .Morris, John Webb, James 
Webb, Joseph Webb, Benjamin Webb and 
Samuel Webb; and associated with them were 
Mordocai Elii.s, Thomas Ellis, George Boone, 
John Boone and Thomas Boone, who had set- 
tled on the other side of the Schuylkill. 

The territory of this township extended east- 
wardly, originally, to the Chester County line, 
several miles beyond Hay Creek. The early 
iron industry of William Bird, begun along the 
banks of Hay Creek about 1740, was in this 
township. This industry has been kept up un- 
til the present time, a period embracing nearly 
one hundred and fifty years. Upon the erection 
of the county, in 1752, the eastern portion, 
which lay belween Hay Creek and the Che.ster 
County line, was added to a small portion of 
Chester County, which was cut to Berks in its 
erection ; and these two portions, united, were 
formed into a township and called " Union." 
Bird can be claimed as having begun in Robe- 
son ; and, as Robeson in his day (1719) was the 
largest resident land-owner in this upper region 
of the settled portion of the province, be, like- 
wise, a generation afterward, came to be the 
largest owner of land, if not the richest inhab- 
itant, of the county. And, before the close of 
the eighteenth century, a third name (Smith) 
came to be prominent in this township for the 
possession of property and influence, which has 



continued here with increasing strength for over 
four-score years till the present day. 

Taxables of 1759. — The following list 
comprises the assessment of taxable inhabitants 
of the township for the year 1759. The total 
tax levied was £42 19s. 6c/. Christian Arecot 
(Ehrgood) was the collector : 



Christian Arecot 

Richard AndersuQ vT 

Josiab Boone 10 

Jolin Adam Baum 5 

Jacob Bechtel 9 

Diiniel IK-an 10 

Adam Uickle 2 

JaniesCadwallader 

JoiiHg Chamlif riane 20 

Giiiub DicUinson 1'2 

Christopher GciKer 15 

Garrett and William Dewees . 10 
Jolin and Roger Davis .... 12 

George Dykes 10 

Jos. Dickinson 8 

John Gvan 3 

Euos Ellis 

Valentine Emms 10 

Francis Eckerman 1 

John Griflith :i 

Edward Gi-aff 12 

David Gan-adt 

Kichard George 8 

Edward George 3 

Paul Geiger G 

Elizabeth Griffith 1 

John Holmes 6 

rhilip Hart 2 

Philip Hoyle 6 

Valentine Haun 10 

Sebastian Harlemau 2 

William Harford 8 

John Holman 6 

Owen Humphrey 13 

David Jones 3 

Kphraim Jackson, Sr 14 

Kpbraim Jackson, Jr 3 

John Jenkin 4 



James David. 
George Ellis. 



Michael Kearn 14 

Jonas Lyken 3 

Jacob Long 1 

Samuel Landis 4 

Peter Lyken 4 

Michael Miller 8 

Jenkin Morris 2 

Nicholas Miller 1 

fonnid Moore 4 

William Norton 3 

Samuel Ovci-holtzer 3 

Matthew Patecrew 6 

John Phillips . . 

Penuybecker 12 

Israel Robinson 18 

David Robinson U 

Sanmel Robinson 3 

Elias Rache 10 

Adam Rcitenaur 5 

Henry Reichurt o 

James Richardson 3 

John Scarlet 17 

Adam Stall 3 

Arnold Sheafer 4 

Michael Stouter 2 

Balthasor Sniper 2 

Michael Suiiler 3 

Christian Tritt 2 



The 



I Tho 



. 18 



David Thomas 8 

Peter Thomas 12 

James Thomas 3 

George Taylor 12 

Michael Walter 4 

Benjamin Williams 8 

Jacob Weiler 6 

George Wendle 8 



Andrew Lyke 
Robert Morris 



Robeson is one of the largest townships in 
the county. Its surface is for the most part 
mountainous, about three-eighths of its area 
being chestnut wood-land. Its entire area com- 
prises about twenty-two thousand four hundred 
acres. 

New T0WN.SHIP NOT Established. — In 
1845 a petition was presented to Court asking 
for the erection of the southern section of the 
township into a new town.ship. Tiie court ap- 
pointed commissioners (Samuel S. Jackson, Lewis 
Reese and N. I. Richards) to examine the ter- 
ritory to be set apart for a new township ; and 
these commissioners reported that a new town- 



1150 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



sliip could be convenieutly erected, reporting a 
line through the township from the extreme 
eastern corner of Brecknock township S. 84| 
E. 504 ps., X. 84 E. 647 ps. and east 186 ps. 
to the Union township line, at Hay Creek, 26i 
ps. north of the Union township corner, and 
they recommended " Hay Creek " as a proper 
name for the new township. This report was 
confirmed by the Court on November 3, 1845. 
But this proceediug had developed much oppo- 
sition, which led to the passage of an act of 
Assembly' directing the matter to be submitted 
to a vote of the electors of the township. This 
election was held on March 7, 1846, and the 
vote was unanimous against a division of the 
township. 

INDUSTRIES. 

In 1792 Potts & Rutter erected a charcoal 
furnace in the southern section of the township, 
near the line, and named it " Joanna," after 
Joanna Potts. They couducted the iron busi- 
ness there for four years, and then sold the 
property to Thomas Bull, Thomas May and 
John Smith. In 1798 Smith purchased the 
interests of his co-partners, and moved thither 
from " Dale Forge," where he had been located 
for some years. He conducted this furnace suc- 
cessfully until his death, when it passed into 
the hands of his son-in-law, Hon. William 
Darling, and his son, Levi B. Smith, who then 
carried on the business for some years, under 
the name of Darling & Smith. Smith after- 
w-ard obtained entire possession and continued 
the iron business till his decease, August 9, 
1876. In 1877 one of his sons, Colonel L. 
Heber Smith, purchased the furnace property. 
He has since carrietl on the business success- 
fully. The furnace has a capacity of one hun- 
dred tons a month, and affords employment to 
fifty men. About six thousand acres of wood- 
land are connected with it. Besides the stone 
homestead, near by, there are fifteen tenement 
houses and large stables and sheds on the prem- 
ises, for horses, mules and charcoal. The water- 
shed of this vicinity is near "Joanna," it following 
along the township line for the greater part, the 
w^at^rs which rise to the north flowing into Hay 



1 Passed February, J.846, 



Creek, and those to the south into the Cones- 
toga. 

Gibraltar Irox-Works, on Allegheny 
Creek, consist of a rolling-mill, with a capacity 
of three thousand tons per year, one forge of 
three fires and one of four fires. About fifty 
men are employed. These works are connected 
with the " Reading Iron-Works," a corporation 
owning extensive industries at Reading.^ 

Seyfert's Ieox-Works, at Seyfert, consist 
of rolling and puddling-mills, with a capacity 
of five thousand tons of iron per year. The 
rolling-mill was erected in 1880, and the latter 
in 1882. One hundred and twenty men are 
employed, and there are, besides the mills, a 
number of tenements belonging to the property. 

Grist-mills began with the early settlements. 
The superior water-power of Hay Creek and 
Allegheny Creek invited their erection. The 
"Scarlet Mill," on Hay Creek, was one of the 
first mills. John Scarlet took up two hundred 
and eight acres of land at an early time along 
this creek. In 1748 he obtained a patent, and 
in 1766 he conveyed the land, including corn- 
mill, saw-mill, etc., to his son John ; and the 
mill at the mouth of the Allegheny Creek, 
known for many years as the " Beidler Mill," 
but latterly as the " Reed Mill," occupies the site 
of one of the first mills. In 1800 an application 
was made for a stone bridge over the creek at 
this mill. It was granted, and the grand jury 
(of which James May was foreman), on January 
5, 1801, recommended an appropriation of 
two hundred and fifty pounds. Notwithstanding 
these successsful proceedings, it would seem that 
this stone bridge was not erected, for in 1831 
another application was made and allowed, and 
a bridge was erected at the same place. 

On Hay Creek, below Joanna Furnace, the old 
Brunner mill has been replaced by a new mill 
owned by Kurtz & Plank, which was erected 
in the fall of 1885. The buildiug is three- 
story stone, and includes two runs of burrs. 

The old Geiger mill was built in 1781 by 
Paul Geiger, and remains in many respects as 
then put up, having a Master wheel which was 
in use more than one huudred years. The pres- 

' See Chapter VII, Early InJuslries. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1151 



ent owner is John Marqnart. Near this build- 
ing John Geiger had a carding-mili, and Paul 
Geiger a sickle-factory, both of which have 
been discontinued. Near this place is the Cold 
Run Creamery, owned and operated by an 
association since August, 1885. It is substan- 
tially built and well supplied with machinery, 
etc. 

Below Scarlet's Mill, Ephraim Scarlet, a 
grandson of John Scarlet, got in operation a 
woolen-factory nearly sixty years ago, which 
was discontinued about 1870. This building 
and the mill have become the property of the 
Wilmington and Northern Railroad Company. 
Several scythe- factories were also carried on by 
the Scarlets for some years, one having been 
discontinued about 1840. The factoiy below 
the mill was carried on afterward by Peter 
Brown a' id others, and at one time quite ex- 
tensively. 

CHUBCHES. 

Friends' ]\rEETiXG-HousE, near the. central 
part of the township, is a large sand-stone 
building, fast going to decay. Tlie grave-yard 
is inclosed with a stone wall, which is still in 
good condition. Some of the first settlers of 
Robeson were Friends, and they had a very 
early meeting-house. They also attended the 
meetings in Exeter and Reading. The active 
members were John Scarlet, Isaac Bonsai, John 
Williams, William Morris, Judah Thomas, 
Benjamin Scarlet and Enos Morris. The com- 
mittee of the Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting, to 
which they were attached, said, in their report, 
after one of their visits to Robeson : " We 
found more Friends there than we had expected, 
who appeared devoted to the cause of truth." 
For a long term of years the meetings were 
held with regularity, but owing to the reduced 
number of members, they were discontinued in 
1872, and the property, containing about twenty 
acres, was sold to Jacob Kurtz, excepting the 
grave-yard, which was reserved as a permanent 
place of interment for such as might choose to 
use it for that purpose. Some of the descendants 
of the Friends are still among the citizens of the 
township, but do not adhere to the faith of 
their fathers. 



RoBESOX Church (Lutheran and Re- 
formed) is sometimes called the " Forest," also 
the "Plow " Church. It was built in 1767 as 
the exclusive property of a Lutheran congrega- 
tion, and was unpretentious in its appearance. 
The first pastor was Rev. William Kurtz, who 
began in 1 770. He remained until 1779, and for 
a short time the pulpit was vacant. A minister 
was proposed by some members, but failed to 
receive the office, because he was not properly 
ordained, and was suspected of being unsound 
in doctrine. This objection was expressed in 
the form of a protest, drawn up March 20, 1779, 
and was presented to the Synod by the Rev. 
Henry M. Muhlenberg, in behalf of the follow- 
ing members: Jolm Fehr, John Mover, Sr., 
Paul Geiger, Jacob Seifrit, Philip Wert, Mel- 
choir Schweitzer, Jacob HofFman, Casper Wolf, 
Peter Bohm, Philip Fehr, John INIoyer, Jr.> 
George Wicklein and Jacob Fehr. 

At the end of two years the Rev. T. F. III- 
ing became the pastor, serving from 1781 to 
1797. His successor was the Rev. John 
Plitt, from 1799 till 1812; and it was in the 
latter years of his pastorate (1810) that the 
present church was erected, by the joint efforts 
of the Lutherans and German Reformed, the 
latter having then obtained an interest in the 
property. As the expense of building was 
greater than the congregations felt able to bear, 
consent was sought to hold a lottery, to raise 
part of the money.' 



' " LoTTEin I ; 

" Sclirme to raise by means of a lottery five thous- 
and dollars to enable the Lutheran and Keformed 
congregations to build a church and school-house in Robe- 
son township, Berks County.'' The following prizes were 
offered: One prize each for |!600, $.500, $300, $1.50; four 
each for $100; |.51 ; fifty for $50; ten for §40; one hun- 
dred for $20. ; and cue hundred and fifty for §5. ; etc. 
Five hundred tickets, at three dollars per ticket, were is- 
sued. All prizes were subject to a discount of twenty per 
cent, and were to he paid in thirty days after the lottery 
was drawn. Prizes not demanded in one year were consid- 
ered as relinquished for the benefit of the church and 
school-house. The commissioners were Abraham Mengel, 
Christian Treat, Jacob Geiger, John Westley, Christian 
Donnehaur and John Ziemer ; and the circular was dated 
January 15, 1810. The drawings were published in Feb- 
ruary, 181.3, and it is said that many of the prizes were 
not demanded. 



1152 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



The building is constructed of sand-stone and 
remains substantially as erected. The situation 
is elevated and the building n)ay be seen many 
miles. The cemetery near by is kept in good or- 
der. It was enlarged in 1885, by the addition of 
several acres from the farm of Jacob Good, un- 
der the general cemetery act. On the 1 9th and 
20th of September, 1874, the church celebrated 
its first centennial, a large concourse of people 
having been in attendance. 

In the new church the Lutlieran pastors have 
been since 1813 Revs. Peter Filbert, J. W. 
Richards, C. A. Welden, C. P. Miller, Marcus 
Harpel, Jeremiah Harpel, Thomas T. laeger, 
J. R. Focht, F. A. M. Keller, H. S. Miller, 
Aaron Finfrock, F. T. Hoover, D. K. Hum- 
bert and Zenas H. Gable, the latter having 
served since 1873. The congregation numbers 
four hundred members. The Reformed con- 
gregation has one hundred and fifty members, 
and has had the following pastors since ISll : 
Rev. Aug. Pauli, Amos Dick Thomas Lein- 
bach, Fred. Herman, Aug. Herman, M. L. 
Fritch, the last name having served since 1872. 

Frieben's Lutheran Church, was built 
in 1866 on a lot set aside for that purpose by 
Daniel Wickk'in. It is a stone building, with 
basement and was never wholly completed. The 
congregation occupying this church was in- 
dependent of synodical connection and had the 
Rev. Jacob Wicklein as its only pastor, who 
preached a few years. He also served some 
congregations in Schuylkill County where he 
was accidentally killed. A cemetery is con- 
nected with the church, and alrout the only use 
the building is put to is when funerals are 
held. 

St. John's Church, (Lutheran and Re- 
formed), is a plain, old-fashioned stone edifice, 
a short distance below Gibraltar. The ground 
on which it stands, including about half of the 
present grave yard was sold by Elias Retgc 
(Redcay) to Valentine Geiger and Herman Um- 
stead, in trust, for the use of such Christian con- 
gregations as should contribute to the mainte- 
nance of the grave yard and the church to be 
erected thereon. The original plot contained 
one acre and ten perches, and the consideration 
was five shillings. The deed for this land was 



dated April 29, 1791, and states that this place 
had been used for divers years past by the above 
named Valentine Geiger, Herman Umstead 
and other inhabitants of Robeson township and 
parts adjacent. If a purpose had been formed 
to build a church, at the time this conveyance 
was made, it was not realized until eighteen 
years later. The present and only edifice at 
this place was erected in 1809. But who were 
instrumental in this work is not now positively 
known, for all accounts bearing on it, and the 
early history of the congregations, have been 
mislaid or destroyed. This much is known 
that, though nominally a Lutheran and Re- 
formed Church, E])isco])al and Baptist minis- 
ters also preached in it, the Revs. George Mint- 
zer and Andrew Collins being remembered in 
this connection. The uncertainty as to the 
tenure of the building and the natural ojjposi- 
tion to Sunday-S('hools, caused much trouble 
and local feeling in 1850 which was set at rest 
when the church became an incorporated body, 
April 9, 1851. In this cliarter the ownership 
of property is vested entirely in Lutheran and 
Reformed congregations and it is declared that 
the church should be used solely for preaching 
services by ordained and registered clergymen 
of those denominations. The church is also 
declared to be free from all synodical connec- 
tion, and to be the exclusive property of the 
associated congregations. The trustees named 
in the charter were .lacob R. Hill, Benjamin 
H. Hill, Henry Moyer, Philip Hartz, Benjamin 
Clauser and John Haws. The latter and R. B. 
Seidel are at present trustees. 

Tiie Reformed congregation has one hundred 
and twenty-five members with Rev. M. L. 
Fritch as pastor since 1873. The ministers 
preceding him were the Revs. A. S. Lcinbach, 
A. L. Herman, Aug. Pauli and William Pauli. 
The Lutheran congregation has had the Rev. 
Zenas H. Gable as the pastor since 1873. Other 
Lutheran ministers who oiRciated in the church 
were Revs. Peter Filbert, J. W. Richards, J. 
Harpel, J. L. Schock, J. A. Brown, F. A. M. 
Keller F. T. Hoover and D. K. Humbert. 

Evangelical Churches. — The Evangel- 
ical Association has several churches within the 
bounds of the township, the oldest of which is 



TOWNSHIPS OP COUNTY. 



1153 



the Bethel Church, south of the Plow Taveru. 
It was built in 1,S45 and rebuilt in 1S72. It 
is a plain sand-stone building witii sittings for 
two luindiv<i ]K'rsons. There is also a small 
grave-yard attaciied, in which are interred some 
of tlie early members, belonging to the Witman, 
Beimi, Hoffman, Brown, Gorman, Gable and 
Hines families. In the spring of 1874 a class 
(if this faith was formed at Scarlet's Mill, and 
in that neighborhood a small house of worship 
was built, called the Hay Creek Chapel, which 
was completed in the fall of that year. Those 
interested in this work were J. Rhoads, William 
Piei'ce, Alex. McAllister, R. Sands, David 
Kurtz and William Linderman. At one time 
there were thirty members, but owing to re- 
movals and tleaths the congregation has de- 
clinetl. 

.loANXA Height Camp Meetixc Groiinos 
were opened to the public in 1879. They are 
under the general management of the llev. H. 
M. Sebring. Tiiey embrace about eight acres 
of natural forest, which is abundantly suj)plied 
with spring water. They are elegantly situated 
and have been extensively improved with nuni- 
crous buildings. The frame dwellings number 
two htnidred and fifty. The yearly meetings 
of the Methodists have been well attended and 
the grounds have become very popular. 

VILLAGES. 

BEt'KEitsviLLio is a small post hamlet, in the 
southwestern part of the township, deriving its 
name from .Ia(;ob Becker, who was in business 
at that point a number of years, and who was 
instrumental in having the post-office estab- 
lished in 1852. Benjamin Dickinson was in 
liusiness at that place as early as 1827, having 
a tavern, store and distillery, the former only 
being now continued. The office has a daily 
mail from White Bear Station. Several me- 
chanic shops complete the other industries of 
the place. Dr. Isaac Haldeman has practiced 
as a physician at that place the past thirty-five 
years. 

Plow Tavekn is a small business point, 
nine miles from Reading, on the Morgautown 
road. It was widely known in the early part 
of the century as a centre for the " Forest Dis- 



trict," where elections and battalions were held. 
The sign of the inn had a plow painted on it; 
and teamsters reckoned distances from it to 
many points north and south, the highway on 
which it stands having been uuicli ti'aveled fifty 
years ago. John Kerling is remembered as a 
landlord in the old log tavern, on the west side 
of the road; he was suc-ceeded by Jacob Yerger. 
About 18."50 George Coleman opened a tavern 
on the east .side of the road, wliicli has since 
been continued as the " Plow Tavern,'' and the 
keeper for the past twenty-one years has been 
Augustus Eshelman. In this locality stores 
have been kept, some in the tavern buikliug, 
but latterly in a room prepared for that pur- 
pose, and in which J. J. Eshelman has traded 
since 1883. Near Robeson church Dr. Tobias 
S. Gerhart has resided since 1864, as a practi- 
tioner in this part of the county. 

Geigertown. — A hamlet of twenty-five 
buildings, in the southern part of the township, 
took its name from theGeiger family, who were 
the early settlers in this locality, and engaged in 
the first business enterprises. It is located on 
Hay Creek, at almost ecpial distances from the 
Geigertown and Cold Run stations, on the Wil- 
mington and Northern Railroad. The post- 
office was established in 1828, with the name of 
"(leiger's Mill," and has been so continued. 
It has usually been ke]it by the different pro- 
prietors of the stores, and among those in trade 
were Isaac Geiger, John Slonacker, Jacob G. 
Zerr, Joseph Potts, Jacob Moyer, H. J. Hoff- 
man and Francis Umstead. Taverns were kept 
for short periods. In the spring of 1886 J. G. 
Zerr began the manufacture of cigars, in the 
three-story building formerly used by the 
"Brothers of the Union." For eighty years 
mechanic shops have been maintained at this 
place. 

Among the ])hysicians in this locality were 
Di-s. A. T. Allison, Charles A. Heckley and 
H. Palm, the latter being the last in practice. 

White Bear Inn is near Geigertown. It 
is kept at present by Mrs. Sarah E. Beard. A 
station on the railroad is also called " White 
Bear." The inn by this name was opened more 
than sixty years ago by Herman Beard, and the 
family has entertained the public ever since. 



1154 



HISTOKY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



An older inn was kept by Mordecai Morris, in 
1810, which was called the "Rwl Lion," both 
houses taking their names from the signs which 
indicated them. The latter house was built be- 
fore the Revolution, and had other keepers. 
Joseph Dickinson became the owner of the 
Morris property and established a tainiery, 
which he carried on till 1<S4U. The tannery 
was discontinued about thirty years later, when 
Ja(!kson Beard became the owner of the property. 

The post-office in thi.s locality is called "(Scar- 
let's Mills" and was established in IHfiD. It is 
kept in a small store, near the station. Amos 
Boyer was the first postmaster, he having kept 
the office at the Scarlet mill. A store was kept 
in 1836 by George Pierce and last by Amos 
Boyer in 1876. 

Naojii is situated in the Mdrthwestern part of 
the township and contains ai)out forty build- 
ings, occupied principally by the workmen cm- 
[iliivcd in the "Scyfert Iron Works." There 
have been public-houses and small stores, but 
none of historic interest. 

Gibraltar is the name of another liandet, 
one mile lower down. The canal and railroads 
have stations on each of the lines. It was 
formerly called Heidelsville, after the owner of 
iron-works located near the place. A post-oiKce 
was established with that name in 18."](i, but was 
changed to Robeson and afterward to Gibraltar, 
under which name the otlice is contiiuied. 
There have been no noteworthy business inter- 
ests, aside from those connected with the iron- 
works. Two forges, known as " Do- Well/' 
were carried on near by for a time by the Seidel 
family. 

GiCKERSViLLE. — Near Birdsboro is a small 
hamlet called Robeson, though locally it has 
also been called Gickersville and Junction. It 
is not distinguished as a business place. 

BIOGRAPIircAL. 

Thomas B. S>riTii, son of John and Eliza- 
betli (Bull) Smith, was born at Dale Forge, in 
Berks County, August 17, 1793. He gradu- 
ated at Dickinson College, studied law and was 
admitted to practice at tlie bar, Reading, 1814. 
In 1816 he married Aunetta Old and assumed 
the management at Joanna Furnace, where he 
died February 24, 1825. 



Horace Smith, his son, was born at Joanna 
Furnace, graduated at Kenyon College, Gam- 
bier, Ohio, studied law in Reading, removed to 
I'ottsville, where he practiced law. In 1850 
he was appointed consul to Portugal. His 
health not imj)roving, he returned in the spring 
of 1852 to Reading, where he died a few weeks 
afterward. 

Levi B. Smith was of Scotch descent. His 
great-grandparents, John and Susanna Smith, 
emigrated from ITl.ster County, Ireland, in 
1720, and settled in what is now Uwchian 
township, Cliester County, Pa., in a locality 
long kuowu as the Brandy wine Settlement. The 
family name was originally Macdouald, and that 
branch of it from which he was descended formed 
an important j)art of the earliest Scottish emi- 
gration across the North Channel into Ireland 
in the time of James I., of England. Near the end 
(jf tlie seventeenth century the family live<l in 
the northeastern jiart of Ireland. Just before the 
Battle of the Boyne, as thesoldier-kiug, ^\'illiam 
III., was personally roconuoitering the locality, 
whicli was so soon to become famous, his horse 
cast a shoe. There was no farrier in attend- 
ance to replace it, but Macdonald, the father of 
John Smith, in whose neighborhood the acci- 
dent occiuTcd, and who, like nniny other farm- 
ers in thinly j)eopled districts, was something of 
a blacksmith, volunteered to repair the injury, 
shod the horse, and so enabled the King to pro- 
ceed. The legend says that his neighbors, who, 
like himself^ were in sympathy with the cause 
of which William was the champion, called him 
" the Smith." In that district there was a sur- 
fi'it of Macdoualds, and there were hardly 
enough names to individualize the members of 
the clan. Smith was to them a novelty, and 
this particular Scotchman, proud to have his 
name linked with that of a great man aud a de- 
cisive battle, as that of Boynewater was soon 
known to be, accepted the cognomen and handed 
it down to his posterity as the family name. 
Among the first of the Scotch-Irish emigrants 
to Pennsylvania were John and Snsjuina Smith, 
who left their home in 1720, one year after the 
enforcing of " the Test," and whose sj)ecial 
grievance was not the raising of the rent of 
their homestead, but the absolute refusal of 




6^z: A. 



^.^^ 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1155 



their landlord to renew their lease unless they 
would comply with the requirements of that 
hated act. 

With her brother John came Mary Smithy 
who married Alexander Fulton, and to whom 
in due time was born a grandson, Robert Ful- 
ton, who has indissolubly linked his name with 
the history of steam navigation. John Smith 
died in 1765, aged seventy-nine years, and his 
wife Susanna in 1767, aged seventy-six years. 

Three elder brothers having souglit their for- 
tunes elsewhere, tiie homestead in Uwchlan fell 
to Robert Smith, who was born at sea during 
the voyage to this country, and who had mar- 
ried, December 20, 1758, Margaretta, daughter 
of John Vaughn, of Red Lion, Uwchlan town- 
sliiji. Sergeant Robert Smitl) is reported in the 
public records of the time as "going to Reading to 
be qualified," when, in 1757, the war between 
the French and English made the Indians rest- 
less and aggressive. In August, 1775, when 
the colonial government was discussing 
means for the protection of Philadelphia, the 
Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania 
returned thanks to Robert Smith for a model of ' 
a maciiine for handling ehevaux-de-frise, with 
which to obstruct the channel of the Delaware 
River, just below Red Bank, N. J. He sat in 
the convention which, on September 28, 1776, 
adopted the first State Constitution of Pennsyl- 
vania. 

Being a man of considerable means and of 
extensive influence, he was appointed, on the 
12th of March, 1777, by the Su]jreme Execu- 
tive Council, to the position of" lieutenant of 
Chester Count)', with the rank of colonel, and 
the charge of raising, arming and ])rovisioning 
tlie military contingent of his district, and pre- 
paring the troops to take the field. He retired 
from this position (which he had filled for nine 
most eventful years) March 21, 1786. He 
served for one term in the State Assembly in 
17.S5, and in 1787 retired to his fiirm after 
twelve years of public life. He died in 1803, 
aged eighty-three years, and his wife died in 
1822, at the age of eighty-seven. 

Of their children, Jonathan was, for many 
years, honorably and prominently connected 
with the First and Second United States Banks 



and the Bank of Pennsylvania, as their cashier. 
John Smith, the father of the subject of this 
sketch, was born April 8,1762. As a young 
man he was manager of Warwick Furnace, 
Chester County, for Colonel Thomas Bull, the 
proprietor. In December, 1790, he married 
Elizabeth, eldest daughter of Colonel Thomtis 
and Ann (Hunter) Bull, and settled at Dale 
Forge, Berks County, which he owned and 
carried on until about 1796, when he removed 
to Joanna Furnace, Berks County, where the 
remainder of his life was passed. He was an 
active and successful business man. He died 
April 2, 1815. 

Of the children of John Smith, three were 
sons, — Thomas, Levi B. and John Vaughan. 
Levi B. was born at Joanna Furnace February 
8, 1806. He received a liberal education, 
graduating with honor at Princeton College, 
N. J., in the class of 1824, studied law and 
graduated at the Litchfield Law School, Litch- 
field, Conn., and was admitted to practice at the 
bar of Berks County January 10, 1827, though 
not with any intention of devoting himself to 
the legal profession, lie was married April 
10, 1«27, to Emily II. Badger, a native of 
Bucksport, Me., of Puritan descent, whose an- 
cestors emigrated to New England in 1635. 

Soon after his marriage, he engaged in busi- 
ness, first at the Old Reading Hall, Chester 
County, and afterward at Mount Airy, about a 
mile southeast of Birdsboro. In 1833 he formed 
a partnership in the iron business at Joanna 
Furnace, with his brother-in-law, William Dar- 
ling, who was also a member of the bar, and 
better known as Judge Darling. The firm of 
Darling & Smith, which lasted more than thirty 
years, became known through the whole country 
for their manufacture of wood-stoves, some of 
which can still be seen in the homes of many 
families in the county, with the name of the 
firm cast upon them in raised letters. This 
firm was subsequently dissolved, and gave place 
to that of Levi B. Smith & Co., and later, to 
Levi B. Smith & Sons. The business interests 
of these firms, together with that of his sons, 
Bently, William, Heber, Horace and Stanley, 
associated as Smith & Bros., extended through 
the three counties of Berks, Lancaster and 



115G 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Chester, comprising the Joanna Furnace, in 
Berks, Isabella Furnace, in Chester, extensive 
iron-ore lanrls in Lancaster, with over six thou- 
sand acres of land. 

In 18G2 Miv Smith relinquislied the active 
management of these business enterprises to his 
sons and removed to Reading, where he became 
one of its most useful and honored citizens. He 
was, in politics, an ( )ld Line Whig, and a Repub- 
lican from tlic formation of that party. He 



ticket the same year, but in consequence of 
having been nominated for Congress he resigned. 
He was outspoken and fearless in his Repnbli- 
can principles, and assisted largely in establish- 
ing and maintaining the party in the county. 
He was a warm friend of the colored race and 
a sympathizer with thera in their troubles. 

Mr. Smith's business connections in this city 
and county were of the most extensive charac- 
tci-. He wa.s ever ready to lend his aid to pro- 





manifested a deep interest in politics, and in 
his younger days took an active ]>art in Na- 
tional, State and County Conventions. He 
was frequently a delegate to these bodies, where 
his services were always of a valuable character. 
He wiis a candidate for Congress in LS60. His 
popularity thoughout the county, and particu- 
larly in the southern townships, ran him far 
ahead of the ticket. In Robeson, out of 543 
votes he received 4?)!) ; in Caernarvon, 140 out 
of 200. Mr. Smith was on tlie Lincoln electoral 



mote ])ul)lic improvement. He was one of the 
founders of the First National Bank of Read- 
ing, and was its president from its organization 
till the time of his death. He was one of tiie 
managers of the Reading Gas Company, one of 
the founders of the Reading Fire Insurance 
Conipau)', and a leading member of the Read- 
ing Library Company and the Readiug-Room 
Association. He was an earnest and faithful 
memlier of the Episcopal Church and a mendier 
of the vestry of Christ Church at the time of 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



US'! 



his death. For over thirty yeans he was a dele- 
gate to tlie Diocesan Conventions from St. 
Tlionias' Church, Morgantown, and in 1858 a 
member of the General Convention which met 
in New York. 

During the Rebellion but few men exhibited 
more spirit, energy and patriotism than he. He 
contributed liberally for the organization and 
equipment of companies to crush the llebellion. 
Ijargely through his instrumentality three com- 
panies were sent out, each of which was com- 
manded by one of the following sons : Bently 
H., L. Heber and William D. Smith. 

In jirivate life Mr. Smith bore an unblem- 
ished character, and was esteemed for his many 
virtues. He was a friend to the poor, a coun- 
selor to those in distress and a warm-hearted 
and pleasant companion. He died August 9, 
1876, and left a widow and seven ciiildren, four 
sons (three named and Dr. Stanley Smith, ocu- 
list) and three daughters (Mrs. W. H. Clymer, 
Mrs. E. J. Richards and Miss Emily Smith). 

L. IIeiskr S>nTii, son of Levi 1». Smith, was 
born on the homestead at Joanna Furnaix', and, 
on the death of liis father, succeeded to the iron 
interests at that place, of which he is now the 
exclusive pro|)rictor and the first sole owner of 
the property. He indicated his patriotism dur- 
ing tiie late Rebeliiou by raising a company in 
Juiv, 1862, afterward enrolled as Company A, 
of tiie One Hundred and Twenty-eighth liegi- 
nient, Pennsylvania Volunteers, of which he 
became captain. Soon after the battle of An- 
tietam, in whi(^h this regiment participated, he 
was promoted to tlie lieutenant-colonelcy and 
\va.s actively engaged at South Mountain and 
Chancellorsville. At the latter battle he was 
taUcn prisoner, and, after a short confinement in 
Libby Prison, he was paroled. Colonel Smith 
was married on the 17th of June, 1868, to Ella 
Jane, daught<;r of Clement B. Grubb, of Lan- 
caster City, Pa. Their children are Clement 
(irubl), Heber I^evi, Mary Crubb, Daisy Emily 
and Stanley McDonald. Colonel Smith, in his 
political sentiments, is a stanch Republican, and, 
while an active and influential member of the 
party, has always declined office. He is a di- 
rector of the First National Rank of Reading, 
and identified with the leading business interests 
of the county. 



Colonel Smith is a member of the Protestant 
Episcopal Church, being a member of St. 
Thomas' Church, Morgantown, of which he is 
a vestryman. _ 



CAERNARVON TOWNSHIP. 

The township of Caernarvon is situated in 
the extreme southern section of the county. 
The territory wa,s settled by the Weish at 
a very early period. The township, l)y this 
name, had been erected before 1729, whilst still 
a part of Chester County. It is not known 
how early the first settlements were made. The 
discovery of iron and copper in this section of 
the Conestoga Valley may have attracted set- 
tlers here about 1700; but general immigra- 
tion would seem not to have been encouraged 
till 1732, because the Indians claimed the ter- 
ritory. The northerly line of the released 
land, fixed in 171S, was in this vicinity. In 
the erection of the township the whole of 
the Conestoga A-^alley was included, though it 
lay north of South ]\Iountain,' and though par- 
ticular settlements had not yet, it is believed, 
been effected. In 1729 it was described as 
being bounded by Salisbury township, Cadwal- 
lader Ellis' land, a township not named (sup- 
posed to have been Robeson), Earl township 
and Ivcacock townshij) ; and George Hudson 
was c<Mistal)le. 

The Welsh gave this name to the township. 
Caernarvon was, and is still, the name of a 
county in the northern part of Wales, and, it 
having been the native place of the settlers, 
they naturally suggested it as a pntper name 
for the section of country in which they esta- 
blished their new home. 

When Berks County was erected, the western 
boundary line extended through this township. 
The ])ortion which was cut to the county in- 
cluded about eight thousand five hundred acres 
and retained the same name. The area was 
not reduced at any time. 

Taxables of 1759. — The following list 
comprises the taxable inhaljitants of the town- 
ship tor the year 1759. The tax levied was 



' The southerly range of the South Mountain chain. 



1158 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



^27, 19s. and John Light was the collector of 
taxes : 



Ailam Ash 

Matthias Broadsword 
John Brackin . . . . 
Valentine Carherry . . 

Joseph Davis 

John Dancey 

Peter Dix 

Eobert Ellis 

John Evans 

John Farnon 

Charles Farnon . , . 
James Fisher .... 

Daniel Fox 

Daniel Gillis 

Jacob Hoffman . . . . 
Thomas Harper . . . 
David Jones 



Robert Cunningluun 
Daniel Davis. 
Thomas Fisher. 



John Jones 3 

Jacob Light, 22 

Jacob Light, Sr 8 

John Light 18 

Christian Long 10 

Thumaa Morgan 16 

Francis Morgan S 

Richard Philip 1 

Mark Pealor 8 

Charles Kichardson 12 

William Robeson 9 

Aaron Rettew 11 

Moses Robeson 8 

George Rasor 2 

John Stevens 2 

Cornelius Shea in 

Henry Talbert 12 

lfe.1. 

.lolin Morgan. 
Jolin Tiilbert. 



Industries. — AUiiongli tlie volume of the 
stream.? of the township is not great, there are a 
number of mill-sites whose advantages were ap- 
preciated and improved soon after the settlement 
of the country. Near the head-waters of Cou- 
estoga Creek are the Spring Mills, formerly 
owned by George llobeson, which have had 
many owners, and which are still in operation. 
Lower down the stream, in the valley proper, 
the Morgans improved the water-powers, which, 
together with some farming lands, became the 
property of the Clymei-s, Edward having the 
upper mill, and William the lower, where were 
an oil-mill and a distillery. In part of the 
mill-liouse an inn was kept. The Clymers 
sold the projterly to the Rev. Levi Bull, who 
di.seontimied the distillery; and the oil-mill 
was afterwards converted into a feed-mill liy 
Isaac (jlraham. The Clymer homestead and 
the upper mill became the property of the 
Kurtzes, who .still pos.sess the same. The mill 
is still fiperated. At the confluence of the 
branches of the Conestoga, Dieter Bechtel had 
a mill, which is now the jiroperty of John P. 
Mast, who supplied roller machinery in 1885, 
and added steam-power in the spring of 1886, 
making it one of the best mills in this part of 
the country. On the left branch of the Cones- 
toga, near Morgantown, Joseph Broadbeut em- 
ployed the power (which had been used to 
operate a flax-brake and carding-machine) to 
carry on the machinery of a woolen-factory in 



1841, and enlarged the building in 1842. He 
manufactured all kinds of woolen goods, and 
discontinued it in 1864, the machinery having 
been removed soon afterward. Above this 
place was another carding-machine where 
Stephen Mast has had a clover-mill and a small 
mill for chopping feed ; and in the same local- 
ity sorghum syrup was manufactured, about 
1864, by John P. Mast, in a building .specially 
erected for that purpose. 

In the hills beyond, iron-ore has been mined 
by E. & G. Brooke, a good quality being ob- 
tained ; and the Jones mines, three miles ea.st- 
ward, among the oldest and most productive 
in the county, are still being worked.' 

churches. 

St. Th(jmas' Church (Episcopal). — 
Thomas Morgan, in his last will, dated Decem- 
ber 6, 1740, devi.sed to his four sons, John, 
Franci.s, William and Jacob, and their heirs, 
in trust, one aci-e of gniuiid in Caernarvon, 
for the purpose of erecting thereon a liou.se of 
worship and for a burying-groiind. He also 
devised a tract of ninety-three acres of land in 
the same township, the rent of wliidi should 
be apjilied towards building the church and 
maintaining services in the same. Tiiis land was 
held in trust until 1832, when it was sold, and 
the principal put on interest until 188G, 
when it Mas applied towards the erection of a 
parsonage i'oi' the parish at Morgantown. 

Some years after 1740 a church was built mi 
the acre lot, situated south of Morgantown, on 
the present Adam Styer farm. It was called 
" St. Thomas' Chapel," and services were held 
in it according to the forms of the Church of 
England. 'J'his chapel was neatly furnished in 
1759, but had no settled mini.ster, and Thomas 
Barton declared his purpose to visit the ])eople 
the coming spring, with a view of securing an 
Epi.'^copal minister for them. There was no 
regular rector before the accession of Dr. Levi 
Bull, .some time before the close of the century. 
The chapel becoming too small, the State 
A.ssembly was petitioned for consent to estab- 



' See Chap. II., Physical Geography, p. 28. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1159 



lish the chapel in that village, and the congre- 
gation became incorporated on Marcii 6, 1786. 

In 1792 Jacob Morgan donated lot No. 32, 
on Reading Street, in Morgautown, for churcii 
purposes. The chapel was biiiit of logs on 
lliis lut, and so arranged as to form two 
rooms, one serving for school purposes. This 
IjiiiJding was used until 1824, when the present 
church edifice was erected upon tlie same site. 
It is a plain stone building, ahnost square, 
having a basement and auditorium. When the 
old cliapel was removed tiie burial-ground con- 
nected with it reverted to the farm of Benjamin 
Gehman, who had bought it from tiie Morgans, 
and the lot was turned into a field, whicii was 
plowed over by Gehman. No trace of the spot 
now remains. It is supposed that Thomas 
Morgan was among those interrinl at that j)Iace. 
Tlic grave-yard connected with the new clunrh 
also contains many interments, among them be- 
ing the following before 1800: Jacob Morgan, 
Rachel Morgan, Alexander Laverty and Henry 
Mengel. It contains the grave of James Lin- 
coin, who was ninety-four years old ; John 
Sypherd, eighty six ; John Teater, eighty- 
four; Samuel Laverty, eighty ; and others 
whose years were more tlian three-score and 
ten. The school-house adjoining the church 
lot was built in 1827 and remodeled in 1X7!). 
For the past fifty years the public schools have 
been taught in it. It is one of the oldest build- 
ings of the kind now remaining in the county. 
The jjarish in 1886 had thirty -three members. 

The successive pastors of St. Michael's 
Chapel have been the following : Revs. Levi 

Bull, D.D., James Woodward, Jr., 

Flower, Edward Lycett, Heni'y M. Stewart, 
Francis E. Arnold, William R. Gries, Henry R. 
Smith, John Ireland and Samuel McElwee. 

The MoRGANTOWN Methodist Episcopal 
Church. — The edifice at present occupied by 
the Methodists of Morgautown and vicinity 
was dedicated November 3, 1878. It is a 
t\vo-story sand-stone structure, and cost eight 
thousand dollars. The interior is handsomely 
finished, with frescoed walls. At the time the 
edifice ^\'as erected, the Rev. Edward Devine 
was the pastor. The succeeding ministers were 
Revs. William W. Smith, W. W. Cookman 



and, since April, 1886, the Rev. Amos A. Ar- 
thur. The members number one hundred and 
fifteen, constituting two classes, led by Adam 
Styer and L. B. Foreman. 

The first church was built in 1x32, on the 
same lot, part of which forms a burial-ground. 
It was a small, one-story stone building and 
used until tiie present church took its place. 
For many years the membership of the church 
was small. 

Harmony Mketin(;-Hoij.se was erected in 
the fall of 1871, to accommodate such denomi- 
nations as might wisli to worship in that local- 
ity. Tliough Union in nature, it has been occu- 
pied chiefly by the Methodists, the minister 
serving this charge in connection with appoint- 
ments in Chester County. The building is of 
brown sandstone and has sittings for two hun- 
dred and fifty persons. The members occupying 
it are few in number. It stands on the site of 
an old stone house, which was small and very 
plainly finished. The church lot was donated 
by Cohmel L. Heber Smith, of Joanna Furnace, 
near which place the church is located. 

Several miles south from this place is a small 
Baptist meeting-house, occu[)ied by a congrega- 
tion of that faith, whose membership is also 
small. 

Caernarvon Cemetery, opposite Saint 
Thomas' church-yard, at Morgautown, was laid 
out in July, 1882, by J. Howard Jacobs, Esq., 
of Reading, and has an area of three acres, laid 
out in fourteen sections, containing four hun- 
dred and ten lots. Fine monuments have been 
erected by the Jacobs and Kurtz families. 

MoRGANTOWN, the oidy village in the 
township, and one of the oldest in the county, 
is located in the beautiful Couestoga Valley, 
near the Lancaster County line. It was named 
after Jacob Morgan, who laid out the town 
about 1770. He was a son of Thomas Morgan, 
a native of Wales, who was a captain in the 
French and Indian War, and who had become 
the owner of a large tract of the choicest land 
in what is now Caernarvon. In 1765 Jacob 
Morgan was a merchant at Philadelphia, but he 
must have settled in this townshij) soon after- 
ward. He died at Morgautown in 1792, at the 
age of seventy-six years, and his wife, Rachel, 



1160 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



in 1791, aged sixty-eight years. They had sons 
named Jacob and Benjamin and several daiigli- 
ters, one of whom was Rebecca (Price), wlio in- 
termarried witii the Wetherill family, of Phila- 
delphia. Jacob Morgan took an active part in 
the llevolntionary War. Thomas Morgan was 
a brother of Jacob, and the father of sons named 
John, Francis, Jacob and William, most of 
whom figured in the early history of the vil- 
lage. 

The original ]>liit of the village embraced 
thirty-two lots, located (in both sides of a 
street eighty feet wide, except on Centre S(juare, 
which was forty feet wide. These lots were 
each sixty by two hundred and sixty feet. In 
18()2 tliey were owned by Abner Lewis, Lott 
Evans, .Joseph Ashton, Mary Hudson and Wil- 
liam Morgan. In 1835 the lot-owners on the 
south side of the street were Charles Brooke, E. 
Rees, I). Morgan, S. Dingier, R. Laverty, E. 
Morgan, .J. Jenkins, J. Morgan, W. (irier, 
John Dougherty, J. (itood and the Methodist 
Church. On the north side, from the west, .J. 
Sands, A. Fobes, D. Morgan, B. Clemson, John 
Morgan, David Finger, .J. and S. Roberts, John 
Roberts, D. Morgan and Ann Clymer. Jehu 
Jones lived on Reading Street. One of the 
above-named, John Sands, a cabinet-maker, is 
still living at Morgantown, aged eighty-seven 
years. David Finger was another early cabinet- 
maker, an occupation which is now carried on 
by H. G. Weaver. Other pioneer tradesmen 
were Wilson and William Hamilton, wheel- 
wrights ; John Pawling, blacksmith ; Frank 
and John Gillespie and John Dougherty, tai- 
lors ; James Quinn and John Mason, shoe- 
makers; Edward Wells, carpenter; Henry 
Clark, cooper ; David Gilmore, tinsmith ; John 
Kelchcr, mason. There was another mason, 
remembered only as " Wee Billy," who built 
several of the stone houses with clay mortar, 
which, it is said, the hogs in the street mixed 
for him. He ])repared a bed of clay mortar, in 
which he threw a lot of shelled corn, which 
tempted the hogs to wallow in the clay until it 
was thoroughly mixed. This ingenious mason 
removed at an early day. 

In the early history of the village there were 
numerous public-houses. One was near the 



Methodist Church, called the " Hamilton 
House," which was kept by John Gray, Thomas 
Jones and others. The well of the tavern was 
in the street. On one occasion a great excite- 
ment was created when a horseman rode into it, 
but fortunately without injury to beast or rider. 
The site of Odd-Fellows' Hall was occupied by 
a store and tavern, as was also the place where 
is now Dr. Plank's residence. David Morgan 
built a part of the old hotel in IT'J'.I and ke|)t 
it about thirty years. It was extended ti> its 
present condition by Daniel K. Plank and has 
always been used as a tavern. Stores were also 
kept in it by John and James Morgan and 
others until 1841. In the " Hoffman House" 
Dieter Bet^htel was an early landlord. Rees 
Evans was at the same place. For many years it 
was a residence. In 1878 it was again devoted to 
tavern ]iur])oses. Among the early merchants. 
Dr. JNIcFarland was one of the first after the 
Morgans. He traded in the ])resent Xenney 
residence, which he built. He also followed 
his profession, leaving the village about 1809. 
Later merchants at that place were James Byers 
and ^^'illiam Ross. Samuel Laverty and Rob- 
ert Laverty traded in the old Foreman house, 
while Thomas Crews and later John C. Evans 
had stores in the John Plank residence. Wil- 
liam Morris and his son James were the mer- 
chants in the Broadbent residence. The Duch- 
man store was erected as a hall, for a boarding- 
school, by Alexander Tutton, about 18o3, but 
not proving profitable, William Corbet converted 
it into a store a few years afterward. Here is 
kept the Morgantown post-office, established in 
1806, the fourth office in the county. There are 
two mails per day. At one time six mail routes 
concentrated here, and JNIitrgantown was the 
centre for a large scope of coiuitry. In '' Odd- 
Fellows' Hall " stores have been kej)t since 
1868, the first being Webb & Austin's. 

The manufacture of cigars has lately been 
added to the interests of the place, fiictories 
being carried on by I]mil Myers, Foreman & 
Kenney and W. S. Duchnian. Twenty-five 
hands are employed in this business. 

Dr. Hopperstetter was, next to Dr. McFar- 
land, a practitioner at Morgantown. Later 
physicians were Dr. John S. Seltzer and Dr. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1161 



Henry Wood ruff. Dr. D. Heber Plank has 
been in active practice at Morgantowa since 
1869, being the only resident physician. 

The old buildings of the village have lately 
been beautified, and with the addition of several 
new ones, the place has been made attractive. 

Union Lodge, No. 66, F. and A. 31., was in- 
stituted at Morgantown in 1797, but it never 
had a strong membership. In 1816 there were 
twenty members and in 1833, when the last 
meeting was held before suspending, only five 
members were present, John C. Evans being 
the last Master. From that time until Novem- 
ber 10, 1870, there was no Masonic body at 
IMorgantown. Union Lodge, No. 479, was 
then instituted. In 188G there were thirty- 
eight members, whose meetings were held iu 
Odd-Fellows' Hall. 

Caernarvon Lodge, No. 557, /. 0. 0. F., 
was instituted December 17, 1859, and has at 
present thirty-six members and assets amount- 
ing to three thousand six hundred dollars. 

The hall was erected in 1868 by the Mor- 
gantown Hall Association, who sold out to the 
Odd-Fellows. The building is of stone, three 
stories high, and originally had the second and 
third stories set aside for hall purposes, the 
second being used for public gatherings. The 
hall used by the above lodges is spacious and 
furnished iu good style. 

C'onestoga Vigilant Company is an associa- 
tion of horse-owners for protection against 
theft. It was founded in 1822 and has at pres- 
ent a membership of fifty. The quarterly 
meetings are held at Morgantown, where its 
principal officers reside. 

Joanna Station, on the Wilmington and 
Northern Railroad, is in the northeastern part 
of the township, near the Jones Iron-Mines. 
It contains but a few buildings, one of them 
being the store of Allison Fosnacht, where is 
kept the Joanna Furnace post-office, established 
at the iron-works whose name it bears in De- 
cember, 1830. From this place the Morgan- 
town mail is supplied. Southeast from this 
place country stores have been kept for short 
periods, and on the Conestoga pike, Daniel 
Ubil had an inn soon after 1800, this being 
now a farm-hou.se on the Abraham Kurtz place. 



Nearer Morgantown, on the same thoroughfare, 
Robert Gilmore had a store and a public-house,, 
called the " Cone.stoga Hotel," but first called 
the " Bull Inn," wiiich now belongs to Robert 
Gilmore. 



CUMRU TOWNSHIP. 

When Lancaster County was erected, in 
1729, all the territory extending north of the 
Chester County line to the Cacoosing Creek, 
excepting that portion included in Caernarvon 
township, was generally known as Robeson. 
About the time that the Indians released their 
rights to this territory immigrants entered upon 
it and effected settlements, having passed nortlt- 
wardly through Caernarvon township. Tliey 
were Welsh persons. After the northern sec- 
tion had come to be fairly settled, proceedings 
were instituted to erect a new township. This 
was in 1737. The township was named 
"Cumru." I could not find the petition or 
other papers relating to its erection, on file in 
the office at Lancaster. 

Hugh Jones was the first settler who took up 
lands in this township. He applied for and 
obtained a warrant in 1732 for a tract of one 
thousand acres, situated along the Wyo- 
mi.ssing Creek.' In pursuance of this warrant, six 
hundred acres were surveyed for him in 1733, 
and two hundred acres for Evan Price. The 
patents were issued in 1735. 

The Price tract was taken up at the mouth 
of the Wyoraissing Creek. He then erected 
and conducted a water corn-mill. This was 
known for many years as the Price Mill. In 
1773 Nicholas Lutz purchased the mill. Dur- 
ing the Revolution it was a busy industry in 
supplying flour to the army. In 1735, several 
months after the patent had been issued, Price 
conveyed sixty-two acres of this tract to Evan 
Lloyd. At this time there was a " race " and 
also a mill-dam, showing that the improve- 
ment had been made. In 1741 the land ad- 
joined Henry Harry and David Lewis. 

Evan Lloyd took up two tracts of land in 



'The name of thia creek was then wrilte 
sing." It was somstimes called Mill Creek. 



1162 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



this section, — one in 1735 for three hundred tions were filed against the proposed division, 



acres, and the other in 17.38 for one hundred 
and seventy acres. And several months after- 
wards, in 1738, Thomas Lloyd (doubtless, a 
brother) took a tract for one hundred and 
eighty-six acres. On this latter tract a paper- 
mill was erected. 

Thomas Jenkins t(X)k up a tract of one hun- 
dred and thirty-eight acres, on the Cacoosing, 
in 1734. 

In 1737 Dietrich Marshall took up three 
hundred and forty-one acres along the Wyomis- 
sing. In 17.50 he conveyed forty-nine acres 
thereof to Jolin Moon (now Mohn), and in 
17.58 this tract was conveyed by Moon to his 
son Lodowick (Ludwig). John Moon, in 1748, 
took up two hundred and forty-five acres. 

In 1737 Sebastian Gogl in (doubtless changed 
to Gougler) took up one hundred and eighty- 
five acres on the Cacoosing, and in 1740 and 
1741 John Davis took up, on the same stream, 
seven hundred and forty-three acres. 

In 1744 Anthony IMorris took up five hun- 
dred acres on the Tulpehocken. 

Henry Harry, in 1735, took up three hun- 
dred and eleven acres. 

Opposition to Division of Tou'x.siiip. — 
In April, 1842, a number of the inhabitants of 
Cumru and Heidelborgtownships united in a [X'ti- 
tion to court, asking for the erection of a new town- 
ship out of a part of each township, for the reason 
that their respective townshijjs were unusually 
large and inconvenient for election purposes, 
township meetings, road repairs, etc. They 
suggested a division of the two townships by 
lines drawn through them northwardly from 
the county line, the Cumru portion lying 
west of the Wyomissing Creek and Lancaster 
road, and the Heidelberg portion lying east of 
Main's Church. The court entertained their 
petition and appointed three commissioners, — 
Samuel S. Jackson, Benjamin Tyson and Mat- 
thias S. Richards. These commissioners viewed 
the townships and reported, July 1, 1842, in 
favor of the division of Cumru township, 
according to the line suggested ; ' but excep- 



1 HeiJelberghad been divided by commissioners in June 
previous, and, therefore, the Heidleberg pari was not in- 
cluded. 



and the report was set aside January 6, 1843. 

Several years afterwards (April, 1845) this 
effort for a division of the township, according 
to a line suggested in the report of 1842, was 
renewed.^ In May following the court ap- 
pointed M. S. Richards, S. S. Jackson and 
Lewis Reese commissioners, who, on 1st July, 
1845, recommended such a division. But the 
proceeding was again strenuously opposed,' on 
account of the injustice and inequality of the 
division, the upper part having all the finest 
farming lands and old imj)roved roads, and the 
latter the poor and hilly lands and the recent 
roads, which occasioned large expense. The 
court held the matter under advisement over 
two years and then set aside the report. 

In 1850 a third effort was made for a new 
township. This proved successful. The divi- 
sion line was located a short distance to the 
west of the previous line. The western portion 
was called " Spring." * 

Taxables of 17-59. — The following taxa- 
ble persons were included in the township in 
the year 1759. The tax levied then was £106 
18s. 6d. David Evans, Jr., was the collector 
of taxes, — 



Henry Alsbach 7 

Joseph .Mthouse 1 

DoiiEiiaBnuly 10 

George Biirkhai-d 3 

Christian Buwniiin 15 

.Jacoh Bowman 12 

John Bowman 9 

George Bower 4 . 

Tlionias Best 7 

James Biddle 4 

Walter Burk 2 

Martin Breiuinger 3 

John Bruininger 3 

John Binckloy 

Christian Binclitey 3 

Auiendon Beyer C 

Jacob Beyerlo 11 

Ludwig Beyerle 2 

Joliu Bauslier 3 

John Bnllnmn 

JacobClower 16 

" \Franci8 Cricl!, Jr 3 



Nicholas Crieger 3 

Martin Cobmer 2 

Francis Crick, Sr 10 

John Crick 3 

John Deininger 3 

Widow Davids 3 

Tliomas Davis 12 

John David, Sr 2(1 

John David, Jr 12 

William David, Sr 3 

Baltzer Dickout 2 

Jolin David 6 

James David 18 

TbomaB Evan 3 

George Englefaard 4 

David Edwards 7 

Daniel Evan 4 

Nathan Evan 22 

Sanmel Emery 11 

Abraham Eckevt 12 

Peter Eshelman 7 

Peter Eshelman 15 



2 The petition was signed by one hundred and fifty-three 
subscribers, ninety-eight of the signatures being English. 

'A remonstrance was filed, subscribed by one hundred 
and seventy-eight tax-payers of the township, of which 
eighty-one signatures were English. A number of the 
exceptants were residents of Reading. 

* See Spring township. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1163 



Johannes Emrich 4 

Juhn Btens 3 

John Englebrown 6 

D»vid Evans, Jr 20 

Jacob Freymeyer 16 

Petor Flick 2 

Nicholas Gougler 6 

Caaper Hoffman 10 

Peter Hain 3 

Bon. Horning 2 

Ludwig Harnian 3 

Peter Hecltert 1 

Conrad Hardt 10 

Rudolf Heberling 6 

Adam Householder 15 

John Hintan 6 

Cliristiaii Jutzler 2 

William Jons 20 

George Jacob 8 

Tliomas James 16 

NichohieJust 9 

James Kremer 18 

Martin Kronier 3 

Miciiael Krawl 19 

John Kleinginny i 

Nicholas Killian 3 

George Knimlauf 2 

George Lewis 5 

Michael Lub. . .-, „ . . 8 

JiUnes Lewis 9 

Richard Lewis 9 

Stephen Lash 1 

Nicholas Lerch 4 

William Lerch 12 

Joseph Lintil 2 

Ludwig Mohn 9 

Werner Mohn 6 

Hfurge Mender 3 

Hans Martin Mender 5 

William Moore 2 

Michael Meyer 2 

Sebastian Morgan 12 

John Morris 22 

Jacob Mishler 25 

Robert Meyler 1 

John Mo'in 15 

Jacob Morgan 10 

Morgan Morgan ^ . 2 

George Meyer 1 



George Beatam. 
Daniel Bosserd. 
Henry Beyerly, Jr. 
Jacob Crick. 
James David. 
Solomon David. 
Reuben David. 
John David. 
Michael Freymeyer. 
Dietrich Fernseler. 



Anthony Morris 75 

Peter Nagely 2 

Thomas Nicholas 12 

GrifBth Owen ^ . . 12 

(Penn's) Proprietaries .... 30 

John Pugh 15 

Richard Peters, Esq 10 

Richard Presser 1 

Richard Peters 14 

Samuel Ptiipps 1 

Micha«jl Ruth 12 

Jacob Ruth 12 

Peter Ruth, Sr 28 

Hartman Ruhl 2 

Johannes Ruchtc 2 

Henry Reed 5 

George Ream 40 

Reinhard Rorebntih 5 

George Rollnmn 5 

Jonathan Stevens C 

JohnSchlot 2 

Val, Shoemaker - 

Christopher Standley ..... 4 

John Stoll 4 

Anioe Scbenken .' . 1 

Jona« Seely, Esq 21 

Jacob Staly 12 

John Stengle 1 

Antliony Steiner 3 

John Schawley 5 

Camper Stieff 1 

John Smith 1 

David Smith 6 

Peter Scharman 4 

Francis Steel 1 

Melchior Steel 3 

Jacob Snyder n 

Daniel Shea fi 

Peter Thomas 2 

Thomas Williams 10 

Reinhard Waltz 2 

Isaiah Willis 10 

Andrew Wolf 4 

Werner Weisel G 

Jacob Weis 15 

Jacob Worstel 1 

Francis Yarnall 12 

Christian Z'uck 10 

Adam Ziegler 3 



Edward Harry. 
Evan Harry. 

Niithun Lewis. 
William Lewis. 
Nathaniel Morgai 
Joseph Misselor. 
John Popkin. 
Petor Ruth. 
George Riess. 



The " Poor-house Property," which is owned 
and conducted by the county of Berks, is sit- 
uated on the Lancaster road, adjoining Shii- 
lington, three miles from Reading. It embraces 
about five hundred acres of cleared land, which, 
for agricultural purposes, cannot be surpassed. 
As an institution for the poor of the county, it 
was begun in 1824, under the requirements of 
special legislation. The principal improve- 



ments consist of " Main Building," " Insane 
Buildings," " Hospital Building." ' They are 
described in chapter devoted to Public Build- 
ings. 

The farming land in this section of the 
county, from the hills to the river, is superior. 
It is under a high state of cultivation, and re- 
flects much credit upon the industry and ability 
of the farmers who are and have been for years 
in po.ssession. 

- Whilst John Penn was on his way from 
Reading to Harrishurg, he visited Gen. 
Mifflin's farm. (A part of this farm is now 
included in the property of the Berks County 
Poor-House.) " The General and Mrs. Milflin 
received us (himself and Judge James Biddle), 
1n a neat farm-house, and being very early 
themselves, provided a second breakfast for us, 
though it was only half-past seven. He took 
us round some of his improvet,nents, and I rode 
with him to various points of view which com- 
manded the town of Reading and circumjacent 
hills and valleys. He farms about twelve hun- 
dred acres, and has a Scotch farmer who con- 
ducts the business ; one hundred acres of meadow 
land he waters. A neighbor of the general's is 
one of the marrying Dunkers. They live in 
their own houses like other countrymen, but 
wear their beards long. General Mifflin, with 
agreeable frankness and affability, pressed us 
both to stay for an early dinner, to which we 
sat down about one o'clock. After dinner I 
mounted ray horse and came into the Carlisle 
road about three miles off at Sinking Spring." ^ 

Indu.stries. — No stream in the county has 
been a more important factor in manufacturing 
enterprises than the Wyomissing. The advan- 
tages of its water-powers were early recognized 
and improved ; and, in later years, sites which 
were once regarded as undesirable, on account 
of location, became the most productive elements 
of wealth. At the mouth of the creek, opposite 
Reading, are two old mills, known in early 
times as Hiester's and ]\lessersmith's. After 
John Hiester, George Smith, Isaac Shoeneman 
and Henry Van Reed were successive owners. 



'Chap. XVIII., Infernal Improvements, p. 424. 
' John Penn's Journal in Penna. Mag. of History, vol iii. 
pp. 288-289. 



11 M 



HISTORY OP BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



It is still operated to a limited extent. The 
other mill was owned by Bonneville Keira and 
later by the Sehwartz family, whose property 
it still is. This mill is not operated. Next 
above is the old Evans mill-seat. The power 
is secured by means of a long raceway and there 
is a waste-race running through several farms 
below, which was used for iri-igating the mea- 
dows. After Philip Evans the property was 
owned by J. V. R. Evans and now belongs to 
Matthias Mengel, Esq., of Reading. In its 
repaired condition the mill is substantial and 
has a good patronage. The old stone mill of 
Christian Gernand, built in 1790, is at the next 
power up the stream. In later years it belonged 
to Jonathan and Annie Ruth, and is now known 
as the "Ruth Mill." The power next above 
was probably one of the lii'st improved on the 
creek. It was close by the old Baptist Church, 
built in 1740, and when last operated, before it 
was demolished, was known as Hill's saw-mill. 
lu earlier times carding was done there and 
clover hulled by the Reams. The old Hemig 
mill-seat is above the Lancaster road and all 
the old buildings have been removed. The 
present fine bricik mill was built by Joseph G. 
Huyett, and after being operated by him some 
time, passed into the hands of the present 
owner, Benneville H. Hemig. The water- 
power is not strong, but the mill is finely 
located. More than seventy years ago there 
was a small woolen-factory and carding-mill 
run by Joseph Warner, on the old Body place, 
which was abandoned half a century ago, the 
power being idle until again utilized for Hen- 
del's hat-factory. So the power next above 
was also abandoned a numlier of years ago. In 
later years it operated D. Matz's saw-mill, but 
before the Revolution Henry Voight had an 
establishment at that place for drawing wire. 
That industry was discontinued so many years 
ago tiiat no detailed account of his operations is 
obtainable. Where is now the R. T. Gring 
grist-mill, William Pennypacker used the water- 
power as early as 1810 to bore out and grind 
rifle-barrels, after he had hammered them out 
by hand. He thus continued until about 1855, 
when Cyrus Hornberger built the mill now at 
that site. The pioneer gun-maker on this 



stream was David Pennypacker, father of Wil- 
liam, who worked near the head of the stream 
as early as 1786. He made guns complete, in- 
cluding the wood-work, while William made 
the barrels only. David removed. to Lancaster 
County, where he continued his trade. Atone 
time there were a number of small shops for 
the manufacture of guns, either alone or in con- 
nection with other work. Such shops were 
owned by Cyrus Hornberger, Frank Miller, 
Henry Wooly, Gougler & Heberling. About 
1838 Cornelius Reichwein opened a gun-shop 
where is now Ruth's grist-mill, in which Henry 
W. Deeds worked many years, as one of the 
most skillful gun-makers in the county. Hiram 
& Joseph Holtry's file-works were also first 
used as a gun-shop by John White, who re- 
moved to Angelica, where he put up another 
factory. Franklin Schnader's shop, which has 
a tilt-hammer and boring machinery, is still 
operated on guns, the manufacture of which 
was first carried on there by John Keim. The 
power above was used for similar purposes by 
Kohl & Keim, but was changed to operate 
saw and clover-mills for Joseph Schoeuer and 
later for Amos Price. The stave-mill of Moses 
Ruffner is nearer the head of the stream, 
where also John Gougler had a small woolen 
factory in 1862. 

After the manufacture of guns was no longer 
profitable, the most of these powers were devoted 
to the manufacture of hats. 

Absalom Ruth was the pioneer of this in- 
dustry on the Wyomissing. In 1859 he and 
his sons, John K., William, Henry and Michael, 
came from Adarastown and started up the hat 
business, on the site of the present Kessler 
factory. Later, they went into the old Reich- 
wein gun-factory, and continued there until 1872, 
when they bought the old Mohn grist-mill, and 
converted that into a hat-factory, now carried 
on by John K. Ruth. The product is fifty 
dozen hats per day. The mill machinery was 
placed in a new building at the Reichwein 
power, now Ruth's mill. 

Jacob Kessler's wool-hat factory was estab- 
lished in 1867 by Conrad F. Ke&sler & Bro. 
It was burned down in 1878 and rebuilt in 
1880 by the present proprietor. The daily 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1165 



j)roduct is sixty dozens of hats. In 1878, 
Henry VVorley began making liats, using the 
])0\ver of a rifle-factory, built by Benjamin 
INIohn in 1854. Worley also made rifles. The 
old building was small. A three-story frame 
building is now occupied. Thirty-six dozens 
of hats per day are produced. 

At the next power David Glass had a trip- 
hammer as early as 1848. Five years later 
Gougler & Heberling operated both to make 
rifles. Then John Fichthorn commenced to 
make wool hats in a factory which is now car- 
ried on by Spatz, Miller & Co., producing 
thirty dozen per day. 

Anthony Wertz's cotton-lap factory has been 
in ojjeration since 1870, using the power of the 
Frank Miller gun-faetory, first operated in 
1850. In 1885 carpet- weaving was begun as 
another branch of industry. 

J. H. Spatz's hat-factory, in a three-story 
frame building, twenty -eight by fifty-four feet, 
was established in 1878. Steam-power only is 
used, and the product is forty dozen per day. 

In 1874 Mohn, Spatz & Co. began the man- 
ufacture in another building, where they were 
succeeded in 1878 by Cyrus Hornberger, 
Samuel and Jonathan H. Miller. This factory 
is now operated by Spatz, Son «t Co., making 
forty dozen per day, and using water and 
steam. 

J. H. Miller's factory was erected in the 
winter of 1885-86, and is one of the largest and 
best arranged factories at the place. Steam- 
jjower only is used and the product is fifty dozen 
per day. 

A mile below Mohnville is George Hendel's 
factory, which is operated by both water and 
steam-power. It was erected in 1878 on the 
site of the old Warner fulling-mill. The 
building is forty by one hundred and twenty- 
five feet, four-stories high. The industry 
includes separate storage buildings of large 
capacity. In its appointments it is one of the 
first factories in the country. It was first 
operated by George Hendel, John Hendel and 
Samuel K. Mohn. The present firm is George 
Hendel, Brother & Son. One hundred and eighty 
dozen hats are produced daily, giving employ- 
ment to eighty hands. In all the foregoing 



factories .several hundred hands are at present 
employed. 

Although the Angelica Creek has a number 
of water-powers, it never became as important 
relatively, as the Wyomissing, and has in late 
years been devoted almost exclusively to the ice 
interests. These are controlled by George Frill, 
who has erected large and well-appointed ice- 
houses, enabling him to store enormous quan- 
tities of the purest ice. The former powers of 
Henning's grist-mill, a pioneer industry, and 
the "Speedwell Forges" have thus been diverted. 
The first forge became the property of Nicolas 
Yocum, in 1815. It was built by Philip Seidel 
some fifteen years earlier. In 1835 " Speedwell " 
No. 2 was built by Yocum, and in the course 
of some years these were operated separately by 
his sons, Moses and Daniel Yocum, until 1870 
when they were abandoned. The gun factory 
of J. K. AVhite and the Forest File AVorks of 
Moses Ruffiier have also been abandoned, but 
the old Yost grisr-mill is still operated in a 
small way. The Mount Penn Furnace on Fly- 
ing Hill Run, was active for a number of years, 
and near the mouth of the same .stream William 
Lewis had a forge as early as 1790. The 
power was afterwards applied to the operation 
of a small grist-mill. 

CHURCHES. 

B.\PTLST Church.' — The first meeting- 
house erected within the bounds of the town- 
ship was (he Baptist Church. It was built on 
three acres of land, on the Wyomissing, in the 
neighborhood of " Rieth's mill," donated by 
Hugh Morris, Evan Lloyd and Evan Price, 
early settlers. The services were in the Welsh 
language, and the Rev. Thomas Jones was the 
pastor. He continued to preach for many 
years, when, on account of German immigra- 
tion and other influences, the organization was 
allowed to go down. The grave-yard was 
kept up a number of years longer, but has for 
a long time been sadly neglected. The ruins 
of it may still be seen. 

Salem Evangelical Church, at Mohns- 
ville, was the next erected. It was a rough 



' See Religious Denominations, p. 361. 



1166 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



stone building, plain in every respect, and put 
up in 1849. John Spatz, John Mohn and 
Samuel K. Mohn were the first trustees, and 
served until the church was demolished, 
twenty-nine years later. From a small mem- 
bership the society increased until a larger house 
was necessary to accommodate it. The present 
edifice was erected in 1872. It is a two-story 
brick structure, with a steeple and bell. The 
basement has been fitted up for Sunday-school 
purposes. At that time the Rev. Jesse Law- 
rence was the pastor ot" the church, serving it 
in connection with other appointments on the 
Adamstown Circuit. The Rev. B D. Albright 
is the })rescnt pastor. But the church being so 
flourishing, having more than two hundred 
members, will become a separate charge at the 
next meeting of the Conference. The builcling 
was improved in 1885, at a cost of mo"e than 
fifteen hundred dollars. A Sunday-school of 
more than two hundred members has Nelson 
Dickinson as the superintendent. 

Opposite the church is its burial-ground, and 
adjoining the latter is Mohnsville Cemetery, 
opened in 1876, and controlled by an associa- 
tion, of which James D. Leiningeris president; 
Samuel K. Mohn, secretary ; and Jonathan 
H. Miller, treasurer. It contains one acre of 
land. 

Wyomissing Church {Reformed and Luth- 
eran) is at Gouglersville. It was erected in 
1850, having been dedicated November 17, 
1850. The building becoming too small, it 
was determined, early in 1886, to erect a new 
edifice. The old church was occupied the last 
time April 4, 1886, when it was demolished. 
The new structure will be built of red sand- 
stone, forty-five by seventy-five feet, and will 
have a basement and auditorium. The church 
will also be supplied with a spire and bell, and 
■will be finished up in good style. 

The Lutheran congregation had as its first 
pastor the Rev. R. S. Wagner, whose succes- 
sors were Revs. B. D. Zweizig, T. T. laeger, D. 
K. Humbert and Zenas H. Gabel, the present 
minister. There are two hundred and fifty 
members. 

The Reformed congregation had the Rev. 
Augustus L. Herman as pastor until 1872, 



when the Rev. S. Schweitzer came for a year. 
Since June, 1873, the Rev. M. L. Fritch has 
been the pastor. There are also two hundred 
and fifty members. Both congregations are in 
a flourishing condition. 

Christ Church, commonly called Yo- 
cum's Church (Reformed and Lutheran), 
is a little south of the centre of the township. 
It is a neat brick edifice, having a seating ca- 
pacity for three hundred and fifty persons. It 
was erected in 1854, the corner-stone being laid 
on May 28th of that year. In connection with 
the church there are several acres of land de- 
voted to cemetery purposes and other uses. The 
sheds and all the improvements are in good 
condition. A number of years before the church 
was built an octagonal school-house stood on 
this site, in which meetings were occasionally 
held, and a number of interments had taken 
place before the church was founded. This fact 
ultimately led to the selection of this place for 
a church. On account of its proximity to Read- 
ing, it has never been occupied by strong con- 
gregations. In 1886 each congregation had 
about one hundred and thirty communicant 
members. 

The Rev. B. D. Zweizig has been the only 
Lutheran pastor. On the Reformed side the 
pastor is the Rev. W. J. Kershner, whose pre- 
decessor were Revs. W. F. P. Davis and Au- 
gustus Pauli. 

Immanuel Church is located at Shillington, 
and since 1877 has been the exclusive j)roperty 
of a German Reformed congregation. It was 
built in 1874 for the joint use of Lutheran and 
Reformed congregations. Both congregations 
occupied it a few years, when the Lutherans re- 
linquished their interests, not being strong 
enough to maintain an organization. The 
structure is of brick and is surmounted by a 
small belfry. There are sittings for four hun- 
dred persons. In 1886 only about fifty com- 
municant members were reported. Rev. W. J. 
Kershner was pastor. His predecessor, for one 
year, was the Rev. M. H. Mishler; and from 
1874 until 1884, Rev. M. L. Fritch. 

At Shillington a Sunday-school of one hun- 
dred and ten members is maintained in the 
.school-house. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1167 



Among the old burial-grounds, Hemig's, near 
the almshouse, is still kept up; also the Bernard 
Addams Cemetery, near Reading. The latter 
contains about one-fourth of an acre of ground, 
inclosed by a very substantial stone wall. In- 
cluded is a small stone building, used at 
funerals. Here are some old interments. 

Opposition to Education. — In various 
])arts of the township early pay-schools were 
taught, which educated many of the citizens to 
recognize the advantages of the free-school sys- 
tem. Nevertheless, there was a decided oppo- 
sition to the system on the part of many wealthy 
and influential men, who expressed their dis- 
approbation at a public meeting April 12, 1849. 
Resolutions were adopted, declaring a deter- 
mined hostility towards the system and to op- 
])ose, at all hazards, the establishment of schools 
under the system. The meeting went so far as 
to ridicule the government in offering aid to es- 
tablish better schools. To counteract this in- 
fluence, the friends of free-schools held a meet- 
ing at the public-house of Adam Groff, May 
12, 1849, when Jacob Matz was chosen presi- 
dent; Isaac Matz, vice-president; Cornelius 
Fi-eeman and Jacob Stoudt, secretaries. Ap- 
propriate resolutions were adopted, in which 
the meeting lamented the downward tendency 
of their school affairs and the opposition of so 
many wealthy, influential citizens, and urged 
ceaseless effort until something was done 
towards their improvement. George W. North- 
eimer, John M. Dewees, John Van Reed and 
Charles H. Addams were appointed a commit- 
tee to make proper application to the court to 
compel the directors to carry out the provisions 
of the act of 1849. A general county school 
convention, to be held at Reading, was also 
suggested. This determination was not with- 
out effect. The opposition subsided and the 
schools gradually improved. One of the best 
known teachers of the township was William 
W. Lewis. He engaged at this vocation in 
1854 and continued until his death, in 1882. 
He was progressive and had the esteem of those 
whom he served. 

VILLAGES. 

Oakland is the most recent village in the 



township, and sustains a suburban relation to 
Reading. It is very eligibly located, about 
half a mile from the Lancaster bridge, and has 
in the few years of its existence been remark- 
ably prosperous. The village was laid out by 
John Bechtel on part of his farm, and contains 
more than thirty residences, all brick and many 
of attractive appearance. The village is being 
supplied with water from springs. The hotel 
in this locality was erected a number of years 
ago by Henry Kurtz, favorably known. It is 
a large, inviting building. 

Shillington is very pleasantly located on 
the Lancaster road, three miles from Reading. 
It is named afler Samuel Shilling, who sold off 
most of the lots. Prior to 1805 the improve- 
ments consisted of the Uivern and a large stone 
farm-house. The tavern was opened at a very 
early day. It was kept in 1 820 by Valentine 
Straub. A later keeper was Jacob Shilling, 
who was succeeded by John Beidier, whose es- 
tate still owns the property. Recent improve- 
ments have made the tavern one of the largest 
in the county, outside of the larger towns. It 
is widely known as the "Three-mile House." 
Oliver Hiunershitz is the present landlord. 
Connected with it is tne Reading Driv- 
ing Park, which was opened to the public 
in 1869. It has a good half-mile course and 
other improvements. In 1874 a store was 
opened by Miss Mary Deeds, which is contin- 
ued by Adam M. Rollman. He is also in 
charge of the Shillington post-office, established 
iu July, 1884, which has a daily mail from 
Reading. There are a few mechanic-shops, a 
Reformed Church and about thirty residences, 
some of them being large and attractive iu 
their surroundings. 

Gouglersville is near the southwestern 
corner of the township, on the old Lancaster 
road. It contains a fine Union church, a hotel, 
store, shops and twenty residences. The place 
took its name from John and Pliilip Gougler, 
who were influential citizens, and has been dis- 
tinctively known by this title since the establish- 
ment of the Gouglersville post-office, in 1855. 
The first public improvement was the inn of 
Jacob Reedy, put up in 1813. A later keeper 
was William Kohl ; and in 1842 John, Gougler 



1168 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



became the owner, who greatly enlarged It. He 
also put up other buildings in the place. A 
store was started in 1843 by John Gougler. 
Philip Gougler was a later owner and James 
Hartman is the present proprietor of these inter- 
ests. The post-office was kept for many years 
by Benjamin F. Hemmig, as deputy, who also 
served as justice of the peace. A daily mail is 
supplietl by the Adamstown stage from Reading. 
The usual mechanic-shops have long been 
maintained. The manufacture of cigars has 
lately introduced new life. Small factories are 
carried on liy Samuel and David Hornberger, 
each employing about a dozen hands. Near the 
village David M. Krill opened a factory in 
1885; he employs thirty-five hands. 

In 1881 the village contained seventeen 
dwellings and seventy-eight inhabittints, five 
carpenters, two wheelwrights, two hatters, two 
butchers, one undertaker, one blacksmith, two 
farmers and two yeomen. 

During the active days of stage traveling 
between Reading and Lancaster, before the 
Reading and Columbia Railway was constructed, 
Gonglersville was a prominent stopping-place 
for changing horses. 

The water-shed of the township is at Gonglers- 
ville, this point being the summit on the way 
between Reading and Lancaster. The waters 
of Muddy Creek rise to the south and flow into 
the Conestoga and thence into the Susquehanna, 
and the waters of the Wyomissiug Creek rise to 
the north and flow into the Schuylkill. 

MoiixsviLLE is five miles from Reading, in 
the valley of the Wyomi.ssing Creek, and owes 
its existence to the fine water-powers of that 
stream at that point. Prior to 1840 the only 
improvement was a small log house, on a piece 
of pasture land overgrown with brambles and 
wild bushes. Soon afterward it became the 
property of Benjamin j\Iohn, who cleared the 
land for farming purposes. In 1846 he built a 
grist-mill, being now joined by his nephew. 
Within the past ten years the, manufacture of 
wool hats having become so important an indus- 
try at this place, the village has had the most 
of its growth in this period. It now includes 
one hundred and fifteen residences, five hundred 
and twenty-five inhabitants, a fine Evangelical 



Church, two stores, a hotel and factories. Sam- 
uel K. Mohn opened the first store in the mill 
which he was carrying on, about 1854, but a 
few years later erected a building for store pur- 
poses, in which he traded fifteen years. Here 
was established the Mohn's Store post-office, in 
1857, of which he was the postmaster, a posi- 
tion now held by Jonathan H. Miller. Others 
in trade were William K. Ruth, John Y. Weid- 
ner, Joseph Gaul and Albert G. Miller. 

The second store- stand was established by 
Ephraim G. Werner, who is still in trade 
Benjamin Mohn built a residence, which was 
u.sed first as a tavern by John Greiner and later 
by John Mengel. The family of the latter now 
own the property. In 1886 Dr. W. B. Shaner 
was a practicing physician at the village. 

In 1882 John A. Bolder began the manufac- 
ture of cigars at this place. He is the pioneer 
manufacturer in this industry. He Occupies a 
three-story factory, twenty-four by forty feet, 
and employs sixty hands. Since 1885 George 
H. Leiniuger has carried on a factory employ- 
ing twenty hands ; and since April, 1886, Mohn 
& Seitzinger have in operation a factory employ- 
ing twelve hands. On June 1, 1886, Huyet & 
Co. opened their factory, affording employment 
for forty hands. 

The Mohnsville Water Company was incor- 
porated September 9, 1885. It has water priv- 
ileges assured which will give an inexhaastible 
supply of water. About one mile of pipes has 
already been laid, the water being secured from 
springs elevated so as to cause the water to flow 
by gravity. 

The Mohnsville Building and Savings As.so- 
ciation was organized in June, 1.SS2. There are 
one thousand shares, who.se par value is two hun- 
dred dollars per share. The association has 
erected eighteen buildings and has been an im- 
portant factor in developing the village. John 
A. Bohler is secretary of the a.ssociation. 

Mohnsville Council, No. 86, O. of A. M., 
was instituted about eighteen years ago. It is 
well established, having sixty-five members. A 
lodge of Knights of Pythias was instituted more 
recently and is also reported flourishing. Camp 
No. 211, P. O. S. of A., was instituted July 
25, 1 884, and has sixty members. In the same 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



11U9 



hall an independent temperance organization, 
having fifty members, also holds its regular 
meetings. 

Cumru post-office was established in 1858 at 
the Five-Mile House, on the old Lancaster road, 
which is one of the oldest tavern stands in the 
township. It has had numerous keepers. Sev- 
eral mechanic-shops are carried on there. 

Angelica post-office was established May 22, 
1882, at the old Yost Tavern, in the Angelica 
Valley. Formerly the Groff Tavern was con- 



John, May 18, 1794, who married Magdalena, 
daughter of Abraham and Mary Hirsh Yost. 
Their children were Jeremiah, Conrad Y., Isaac 
Y., j\Iary Ann (Mrs. Samuel Brobst), whose 
son, John B., is the ohly grandson of John and 
Magdalena Beidler and Abraham. Conrad Y. 
Beidler, the second son by this marriage, was 
born in Cumru township, near Reading, on the 
17th of June, 1820, and received his education 
at the pulilic schools of his township and in 
Reading. He then became familiar with the 




'^.^i>nnyiyC^ ^ //p-e^C^^^^^ 



ducted there. Other inns ot the township 
which are of the nature of land-marks are 
Lauber's White House, on Neversink Moun- 
tain, and the Sorrel Horse Inn, which was 
known as Steward's in 1820. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

CoxEAD Y. Beidler, of German descent; 

is the great-grandson of Conrad Beidler, and 

tlie grandson of Peter Beidler, who married 

Barbara Spohn. To this union was born a son, 

100 



work of the farm and a valuable assistant to his 
father in his farming enterprises. He was, in 
August, 1844, married to Catherine, daughter 
of William and Catherine Miller Spohn, who 
was born July 18, 1822, and resided in Spring 
township. Their only child is a daughter, 
Sarah Ann, born November 2, 1845, and mar- 
ried to William P. High, son of Ezra High, of 
Cumru township, Berks County, on the 29th of 
August, 1865. Their children are Kate M., 
Hannah C, Ezra (deceased), Conrad B., Mary 



1170 



HISTORY OF BP:RKS COUNTY, PEXNSYL^'ANIA. 



(deceased), William B., Sallie B., Magdalena 
B., Charles B. aud Mabel B. (twins). 

Soon after his marriage Mr. Beidler, with his 
brother, assumed the management of the farm, 
which tliey jointly cultivated for eight years, 
when he removed to the hotel at Shillington, in 
Cumni township, of which he was for five years 
the popular landlord. Reading next became 
his place of residence, where he remained five 
years, and at the exjjiration of that time settled 
upon a farm in Cumru township, which he had 
meanwhile purchased. On retiring from agri- 
cultural labor he built a residence in Shilling- 
ton, aud remained a citizen of that place until 
his death, on the 14th of June, 1883. Mrs. 
Beidler died on the IGth of September, 1863. 
Mr. Beidler was in politics a Democrat, but 
held no office other than that of school director 
of his township. He was a director of the 
Reading Savings-Bank, and frequently called 
upon to act as administrator, trustee and ex- 
ecutor. He ^Mts a member of the Reformed 
Church. 



SPRING TOWNSHIP. 
Erectiox of Township. — In 185U the 
township of Cumi'u included about thirty-three 
thousand acres of laud. The population was 
thirty-eight hundred and fifty-three, the most 
populous district in the county outside of Read- 
ing ; and the electors numbered about seven 
hundred aud fifty. Aud in respect to area of 
territory it was tiie largest township in the 
county. AYithin the previous decade two unsuc- 
cessful attempts were made to effect a division 
of the township, on account of its great extent 
and incident inconvenience. In that year, with 
the state of affairs mentioned, a third attempt 
was made in this behalf The petition [jrayed 
for a division line situated to the west of the 
line suggested in the previous petitions, begin- 
ning at the " Harrisburg Bridge " and extending 
southwardly to the Lancaster Couuty Hues, at the 
corner of Brecknock township ; aud it was sub- 
scribed by only forty-five taxable inhabitants 
of the township.^ The Court appointed Aaron 

1 Of these thirty-five signatures were written in English. 
The previous petitions liad been subscribed by nearly four 
times the uumber of subscribers. 



Albright, Richard Boone aud Michael K. 
Boyer as commissiouers to inquire into the ad- 
visability of the proposed division. These com- 
missioners, after viewing the township, divided 
the township as proposed, and recommended 
the western part to be erected into a new town- 
ship under the name of Spi:ixg. The bound- 
ary lines were describeil in the report." They 
enclosed about fifteen thousand acres. The re- 
port was presented August 5, 1850. Excep- 
tious were filed, which stated tliat the division 
woidd cut twenty -eight bridges in the eastern 
part aud only three in the western, and also cut 
forty miles more of roads in the former than 
in the latter. But the Court disregarded the 
force of these excejjtions, confirmed the report 
on November 23, 1850, and erected the new 
township with the name suggested. 

The names of the early settlers are included 
with the taxables of Cumru township. 

Eaely Murder of Indians. — In 1728 
several of the Welsh settlers liecame involved 
in a .serious trouble with the colonial govern- 
ment, which arose from killing three Indians at 
a place called Cucussea,^ in Chester County, 
(afterward changed toCacoosing). The follow- 
ing proceedings have been published in connec- 
tion with the matter : 

" On the 12th of May, 1728, Patrick Gordon, Deputy 
Governor of Pennsylvania, issued a warrant for the 
apprehension of the murderers by hue and cry. It was 
as follows: 

"'To allSherifl's, Coroners, Constables, and other his 
Majesty's subjects, within the Province of Pennsyl- 
vania, and every of them: 

" ' Whereas I have this day received information that 
Walter Winter and John Winter, late of Chester 
County, farmers, did on the 11th day of this instant 
set upon and kill one old Indian man, named Toka 
Collie and his wife, with one other Indian woman be- 
ing of our friend Indians, and being then in the peace 
of God and the King. 



2 "Beginning at Harrisburg Bridge, ten courses generally 
S. W. altogether in length 8 m. OTi ps. to Lancaster County 
line ; thence along said line X. 48 W. 3 m. 264 ps.; thence 
N. E. along Heidelberg township line (greater part of 
which is the Cacoosing creek, 8i miles ; thence from mouth 
of Cacoosing S. E. along Tulpehocken creek, 3J- miles to its 
mouth, and along the Schuylkill river 1 mile to Harrisburg 
Bridge." 

' This was in this township. The place can not be 
located. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1171 



" 'These are therefore in his Majesty's name to com- 
mand you and every of you to Levy Hue and Cry,' with 
horses and with foot within y;; Province of Pennsyl- 
vania, after the said Waher Winter and John Winter, 
and them and each of them to apprehend and bring 
before some justice of the Peace of tlie Province afore- 
said, to be examined and dealt with according to law.' 

" The coroner was dispatched to take an inquisition 
of the dead bodies and bury them wrapt in linen; 
he was further directed that if any of their relatives 
^vere there, he should present them with four strouds - 
to cover the dead bodies and to give two strouds to the 
Indian girls, and to employ some person to cure their 
wounds, and further to assure them that the offenders 
should not go unpunished. And messengers were 
sent to the chiefs of the difl'erent tribes to notify them 
of this unfortunate occurrence and to quiet their 
revengeful spirit by giving each of them two strouds. 

" The following affidavits, made before Edward 
Farmer and A. Hamilton (two justices of the peace, 
of Philadelphia County), on the same day on which 
the warrant was issued, detail the facts in relation to 
the killing of the Indians: 

"' Walter Winter, ofCucussea, in the County of 
Chester, being examined saith that on the tenth day 
of this instant he had heard by a Dutchman who lives 
at Tulpehocken, that the Indians had killed sundry 
Dutchmen, viz., had killed two and wounded three 
Christians, whereupon the said Walter went about the 
neighborhood, and desired the people to get together 
to his house to defend themselves against the Indians, 
and returning again to his own house, where he was 
making fast the windows, in case any attempt should 
l)c made upon them. One John Roberts's son, came to 
the house of the said Walter, and desired the said 
Walter to go to his father's house and assist him, for 

' " Hue and cry" was a peculiar proceeding practiced in 
(he early colonial da,ys in pursuing a-foot after a person 
wlio had committed a felony. The statute of Westminster, 
13 Edward I. (1287), provided that '■ immediately upon 
robberies and felonies committed, fresh suit shall be made 
from town lo town and county to county by horsemen and 
footmen to the seaside. The constable (with the description of 
the person, etc.) shall call upon the parishioners to assist 
him in the pursuit in his precinct, and give notice to ihe 
next constable, who shall do the same as the first, etc. 
And if the county will not answer the bodies of the of- 
fenders, the whole hundred shall be answerable for the 
robberies and felonies there committed, etc.,'' and this 
law prevailed here in 1 728. 

A person who was engaged in a hue and cry for appre- 
hending a felon became entitled to forty pounds if the 
felon were convicted and the judge or justice certified 
thereto ; and also to the felon's horse, furniture, arms, 
money and other goods taken with him, subject to the 
rights of other persons therein. 

2 A Stroud was an article of clothing in the order of a 
blanket. 



that there were some Indians at his father's house 
with a bow and a great number of arrows, and that his 
father was in danger of being killed, whereupon the 
said Walter, with his father-in-law, Morgan Herbert, 
each having a gun, went away to the house of the said 
John Roberts, (the gun of the said Walter being load- 
ed with one bullet and ten swan shot,) and as the said 
Walter and Morgan Herbert were going to John Rob- 
erts's they met with John Winter, who had with him 
a shot gun, and thereupon John Winter took the large 
gun and gave the small gun or pistol to Morgan Her- 
bert, and when the said Walter with Morgan Herbert 
and John Winter came over the log that lies over the 
run just before Roberts's door, he saw John Roberts 
standing in his own door, he saw him have a gun in 
his hand, but whether he had it in his hand before 
this examinant came up to the house, or whether he 
went in for it afterwards, this examinant cannot say, 
and this examinant saw an Indian man, some women 
and some girls sitting on a wood-pile before John 
Roberts's door. And the Indian man getting up 
took his bow and stepping backwards took an arrow 
from his back, putting it to the string of the bow, 
whereupon this examinant apprehending the Indian 
was going to shoot at him, this examinant presented 
his gun and shot at the Indian man, that he believes 
the Indian was wounded, for he saw blood upon his 
breast, that John Winter at the same time shot one of 
the Indian women, and then ran up and knocked 
another Indian woman's brains out, that two Indian 
girls ran away, that the examinant followed one and 
with the bow ami arrow which he took up where the 
said Indians were sitting, he shot at one of the Indian 
girls and then overtook her and brought her back, 
and he then saw the Indian man get up and went 
staggering in a swamp near the house, that John Win- 
ter and the examinant with Morgan Herbert, the next 
morning found the other Indian girl in Tocacolie's 
cabin, she was much hurt about the head and face, 
and she was ordered to go to Walter Winter's house, 
where she went accordingly. That this examinant 
was told by John Roberts' wife that the Indian boy, 
that was in company with the other Indians, wjis in 
the house and made three arrows in the house but 
this examinant did not see him. That this exami- 
nant with John Winter and John Herbert took the 
corpses of the two Indian women and hauled them 
out of the road and covered them with some leaves.' ' 

" Morgan Herbert said that he was present at this 
examination, and having been read distinctly to him, 
that it was true in all its parts, except that of John 
Roberts having a gun, which he said he did not see. 

" John Winter was examined before same parties, at 
the same time. His affidavit corroborated that of his 
brother Walter.* 

" On the 15th of May, 1728, a warrant was issued for 



1 Penna. Arch. 218-19. 



'1 Penna. Arch. 219-20. 



1172 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



the arrest ofWalter Winter, Joha Winter and Morgan 
Herbert; and also a warrant for apprehending John 
Roberts by 'hue and cry.' 

"It does not appear that the Winter brothers were 
tried, or even arrested. But Herbert was arrested, 
and convicted ' for aiding and abetting Walter Win- 
ter and John Winter in ye murder of certain native 
Indians.' During his imprisonment, however, in the 
Chester County jail, 'divers of ye inhabitants of ye 
said county, and some of ye county of Philadelphia, 
who give a good account of the said Morgan's good 
behavior and conduct amongst them,' made applica- 
tion to the justice of the court for a recommendation 
of mercy ; and, it appearing to them that he was not 
active in perpetrating the murder, but unhappily fell 
into the company of those that committed it, they 
were induced to recommend him as an object of the 
Governor's compassion and mercy, so far as to grant 
him a reprieve 'until the King's pleasure be known, 
and in ye mean time to release him out of prison 
upon paying for and giving security for his good be- 
havior towards all ye King's subjects and especially 
the native Indians of the province.' ' This recom- 
mendation was issued by the Justices (David Lloyd, 
Richard Hill and Jeremiah Langhorne). On the 6th 
of August, 1728, it was laid before the Executive 
Council, and upon considering it, they decided that 
mercy should be shown to him, and that the justices 
should be consulted as to the proper manner of doing 
it.^ The further proceedings in this matter were not 
published. But he was doubtless pardoned." 

Industries. — Near the upper taveru, in 
Fritztown, there was a paper- mill asearlyasl770 
■which was then carried on for some years and 
then converted into a grist-mill. The latter 
was a stone building, one-story high and had a 
small capacity. The mill had many owners, 
among them being George and William Hain, 
Addams, Van Reed, and the Marshals. Near 
by, Jacob Miller had a distillery in which, 
after it was discontinued, Jacob Spies started a 
store, the first in this locality. Both mill and 
distillery have been removed, and some eighty 
rods lower down the valley a saw-mill was 
built after 1850, by Philip Von Neida. It is 
operated by water and steam power. In 1885 
it was the property of Augustus Keener. Farther 
down the Little Cacoosing, near Weitzelville, is 
the old Eberle mill site, improved soon after 
the settlement of the county, and continuou.sly 
owned by the Eberle family. At first there 
was a saw-mill, but some twenty years ago 



1 1 Penna. Arch. 225-26. 



2 3 Col. Rec. 326-27. 



Joseph Eberle put up a good grist-mill, which 
is still operated by him. East, at the base of 
the high hills, in that part of the township, is a 
grist-mill, built about forty years ago by David 
Gring, and now operated by his son, David. 
The power is furnished by .springs gushing 
from the hill side. After the stream has turned 
the machinery of the mill it sinks into the earth 
to reappear lower down the valley. 

At Sinking Spring, John Miller put up a 
tannery which, after being caiTied on a number 
of years by him became the property of Thomas 
Mull, in 1840, then of Aaron Mull who carried 
it on until 1864, doing a large business. An- 
drew Fichthorn owned and operated it also for 
some years successfully. 

The tannery has long since been abandoned. 
Lower down, on Cacoosing Creek, is the mill 
built by AVilliam Addams, long and favorably 
known by his name. It is now operated by 
John Van Reed. 

On the Tiilpehockeu a number of mill .seats 
abound, which were early improved. The 
lowest is in the town.ship of Bern and is now 
known as Bushong's paper-mill. Samuel Bell 
had pioneer grist and saw-mills at this place, 
and after his death they were carried on by 
Samuel Bell, Jr. The next power above has 
its seat in Spring township and had been im- 
proved to operate an oil-mill for a man named 
Moyer. The building has been removed. Still 
another power, farther up, improved by Joshua 
Fisher, has also been abandoned. The mill had 
been put up about 1812. 

The Daniel Gring mill, the next power, was 
built about the same time and is still in operation. 
The Zug and Lash mills, on the powers above, 
are carried on as the property of George Wertz. 

At the mouth of the ("acoosing, the Van- 
Reed paper-mills' constitute the mo.st important 
industry in the township, and rank among the 
most successful enterprises of the kind in the 
county. The Van Reeds are a family of paper 
makers, the present proprietor, Charles Van- 
Reed, belonging to the third generation, here 
carrying on that business. As conducted by 



• See engraving of mills in Lower Heidelberg township 
p. 1120. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1173 



him, the plant consists of three mills, designated 
as Nos. 1, 2 and 3, the first and last being 
auxiliary to the second. No. 1 mill is in Lower 
Heidelberg, and is rnn by the water of the Tul- 
pehocken. In it Charles Van Reed, the grand- 
father of the present owner, made printing 
paper by hand at an early day, and for a time 
supplied the State Department at Harrisburg, 
with paper which was used in publishing offi- 
cial reports. In 1850 he leased this mill to iiis 
sou, Henry Z. Van Reed, and, in 1859, the lat- 
ter became the owner of the property, using the 
mill in connection with Xo. 2, on the Caeoos- 
ing, in Spring township, which he bought Jan. 
4, 1854. Tliis building had previously been 
used as a grist-mill by John Van Reed and was, 
later, the property of Daniel Dechert. In April, 
1879, Charles Van Reed succeeded his father, 
Henry Z. and soon afterward supplied No. 2 
mill with improved machinery which greatly 
increa.sed the capacity. In the s]jring of 1882 
he became the owner of the old Henry Van- 
Reed paper-mill, some distance above, on the 
Cacoosing, wiiicii had previously been opened 
by C. R. Leiubach, and also made it tributary 
to Xo. 2 mill. This arrangement enables him 
to manufacture three hundred and twenty-five 
tons of printing paper per year, giving steady 
employment to eighteen hands. The mills are 
suljstantial stone buildings. The property in- 
cludes a farm of eighty acres of land and eight 
tenement houses. Since January, 1886, the 
principal office of the mills has been in the city 
of Reading, where he then established a paper 
and rag warehouse. 

A fulling mill near the Van Reed paper- 
mills was abandoned when the power became 
necessary to carry on the latter interests. 

One of the earliest industries of Spring town- 
.ship was the mining of iron ore, which is 
found in different parts of the township. The 
old Berkshire furnace, near Dr. Walters Park, 
in Lower Heidelberg, was supplied with ore 
mined near Cushion Hill, as early as 1760. 
The quality is red hematite. Among those 
who carried on iron mining, in that locality, 
at a later day, were Johnson & McCullougli and 
Charles Ruth ; the latter about thirty years ago. 
The next discoverv was made on the timber 



land of Heny Ruth, sometime about 1847. 
The ore there found is bluish magnetic, almost 
entirely free from sulphur, which made it 
valuable. In mining it a shaft was sunk to 
the depth of more than one hundred feet. The 
next mine was developed in the same locality, 
and is known as the " Wheatlield Mines," on 
the farm of William Fisher. This mine has 
been found very productive, and supplied ore 
for a number of furnaces in Reading. At one 
time a large force of men were employed in its 
development, but lately nothing has been done 
in active mining. Joseph Grill is mining ore 
in this locality at ])resent, employing a dozen 
hands. The mineral is loaded on cars from a 
wharf provided near Fritztown. X'orth of 
Sinking Spring, iron ore was mined on the 
Ruth and Mull farms, by the Eckerts and 
otliers, but operations were suspended about 
fifteen years ago. One of the shafts, on being 
sunk to a great depth tapped a large subterra- 
nean stream (known to abound in this county), 
which flooded the mine and caused a cessation 
of work. Limestone of good quality is found 
in nearly every part of the township, and at 
Sinking Spring has been quarried for shipment, 
laige quantities, for a time, being taken out. 
In late years the operations have been on a 
limited scale, owing to the dullness of the 
furnace business. Among those who shi})ped 
limestone from this place were Stephen Denncr 
& Co., Lewis Evans, Hezekiah V. Hamlin and 
James Ruth. The hands formerly emplo^yed 
have l)een obliged to seek other occupation. 

CHrRCHES. 

Baptist Chueches. — A Baptist Congrega- 
tion was one of the first religious organizations 
of the present township, having an existence 
about 1740. Its meml:)ershi]i was composed 
largely of Welsh people or their descendants, 
all of whom have deceased or removed, taking 
whatever records pertained to the society with 
them. The congregation became fully extinct 
many years ago. It worshipped in a log 
church which stood near the old cemetery in 
the lower part of the village of Sinking Spring. 
This burial plat is on part of a tract of about 
two acres of ground set aside for the use of the 



1174 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



society, but the title of which is not well jire- 
served, aud the ownership is now involved in 
doubt. It was oi'iginally enclosed with a sub- 
stantial stone wall, which crumbled down, 
leaving the cemetery in a much neglected con- 
dition. Lately it has been enclosed with a 
substantial picket fence, which shows that the 
community have not lost all respect for tlie dead 
which repose there. On the ground are some 
fine locust trees and a number of headstones 
showing great age and with inscriptions which 
have become illegible. 

The log church near this cemetery was sub- 
sequently used for school purposes, and after 
its deciiy was removed and the present octagonal 
stone buildiug erected on tiie lot. This was 
used as a school-house many years, some excel- 
lent schools being tiiere maintained. After it 
ceased to be used for that purpose it was 
allowed to go down and for sometime stood in 
a dilapidated condition. Subsequently it was 
repaired and for a number of years it has been 
used as a residence. 

St. John's Chukch (Lutheran and Re- 
formed). This fine church edifice is located on 
a beautiful site in the village of Sinking Spring. 
It stands on a tract of land of one and a half 
acres, devised to tlie society by Christian Ruth, 
October 30, 1793. The corner-stone was laid. 
May 3, 1794. Tiie church was a plain brick 
building, forty-eight by fifty-six feet, two- 
stories high, and witiiout a steeple. Inside was 
the usual gallery, a wine-glass shaped pulpit, 
and a floor made of brick. These were 
manufactured on the old Krick farm, three- 
fourths of a mile from the village. Three 
floors alfoi-ded entrance to the building. It 
was dedicated as the " Evangelical Presbyterian 
Reformed Church," and was the exclusive 
property of a Reformed congregation imtil 
about 1812 when the Lutherans obtained a 
common iuterest. In 1S09 tlie church property 
was enlarged by the addition of two and a half 
acres from the farm of Peter Ruth, north of 
the church, a jiart of which was added to the 
cemeteiy. In 1S17 a fine pipe organ was built 
for the church, by ()penhauser of Reading. 
On the middle of the organ, overshadowing it 
with its golden wings, was a large eagle, while 



on each side were figures of gilded angels, each 
l)lowing a horn. The next improvement was 
the removal of the brick floor and other interior 
changes. In 1851 a tower was built on the 
west side of the church. It is sixteen feet 
square and one hundred and fifty-one feet high 
and was supplied with a bell weighing one 
thousand six hundred and eight pounds. The 
entire outlay was about three thousand dollars, 
and on the completion of the work appropriate 
dedicatory services were held October 16, 1852. 
This bell was damaged and a new one (of 
nearly same weight) put in its jilaee in Septem- 
ber, 1881. 

In the latter part of 1884 fine improvements 
were made to the church building, costing over 
seven thousand dollars. 

The auditorium of the church is lit by a 
beautiful chandelier of twenty-four lights, cost- 
ing one hundred and thirty dollars. Tiie (carpets 
and furniture of the church were secured by the 
ladies of the congregations at an outlay of six 
hundred dollars. This amount was i-aised by 
three societies, called the " Ladies' Aid Society," 
composed of married women ; the " Guild," of 
single women ; and the " Busy Bees," of young 
girls. The enlarged and beautiful church was 
appropriately dedicated on the 24th of May, 
1885. A fine new organ was also supplied. It 
has twenty stops aud cost sixteen hundred 
dollars. 

The Lutheran congregation has three hun- 
dred and fifty members under the pa'storal care 
of the Rev. B. D. Zweitzig. His predecessors 
have been the Revs. T. T. laeger, Keller, 
Reichert, Jacob Miller and Henry A. Muhlen- 
berg. 

The ministers who served on the Reformed 
side were Rev. Philip R. Pauli, from 1794 to 
1815, twenty-one years. He was followed by 
his son, Rev. William Pauli, from ISIG to 1855, 
thirty-nine years. After his death, his brother, 
Rev. Charles A. Pauli, served from the year 
1S56 to 1870, fourteen years. Rev. W. F. P. 
Davis officiated from 1871 to 1883. He died 
after having served for twelve years, when the 
Rev. W. J. Kershner was elected, who still re- 
mains in service. The Reformed congregation 
numbers four hundred aud fiftv members. 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1175 



IxDEPEXDEXT U. B. CnuRrH is ill the 
eastern part of the village of Sinking Spring. 
It was built in 1867 and dedicated the follow- 
ing year. The house is brick, with a low 
steeple, containing a small bell, and capacitated 
to hold two hundred and fifty persons. 

Before this church was built, meetings of this 
denomination were held on the Weidmau farm — 
in the barn wdien the weather permitted. The 
membership belonging in 1885 was forty-five. 
These had as their jiastnr the Rev. L. VV. Cran- 
mer. A flourishing Sunday-school is maintained 
tlie entire year, B. B. Weidmau being the super- 
intendent. 

Kissin(;er's Church is situated in the 
northern part of the township. It was built in 
1852. The Lutheran congregation numbers 
fifty members, with the Rev. T. T. laeger as 
pastor ; and the German Retbrmed congregation 
has about the .<ame membership, with Rev. M. H. 
Mishler as pastor. 

MoHx's Churoi (Evangelical Association) 
is in the southwestern part of the township, on 
one acre of laud, secured for this purpose from 
the farm of Daniel JNIohn. The present church 
is the second house of worship in this locality. 
It is a plain frame building. The first house 
was of brick, built about forty years ago. The 
members of the Association at this place num- 
ber thirty and have their ministerial service in 
connection with Adamstown, in Lancaster 
County. The present pastor is the Rev. B. D. 
Albright. 

Sinking Sprincj Cemetery Company was 
incorporated by an act of Assembly, February 
5, 1861, with the following members: David 
Gring, Isaac Huyett, Reuben Gaul, John Van 
Reed, Michael Goodman, Adam Dechcrt, 
Joshua Huyett, Daniel B. Lorah and Aaron 
Mull. An acre of ground was purchased near 
St. John's Church, which was improved and 
disposed of so quickly that it was found neces- 
sary to enlarge the cemetery. These additions 
give it an area of nearly three acres. The 
cemetery is in an excellent condition and the 
aifairs of the company are flourishing. 

Parochial School-House. — On the east- 
ern part of the St. John's Church property a 
parish school-house was built in 1804, and an 



addition built to it within the next ten years. 
It is of logs and .stone, and the house still re- 
mains substantially as when first built. A book 
devoted to the interests of this school-house is 
one of the most interesting records preserved 
among the church papers. From it we learn 
that the total expense of putting up the house 
was £142, 5s. id. Nearly the entire amount 
was raised by subscription. 

In this building the church long maintained 
schools, the organi-st, most generally, being the 
teacher. Instruction was in the German lan- 
guage. 

The public-.school building in the village 
accommodates two schools, which are well at- 
tended. It is a long but low brick structure, 
located in the upper part of the village. 

East from the village early English schools 
were taught in a log house which stood on the 
farm of Philip Evans. He usually secured 
teachers from the New England States, hiring 
them as they were journeying by his house on 
their way to the West. In this manner he some- 
times employed young men of great merit. A 
few remained and became useful citizens of the 
county. 

VILLA(!ES. 

SiNKiNCi Spring is located on the Leiianon 
Valley Railroad, and on the Berks and 
Dauphin turnpike, five miles from Reading. 
It is also the junction of the Reading aud Co- 
lumbia Railroad, which here takes the tracks of 
the former railway into Reading. The vil- 
lage derives its name from a singular spring • 
which here rises out of the ground with con- 
siderable volume of water and almost immedi- 
ately sinks again. Its flow is periodic, being 
much greater some seasons than others, its vol- 
ume depending upon local conditions. The 
sinking away of the water is caused by the pe- 
(adiar limestone formation in this locality. The 
place has grown slowly and has never been 
noted for its business enterprise. It contains 
two stores, four public-houses, a number of 
shops, two churches and a number of fine resi- 
dences. Among the first settlers here were the 
Ruth family, who owned the land in the upper 
part of the present village. Jacob Lambert and 
Catherine Sohl were also land-owners here in 



1176 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



1793, having buildings east of St. John's 
Church. At the spi'ing was tlie public-house 
of John Huy, which was built some time after 
the Revolution. This was afterwards kept by 
Samuel Addams, a son-in-law of Huy, and 
father of John H. Addains, who removed to 
Northern Illinois, where he became one of the 
most jwominent citizens of the State. Among 
the later keepers of the taveru was John Heff- 
ner, who built an addition to the original house. 
The property is now owned by William F. 
Ruth. The next public-house is almost of the 
same age, and John Ludwig was an early land- 
lord, followed, among others, by George Ruth, 
John Biukley, Elijah ifiller, Hugh Lindsay, 
the showman, Heury Mull, William Masser, 
Joshua Rollman, William Troxel, Benjamin 
Gaul, Hiram Miller and Levi Brumbaugh. 
The present "Centennial House" was first kept 
by Frank Stettler, succeeded l)y Nicholas Yo- 
cum and the present, Charles Gring. It has a 
large capacity and also contains a hall. Farther 
up the turnpike Thomas Van Reed had a public- 
house many years ago, which has been converted 
into a farm building, still occupied by him. 
Near the dejjot a neat tavern was built liy Sam- 
uel Plum, who sold it to C. S. Rieser. 

John Ludwig was one of the first to engage 
in merchandising in the tavern building, aud 
later the firm of Ludwig & Hiester was at the 
same plac'e. The house now owned by Isaac 
Beidler was devoted to business purposes in the 
early history of the village, John Miller being 
long in trade there. The building standing in 
the angle formed by the junction of the Lan- 
caster road with the turni)ike M-as devoted 
many years to nierchaudising. Among those in 
trade at that place were Elijah Miller, Elijah 
Ruth, Thomas Mull, Aanm Mull, Reuben 
Spohn and William K. Ruth. Near this place 
John Lambert, Sr., had a distillery, more than 
sixty years ago, which did a large business for 
those times. The stand at present occupied by 
Hiram R. Hull was the next opened, in the or- 
der of time. Among those in trade there were 
John Lambert, John Heifner, Reily Fisher 
aud Aaron Yocum. Here is ke])t the Sinking 
Si)riug ])ost-ofiRce, established in l<s;^,l. Others 



in business are William K. Ruth, general mer- 
chant; A. B. Krick and C. D. Reber, grain, 
flour and feed dealers ; and S. P. Keppel & Co., 
lumber and coal dealers, who are successors of 
C. S. Rieser. 

Cigar-factories were estaljlished by J. H. 
Kegerise in 1867, who employed five hands; 
Oliver B. Ruth in LS79; and Thomas Leininger 
in 1885, with nine hands. 

The Palms (Peter and William) are well re- 
membered as early aud successful physicians. 
The latter died in the village in 1852, and had 
as contemporaries in the later years of his 
practice, Dr. Alexander H. Witman and Dr. 
Wendell Hibschman. Dr. Abraham Ruth was 
in practice here and at Fritztown man}- years. 
Drs. Charles T. Reber, James Hoffman, Michael 
and John Livingood and Dr. Fishburn were 
all in practice a few years, then removed to the 
West. Drs. Thierwechter and Davis each 
practiced a short time. Dr. Thomas Mull went 
to the war as a surgeon aud died at Alexandria. 
Dr. C. N. Hoffman is the oldest resident phy- 
sician in the place ; Dr. James Y. Shearer 
next ; aud Dr. J. S. Herbein since 1867. 

The early mechanics were Michael Miller, 
carpenter ; Matthias Peiffer and Andrew De 
Hart, blacksmiths ; George Lambert and John 
Lambert, siioemakers ; Geoi'ge Luft, tailor ; 
Jacob Latshaw, tinsmith ; Isaac ' and John 
Miller, carpenters ; Charles H. Addams, jus- 
tice of the peace, and James H. Addams, auc- 
tioneer. 

Sinking Spring Council, No. 77, 0. of 
U. A. M. — This body was instituted March 
24, 1862, with thirteen members. The present 
roll shows a meniliership of tiiirty-nine. 

The meetings are held weekly in Hettinger's 
Hall. The lodge has been prosperous and has 
an invested fund of twenty -six hundred dollars. 

Lexington Lodge, No. 155, A', of P., was in- 
stituted at Sinking Spring, June 12, 1869, and 
in 1885 had sixty members. The lodge meets 
in tiie Hoffman building. Its invested fund is 
about two thousand dollars. 

Weitzelville is a small hamlet, on the 
Lancaster road, two miles from Sinking Spring. 
It comprises fifteen buildings, including a jnib- 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1177 



lie-house and some shops. It derived its name 
from ^lichael Weitzel, who lived here as a dyer 
and cradle-maker. His son John had a turning- 
shop. Conrad Marshall carried on a wheel- 
Mriglit-shop and John Haas was the smith. The 
latter opened a public-house in 1824, where is 
now the tavern of John K. Gittleman, which 
was built in 1878. 

Fritztown is situated half a mile south 
of Weitzelville and is built in a very straggling 
manner. It does not contain any fine improve- 
ments, although a number of comfortable homes. 
The hamlet was started on the lands of Jacob 
and Dietrich INIarshall, and took its name from 
John Fritz, who built the first public-house, 
about 1811, north of the Fritztown Station, on 
the Columbia Railroad. It is now the log 
building occupied as a residence by Daniel 
Ulrieh, an octogenarian, who is a native of this 
place. After being a tavern forty years, it was 
turned into a residence. In 1884, Mahlon K. 
Masser opened a public-house almost opposite, 
which he still continues. The store-house there 
was built in 1849 by Charles Rutli and was oc- 
cupied l)v him, Jacob Zinn and the present, 
AVillium Zinn. The latter is postmaster of tiie 
Fritztown office, established November 12, 1862. 

Among the early settlers here were Joiin 
Ulrieh and his sou Daniel, coopers, since 1805; 
Jolin Fritz, weaver; John Adam Miller, cabi- 
net-maker; Daniel Huebner, Peter Bensing and 
John Grill, coopers; Daniel Hart, laborer; 
Alexander Fisher, millwrigiit ; Lewis Ruth and 
Charles Werner, wheelwrights ; .lohn Mohn, 
former; and Jacob Miller, justice. Most of the 
trades named are still carried on. In 1885 the 
manufacture of cigars was conducted in four 
shops, employing about a dozen hands. The 
large building near the station was formerly a 
tavern. At the upper end of the hamlet is the 
" Farmers' and Butchers' Hotel," in a stone 
building, erected by the Hill family in 1780. 
A later keeper was Abraham Mengcl, who made 
some improvemeuts in the building. Then 
came Peter Ludwig, Peter Texter and others. 
The present keeper is Martin De Hart. 

ViXEMONT is a station on the Columbia Rail- 
road, a short distance above the upper end of 
Fritztown. It contains only a few buildings. 



but has a post-office, which was established in 
1883, with Tysher Stitzel as postmaster. The 
office is at present kept by Daniel Borneman, 
M'ho also merchandises in a small way. The 
most important interests at this place are the 
vineyards and fruit-farms of Solomon Shearer. 
In 1877 he began devoting his attention to the 
cultivation of fruits, enlarging his farms from 
year to year, until they embrace nearly five 
hundred acres of land. The soil and climatic 
conditions of this locality appear to be espe- 
cially favorable for grape and small fruit culture, 
and his efforts liave been very successful. He 
has good farm buildings, refrigerator and wine- 
vault, where he keeps his surplus stock for 
shipment. About six acres are devoted to the 
cultivation of the grape, and large areas are set 
with pear, peach, plum, cherry, quince and 
apple-trees. He has also begun the cultivation 
of all kinds of nut-bearing trees and successfully 
grows the small fruits. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Rev. Bexneville B. Weidman is the 
grandson of Joseph Weidman, who resided in 
Brecknock townsiiip, where his life was devoted 
to agricultural pursuits. He married Susan 
Hoffer, who was a native of Germany, and had 
children, — Daniel, Joseph, Henry, Christiauna 
(wife of David Cole), Magdalena (wife of Simon 
Cole), Elizabeth (wife of Joel Stcffy), Ann 
Mary (wife of Jacob Blaukenbiller), Susanna 
and Solomou. The last-named of these ehililren, 
and the father of Rev. Weidman, was born in 
Brecknock township, where he followed farm- 
ing pursuits for a brief time, but later, removed 
to Spring township, having purchased the farm 
now owned by his widow. He married Mary 
Blaukenbiller, whose children were Benneville 
B., Joseph, deceased ; Elizabeth, Mary (Mrs. 
Ephraim Light), Lydia (Mrs. John Light), 
Susan (Mrs. R. G. Siebert), Solomon B., Kate 
and Amanda (Mrs. Bresler). 

Benneville B. Weidman was born on the 5th 
of September, 1833, in Brecknock township, 
and, when an infant, removed with his parents 
to Spring township, spending his youth, until 
his twenty fifth year, on the homestead. Very 
limited advantages of education wei'e enjoyed by 



1178 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Mr. Weidniau, the lack of good schools being, 
in a measure, supplied by judicious reading and 
study during his leisure hours. On leaving 
home he rented a farm in the same township, 
and cultivated the land for a period of thirteen 
years, when Sinking Spring, in the same coun- 
ty, became his residence In 1873 he purchased 
his present residence, and, though not activelv 
engaged in farming on an extensive scale, gives 



January, 1865, to Sarah, daughter of ^latthias 
Peifer, of Spring township. Their children are 
Oscar L., Lincoln, Xora Amanda, Lizzie L-ene, 
Stephen Matthias, Solomon Wilsou, Joseph Ir- 
vin, Daniel Webster, Benneville Henry, Sallie 
Bertha and Jacob Austin, deceased. 

Adam B. Krick is a great-great-grandson of 
Francis Krick. His great-grandfather, also 
named Francis, was born in 1736, in Cumru, 




/£/i (M^n/^w^^ 



a general supervision to the work incident to 
the improvement of the. tract he owns. A Re- 
publican in politics, and interested in the suc- 
cess of his party and its principles, he has never 
accepted office. Mr. ^Yeidman is connected, as 
a local preacher, with the Ciuirchof the United 
Brethren, in which his grandfather and father 
held the same relation. He is j)articiilarly ac- 
tive in Sunday-school work, as the organizer 
and superintendent of various prosperous Sun- 
day-schools. 

Mr. Wcidman was married on the 15th of 



(now Spring) township, and died April 20, 1814. 
He was married to Maria Spohn in 1 7(30, and 
was afterward united in marriage to Catherine 
Schlegel. Among his children was a .son Francis, 
born February 8, 177(), who died ilay 19, 1863. 
He was married to Hannah Kerlin, and had 
two sons and seven daughters, among whom 
was Daniel, born in Spring township, October 
28, 1804, where he Avas engaged in farming. 
He was married to Su.san, daughter of George 
Bohn, of Bern township, in 1833. Their chil- 
dren are James, deceased; Lydia (married to 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



117^> 



William R. High), Adam B., Henry B. and 
iMary E. Mr. Krick died April 16, 1864. His 
widow survive.s, and resides with Adam one of 
the sons named. 

Mr. Krick, the subject of this sketch, was born 
in Spring township October 27, 1836. He re- 
ceived iiis education at Sinking Spring, Reading, 
and at the Hudson River Institute, Claverack, 
N. Y. For five terms he taught school ; then 
he engaged in farming, and pursued this occupa- 



1844. Their children are William F., born 
October 4, 1863 ; Daniel P., :\Iarch 2(1, 1865 ; 
Sallie S., October 26, 1866 ; Thomas H., Janu- 
ary 11, 1868; Ida R., October 11, 1869; M. 
Ellen, September 18, 1871. William F. is 
married to Clara, daughter of Amos Hartman, 
and is farming a portion of the old homestead, 
having inherited the agricultural tastes of his 
ancestors. j\Ir. Krick has served as school 
director during four successive terms. He is 




Mxum/ ^. Ji^M^, 



tion for nine years. Mr. Krick, in 1852, suf- 
fered from an accident, which influenced his 
subsequent career and rendered the am]iutation 
of a limb necessar}' in 1873. He for this reason 
abandoned farming the same year, and, remov- 
ing to Sinking Spring, engaged at a later date 
in the wholesale and retail flour, feed and grain 
business, in whinh he is still engaged. On 
April 16, 1863, he was married to Lucy J., 
daughter of Benneville B. Reber and Sarah V. 
R. High, of Bern township, born April 13, 



a member, and the present treasurer, of the Sink- 
ing Spring Reformed Church. 

Sami'kl Wertz is of Swiss descent and the 
son of Frederick and Elizabeth Wertz. The 
children of this marriage are two sons, — 
Samuel and Rudolph,— and a daughter, Eliza- 
beth. 

Samuel W^ertz was born on the 2d of March, 
1809, in the Canton of Argau, Switzerland, and, 
on learning the trade of a srlk-ribbon weaver, 
found employment in a silk-factory. Seeking, 



1180 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



however, a wider sphere of activity, he, on the 
14th of May, 1834, emigrated to America and 
first located at Fraukford, near Philadelphia, 
where he engaged in the manufacture of cotton 
laps and wadding. He then, for a brief time, 
made Cumberland County, Pa., his residence, 
and from that point, in the fiill of 1836, re- 
moved to Harrisburg, where he conducted 
milling business. 

Mr. Wertz was for a time a landlord in 



and public spirit. He often responded to the 
demand for his services as executor and admin- 
istrator, and was the custodian of many import- 
ant trusts. He was an active member of the 
Eeformed Church, in which he was an elder 
both in Harrisburg and Eeading. He married 
Maria Sweigert, of Lancaster County, whose 
children are Louisa (Mrs. Price), Elizabeth (Mrs. 
Strohecker), George W., Samuel (deceased), Ed- 
ward and Jacob. Airs. Wertz having died, he 




<Miy» 





Exeter townsliip, Berks County, after which he 
removed to Spring township and conducted 
both a mill and distillery, his chief production 
being cotton laps. Abandoning the distillery 
in 1865, he confined his attention exclusively to 
milling. In 1870 he removed to Reading, es- 
tablished a flour and feed warehouse and con- 
tinued in this business until the .■]]st of Decem- 
ber, 1874. 

INIr. Wertz manifested great interest in pub- 
lic aflairs, and was a man of much intelligence 



married, on Ajn'il :28th, IS.jO, Catlierine, daugh- 
ter of John AValdemnaier, of Berks County, 
whose two sous are Augustus C. and Frank S. 

Mr. Wertz received a stroke of palsy on the 
14th of June, 1882, which resulted in his death 
on the 20th of August, 1884, in the seventy- 
sixth year of his age. The following tribute to 
his memory is paid by a friend and neighbor : 
" As a man jMr. Wertz was eminently success- 
ful. In his business transactions he was dis- 
creet, reliable and honest. By strict economy 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1181 



and steady application he succeeded in amassing 
considerable property. As a citizen he was 
favorably known throughout the county. He 
was of commanding appearance, tall, erect and 
well-built; always happy, and, by his strong 
personal magnetism, unconsciously shed the 
sunlight in his own heart into that of 
others. He [)ossessed an irrepressible vein of 
humor, which made him a very agreeable com- 
panion and enlivened those around him. He 
was a man who made friends wherever he went. 
On account of his intelligence and sense of 
right, he was a judicious and safe counselor, 
his advice being frequently sought by those 
who knew him. In religion he was devout, 
magnanimous and generous. He repeatedly 
filled various offices in the church, very ably 
and acceptably." 

Conrad D, Rebeii is the grandson of Con- 
rad Reber, a successful farmer in Bern town- 
ship, who was first married to Magdalena 
Bright and afterwaixl to Mrs. Kate Leib, and 
left the following children by the first marriage: 
Charles, Thomas B., Benneville B., Jcihn B., 
Levi B., Daniel, Matilda (Mrs. Reily L. 
Fisher), Mary (Mrs. Peter Griesemer). Benne- 
ville B. Reber was born in Bern township, and 
was a farmer by occupation. He was married, 
first, to Saraii V. R. High, by whom he had 
children, — William Henry, Lucy Jane (Mrs. 
Adam B. Krick), Kate H. (Mrs. Henry Huyett) 
and Annie j\L He was married afterward to 
Mary E., daughter of Daniel and Mary Dechert. 
Their ciiildren are Conrad D., Sarah E. (Mrs. 
Frank Hartman), Mary E. (Mrs. Peter Lein- 
bach), Matilda V., Thomas D., Ezra (deceased) 
and Clara (deceased). Conrad D. Reber, the 
subject of this sketch, was born on the 24th of 
January, 1852, in Bern townshij), and spent his 
youth upon the farm where he was born. He 
was educated at the Stouchsburg Academy, in 
Berks County, and then located at Sinking 
Spring, where he acted for three years in tlie 
capacity of clerk and assistant postmaster. He 
then traveled through the Western States, 
remaining for one year in Springfield, Ohio, 
engaged in mercantile pursuits. Returning to 
his native county, he married, on the 2d of 
November, 1876, Miss Amelia J., daughter of 



James and Mary Ruth, of Sinking Spring. 
The children of this marriage are Nellie R., 
Edith M., Addie E. and Katie May, the latter 
being deceased. After his marriage Mv. Reber 
engaged in the wholesale and retail grain, coal 
and lumber business at Sinking Spring and 
Robesonia, in Berks County, and is still inter- 
ested in the purchase and sale of these com- 
modities, aj5 also in the mining of magnetic ore. 
He has been and is, as a Democrat, more or 
less active in local politics. He is a member 
of the Lutheran Church, of Sinking Spring, in 
which he has officiated as deacon, and is con- 
nected with the Sabbath-school. 



BRECKNOCK TOWNSHIP. 

The township of Brecknock was erected in 
1741. Proceedings relating to its erection 
could not be found. When Berks County was 
erected, the boundary line extended through 
the township, and that portion of the township 
in this county naturally retained the same 
name. 

The estimated area of the township in 1820 
was nine thou.sand five hundred acres, and iu 
1849 ten thousand. In 1842 the western sec- 
tion was cut from the township and added to 
Cumru, the area having been about nine hun- 
ilred acres. The length of the distance on the 
county line was four hundred and forty-four 
perches. The commissioners were Samuel S. 
Jackson, William Eckert and M. S. Richards. 

The early settlers were Welsh, and they 
suggested the name of the township, doubtless 
taking it from the place of their nativity, in 
Wales.' 

Four fine streams of water take their rise in 
this township near the " Ziemer Tavern." The 
laud is rolling, interspersed with valleys, but 
well improved. 

Taxables op 1759.— The names of the 
taxable people in the township for the year 
1759 appear in the following list. Bernhard 



' A division of tenitory situated in the soutlierly part of 
Wales. 



1182 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Bealor was the collector ; aud the amount of tax 
levied was £14, VSn. 



Henry Hiller 2 

Jacob Miller 1 

Francis Marshall '2 

.lobannes Mosser 3 

Adam .teydee 7 

Henry owerwaaser 3 

John Rubee 2 

Jeremiah Siemor 12 

Peter Sweitzer 2 

John Sliartz 5 

Michael Slough 4 

Nicholas Shailck 12 

Abram Stone C 

Henry Seidebeuder 3 

Joseph Wagner 3 

Jacob Wei-st 4 

Leopold Tost 13 

George Yost 2 



John Aldeberry 3 

Bernhard Bealor 7 

Henry Brindle .1 

Christian Baltz 4 

Dieter Baltz 4 

Adam Beemer 

Daniel Cooper 

JobanneB Cornier 2 

George Douglass 13 

Christian Eaire 3 

Michael Finfrock 13 

Michael Fraukhouser 5 

Jacob Pry 2 

Christian Gehman 3 

Johannes Hemig 5 

Charles Hornberry 8 

George Hesong 3 

Casper Koch 2 

John Lery 4 

SiiKjle Man. 
Henry Pi-attingvr. 

Industries. — The » ater- powers of Brecknock 
are confined to a few sites ou the Allegheny Creek, 
which were improved at an early period. These 
mills are still kept up, but are not as important 
in their relation to the business of the township as 
formerly, since the power at certain seasons is very 
weak. Near the Robeson line is the old Christian 
Bixler saw-mill, carried on many years as the 
property of Isaac Bixler. The old Bixler grist- 
mill, at the power next above, was long operated by 
Daniel and Philip Bixler, but has lately become 
the property of Daniel Yelk. It has a small 
capacity. The Allegheny or Bowman mill, now 
owned by Christian Cooper, is a familiar landmark 
on the stream. For many years it was carried on 
by Joseph Bowman and later by Noah Bowman. 
Below this site John Bowman had wool-carding 
machinery and fulled cloth, discontinuing the 
business thirty years ago. Afterwards there was 
a small wood- working shop, which has also been 
removed. On Muddy Creek, John Schweitzer 
built a small saw-mill a number of years ago, 
which is now carried on successfully by Samuel Z. 
Schweitzer. William Schweitzer had a tannery 
in the same locality for some years, but it has 
been abandoned. In the we.<tern part of the 
township George Miller made axes by hand-power, 
and a small gun factory was also carried on a short 
time. 

The citizens of the township are mainly agricul- 
turists, and have also paid considerable attention 
to fruit-culture, the soil being well ada2)ted for the 



smaller varieties. The apple and peach orchard 
of Henry Wagner was unusual on account of its 
size, it having thirty four hundred peach trees. 
Unfortunately, these have been destroyed by blight, 
but the apple orchard is still one of the largest in 
this section of country. 

Within the reccollectiou of the old inhabitants 
John Ziemer was the first to engage in mercantile 
pursuits, having a store on the old State road in 
the eastern part. He there also distilled liquor 
soon after 1800. Before 1829 he had a public- 
house, which was afterward continued by Peter 
Ziemer. It has become a farm-house on the land 
of J. Schweitzer. In the same locality Daniel 
Hummel began a small store in a building which 
had formerly been a school-house, but which was 
enlarged to meet the demands of his trade. In 
18(j9 a post-office was established with the name 
of the store, Hummel becoming the postmaster. 
A few years later xlugustus Schweitzer became the 
owner of the property, which he improved. He 
also conducted a public-house and store and the 
post-office, continuing the two latter to the present 
time. There is a tri-weekly mail to Reading. 
North from this place John Hartz opened a 
small store in 1884 ; and west of this Peter Bow- 
man had a store for thirty years, removing it some 
eighteen years ago, to Knauer's post-office, west of 
the centre of the township. Jotiu Trostel had the 
first public interest there, building a part of the 
present public-house more than forty years ago. 
Becoming the property of Daniel Knauer, he se- 
cured a post-office, with the name of his hotel, 
March 3, 1856. The hotel was afterwards carried 
on by Wm. R. Ziemer and is now the property of 
Henry K. Furlow, who is also the postmaster. In 
this locality a store was lately opened by Henry 
Trostel ; there are also some mechanic-shops, being 
the only place having the appearance of a hamlet 
in the township. 

churches. 
Allegheny Church (Reformed and 
Lutheran). — In ITti-S some thirty persons united 
in building the first house of worship, which was 
a simple log building, thirty by forty feet, without 
floor or stove, and had but two windows. Some 
years later it was plastered over and made more 
comfortable. It was used in this condition until 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1183 



1800, when it was replaced by a plain sandstone 
building. From its location, near the Allegheny 
Creek, it took its name and is widely known 
among the churches of the county. The situation 
isfery desirable, the church grounds coramandiDg 
a view of the country many miles. The increase 
of membership and the prosperity of the congrega- 
tions induced them to undertake the building of a 
new church in 1878, which, in its completed con- 
dition, is a worthy monument to their devotion 
It is a beautiful sandstone edifice, forty five by 
seventy feet, with a pulpit recess of five feet in the 
rear wall. A steeple seventy feet high adds to its 
external appearance. The arrangement with 
galleries gives a seating capacity of eight hundred. 
The walls are finely frescoed and back of the pul- 
pit is an attractive painting representing the 
" Ascension of Christ." It has a pipe-organ 
costing one thousand six hundred dollars. 
The corner-stone was laid May 23, 1878, and the 
dedication took place November 15th of the same 
year. 

The cost, exclusive of the work done by mem- 
bers, as voluntary contribution, was nearly ten 
thousand dollars. Much of this amount was the 
proceeds realized from a farm of eighty-two acres 
which was devised to the church in 1814 by one 
of its members, John Christian Ludwig Schaeffer, 
who died that year. He was born in 1729 and at 
his death was interred in the cemetery of the 
church. Formerly the income from the farm was 
used in maintaining a school under the direction of 
the church. This was discontinued after the era 
of free schools. 

Each congregation has about three hundred and 
twenty five members, the Lutherans having as 
their pastor Rev. Zenas H. Gable. Some of his 
predecessors were the Revs. D. K. Humbert, T. 
T. laeger, S. R. Wagner, H. Boyer and others 
who preached in the Plow Church. The first 
Reformed minister recorded was the Rev. S. 
Ammon. Then came the Revs. H. Ingold, T. 
Faber, John Z. Guiding, Reuben Herman, Fred. 
Herman and Aug. Herman, and, since 1873, M. 
L. Fritch. 

The inscriptions on many sand stones have been 
effaced by the elements, and numerous graves have 
been marked by simple stone slabs containing no 
name at all. 



Mennonite Meeting-Houses. — Among the 
early settlers of Brecknock were a number of fam- 
ilies belonging to the Mennonite denomination, who 
worshipped in private houses until some thirty 
years ago, when the Allegheny and Gehman meet- 
ing-houses were built. The former was erected of 
sand stone on the land of Henry Weber, and has 
sittings for three hundred persons. The latter is 
a similar building, put upon the land of David 
Gehman, whose family was most active in promot- 
ing its erection. Each church has a small grave- 
yard connected. The first meetings in the Alle- 
gheny neighborhood were held at the house of 
Wendell Bowman. The preachers were Christian 
Good and Christian Gehman, the latter living in 
Berks County. The bishop was Jacob Zimmer- 
man Later preachers were Peter Mentzer, Jacob 
Mosseman and Samuel Good. The churches 
have at present the ministry of Benjamin Horning, 
of Berks County, and Abraham Gehman and Chris- 
tian Stauffer, of Lancaster. The membership is 
small, and is confined mainly to the Bowman, 
Gehman, Horning and Messner families in Breck- 
nock. The meetings are usually well attended by 
members from associate churches in Lancaster 
County, where preaching was first maintained. 

The Evangelical Meeting-House, near the 
Cumru line, was built about fifteen years ago on 
the land of Benjamin Remp, one of the most active 
members. Other members belonging were from 
the Brinline, Lutz and Blankenbiller families, the 
number never being large. The ministry is from 
Lancaster Couuty. The church is a small frame 
building, and stands in a grave-yard. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Samuel Z. Schweitzer. — Four brothers by 
the name of Schweitzer emigrated from Wiirtem- 
burg, in Germany, to Pennsylvania, about 1740. 
One, whose name was Peter, settled in Brecknock 
township, Lancaster County (dow Berks Couuty), 
another in Northampton County, the third in 
Cumberland County, and the fourth in Lancaster 
(now included in Dauphin) Couuty. Peter 
Schweitzer was married to a young woman named 
Heffelfinger (who emigrated at the same time), 
and had seven children, — Frederick, Peter, Susan, 
Christiana, Catharine, Elizabeth and Margaret. 

Frederick Schweitzer was born in Brecknock 



1184 



HISTORY OF BEEK8 COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



township, Berks County, and carried on farming. 
He was married to Barbara Burkhardt, of the 
same township, and had eight children, — John, 
Frederick, Peter, Jacob, Elizabeth, Barbara, Susan 
and Catharine. 

Jihn Schweitzer was born in same township 
August 28, 1791, and was married to Mary 
Ziegler (a daughter of Abraham Ziegler, a farmer 
of Lancaster County, who lived near by), born 
October 5, 1791, and who is now still living in the 
township, at the remarkable age of ninety-five 



Samuel Ziegler Schweitzer was born in Breck- 
nock townijhip, on the old homestead, January 1, 
1816. He was educated in his early youth in the 
piivate schools which the neighborhood afforded and 
subsequently attended a higher grade of schools at 
Morgantown and at Reading. A special study of his 
was surveying, which he pursued several years 
after returning home. In his seventeenth year he 
began teaching in the school building at Allegheny 
Church, in Brecknock township, and pursued this 
profession for seventeen successive years. The 




^h//z^(^.cJ^/t'c 






years, in good health and able to move about with 
ease and speak with fluency, being possessed of a 
strong recollection of past events in the early 
history of the county. He had a farm of one 
hundred acres, with a saw-mill, which he conducted 
successfully for many years. He died December 
5, 1871, and had four children, — Samuel Z., John 
(married to Maria Suader), Salome (now deceased, 
who was married to John Kachel) and Elizabeth 
(married to Peter Bixler, who is now deceased). 



first three years were spent in the townshij) naniec? 
and near by, and the other years at various places 
in Lancaster County, the more prominent localities 
having been New Holland, Goodville and Church- 
town. He also taught music for a time. Dur- 
ing the interim from teaching every year he 
was engaged at farming, and also at droving 
for five years, traveling to the West for stock 
and driving it to the East to market. In 1852 
he directed his attention entirely to farming 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1185 



and lie has pui-sued this vocation since. He has 
always resided on the homestead, of which he be- 
came the owner in 1872. He now owns three 
farms (the third being distant one mile from the 
homestead), altogether three Inindred and eighteen 
acres, which he is conducting successfulh'. On the 
place which he occupies he also carries on a saw- 
mill and chopping-mill. 

Mr. Schweitzer is a Republican in politics. 
He officiated as justice of peace in the township 
for one term of five years from 1872. . He 
has been prominently connected with the Mu- 
tual Fire Insurance Company of Sinking Spring, 
Berks County, for many years having officia- 
ted as a Director. He is a member of the Alle- 
ghenj- Church, Lutheran denomination, having 
l)een associate treasurer of the church for the last 
twenty years, and treasurer of the Lutheran con- 
gregation since 1852. When the Allegheny Church 
was rebuilt, in 1878, he was one of the largest con- 
tributors. 

He was married, in 18")3, to Elizabeth Haller, 
daughter of Samuel Haller, a farmer of Torre Hill, 
Lancaster County. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 

EuECTiON OF Township. — This township was 
erected in 1753 by proceedings in the Court of 
Quarter Sessions of Berks County. The papers 
could not be found on file, excepting a draft 
which was prepared by Benjamin Lightfoot. The 
lines were surveyed by him on the 10th of Febru- 
ary, 1753; their bearings and distances being as 
follows : 

'' Beginning at the Schuylkill, at the outlet of Hay 
Creek, on the upper side, thence along Robeson 
township, S. 10 W. 500 ps. and S. 44° 19' W. 960 ps., 
to a white oak tree corner, tlience along Caernarvon 
township S. 45° 41' E. 970 ps. to a heap of stones, 
thence along Chester County N. 59 E. 221(5 ps. to a 
post on the western bank of the Schuylkill, thence up 
the river 2125 ps. to the beginning." 

These lines were estimated by him to enclose 
13,112 acres, with usual allowance. Three prom- 
inent creeks are mentioned as being within the 
townshii>s,—" Six-pence," " Mill," and the head- 
waters of " French." A line is drawn through 
this draft from a point on the river-bank opposite 
101 



the mouth of Monocacy Creek to the Caernarvon 
township line (south 44° lit' west), crossing the 
line at a public road leading to Geiger's Mill 
about three hundred and forty-five perches from 
the Robeson township corner, this being intended, 
doubtless, to indicate the locality and bearing of 
the county line which had existed between Chester 
and Lancaster Counties.^ 

The name of the township arose from a " union " 
of two sections of territory, one (about seven 
thousand five hundred acres) from Coventry town- 
ship, in Chester County, and the other from Robe- 
son township, in Berks County. 

First Settlers. — The first ti-act of laud was 
taken up by Hans Monson, by warrant, in 1(J84 
The tract contained five hundred and eighty acres, 
and was situated in the vicinity of Mill Creek, on 
the Schuylkill. Soon afterward he conveyed the 
land to Peter Peterson Yocum. It is probable 
that Yocum did not then occupy this land. 

In 1715 John Rumford took up, by patent, a 
tract of three hundred acres, situated on the 
Schuylkill, opposite the Swedes' tracts, in "Coven- 
try." In 1728 he sold two hundred acres of this 
tract to Thomas Reese ; the adjoining owner then 
on the east was John Blare (who " seated " the 
land) and on the south David Stephens (who had 
the land " in tenure "). Subsequently this two hun- 
dred acre tract came to be owned by Abraham 
Wislar. " 



1 Taking this line to have been the county line, the esti- 
mated area of territory cut from Cliester County was about 
nine thousand acres. But in 1729, when Lancaster County 
was erected from Chester County, this line was reported to 
have the bearing from the same point on the Schuylkill, 
southwest by south, or south 34° 46' west. This differ- 
ence in the bearing of the line would make an area of 
about fifteen hundred acres ; and, accordingly, about 
seventy-five hundred acres were tnken fj-oin Chester 
County. 

2 Some of the earlier warrantees of land in the township 
before the erection of the county, besides those mentioned, 
were, — 



AVm. .J. Adams. 
William Bird. 
.John Bunn. 
John Banfield. 
.John Best. 
Alex.ander Brindley. 
David Bieler. 
John Jacob Boob. 



Anthony Bieler. 
James Cadwallader. 
Jonas Chamberlain. 
William Comb. 
Francis Dowdle. 
Michael Gowger. 
Francis Hughes. 
David Howell. 



1186 



HISTOllY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



Taxables of 1759. — The following list con- 
tains the namcKS of the taxable persons in the 
township for the year 1759. The amount of tax 
then levied was £44 Ss. 6d. The collector of the 
tax was Abraham Wanger : 



Win. Bird 1,(1 

.ToM'iili Burseon 10 

Tliiis. Bantield 1.5 

Jacob Bat>oil 7 

Sninucl Barefoot 8 

Geo. Carson 18 

lleury CoutchtT 5 

Robert Campbell 1 

Locblan Doyle — 2 

Pennal Evans 16 

Evan Kvans U 

Samuel Flower '25 

Peter Fliyoner 1 

Peter Fuuck 2 

John Godfrey 24 

Andrew Git>snn 4 

Hubert Galloway 1 

John Harris ; 17 

Joneph Hunt 15 

Mordecai Harris 2 

Andi*ew Ilartman 2 

.John Uause fi 

Matthew Hopkins 1 

Andrew Huffman 3 

Kdwarrt Hughes 'J 

Frederick Huusly 10 

Mouncc Jones 10 

Thomas Lloyd 9 



Samuel Pansoi 
Fredk. Haws. 
Owen Hughes. 



.Tohu Lincoln 10 

Stephen Lewis 4 

Morgan Lewis -T 

Michael Leonard 2 

Joseph Millard * Son 20 

Mordecai Millard 3 

Jane Millard i 

Timothy Millani 8 

Jonathan Millard .3 

John Medary 4 

Charles McGrew S 

Jacob Mcizle 1 

Richard Oaty n 

Thomas Pratt 8 

John Peter 1 

Owen Reinhard 7 

James Roberts (J 

John Scarlet 4 

John Sloner 10 

Jacob Switzer 10 

Ciisper Singhause 10 

.John Taylor 10 

Geo. Truck 1 

ITeury Winterberf: 24 

Abi-aham Wanger 20 

Conrad Walter 10 

Thomas Williams 7 

Daniel Yoder 14 



James McGrew. 
John Rattican. 
Adam Stadcr. 



A list' of the freeholders of the township for 
1764 includes the following persons with quantity 
of their land and number of servants, stock, etc. : 

Mark Bird : 1000 acres of land, 200 cultivated and 
80 sowed; 5 servants, 5 negroes, 18 horses, 18 cattle, 
and 40 sheep. 

George Cersou : 220 acres of land, 130 cultivated 
and 25 sowed ; 1 servant, 2 negroes, 4 horses, 5 cat- 
tle and 10 sheep. 



Caleb Harrison. 
Cliristiau Herkett. 
Owen Hughes. 
.Job H.irvey. 
I'eter Krey. 
.laeob Light. 
Kohcrt Long. 
I'eter Leykon. 
John Moore. 
Evan Price. 
.John I'urcel. 
Richard Peter. 
' Manuscript collection 
Society at Philadelphia. 



Roger Rogers. 
Griffith Rees. 
George Sower. 
.John Scarlet. 
James Steel. 
Jacob Sicigley. 
James Tlionipson. 
James Thomas. 
John Treby, Jr. 
George Wickline. 
Henry Williams. 

with Pennsylvania Historical 



Samuel Flower : 2000 acres of hill land. 
~ John Stoner : 400 acres of land. 

John Harrison : 300 acres of land, 100 eultivate<l, 
27 sowed. 

Industries. — The limited water-power of the 
township has been well improved. On Six-Penny 
Creek, George Kerst had a pioneer mill, which 
was afterwards known as Linderman's. Previous 
to 1830 George Zachariah erected a forge, called 
" Clinton," at this water-power, and operated it for 
some, years, when it was removed, and the power 
again used to operate a mill now known as Shirey's. 
Below this site Jacob Umstead had fulling, feed 
and oil-mills, which were useful factors in tiie early 
history of that locality. Daniel Kiusey used the 
power for some years to operate a grist-mill erected 
by him. It has been idle a number of year.'*. 
Near the Schuylkill George Stoner had a saw-iniii 
soon after 1800. It was operated until 1840, 
when William Miller added a grist-mill. Both 
mills are carried on by the Miller family. On 
Mill Creek, in the locality of Unionville, Jacob 
Kerlin was the proprietor of mills until 1825, 
when Abraham Wanger became the owner. • After 
1827 they were sold to Henry Flannery, and from 
him they have passed to Jacob K. Flannery, the 
present owner. For a short time a distillery was 
also carried on. In the southwestern part of the 
township, on a branch of Hay Creek, Paul Geiger 
built a feed and clover-mill, which still remains, 
Herman Geiger being the owner. 

The '■ Hopewell " and " Mouocacy " Furnaces 
are the prominent iron industries in the townshi]). 
The latter has been in existence for one hundred 
and twenty years They are mentioned in chapter 
on " Early and General Industries." 

churches. 
St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church. — 
This is the oldest Methodist Church in the county, 
and one of the oldest in the State. The first 
church building was erected in 1773 upon the 
land of Mouuce Jones, for the use of the Rev. W. 
Diener, a preacher of the " New Light " doctrine, 
but who subsequently embraced Methodism, and 
was instrumental in converting the most of his ad- 
herents to the same faith, some time before 1780. 
That year the property, which was known as the 
" Forest Church," from its location in a district of 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1187 



of the county by that name, was deeded to John 
Wesley and his followers, and from that time this 
lias been distinctively a Methodist Church. The 
Methodist members at that period were David 
Hoffman, Henry Carbery, Jacob Zink, Abraham 
Zink, ISIounce Jones, Abraham Lewis, Reuben 
C'ox, John Geiger, Henry Kerlin and a few others. 
Before 1780 the Lutherans occasionally held 
meetings in this house, which was of the nature of 
a Union building, but thereafter were obliged to 
attend the church at the Plow Tavern until 
seventy years later, when they built a church in 
the same locality. The old Forest Church was a 
phiin stone building, one story high. It was in use 
until 1858, when the present St. Paul's Church 
was erected in its stead. This is a large stone edi- 
fice, plastered on the outside, and has basement 
rooms. On the north side of the building is 
preserved the stone in.scribed with the date of the 
first building. In connection with it is a burial- 
liit, the front of which is enclosed with a stone wall 
l)uilt in 1818 by David Hoffman and Paul 
Geiger. In 1883 a parsonage was erected at 
Geigertown, three-fourths of a mile distant. 

In 1870 St. Paul's (Jhurch and the Zicm Church 
became a separate charge, as the Geigertown Cir- 
cuit. 

The congregation of St. Paul's Church has 
ninety-five members, and the Zion Church' thirty. 
The latter house of worship was built in 1872, of 
sandstone, and cost twenty-three hundred dollars. 
It includes a burial plat. 

St. James' Evangelical Lutheran Church 
is near the village of Geigertown and had its cor- 
ner stone laid August 11, 1850. Under the direc- 
tion of George Zerr, Paul Geiger, George Wamsher 
and Jacob Wolf, the building was completed for 
dedication on Decemijcr 25th of the same year, the 
ceremony having been performed by Rev. F. A 
M. Keller, of Reading, who was the first pastor 
and served until his death, in 1864. The congre- 
gation was organized by his predecessor. Rev. 
Jos. R. Focht. At first it was small; in 1886 it num- 
bered seventy-five members. Rev. Zenas H. Gable 
has been pastor since 1873. The church building is 
nearly forty feet square, constructed of rough 
stone and jilastered. It stands on an acre of 
land, whicli was donated Ijy Paul Geiger and 



George Zerr ; part of the land has been set apart 
for burial purposes. 

MoNocACY Methodist Episcopal Churcih. 
— A plain frame building was erected in 
1873. At the organization of the con- 
gregation there were sixty members ; now 
they number one hundred and forty. It has 
always had the same ministerial service as the 
charge at Birdsboro. The society is flourishing 
and exerts a good influence on the community. 
The land on which the church stands was donated 
by the Monocacy Furnace Company. 

Roman Catholic Church is situated below 
Monocacy. It was built about 1855, on a lot of 
land donated by Henry Flannery, and is still used 
by that denomination, although the membership is 
small and there is no settled priest. Many of the 
worshippers come from a long distance, the church 
accommodating many people not living in the 
township. It is a stone building, with a ca|)acity for 
several hundred people. A burial-ground is 
attached. 

In the central part of the township a small stone 
church was built about thirty years ago by the 
colored people belonging to the ISIefhodist Church. 
The congregation is small. 

Schools. — One of the fii-st schools in the town- 
ship was on the Kerst farm, in a log building erect- 
ed about a hundred years ago. It was an ordinary 
pay-school, but was well attended for those times. 
In 1830 H. G. Stettler opened a boarding-school 
for boys, at Unionville, which he continued five 
years. He was accounted a good teacher, and gave 
thorough instruction in the English language. 
Other pay-schools have been maintained for short 
periods, among them " Philomathean Academy," 
which is noted in Birdsboro. The common schools 
are well attended. 

villaces. 
Unionville is the oldest hamlet in the township. 
The land in that locality was owned by Abraham 
Brower, and upon part of it John Brower founded 
a business point before 1820, called Browerstown. 
When the post-office was established, in 1828, it 
was called "Brower," by which name it is still des- 
ignated. The present title of the hamlet was de- 
rived from the townshiji. Alsraliani Brower car- 
ried on a small foundry until his death, in 1830, 



1188 



lllSTOIiY OF BERK8 COUNTY, T'KNNSYLVANIA. 



after which tlie hu.siiiess was contiuued for some 
time by his son-in-law, Augustus Leopold. Small 
castings only were made. John Brower had a shop 
for the manufacture of candle-sticks, lamps and 
coflee-mills, in which six men were employed ; but 
this business was discontinued before 1830. About 
the same time Jacob Kerlin had a sickle and scythe- 
factory there, and William Kerlin a shop for bor- 
ing out gun-barrels. The elder Jacob Kerliu car- 
ried ou a mill. All these interests made Union- 
ville a busy place for a time. A store was started 
before the post-office was established. Samuel 
Boone, Richard Jones and others carried on busi- 
ness there. A i)ublic-house was also kept, from 
1820 to 1.S74, by John Brower, Titus Layering 
and Augustus Kerlin. The place has about twenty 
buildings, including several mechanic-shops. 

Above this place, on the old Jacob Whistler 
farm, Abraham Bannan built a wai-ehouse and 
dock ou the canal, in 1830, calling it " Port Un- 
ion." In 1836 David Grim carried on a large 
business. James Healy and Amos Boone were 
later merchants. After the building of the rail- 
roads the business of the canal at this point was 
reduced and eventually suspended. 

Above this point is the " Black Bear " Inn, 
opened in 1831 by James Bhtkely. Since 1884 it 
has been kept by the Ryan family. An earlier 
public-house was kept soon after 1800 by John 
Kcrst, continuing some years, on what is now the 
Flaunery farm. In the same locality Jacob Um- 
stead operated a distillery until about 1824. 

Mt. Airy, or Monocacy, is near the west Hue 
of the township, on the canal and Schuylkill. A 
store was opened by William Long, on the farm of 
Margaret Long, some time about 1813, and con- 
tinued about a dozen years, which was the begin- 
ning of business-life in this locality. After that, 
other interests followed ; but, on account of the 
nearness of Birdsboro, the hamlet has never ob- 
tained an important business position. Within its 
bounds are over twenty houses. In 1826 Lyon 
Lemberger had the store in this neighborhood, and 
a later merchant was John C. Evans, who discon- 
tinued in 1831 ; and it was not until 1885 that 
Alexander Church opened a store in the same 
room. In that building was kept the Mt. Airy 
[lost-oftice ; but after 1825 it was continued down 
the road by Diinicl Y. Knabb and Robert Bland. 



About 1833 Samuel Fox built a hotel in tiiis local- 
ity, and became the postmaster. In 1837 he was 
succeeded by Herman Umstead, who kept a store 
and inn at the same time. In 1849 John Bland 
became the postmaster, who was succeeded by 
Umstead, who had the name of the office changed, 
in 1856, to bear his name, as the Mount Airy title 
was claimed at another place. Some time about 
1861 the name of the office was changed to its pres- 
ent title, Monocacy. In the hamlet proper, Caleb 
and Charles Bland have the store and tavern. The 
usual mechanic-shops are carried on. East of this 
place John Geiger had a pioneer inn, keeping it 
in a log building. From 1830 untill 1872 Ezekiel 
Beard entertained the public at the same poiut. 

BIOGRAPHICAL. 

Charles M. Clingan, M.D., was born in Ches- 
ter County, Pa., March 18, 1820. His father, 
William Clingan, was the owner of the Laurel 
Iron- Works, Chester County, Pa., where he died 
before reaching his thirtieth year. His grand- 
father, William Clingan, was a native of Ireland, 
and came to this country to establish a mercantile 
business, which, combined with agricultural j)ur- 
suits, he carried on successfully in the southern 
portion of Chester County. He, with Robert 
Morris, Daniel Roberdeau, J. Bayard Smith and 
Joseph Reed, represented Pennsylvania in the 
framing of the Articles of Confederation and 
Perpetual Union between the States, which was 
ratified at Philadelphia on the 22d of July, 1778. 
His mother was a grand-daughter of Colonel 
Thomas Bull, of Revolutionary fame. Ui)on com- 
jiletiou of a preparatoiy couree. Dr. Clingan began 
the study of medicine, graduating from Jefferson 
Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1840. He fol- 
lowed his profession in Chester County for fiuir 
years, but, finding active business more to his 
taste, abandoned the practice to embark in iron 
manufacturing at the Rock Furnace, Lancaster 
County, Pa. He was married, on the 14th of 
March, 1843, by the Rev. Levi Bull, to Maria T., 
daughter of Clement Brooke, of Hopewell Furnace. 
Eight children were born of this union, three of 
whom survive, — two sons, Charl&s B. and A. 
Hunter (well known throughout this and adjoin- 
ing counties), and one daughter, Anne Louise. 
Dr. Clingan, after his marriage, assumed charge 



TOWNSHIPS OF COUNTY. 



1189 



of the Hopewell Furnace, lielonghig to his father- 
in-law, Clement Brooke, in Hopewell, Union 
township, Berks County, also devoting much 
time, until his deatii, to the management of the 
Hopewell estate, comprising some five thousand 
acres of land situated in the southern portion of 
Berks and northern portion of Chester C'ounties. 

In the year 1859 he removed to Philadelphia 
and became engaged in mercantile and banking 
business. He was a prominent nieml)er of the 



Two stations, both known as Clingan, are located 
at the foot of the lawn, one belonging to the 
Wibningtim and Northern Railroad, the other tp 
the Pennsylvania Schuylkill Valley Railroad. 

Samuel M. Rea is the grandson of Samuel 
Rea, who resided in the northern part of Chester 
County, Pa., and the son of Samuel Rea, of the 
same county, who was married to Lydia Morris, 
daughter of Enos and Lydia Jackson Morris. 
Their son, Samuel M., was born on the 24th of 




(■IIAULKS M. CI.IXGAX, M.D. 



Commercial Exchange, a special partner in the 
firm of Clingan, Lewis & Co, wholesale pork pack- 
ers and provision dealers, and president of the 
Keystone National Bank. On March 27, 1875, 
while attending to the duties of the latter position, 
he was stricken with sudden and fatal illness. 

After the decease of Dr. Clingan, his widow and 
children, preferring country life, built two large 
mansions on farms owned by them and containing 
over four hundred acres, situated one mile west of 
Birdsboro, Pa. The widow and unmarried chil- 
dren live in one, whilst Charles B. Clingan and 
family occupy the other. 



March, 1823, in the northern portion of Chester 
County, and in early youth removed to Berks 
County, from whence he returned again to his 
native county. After preliminary instruction at 
the common schools he became a pujiil of Price's 
boarding-school, nearW est Chester, devoting special 
attention to surveying, navigation and other mathe- 
matical studies. A lim ited time having been spent 
as a farmer, he entered the office of John S. Bowen, 
of West Chester, as clerk and draughtsman, and af- 
terward engaged in surveying. He then embarked, 
with a partner, in a survey of the State of Dela- 
ware, preparatory to the publication of a county 



llixi 



HISTORY OF BERKS COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. 



and State map. This project consumed the greater 
part of two summei-s, after which his profession of 
;i surveyor and engineer led to his tem]5orary loca- 
tion in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New Jersey and 
New Y'ork States resi)ectively. He was then era- 
jiloyed in tlie survey and laying out of the town- 
ship of Kingsessing prior to its consolidation with 
the city of Philadelphia. Transferring his quartere 
to German town, he engaged in a survey of the 



1867, he wjis elected city engineer. Daring this 
time he superintended the introduction of the 
dinger water into the Penn reservoir, an achieve- 
ment which won for him no little commendation. 
In 1876 Mr. Rea purchased his present valualde 
farm in Union township, and, while not abandon- 
ing the pursuit of liis profession (being the present 
surveyor of the borough of Birdsboro), retired to 
the more tramiuil life of an agriculturist. He 





district including Germantown and Chestnut Hill. 
In 1862, Mr. Rea, in connection with a partner, 
purchased a farm of eight hundred acres in Mary- 
land, and embarked in agricultural pursuits, which 
were continued for two years, when, having sold 
the property, he returned to Germantown, and, in 
1 864, made Reading his home. Here he engaged 
in a toiiogra]>hical survey of the city. Before the 
completion of this work, and on the 18th of May, 



was united in marriage to Elizabeth, daughter of 
James Hartley Potts and Sarah Jackson, of Berks 
C'Ounty. Their children are Morris Jackson, born 
February 16, 1870, and Lydia Lee, born July 19, 
1871, both deceased. Mr. Rea is in politics a 
Republican, but gives little time to matters of a 
political nature. He is a memlter of the Berks 
County Agricultural and Horticultural Society. 
He was reared in the faith of the Society of Friends 
and inclines to that belief. 



APPENDIX. 



Iiil.Sll tln' county of Scliuylkill was erected 
I'roiii a part of Berks coimty and a part of North- 
anii)ton county. The greater portion of its terri- 
tory was cut from Berks County. 

Tiie following townships had been erected in 
that portion beyond the Blue Mountain when the 
county was established. 

The early settlers had moved into this territory 
as early as 1749. In August, 1749, their tres- 
passes upon the possessions of the Indians became 
a subject of complaint by the Indians to the gov- 
ernment. Their deputies were sent by the Seue- 
cas, Onondagas, Tutatoes, Nanticoke and Couoy, 
to treat with the Governor and protest against the 
formation of settlements beyond the mountains. 
The Governor assured them that the trespasses 
should be stopped and gave them many presents.' 
In May 17o7, the following persons lived beyond 
the Blue Mountains in the vincinty of " Fort Frank- 
lin " within four miles, and in the district which 
a dozen years afterward was called Brunswick. 

Geo. Gilbert. Wm. Wiegimd. 

Adam Spittlenian. Anthony Kruin. 

Heury Hauptman. Philip Scholl.^ 

Casper Langeberger. Jacob Keini. 

Nich. Kind. John Frist. 

Geo. Merte. Philip Kiisbaum. 

Henry Norbech. Wm. Gabel. 

Mark Grist's widow. .John Wissewer. 

G. Krammer's widow. Goo. Wartmau. 

Wm. Ball. Jacob Richards. 

Philip Aanes. Christopher Sprecher. 

Jacob Leisser. Geo. Sprecher. 

John Sfhaert'er. 
They petitioned the Governor not to remove 
Fort Franklin south of Blue Mountain into Al- 
bany township, otherwise they would have to de- 
sert their ]ilantations.'- 

' 5 Col. Rec. 396. 

2 See chap, on " French and Indian War." 



Brunswick. — The (irst township beyond the 
Blue Mountain in the purchase of 1749 was 
Brunswick. It was erected in 1768. Its territory 
was situated east of the Schuylkill betweeu the Blue 
and Sharp mountains. The first collector of taxes 
was Robert Stephen. 

The first ivssessment list of 1769 levied a total 
tax of 6£ '2s. 6d. and comprised the following 
resident tax-payers : 

Brickley, Paul. Meyer, Gideon. 

Conrad, Peter. Marburger, Simon. 

Dcibert, Michael. Miller, Johannes. 

Derr, Adam. Mayer, George. 

Fisher, Joseph. Orwig, Godfried. 

Fahl, Dietrich. Schmeltzer, Peter. 

Fahl, Jost. Schaff'er, Jacob. - 

Fay, Nicholas. Staatt, .lohaiines. 

Grammes, Andreas. Stephen, Richard. 

Graul, Geo. Sontag, Adam. 

Heim, Paul. Staller,. Nicholas. 

Heiser, Adam. Tress, Valentine. 

Hughes, Ellis. Weber, Adam. 

Hummel, Michael. Webb, Geo. 

Kercher, Gottfried. Willcts, Isaac. 

Kantner, Jacob. Webb, Benj. 

Ketner, Henry Adam. Webb, John. 

McBride, Robert. Weyman, Mich'l. 

Willets, Joseph. 

Single Men. 
Adam, Conrad. McNeill, James. 

Berger, Thomas. Scheffer, John. 

Hughes, Job. Stephen, Richard. 

Lautter, Henry. Stephen, Robert. 

Magee, John. Webb, David. 

The road from Reading to Fort Augusta rau 
through this township. It was laid out about 
1750, and about sixty years afterward it became 
the Centre turnpike. " Fort Lebanon " stood on 
the forks of Schuylkill near the Blue Mountain. 
It was erected in this district in 1754, and "Fort 
Frankliu " was located several miles farther north 

1191 



^ 



1192 



ArPENDIX. 



ou Bohundy (or Lizard) creek^having been 
erected iu 175(). These forts were erected to aflbrd 
protection to the early settlers from the Indians. 
Pine Grove. — The second township was Pine 
Grove. It was erected iu 1771. Its territory was 
situated west of the Schuylkill, between the Blue 
and Sharp mountains. The first collector of taxes 
was George Goodman. The first assessment list of 
1772 levied a total tax of 2£ lis. 9rf. and com- 
prised the following resident taxpayers. 



August, Daniel. 
Brecht, David. 
Beyer, Assimua. 
Bug, Henry. 
Bigler, Hans. 
Bordncr, Philip. 
Bohr, Burghart. 
Bressler, Geo. 
Bressler, Simon. 
Brickley, Peter. 
Batteiger, Martin. 
Bretz, Michael. 
Braun, Hans. 
Diehl, Stephen. 
Dundore, Jacob. 
Dornmeier, Nicholas. 
Dollinger, Geo. 
Dubs, Hans. 
Eschweg, Nicholas. 
Folmer, Michael. 
Forrer, Michael. 
Faust, John. 
Graffert, Stophel. 
Goodman, Geo. 
Gebhart, Henry. 
Gamber, Weybert. 
Hack, Jacob. 
Hetrich, Stophel. 
Heberling, Valentine. 
Hautz, Christian. 
Horacfield, Timothy. 
Kob, Kraust. 



Keiser, Michael. 
Kimerling, Ludwig. 
Kucher, Peter. 
Lingle, Paul. " 
Leininger, Jacob. 
Litzinger, Hans. 
Miller, Matthias. 
Minicli, Conrad. 
Miller, Jacob. 
Metz, Jacob. 
Minich, Michael. 
Minich, Leonard. 
Neufang, Baltzer. 
Rith, Philip. 
Stein, Hans. 
Schock, Jacob. 
Schafer, Fred'k. 
Schmit, Baltzer. 
Schuber, Valentine. 
Steiner, Hans. 
Schuterly, Geo. 
Schmit, Peter. 
Stump, Casper. 
Schwartzhaupt, John. 
Spycker, Benj. 
Ulrich, Jacob. 
Valentine, Geo. 
Witmer, Christopher. 
Weiscr, Fred'k. 
Weiser, Hans. 
Zerby, Benj. 
Zerby, Daniel. 



Zerby. Philip. 
Single Man. 



.Jacob Leebs. 



Manheim. — The third township was Manheim. 
It was erected in 1790. Its territory was taken 
from Brunswick. The inhabitants had prayed for 
a division of Brunswick township on February If), 
1789. The commissioners who made the division 
were Henry Vanderslice, Jacob Shartle, John' 
Shomo, Thomas Wright, Philip Shatz and George 
Reber. They presented their report to Court on 



the 10th of November, 1789. But some time 
elapsed until it was confirmed, for no assessment 
was made until 1791. In that year, the first tax 
was levied — total amount seventeen pounds and 
eleven shillings. Conrad Minich was the first col- 
lector. The first assessment comprised the follow- 
ing resident tax-payers : 



Michael Alspach. 
Jacob Alspach. 
Henry Achey. 
Frederick Boyer. 
Simon Burgher. 
.John Boyer. 
Baltzer Brown. 
Teeter Baucy. 
William Berklioi-er. 
George BcckU'r. 
Jacob Cantner. 
Philip Creyner. 
Lawrence Cnntz. 
Michael Gastler. 
Andrew Crammer. 
Philip Confer. 
Peter Confer. 
JVIichael Confer, Jr. 
Micliael Confer, Sr. 
George Crowe. 
Andrew Craffl. 
John Cantner. 
Michael Divert. 
William Divert. 
Martin Dreibelbis. 
John Deckert. 
John Debolt. 
John Emrich. 
Leonard p^mrich. 
Michael Emrich. 
Adam Friet. 
Abraham Fey. 
Yost Fahl. 
Patrick Gleeser. 
John Ginger. 
Henry Hummel. 
Michael Hummel. 
Matthias Heim. 
Abram Hinkle. 
John Heim. 
Anthony Hawk. 
Jacob Ke))ner. 
William Koeli. 
Conrad Kerstner. 
Christian Koch. 
John Kerstner. 
Adam Kniddle. 
Peter Lair. 
George Lenig. 
Christian Luckenbill. 



George Luckenbill. 
Nicholas Long. 
Peter Miller. 
Jacob Miller. 
Henry Mertz. 
Philip Moyer. 
Conrad Minich. 
Benjamin Minich. 
Andrew JLachemer. 
Peter Moyer. 
Adam Moyer. 
Samuel Marburger. 
Henry Moyer. 
Eobert McCann. 
Andrew Miller. 
Jacob Miller, Sr. 
Peter Neyschwender. 
John Noacre. 
George Pousman. 
John Pleatner. 
John Prickley. 
Henry Price. 
Nicholas Pander. 
Conrad Platner. 
Jeremiah Reed. 
Nicholas Rodeback. 
.Tohn Richards. 
Conrad Redman. 
Michael Reed. 
John Reber. 
Philip Reinhard. 
Andrew Ruuckle. 
Nicholas Runckle. 
Philip Reeser. 
Herman Sou tag. 
Reinhard Snepp. 
John Starr. 
Peter Stoller. 
Henry Stoller. 
Daniel Shappcl. 
Daniel Stout. 
Adam Sweuk. 
Adam Smith. 
Adam Sweichert. 
Jacob Swenk. 
John Stout. 
Michael Stepp. 
Sebastian Stepp. 
Nicholas Smell. 
John Saylor. 



APPENDIX. 



1193 



George Serby. Evans Williams. 

Adam Tair. Thomas Wenricli. 

Valentine Treso. Thomas Wily. 

George Treso. Michael Wagoner. 

Francis Teter. Leonard Werner. 

John Weaver. Sericas Waguer. 

Henry Weaver. Matthias Wenrich. 

Philip Wolf. 

■ Sinfife Freemen. 

Hunter Fall. Thomas Keed. 

Adam Hyzer. William Runckle. 

Jacob Kimerling. Anthony Starr. 

George Moyer. Baltzer Wenrich. 

Blichael Neyfang. John Zimmerman. 

John Reed. 
For several years the township lines were not 
closed and its limits were not properly defined. 
The inhabitants therefore presented a petition to 
Court on April 3, 1797, to obtain an order for this 
])urpose, and Tliomas Lightfoot, Jesse Willits and 
Evan Hughes were appointed commissioners. They 
fixed the boundary- lines and made report of their 
proceedings on October 5, 1799. The area was 
forty thousand six hundred and nine acres. The 
greater part wfis situated on both sides of the 
iSchuylkill, and it extended from the Blue Moun- 
tain on the south to the Tuscarora (Sharp) Moun- 
tain on the north. The point where the West 
Branch empties into the Schuylkill was near the 
Centre. Here Martin Dreibeliiis had settled and 
erected a mill. His sou Jacob laid out Schuylkill 
Haven in 1811. Several miles southeast of this 
j)i)int Peter Orwig owned land, and laid out a town 
in 1796. It was named after him, " Orwigsburg." 
And about four miles north of it, at the Schuyl- 
kill Gap, on the north side of the Sharp Mountain, 
a large tract of land was owned by Lewis Reese 
and Isaac Thomas. About 1796 they erected a 
furnace near this gap, and carried on the iron 
business until 1806. Then they sold it to John 
Pott, of District township, in Berks County. la 
1807 Pott tore it down and erected in its stead 
another furnace, which he named " Greenwood ; " 
aud near by he also erected a number of small ten- 
ement-houses for his laborers. The names of some 
of these laborers were Henry Bolton, John Else, 
George Frievie, George Reiner, Anthony Schott 
and Thoma.s Swoyer. Daniel Foclit was clerk at 
the furnace. 

Near this gap masts were cut for the Continental 
Navy, in April, 1780. Captain Dennis Leary was 



in command of the men. He then reported inter- 
ruptions by the Indians, who had invaded the ter- 
ritory from the north. 

Below the outlet of the West Branch, on the 
Schuylkill, the mill of Ellis Hughes was situated. 
It was built before 1775. 

In 1795 commissioners were appointed to run 
the line between Berks and Northumberland Coun- 
ties. The establishment of this line by them left 
a very large area of territory in Berks not yet 
erected into townships. This was brought to the 
attention of the Court and, accordingly, on Novem- 
ber 4, 1799, Thomas Lightfoot, Jesse' Willets and 
Thomas Wright, Jr., were appointed commission- 
ers to lay out the land into townships. The south- 
ern half of the territory, in the purchase of 1749, 
had been laid out into three townships — Bruns- 
wick, Pine Grove and Manheim. The commis- 
sioners named laid out the northern half into three 
townshijis also, and recommended their names to 
be as follows : The eastern township, Schuylkill ; 
the central, Norwegian, and the western, Mahan- 
tango. The first had an area of sixty-eight thou- 
sand eight hundred aud sixty-eight acres; the sec- 
ond, sixty-three thousand three hundred and forty- 
four acres, and the third, sixty-nine thousand five 
hundred and seven acres. Their report was signed 
January 7, 1801, and confirmed by the Court at 
January Sessions. The southern boundary line of 
Mahautango modified the adjoining township. Pine 
Grove, aud it was adjusted by three commission 
ers — Michael Miller, Jacob Eehrer and Christian 
Lower, on January 3, 1804. 

Schuylkill. — The first assessment of taxes in 
Schuylkill township was levied in 1802. Total 
amount of tax assessed was fifty-one dollars and 
fifty-nine cents. Jacob Stahl was the first collector. 

The following persons were then resident tax- 
payers : 



Jacob Boyer. 
John Busby. 
Michael Busby. 
Jacob Busby, Sr. 
Jacob Burger. 

Barlow. 

Beler (widow). 
John Deal. 
George Focht. 
Christian Frantz. 
Andrew Gilbert. 



William Green, Sr. 
Christian Horn. 
Michael Heffer. 
James Hanna. 
Leonard Heiui. 
Henry Haller. 
Hugh Hughes. 
Evan Hughes. 

Hunsinger. 

Bernhart Kepler. 
George Kless. 



I 



1194 



APPENDIX. 



Christian Koi-h. 
Frederick Kreiner. 
Conrad Keim. 
Michael Ketterer. 
Henry Ketterer. 
Andrew Kenear. 
Peter Ladig. 
Jacob Ladig. 
Henry Miller. 
George Reber, Sr. 
George Reber, Jr. 
Conrad Rebb. 

SitKjle Fre 

John Burger. 



Daniel Rigel. 
Henry Sheffer. 
William Straub. 
Jacob Stahl. 
Matthias Shapjiel. 
Charles Shoemaker. 
Richard Stephens. 
George Tresh. 
Gottfried Treher. 
Frederick Wals. 
Joseph Webb. 
Geo. A. Zettlemoyer. 

John Kugler. 



lu this township, near where New Philadelphia 
is now situated. Rev. F. W. Geiseuheimer & Co. 
erected a furnace, called the " Yallc}' Furnace," 
about the year 1805, and carried on the iron busi- 
ness for many years 

Norwegian. — The first taxes in Norwegian 
township were levied in 1802, — total amount assess- 
ed was S 100.76. Isaac Thomas was first collector. 
The following persons were then resident tax-pay- 
ers 



Michael Alspach. 
David Alspach. 
Henry Alspach. 
Matthias Baichtol. 
Wm. Brit ton. 
Abrni. Baichtol. 
John Boyer. 
Blichael Bright. 
Frod'k Bates. 
Wui. Bredabenner. 
John Black. 
Samuel Bell. 
John Yost Baylor. 
John Bishop. 
John Wilks Catara. 
George Grouse. 
John Cramer. 
Fred'k Cramer. 
John Cramer. 
Henry Doan & Co. 
Jacob Derr. 
Jacob Dreibclbis & Co. 
E'bcaDreibelbis& Co. 
Jacob Draup. 
Christian Dirret. 
Michael Dirret. 
John Elliot. 
Bell & Filbert. 
Abraham Feye. 
Jacob Fox. 
Peter Feather & Co. 
Earnest Fritzinger. 



John Fick. 
Taylor Fitzrandolph. 
John Gunckle. 
Jacob Gunckle. 
Ellis Hughes. 
Casper Hei)pler. 
.John Hepjiler. 
Peter Heppler. 
Peter Heckman. 
Daniel Jones. 
Jacob John. 
David James. 
John Yost Klaus. 
John Kershner. 
Jacob Kaiitner. 
Henry Kettle & Co. 
John Klaus. 
Peter Klinger. 
Thos.Lighttbot&Co. 
John JIaunam. 
Peter Minich. 
Benj. Minicli. 
Henry Minich. 
Conrad Minich. 
Samuel Miles & Co. 
Henry Mull. 
John Meyer. 
Peter Neischwender. 
Steven Paskell. 
Thos. Proctor. 
Theo. Reed. 
John Reed. 



John (Morris) Reed. 
Thos. Reed, Sr. 
Lewis Rees. 
Lewis Rees & Co. 
Geo. Reynolds. 
Henry Reaser. 
Isaac Reed. 
Aaron Rich. 
Adam Smith. 
Henry Snyder. 
Fred'k Shoeman. 
Sol. Steward & Co. 
Melchoir Shubert. 
Peter Streaper & Co. 
John Snell. 
John Stine. 
Isaac Tliomas & Co. 



.Jacob Wykle. 
Michael Welker. 
Jonathan Worrell. 
Wm. Witman. 
Runckler & Weeler. 
Peter Warner. 
John Weaver. 
^1 Je.sse Yarnall. 
V Peter Yarnall. 
Isaac Yarnall. 
• Isaac Y'^arnall, Jr. 
. Mordecai Yarnall. 
John Zerbe, Sr. 
Geo Zerbe. 
Peter Zerbe. 
Peter Zerbe, Sr. 
John Zjrbe. 



Coal was discovered about 1770 in this district 
along the AVest Branch at a point near where 
Minersville is situated. And there Thomas Reed 
settled in 179-3. He then erected a log house and 
a saw-inill ; and several years afterward he built a 
tavern. It stood by the " Suubury Road,'' aud 
it was known as the Half-way House, because it 
was midway between Reading and Sunbury. 
Reed continued as proprietor unril his death in 
1812. Aud another tavern was erected farther 
north on the top of the Broad Mountain by George 
Seit'/.inger in 1810. It stood at a Fountain Spring 
on the Centre Turnpike. 

M.vHANTANGO. — The first a?esssment of the 
taxes in Mahantaugo township was also made in 
1802. Total amount levied $159.48. Frederick 
Kreutzer was the collector. The following per- 
sons were assessed as resident tax-payers. 



Michael Artz. 
Philip Artz. 
Jas. Asman. 
John Brosius. 
Thos. Bryon. 
Christian Bre,«ler. 
Wm. Bredenbender. 
Nicholas Brosius. 
Christian Bi.xler. 
Jeremiah Borckert. 
Peter Borckert. 
Samuel Boyer. 
Benj. Beshore. 
Geo. Beshore. 
Michael Borckert. 
Christian Bardshee,Sr. 
John Banish ee. 
Geo. Borckert. 



Peter Braun, Sr. 
Michael Borckert, Jr. 
Peter Behly. 
Christ'n Bardshee, Jr. 
Chas. Conrad. 
Jacob Christ. - 
Peter Dinger. 
Geo. Dinger. 
Fred'k Dinger. 
Geo. Deeterick. 
John Deeterick. 
Jacob Dressier. 
Samuel Drcsher. 
Jacob Easterly. 
Leonard Emrich. 
Geo. Ertraan. 
John Eder. 
Eagle. 



APPENDIX. 



1195 



Henry Fisher. 
Geo. Forringer. 
Conrad Friedline. 
Martin Forringer. 
Peter Glock, Sr. 
Jacob Glock. 
Pliilip Geres, Jr. 
Christian Grimm, 
Philip Geres, Sr. 
Peter Glock, Jr. 
John Glock. 
Michael Heberling. 
Geo Hile. 
Frederick Howmau. 
John Herof. 
Jacob Heberling. 
Isaac Hammacher. 
^John Haldeman. 
Stoffel Hessler. 
Geo. Hollenbach. 
John Henn. 
Christian Pleldt. 
Daniel Jund. 
Jonathan Jund. 
Nicholas Jund. 
Jeremiah Klinger. 
Marlin Kopi)enhavcr. 
John Kook. 
Geo. Klinger. 
Geo. Adam Klinger. 
Martin Kessler. 
John Kunselman. 
Philip Kesser. 
Philip Kunselman. 
Frederick Krcutzer. 
Jonas Kauirinan. 
Henry Kreminger. 
Daniel Litch. 
John Lesher, Sr. 
John Lesher. 



John Leb. 
Philip Lukens. 
Michael Miller. 
Wm. Otto. 
John Reed. 
Philip Reed. 
Henry Remsel. 
Jacob Reiuert. 
Henry Stiner. 
Wm. Simmcy. 
Simon Sherman. 
Henry Shreckengast. 
Daniel Shuey, 
Henry Shucker. 
John Stall man. 
Geo. Snyder. 
Christian Stutzraan. 
Michael Stump. 
Geo. Stump. 
Geo. Shreiber. 
Peter Stein. 
Joha Schwalm. 
Andrew Sheath. 
Martin Shaup. 
Henry Snyder. 
Jno. Shreckengast, Jr. 
Jno. Shreckengast, Sr. 
John Shucker. 
Conrad Shreckengast. 
'^•Adam Swartz. 
ijjudwig Swartz. 
Val. Truckenmiller. 
Mch'l Truckenmiller. 
Jacob Troup. 
Gideon Williamson. 
Michael Wolfgang. 
Conrad Wenzel. 
-Geo. Zerby. 
Bernhart Zimmerman. 



/Single Freemen. 
Peter Brown. Abraham Swartz. 

Philip Brown. 

George Klinger was appointed a justice of the 
peace in 1800, and continued to hold the office for 
a period of forty years. 

Upper Mahantango. — About the year 1807, 
Mahantango township was divided into two parts, 
and they were called Upper and Lower Mahan- 
tango. The records, showing the exact time and 
manner of division, are missing. The earliest 
assessment found was for 1808. Total amount 
assessed, $25.19. Abrm. Yoder was then the as.sessor 
and collector. The following list shows which of the 
persons on the list for 1802, occupied the upper 



section of the township before its division, except- 
ing some changes which may have taken place in 
the meantime : 

Bernhart Adam. Samuel Keim. 

John Broseus. Geo. A. Klinger. 

Nichs Broseus. Fred'k Kreitzer. 

Jacob Bauer. Godfrey Krymer. 

John Bixler. Geo. Kehler. 

Christian Bessler. John Kehler. 

John Baum. Jac. Leidner. 

Peter Carl. Christian Leidner. 

Robert Clark. Peter Mattern, Sr. 

— Jacob Clark. M. Neuschwender. 

Jacob Dresler. Fred'k Obenhauser. 

George Derch. Martin Paul. 

George Erdman. Andw. Redinger. 

Andrew Erdman. Jac. Reiuert. 

Albert Erdman. Frederick Reisy. 

John Forster. Matthias Reraer. 

Peter Glock, Sr. Sinum Sherman. 

John Glock. Wm. Simme. 

Henry Glock. Philip Snyder. 

Jacob Glock. Gottlieb Strohecker. 

Peter Glock, Jr. Henry Shreckengast. 

Fred'k Hinterleiter. M. Wolfgang (Estate). 

George Herring. Jacob Wagner. 

Daniel Hilbish. Gideon Williams. 

Christopher Hebler. Jac. Weist. 

Casper Hebler. Jas. Williamson. 

John Hebler. Thos. Williamson. 

Jacob Heim. Jacob Werey. 

George Heim. Abr. Zimmerman. 

John Heim. Freemen Singer. 

Peter Hebler. Henry Baum. 

John Keim. George Carl. 

Jeremiah Klinger. John Wolfgang. 
Dieter Wolfgang. 

In 1811, the last assessments were levied in the 
foregoing seven townships, as parts of Berks 
County. The following statements show the num- 
bers of taxable residents and non-residents, and 
the amount of tax assessed in each township; 
and also the whole number oftaxables and amount 
of tax. 

Bau-Vsw:;K (Peter Allbrocht, cDlleotor.) 

Residents 270 

Sojournei-s 20 

Single freemen 2o 

— 324 in townsliip. 
Non-residents 35 

359 taxed. 
Total tai levied, J106.69. 

Pine Grove (.\dam Gebert, collector.) 

Residents, etc 240 

Single Freemen 11 

— 251 taxed. 
Totiil tax levied, Sl4C.a2. 



11!)(5 



APPENDIX. 



Manheim (Ludwig Lehr, collector.) 

Kesklents, etc '^i^ j 

Siugle freemen 21 

— 209 taxed. 
Total tax levied, S154.6C. 

Mauantanoo (Kicbollis Riegel, collector.) 

Residents "9 

Inmates 29 

Single freemen 16 

124 

Non-residents 17 

HI tuxiil. 

Total tax levied, S"7.72. 

Upper Mahantango (Peter Carl, collector.) 

Eesidents SI 

Single freemen 11 

— 102 
Non-residents 6 

108 taxed. 

Total tax levied, $00.5". 

NoBWEiiiAX (Isaac Re6<l, collector.) 

Residents 09 

Single freemen 18 

— 87 
Non-resideuts 21 

lOS taxed. 

Total tax levied, 880.30. 

ScHUYLKm. (Jacob Schock, collector,) 

Residents loi 

Single freemen 21 

122 

Non-residents 14 

136 taxed. 

Total tax levied, i!1'.).80. 

Total tax levied, Brunswick 811)0, .'iB 

" " " Pine Grove I40.;i2 

" •' '■ Manheim Ii4..'se 

'* '* " Mahantango 77.72 

" " " Upper Mahantango 00..">7 

" •' " Norwegian 80.30 

" " " Schuylkill 99.80 

S.S-J2..-J2 

Total residents taxed, BnuiswicU 324 

" '• '• Pine Grove 2.-.1 

*' , " " Manheim 209 

'■ " " Mahantango 124 

" " " Upper Mahantango 102 

*' " " N(>rwegian S7 

" Sdiuvlkill 122 

1279 

Non-residents, Brunswick 3.'> 

*' Mahantango 17 

" Upper Mahantango 

'* Norwegian 21 

" Schuylkill 14 

— 93 

Total taxed number 1372 

The several townships named, at that time, pos- 
sessed many pernianeut improvements. Saw-mills, 
grist-mills and furnaces had been successfully 
carried on for .soiue years. Taverns had been 



established. Churches had been erected through 
the Christian zeal of Lutheran and Eeformed 
settlers. Coal had been mined and burned suc- 
cessfully, and enterprise, capital and labor, had 
already been drawn to its wonderful beds ; and 
projectors of public improvements had felt the 
importance of local government and representa- 
tion. 

The industrial, the social, and the political 
situation of the people were therefore sufficiently 
advanced for a separate existence as a county 
organization ; and accordingly the seven townships 
named and two townships. West Penn and Rush, 
of Northampton County, were erected into a county, 
called Schuylkill on March 1st, 1811. And by 
the act of Assembly Orwigsburg was made the 
county-seat. The subsequent development of the 
county through the period of nearly four score 
years has been marvellous. 

PHOTOGRAPHY. 

The first parties who introduced photograjihy in 
Reading were Howard & Maurer, who carried on 
the business for many years in the " Jameson 
Building," northeast corner of Sixth and Penn 
Streets, second and third stories. This was in 
1852. They succeeded Charles L. Pliilli])pi, who 
had been taking daguerreotyfjes for several years 
previously. Daguerreotype likenesses were first 
taken in Reading by John H. Scott, of Philadel- 
phia, in September, 1841. The price was $3..")i) 
for one likeness, and the person was obliged to sit 
for forty seconds. 

The more prominent photographers at Reading 
during the last thirty years have been George W. 
Patton, Abel Mishler, Frederick Yeager, John 
Lee, William K. Leaman, Charles A. Saylor, 
William H. Dietrich, Edward E. Hafer, John D. 
Strunk and Thomas Taylor. 

Mr. Hafer is now successfully conducting two 
galleries in Reading. He supplied the photo- 
graphs for many of the portrait subjects in this 
history, from which the engravings were made.' 



' The author was promised certain facts on this subject 
which should have appeared in the chapter on "Eilurii- 
tion." with " Art and Artists," p. 808, but thej were not 
supplied. 



INDEX. 



A.l.iiiras, William, ,">05. 

Addless to the Associators of Peuueylvania, 

162. 
Advertisement for aid in 1757, 120. 
Affaire at Reading in 1777, 162. 
Agriculture in Berks County, 84. 
Albany, township of, 1067 ; early settlers of, 

1008-1IJ69 ; taxables, lUSS ; early hnildings, 

lUCfl : industries, lOCO ; churches, 1070. 
Alsace, township of, 083 ; erection of, 983 ; 

early warrants in, 983 ; taxables of, in 17.^>0, 

084 ; industries of, 98o ; churches of, 98G ; 

extracts from article called Zion's Hill, 987 ; 

villages and taverns, 980 ; Hessian Camp, 

989 ; Mineral Spring, 989 ; Schild Murder, 

990 ; Wontzol Horror, 090 ; Political Prize 
Banner, 001. 

Amity, township of, 944 ; settlement of, by 
Swedes, 944 ; names of warrantees, 944 ; Old 
Swede building, 945 ; petition for road in, 
94.i-046 ; erection of, 946 ; taxables in 173+ 
and 1759, 046 ; manufacturing interests of, 
1147 ; churches of, 047 ; villages of, 951-963. 

Amnion, Jacob S., M. D., 612. 

Ancona, Sydenham B., 511. 

Andrews. Captain William H., 287. 

Appeal for aid in 1757, 129. 

Appendix, UOl ; erection of townships beyond 
the Blue Mountain : Brunswick, 1191 ; Pine 
Grove, 1192 j Manheim, 1192 ; Schiiylkill, 
1193; Norwegian, 1194; Mahantango, 1104; 
Upi^er Mahuntango, 1195. 

.\pple, John W., 583. 

Appropriations in Civil War, 190. 

Ar.ns, George W.,. 568. 

Aiiny Supplies of Berks County in Revolution, 
lOll. 

Arnold, William, Y08. 

Arthur, Colonel John E., 267 

Assembly districts, 490. 

Associate judges, 533-534, 548. 

.Vssociators, 152 ; refusal of, to march, 156, 159. 

A;torneys-at-law, 634-558. 

Aurand, Francis, 565. 



Bichman, Charles W., M.D., 621. 

Baer, George F., 677. 

Baer, Samuel A., 383. 

Baird, William M., 668. 

Baker, James B., 584. 

Banks of Berks County : Reading Branch, 
831 ; Farj?iers' Niit'l, 831 ; Nat'l Union, 836 ; 
Firat Nationul of Beading, 8?0 ; Second Na- 
tional of Reading, 839; Penn Nattonal Bank, 
S*30 ; Keystone National, 840 \ suspended, 



840 ; Kutztown Savings, 870 ; Peabody Sav- 
ings, 870; National Bank of Kutztown, 870; 
Hamburg Savings, 886 ; National Bank of 
Boyertown, 008 ; Farmers' National Bank of 
Bo.vertown, 9l>9 ; Topton National Bank, 
927. 

Banks of Reading, 831. 

Banks, John, .541. 

Bunks, William E,571. 

Barbey, Peter, 724. 

Barclay, George G., 565. 

Bard, William P., 574. 

Barr, Robert Jl., 664. 

Barto, Abraham H., 1005. 

Batdorf, Milton D. M., M D., 622. 

Battalion Day of 1843, 354. 

ISattle of Lexington awakens the county, 139. 

Battle of Long Island, 155. 

Bainn, Charles, M.D., 599. 

liaum, William J., M.D., 509. 

Bear, Benjamin C, 10.56. /« •4') 

Beaver, D. Llewellyn, M.D., 607. 

Bochtel, James B., 57:1. 

Beehtel, William B., 585. 

Becker, Israel C, 575. 

Behne, John Henry, M.D., 631. 

Beidler, Conrad Y., 1160. /.__—-■ 

Bell, Capt. J. Bowman, 337. 

Bell, Samuel, 551. 

Beuade, James A., 808. 

Bench and Bar, 533. 

BeiUs Ciuinty, geology of, 26 ; minerals of, 28 ; 
botany of, 34 ; mountains of. 51 ; valleys 
of, 53 ; streams of, 63 ; relative elevations 
in, 65; Indians in, 56 ; Indian villages in, 
62; Indian names in. 63 ; Indian relics, col- 
lection of, t3 ; petition for erection of, 74 ; 
act erecting, 78 ; districts in, 70 ; names of 
towns in, 80 ; reduction of territory of, 81 ; 
Northumberland County formed from, 81 ; 
fc'chuylkill County formed froni, 81 ; proposal 
to erect new counties from, 82 ; agriculture 
in, 84 ; county societies in, 86 ; early indus- 
tries in, 87 ; recent industries of, 97 ; fur- 
naces of, 88-04 ; forges of, 00 ; summary of 
present furnaces, forges and mills in, 99 ; 
general industries in, 102 ; statistics of manu- 
factures in lS7Uand 1880, 103, 104 ; invasion 
of, by Indians, 116; letters on sufferings of 
inhabitants of, 115 ; report of cruelties in, 
I'liS ; alar;jMiig condition of people in, 131; 
petition fo^ soldiers for, 131 ; persons mur- 
dered, takeu prisoners and missing in, 134, 
135 ; Bible Sosiety of, 372 ; Law Library of, 
685 ; bouudarj- of, 028. 

Bern, townshipjuf, 1127 ; erection of, 1127 ; di- 
vision of, liaS; early settlers, 1128 ; Indus 
tries, 1128; cliurebes. 113U; vi lage, 1131. 



Bernville, Borough of, 913 ; laid out, 01 4 ; 
sale of lots in, 914 ; incorporation, 914 ; offi- 
cers of, 914 ; busine9.s, 915 ; post-office, 017 ; 
taverns, 017 ; physicians, 917 ; industries ' 
917 ; ch urches, 918; societies, 919 ; military 
encampment, 910. 

Bertolette, Levi J., 935. 

Bertolett, Peter 0., M.D., 605. 

Bethany Orphans' Home, 1111. 

Bethel, township of, 1141; erection of, 1141 ; 
early settlers, 1141-1143; Indian crneltie*, 
1142; note from' Dr. William Egle, 1142; 
extracts from Itonnd thml, 1142 ; taxable* 
in 1750, 1143; Diedrich Schneider's Inn. 
11-13; industries, 1141 ; churches, 1144; vil- 
lages, 1145. 

Betz, William, 606. 

Bible Society (Female), 373. 

Bickel, George H., M. D., 620. 

Biddle, Edward, letter of, 121. 

Biddle, Edward, sketch of, 137. 

Biddle, .lames, 558. 

Biddle, .lames D., 561. 

Binder, Frank G., 911. 

Biograpbical Sketches of Congressmen,, Foreign 
iMinisU'i-s, Delegates to State Conventionsaud 
Stj.te Olticials, 5i)4. 

Birch, Solomon G., M. D,, 601. 

Uirdsboro, Borough of, 803; Progress of, '803 ; 
First Settlement of, 804 ; Development of, by 
the Brookes, 694 ; Stores and Hotels, 89U : 
Industries, 396 ; Incorjioration, 896 ; Church- 
es, 807 ; Schools, 899 ; Physicians, 899 ; So- 
cieties, 890. 

Bitting, Jeremiah D., 560. 

Bland. H. Willis, 579. 

Board of Trade at Reading, 429. 

Boas, Augustus F., 743. 

Boas, Capt. Frederick S., 304. 

Boone, Daniel, 973. ' — 

Boone, Edwirl, 838. 

Boroughs of Berks County : 'Kulztown, 865; 
Wonielsdorf, 873 ; nainburg, 880 ; Birdsboro, 
803 ; Boyertown, 901 ; Bernville, 013 ; Fle.'t- 
wood, 010 ; Topton, 026 ; Centreport, 927. 

Botany, 34. 

Bowman, D. Z., M.D., 610. 

Boyer, B. Frank, 573. 

Boyer, Michael P., 672 

Boyertown, Borough of, 901; First Settlers, 
901 ; Incorporatii'n of, 901 ; industries of, 9iil: 
Churches of, 903 ; Schools of, 906 ; Tav.i i,s, 
906; Stores, 907; Keystone Fire l.'i ini-an . 

907 ; Frien.lship lloolc-and-Ladder tniapiuiv, 

908 ; Post-OfBce, 908 ; Physicians, 91)8 : Nen s- 
papera 908; Banks, 90S; MutualFirc Insur- 
ance Company, 910; Water i'l'mpany, Olo; 
Cemeteries, 010 ; Societies, 01". 

1197 



1198 



INDEX. 



Bratt, Benjamin E., M.D., 633. 

Breckuock, Towusliip of, llSl; Erection of, 

1181; Ta.Viiblos, 1181; Industries, 11S2 ; 

Cliurcbes, 1182. 
liienholtz. Col. Thomas, 228. 
Bridges, 433 ; Harrisburg, 433 ; Hamburg, 43G ; 

Lancaster, 436 ; .Poplar Neck, 430 ; Private 

Britlges, 437 ; Kissinger's (tlie first bridge), 

437 ; Leisii', 438 ; Stoudt's Ferry, 438 ; Alt- 
house, 438; MoUr's, 438; Windsor Haven, 

438 ; Birdsboro', 438 ; Monocacy, 43'J ; Doug- 
lassville, 430 ; E.xetcr, 439 ; Eailroad, 439. 

Brigadier-Generals Elected in Revolution, 154. 

Brewers (Soo ludustries of Keuding), 693. 

Brooke, Edward, 894. 

Brooke, George, 89o. 

Brobst, John A., M.D., 611. 

Krodliead, Daniel, 148. 

Bruckman, Charles A., 407. 

Mruckniau, George W., 556. 

Briinnor, David B., 381. 

Buckwalter, A. C, 415. 

Burd, Col. James, Journal, 114. 

Buskirk, Daniel, 556. 

C. 

Caernarvon, Township of, 1157 ; Taxables, 
1157; ludustries, 115S ; Churches, ll.jS; 
Cemetery, 1159; Villages, 1169. 

<'aleudar, old style to new style, 665. 

CM for Volunteer Troops, 1812, 172, 173. 

Canals, 444; Union, 444; Schuylkill, 446; 
rackets, 448. 

Cavalry Comijany, Independent, 306. 

Cemeteries of Reading, 755. 

Cemetery, Charles Evans, 755. 

Censors, 16. 

C-jnsus of Berks County, 544. 

Centre, Township of, 113'J ; Erection of, 1130 ; 
Cliurcbes, 114u; Villages, 114U. 

Ceiitreport, Borough of, 927 ; Physicians, 928 ; 
Incorporation, 028 ; Schools, 928. 

' 'liiU-ity Schools, 374. 

Ctmrches in Berks County : 

Kr.ADi.s-G — Trinity Lutheran, 767 ; St. Mat- 
thew's English Lutheran, 771 ; St. Jauies' 
Lutheran, 772 ; St. Johu's Germau Luth- 
eran, 772 ; St. Luke's Lutheran, 774 ; Grace 
Lutheran, 775 : First Reformed, 775 ; Sec- 
ond Keformed, 777 ; St. Paul's Memorial 
Keformed, 778 ; Zion's Eeformed, 780 ; 
friends' Jleeting-Uouse, First, 781 : Christ 
Episcopal, 783 ; St. Barnabas', 786 ; First 
Presbyterian, 787 ; Bethany Mission, 788 ; 
Washington Street Presbyterian, 788 ; First 
Baptist, 788 ; Berean, ".-iO ; Uni versa list, 
789 ; Ebenezer M. E., 790 ; St. Peter's M. 
E., 701 ; Covenant M. E., 791 ; African M. 
E., 792 ; Salem Evangelical Association, 
702 ; Ebeuezer Evangelical Association, 
792 ; Imtuauuel Evangelical As.sociatiou, 
792; St. .Matthew's Evangelical Association, 
793 ; Zion Unifid Biethren, 703 ; Otlerbein 
I'nited lirethrei,, 793 ; Faith Chapel, Mcu- 
iionite, 793 ; FriLUdship Mission, 794 ; St. 
Peter's Roman Catholic, 704 ; St. Pauls 
Eomau Catholic, 701; Ohof Sholeiu, He- 
liiew, 706 ; Sunday-Schools, 706. 
.\i,i;.v.\v— Luth. audRelormod, 1070 ; Bethel, 
l'i72; Now; Bethel, 1073; Zion's Evan- 
gelical, 1073 ; Salem Ev.iligclical, 1073. 
Als.ick— Zion's or Spies', 086 ; Shalter's or 
SaUni, 987; Faith Chapel (Lutheran), 087. 
Amitv Tow.NSnrp— Jlolatt.m or Swedes', 947; 
St. Gabriel's Episcopal, 947 ; St. Paul's Ref. 
and Luth,150; United Brethren, 951. 
llF.;:\-— Bern. 1130 ; Friends', 1130 ; Eplcr, 
113) ; Salein, 1131 ; Zion's, 1131. 



Behxville — Korth-Kill Lutheran and Re- 
formed, 918 ; Salem Evangelical Associa- 
tion, 918. 
Bethel— Salem, 1144 ; Ger. Baptist, 1146. 
BinosBORO — Methodist Episcopal, 897; St. 
Michael's Episcopal, 898 ; St. Mark's Evan- 
gelical Lutheran, 808; St. I'aul's Ee- 
formed, 899. 
Boi'EKTOWN— Meiinonite, 903; Old Union, 
904; St. John's Lutheran, 005; Ebenezer 
M. E., 905. 
Brecknock — Allegheny, 1182 ; Blennonite, 

1183; Evangelical, 1183. 
CAERX.1KV0X— St. Thomas', 1158; Morgan- 
town M. E., 1150 ; Harmony. 1159. 
Ce.vtke— Bellemau's, 1140 ; Jerusalem, 1140; 

Brethren Meeting, ll4ii. 
CoLEBBOoKDALE ToWNSilir — Zion's Evangel- 
ical Association, 065. 
ClMRU— Baptist, 1165; Salem, 1165; Wyo- 
missing, 1166; Christ's or Yocum, 1160; 
Iminanuel, 1166. 
Exeter Towxsiiii'— Friends' Meeting, 976; 
Schwartzwald Eeformed and Lutheran, 
077 ; Baumstown Chapel (Reformed), 078 ; 
Stonersville S. S. Chapel, 078; United 
Brethren, 078. 
Fi.EETWOOl)— St. Paul's Lutheran and Ee- 
formed, 922; Emanuel Evangelical Asso- 
ciation, 022; United Mcnnonite, 02:i. 
(Jkkenwich — New Jerusalem, Refonm;d.aud 
Lutheran, 1077 ; Bethel, 1077 j Fiiedeu's 
Eeformed and Lutheran, 1078. 
HAMiu-uii— St. John's Lutheran and Re- 
formed, 887 ; Emanuel Lutheran and Ee- 
formed, 880 ; St. Mary's Roman Catholic, 
890; Uaniburg M. E., 800; St. Paul's 
Evangelical Ass'iciation, 80(i. 
Heibelbeeo — St. Daniel'.s, 1110; Union 

Chapel, IIU. 
HEBEFOKn— Eeformed and Lutheran, 098 ; 

Schwenkfelder, 099. 
jEri-ERSoN— Christ's, HOG ; St. Panl's, 1106. 
KUTZTowx— St. .John's Union, 862 ; Trinity 
Evangelical Lutheran, 864 ; Eeformed Sun- 
day-School, 864 ; Salem Evangelical Asso- 
ciation, 866. 
Loxosw.iMr— Reformed, 1050; St. Panl's 
1052 ; Salem Evangelical, 1052 ; St. Peter's 
Reformed and Lutheran, 1052. 
Lower HElbBr.BElto— St. John's, 1116. 
Maide.v-ckeek — Friends', 1024 ; Orth.jdcx 
Friends', 1025 ; Maiden-creek, 1025 ; Zion's 
Evangelical, 1025. 
Marion— Ziou's, 1099 ; Clirist, 1101 ; Tulpe- 
hocken Trinity, 1102 ; St. Peter's Union 
Chapel, 1103. 
SIaxataw.ny— Lutheran and Reformed, 1044; 
St. Paul's Reformed and Lutheran, I'l45 ; 
Zion Evangelical, 1046. 
JIUllLEXliEKa— .\lsaco, 994; Uinnershit/., 904. 
North Heipemiero — Moravian, 1126; 

North Heidelberg, 1128. 
Ol.Ey Tow.vsHir— Moravian, 036 ; Reformed, 
037 ; Christ's Lutheran, 038 ; Friodon's 
Reformed and Luthel-an, 939 ; St. John's 
Lutheran, 940 ; Elienezer Evangelical, 940; 
Salom Evangelical Association, 940. 
U.\telai;nee- St. John's Lutheran and Re- 
formed, 1033 ; Trinity ReforineJ and Luth- 
eran, 1034. 
Perrv - Zion's Lutheran and Reformed, 
1064 ; Shoemakersville , Reformed and 
Lutheran, 1065 ; St. Timothy's Reformed 
and Lutheran, 1065 ; Eb.-nczor Evangeli- 
cal, 1065 ; Salem United I rethren, 1005. 
PlKL— St. John's, 1018 ; St. ruul's, 1019. 



Robeson — Friends' Meeting, 1151 ; Robeson 
1151 ; Frieden's Lutheran, 1 152; St. John's, 
1152; Evangelical, 115'2. 
Richmond— Zion's Lutheran, 1038 ; St. Pe- 
ter's, 1030 ; Becker's St. Peter's, 1039 ; SI. 
James', 1039 ; Roman Catholics, 10:i9. 
EocKLAND— Christ's Lutheran, 1012 ; New 
Jerusalem Lutheran and Eeformed, 1013. 
RUSCOMB-MANOR — Baptist, lU08 ; St. John's 
Lutheran and Reformed, 1008 ; Salem 
Evangelical, 1000 ; Seventh Day Advent, 
1000. 
Spring— Baptist, 1173; St. John's, 1174; 
Independent United Brethren, 1175; 
Mohns, 1175. 
TlLPEHOCKEN- Host, 1087 ; St. John's Union, 
1088 ; St. Paul's, loss ; Trinity, lu88 ; St. 
John's, 1088. 
Union— St. Pmil's M. E., 1186 ; St. James' 
Evangelical, 1187 ; Monocacy M. E., 1187 ; 
Roman Catholic, 1187. 
Upper Bern— St. Michael's, 1133 ; Shartles- 
Tille Frieden's, 1134; United Brethren, 
1134 ; Meunonite, 1134. 
Upper Tulpehocken — Zion's, 1095 ; St. 

Paul's, 1096. 
Washington — Meunonite, 1002 ; Church of 

the Blessed Sacrament, 1003. 
Windsor— St. Paul's, 1O60. 
WoMELsDORl^Zion's Lutheran and Reformed , 
876; New Lutheran, 877; Emanuel Evan, 
gelical, 877; Presbyterian, 878; Univi-r- 
salists, 878. 
Civil List, 489 ; Membei-a of Congress, 480 ; 
Foreign Ministers, 490 ; Foreign Consuls, 
490 ; United States Coiuinissiouers, 490 ; Reg- 
ister in Bankruptcy, 490 ; State OIHeinls, 400 ; 
Senators, 400 ; Assemblymen, 490 ; District 
Attorneys, 493 ; Special Detectives, 493; Com- 
missionei-g, 493 ; Auditors, 493 ; Treasurers, 
495 ; Sheriffs, 496 ; Prothonotaries, 497 ; Re- 
corder, 497 ; RegisteiY, 498; Clerks of the 
Orphans' Court, 498 ; Clerks of Quarter Ses- 
sions, 498 ; Surveyoi-s, 498 ; Poor Dircctore, 
499 ; Mercantile .\ppraisers, 500 ; Sealer of 
Weights and Measures, 500 ; Prison Inspec- 
tors, 501 ; Prison Wardens, .'J02 ; Superin- 
tendents of Common Schools, 502 ; .Jury Com- 
missioners, 503 ; License Commissioners, 503 ; 
Oil Inspector, 604. 
Civil War, 186 ; Putrictism of Berks Coiinty in, 
188 ; War Meetings and Appropriations, 
190 ; First Meeting in Berks Couuty, 190 ; 
Ladies' Aid Society, 101 ; Reading Hospital, 
192 ; Draft and tjuotas of Berks County, 102 ; 
Northern Men in Service, 193 ; Companies 
in and Rosters of, 195 to 341 ; Pi-esidont's 
Call for Troops, 196 ; Firet Companies to 
the Front, 106 ; Ringgold Light Artillery, 
196, 197, 198, 201, 320 ; The Firet Eight 
Companies, 2ol ; Miscellaneous Enlistments, 
336 ; Unclassified Soldiers, 337 ; Soldiers 
buried in Berks County, 341 ; Societies of 
E.\-Prisoners of War, 348. 
Cleaver, Israel, M. D. 617. 
Clingan, Charies M., M. D. 1188. 
Clyiner, Daniel R., 848, 558. 
Clymer, Edward M., 459. 
Clymer, Hiester, 512. 
Clymer Mass-Meeting, 1866, 488. 
Clymer, William, 660. 
Coblentz, Joseph, Bl.D., 007. 
Colebrookdttle, Township of, 902; Petition for, 
962; Early Iron-Works of, 902; Settlomeilt 
of. Attacked by Indians, 003 ; Early Roails 
in, 003 ; Tjxables of, in 1734 and 1759, 964 ; 



INDEX. 



1199 



liidustries of, 06-l;Chuicb in, 0C5 ; Villages 

in, 'JOo-'JIJG. 
Committees chosen iu 1774, 138. 
CouiparutivQ Statement of Imlustiies, 18.')0 and 

187G, ao. 

Comparative Table of Schools. ".8.i. 

Companies iu Revolutionary War : Capt. Geo. 
Xagle, 139 ; Captain Jonathan Jones', 141 ; 
Capt. Henry Christ, 142 ; Capt. John Spohn, 
ll:i; Capt. Peter Decker, 144; Capt. John 
Lesher, 144 ; Capt. Jacob Mosor, 14G ; Capt. 
Jacob Bauer, 147 ; Capt. Beujaniin Weiser, 
147 ; other troops from county, 147, 143. 

Companies in War of 1812-1.5 : Captain John 
May, 174 ; Capt. John Manger, 175 ; Capt. 
Jacob Marshall, 175 ; Captain George JIarx, 
170 ; Capt. George Bitter, 177 ; Capt. Henry 
Willotz, 176 ; Capt. Jonathan Jones, 177 ; 
Capt. George Ziebers, 175; Capt. Thomas 
Moore, 178 ; Capt. John Christian, 178 ; Capt. 
Gabriel Old, 178. 

Companies, List and Kosters of, in Civil War, 
195-341. . 

Congressional Districts, 489. 

Constitution of 177(>, 15. 

Constitution of 1790, 10. 

Constitution of 187:), 17. 

Continental Paper-Money, 165. 

Convention of 1780-90, 16. 

Ojnway Cabal, 1C3. 

Council, resolutions by, 101. 

Councilors from Berks County to 1790, 532. 

County Battalions, First, 350 ; Second, Third, 
Fourth and Fifth, 351 ; Sixth, 352. 

County Militia Companies iu 1856, 354. 

County Offices, 492. 

County Buildings, 462 ; court-house, 462 ; 
prisons, 465 ; State-House, .107 ; poor-house, 
108. 

< 'ounty Societies, 86, 

t'ounlies, erection of, in Pennsylvania, 19. 

Craig, Walter B., 682. 

, Albert J., M.D., 620. 
iru. Township of, 1161 ; Erection of, 1161 ; 
ivision of, 1162; Taxables in 1759, 1102; 
idustries, 1103 ; Churches, 1165; Oppositiou 
Education, 1107 ; Villages, 1167. 



Dampmail, John B., 410. 

Darling, Wm., 650. 

D.ivis, Charles, 501. 

Davis, J. De Puy, 509. 

Davis, Wm. N., M.D., 606. 

De Benneville, George, M.D., 590. 

Decliert, Elijah, 563. 

Deininger, Chas. A., M.D., 006. 

Delegates at Convention of 1789, 521. 

Democratic State Conventions, 480. 

Dentistry, 043. 

Der Deutsch Kompanie, song of, 4.59. 

Dcrr, Cyrus G., 679. 

Deserters of Berks County in Revolution, 156. 

Uiltra, BenJ. F., 581. 

Devlan, F. D., 809. 

Detweiler, Aaron C, M.D., 037. 

Detweiler, Isaac C, M.D., 637. 

Detweiler, Washington C, M.D., 637. 

De.vsher, Elwood U., 584. 

Diaeoloration of water in Schuylkill River, 432. 

Diemer, James, 548. 

Districts : -\ssembly, 490 ; Congressional, 490 ; 

Election, 474 ; Senatorial, 490. 
District, township of, 1014 ; early settlement, 

1014 ; taxables (1759), 1014 ; industries, 1015 ; 

villages, 1016. 
Distinguished visitors at Reading, 673. 



Donagan, James, 567. y i."" 

Douglass, township of, 905 ; erection of, 967 ; 
taxables of, in 1759, 908 ; early iron works, 
908 ; industries, 969 ; Fritz grave-yard, 970 ; 



■illag 



,979. 



Drafted militia of 1802, .WO. 

Drafts and quotas in Civil War, 192. 

Dreibelbis, Samuel L., M. D., 636. 

Duel at Reading iu 1780, 16*. 

Dundor, Adam B., M.D., 016. 

Dunkle, Thomas A., M.D., 619. 

Dunn, James L., 501. 

Durei:, Capt. George W. 281. 

Dutch East India Company, 5-7. 

Dutch driven out by the English in 1004, 7. 

E. 

Earl, township of, lllll'i ; erection, 1010 ; tiixa- 
blcs (1782), 1016; iniiustries, 1017; village, 
1017. 
Eckert, Qeorgo N., >I.D., 001. 
Eckert, Henry S., 835. 
Eckert, Isaac, 834. 
Eckert, George J., 720. 
Eckert, Valentine, 520. 
Education in Berks County, 374. 
Egc, John, M.P., 037. 
Ege, George, .548. 
Egleman, ChariesF., 407. 
Eisenhower, Na'han S.,847. 
Election Districts, 474. 
Election of 1876, 486. 
Embargo of 1S07, 170. 

Emergency Troops of 1803, "314; Thirty-first 
Regiment, Company II., 315 ; Forty-second 
Regiment, Company A, 315 ; Company B, 316; 
Company C, 310 ; Company D, 316 ; Compa- 
ny K, 317 ; Company F, 317 ; Company G, 
317; Company H, 318; Compauy I, 318; 
Company K, 318 ; Forty-eightli Regiment, 
Company G, 319 ; Fifty-third Regiment, Com- 
pany A, 319 ; Company B, 319 ; Ringgold 
Light .\rtillery (Ind.), 32a; One Hundred 
Days' Service, 320. 
Endlicb, John, 517. 
Eudlich, Gustav A., 582, 
English prisoneiu at Reading in Revolution, 

152. 
Erection of Berks County, 78, 
Ermentrout, .Samuel C, M.ll., 017. 
Ermentrout, John Silvis, 38.1. 
Ermentrout, James Nevin, 510. 
Ermentrout, Daniel, 512, 
Ermentrout, George M,, 577. 
Evans, Charies V, R., 1124. 
Evans, David, 502. 
Evans, Charles, 757. 
Excitementat Reading, 1799, 108. 
E.xecutive Council, action of. 150. 
Exeter, Meeting in 1829, 37U. 
Exeter, .township of, 972 ; erection, 972; pe- 
tition for erection, 972 ; early land grants, 
973 ; Boone, Daniel, born in, 973 ; taxa- 
bles 1159, 974; industries, 974; Exeter Sta- 
tion, 976 ; churches, 976 ; Schwartzwald 
Cemetery Association, 977 ; schools, 978; vil- 
lages, 978. 



Fegle.v, Lewis P. G., 960. 
Ferguson, Nathaniel, 1114. 
Fetter, I. Comley, 584. 
Filbert, Peter, 565. 
Filbert, William F., 571. 
Flndlay, James, lo53. 



Firemen's "Union," 812. 

First English Families of Berks County, 68. 

First German Families of Berks County, 07. ;- 

First Trading Post and Fort established in 
Pennsylvania, 6. 

Fisher, James A., M.D., 609. 

Fisher, Reily L., 1113. 

Fleetwood, borough of, 920; early residents, 
920 ; incorporation, 920 ; streets.920 ; stores, 
920 ; taverns, 921 ; post-ofBce, 921 ; phy- 
sicians, 921 ; societies, 921 ; schools, 921 ; 
churches, 922 ; industries, 922. 

Flood, Frank K., 585. 

Focht, Levi H., 900. 

Forges ; Pool, 90 ; Pine, 90, 068 ; Hay Creek, 
90 ; Olcy, 91 ; Spring, 92, 1016 ; Gibraltar, 
92,1160; Charming, 92, 1098 ; Tulpehockeu, 
92 ; Mosolem, 93, 1035 ; Brobst, 95 ; Rock- 
land, 90, 1012 ; Burkhart's, 90 ; Dale, 95, 90 ; 
District, 96 ; Speedwell, 97 ; Tyson, 1012. 

Forts : Colonial, of 1764, 108 ; Henry, 108 ; at 
Dietrich Schneider's, 109 ; North-Kill, 109 ; 
Lebanon, lo9 ; Franklin, 109 ; Petition for, 
128. 

Frame or plan of government. Colonial, 14. 

Frankfort Land Company, 11. 

Franks, Samuel D., 559. 

Friiutz, Ellas II., M.D, 019. 

French and Indian War, 104 ; ottice).s and 
supplies iu, 107 ; troops in, 107 ; causes of, 
105. 

Freshets in Schuylkill River, 429. 

Friends' meeting-house at Reading as .i hospi- 
pital in 1770, 782. 

Furnaces and forges in Borks County in 184.5, 
99. 

Furnaces: Colehrookdale, 88, 909; Moui:; 
Pleasant, 88,1001 ; Hop<!welI, 89, 894; Oley, 
89, 9:13 ; Berkshire, 90, 1116 ; Hampton, 91, 
895 ; Union, 94, 1069 ; District, 94, 1015 : 
Sally Ann, 94, 1012 ; Joanna, 94, 1150; Dale, 
95, 1001 ; Mary Ann, 95, 1049 ; Reading, 95, 
1110 ; Greenwood, 95 ; Kutztown, 862 ; Pine, 
968 ; Mount Laurel, 093 ; Temple, 993 ; 
Norway, 10o2 ; Lcesport, 1032 ; East Penn, 
1044 ; Windsor, 1059 ; Robesonin, 1109. 



Gable, Amos, 810. 
Garrigues, Theodore H., 578. 

leral Industries, 102. 
Geology, 26. 

Gerasch, Charles A., M.D.,599. 
Geriiart Murder, 125. 
Gernand, William II., 848. 
Getz, George, 400. 
Getz, James K., 8,52. 
Getz, J. Lawrence, 4''9. 
Good, Frank H,, M,D., 62(1, 
Good, Rev. William A,, 379, 
Goodman, William M., 570. 

Gordon, David F., .542. 

Government of Pennsylvania sinco 1681, i::. 
Grand Army Posts : McLean Post, No. 16, :'.«? 

General William II. Keiui Post, No. 7o 

349. 
Grant, Jeremiah K., 582. 
Green, Albert G., 671. 
Green, David P., .573. 
Green, Henry D., 583. 
Greenwich, Township of, 1076 ; earl,v settl.—' 

1076 ; taxable8(1759), 1076 ; indu>t,ies, 1U7 

churches, 1077 ; villages, 1079.' 
Gries, MajovJohnM.,273, 
Gries, William, M.D.,597. 
Grim, Col, Daniel B., II SI. 



1200 



INDEX. 



Oroaa, George p., Jr., 584. 
Grosscup, Joseph G., 31. D., 035. 
GuldoD, Daniel G., 5s:i. 

H. 
Hagenmau, Geo. F., 583. 
Jliigenoian, Jeremiah, 643. ■ 
ilaliriemaun Medical Society, G:J1. 
Ilaller, Fred'li John, .559. 
Hainan, William A.. M.D., 0:J7. 
Hamburg, Borough of, 881) ; Survey of, SSO ; 
Sale of lots in 17S0, 880 ; Names of early citi- 
zens, 881 ; Growth of, 881 ; Incorporation, 
882 ; Ofticere 883 ; Fire Company, 88;i ; Union 
Fire Company, 884; West Hamburg, 8S4 ; 
Industriesin, 884 ; Post-office, 886 ; Lawyera, 
880; Physicians, 886; Savings Bank, 880 ; 
Churclies of, 887 ; Schools, 89(J ; Societies, 
891 ; Biographical, 892. 
llarbster, Matthan, 702. 
llarbster, \Vm., 701. 
llarner, Capt. Samuel, 304. 
Harris, Wm., 892. 
Harrison Festival, 485. 
llawloy, Jesse G , 422. 
Heacock, Wm. C, 583. 
Health Resorts, 1118. 

Heidelberg, Township of, 1107 ; Erection of, 
1107; Division of, 1107; Taxable.*, Early, 
1108; OldBuildings, 1109 ; Induslries, 1109; 
Early Settlers, 1109; Grave of Conrad 
Weiser, 1109; Churches, 1110; Vilhigcs, 
1112. 
Hockman, S. B., M.D.,619. 
Ileideai-cich, Wm., 551. 
Heilig, Albert R., 583. 
Heine, Jolfn C. K., 581. 
__ Heinly, David, 1074. 
~" Helfrich, Jolin, M.D., 632. 
I Idler, Frederick P., 733. 
Ilcudel, Henry B., 712. 
Hendel, John, 710. 
Hennershotz, A. Lucius, 570. 
Henry, Wm., 682. 
Ilerbst, Wm., M.D., 601. 
Hereford, Township of, 996 ; Erection of, 906; 
Taxables of in 1759, 997 ; Industries of, 997 ; 
Chnrches, 99S ; Villages, 999. 
Hessian Camp Surprised, 158. 
^Hessian Prisoners, iu Revolution, 1.50. 
1 Hester, Daniel, 504. 
Hiester, Frank M., M.D., 595. 
Hiester, Festival, 4.S3. 
Hiester, Gabriel, 519, 527. 
Hiester, Isaaj!, 582. 
Hiester, Isaac, W.D.. .504. 
Hiester, John P., M.D., 596. 
Hiester, John S., .559. 
Hiester, Joseph, 522. 
Hiester, Joseph, Patriotism of, 154. 
Hiester, William M., 528. 
Higli, William, 651. 

Historical Society of Berks County, 821. 
Hix, Joseph S., 1135. 
Ilob.art, Kathaniel P., 560. 
Horeditz, Capt. J. C. A., 218. 
Hoflnian, Charles E., M.D., 001. 
Hoflman, John W,, M.D., 621. / 
Hoffman. Jacob, 664 
Hoffman, William F., M.D., 606. 
llomieopathy, 629 ; early history ol, 030. 
1 1, .riling, Wesley D., .J81. 
lottenstein, Edw^ird, M.D.,623. 
,iise Tux and Liberty Poles, 168. 
vei. Josej'i S., 847. 
.!. lit. Rev. Mark A. De W., 785. 
.. Edward B.. 561. 



Hunter, Charles H., M.D., 604. 

Hunter, Daniel, 520. 

Hyneman, John M., 505. 
I. 

laegor, Rev. G. F. I., 888. 

Incorporation of Reading ; borougli, tiOO ; city, 
685. 

Independence won and peace declared, 164. 

Indians, 56 ; origin, 56 ; Delaware, tribes of, 
50 ; Minsi Clans, 57 ; Ganawese, 67 ; Five 
Nations, 58 ; mannere and customs, 59 ; re- 
treat of, 61 ; present location, 62 ; names, 
63 ; villages, 62 ; collections of relics, aS. 

Indian treaty. 126. 

Industries in 1840, 98. 

Internal improvements, 424 ; Schuylkill River, 
424 ; bridges, 433 ; roads, 439 ; stages, 442 ; 
canals, 444 ; railways, 449 ; county buildings, 
462 ; post-offices, 468 ; telegraph and tele- 
phone, 473. 

Jack, Charles J., M.D., 663. 

Jacobs, J. Howard, 575. 

Jetfei-son, township of, 1104 ; erection of, 1104 ; 

early families, 1105; industries, 1105; 

churches, 1106 ; schools, 1106 ; village, 1100. 
Jennings, Chester B., M.D., 637. 
Johnson, Henry W., M.D., 605. 
Jones, Charles H.. 674. 
Jones. John P., 541. 
Jones, Jonathan P., 141. 
Jones, J. Glancy, 515. 
Jones, James M., 569. 
Jones, Richmond L., 574. 
Jones, Thomas, Jr., 521. 
Journal of the commander at Fort North-kill, 

1754, 110. 
Judges from 1776 to 1790, 533. 
Judiciary, 532. 

Justices of the peace from 17.52 to 1776, 532. 
Justices from 1777 to 1790, 533. 

K. 

Kaufl'man, Hiram Y., 581. 

Keck, Davids., 38.5. 

Keely, Thomas J., M. D. 606. 

Kehr, Charles C, .584. 

K. lli/r. Colonel David C, 263. 

Keim, Benueville, 681. 

Keini, Captain Daniel de B., 355. 

liriiu, Captain Daniel, company of, coiiipli 
mented, 170. 

Keini, General George De Benneville, 3.j6. 

Keim, ft>neral William H., 204. 

Keim, George May, 5(18. 

Keim, George Do B., letter to in 1815, 179. 

Keim, George de B., 465. 

Keim, Henry M., 518. 

Keim, Isaac H.,569. 
■ Keim, John, 681. 
.^Keinl, Nicholos; 664. , 

Kciscr, James W., M. D., 622. 

Keiser, Henry P., 584. 

Kessler, Charles, 555. fr-^ 

Kline, David 0., M. D., 637. 



Kill 



, Sin 



r.F. 



Kluck Murder, 120. 

Knabb, Jacob, 401. 

Kuerr, L. J., M. D., 037. 

Knodorer, Coloucl Charles A., 307. 

Koch, Daniel, 923. 

Kraemcr, Louis, 985. 

Krebs, Rudolph F., M. D., 033. 

Kremp, Feli.t P., 584. 

Krenip, Louis, 826. 

Krick, Adaml!., 1178. 

Kuhn, L. He U..itli. .MI). 608. 



Kntztoun, borough of, 855 ; laid out, 855 ; 
progress of, 8.55, 857 ; incorporation, 865 ; 
burgesses, town clerks, etc., 856 ; fairs and 
battalions, 858 ; railroads in, 859 ; public- 
houses, 860 ; business places, 860 ; tire com- 
panies, 860; street improvements, 861 ; manu- 
factures, 861, 862 ; churches of, 862 ; schools, 
865 ; banks, 870 ; press, 870 ; post-office, 870 ; 
physicians, 870; attorneys, 871; Farmers' 
Mutual Fire Insuranie Company of Berks 
and Lehigh Counties, 871; societies, 871 ;ceiu- 
eteries, 872 ; Berks County Poultry Associa- 
tion, 872 ; Keystone Agricultural Sociely, 
872. 

Kurtz, J. Ellis, M.D., 021. 

Kurtz, Samuel L., M.D., 009. 

Kutz, David, 555. 

- , ■•.. ■ • -r I.- 

Ladies' Aid Society, 191. 
Lafayette's visit to Reading, 077. 
Landis, Henry, M.D., 015. 
Language of the early settlers, 387. 
Laulz, Captain Henry A., 234^ _._- 
Lancks, Benjamin B., 579. 
Laucks, Franklin B., 570. , - 
Lauer, Frederick, 722. 
Law Library, Berks County, 586. 
Leavenworth, William C, 502. 

Lee, Bernard R., M.D., 021 

Legal .\s3ocialion, 580. 
Lentz, Levi B., M.D., 637. 
Leopold, Charles, .575. 
Leoser, Thomas S., 185. 
Lesher, John, 520. 
Letter of Penn to the Indians, 9. 
Levan, Edgar M.; 580. 
Levan, Isaac W., 713. 
Levan, Joseph, 981. 

Levan, Nathan, S72^ . 

Libraries, 819.- ' 
Lichtentbaeler, Benjamin, 734. 
Lippe, Adolph, M.D., 631. 
List of attorneys, 534. 
Livingood, Frank S., 583. 
Livingood, Jacob S., 509. 
Livingood, William H , 573. 
Loewen, Adrian, M.I)., 004. 
Louguecker, John K., 508. 

Longswamp, township "ftf, 1048 ; taxables in 
1759, 1048; erection, 1049; industries, 1049; 
churches, 1050; village!!, 1053; schools, 
1U53. 

Loose, Charles G., M.D., 015. 

Lorah, George K., 957. 

Lotz, Nicholas, 549. 

Lower Heidelberg, township of, 1115 ; erec- 
tion of, 1115; industries, 1115; churches, 
1110; Uain Cemetery, 1117; villages, 1117; 
health resorts, 1119. 

Ludwig, Elaiu M., 959. 

Ludwig, George E., 667. 

Ludwig, Mich.icl, M.D., 597. 
.iuther, Diller, M.D., 607. 
■ I.uther, Martin, M.D., 008. 
M. 

McHose, Isaac, 710. 

McKenty, Jacob IC, 511. 

McKnight, Charles B., 838. 

McKnight, David, 837. 

McKnight, M. Brayton, 582. 

McKnight, Major James. 201. 

McKniglit, John, 081. 

McLean Women's Belief Corps, No. 10, 349. 

McLean Lt.-Col. Joseph A., 250. 

McManus, John, 695. 

McMichacI, Col. Richards, 320. 



INDEX. 



1201 



Maiileii-creek, township in, ^1022; early art- 
tlore, 1022 ; taxaUts in 1750, 1023 ; churches, 
1024 ; Tillages, 1020 ; Blandon Rolliug-Mill, 
11127. 
Mailland, Captain Alexander C, 271. 
JIallery, Garrii-k, 640. 
Maltzberger, Henrj-, 584. 
Maltzlierger, Harrison, 57r». 
Manatawny Section of Berks County, 928 ; 
townships, 92S ; streams, 928 ; internal im- 
provements, 929. 
Manners and Customs of the People, 389. 
Marion, township of, 1097 ; erection of, 1097; 
early settlers, 1097 ; dynamite explosion, 
1099 ; churches, 1099 ; schools, 1103 ; Stouchs- 
bnrg .\cadeioy, 1103 ; village, 1103. 
Marks, William F., M.D., 033. 
Marks, John B., 559. 
Market-Houses of Reading, 744. 
Marshall, Jacob, M.D., 697. 
Marx. J. H , 682. 
Mass Meetings, 4S7. 
Mathews, James 51., M.I)., G07. 
Mauger, David B., 971. 

Maxatawny, township of, 1040 ; first taxahles, 
1040, 1041 ; erection of, 1041 ; early families, 
1041 ; Revolutionarj' history, 1043 ; taverns, 
1043; mills, 1043; furnaces, 1044; schools, 
1044; iron-ore, 1044; churches, 1044; vil- 
lages, 104G. 
May, James, 082. 
Mayer. .Tohn B., 505. 
Medical Faculty of Betks County, 623. 
Medical history, early, 587. 
Medical Profession, RHT. 
Medical practice, introduction of, 588. 
iledical Registry of Berks County, 638. 
MtJit,.; .'Su.ieiy of Berks County, 025. 
Mengel, Matthias, 507. 
Meredith, Stephen M., 580. 
Message of Governor Morris, 105. 
Mexican War : Cause of, ISO ; Reading Artil- 
lerists, 181 ; departure of troops for, 181 ; bat- 
tles engaged in, 183; return of artillerists from, 
183 ; reception of troops from, 183 ; infivntry 
companies in, 184 ; death of soldiers in, 184 ; 
discharge of soldiers in, 184. 
Militia encampment at Reading, 353. 
Militia proffer services to President Adatns, 

352. 
Militia returns of Berks County, 159. 
Militia refuse to march in Revolution, 159. 
Mililary Cadets, 357. 
-Jlilitary Division of county, 352. 
Miller, Anthony F., 505. 
Miller, Franklin B., 509. 
Milk-r, .Jonathan B., 915. 
Miller, John, 707. 
Miller, jTTdward, 584. 
Miller, J. Ross, 57C. 
Miller, W. Oscar, 583. 
Minerals of Berks County, 28. 
Miscellaneous enlistments from Berks County, 

336. 
Mishler, Josepli, 762. 
Mohr, Henry C, M. D., 019. 
Slontgomery, Morton L.,579. 
Moore, William, M. ])., 6lli. 
Morgan, Jacob, journal of, 130. 
Morgan, .Tacob, deposition of, 120-127. 
Morgan, Jacob, 519. 
Morris, Benjamin, 549. 
Morris, Gov., message of, 105. 
Morris, Thomas, 562. 
Morris, Wharton, 572. 
Mother's defense of children in 1757, 129. 



Mountains of Berks County, 51. 
Muhlenberg, Charles P., 673. 
Muhlenberg, Franklin S., 560. - 
Muhlenberg, Hiester H., 83;). 
Muhlenberg, Henry Augustus, 614. 
Muhlenberg, Henry A., .500. 
Jluhlenberg, Rev. Heniy M., letter of, 125. 
Muhlenberg, township of; 992; erection of, 

992 ; industries of, 993 ; churches, 994 ; 

villages of, 995. 
Murdei-s by Indians : Gerhart, 125 ; Kluck, 

126; Culmore i Fell, 127; Trump, 128; 

Other, 129-134; Liebenguth, 132; Frantz 

132 ; Fincher. 133. 
Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Berks 

County, 827. 
Myers, John M., M.D,, 621. 
Myers, Samuel, 4(18. 
Myer, Samuel C, 848. 

X. 

Nngle, Hiester M., M. D., 610. 
Nagle, Peter, Jr., S47. 
Navigation of Schuylkill River, 424. 
New Sweden, 6. 
Newspapers, 392. 

REAnlN'u — Weekly Advertiser, 393; Reading 
Hei-ald, 394 ; Der Readinger Adler, 395 ; 
Berks and Schuylkill Journal, 398 ; Chroni- 
cle of the Times, 406 ; Readinger Post 
Bote, 407 ; Jackson Democrat, 407 ; Read- 
inger Democrat, 4(17 ; Berks County Pre.«8, 
408 ; Liberate Beohachter, 408 ; Reading 
Gazette and Democrat, 409 ; Alt Berks, 
410 ; Sonne Von Alt Berks, 410 ; People's 
Advocate, 411 ; Berks County Democrat, 
411 ; School Album, 411 ; Weekly Leader, 
411 ; Reformirter Ilaiisfreund, 411 ; Ban- 
ner von Berks, 411 ; Die Biene, 412 ; Die 
Deutche Eiche, 412 ; Republikancr Von 
Berks, 414 ; Spirit of Berks, 415 ; Reading 
Weekly Eagle, 415 ; Reading Weekly 
News, 316 ; Reading Weekly Herald, 416. 

KuTZTOWN— Neutralist, 416; Geist Der Zeit, 
416 ; Der Hirt, 416 ; Kiitztown Journal, 
416; National Educator, 416; American 
Patriot, 416. 

H.iMBURr.— Hamburg Schnellpost, 416; Ham- 
burg Advertiser, 417; Rural Press, 417; 
Hamburg M'eekly Item, 417. 

BoVEHTOWN— Boyertown Bauer, 417 ; Boyer- 
towu Democrat, 417. 

BiRDsnoRo — Birdsboro Pioneer, 418. 

WoMElSDORF— Wonielsdorf Gazette, 418 ; 
Womelsdorf Herald, 418 ; Womelsdorf 
News, 418. 

Daily Newspapers— Reading Herald, 419; 
Reading Gazette, 419; Reading Times, 
420; Evening Dispatch, 422; Reading 
Daily Reporter, 422 ; Reading Daily Eagle, 

422 ; Die Reading I?ost, 423 ; Daily Spirit 
of Berks, 423 ; Reading Morning Herald, 

423 ; Reading Daily News, 4'23. 
Nicholls, Colonel Richard, 8. 
Nic»lls, G. A., 452. 
Non-AsBociators, meeting of, 151. 
Northern men in service in Civil War, 193. 
North Heidelberg, township of, 1125 ; erection 

of, 1125; eady families, 1126; mills and 
stores, 1126 ; churches, 1120. 

O. 

O'Brien, Dennis W., 506. 
O'Reilly, James A., 580. 
O'Reilly, SiuiouP., 582. 
Offlcials of county, 489. 



Offices by special legishition, 482. 

Ohio Company, 105. 

Oley, townshiii of, 930 ; early settlers in, 9:i0 ; 
early roails in, 931 ; Indian villages in, 931 ;' 
first assessment list of, 932; erection of 932; 
taxables in 1700, 933 ; industries in, 93:; ; 
churches in, 930 ; Oley Cemetery, 939 ; Oley 
Academy, 941 ; villages in, 942-943 ; societies, 
943. 

Ontelaunce Section, 1021 ; townships, 1021 ; 
streams, 1021 ; internal improvements, ltJ22. 

Ontelaunee, township of, 1029; petition f.ir. 
1030 ; eariy settlere, 1030 ; villages, 1031 ; in- 
dustries, 1(132 ; churches, 1033. 

Otto, Bodo, M.D., 591. 

Otto, Bodo, Jr., M.D., 692. 

Otto, John A., M.D., 503. 

Otto, John B., M.D., 693. 
P. 

P.ickets on Schuylkill Canal, 448. 

Pachali, Theodor, M.D., 635. 

Palatines, 11. 

Paper Money in Revolution, 194. 

Parks in Reading, 747-749. 

Parsons' William, Lettei-s to Richard Petor6,118. 

Pathological Society of Berks County, 627. 

Patriotism of Berks County in Civil War, 188. 

Patriotic Spirit at Reading in Revolution, 137. 

Patrons of Husbandry, 87. 

Pawling, Levi, S.W. 

Peace declared, 134, 179. 

Pearson, Edward P., 563. 

Pearson, John S., 740. 

Penn, John, visit of, to Reading, 670. 

Penii, William, 8, 10. 

Penn's Charter, 13. 

Penn, Township of, 1136; erection of, 11.30; 
eariy settlers of, 1136 ; village, 1137. 

Pennsylvania : Development of, 20 ; popula- 
tion of, 21 ; territory of. 2J ; first and second 
century of, 21 ; government of, 21 ; internal 
improvement of, 22 ; education in, 22 ; 
biiiblings in, 23 ; inventions in, 24 ; patriotism 
of, 24 ; agriculture in, 24. 

Pennsylvania, territory of, granted to William 

Perry, Township of, 1063 ; erection of, lC<i3 ; 
industries, 1003; churches, 1064; school... 
1066 ; villages, 1006. V 

Persons murdered, taken prisoners and missing 
in Berks County during the French and In- 
dian Wars, 134, 135, 130. 

Petition for new county, 74, 76, 77. 

Physicians, deceased, 590. 

Pike, township of, 1018; erection of, lOlS ; 
churches, 1018 ; villages, 1020 ; Die Bei-g 
Maria, 1021. 

Plank, D. Heber, M.D., 016. 

Plank, Jacob, M.D., 590. 

Political parties. 483. 

Political festivals : Hiester (1820), 483 ; Harri- 
son (1840), 485 ; Tilden (1870). 485. 

Political sentiment of the county, 476. 

Porter, Robert, 540. 

Post-offices, 468; Reading established, 47'(; 
mails for. 470 ; stamps, 471 ; list of in 
county, 471. 

Potteiger, J. B.. M.D., 614. 

Potts, Jonathan, M.D., 690. 

Pound Steriiiig, 665. 

Pounder, Jonathan, M.D.,596. 

P''oclaination of William Penn, 8. 

Proauction uf iron in ] 828-30, 97. 

Premium oiiered for si,aif>s, 1*24. 

President Judges, 633, 534, 537. 

Priuiz, J.'diu H., 717. 



1202 



INDEX. 



Printz, Governor Jolin. 7. 

Probst, Valentine, letter of, 124. 

Turchases from InJians iu 1033 and 1638, 5, 0. 

I'utnanirGeueral I-srael, letter of, 15G. 

Vuwolle. Arnold, 408. 

I'urchase of territory, 18. 



t^iiot^i of troops rcfinired from county exceed- 
ed, 154. 

R. 

Itailways, 440 ; Pliilailelphiaand Heading, 449; 
East I'enn, 458 ; Reading and Columbia, 400 ; 
Wilmington and Northern, 400 ; West Read- 
ing, 401 ; Colebrookdale, 461 ; Allentown, 
461 ; Schuylkill and Lehigh, 401 ; Pennsyl- 
vania Schuylkill Valley, 402. 

Kalston, John, 574. 

liainbow Fire Company, 814. 

Kaser, J. Ueyl, 810. 

Itaudenbush, Abraham S., M.D., 617. 

Rea, Samuel M.. 118!). 

Read, Collinson, .558. 

Itead, James, 558. 

Reading, city of, 050 ; selection of site of, 050 ; 
early surveys of, 051 ; plan of town, 052 ; lots 
of, sold at public sale, 652 ; first patentees, 
053 ; ground-rent, 654 ; list of taxables in 
1759, 655 ; district of, erected, 050 ; early 
schools of, 657 ; markets and fairs of, 067, 
745, 740, 703 ; citizens of, against change of 
government, 050 ; early inn-keepers of, 051) ; 
Rainbow Fire Company, 001, 814 ; town pump 
of, 001, 745; fuel, light and entertainment, 
002, 758 ; hunting and fishing, 002 ; Indian in- 
vasion, 603 ; prominent men, 064, 081 ; bor- 
ough of, from 1783 to 1847, OOB ; incorpora- 
tion of borough and city, ooo, 085 ; election 
districts of, 60S ; newspapers of, 392, 008 ; 
post-offlce of, 000, 752 ; internal improve- 
ments of, 009, 707 ; fire companies of, 070 ; 
ferries and bridges, 070 ; banks of, 071 ; 
panic of 1837, 071 ; water supply of, 072, 747 ; 
lights of, 072, 768; public bnildiugs, 072, 
714; stages, canals, railways, 072; manufac- 
tures of 074, 091 ; traffic of, 075 ; merchants 
,d, in 1830, 075 ; occupations in 1830, 070 ; 
ilistinguished visitors at, 070 ; memorial ser- 
vices at, 678 ; change of names of streets, 
078 ; executions at, 079 ; early exhibitions at, 
080 ; city of, from 1847 to 1860, 082 ; review 
of, in 1847, 082 ; development of, 080 ; riot in, 
089 ; trial of rioters, 092 ; industries of, 093, 
744 ; market-houses, 744 ; Penn Scjnare, 747 ; 
commons and parks, 749, 706 ; City Hall, 
751; Lauer monument, 750; fire comimny 
building, 751 ; business of (1885), 763 ; post- 
masters of, 753 ; cemeteries of, 755 ; Charles 
Evans' Cemetery, 755 ; other cemeteries, 758 ; 
giis and electric ligllt, 758 ; halls in, 7.59 ; 
Gr»ud Opera House, 702 ; Maennerchor Hall, 
702 ; private market-houses, 703 ; Reading 
Hospital, 703 ; St. Joseph's Hospital, 705 ; 
Mineral Spring, 767; churches of, 707: 
schools, 798 ; Reading Auidemy, 709 ; Mili- 
I iry Institute, 800 ; common-school system, 
xftO ; ofticers of school district, 802 ; High 
.School, 803 ; school buildings, 804 ; acade- 
mies, seminaries, &c., 8u4 ; art and artists, 

SOS ; Protective Associatvm, 811 ; Firemen's 
Union, 812 ; fire alann, 812 ; parades, 813 ; 
Salvage Corps, S19; libraries, 8'9 ; Reading 

library, 820 ; Franklin Library, bJO; soci .les, 

8211, 830; banks, 831, ^io ; list of tc.ivn and 

>ity officials, 841,840; r^ographica' sketches 

"1 mayors, 847 ; census, S,".:! ; taxallcs, 854. 



Reading .Artillerist^, 355. 
Reading Hospital, 192, 703. 
Reading Loyal Ladies' League, No. 0, 340. 
Reading Medical Association, 027. 
Reading Washington Guards, 178. 
Ream, Alonzo E., 583. 
Reber, Charles T., Jl.D., 012. 
Rehcr, Conrad D., fl.Sl. 
Reber, Henry C. G., .MO. 
Reber, James T., 742. 
Recent industries, 07. 
Redemptionei^, 11. 
Reeser, Howard S.,M.D., 010. 
Regiments in Civil War, 202 to 335. 
Reichert, Matthias, 504. 

Religious denominations, .357 ; Lutherans, 358 ; 
Reformed, 36 1 ; Friends, 360 ; Baptists, 301 ; 
Dunkards, 303 ; Moravians, 364 ; Roman 
Catholics, 307 ; other d.enominations, 308. 
Religious excitement iu 1829, 360. 
Report of Cruelties by Indians, 12.'(. . 

Representatives' Frame of Government, 16. 
Representative men, 470. 
Resolution p;isscd by people of Berks County 

in 1812, 171. 
Review of militia by General Winfi-ld Scott, 

353. 
Revolution, 063. 

Revolution and Independence, 136. 
Revolution.iry survivors, 105^ 
Rhoads, Capt. Geo. B., 238. 
Rhoads, Thos. J. B., 000. 
Rhoads, Reuben B., M.D., 009. 
Uhoads, Henry, 550. 
Rhoads, Ezekiel, 9.54. 
Rhoads, M A., M.D., 019. 
Richards. John S., 500. 
Richards, Louis, 570. 

Richmond, Township of, 10.35 ; Survey of, 1035; 
Taxables, 1035 ; j:arly Settlers, 1030 ; Mose-' 
lem Mines, 10.10 ; Moseleni Springs, 1037 ; 
Crystal Cave, 1037 ; Churches, 1038 ; Vil- 
lages, 1040. 
Rieser, Adam B., 584. 
Rigbtmycr, William M., 577. 
Bitner Young Men's Convention, 487. 
Rittenhouse. Sanuiel K., M.D., 032. 
Ritter, Sammd, 754. 
Bitter, Wm. S., 307. 
liittor, John, 300. 

Roads, 439 ; ludian Paths, 439 ; Tulpehocken, 
439 ; Maiden-creek, 440 ; Oley, 441 ; Schuyl- 
kill, 441 ; others, 442. 
Robeson, Township of, 1148 ; Early Settlers, 
1148; Ta.\ables, 1140; New Township not 
established, 1149 ; Industries, 1150 ; Gibral- 
tar Iron- Works, 1150; Seyfert's Iron-Works, 
1150 ; Churches, 1161 ; Joanna Camp-Meet- 
ing Grounds, 1153; Villages, 1153. 
Robeson, Chailes K., 572. 
Rockland, Township of, 1009; Erection of 
1009; Taxables (1750), 1011; Industries, 1012 ; 
Churches, 1012; Villages, 1013; Whirlwind 
in, 1014. 
Roland, Horace, 680. , 

Rosenthal, Wilhelm, 412. 
Roster of Berks County Regiments, 147. 
Rothenuel, Israel U., 683. 
Rothermel, John H., 583. 
Rourke, Wm. J., 583. 
Rowe, Wm.tt., 8."il. 
Rnhl, Christian H., 681. 

Ruseonlb-manor, 'I'uwnship of, 10O6 ; erection 
of, lOOC; taxables in 1'59, 1007; industries 
of, 10117 ; ebureh-s, 1 108 ; villages, lOOO. 
r,u>li, .lacob, .-.j:'. 



Sallade, Andrew, 300. 
Sallade, Jacob, 5^7. 
Sallade, Jacob M., 571. 
Sassaman, .Augustus S., 546.^" 
Sections of Berks County, 923 ; Mauatawny 
and its townships, 929 ; Ontelauuee and its 
townships, 10^1 ; Tulpehocken and its town- 
ships, 1082; Schuylkill and its townships, 
1147. 
Seltzer, .1. George, 573. 
Senatorial Districts, 490. 

Settlei-s, Early : Dutch, 5, 7 ; Swedish, .5, 04 ; 
English, 7,6?; German, 11,01,07; Welsh, 
12, 69 ; Irish, 12, 70 ; Hebrew, 70. 
Seyfert, Simon, 694. 
Sclmeffer, Charles H., 575. 
Schaeffer, D. Nicholas, 582. 
SchaeflTer, Lewis, 924. 
Schall, David, 551. 
Scliell, Frank B., 580. 
Schlemm, Christian L., M.D., .590. 
Schlemm, C. W. G., M. D., 500. 
Schm.-hl, AdainU., 581. 
Schmucker, ElhananZ., M.D., 03.5. 
Schmucker, Francis R., M.D., 035. 
Schneider, Ephraim, 981. 
Schneider, Jacob, 650. 
Schoener, Adam, M.D., COO. 
Schooner, Decatur 6.. M.D., 000. 
Schoener, Franklin B..50G. 
Schoener, Jacob B , 80S. 
Schoener, .1. Dallas, 570. 
Schoener. William B., 509. 
Scholleuberger, Lewis A,, M D., 035. 
Schools in Reading, 798: Reading Academy, 
700 ; Military Institute, 800 ; common school 
system, 800; officei-s of school distnci, 6tii; ; 
high school, 803 ; school buildings, 804 : 
Female Seminary, 804 ; private schools. Sil5 ; 
Reading Scieatitie .Academy. Siio ; Iteadiug 
Business College. 805 ; Carroll Institute, SOO ; 
Schuylkill Seminary, 800 ; Stewart Acade- 
my, 800 ; Reading Seminary, 807 ; Inter-State 
Commercial College, 807. 
SchO'ils in Kutztown : parochial, 805 ; romnatn, 
805 ; Franklin Academy, 800 ; Maxatawiiy 
Seminary and Keystone State Normal School, 
SCO. 
Schrader, Henry 0., 584. 
Schroeder, Captain Isaac, 333. 
Scllroeder, Daniel K., 615. 

Schuylkill River, 424; flihing in, 421 ; naviga- 
tion of, 4"24; obstruction to n.ivig.ition in, 
425 ; riot between boatmen ami nshernien. 
425, 42C ; fords over Schuylkill in 177.S, 427 ; 
navigation of encouraged by leKi.clation, 
427 ; freshets In, 429 ; discoloration of water 
iu, 432 ; bridges over, 433. 
Schuylkill, section of 1147; streams of, 1147 ; 
hills of, 1148; internal improvements, 114S; 
townships of, 1148. 
Schwartz, Hiram II., .547. 
Schwartz, John, 510. 
Schweitzer, Samuel Z., 1183. 
Scott's, General Winfield, visit to ReadiiiK, .353, 

077. 
Seidel, Franklin, 1027. 
Schaetfer, John, 012. 
Shaffner, .lacob, 1092. 
Shalter, Edwin, 570. 
Shalter, Irenaeus, 676. 
Shearer, Benjamin Y., 581. 
Shearer, Christian, 810. 
Shearer, Edwaiii H., 574. 
Shearer, Pete.-, 507. 



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